Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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!   
  




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.

34 comments:

  1. Cherry Kay, this is such a pretty and serene table. I know your friend will feel uplifted after her lunch with you in this lovely setting. I really love the toile table square (I never tire of toile), along with your Wedgewood tureen, the Spode "Jewel" and your French cut crystal. Lovely pieces! I'm with you on e-bay; I just found six wonderful botanical prints by Pierre-Joseph Redoute for a steal. I've been looking for just the right botanicals for over a year now. Why didn't I check there sooner? :) Have a great day!

    Denise

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  2. Lucky friend, to find such Safe Harbour with you. I found myself wishing I could call and offer to pick up something fresh and yummy, for the pleasure of sitting at your table.
    Just beautiful.

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  3. Cherry Kay, Lucky you to receive more of those lovely pieces anonymously.. Love your colors and table.. The lalique vase is a beauty. Along with the tureen. Love the toile topper over the linen and the flax napkins.. great table.. xo marlis

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  4. ♫♫ I know who sent them! I know who sent them! Nanny-Nanny-Ha-Ha! ♫♫ ~~giggle~~

    You are such a treasure to give your friend such a beautiful safe harbor. I know she treasures your friendship, too.
    The entire table is just beautiful. I love all those soft, cream shades just as much as I love your new HOT PINK stems, too! I'm looking forward to seeing another tablescape done with them.

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  5. Rett, you are a bad bad girl for teasing poor Cherry Kay :). What a wonderful gift to receive and being anonymous makes it extra special.

    Love that soup tureen, its perfect for your table with the other elements. I'm sure your friend will appreciate the special touches.

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  6. What generous friends you have indeed and your table is just beautiful. I love the colors.

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  7. How wonderful to receive those stems! They are gorgeous!
    I haven't forgotten the stripes. Haven't been able to shop do to prep, enduring, and clean up of the hurricane! after Labor Day I will go!

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  8. Sometimes just having someone else do my tablescape would be great!! This week wasn't the case as we had the party on Saturday. This is amazing - 20 minutes! It calms me just thinking of that. What a wonderful friend you are. I loved seeing the hot pink goblets again. Hot pink and chartreuse are one of my favorite color combinations! Have a wonderful week dear.

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  9. Everything is so pretty. Your stemware is gorgeous. Lovely.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  10. You are a true blessing to your friend!! _ and how wonderful that someone was so thoughtful and gifted you with the missing glasses. xo HHL

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  11. Again, I pray for your friend! May God's peace fill her life! Bless her heart!
    I love the colors you use today! They are soft and upscale and so so pretty!
    Be still my heart... I think your soup tureen is one of the loveliest I have ever seen. You have a good eye and are clever girl to get this at such a bargain prince. I will have to spend more time looking for treasures!
    I'm sure your friend was much comforted by you and your lovely table!
    xo Yvonne

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  12. Wow, what a fun package you received in the mail! The hot pinks are so beautiful. Love the Safe Harbor table -- it is calming and relaxing. Joni

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  13. What a treasure to receive, and to think it was anonymous makes it all the more special.

    As for your port in the storm table? I think I would feel very pampered and loved to be so treated. You always use the loveliest things on your tables, Cherry Kay.

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  14. Good evening, Cherry Kay! You do the most incredible job of setting a pretty table in a hurry! No wonder your friend knows to call you when she is looking for a respite from whatever is on her mind. She knows she can come and relax at a table that is special in a home filled with caring and warmth. That'll do it every time! The "Jewel" china is just that...a real jewel!!! You don't find that kind of detailed texture on just any dishes! I really like the offset centerpiece, too!!! Have a wonderful week!

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  15. What a gorgeous table topper, Cherry Kay. Your tablescape is stunning as usual. And what a nice gesture for your anonymous friend to send you those pretty glasware. So thoughtful and generous!...Christine

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  16. I am so happy to have found you, there are so many blogs about things I love, but when you wrote about your grandmother, and what she had shared with you....I was at home. I am the only grandaughter....and when my grandmother was alive we shared a love of silver, crystal and all things lovely. When she passed my mother called me and said, "what do you want? this is getting out of hand." my cousins wives were swooping in. I remember that moment...what would you say? I had visited a few months before and we had gotten the flatware out and just looked at it....so I immediately said...the silver flatware! My mom went and found it, put it under her arm and marched out the front door. No one even knew it was there. I have used it for thirty years....loving it every time and I use it all the time. I actually ended up with most of her silver since my silly cousins only wanted money. That money is long gone...the silver remains!! Keep going my new friend...I shall be following!! sorry this is so long

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  17. Those hot pink goblets are gorgeous and what a wonderful surprise for you!

