Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Linens and Lace

I shall always come back to blue.  I love so many different hues and shades of color, and I mix and match them with abandon.  Yet, time and again, I find myself returning to tones of blue, for dressing, for special touches in my home, and for my tablescapes.   For me, 'having the blues' is not always a negative thing...certainly not when I'm designing a table.  This day, I set a feminine table for a birthday luncheon for my dear friend Debbi.  Life had been hectic recently for the five of us, and I wanted to create a soft and gentle vignette...a spot to stop for a while...and dine and share fellowship with precious friends.

For groups of five to eight, I often host my guests at the game table in the living room.  The table itself is 42" in diameter, which becomes pretty congested for anything more than four place settings.  Tip:  I frequently use my Flip-top Table Top to turn my 42" table into about a 60" round table.  I ordered two of them, and I have several friends who also have a couple of them.  We share them with each other when needed for entertaining large groups.  Think Co-op with your friends!  I also ordered the zippered covers for them, and they story easily in the garage.  I ordered the flip-tops from By Invitation Only.  Should you wish to inquire about the flip-top table tops, you can e-mail Sandy, the owner, at byinvitationonly@cox.net

My first step in creating my table was to choose some soft, feminine linens.  I selected a handkerchief weight white linen undercloth with white embroidered furls and DOTS...I adore polka dots!  My primary topper  is a 70" light blue matelasse cloth.  For a final special touch...

I layered the center of the table with a wonderful small 36"lace table square that came from, you guessed it, our precious Nana.  Nana's white linen cutwork lace napkins added some refined texture.  I tied them with a length of blue and white checked silk ribbon.  For a touch of bling, I attached a variety of sparkling earrings and shoe clips to each napkin.  That choice earned rave reviews from my guests!  A simple place card, made with my Cricut Expression, was tucked into each napkin.

Accompanying the cutwork napkins to the party was the Reed & Barton "Francis I" flatware that once belonged to my mother-in-love.  For my centerpiece, I placed an old-fashioned 'frog' in the base of one of Nana's crystal bowls with an applied sterling silver overlay design.  I continued the soft color palate with pink roses, Dutch Iris, and white lilies.  Around the base of the arrangement, I inserted white w/ pink Alstroemeria, or Peruvian Lily.  The flowers were all from Sam's, my go to flower market whenever possible.  If I do this arrangement again, I'll delete the Alstroemeria.  It was one extra flower that I really didn't need.  The 'stand' beneath the crystal bowl is actually the base to an antique porcelain double ink well...an example of 'look around and use what you have.'   The pair of reticulated Italian creamware urns flanking the centerpiece are an eBay find, and they have a neat provenance.  I bought them from a woman in Australia.  She said that they had belonged to her great aunt.  She worked for a 'mail' company, and she promised that they would arrived safely.  I like them so much, and they make me smile...if you look at them closely, you'll realize that the little lady must have decided that she wanted the roses to be a darker pink...so she painted them!  But she must have become tired because she didn't paint all of them.


A silver charger plate with a beaded rim was used as the first layer of my place setting.  Next comes a Wedgwood, 'Albion' dinnerplate.  I topped it with a Haviland, "Instruments" on a Diana blank luncheon plate.  I can never pick just one design when I'm asked to name my favorite pattern, but this luncheon plate ranks right at the top of my list every time.  The workmanship in this plate is true artistry in my eyes.  Our first course soup was served in Nana's crystal chiller with its matching under plate.  I don't know who manufactured this crystal.  I have been told by numerous antiques dealers that it is French, and it is hand blown and hand cut.  I love to use it; it is one of my favorite things.

I am always captured by the reflective value of crystal in a tablescape.  Add a little candlelight, and the crystal pieces appear to 'dance' before your eyes.  The wine and the water tumbler are also part of Nana's French crystal.  For this tablescape, I mixed them with Waterford Simply Blue, an eBay find that I collected in three colors.  It is an interesting blue, and it almost seems to change color, depending on the shade or hue of blue with which I mix it.  Did I tell you that I love blue?...I thought so.  I bought them reasonably at the right time.  They have drastically increased in price in the last year.  The butter pat that you see tucked in next to the plate is Haviland "Ranson."

