Birthday Friends

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. As the harvest season approaches 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.

I celebrate my birthday in November.  I always teasingly say that any woman worth her salt can make her birthday celebration last almost a month...this year, that mantra proved to be quite true.  Last week, a small group of very close friends gathered to celebrate my special day at my friend Debbi's house.  You remember Debbi, my friend who loves to decorate for Halloween.  You can revisit her Halloween house HERE.  On this particular sunny Autumn day, the spooks and goblins have been tucked away until next year, and Debbi has designed a lovely Fall tablescape for us.

A Southern exposure is perfect for the ethereal sunlight that filters through the tall windows and gracefully touches the lovely table design that greets us as we enter Debbi's home.

The lovely goblet was part of a set that Debbi scored when a local replacements business decided to close many years ago.  They are so special; I don't know the maker.  Villeroy & Boch's white stoneware  is highlighted by Hobby Lobby's bronze acrylic charger...

...and set off beautifully by the wonderful Zina Vasi Edwardian Print tablecloth.  Zina Vasi linens are manufactured in Russia, and they are available at Dillard's.  I have been quite impressed with Zina Vasi's designs and the quality of her linens.  I think that you'll like them.

Battenburg lace napkins were a great complement to the white of the dinnerware...

...and we were all wild about the beaded acorn napkin rings.  Debbi couldn't remember where she found them.  Bummer.

This gorgeous deep tole tray became a gorgeous centerpiece featuring a trio of small pumpkins.  I had to work really hard not to covet this piece.  I love it!

The carved wooden Pilgrim and Indian couples flanked a tray of Debbi's homemade pumpkin bread.  She sent each of us home with a loaf.  I've been thoroughly enjoying mine.  Thought that I might take it for our Thanksgiving feast, but I don't think that I'll have enough by tomorrow.  So yummy!

Lunch is Debbi's homemade Chicken Chili, accompanied by salad and corn bread muffins.  Dessert was a delicious coconut cupcake plated with a raspberry puree....gained a few extra pounds this day!

I can't imagine a lovelier setting for my birthday lunch, surrounded by dear friends.  It was a perfect day, and I think that we all got home just in time for dinner!  I would love to think that you could join us the next time!

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.



     

You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "Orchid."