Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Hen Party

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 it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

After two blizzards over the past two weeks, I was so excited to be with my Garden Friends Bible Study once again.    To celebrate our reunion, I invited them to stay after Bible study for "A Hen Party."  Fare featured homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Chili, and Chicken Salad....do you see a theme here?!

A table for ten was in order for today's "dine and dash" luncheon.  I knew that because I was featuring a variety of chicken recipes today that I wanted to feature my Fitz and Floyd chicken tureen and individual chicken ramekins.

I've had the chickens for many years...probably more than thirty years.  A long, long time ago, we used to be one of the owners of a gift store called "Applefields."  It featured fine cookware, Dansk, Fitz & Floyd, and many other tabletop lines.  I never worked there, but I took full advantage of an owner's discount.  My poultry collection was one of my favorite acquisitions....I collected chickens before chickens were cool.

Mama Chicken takes stage center today.  She is flanked by a pair of inexpensive estate sale find, blue & white import vases filled with a casual grouping of roses and tulips.  Tip:  My "casual" bouquets really aren't that casually constructed.  I didn't have enough flowers to fill the vases...allowing the flowers to hold each other in place...so I stuffed a chunk of Oasis into the throat of the vase and placed my stems "just so" to use the space effectively.  You might have observed that I wired the tulips.  For today, I wanted them to 'stand at attention' instead of drooping over the rim.  To either side of Mrs. Chicken, I placed a pair of Coalport, Blue and White Decanters.  I see these decanters frequently on eBay.  They can be bought quite reasonably; I think that they were originally limited edition bottles for some brand of liquor...works for me.

My choice of flowers was dictated by this neat old tablecloth.  It features a cross-stitch and embroidered pattern of florals, done by hand.  The reticulated design running down the center of the table is crocheted.  This belonged to my grandmother Madden, but I don't know if she personally stitched the piece.  She liked to do hand work, and I'm guessing that this is her creation...but I can't be certain.

You saw the Royal Cauldon square plate last week on my Valentines tablescape.  Today, I liked the way that its embossed edge picked up the crocheted design in the tablecloth and  the lace corner of the linen napkin, one of our treasures from sweet Nana.  The Spode, "Wildflower" dinner plate is another example of the benefits that can come from dropping by estate sales during the last hour.  These sell for $60. 00++ on Replacements.  I brought them home for $5.00 per plate.  Yes, my chest was just a bit puffed up.

My everyday stainless, Towle, "Antique Bead" was perfect for soup and salad.  I bought the set of silver plate cream soups recently on eBay.  I don't know the maker, but they were a useful purchase.  The blue pressed glass butter dome was a birthday gift.  It's new; I don't know who made it, either.

When I want to achieve a maximum effect with a minimum of flowers, I often march a variety of miniature containers  down the center of the table.  In a former life, the small blue & white 'pots' were votive candleholders.  I bought them with the idea that they could become great mini-floral containers.  Today I paired my new Mikasa, "French Countryside" goblets with cobalt and clear stemmed goblets from The Dollar Tree.  Tip:  I had seen these goblets at Dollar Tree, but when I wanted to purchase them, they were no longer available.  I asked the manager if there was a way to obtain them.  He gave me the phone number for the distribution center.  I called them, and they shipped them to me.  I can't remember if they shipped them directly to me or to the store.  It was not a big ordeal, and I was thrilled to have them.  Just sayin'....

It was a bright and sunny 78ยบ here today...perfect weather to gather with precious friends for Bible study, good food, and treasured fellowship.  I hope that someday you'll be able to join us at the table.  

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  HERE 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.  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.

51 comments:

  1. Lovely. Blue and white is timeless. The covered chicken bowls are so wonderful for soup or perhaps a pot pie? How nice that you have such a nice group of women friends to study with and to share company.
    Marie Arden Pink Living

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  2. Oh, that blue is just gorgeous! I love it! The hens are great. This is just so fun and refreshing! It makes me feel like the winter might be leaving!

