Safe Harbor

"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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Several weeks ago, I shared a table with you that used four of six wonderful hot pink goblets that I found while on a trip to Scottsdale.

I also told you that I had looked for additional stems without success.  Late last week, the Fed Ex man rang my doorbell and handed me a box.  I was totally blown away when I opened the box to find four more of these marvelous goblets...from one of you...who chose to remain anonymous.  You made my day!  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your generosity.  I am looking forward to setting a table for ten with my beautiful stemware!  The kindness of friends is sometimes overwhelming.

Today my friend who needed a Port in a Storm a couple of weeks ago, called seeking another safe harbor.  Once again, she stopped at one of our favorite spots to pick up take out salads, and I quickly set a table for two at the game table.  I wanted to establish a soft and calming mood.

White-on-white, the softest blue, and gentle browns set a relaxing tone for our tablescape today.  The Williams-Sonoma white linen hemstitched table square was laid under a water blue and taupe on cream toile square.  Both pieces were recent eBay purchases.

I went against type today and chose to create an asymmetrical centerpiece.  The old Lalique rose bowl was one of my favorite treasures from our dear Nana.  The Hydrangeas are dried from the centerpiece that I made for the last luncheon with my friend.  I just jerked them out of the Bordallo pitcher and plopped them into this neat old piece.  The browns in the Hydrangeas worked well with the toile square.  The Wedgwood "Queensware Patrician" tureen is a great eBay get.  I bought it with the underplate for $50.00.  There was another of the same tureen, minus the underplate, listed right next to this one for an opening bid of $600.00.  Score!!!!  Start looking, people...there are wonderful bargains just waiting for you.

To counterbalance the offset centerpiece, I positioned the Haviland, "Ranson" butter dish and Nana's crystal and silver salt and pepper cellars on the other side of the table.  

The Caspari rattan chargers added a nice touch of texture and continued the use of soft browns.  I liked my wedding silver, Reed and Barton, "Grand Renaissance" with the motif of the toile.  The silver cream soup, for a Tomato Bisque first course, was an eBay purchase that I enjoy mixing with other patterns.  The Copeland Spode, "Jewel" luncheon and dinner plates were chosen because of the cream color and lacy texture.  I collected the "Jewel" through eBay over a period of time.  

Dear, sweet Nana has blessed us in so many ways.  I think of her each time that I use her antique  French cut crystal.  I wish that I could take a picture that adequately shows you the beauty of these goblets.  Using them always give me such pleasure.

The finishing touch for today was the Pottery Barn, "Flax" hemstitched linen napkin.  I love this silly napkin because of its color and the 'hand' of the linen.  Did you catch that the Williams-Sonoma hemstitched linen tablecloth  and the Pottery Barn napkin are the exact same fabric.  Did you remember that Williams-Sonoma owns Pottery Barn?  Could be a helpful tidbit of knowledge when you can't find something at one store...try the other one...especially with the hemstitched linens.

That does it for today...a tablescape in under twenty minutes.  If you ever need a safe harbor...a port in a storm, give me a call.  I can have our table set in a flash!

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 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.


When I think of summer, I think easy going afternoons shared with friends over a no fuss table.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her meme Seasonal Sundays.  Don't miss out on this marvelous blog party HERE.  See you there!  

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!