Monday, July 1, 2013

Let Freedom Ring!

"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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My grandsons brought their daddy for a visit this week.  I decided that we would have an early Independence Day celebration for the family.  I set a table for eight at the games table in the living room.  The mood was quickly set with the tablecloth that I recently found via eBay.

 At first I imagined that I would wait and pull this cloth out for an Autumn table...what was I thinking?  The red and white stripes were shouting 4th of July!

Blue and white starred bandanas added the rest of the color story.  I caught them in the Waverly red and gold beaded napkin rings that were a gift from Cuisine Kathleen.  They've turned out to be quite versatile.  The gold beads picked up the gold and brown leaves that frame the red and white striped ribbons in the cloth...a match made in heaven, I'm thinking.

 Anchoring the stack was the Steelite cobalt blue charger.  Flanking the plate is the L'Argent Sophia cobalt flatware.

The Luneville Louis XV dinner plate played very well with the honey tones in the leaves on the cloth.

Crowning the stack is the Royal Worcester Regency luncheon plate.  All of the plates were purchased through eBay, over a period of several years..

I really liked adding the touch of old gold to the design.  It somehow made me think of the golden beak of our Bald Eagle.

The colors of the place setting reminded me of old colonial American colors...perhaps the tones of the uniforms of those brave men who fought for my freedom all those centuries ago.

 To complete the setting I paired the Vietri Optic Red goblet with the Libbey Cobalt goblet  from Dollar Tree.

 I definitely needed to add some strong pops of blue to the design.  A pair of vintage depression glass cobalt candlesticks were just what the doctor ordered.  I found them at a local antiques store.

I have a modest collection of cranberry glass bells...

...They were perfect for the centerpiece of my "Let Freedom Ring" tablescape.

 The smallest bell belonged to our dear Nana, and it was the inspiration for my collection.  When I entertain large groups, I actually use it to draw the group together to say grace before we dine.

A simple blue bowl was placed on a stand and filled with blue and white hydrangeas that I already had from another luncheon...gotta love those hydrangeas...great bang for the buck.  Tip:  Every once in a while, one or two hydrangeas in an arrangement will unexpectedly wilt.  Did you know that you can fill a bowl with hot water (101ยบ) and submerge the entire flower in the water...walk away and leave it for a few hours...come back and it will be totally revived?  It really works.  Amazing!

All set to celebrate the men and women who laid their lives on the line for your freedom and for mine.  I pray that we never take the measure of their sacrifices for granted.  I hope that you have a joyful Fourth of July, Independence Day celebration surrounded by family and friends!

I'll be joining the following parties:

Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
"Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits" with Yvonne @ Stone Gable
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
"Seasonal Sundays" @ The Tablescaper


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.

22 comments:

  1. Beautiful table my friend, starting from your great linens, the perfect, beautiful dishes and glasses paired with cobalt blue chargers; but I specially love the blue candle sticks..soo prettyyy!!! Have a great Fourth before and enjoy your weekend ahead!
    FABBY

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  2. This is just stunning. I love that you have mixed in just bit of earthy yellow. Exquisite. Bravo!
    Karen

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  3. Hurray for the red, white, and blue! I love that you mixed in a touch of gold. It really sets things off beautifully. The blue chargers and blue and red glass details also make a fab statement. Wonderfully patriotic, Cherry Kay. Happy 4th of July! ~ Sarah

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  4. The boys must have loved this bright and cheerful table! I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July celebration.

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  5. Your Let Freedom Ring table is elegant and creative. Your glass bells are lovely. I love adding the gold for an elegant feel. Your tablescape as always is perfect in every way. Have a Happy Fourth of July.

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  6. Cherry Kay, this is fabulous. When I spied that tablecloth, I too thought a very patriotic fourth! It reminds me of the many banners that hang from historic homes. The gold leaves are the crowning touch. And you built up the table perfectly so that each piece is in pure harmony with its neighbor! Just superb. Have a happy fourth!! xo marlis

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  7. Cherry Kay, that is the most amazing 4th of July table! I love the tablecloth find and it just sets the patriotic stage for your pretty dishes and lovely goblets and pretty bells. Thanks for the hydrangea reviving tip. How sweet to use Nana's dear bell to call for grace... sigh!! Happy 4th you!

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  8. As always, Cherry Kay, your table is gorgeous and the perfect patriotic table. Love the blue charges. The goldish plates do make a perfect ring around the lunch plate. Your finishing touches are perfect. Love it all. Enjoy the Fourth.

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  9. Your table is gorgeous! Love the candlestick holders and the napkin rings the most but it is all beautiful. Happy 4th!

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  10. Your table looks so festive and patriotic, Cherry Kay. Happy Independence Day!

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  11. Cherry Kay - your table is beautiful! That tablecloth is amazing and I love the addition of your bells to let "Freedom Ring"!

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  12. What a wonderful table but even a more historic theme. Our nation and its special purpose has from 1776 to today has only been able to stand due to the efforts of the American spirit and the men and women who served to protect us all these years. Your table shows the great spirit you have to take your collect of old and new to blend it all to a gorgeous table we all would to part-take in. Happy 4th.
    Pam

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  13. Stopping by today to wish you a happy 4th! Hope your day is filled with laughter and good times. ~ Sarah
    PS
    Tried several times and couldn't get your link on Let's Dish to work, but I see that it is working today. Good!

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  14. What a wonderfully elegant patriotic table you have set. The colors are just magestic!

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  15. Love your patriotic table - I have the same napkin rings, but have some hanging on door knobs - I suppose I should remember to use them as napkin rings! Enjoy the holiday!

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  16. What a glorious celebration, Cherry K! You sure know how to do it up right! You beautiful tablecloth just sets the stage & then all the other actors play wonderful parts off each other.

    The red and gold beaded napkin rings from Kathleen are SO elegant. I know you'll use them again & again.

    How pretty is that L'Argent Sophia cobalt flatware? Awesome!

    The Royal Worcester Regency luncheon plates are beautiful & I also love that you mix $25 Vietri Optic Red goblets beside "our" $1 Dollar Tree blue stems. Gorgeous color combo, no matter what the cost.

    I hope you've had a love holiday WEEK & I thank you for your visits. Yes, DH is doing MUCH better than he was this time last year. (New medications)

    Be well, my friend, & enjoy your health.
    fondly,
    Rett

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  17. What a gorgeous patriotic table! Love all the blues with the red and white! The flowers are so pretty! Hope you enjoyed the fourth!
    Miss Bloomers

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  18. Wow! What a gorgeous table!! So cheerful and inviting. Love how all the dishes and glassware go together.

    Jocelyn @ http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  19. So beautiful! The colors are so rich, regal, very fitting for the 4th. You always have such an artistic touch.

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  20. Wow Cherry Kay, this table is so regal and patriotic. It truly reminds me of something I would see in the White House. The combination of dishes and jewel tones make it so elegant..

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  21. Adding the touches of gold really made this a different kind of 4th of July table. It is more elegant and regal than most of the "fun" ones I have seen. It is really pretty and I love the cobalt chargers. This is beautiful!

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  22. Oh my goodness, that is fabulous! The tablecloth and napkins, so pretty! As someone said, it is very regal looking, you did a great job!

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