Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Quite White

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.
NOTE:  If you follow Entertaining Women regularly, (and I thank you if you do), you'll be aware that this luncheon was held prior to painting our dining room.  It has never been posted, but it has been sitting in my personal photo archives for a spell.

I'm all about color!  That said...every once in a while, I need to stop and rest in clean, pure, shades of white.  I don't think that designing monochromatically with white comes as naturally to me as working with high color.  In hindsight, I inevitably see choices that I would change the next time around the block.  Today's luncheon was a birthday celebration for some of my precious Garden Friends Bible study group.  It's late in the evening as I write, and I'm going to keep it kind of short and sweet.

   Today I prepared for sixteen guests; I set two tables of eight.  In the dining room, my favorite vintage Damask banquet cloth was the perfect anchor for my table.  It's interesting because the only design is a geometric striped border.  I used the matching napkins.  The linens all came from my stash of Nana's tabletop treasures.

My collection of Lenox urns, bought over time at estate sales, held simple bouqets of peach and cream roses mixed with Hypericum Berries.  The white cherub Italian candelabras were purchased on eBay for very little.  If I were to repeat this table, I would make the floral arrangements fuller.  I would have been happier if they had occupied a bit more space on the table.

 For the centerpiece, I used one of my Haviland, Ranson covered serving dishes.  Again, the next time, I'll utilize a larger tureen...probably that wonderful Mottahedeh, "Musée Decoratif".

My mama's Mikasa, "Stephanie Gold" goblets brought a nice reflective quality to the table with their optic design.

The china is Haviland "Ranson.  In my "keeping it simple" state of mind, I used the Ranson for the service plate and the luncheon plate.  This beautiful vintage French china marked the beginning of my passion for collecting china.  I bought it on eBay and in antique stores over several years.

Many manufacturers made their version of Ranson, but it's hard to beat the opalescent quality of the Haviland Limoges China.  Did you know that the Haviland's were Americans?  David Haviland originally went to Limoges to order china for the family store in New York, D.G. & D. Haviland Trading.  He ultimately opened his own factory in the Limoges region of France.  Although Haviland was produced in France, it was always designed to be marketed to an American audience.  I like the subtle touch of the Ranson Butter Pat.  The Reed & Barton, "Francis I" belonged to my mother-in-love.

Ready to roll.

The second table was set in the foyer.  It's actually one of our wrought iron patio tables fitted with the 'flip-top' table top. 


 The German Bisque Angel Candlesticks belonged to my sweet mama.  I don't use them often, but they do make me smile.  The cloth is white matelasse, an eBay purchase.

The second table is virtually the same as the dining room with the exception of the angels and the silver flatware, my Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance."  I like the result of this table better...I think because the space is more effectively utilized here.  I wonder how I will change the elements for my next white tablescape?  I already have visions flying through my mind!  Maybe you'll be able to join me the next time that I venture into the world of white-on-white...I hope!

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.

60 comments:

  1. You create some fantastic tablescapes, thank you. As a result of following your blog I created a greek-style tablescape for a recent dinner party; everyone loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think a white monochromatic table is one of my very favorites. You have set a beautiful table and I'm sure the ladies of our group will be in heaven sitting there chatting over your luncheon. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So lovely, Cherry Kay! The all-white tables look so serene. Your flowers look wonderful in those pretty urns, and how fun to have even the butter pats in your Haviland!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very pretty tables. I do like white cloths and napkins -- there is just something elegant about that no matter what china you use! I like your little urns!

    ReplyDelete
  5. While I love a colourful table, there's something about white, silver and crystal that makes a table very special. It is the first and last word in elegance.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stunning! All white always gives an elegance to a table and your formal table is exquisite. A larger center floral piece would have been lovely, but fresh flowers anywhere, expecially in your gorgeous Lenox vases, sets a mood that no other decorations can. Lovely, absolutely lovely.

    Mindy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gorgeous tablescapes! I found you at my friend Marsha's! Wonderful site!

    Do come and enter my Artful Offering!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

    ReplyDelete
  8. They are both lovely tables. I love the German angels. oh my, they made my heart sing. Your Haviland is so classic and so beautiful it would be at home in any setting. The Lenox urns are great accompaniment to the larger table. You've given me inspiration to try an all white table. I must do it now! With you as a role model how could I fail? Thanks so much for dropping in with your kind words.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Elegant!!! WOW, I love the Havilland china, how gorgeous it is in your tables, both the round and large one. I love tour tbcloth, so crisp looking. Love the 2 Lenox urns with the flower arrangements, great idea to do!
    Just beautiful pretty lady! Thank you for showing.

