Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A Touch 'O the Green

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.

My friends are so generous and giving throughout the year.  It blesses me to be able to invite them to be the guest of honor at my table when their birthdays come around.  This day, I was excited to set a table for a few friends to join me in a birthday celebration for my dear, dear friend Cindy.  You can meet Cindy by visiting her blog More Entertaining Women, HERE.  Cindy's favorite color for decorating is green, so in a nod to St. Patrick's Day and Cindy, I created a table featuring lovely greens.

A table for five was well-suited for the game table in our living room.  You'll no doubt remember that I am fond of a round table for ease of conversation during the meal.  I laid a 90" handkerchief-weight linen tablecloth as a base for my table.  This sweet feminine cloth was a $15.00 estate sale find.  I love the scalloped edge and the dots...oh I do love dots!

This particular table is all about the china...Bernardaud Limoges, "Artois, Green."  I was incredibly fortunate to purchase a service for 12 with many serving pieces for an amazingly reasonable price from a Haviland dealer who is my friend.  I used the coffee pot, the master sugar and creamer, and the teapot as a part of my centerpiece.

I wanted the flowers to pick up on the floral pattern in the china.  Green and blue hydrangeas and pink snapdragons, from the grocery store, were simply plopped in the base of a lidded, footed compote by Pasabache.  Pasabache is a very inexpensive Turkish crystal, often sold as Fifth Avenue Crystal.  I bought several of these on eBay for around $12.00 each.  They still show up for auction periodically, if you have an interest.  It was just the right proportion for today's table, and I love the reflective element of the compote in combination with the crystal votives from Dollar Tree...that's right...can you believe it?  I use these little jewels often.

Tip:  I've already mentioned repeating the china's floral pattern in the flowers.  Look closely at the rim in the votive....do you see the floral border around the top?  Now, check out the patterns in the tablecloth.  Does the green laurel wreath on the china remind you of the laurel design in the cloth?  And look at the garland of posies stitched on the linen...Repetitive patterns within a tablescape "stitch" your design together.  Did you know that repeated patterns are psychologically comforting for most people?  It's why I like all those dots, and plaids, and stripes, and many other patterns.  How about you?

I used the Waterford, "Simply Pink" goblet to bring out the touch of pink in the flowers on the china.  Today I've paired the pink goblet with one of my wedding crystal goblets, Lalique, "Treves."  If you look closely at the stem, you'll notice a filagree design in the frosted stem.  Many years ago, I chose this crystal stem because I liked the way that it worked with the filagree scroll in the Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance" flatware.  The crisp white linen napkin features an organdy cartouche monogrammed with our dear Nana's initials.  The napkin sits nicely next to the MacKenzie-Childs individual salt and peppers presented on small silver trays.  I've collected these over a number of years, one pair at a time, because I consider them a bit expensive.  Each pair is different, and even though they are quite whimsical, I am continually amazed that they work well with many different table designs.

As a first course, I served a delicious chilled Avocado & Cucumber Soup in these Val St. Lambert scalloped crystal bowls.  The bowls were one of those super last hour estate sale finds for 75% off!  As a charger plate, I used some of Nana's 1920's Limoges, "Dresden Flowers," wide gold rimmed plates.  Tip:  They effectively set off the dainty pattern of the Bernardaud, "Artois."  Without the gold charger, the delicate design would have been 'swallowed' by the bright white of the tablecloth.  The charger also once again repeats a design element...the narrow gold rim on the dinner and salad plate.

Birthdays, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and multiple other occasions...I'm already envisioning many ways to use this lovely porcelain in tablescapes.  How would you use it in a design?  It is always a treat to realize that I have found such a precious group of talented bloggers with whom I can share a passion for tablescaping and entertaining.

I continue to hope that one day you will be one of the honored guests at my table...just think of the ideas that we can share!  Oh happy day!

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.