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  3. It's so lovely! I love Fitz and Floyd anything :)

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  4. Your tablesetting is just beautiful. I love your cross stitched tablecloth. I have some similar placemats that were crossed stitched by my mother many years ago.

    Carolyn/A Sooutherners Notebook

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  5. Weird...I was typing a comment, and the screen suddenly went black and everything disappeared. I think the ghost is back at my house! :-( Anyway...where to start, where to start? I LOVE the blue and white, and it is made that much prettier with the contrast of the colorful bouquets on the linen and in the vases! You said you wired your tulips. With all the chickens, I'm surprised you didn't use chicken wire! ;-) When I want my tulips or poppies or callas to stand at attention, I shove a length of wire up their stem. A florist friend taught me that trick. It's a little faster. I LOVE the chickens. You were very wise to have acquired them when you had the chance. Also love your silver service in the background. I am going to Google a Dollar Tree location and just drive to it tomorrow. I've heard everyone talk about the great finds there, but I have never seen one. That will all change tomorrow! And what a savvy shopper you are to have found those fabulous dinner plates for just $5!!!!!! Incredible!!! I am sure your Bible study group was enchanted by the whole room. I'm glad the temps have become more favorable for entertaining, too! Have a wonderful week, and thanks for stopping by my blog earlier today. I always enjoy hearing from you! Take care!

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  6. I have decided that THIS is my favorite of all of your tables. Since I'm a big Cherry Kay fan, that is really saying something. I love that table cloth anyway, but when you added the whole blue chicken theme, it just came alive.

    LOVED this, Cherry Kay.
    And I want some of those stems from the DT, by gum.

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  7. *sigh*
    What a lovely table! I looked and enlarged, and looked again. Your efforts must have made your Garden Club Bible Study friends feel very special!
    Did you own Applefields in the 80's?

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  8. Such fun you all must have had with the chicken theme!

    You did really well at creating a neat table for your friends. Glad to see what you are sharing.

    God bless,
    d from homehaven

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  9. Just so you know, I think I remember my mother buying the stamped cross stitched placemats, it also had some of the lace on them. I actually have them. I think it was purchased as a kit and then cross stitched. I love the design and I need to look for my six placemats and use them. I love the fact that you have the tablecloth. I would be willing to bet that your grandmother bought this table cloth and did the cross stitch herself. Thank you for visiting my blog.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  10. I came over from Jackies' Chocolat Home, so glad I did! What a lovely table, the blues and spring flowers are just what I needed to boost my spirits...thank you!

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  11. Cherry Kay, as always it's a delight to come visiting. Your tablecloth caught my eye right away. It's truly a piece to be cherished. Your dinner plate score was just that.... one great big score! I love your decanters too. Blue and white is always so refreshing. Love the idea of the oasis! And those blue goblets are just what I've been wanting.. now to see if Dollar Tree still has them.. Thanks for inspiring again and providing such a beautiful venue! I'm your your bible study group thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

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  12. I love your "dine and dash" luncheon! Those blue goblets jumped out at me at DT as well, but I already have plenty of cobalt goblets. Sure was hard to pass on them at that price! Glad you found some!

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  13. Absolutely gorgeous! LOVE the hen party! I'm so thrilled that you had good weather to be able to host again! We went from snow to 65 degrees in about a day! Surreal!

    We would love to either host you or meet you when you come to Italy!
    Here's my email, which will still work over there:
    lanakwaustin@att.net
    We leave on Sunday/get in Mon & it'll take a few days to get up in running on the blog/email, but it should be soon.
    I'll email you much more once we're there. I have one more small post to put up but then I may be offline for the week, but promise to check my email/respond as soon as we get plugged back in!
    You're a joy!
    MANY blessings to you,
    Lana

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  14. Cherry Kay-OH I am in love with all things blue! Oddly enough, I just read tonight why you call your group the Garden Friends. I love that! Hopefully, they don't fall asleep on you :) Your table from start to finish is gorgeous. Love the stemware and the tureens, and the colors of the tulips and tablecloth...well, all of it!