Everything is ready, and I hear the door bell's chime....

I'm ready to "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off."  Let's enjoy some wonderful food together and while away the afternoon with treasured fellowship and conversation.  I'm so glad that you are able to join me!

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "Tablescape Thursday.  Click on the button below to hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 9:00 pm on Wednesdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.















     
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.

41 comments:

  1. Once again, I was a guest at this amazing table. Debbi, the birthday girl, was wowed as were the rest of us. We are so spoiled by the dish-a-holic. Thanks for your obsession with detail! You are the queen of dishes! xoxo.

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  2. Everything is just beautiful. I love the blue stemware and you are right, the salad/dessert plates are very special. Your color combination is so soft and relaxing, yet elegant.

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  3. I think I just lost my comment while trying to do the word verification thingie. If you get two comments from me, ignore this one. Good grief...

    I love this whole table! If I *had* to choose a favorite part, it would be the place setting with the wedgewood plate and Haviland salad plate and the chiller. (Didn't know that it was called that. I always learn new things here.)

    Good thing I don't have to choose a favorite because what I love is the essence of the ENTIRE table. It is absolutely stunning.

    And I agree. Crystal does dance in the candlelight!

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  4. soft and serene setting with the pastels and different hues of blue.

    like the whimsical addition of the napkin "rings"- that would certainly make me smile.

    The mix of patterns makes the table seem less fussy than a matched set- I need to take a lesson from you on not matching my plates.

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  5. I'm so happy to find another blue lover out there. It's my favorite too. Sometimes blues are so hard to blend but your table does this fabulously. The overlay and Wedgewood plates are a perfect match. I just love that blue crystal . Everything is just lovely.

    I'm going to have to get a Flip-top for my table. Great idea. I've never heard of it and it will surely come in handy.

    Thanks so much for all your wonderful tablescapes. I look for them every week.

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  6. Your table is exquisite. So beautifully put together and the attention to detail is amazing. I love the blue crystal and am with you on the luncheon plates. they are divine.

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  7. ELEGANCE!Is the word, Lovely table setting! Fatima-Scrapart

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  8. What a wonderful table-love it! The blue glasses are my favorite-enjoy!

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  9. Well this is just gorgeous! I can see why you love the blue crystal! I love your sterling too. As always, a perfectly set and elegant table!!

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  10. Very pretty - your blue goblets are to die for!

    Some news: We're staring a Giveaway Friday! link-up party this Fri. 8/27 plus we are giving away custom backsplash! Hope you'll join us.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  11. S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G., that is the only word that comes to mind...I love everything about your table. The crystal is a gorgeous shade of blue, as are your plates. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Your table is very elegant ans truly exquisite. The plates are very pretty. I am sure your friends were delighted...Christine

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  13. Beautiful table - love the double table cloth. The crystal, the flowers - how lovely! Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Oh my this is just so lovely and welcoming. I love all the sweet soft colors and the vintage feel of the entire setting. I especially love those blue Waterford glasses, they are stunning!
    Thank you for stopping by and your nice comments. You know you mentioned you and your husband went into World Market on your honeymoon, believe it or not, I have never even walked into the store until a couple weeks ago! I know weird huh? Anyway I loved it and will be back there to shop again:)
    Terry

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  15. Oh my friend I have a thing for blue too!! Also love the glistening crystal!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Sherri:)

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  16. What a lovely table~ so many beautiful things to feast my eyes on! I think the blue crystal would have to be my favorite though :-)

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  17. Oh my, what a table setting! It's truly exquisite, just love it all! Your china, crystal and linens are out of this world!

