Thursday, May 8, 2014

French Enamelware, May, 2014

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.
                   ****************************************************************************
Our hostess for this year's Garden Friends Bible Study was out of town this week and next week. I was blessed to welcome my precious friends into our house for our Bible study yesterday, and I look forward to their presence next week, too.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to ask those who had time to remain for lunch.  There were five of us, and I set a small table in the living room.  Won't you join us?

 Do you feel like you're in the midst of a deja vue moment?

 After choosing my dinnerware, I started the process of selecting a tablecloth.  No matter how many cloths I pulled for consideration,  I kept going back to the striped cloth that I used last week.  It just provided the right balance with all the other elements in my design.  So stripes it is...again.  Good enough!

 Time has been sparse since I was sick with that icky respiratory infection week before last.  Shopping for and arranging floral centerpieces just wasn't going to be a part of the program, so this was another "centerpiece in moments" opportunity...


The funky pair of Italian reticulated urns were an eBay purchase a number of years ago.  A young woman in Australia was selling some items that she had inherited from her great-aunt.  I think that at some point her little old aunt decided that she wanted the embossed roses to be pink because I'm virtually certain that she painted them herself, after the fact.  They make me giggle, and I always enjoy using them.
 A selection of  Hartley-Leeds creamware plates has long been on my "someday" list.  To date I don't have the plates, but I was thrilled to find the large "Chestnut Bowl" tureen and a pair of the "Strawberry Bowls and under plates.  I started to fill them with fresh strawberries for our luncheon, but I ended up placing a Hydrangea topiary ball in each one. 

 Now...on to the meat of the design...

 Such a versatile color of green...the MacKenzie-Childs enamelware charger plate brought a nice touch of Spring to the table.

 For a spot of texture, I chose to use the Wedgwood Countryware dinner plate.


 ...and the marquis topper for the show....this enchanting enamelware dinner plate was manufactured in France.  There is an inscription on the back of the plate that indicates that it was a Christmas gift from the owner of the company that made the plates to his employees.  I found a set of 12 on eBay.


 Completing the place setting, I used pink flatware and a soft green hemstitched napkin held by the Coalport Countryware napkin ring.  The crystal salt cellar was a gift from my friend Debbi....

 ....the finishing touch was found in the Tiffin Optic Green wine and the Waterford Simply Lilac goblet.  Both were acquired through eBay.

 I always like to preview my tables from the "guest's eye view."

 Yep, it works for me.

A simple lunch included Strawberry Chicken salad, hot garlic bread, and a triple-berry pie for dessert. I'm so blessed to gather my Garden Friends around my table as we draw to the end of another year of wonderful Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.  Next week is our last lesson before a summer break, and I'm thrilled to be able to prepare another table for them.  Passing our way?  You're more than welcome to join us!

This week I'll be joining:




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.

14 comments:

  1. A very pretty table as always!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful spring table. I just love enamelware and the layer of dishes you put together is perfect for a spring lunch! Always a treat to visit your blog!
    Hope you are enjoying our crazy weather!
    Miss Bloomers

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cherry Kay, this is a cheerful table. I'm in love with those French enamel ware plates. I've never seen any like them. What an awesome find and 12 at that! Way to go!!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful tablescape.
    Sorry you've had that awful respiratory bug. It's BAD! So many of my friends have been sick with it. Take care and get better soon. Happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your guests are always treated to such classy tables. Love the topper plate- what a great image it has. The chestnut bowl is fabulous. Have a wonderful Mothers Day Cherry Kay!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Cherry Kay, what a beautiful table you've set for your friends. I'd love to join you! The striped tablecloth is the perfect choice with those gorgeous plates and flatware. Hopefully, you're on the mend, but in spite of it all, the centerpiece is something to behold. Happy Mother's Day wishes are sent to you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is so pretty, Cherry Kay. I love the spring colors you brought together. Beautiful tureen, vases and plates!...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is so pretty, Cherry Kay. I love the spring colors you brought together. Beautiful tureen, vases and plates!...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Cherry Kay. I haven't been around much (too busy!), so it was such a nice surprise to see your comment on my china cabinet this morning! thanks so much for visiting, and for taking the time to comment! As I read through your post I was trying to remember all the beautiful things I was admiring, but I had to give that notion up--too many on my list. I will tell you that the berry bowls and the tureen are absolutely gorgeous! I have a Wedgwood one that I bought for I think $7 at a second-hand store, and when I went to pay for it they told me they'd been wondering what "a bowl with holes in it" could possibly be used for! I think about that cute story every time I use it! Anyway, every piece on your table is lovely! ~Zuni

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful...love the plates...and everything else!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful table. I don't know where to start...that great tablecloth, the place setting. The centerpiece. All pulled together to create a happy table. Your menu sounds lovely. Wish I could have been there..LOL

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Cherry Kay, so nice to see you back and I am glad you are finally feeling perfect!
    I love your table as I always do all yours! The dishes are gorgeous, and your moment's centerpiece is perfect with such beautiful reticulated pieces I totally love!
    Happy Mother's Day my friend.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  12. So very pretty: all the choices you made for your table were just right! I love the striped tablecloth, your dish stack and your centerpiece dishes are exquisite.
    What a welcoming table for your friends. Bravo! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very pretty! Reminds me of the annual Mother's Day Tea Party we host at our church. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your tables are always spectacular. You have the most beautiful china. I would love to take a peek at your entire collection and storage area. Thank you for visiting me.

    Janet

    ReplyDelete

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.

Follow Me on Instagram