Tuesday, March 26, 2013

The Bunny Parade, 2013

First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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It is so special to have a grandchild living close enough that I can share my holiday tables, our family traditions, with her.  When my son and daughter were children, I loved decorating the house for each holiday to make it a wonderland for them.  Beatrice Emaline is 6 months old now, and I know that she won't remember this year's holiday. Therefore, I'm looking at this Easter as a dress rehearsal for celebrations to come.  I've had a ball designing my table, and I'm looking forward to many more special occasions with my family gathered around my table.  Welcome to a Bunny Easter Parade!

 I was thinking of Beatrice Emaline and my darling grandsons, Haden & Jack, so I decided that my table would highlight pinks and blues.


Let's take a look at the cast of players...

 Playing the role of the crowd in the background is the Maryland China Company Minuet Charger Plate.  Tip:  MCC primarily markets white china blanks for china painters.  This one, manufactured in the Czech Republic, reminds me of some of the beautiful Herend patterns, but at a fraction of the cost.  Check them out!  They also have some good sales on a regular basis.

 Pink for Miss Honey Bee...The Copeland Spode Irene Dinner Plate was a fortunate eBay find.  I found a set of 12 of these lovelies.

 Blue for my precious Haden & Jack...The Royal Staffordshire, Louis XVI, was also a great deal for a set of 12 on eBay.  They will be removed for our luncheon and reappear for dessert.

An unbeatable rim shot...Eat your heart out LeBron James.

Sun kissed and ready to celebrate Easter lunch with our family...

With all the different patterns on our Easter table, I decided that a white napkin was the best choice.  I was thinking of you, Rett, and the time that we found the Waterford Ballet Dot Napkin at Tuesday Morning.

I picked my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton Francis I flatware because...it was close at hand.  Besides it's hard to go wrong with good ole' Francis.

Each guest will have a pair of the individual salt & peppers by MacKenzie-Childs.  I've been slowly collecting them for a number of years.  They're kind of a splurge, but I really enjoy them!

The Pink Pier One Goblet has been hiding out in a kitchen cabinet for quite a while.  I bought them years ago for $1.00 each on deep clearance.  Today it is paired with the Waterford Simply Blue Goblet.  I bought the Waterford stems some years ago on eBay, while they were still very reasonable.  Their price has increased substantially in the last year or so.

These make me smile every time I walk past the dining room table...and they put the exclamation mark on my pink and blue color story.  Have you noticed the navy blue and white eggs?  I painted them some years ago.  I used a faux, foam-filled egg that I found at Michael's.  They've become a dependable design element...especially when I don't have time to go buy flowers...

...Speaking of flowers...The flowers in the centerpiece are all left-overs!  The white mop head Hydrangeas were used for my St. Patrick's Day table.  They were also used in combination with the smaller green Hydrangeas for a wedding shower for forty that my dear KC hosted in our home this past weekend.  I'm hopeful that they'll make it until Sunday, but I'll replace them if necessary.



 I've long had a fondness for Fitz & Floyd.  These bunnies are from their Old World Collection.  I found them one at a time at the tail end of different estate sales for far less than they cost on line.  I love Mr. Bunny pushing flowers in his wooden cart, and the two lovely lady bunnies are tending my painted Easter eggs.  I think that they've been laying them out along the table for an old fashioned egg hunt.

Our feast will be after church.  We'll share a predictable Honey Glazed Ham, baked potatoes, deviled eggs, green salad, fresh asparagus, hot rolls, and an assortment of desserts.  Everyone will contribute something to the meal, and we'll enjoy focusing our time on blessed fellowship and lots of laughter.  I can hardly wait to celebrate this most special of days...the day when my sweet Jesus Master overcame death and prepared a way for me to have access to eternal life and a relationship with my Almighty God.  Now that's worth celebrating!  We are truly blessed.  I pray that you will have a peace-filled holiday surrounded by family and friends.  Happy Easter!


Come join me at Marty's Tabletop Tuesday...always a great place to visit!

I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for Tuesday To Do & Listmakers.  So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!

Wednesday is the 54th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "Let's Dish".  I'm excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits.  Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS.  Don't miss it!  

                                                                
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme,  "Tablescape Thursday."   Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme  SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there! 

  
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions""  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!           











Entertaining Women
Entertaining Women

Hello, I'm Cherry Kay I was 40 before I realized that I am an artist. I love to paint, work in clay, rubber stamping, design tablescapes, entertain, and share ideas. I'm an interior designer wanna-be...no credentials, but lots of experience.

42 comments:

  1. *sigh* Just beautiful. I can imagine the excitement of the two little boys - and I'm sure your wee Beatrice Emaline will feel that something very special is happening. What fun you'll have in the years to come, planning each of your holiday tables with the little ones in mind.

