Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Snow Bird


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 holiday season progresses 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.

Several weeks ago while whiling away some time exploring the marvelous blogs that participate in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, I came across Cuisine Kathleen's post and learned that she is hosting a White Christmas/Winter White Event.  I don't usually design Christmas tables in white, but this time my interest was piqued.  Today I hosted a Christmas luncheon for my precious Garden Friends Bible Study, and I chose to create two white on white tables for our party of 15.  Tonight I'll link to Cuisine Kathleen's White Christmas/Winter White Event as well as Susan at Between Naps on the Porch's Tablescape Thursday.  This tablescape has ended up as one of my all time favorite designs.  I had so much fun creating it, and I hope that you enjoy it, too.

 Come on in!  My Yorkshire Terrorist, "Little Charlie Dickens" told me that you were at the door.  Some of our friends have decided to rename "Dickens."  They call him, "Doorbell."  Most of the Christmas decorations are in place, and it's going to be a great day for a party!

You might remember that a month or two ago, we decided to have our dining room repainted.  I'm really happy with the changes that we've made. Tip:  If you happen to be interested, the color is Benjamin Moore, "Woodstock Tan," HC-20.  The only thing that I'm still waiting on is the custom cafe curtains and rod.  In the meantime, I've placed some ready-made sheers on the windows.  Our dining room is on the front of the house, and I thought that it was important to maintain some level of privacy.  The drapes were actually in the living room, and I decided to move them to the dining room  Years ago I took the Fortuny drapes out of our sweet Nana's home when it was sold.  I deconstructed some of the them and had them remade into this window treatment for my house.  I still have a large box full of her old 1920, Fortuny panels.  I plan to use more of the fabric and have new window treatments created for the living room.  I bought the Persian rug on eBay for $350.00 and free shipping...such a deal!

Kathleen really inspired me with her White Christmas meme idea.  I had so much fun creating this tablescape.  Things just seemed to fall in place.  Let me share some of the details with you...

When I thought about a white Christmas table, my mind flew to the Mottahedeh "Musee de Arts Decoratifs Bird Tureen." I immediately knew that I could create a table for Kathleen's party, and it would be called, "Snow Bird."  This is one of my favorite tureens.  I smile each time that I walk by the dining room and see it resting on the table.

The Mottahedeh tureen was an eBay purchase.  The day that I won the high bid on the auction, my dear friend Marsha gave me a pair of these darling bird jardinieres for my birthday. She found them at Nell Hill's in Kansas City.  Aren't they just wonderful together!

White Poinsettias were purchased at a local nursery and just plopped into the pair of jardinieres.  The faux greenery is from Michael's. and I topped the Mercury Glass candlesticks with white beaded candle rings, found at a local gift shop.  As a finishing touch for the centerpiece, I tucked in my Lalique, "Love Birds" in several places.  


I continued the same motif on the buffet.  Nana's Towle, "Lafayette," Silver Service is flanked by a pair of Nana's silver champagne buckets filled with more white poinsettias and surrounded by greenery.  The two German porcelain angels belonged to my mama.  I am blessed to be their caretaker for a season until they are handed to the next generation.  The Barker-Ellis Candelabras also came from Nana.

I chose to work without a tablecloth today.  I thought that the mahogany of the dining table created a valuable contrast against the white of the china and the centerpiece.  Instead, I anchored each place setting with a Godinger, Silver Baroque Charger.

 Topping the silver charger is my Wedgewood, "Countryware"  dinner plate.  Ready for our first course, Lentil Soup, is Nana's antique French crystal footed compote and underplate.

  The antique French crystal tumbler and wine goblet also were Nana's, as was the vintage cutwork linen napkin.  The Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance" is my wedding silver flatware.

I chose this particular napkin because I thought that the cutwork design was extremely compatible with the detail in the tureen.  Tip:  Remember to look for "Vintage Soak" for laundering antique linens.  It's an amazing product!  I buy mine locally from www.antiquehouse.okc.com.

  I created the second table at the game table in the living room.  Tip:  Thanks to a "Flip Top Table Top," I am able to turn our 48" game table into a 60" round dining table.  They are available through "By Invitation Only" 405-748-4949.  To recreate the same contrast that I achieved in the dining room between the white of the china and the brown mahogany of the dining table, I used a chocolate brown moire tablecloth that I made.

For this tablescape, I used a Rosenthal, "Sanssouci" tureen flanked by a trio of white poinsettia that I planted in white milk glass beakers.  You'll notice the same greenery and the Lalique, "Love Birds"  that are also present in the dining room tablescape.

