Gently Falling

"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. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, 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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My dear friend Marsha recently moved into a beautiful new home, and she wanted the Garden Friends to share their Bible Study at her house this year.  Although I would love to have this precious group of women at my house every week of every year, I am thrilled for Marsha to receive the blessing of hosting this wonderful group in her home.  Today, I invited anyone who was available to come back to my house after our study for a bowl of my homemade chicken noodle soup...that always says Autumn to me.

I've decided that I need to embrace the colors of Fall slowly this year.  By the end of November when Thanksgiving rolls around, I'm often totally over the color orange.  This year I'm going to use a variety of color themes over the next two months.  Last week I had the pleasure of spending some time over at Boogie Board Cottage, and I found just the color inspiration that I wanted for my first Autumn tablescape.  Check out Mary's lovely blog!

The 'tablecloth' for today normally lies folded at the end of the bed in one of our guest rooms.  The kingsize quilt was a long ago purchase from Tuesday Morning. The soft teal color tells the color story for my design...soft...welcoming...comforting...gentle.

The set of patina copper chargers were found at an estate sale just this last week...$20.00 for a set of 8.  I grabbed them the moment that I laid eyes on them!  They are quite heavy, and they have kind of a hammered design.  Of course, I wish that they'd had more...maybe some day.

Perched on the copper charger is a Wedgwood, "Countryware" dinner plate.  Once we were gathered around the table, I asked each guest to take a Wedgwood, Majolica Leaf Plate to the kitchen for their spinach salad with smoked chicken, strawberries, pecans, fresh Parmesan cheese, and vinagrette.  The Haviland, "Ranson" coupe soup bowls were waiting to be filled next to the soup tureen on the kitchen counter.  All of the mentioned dishes were collected over time through my 'personal shopper', eBay.  eBay Tip:  Before you place a bid, be sure to factor in the shipping charges.  Depending on the item/s, shipping can be fairly expensive.  If shipping is not specified, be sure to request a shipping quote to your zip code from the seller prior to bidding.  You'll be happier if you avoid unpleasant surprises!

The antique carved ivory flatware added a soft golden tone that was a nice addition to my gentle Fall table.  I found the service for 12 at a wonderful local antique store.  It was not a bargain, and it had nothing to do with 'need.'  I drove straight through 'Need' many miles ago.  The silver soup spoon, on the other hand, was another eBay bargain.

I've used the Pottery Barn Hemstitched Linen "Flax" napkin numerous time since this summer.  It's a wonderful, calm sophisticated hue that mixes beautifully with so many different colors.

Making an encore appearance after playing a primary role in last week's Orleans Toile and Spode Mayflower post, the Vietri Amber goblet added another kiss of soft gold to my Autumn tablescape.  I paired it with the Mikasa, "French Countryside", our everyday goblet.

Have you ever noticed that you're willing to spend money on certain things, and you would never dream of spending much money on other things?  Do you remember when everyone used to wear pantyhose regularly?  I put a run in my pantyhose practically every time that I wore them.  Therefore, I could never bring myself to shell out the dollars for the nicer brands.  I bought L'Eggs (remember those?) for $2.99 a pair, by the dozen.  Well, I pretty much feel the same way about spending much money on a pumpkin that is going to rot...So I got myself to Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and WalMart, where I found this lovely "almost natural' grouping of pumpkins, gourds, and neutral berry branches...and I'll be able to use them for years.

The pheasant feathers were courtesy of my mighty hunter, Sweet Mister.  He brings them to me after hunting trips.  I have this idea that some day I'll be able to make a set of feather chargers out of them.  Just dreamin'?...We'll see.  

Are you seeing lanterns everywhere this year?  I found these at Hobby Lobby, just this week.  They are about 12" high, which makes them the right height for the dining table.

I had extra berry branches, so I plopped them in a pair of neutral containers on the buffet.  I like the height that they added.  Hmmm...I need to put in some new candles. Hope that I remember to do that before the Garden Friends arrive.  Hey!  It could happen...or not.  Do you recognize those silver tassels from last week's post.  They live here most of the time.

Some candlelight shots for your pleasure...I even managed to snag...

...a few blue hour frames...and right before I left to join my Garden Friends for Bible study...

...the sweet Lord took His paint brush and stroked a few drops of sunshine across my table.  I'm off to Garden Friends.  We're currently working our way through a wonderful book called, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" by John Ortberg.  I think that you would enjoy it.  You will always be welcome to join our circle of sisters!

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 Fall, I think sunlit mornings and close friends gathered at my table.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to 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!