    Nancy

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  18. You do love blue, I noticed the chandelier too! I especially like mixing in yellow with blue. Love you table top, the wedgewood plates, Wow. Everything Wow. Bless your heart for commenting on my post.

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  19. So elegant -- this is just breathtaking! I love your china and crystal and your hints of soft colors. Beautiful. I wonder if those flip tops would work on my small square table?

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  20. Your setting is so elegant, and perfect for a "get away from it all" afternoon with special friends.
    I love your attention to every detail. Everything looks so lovely.
    Debbie@houseatthelake

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  21. What a fabulous, feminine table! I know your friends were delighted by every special detail, and it's clear that you thoroughly enjoyed setting it for them. I love all the detail you provide and appreciate your use of family treasures!

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  22. Beautiful- I love the candlelight glow against those blue glasses!

    PS Thank you for visiting The Tiny Tudor & your sweet comment!

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  23. Oh Cherry Kay, this is breath taking. Those layers of beautiful china and crystal; the tablecloth layers; and those beautiful blue goblets - I love all of it! I can just imagine what a delight it is to dine at your house. laurie

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  24. What a beautiful table, elegant and soft.....love the blue crystal.....whenever I step into a store, blue always stops me in my tracks!!! and it opens my purse too....hugs...cleo

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  25. I love the colours on your table. They are so harmonious. The plates are very special and a real treat! Your flowers are gorgeous.
    Mabel

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  26. Cherry Kay, thank you so much for commenting on my "good" china yesterday (fun memories of the green stamp collecting). I LOVE your tablescape, especially the blue goblets! And I love those green lamps on your buffet in the background. I read your profile and we sound like we are of the same fabric! Have a great weekend! Becky

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  27. hi cherry kay! thanks so much for visiting cottage romance and for commenting on my picnic basket! that has to be the nicest comment i've ever gotten! thank-you so much for that!
    ~decorating diva

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  28. Beautiful tablescape!!! I love all the china. Please tell me more about your dining chairs! I love the gothic / ogee arch design.

    Thanks for stopping by.

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  29. I am lusting after those Wedgewood Albion plates. Oh, my they are yummy! I also couldn't help but let my eye wander to those green glass lamps on your sideboard. So fab!

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  30. This is so beautiful! Blue is such a soft lovely color, very peaceful and serene. Nice details! Love the Wedgewood plates!

    Katherine

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  31. Very pretty. Very relaxing. Very refined. I love the blue goblets, they are a treasure.

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  32. Oh, my goodness... Your blog is just beautiful!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a wonderful weekend~
    Leticia

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  33. Very very pretty..thanks for visiting my blog. I am your newest follower!

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  34. This is my favorite...the plates are sooo pretty! Excellent job as always!

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  35. Thank you for the comment on the purchase of the "recollectin depression glass" set. Here is the link to the tablescape I made with it.
    http://tammy-domesticdivaatwork.blogspot.com/2010/08/depression-glass-recollection.html

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  36. Wow! There is so many pretty dishes on this table. I want them all! I don't have a lot of the ultra girly French Haviland or Wedgewood, but I hope to start collecting it. These are all so pretty. I love the goblets. I didn't know Waterford made blue goblets. Just beautiful.:)
    Sherry

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  37. Hee Hee thanks for your comment on my "Cell phone Head Bands" I will order you one today! LOL in blue! Hey maybe I could make one out of my napkin rings he he he. My sister and I laugh at the dumbest things! :)

    Gosh this table is amazing! The crystal goblets are stunning in that blue color! How fun that you found them on Ebay! I am curious to see the other two colors!

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  38. This is a gorgeous table scape. It is all so shimmery and classy looking:) The colors are magnificent. Debbie

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  39. Beatiful table scape. Blue is one of the favorite colour of me. Also thanks your lovely comment in my blog. With my best wishes Aygun

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  40. You know how I feel about Blue!
    I learn something every time I visit.
    I am checking out flip flop tables and I love your buffet table (?) and those green glass lamps.

    To die for-

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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