I adore this napkin, an estate sale find. Because of the placement of the intricate design and monogram, it is impossible to fold it in the proper manner...a bit unusual, but no less beautiful.  The silver flatware was my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I."  I am so grateful to have her silver.  It allows me great leeway when entertaining larger groups. The goblets are a recent estate sale purchase.  I bought a set of 8 of each to use alongside Nana's beautiful antique French crystal.  The people conducting the sale told me that they are Tiffin.  A dealer who was at the sale said that he thought that one of them was "Heisey."  I don't have a clue one way or the other.  I just know that I really like them, and they were a great deal!

Although some of them got away too quickly, we managed to get a group pic of most of the Garden Friends who were able to come for our luncheon today.  This is one of the most incredible groups of prayer warriors that you could ever hope to meet.  I am so blessed to call them my sisters in Christ...my dearest friends.  That's your's truly in the middle with the red turtleneck.  Since I'm always behind the camera lens, you won't see me in photos very often.  If you ever come our way, we'd love to have you join us for one of our Bible study lessons and of course...lunch!  After today, I'm definitely filled with the Christmas spirit.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear blog friends.  I'm having so much fun getting to know you.

Thank you to Kathleen @ Kathleen's Cuisine for hosting "White Christmas/Winter White Event.  Please, click the link to visit other talented bloggers and explore their entries.

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."  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  KC is currently the featured artist of the week at http://jivepk.jivewired.com/kcclifford.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!  .
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.

55 comments:

  1. at first glance I instantly think magazine photos.Your tables are beautiful beyond what I can express it is divine and elegant...with charm and much thought I am sure was put into every detail of your table and surely your guests loved it...I do...Thanks for popping in and visiting me as well..Blessings and Merr Christmas, Mica

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  2. What a winter white wonderland you have created! It is breathtaking! Your layers are incredibly lovely~ I'm smitten with your napkins & your tureen is stunning!

    I had to chuckle at your Yorkshire Terrorist :-)

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  3. Your tureen was a wonderful inspiration for this table with the snow birds! Every piece adds to the atmosphere and I'm sure your friends loved it. Your Wedgwood Country Ware works so well with the crystal and silver! Have a wonderful day. Linda

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  4. You table is just stunning. I'm in love with your tureen and nothing could have been more perfect for the table you were setting. Every piece you placed on your table is purposeful and elegant. As a fellow prayer warrior I would have loved to be seated at your table. Thank you so much for sharing and Merry Christmas.

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  5. What a beautiful bunch of women you are! I love your snow bird table. Your tureen is wonderful. I also really love your wedding silver and think it looks wonderful with the cutwork linens. Gorgeous tablescape!

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  6. Your wonderful tureen makes a gorgeous statement on your table. So many wonderful details. I'm drawn to the beautiful napkins. I love white tables! I found it interesting that you were a bit surprised by the beauty of an all white setting. It's my favorite way to lay a table. Just beautiful! Jacqueline

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  7. A truly beautiful table setting (both of them). I think I've commented on your Countryware before, but I am always amazed at how versatile it is.
    You are so fortunate to have so many items from your Nana and Mother--the candelabras are simply stunning! And I love the wine buckets used as planters--provides the appropriate height for the rest of your display.
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Paige

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  8. No wonder all your friends are smiling in that last photo! What beautiful tables, with so many lovely elements to enjoy as they dined! The white poinsettias add such elegance -- wonderful theme with all the birds, too!

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  9. Your entry is fabulous!

    The tables are exquisite. Just absolutely gorgeous!

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  10. First, thank you for giving me my first chuckle of the day about your dog. aka Yorkshire Terrorist, Little Charlie Dickens and Doorbell. My dear friend has a Yorkie so I can relate :-)

    You have a beautiful group of friends, and everyone is glowing at your luncheon. The tureen took my breath away! I am enjoying getting to know you through your beautiful tablescapes. Christmas Wishes and many blessings for the New Year. Debbie

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  11. What a wonderful post. As always there is so much I love about your tablescapes and all of your beautiful accessories. Love the silver urns flanking over your sideboard with white poinsettias. Love your napkins and tureen. you have done a great job with white. That would present more of a challenge coming up with an interesting tablescape...and you have done it well. Yes, we are blessed!

    Donna

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  12. Such a blessing to have some wonderful sisters in Christ and to be able to share such beautiful tablescapes with them. Both of your tables are absolutely stunning. Merry Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  13. What a beautiful white table setting. I especially love your Mottahedeh soup tureen. Looking through some of your other posts, I couldn't help notice how lovely your home is and that you also seem to have a dish fetish like me! I fell in love with your Lenox 13 Colony Wreath plates. I have to have them! Merry Christmas to you and yours. ~Delores

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  14. I just love the "snow bird" theme and think your tables are stunning! The white bird tureen is so pretty and my favorite piece today. Very beautiful - thank you for sharing it at Kathleen's party!

