Tuesday, October 21, 2014

A Kaleidoscope of Sisterhood Memories, 10.17.14

"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 during this harvest season, it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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About every two years, I host a luncheon for the sorority sisters with whom I lived during my four years in college. This past Friday, I hosted the fourth luncheon for these precious women, and it was a perfect day in almost every way.  The October weather was delightful; we didn't even have our normal prairie wind sweeping down the plain.  Sisters arrived from all across our beautiful nation...from coast to coast they came.  Today I set 8 tables for my guests.  We're dining on the back porch and under the big tree in the back yard.  Come on out...

 Do you remember the black and white stripe tablecloths from the party that we did for my high school reunion this past June?  I knew then that I wanted to use them for this day...

 I liked the graphic quality that they lent to the design.

 I also knew that I wanted to use lots and lots of color.  Early on the word "kaleidoscope" kept coming to mind.  So how did I translate my inspiration into a cohesive theme for our luncheon?

 Each table featured one color of my collection of Bormioli glass charger plates...found on clearance two summers ago at Gordman's...

 ....one color of the Vietri Optic goblets, still available at a jewelry/gift store near you.  Oh!  Vietri is on sale at my local store this week.  Maybe it's a national sale...you might want to check around.

 ...one color of colorful flatware at each table...


...and one each of 8 colors of hemstitched napkins tied with a variety of organza ribbons holding a mercury glass owl...the party favor for each guest to take home.  The dinner plate is the Wedgwood Countryware.  The centerpiece was kept simple for time management purposes...the black tole jardinieres from Hobby Lobby each held a pre-made mixed "local" bouquet from Whole Foods Market, snipped to the proper height.  Hint: If you need to secure a larger quantity of florals from Whole Foods, be sure to order them at least 3 weeks ahead of your event.  They place their own orders that far out.  They have a beautiful selection, and their florals are quite reasonable.

 It's always satisfying when an idea that looks a certain way in your mind's eye ends up looking the same way in reality.  I wouldn't have changed a thing for this party.

 The luncheon began at 11:30 a.m......

 There was constant laughter....unending smiles...and sparkling eyes...


 The last guests left sometime after 4:30.




 My summer pots of geraniums made a wonderful comeback after the heat of the summer...

 They were joined by pots of yellow mums....and that gave us our sorority colors of "Cardinal and Straw."

Memories of this special special day will last long after the onset of colder days which wait just around the corner.  I can hardly wait for October, 2016, when we shall gather again.  I'm already mulling ideas for the next tables in my mind.

I'm having my first knee replacement surgery next week, so color me invisible for the better part of the next month.  Although I may not be heard from for a spot of time, I think that exploring your delightful blogs will be a wonderful way to spend some hours while I'm recuperating.  I covet your prayers, and I look forward to blogging again as soon as possible.

This week I'm joining

Tablescaper Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
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.

15 comments:

  1. Cherry Kay, what a wonderful event! And you made it special for your sisters with the gorgeous tables! I always enjoy reading your "extra" tips along the way, too. Best wishes for a successful knee replacement!

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  2. Wow you did a fabulous job on the tables. I like the kaleidoscope of colors you used. Whole Foods does sell some beautiful flowers. We bought roses ther for our daughter and they held up really well. You have such a nice home for entertaining- I'm sure your sorority group love coming there.
    Good luck with the knee surgery- Prayers going up for a successful outcome!

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  3. Prayers for your surgeon, your surgery and you! Best wishes for a perfect surgery and a speedy recovery. I loved this idea and might have to "borrow" it for our next fiesta...
    I know your sisters loved being in your home and loved your gracious hospitality. The whole event looks fun and happy. Great job combining the kaleidoscope of colors.

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  4. Cherry Kay, thinking of you! Pray all goes well, my friend. Take advantage of the "down" time to pamper yourself. '-)
    The tables looks perfect! You know the black and white stripe thrill me, and so do those little owls. Chi O Forever!
    Take care……..Love ~ Sarah

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  5. This is color mixing done right! I hope a LOT of people come across this particular blog post in the years to come and gain an understanding of just how you do it. I have seen so many "mish mash" rooms when people try to make different colors work in tandem, and it looked like just a big ol' hot mess. THIS, however, couldn't be further from a mess if it tried. It's gorgeous. The binding factor is the sophisticated striped tablecloths and the repeat of the same basic design - albeit in different colors - at each table. The centerpieces are fantastic!!

    I see from the other comments that you are having knee surgery soon. I, too, hope all goes well and that you use the down time you have to get lots of rest that you'll need for the upcoming holiday season. Take care of yourself, and do as the doctors tell you, young lady!!! :-)

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  6. As always just beautiful! I love the striped tablecloths and pops of color! Happy Fall!
    Miss Bloomers

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  7. Beautiful! Love all of the different colors, especially the napkins. Looks great....

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  8. These tables are just so colorful and inviting! And you know how much I love the black and white!! I just love that you have so many dishes, chargers, flatware, etc to be able to do this and the "sisters" must have so much fun at this gathering!

    Good luck on your surgery. My mom has both knees done at the same time and bounced back really well - she is so glad she did it - at 80 years old, too!! You will be dancing at Christmas :-)

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  9. Looks fabulous! I'm sure all the guests were thrilled. xoxox

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  10. Oh my Cherry Kay. You are just an amazing host. This event you put together is spectacular. I love all the pops of colors. Great combinations on the tables. I hope you are are feeling better from your knee surgery.

    Janet

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  11. What beautiful tables you created for your Sorority Sister, Cherry Kay! I know they had a fabulous time with you as the hostess.
    I read about your knee replacement surgery on Liz's blog. I hope that you are doing well and that you'll be a full swing before long. Hugs,prayers and blessings are sent your way.

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  12. What a lovely parade of tables. I do love the black and white stripes, mixed with different colors. I love whole Foods and your flowers are gorgeous! I admire your skills and your beautiful dishes. You are a very gracious hostess. I hope you are recovering from your knee surgery.

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  13. Hope your surgery goes well, Cherry Kay. I will be praying for you.Your tables look fantastic. What a beautiful party! I am sure your sorority sisters were all in awe...Christine

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  14. This just knocks my socks off, Cherry Kay...you put most caterers inventory to shame, with the variety you've used here. The chargers are just delicious in all their brilliant colors & the black & white tablecloths provide the perfect base.

    Again, I'm sorry I didn't know about your knee replacement. DH has had one done & he said 'never again'. I hope your recuperation goes easier than his did.

    mega hugs,
    Rett

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  15. Hello CK,
    Blue, red, yellow, purple, & orange glass chargers - Oh My! All of these were on clearance? A dozen of each? The entire ensemble reminds me of Peter Max art. Festive doesn't even begin to describe this event. Regards, Robin

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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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