Ports O' Call

"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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I think that I'm about qualified to obtain my credentials as the harbor master.  We docked again at the game table in the living room.  The weather forcast was much milder this week...outside and inside.  The only clouds were light and fluffy in a blue sky.  (You do know that I'm talking about my friend, right?)

Feminine pinks and blues started jumping into my hands when my friend called to say that she was coming for lunch.

Today I had forty-five minutes to create our tablescape...that even gave me time to press the pink linen tablecloth, a recent eBay find.

I'm still working on my asymmetrical centerpieces...definitely not my baileywick, yet.

The Charles Field Haviland, Schleiger 1328, lidded vegetable tureen was just the right proportion for the small game table.  I bought it from a friend who is a knowledgeable Haviland dealer.  Following the "Rule of Three", I grouped it with the leaded cut crystal pitcher and a vintage cobalt and gold vase.  Both pieces belonged to our dear Nana.

The vintage vase is post-war Japan.  It normally lives on my bedside table.  Today, I snipped a handful of Plumbago from my garden and plopped them in my container.  We've had a few cool days, and some of my flowers have experienced an appreciable rebound.

The Royal Doulton Steelite, cobalt charger seemed the obvious choice as a foundation for the Coalport, "Spearpoint" dinner plate.  Both were eBay buys.  I bought the 12 chargers for $20.00...they've all ready paid for themselves!  The Spearpoint is a newcomer to my china closet.  It will take some time to acquire enough for a full table, so it's neat to be able to use them for luncheon a deux.  I used my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I" sterling because I needed the cream soup spoons...

...for the tomato bisque, that was served in the Haviland, "Ranson" cream soup.  The scalloped pink linen napkin was an estate sale purchase.  eBay provided the Coalport, "Countryware" napkin ring.

Today, the Waterford, "Simply Pink" and the cobalt AJKA, "Arabella" kept the pinks and blues dancing on our tablescape.  

My friend is stopping at one of our favorite Italian restaurants to pick up Grilled Salmon Salad and Tomato Bisque Soup...

...So all I need to do is pour the water and fill the wine goblets.  Remember, if you're ever in my town, all I need is a phone call or an email.  I'll set a table for us in the blink of an eye!

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.



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 HERE for her meme Seasonal Sundays.  Don't miss out on this marvelous blog party.  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!