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  15. I really need to get some blue and white dishes because I always love seeing how other people decorate with them! So pretty -and springy too!

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  16. What a pretty table and a fun time was had by all, I'm sure! Have a wonderful week! Sandi

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  17. Oh My this is great!! The chicken tureen and the ramekins are absolutely perfect!! And I love those old lace napkins!! What a great idea for your hen party!

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  18. Oh my God, you tablesetting is just beautiful .I like your tablecloth have one similar from Spain,The hens are so cute I loved.
    XOX
    Isora

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  19. Yes, the chickens are fun and adorable, but my eye immediately went to the Spode wildflower. Love it! And I love how it goes with your grandmother's cloth. Just the right colors POP!

    Too bad we don't live closer. We'd have a blast. Any chance Jet Blue flies into OK? I'd be tempted to look for one of their cheap fares just so we could go dish shopping together!!!

    - The Tablescaper

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  20. I love the mix of the blues and those cobalt pieces are really stunning. I loved your menu too.

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  21. Just beautiful. I LOVE all the blue and white. Great tip about Dollar Tree and those hens are just too fun!

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  22. Wow - this is such a beautiful inviting table. Hen Party - I love it! I've been a follower of your blog for a long time but never posted a comment. I love how you you have your table all together. The flowers and your lovely heirloom tablecloth give it the extra pop of color!

    Blue and white along with hens, chickens and any other ceramic farm animals are my favorites. And as I mentioned to Marlis - I have those very same Mikasa French County goblets. You did an outstanding job. Thank you for sharing and thank you for all of buying tips too - how lucky is your Bible Garden Club! I believe the sun showed up for your party! Mrs. S

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  23. The colors of your table are wonderful and the hens at each place are adorable!! I don't have much blue in my collection, but love how pretty this is; especially the deep glasses!

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  24. Well, from 4 ft. snow drifts to 78 degree weather and sunshine in less than a week. Only in Oklahoma?? This is yet another of my most favorite tables...I don't have much blue in my collection either, but I adore sitting at a beautiful blue and white table - and this one was stunning. All the mama hens gathered at this gorgeous table, lunching and munching on a variety of chicken yummies, had a most lovely, relaxed time. The spark of the yellow and red flowers gave the table a wonderful depth and richness. Just gorgeous. Another home run, my dear friend! What a blessing to sit at any of your beautiful still life settings.

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  25. Oh, I love a table full of chicks! The setting hen mini tureens are adorable. I love all the cobalt and white...it is so refreshing and makes me smile. Gorgeous tablecloth.

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  26. I always love anything blue and white and those chickens are wonderful!!!! I have one of those same vases -- alas, mine was a Hobby Lobby purchase so I'm sure you got a better deal at an Estate Sale!!!!

    I do think blue and white sets the perfect table!

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  27. A gorgeous hen party! I love the blue and white, of course, it's a favorite of mine. And hens and chicks are another favorite.

    Enjoyed this!

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  28. I am so impressed that you have the individual chicken casseroles for TEN! What a fun collection! I always enjoy all the details you provide, along with tips like wiring the tulips. My husband's family included Maddens -- perhaps we are distant cousins-by-marriage? :-)

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  29. This table is beyond fun, those individual hen ramekins are just over the top. Your F&F centerpiece just makes me swoon.

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  30. Fabulous! I'm so glad I found your blog.

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  31. What a great theme! Very cute table and I love all the hens...Christine

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  32. You do the most beautiful tables. The tablecloth is a real treasure, and the way you put it together with the blues really makes the most of it.

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  33. You always have the most beautiful table....every week I can hardly wait to see what you have done. Being a lover of blue and white, I am hovering over each photo, drinking in the beauty and flawless execution of design plan. But today, the one thing that catches my eye is your grandmother's tablecloth! WOW...it is a work of art. I do handwork so I can appreciate all the labor of love and hours of work that went into that cloth! I am wondering if the fine work in the center is "tatting" and not crochet. It is so delicate but it is difficult to tell from the photo. I love the way you share your talent of tablescapes, cooking, and entertaining with all of your friends.