    LOVE
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  10. All white! It looks so pure and fresh, so beautiful! I love it, Cherry Kay and I am in love with your flatware and pair of candelabra...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  11. Cherry Kay , how pretty, I wouldn't mind which table I sat at. That Reed and Barton is just gorgeous. I am in love with it. The flowers are just stunning and such a pretty touch of spring - hope it comes soon. Beautiful as always.

    ReplyDelete
  12. On Tuesdays I can hardly wait to visit your blog and see what you have done! I an never disappointed either.....you have such a talent for tablescapes and making your guests feel pampered and special with all of your treasures that you share so generously. The white is heavenly and your mama's angels look right at home on the round table. Your Haliland china is so pretty and classic and sets a gorgeous table!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love an all white table setting and yours looks very elegant!

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  14. I thought your larger table was pretty special - I especially liked the reflection in your hutch. But the round table is my favorite. My daughter tells me "round tables are friendlier" and I would feel so special to be a part of this table group! The warm shades of white are so inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cherry Kay
    The white matlasee ( sorry my spelling is off here) is lovely and the candelabras are amazing!!
    xx
    Bunny

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love these tables too. I'm sure it was a fun birthday lunch! Those tablecloths are very pretty and make everything look even prettier!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your table is stunning. I would feel honored to set at your table and enjoy wonderful conversation. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is so elegant. I love the simple but classy look of this gorgeous table. You always have the prettiest tablescapes.

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  19. Truly elegant and beautiful. Love your flowers to the sides of the center piece (a real piece of china, eh?)

    Hope you had a lovely dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  20. How pretty and elegant both tables are! Just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Cherry Kay! Yes, I agree, the white table is calming, elegant, and very beautiful. I love the subtle color in the arrangements, and those candelabras in your dining room are awesome. Your tablecloth in the foyer and the lenox vase were great finds! Didn't you say you got your flip-top at Sam's club?? Do you mind letting me know the size? Thanks! Beautiful as always!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your whites are beautiful and so soothing. I absolutely love your Ranson, especially on your matelasse. I know your guests must feel pampered and special sitting at one of your tables.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pure and simple beauty. There is nothing better than simple elegance. You nailed it beautifully! Lori L

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've tried to set a monochromatic table, but I'm always disappointed with the result. Yours, on the other hand, is simply lovely as usual!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Pretty and so serene. I love your flatware pattern and the Haviland plates are just classic perfection.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I adore white on white, and you have done it so well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. How beautiful and elegant. Love matelasse tablecloths.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Monochromatic tables do stretch us "color" girls a bit, don't they? I can see why you'd change a thing or two (since you mentioned it), but I doubt your guests would. Both tables are inviting and relaxing. It would be a treat to sit at either of them although the round one is my favorite, too.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Simple but extremely elegant...beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wonderful! Your table so elegant and crisp. Just like a fresh spring breeze. If you have time to stop by this week you can see what I hunt for on ebay, to answer your question from last week. I sure appreciate your visits! I know I get a feast for my eyes when I visit you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Collecting Lenox urns is so interesting! It looks like you have more on the sideboard and they are all beautiful. Love your peaceful and elegant table. The pretty peachy flowers work so well with the creamy china. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  32. An all white table is clean and pure and inviting. It's a lot harder to pull it off than some might think. You, of course, championed it all around! EVERYTHING is beatiful! The tinge of color from the florals is just perfect. You have such exquisite taste, and it's always a joy to visit your blog! I hope you have a wonderful, colorful (or not!) weekend! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  33. From an angel collector - Love those angel candleholders!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Elegant and understated beauty!
    I love how every place has a 'pat' of butter.
    Blessings and hope to be up and running soon!
    Shel xx

    ReplyDelete
  35. Absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love your white tablescape and the flowers are absolutely enchanting. My dance teacher used to say that white always looks good on stage... I guess it's true for tables too!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Lady CK,
    I always gasp everything I jump in here. No more words to say. LOVE your elegant settings. A very excellent job done.

