Sunday, January 22, 2017

Guyanne's Birthday Luncheon, January, 2016




 January is a month full of birthdays for beloved family and friends.  This week I was pleased to host a birthday luncheon for my friend, Guyanne, whom I have known and loved since we were in the first grade.  We're seated once again at the games table in the living room  Thanks to my old stand-by, the flip-top-tabletop, I have prepared a table for six.  Please, join me...


Guyanne is a gorgeous blond with sparkling bright blue eyes and peaches and cream complexion.  I wanted to created a tablescape that spoke to her gentle personality and beauty.


A combination of soft yellows, blues, lavender pinks, and creamy white-on-white, all fit my desires perfectly.  Let's take a look at the playbill for this production...


The Mottahedeh Cornflower Blue Lace charger takes my breath away each time I get to use it.  Pictures don't do it justice.  It has an amazing jewel like appearance.  The creamy yellow matelassé tablecloth was an eBay acquisition.  It's reversible to a lovely blue field with yellow motifs.     

 It's been quite a while since I've used the Copeland Spode Jewel dinner plate.  The lace rim and the scalloped verge have such an incredibly wonderful texture.  I can't remember the maker for the carved flatware.  I do remember that it is antique and was made in Boston.  Because I only have the knife and fork, I amended the place setting with the L'Argent Sophia Gold.

 An ingenue in my chinatown population, the Royal Ducal unnamed luncheon plate was the inspiration for my design.  I love the delicate blue edged scallops, and the intricate embossed rim offered an interesting contrast to the Jewel's lace.  I recently picked up a set of 12 of the luncheon plates on ebay for $29.95.  I think I received way more than my money's worth!


Go to work, my detail enthusiasts.

 To add even more to the color story and the softness, I used the Waterford Simply Blue goblet and the Italian Stelle Pink Scroll goblet.  I bought the Stelle goblets at Home Goods.  Come to think of it, I haven't been there in quite a while.  I need to make a visit!

 I love to use the Glass Act handblown mini salt and peppers whenever possible.  The tiny silver trays were found at On A Whim, an amazing store that also offers the complete line of
MacKenzie-Childs.


How would I complete a tablescape without at least a small contribution from our dear Nana?  I don't know.  The white napkin with light blue embroidered touches was used many years ago in her amazing and gorgeous dining room.  I'm blessed to have her things for my tables.


And my place setting is complete.


Today's centerpiece continued my soft and fluffy concept.  Soft and fluffy...a concept...right?  Sure!


The Copeland Spode Jewel tureen...


...was surrounded by a quartet of hydrangeas in a mixture of colors...


...seated in the small Lenox creamy white urns.  The tiny blue and white Asian compotes, maybe rice bowls, were found at an estate sales for minimal cost.  I've used them as candleholders several times.


For Guyanne's birthday celebration we dined on King Ranch Chicken, a green salad with vinagrette dressing, hot yeast rolls, and once more, Italian Cream Cake from La Baguette.

 We laughed until we cried, and we shared cherished good times and fellowship late into the afternoon.

 If  passing my way, please, touch base!  I'd adore setting a table just for you.

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch



Monday, January 16, 2017

Becky"s Birthday Party, January 2016

 In 1952, Becky, Guyanne, and I met each other when we were in the first grade.  Over the years, we married and had families, and life took us to different spots across the country and the world.  Now years later, we all find ourselves back here on the prairie.  It is precious to me that the three of us have reconnected, and we are closer than ever.  I've always believed that when God gives me a gift, I need to be a good steward of that gift, and both Guyanne and Becky are precious gifts in my life.  Today was Becky's birthday, and I was thrilled to gather the three of us, Becky's daughter, and two more of Becky's friends around my table for her birthday luncheon.  We were seated at the games table in the living room.  Come on in and join us...
 
All the Christmas is put away for another year, and I could hardly wait to pull out some of my...


Blue and white, of course!  I made the striped tablecloth.  The fabric is Sunbrella.  It works equally well indoors or out and launders beautifully.


I know that I have used the luncheon plate in the past, but the dinner plate has been hiding in China Town for some time waiting to entertain my friends.


For the opening act, I chose the Mottahedeh Blue Lace charger.


Making a premier appearance at my table, the Copeland Spode Peacock dinner plate was a hit with my friends.


Another variation of the Spode Peacock plate, the luncheon plate is a pleasing variation of the dinner plate.  Hint:  If this pattern appeals to you, be prepared to engage in a search and to spend some time.  It took me a number of years to collect the luncheon plates, and even more years to even find the dinner plates.  Also, you will find that there are many variations of the Spode peacock plates.  They are all lovely.  The blue patterned center seems to make an appearance less often than others.


The topper was a gold rimmed Tiffin bowl.  It could have been a finger bowl during the Victorian era, but today it held Tomato Basil Soup.  The flatware is my wedding silver, Reed & Barton Grande Renaissance.  The cream soup spoon is from my mother-in-love's service of Reed & Barton Francis I.  I am blessed to be the caretaker of her lovely silver until it's time for the next generation to take care of it.


Keeping the color story consistent, I chose to use the AJKA Louis XIV wine and the AJKA Tommy water goblet.  I believe that AJKA originally made the Tommy goblet for St. Louis.  Hint:  Once a company discontinues a pattern, AJKA can begin to release it under their own name and for a reduced price.  Keep your eyes open!  AJKA is the premier maker of cased (colored) crystal.


This place setting made me very happy.


La stack, for all you detail lovers.


For today's centerpiece, I decided to use a strong shot of white to balance all the cobalt in my design.


The quartet of white bouquets from Whole Foods are sitting in petite jardinieres that once held some of my favorite candles, Seda France "Japanese Quince" and "French Tulip".  I've been collecting these lovely little vases for a while now, burning the candles as often as possible.  Eventually I hope to have enough to use for some of my larger parties.  I normally hold on to them for myself, but today, I knew that I wanted to share one with Becky for her birthday.  She can remember her luncheon each time she lights her candle.


The Mottahedeh "Musee Decoratif" tureen always elicits an appreciative response from my guests.

The details are amazing!


Let the festivities commence!  Today I'm serving Tomato Basil Soup, Chicken Tetrazzini, a green salad, hot bread, and Italian Cream Cake for dessert.


We visited long into the afternoon.  I can't imagine a nicer way to spend my day.  Do you have old friends that have come back into your life after years apart.  I hope that you'll invite them to your home and celebrate the bonds that can grow stronger now than when your first became friends.  It's one of the sweetest gifts in life, and I pray that you it will be your gift, too.

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch




























































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