37 comments:

  1. Your table is beautiful as always. Every detail is so carefully thought out.

    But I especially must thank you for posting the information about your dughter's website. She has such an amazing voice and such an incredible story. Her music truly blessed me as I was listening to it. I am going to tell my daughter. I think she will love the music, too!

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  2. A very pretty table, as always -- and like you, I adore antique linens and that table is wonderful! Beautiful china and I like how you tied the flowers into the color of the china. It is nice to do that!

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  3. Cherry Kay, another beautiful table! OOh I know my heart stopped when I saw that lovely table cloth. All the embroidery and those darling scallops on the ends. The Dresden flowers plate is a perfect charger for these delicate Bernaudaud plates. The pink goblets are perfect on the table! You are so right about repetitive patterns. If you use it once, use it two more times! Holds true in your house, your sewing, your table..

    Thank you so much for sharing this lovely table with us. And for all your tips, I so appreciate them.

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  4. Hi Cherry Kay!

    You always amaze & instruct with every tablescape...you have a vast knowledge of beautiful items & I truly appreciate you sharing that information with us. I never fail to learn something every time I visit with you.

    I've been away in FL for 6 wks. & had only spotty wi-fi. I was unable to access blogs, including my own! I've really missed being in the loop.
    I see I have LOTS of catching up to do on your beautiful blog.

    Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
    Hugs,
    Rett

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  5. What a beautiful setting. I love how you tie everything in and are able to use vintage, ebay and dollar tree finds all in the same tablescape. Those flowers are beautiful and really accentuate all the little details in the china. What a pretty pattern!

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  6. Hi Lady CK,
    I won't say NO, the time you ring me and ask me to come to join you in your extravaganza tables.

    How I wish I could smell your fresh flower & the touch all your lovely treasures.

    Drooling all of them.

    Happy TS & St. Patric's Day.

    x0x0...
    /chie

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  7. Mary, from Home Is Where The Boat Is, left a generous comment which I accidentally deleted from blogger. I was able to copy her kind words and paste them here. Thank you, Mary. I despise incompetence, particularlt my own. Cherry Kay


    Repeated patterns are comforting to me, I didn't realize there was psychology behind it though, LOL~

    Love your beautiful dotted & scalloped estate find tablecloth! The coffee service & china is beautiful! Everything is picture perfect & a lovely table for a birthday celebration!

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  8. I love Bernadaud Artois Green ~ it was the china I registered for many years ago when I got married. Your table is so beautiful!

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  9. Your table with the 'touch 'o the green' is beautiful. It looks so inviting. I could make myself right at home! Lori L

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  10. This china is absolutely beautiful! Love all the detail...thank you for sharing!
    Blessings My Friend,

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  11. What a lovely table to celebrate your friends birthday with.

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  12. How beautiful! Those flowers are beautiful and your table must have made the guest of honor feel very special indeed!

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  13. Such a feminine and festive table. Very pretty!!

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  14. This china is exquisite!! The colors are beautiful. The WHOLE table is beautiful. I love the pink glasses and your tablecloth is wonderful. I'm sure everyone had a wonderful time!

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  15. Beautiful china! I like the centerpiece using the tea pot and coffee pot!

    Katherine

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  16. I really enjoy coming over to see your tablescapes, Cherry Kay. I just love seeing all your many different patterns of dinnerware. They are all so exquisite and this is no exception. Happy birthday to your dear friend. I am sure everybody will enjoy this...Christine

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  17. Your nod to "Cindy's" green is beautiful! So glad to see someone else talking about the importance of repetition. It does make for a much nicer end result!

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  18. Sooooo.... beautiful tablescape, I love your tabecloth and The pink goblets.
    Thank you so much sharing!!!!
    XOX
    Isora

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  19. This is such a lovely table for your friend Cindy! I love your centerpiece and china too. Gorgeous tablecloth! Wishing you a happy St. Paddy's Day tomorrow! ~Delores

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  20. Lucky birthday girl, to be feted at such a lovely table! I love dots too!