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  2. What a beautiful table for Easter. Your bunnies, eggs and flowers are stunning. What wonderful memories you are making for your grandchildren. The dishes look so good with everything. Many thanks for sharing your beautiful table.
    Happy Easter
    Mary

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  3. Pretty! So light and bright and cheery! I can imagine the fun and the love around that table this weekend!

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  4. Gorgeous, Cherry Kay! I love the "rim shot"! And, as always, I enjoy the stories behind your pretties and learning about the sources of many of them. Have a blessed Easter celebration with your family!

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  5. Beautiful table! I love, love your bunnies! Those Fitz & Floyd bunnies are my favorite. Several years ago, I wanted the big figurines so badly but couldn't afford them, so my way of getting them was to buy the salt and pepper shakers. : ) I have them in my whites cabinet and I just love to see them when I walk by.

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  6. Love your gorgeous table! So pretty and Fitz and Floyd bunnies are just perfect! Have a blessed Easter!
    Miss Bloomers

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  7. Cherry Kay, this is a gorgeous Pink and Blue table! T have a hard time resisting F&F myself. The dishes are gorgeous. Oh goodness, yes Francis is always a great choice!! The floral arrangement is great. I love being able to use them over again. This is really a fabulous look. I wish you and your family a wonderful time making memories around the table. Did I tell you I scored some Coalport Athalon Blue dinner plates? Pulling together blues for the tablecloth I'm dying to use!! Have a beautiful day and a blessed Easter. xo marlis

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  8. what time is dinner? This is just lovely - and i have never seen the MC salt and peppers - they are so sweet! Have a wonderful Easter!

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  9. Cherry Kay! I love the pink and blue theme. I am sure the children will love it, too. Everything is perfect, as usual. I always look at your beautiful crystal first and I cannot believe that the pink one was from Pier I - wow. The plates are fantastic and I did notice those eggs - you are an artist, indeed. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter!!

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  10. This is my first visit to your blog. I am so glad I found you..we are neighbors at Cuisine Kathleen's...Everything about your table is just beautiful..
    Have a Happy Easter...by the way my new granddaughter is 5 months old after having all grandsons for 7 years....we share same age granddaughters....I would love for you to come visit me sometime...
    Mona

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  11. The glassware is perfect for this table! Wishing you a blessed Easter celebration!

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  12. Wow, what beautiful pieces. I love the layering of your china and the parade is just darling. Love this table!

    Have a joyous Easter. Your table will delight I am sure.

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  13. I didn't say enough in the last comment. Your flowers are so pretty and I do hope they last for you. The bunny cart is too precious. Your hand painted eggs are amazing. The blue pulls from the blue in your plates to delight the eye. Such a cute title and theme with your wonderful colorful and personable rabbits. Your pink and blue crystal are the icing on the cake.

    I know Easter will be joyous for you with your family all around your pretty table. ENJOY!

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  14. Oh my Cherry Kay. I don't know where to begin. It is all so stunning. From the exquisite vintage china, flatware and goblets. So much eye candy and incredible details.. Your color combination is perfection. Happy Easter...

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  15. I just realized I was not following but I quickly change that. I am your newest follower.

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  16. Cherry Kay, your table is fabulous with those bunnies and eggs. I love the plates you will be using for dessert...beautiful.
    Happy Easter!

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  17. Hi Cherry Kay, Oh my goodness, your table is so pretty. I’ve got my grandson in mind as I pull out things for decorating the table. I love how you layered the beautiful patterns of blue and pink. I think this table will make your guests, young and younger very happy.
    Happy Easter.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  18. Hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescape is gorgeous with the Pink and Blue dishes! The floral arrangement is also Beautiful for Easter. This is really fabulous the way you have put this altogether. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and Blessed Easter.
    XXOO Diane

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  19. Ooh Cherry Kay, I'm in love with our pinks and blues. As always, your table is so elegant and special. The stemware with your choice of china is so beautiful. I love the centerpiece of the bunny with the hydrangeas. Happy Easter blessings to you.

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  20. If ever there was a table to applaud, this would be it! Cherry Kay, you have outdone yourself 10-fold!!! This is beautiful up one side and down the other!!! LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson should all turn tail and run at the sight of your beautiful rim shot! :-) The patterns you have skillfully mixed are just gorgeous, and I'm ALWAYS jealous of those pink Pier 1 stems. I just can't believe I missed out on those!!! I think I remember the blue & white painted eggs from maybe last year? You maybe had them displayed in a bowl? I can't remember for sure, but I just know they work so well on this table! Your bunnies are all so pretty (a couple of them are so life-like it's almost scary!), and I love the way they parade down the center through the flowers and ceramic baskets of eggs. (I have that same white reticulated basket on the end. I also have some white urns very similar to those on your buffet!) Beautifully done! I wish you and your family a very blessed and joyous Easter!