    Happy TS...

    greetings from freesing Stockholm,
    /chie
    P.S.
    Not done so well this week coz been sick since Dec. At least, I could join the fun day.
    x0x0

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love the white theme. At times is great to go back to the basics and stay with white as the main theme. Simply, pure and makes people go WOW. Well done

    ReplyDelete
  39. Love the white on white. Your sense of elegance never ceases to inspire. Thanks for sharing your two lovely tables. CJ

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your china! Those butter pat dishes are wonderful! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Both are beautiful! I think it is easier to do a round table, love the cloth!
    The urns and flowers are beautiful! We are always so critical of our work, yet others simply enjoy it!
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! Your tables are so amazing. Love the matelasse on the round table. Everything is gorgeous and elegant!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Such beautiful tables - I love the elegance that the white brings forth. Just gorgeous. I can't help but eye those Lenox urns. what a wonderful addition to your collection.

    And about the matalesse tablecoth....

    - The Tablescaper

    ReplyDelete
  44. How beautiful, Cherry Kay! There is someting so elegant about an all white table! I had to study each photo...so many lovely things! Happy weekend!...hugs...Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very beautiful...your Italian candleabras are great. I'm on the lookout for a maltelese tablecloth now! I came close at T.J. Maxx, but it was lime green and I think it would be more practical to have white or off white...I read up on Haviland last year after I observed the name of some china at a restaurant. I love that it's made in America! Sterling silver plays off of white so nicely...always reminds me of weddings!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful tablescape ~ so elegant and soft. I especially love your white matelasse tablecloth. I have a twin bedspread like that, that I was thinking of turning into pillows or maybe now a tablecloth.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  47. White is always good, and you have done it beautifully. I especially like the cloth on the round table, and you are right, the second one is special. I wouldn't mind being seated at either table though.

    ReplyDelete
  48. So beautiful Cherry Kay! And I am in love with the white matelasse cloth!

    ReplyDelete
  49. The table is lovely. I think white on white is difficult to pull off, but you certainly had no trouble.

    The Haviland is to die for. Thank you for the education. Never dreamed it was an American company.

    Love the term mother-in-love. I had one of those too. She was a dear.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I, too, am all about color as you may have noticed on my blog. But I am feeling the pull of calmer, more neutral tones, perhaps as my life has been a little stressful lately.

    I understand your comment about using larger floral arrangements in the future, but I think that sometimes what might look better in a photo is not necessarily what works best for a real life dinner party.

    I have seen tablescapes in magazines and books that were so enormous that there is no way that the guests could have even seen each other, much less spoken to each other!

    For your real life dinner party, your guests were the focal point. As it should be in the most welcoming of homes, like yours!

    ReplyDelete
  51. 16 guests? I'm not sure I could handle it! I'd much rather be one of the guests, especially with you setting such a lovely table :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi... I came to you first time and really love your tables specially the white one, so serent and calming
    Hope you will enjoy your visit if you can spare a little bit to see some napkin folds

    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Cherry Kay, I love this beautiful tablescape! You really have such lovely things. :o) I was trying so hard to remember whose daughter had written and sung that beautiful song so I'm so glad I found you again. I'm sharing it on my blog sometime this week. :o)I'll be sure to direct readers over here when I do.

    Blessings,
    Donna @ Comin' Home

    ReplyDelete
  54. Your tables are always lovely, Cherry Kay. These are elegent, yet reserved -- seemingly simple, but carefully planned and perfectly executed. These have that elusive "old world" charm and grace -- pure inspiration!

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm completely in awe of your beautiful china cabinet because it's so large, and so useful. Beautiful. Your tablescape...absolutely perfect!
    xx's

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a wonderfully refreshing, lovely and charming table. Loved the touch of peach and gold. Love love love your china, so very pretty.
    Simply elegant, great job!
    blessings, Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  57. Classic, CLASSY, romantic, beautiful! Both tables are stunning. I do love that matelasse cloth! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your beautiful tables! I am sure your guests were OOOHING and AHHING all over the place:):) XO, Pinky

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you so much Cherry Kay for such nice and generous comment on my Limoge table, coming from such a talented lady like you, it's a huge compliment!
    I'll take advantage to tell you that your candelabras are stunning! I really need to get somehting as beautiful as that, in crystal, or porcelain like yours. Have a wonderful weekend.
    XOXO
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  59. My favorite of the two tables is the one set on the matelasse cloth. The tone-on-tone adds just the right detail but keeps the all-white look. Perfection!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for spending your time to leave a comment. I read each and every one of your generous thoughts. They encourage me in so many ways.

Follow Me on Instagram