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  15. What a beautiful way to host your precious friends. Everything is just perfect-all of your whites and silvers are fab! Thanks for sharing your special day with us!

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  16. Everything is so beautiful, and before I go on to your gorgeous table, I would like to say what a beautiful group of ladies you have, and it sounds like they are just as beautiful on the inside. Now on to your table.
    Actually your table and entire room is just charming. I love your pieces and I am always a fan of anything with a birdie.
    Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas.
    Maryrose

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  17. I totally agree with Mica, your tables are just incredibly beautiful. The crystal, china, linens are all elegant. It looks like you have a lovely group of friends. Blessings to you, your wonderful daughter, and your family & friends. Merry Christmas.
    CAS

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  18. Your friends must have felt like Royalty, being privileged to dine at such beautiful tables! I think you one of the most enviable collections of table top accoutrements I have ever seen. I can't believe all that Fortuny fabric -- you must share when you have all the remakes done!

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  19. Jaw dropping glamor & elegance...love the look of it all. Well done! Merry Christmas, Sharon

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  20. Oh your tablescape makes me feel merry and bright!

    Seasons greetings to you and yours.

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  21. Well, for someone who doesn't usually do white, you rose to the occasion! It is gorgeous! It gleams and sparkles with elegance!
    Thanks for joining in, and a blessed Christmas to you and yours!

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  22. Everything is just so beautiful. You have a great tablescape.

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  23. What fun and your home and table setting are just gorgeous. Yorkies do make great doorbells!

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  24. How pretty! I love your soup tureen. The icy greenery and mercury glass candle sticks just make it perfect.
    Sherry

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  25. Cherry Kay, I so enjoy entering your home and experiencing the thoughtful warmth of your tables. This one is lovely...elegant but inviting at the same time.

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  26. What a gorgeous table! That soup tureen is just wonderful. I can see that you were able to use that for such wonderful inspiration. The white and white is beautiful. I love the new color of your dining room. It is very similar to mine. Depending on the time of day, it is golden, greenish or tan. You have been such an inspiration to me, during my first year of blogging. Thank you!

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  27. This is the very essence of white done right. Everything is gorgeous. I love the overall look and attention to detail. And I am wild over the stunning tablecloth on your round gaming table turned dinning table. It is a oppulent contrast to the white!
    Your chargers made me swoon! So beautiful.
    Your soup tureen is given center stage, very smart. And then to flank those buttery white pointesttia on either side of it... rich!
    I would have loved to be guest at your table. Best white table I have seen this year!
    Yvonne

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  28. Your traditional tabletops are stunning! The small details are beautiful! You and your friends are gorgeous too!

    Merry Christmas!

    xo,
    cristin

    ps- here from the linky party #150!

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  29. What a wonderful get together and your snow bird white is positively perfect! That soup tureen is probably the prettiest one I've ever seen :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  30. SO incredibly STUNNING & elegant! I especially LOVE the frosted pine needle tips and your AMAZING dinnerware, serveware, crystal, and linens....

    MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!
    (God I love being able to say that!!)

    :D Lynda

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  31. I wanted to stop in and thank you for your wonderful words. I hadn't thought of things quite that way...and it helped. Thanks.

    Your tables are gorgeous. I love that bird tureen...it is outstanding!

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  32. Be still my heart. This is such an amazing tablescape! Your tureen is gorgous, the chargers are amazing, but Nana's stemware really steals the show. It is gorgeous - totally my taste. I love the faux greenery and how it pulls it all together. What a lovely luncheon! Wish I could have been there.

    - The Tablescaper

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  33. How beautiful, Cherry Kay! I love all the crystal and china. Your dining room is stunning! Merry Christmas

    --Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage!

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  34. Beautiful room Cherry Kay! Pretty picture of everyone too.

    The green dishes from Cracker Barrel I have displayed are called *Peace On Earth* not majolica. Thank you for stopping by and your kindness. It's always nice to hear from you.

    Happy Holidays to you and your family! ~Melissa :)

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  35. Wonderful job! Your tablescaping sparkles. Everything came together beautifully.

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  36. Cherry your tables are truely breathtaking! The tureen on the first table made me draw in my breath it is so pretty, and all the wonderful details just go together to make a really special table. I hope you won't mind that I am going to save some of these photos in my inspirton folder:>) Merry Christmas to you!

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  37. Oh Cherry Kay! You set the loveliest tables. Both tables are so elegant. Who would ever think white dishes are boring after seeing these? Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your are cute!....Christine

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  38. thank you for visiting The Vintage Nest. You sure have a beautiful group of garden friends....a true blessing. And your table settings are divine. I am in love with your bird soup tureen. Oh heck....I am in love with it all. A merry merry Christmas to you and yours. ~ Miles of Smiles, Lynn

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  39. The only words I can come up with is what an exquisite table. I like that you didn't use a tablecloth, the dishes really stand out. The bird topped tureen is beautiful.
    Merry Christmas!