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  21. MIND READER==MIND READER!!!! I was just today thinking of mixing up my blue and red Crown Ducal Bristol dishes...I promise!!! I love everything about your table; it's just beautiful!

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  22. Oh, this is just stunning, Cherry Kay. Love the mix of the beautiful china patterns with the Francis I. Your bunnies and eggs with the hydrangea make a perfect centerpiece for an Easter table.
    Love the idea of little Bee growing up sitting at your special holiday tables. Happy Easter, dear friend! ~ Sarah

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  23. Lovely, Cherry Kay. Those bunnies are absolutely precious. What a cute idea to do a pink and blue table. Happy Easter to you and your family. ~Zuni

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  24. What a delightful Easter parade at your table! I love the Fitz & Floyd bunnies pieces! Your pinks and blues just shine~ beautiful photos! Happy Easter!

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  25. I absolutely love the blue and pink! The blue plates are fabulous as is the entire table. Happy Easter memories at this table for sure!

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  26. Adorable! I love the baby colors, so appropriate for kids and yet with your lovely tableware, the table looks so elegant and sophisticated. The centerpiece is gorgeous!...Christine

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  27. I came back again so I can follow you....and enjoy your table once more.
    Mona

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  28. BEAUTIFUL! Yes, Cherry Kay, it's so much fun to create a tablescape, specially when we already have in mind exactly what we want, as you do always! The layer of dishes, swoon! I specially love the pattern combination with the lovely Spode Irenne, paired with the blue and white RS plates..just gorgeous!! Your centerpiece flowers and elegant bunnies is awesome too. Great job! Happy Easter to you and all your family.
    FABBY

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  29. What a beautiful table. Love the colors, bright but colorful. Love the combination. The fresh flowers are divine. Wish I was coming for Easter. Richard from My Old Historic House.

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  30. Oh your table is just beautiful, I love the bunny figurines they are so unique. The wonderful color combinations are so inviting and I think anyone would relish being invited to such a stunning table..

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  31. With all of your lovely tables, it's hard to have a favorite, but I think this might be it. I love the various elements you have combined for a really wonderful effect. Happy Easter, friend.

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  32. Breathtaking! I can't believe you painted those navy eggs! Have a blessed Easter!

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  33. Oh, Cherry Kay, I love blue and pink together~ What a clever and creative way to celebrate your sweet grandbabies! Easter joy wishes to you all!

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  34. Cherry Kay, this setting is just perfect! I love the mix of colors, flowers and patterns! They all work together beautifully! I am always so inspired by your tables! Happy Easter to you and your family!

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  35. Beautiful table, love the stack of blue and pink china. I have the same bunny pieces of Fitz and Floyd. Love them but didn't even get them out this year since I had used them the year before. Happy Easter! The goblets are beautiful with the two colors.

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  36. This is the most beautiful table setting I have seen in a long time. You are a true artist. Thank you for sharing.

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  38. Your pinks and blues make for the most elegant Easter table. It won't be long until your granddaughter is joining you at such a table.

    Have a blessed Easter.

    - The Tablescaper

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  39. Tommorrow is Easter and I am glad you are prepared for a family day with the little ones. The pink and blue tablescape is perfect for the boys and girl. Your F&F bunnies are my favorite for the centerpiece! Did you come to some of the sales in Dallas for F&F over the years? My mother has the set of Spode Irene and a wonderful story about buying it. I love all Spodes designs and china. We visited Spode factory a few times and were fortunate to see the Blue Room plus the room they took their retail clients to sell them different patterns and the new tableware. Have a Wonderful Easter!

    Pam

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  40. Wow! Your tablescapes are so fabulous that the menu is almost an irrelevance! (Though the ham and asparagus and baked potatoes sounded divine too.)

    xoxox

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  41. That is gorgeous, so refined yet some treats for the kids eyes!
    I have looked at MC for years, but ALma told me you have to have a corporate number or something to buy. Did you?

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  42. You got me in so much trouble with this tablescape. I had to own the Old World Rabbit Centerpiece after seeing how lovely yours was. But, mine was lonely, so I had to buy the teapot. Then I noticed the salt and pepper. At ebay prices, I could end up in Chapter 11, but what a way to go! I can hardly wait for next Easter. Thanks for the inspiration

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Thank you for spending your time to leave a comment. I read each and every one of your generous thoughts. They encourage me in so many ways.

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