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  18. Wow, I never received anything anonimosly as you did and specially such lovely stemware! p Your tabletopper is beautiful and your tablescae is gorgeus Cherry Kay, you're one talented lady in so many ways, I love visiting you and have a happy TT at Susan's. Hugs. FABBY

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  19. OOH, I love those goblets. They make everything pop!
    The brown tablescape is stunning!

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  20. What FUN and how SPECIAL to receive a surprise box of gorgeous pink stems!! :) :) So pretty.
    And speaking of pretty, I love the calm and soothing brown and creme. Where did you find the fabulous tablecloth? I always love to stop by here and see your work!
    Hugs, Donna

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  21. What a lovely surprise for you to receive your gorgeous pink stems! You touched someones life and they blessed you.
    Your table is very pretty. I love that pretty soup tureen and tablecloths.
    Blessings My Friend,

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  22. Fantastic post! Dreamy and elegant.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

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  23. Aren't you the lucky girl to receive such a gift from an unknown friend! That is what I call special and, I would say, an appreciation for all the beautiful tables you have shared with us. Your style is impeccable.
    Thanks for dropping by. I'm always glad to hear from you.

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  24. I love the tabletopper too. I miss my hydrangea bush from my old house. I want to thank you for your encouraging comments on my first tablescape. Something tells me I'm really going to enjoy this. I have always admired your message at the top of your posts along with your pictures and text. I can tell you are warmly embraced here in blogland. Thanks again!
    ps. when I went to post it came up without my name (Robin Flies South). Still figuring things out here.

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  25. Hi Cherry Kay,

    Your tables are always stunning, and today's is no exception. Anyone would feel safe, honored, and very special to be seated with you at such a serene, elegantly-appointed table.

    I also know who sent you the festive pink stemware! ;) Aren't bloggers the nicest people anywhere? How typical of the generous soul who sent them to request anonymity!

    Hope you and yours have a lovely weekend!

    Fondly,
    Bill

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  26. Cherry Kay, what a wonderful friend you are! No wonder someone wanted to surprise you wish more of those beautiful goblets.

    I've been mentally challenging myself with how to do a FALL tablescape using the beautiful softly colored salad plates I won from you, and I think the solution is beginning to come together in my mind. If I don't get the table done before I leave next week for Brazil, I'll look forward to doing it upon my return. Just looking at the plates and brainstorming has been so much fun!

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  27. I'm so happy that you received more pieces for your collection. Love the brown and blue, particularly that tablecloth. Just beautiful.

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. A very pretty table! Love all of your choices!

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  29. Did you ever find out who sent you the pretty extra beautiful pink stems?? Thank you Sherry Kay for your lovely visit and for giving me the tip about using the orange chargers with the blue Meissen...THANK YOU so much, I didn't think about it, wow, plus I love orange with blue! I mentioned what you said to my hubby, who said the orange chargers are ugly and now he's looking at them with kinder eyes LOL! Have a great weekend! FABBY

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  30. Love that French stemware. So great that you continue to enjoy it. Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  31. Love your china and stemware,Beautiful.

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  32. hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescape is Bbeautiful.. I love your China and your stemware from French Gorgeous. I would like to Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my one year tablescapes Anniversary.
    I hope you and your family have a great weekend.
    XXOO Diane

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  33. Great tables...love those goblets and those beautiful white dishes!!!
    Hope you had a great weekend with our most glorious weather!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  34. Oh, be still my heart...those goblets were teasing me until I got to the close-up, and I'm sure they're even more beautiful than what the camera can capture. How lovely that you can now enjoy them. And the "Jewel" plates--have not see those before. They are gorgeous. Beautiful table, Cherry Kay! And thanks again for stopping by mine.

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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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