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  40. This is one of the loveliest tables I've seen. It is so elegant. Every detail is perfectly executed. The tureen is breathtaking! You ladies all look so pretty!

    Merry Christmas Cherry Kay,

    Nancy

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  41. I love the table setting.

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  42. I just had the most enjoyable time visiting with you and viewing each photo of your beautiful home! The table settings are so festive and inviting! Loveliness fills your home and your blog!

    Kindly, Lorraine

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  43. Your white table setting is absolutely delightful!!! The bird theme is so fitting for Christmas, too. Your tureens are beautiful, as well as the china and glassware. Everything is perfect!
    I love your Persian rug, how nice to find such a large one for that price. Your new wall color is lovely!
    Your nan had great taste, so sweet of her to hand it down to you. What a blessing!
    Thank you so much for visiting me, it was a treat to see your blog.
    You mentioned the "prayer warriors" in your bible study. Would they be willing to pray for Jeremiah? He is 11 months old and has already had one kidney removed due to cancer and now there is a spot on his remaining kidney. If it is cancer and the doctor's seem fairly certain that it is, then chemotherapy comes next...his parents are scared stiff for him. Please have your ladies pray for Jeremiah and his parents Laura-Lee and Stuart. Stuart is the Assistant Pastor at our Church. Thanks so much! God bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas.
    Love and hugs, Cindy

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  44. Two gorgeous white tables! So many beautiful touches and lovely holiday decor I had to look again and again. Thanks for the flip top table idea. I'll have to look into that.

    Looks like a fun group of ladies!

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  45. It's all been said in previous comments - too, too beautiful.
    I loved the photo from your luncheon. You are so blessed to have such a lovely bouquet of friends!

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  46. That tureen is just beautiful. Your table is just gorgeous!! I love everything you have done! What a Christmas wonderland!!

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  47. Thank you for stopping by blog!

    I LOVE everything on your table; from the soup tureen to the crystal to the sterling (my favorite part of table). Your linens are wonderful too!

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  48. Cherry Kay, I can see why that tureen is a favorite. It is absolutely stunning. Your silver chargers are exquisite. The gorgeous crystal and those beautiful vintage napkins are icing on the cake. Wonderful tables for a pretty group of ladies. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas. laurie

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  49. Ooops! Me again. I forgot to tell you that I love the color your painted the d.r. laurie

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  50. Oh your table is breathtaking! So perfectly elegant. What a lovely setting for a Christmas gathering of friends. I also enjoyed your beautiful home tour above. Thanks for stopping by my table this week and leaving sweet comments.

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  51. I finally made it here, my friend and I'm so glad I did... you truly have the most beautiful collection of china, crystals and linens... they are beautiful and oh so elegant...feels like I'm leafing through an elegant home entertaining magazine! Those exquisite linens are perfect for this tablescape and I love the way the beautiful mahogany table is contrasting with all your white china and sparkling crystals!!I'm in love with your beautiful mercury glass candle holders and the candlesticks on your buffet... gorgeous pieces... topping them with beaded candle rings make them all the more elegant! Loved the post! Thanks for sharing with us. Will be back to peek more at your gorgeous tablescapes.Happy Sunday! Your happy follower~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  52. Happy Blog-Anniversary 2012! Often go back and read your older blogs. Love them!

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  53. I am having a ball reading some of your older tabescapes. This all white Christmas theme is so lovely. Loving the pretty bird tureen and those lovely dinner plates. So many wonderful details are put into this lovely table. Showing the wood is such a nice touch. Your house looks so festive. I so appreciate your talent for creating beautiful tables for family and friends.

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  54. How in heaven's name did I miss this post?!??!?!? I'm pretty sure I participated in that Christmas White Party, and back then I was pretty good about getting around to every participant. My bad! :-( I definitely remember seeing (and probably threatening to steal!) the Mottahedeh tureen centerpiece in subsequent posts. What a work of art! The bird jardinieres are so pretty, too. I've since actually made several pilgrimages to Nell Hills. I remember chiding myself for not visiting since 2008. Now I'm there on average of once every season. I missed the most recent Open House event thanks to our trip to New Orleans. No worries...I'm headed back there soon! I just love how with nearly every post you have included something that was a part of your dear Nana's possessions. Such a wonderful tribute to her fine taste!

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  55. What a pleasure it is, going through your previous posts again! I'm still envious of all the lovely things you received from your Nana.

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