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  21. Cherry Kay, you have the nicest collection of china, it is always a treat to see what you will be showing each week. This week's china is beautiful with the little pink flowers that go so nicely with those gorgeous pink stems. Your tablecloth is beautiful.

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  22. Beautiful tablescape! All of them are!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment -- so happy to have found you and am now your newest follower!

    Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  23. Cherry Kay, your table is exquisite! Your china is gorgeous, just gorgeous and so very elegant, your friend is so lucky to be in your home with such beautiful table and tablecloth and cheering with those great goblets too. Happy birthday and happy St. Pat's Day!
    FABBY

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  24. Hi Cherry Kay! I, too, love repetitive patterns, but didn't know why until I read your lovely post. Your table is stunning, the tablecloth was such a great find, and that china--makes me woozy it's so beautiful. I can see it outdoors for a garden party! You have amazing insight, your comment about the blue garland really made me think--and you are so right! Thanks so much!! Gorgeous table!!

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  25. Hello! I am so glad to see your gorgeous table this afternoon. It gives me energy to finish my chores! Thanks for visiting my blog last night. As you saw, I definitely DO agree with the power of repetitive design! It works on a person's psyche...in a good way! :-) They may not necessarily know WHAT it is they're seeing in total that makes them feel so good, but they do revel in the feeling. Your china design is gorgeous, and table linen is so pretty. You put everything together so very well...as always! I hope you have a wonderful day today and an even better weekend! I'm going to stop by your friend's blog to check it out, too. Take care!

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  26. Cherry Kay!

    Artois is one of my favorite patterns. Your table is just beautiful. I want to come to your house on my birthday!!!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  27. Cherry Kay:

    Another outstanding table. I love that pattern and always have. I love how your flowers echo the pattern. Your rose goblets are gorgeous. Such a beautiful color.And the touch of whimsy provided by McKC is the perfect touch!

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. Love the table setting it looks wonderful. Well Done.

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  29. This is such a beautiful delicate pattern and I love the colors! You did such a wonderful job picking up the colors of the china pattern in the flowers, it seems like the entire room is tied into the color scheme. As you said, it is very pleasing! Thanks for sharing.

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  30. I always learn something from you each time I visit, and you are always such a gracious lady. Your tables are always beyond Lovely.....and I do so love the Waterford "Simply Pink", the antique cloth, and Nana's 1920's china!! In fact, I love everything!! (as always !) I am more than pleased to know you and learn from a master hostess. I always tell my grandsons that one is never too old to learn new things.

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  31. Hi lovely lady. Your Tablescapes are so Beautiful ~~~You al-way's know how to put it all together for a party sweet lady ~~~ Thanks so much for your lovely comments on my tablescapes... I hope you have a Great Weekend !!xxoo
    Diane

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  32. That china is beautiful! The table is very elegant! Missed you at the blog crawl!

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  33. Cherry kay you have been and gawn and done it again....bewtiful!!! Ha ha I have just read all the comments and I noticed just how many of lovely ladies made comments about the beautiful waterford crystal glasses, as indeed I was going to. They are simply stunning!

    Jo

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  34. Oh my goodness what a stunningly beautiful table Cherry Kay. That tablecloth is wonderful and what a great deal on the price. I'm always on the lookout for round tablecloths, I would love to find one such as yours.

    The table centerpiece is wonderful and I love the silver flatware too. I bet your friends were in heaven sitting at this table. Thanks for sharing.

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  35. Lovely, Cherry Kay, with your usual touches of elegance. I'm thinking I would love to be a guest at one of your tables. It's always good to hear from you, too.

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  36. Thanks as always for your visit! I never cease to be amazed at your astonishing collection of fine things. Catching up on your blog for the last week or so, I enjoyed seeing not only this beautiful table but the one set by your daughter. Her china is breathtaking -- I have never seen that pattern before.

    Isn't it nice that Spring has arrived? More pretty tables.

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  37. I have that same pattern of Haviland -- but in pink! The joy of so many Haviland patterns is mixing and matching, don't you think? Cheers to another beautiful tablescape!

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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.

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