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  34. Love your chicken table! That tablecloth is fabulous!

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  35. Cherry,

    Those covered chicken dishes are just the cutest ever...haven't seen those blue and white ones before..what little treasures sitting on those gorgeous dishes! You really set a beautiful table..blue and white are my favorites! Arent's you enjoying this wonderful weather!!

    Miss Bloomers/Sonia

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  36. This was a real treat to see. I loved how you put it together and a very cute theme. A fabulous way to show you cherish your friends. Those blue goblets just finish off the look with the individual chicken dishes. Everything coordinates so well.

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  37. I don't really have blue dishes. But seeing them often makes me think to purchase even 4sets.

    Hen party, sound, funny but the idea is really cool. TY again for the great idea that I bring it back to Sweden.

    Happy TS & a blessed w/end ahead.
    /chie

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  38. Beautiful blue and white! The touches of colors in the flowers are perfect! Love the hen party theme with the chickens and chicken food! The soup tureen is beautiful, and the little chicken ramekins as well!

    Katherine

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  39. I love how you used the flowers to pull the colors from the tablecloth...and again with the subtle color pick up in the Spode Wildflower plate! The Royal Cauldon plate and the napkins work together perfectly...mixed all together it's terrific! The ramekins are so cute...I'm seeing custard with nutmeg in them! Don't you just love the Mikasa wine glasses, I got them in the ruby color..I should get the clear too. The cobalt blue really zings with the light! Mama chicken is very proud of this tablescape!

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  40. truly lovely tablescape...well done!!

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  41. Every time I decide to veer from blue, some sweet soul like you comes along and reminds me why I love it! I know your guests felt loved and appreciated when they saw this table! How generous of you to take so much time and effort!
    Angela

    http://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com

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  42. Your tablescape is just beautiful. I especially love the Fitz and Floyd hens and the blue dishes your acquired from the estate sale. Nicely done!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your nice comment.
    Randee

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  43. OMGoodness! I love EVERYTHING!!! This table is exquisite! The tablecloth is gorgeous and what a TREASURE!!!!! I have been searching for cobalt goblets so wioll check my Dollar Tree! Who knew??? The hen tureens are wonderful. I ahve collected blue and white oriental porcelains for about 25 years now so this table is dear to my heart! XO, Pinky

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  44. Cherry Kay, I love it again! I always love your tablescapes. How wonderful to have those lovely individual duck bowls. Your estate sale bargain dishes are so pretty, and I love your grandmother's tablecloth. (I have those same $ store stems) What lucky ladies to be treated so often by your wonderful tablescapes and food. laurie

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  45. Hi lovely lady. You know how much I love your Tablescapes !!!This one is Gorgeous ~~~~ I love blue with white and your Grandmother's Tablecloth is Beautiful . xxoo Diane

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  46. your table is darling, i love love love your hens~

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  47. Cherry Kay,
    Your table is lovely, the table cloth is what caught my eye first it is absolutely beautiful. The hens are pretty amazing too!!
    xx
    Bunny
    thank you for your words of comfort on my post...

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  48. This is just beautiful-love the chicken tureens. Blue and white is always timeless and beautiful. What a treasure that tablecloth is.

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  49. I can't believe I missed this one when you first posted it, Cherry Kay. I'm in love with your individual F&F chicken tureens as well as the Spode Wildflower plates. You find THE BEST deals! I want to shop Estate sales with you. '-)
    Thanks for sharing the link to this post again. ~ Sarah

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  50. I can't believe I missed this one when you first posted it, Cherry Kay. I'm in love with your individual F&F chicken tureens as well as the Spode Wildflower plates. You find THE BEST deals! I want to shop Estate sales with you. '-)
    Thanks for sharing the link to this post again. ~ Sarah

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