A Quiet Independence Day Celebration + First Blogiversary Giveaway

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.

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It's amazing to think that I've been blogging for a year.  Blogworld has come along at a perfect time in my life, and I've had a blast!  I am thrilled to find so many wonderful, talented, and generous souls who share my passion for tablescaping and gracious entertaining.  Heartfelt thanks go to so many of you who have followed my blog, and to those of you who regularly bless me with your comments.  You're the best!  To commemorate my year, I have a giveaway planned.  I'll post my gift in a few days, and a winner will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, July 20, 2011.  Stay tuned for more details.

This year our Independence Day celebration was intentionally low key.  Sweet Mister recently underwent spinal surgery for two crushed discs.  He is doing very well, but he will be wearing his fashionable Boston Collar for another week or two.  In addition, one of our dear friends recently almost lost the index finger on her left hand to an immersion blender. (You. don't. want. to. know.)  She's also recovering, but still taking it easy.  The four of us agreed that this year's Fourth of July observance would be customized for the 'Walking Wounded.'  A quiet dinner, sans the summer heat and fireworks, was just what the doctor ordered for our little quartet.  

 We're dining at the game table in the living room...just right for a group of four.  Okay, I know that there is an odd glass sitting on the far side of the table.  I was deciding between the Godinger, "Sutton Place" and the Mikasa, "French Countryside".  I forgot to remove the maverick goblet after my dry run.

Giving a heartfelt nod to our blessed "Red, White, and Blue," I layered the table with a toile tablecloth that I bought on eBay.  I don't know who made the fabric, but it is gorgeous...has a marvelous hand to it.

I often use a larger tureen for the centerpiece, but tonight the covered vegetable to the Furnivals, "Blue Quail" was a better proportion for our table.  Tip:  Estate sales are often a good resource for assorted vintage oriental wooden stands.  I frequently buy them, and I've collected a variety of sizes.  They are just right to elevate the centerpiece and make it seem special. They can be purchased for a pittance.  Keep your eyes open for them!  

I used four Furnivals, "Blue Quail" beakers, another eBay acquisition, to hold simple "American Beauty" roses from Homeland.  The antique linen and lace napkin is an estate sale find.  I've caught it in a Coalport, "Countryware" napkin ring, also from eBay.  Tip:  If you're not treasure hunting on eBay, you're missing out on a marvelous opportunity!  There are certain things that I have learned to make it safe, secure, and rewarding.  If there is enough interest, I'll be happy to share some of the strategies that I utilize.

I wanted to use the antique carved ivory handle flatware, but I only have knives and forks.  I solved my dilema by mixing it with Horchow's L'Argent, "Sophia" in gold.  The individual silver salt and peppers are lined in cobalt.  

I ultimately chose to use the Godinger, "Sutton Place" goblet with the AJKA, "Arabella" wine.  I liked the mix of textures, pattern, and color found in the crystal, toile, linen napkins, and English transferware.

  Years ago, it was my wounded friend and guest for our Independence Day dinner who introduced me to Furnivals "Blue Quail".  We originally purchased it for our lake house.  When we sold the house, I brought it home, and we use it as one of our everyday patterns.  It still delights me every time that I use it.  For this occasion, I floated it on the Pottery Barn, "Outdoor Collection" navy blue enamelware charger plate.  I purchased my set of chargers severals years ago on clearance sale.  They were a great deal, and I use them often.

For our supper, I've prepared a Beef Tenderloin.  I'll serve it with mashed potatoes, fresh steamed asparagus, green salad, and French bread.  The menu was chosen to make it easy for Sweet Mister to eat.  He still has to be careful when swallowing.

As soon as I exchange the odd goblet, I'll be ready for our dear friends to walk through the door. The aromas wafting from the kitchen are wonderful.  We're looking forward to an evening of delicious food and fabulous fellowship.  We'll be thinking of you as you celebrate with barbecue and picnics...sparklers, firecrackers, and Roman candles...and magical pyrotechnic displays lighting up the heavens.  I'll also be holding our amazing military close to my heart and in my prayers.  But for them, we would not have the privilege of spending our evening surrounded by what I refer to as 'fantasy and fluff.'  I am humbled by the service that they provide for us each and every day.  I pray that our mighty God will pour His favor and protection on them.  I hope that you had a grand Independence 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."   Hop on over HERE 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!