Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Blessings New & Familiar

"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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Blogging has created an unintended consequence for me this year...I'm much better organized for tomorrow's festivities...and that's because of you!  The table is set, the house is fluffed, the grocery shopping is complete, and later today I shall assemble several recipes to be baked tomorrow.  You, my bloggy friends, have truly blessed and  inspired me, and I look forward to our Thanksgiving celebration with eager anticipation.  We'll be a table of 12 this year; I'm thrilled that my son and daughter-in-love will make the trip with our two beloved grandsons to spend the holiday with us.  My daughter and son-in-love will be back from touring just in time to gather at the table with us, and his parents will be with us, too  Sweet Mister's old prep school friend will join us again, as well as my dear sister-in-love.  Okay...true confession...my SIL always prepares the turkey, the best that I've ever tasted.  I've never baked a turkey!  I prepare most of the other 'fixins', and everyone contributes something for our feast.   My Thanksgiving blessings abound!

The Simpich "Pilgrims" have journeyed to the center table in the foyer to welcome our guests as they come through the front door.  The lanterns will remain and transition for the Christmas holidays next week.  Squanto and friends will spend the remainder of the season in the kitchen.

Come on around the corner, into the dining room.  This year's table is a mixture of new and familiar elements.

You might remember the lovely tablecloth that Sweet Mister bought for me during our time in Sorrento, Italy this summer.  It reminds me of the blessing of our trip to Italy with our sweet KC and David.

I started my place setting with a bronze Hobby Lobby acrylic charger plate.  For a touch of shine, I added a rope edge silver charger plate...a gift from one of the greatest blessings in my life...my sister.  She will be observing the holiday with her family out there on the Caprock in rugged, magnificent West Texas.  

Topping the charger plates, the Coalport, "Athlone Brown" is one of my favorite eBay finds.  eBay,  a blessing?  I think that I won't ask Sweet Mister what he thinks about that.  Actually, that brings me to the greatest earthly blessings in my world...Sweet Mister, the love of my life, shakes his head and rolls his eyes each time that I trot out another set of dishes.  Then he smiles and asks, "Who's coming to eat?  I can't imagine waking up each morning without him in my life.  We'll celebrate our 43rd anniversary in December.

Perched atop the inevitable "stack," that we tablescapers so enjoy creating, sits the Wedgwood, majolica grape leaf plate, another eBay find.  Tip:  I learned a lesson on these plates.  I bought a set of 11 of these in a wonderful satin finish for a bargain.  Not long after, I ran across a "Buy It Now" for 8 more plates, and I snapped them up immediately.  When they arrived, they were beautiful, but they were not in the same satin finish as my first grouping.  They had a shiny glaze finish.  The lesson?...I should have asked the seller a question about the finish.  I had 'assumed' that they would be the same...and we know what 'assume' means...right?  This time it wasn't a major problem, but it was a lesson learned.

I chose the Reed & Barton, "Francis I" sterling flatware because it's intricate design reminded me of the blessing of a bountiful harvest that our American farmers bring to the market for us each and every day.  Each time that I lay these softly burnished pieces on our table I am thoughtful of the blessing of my mother-in-love.  She taught me much about entertaining graciously; she was an incredibly generous and giving woman.

The Pottery Barn, "Flax" Hemstitched linen napkin is gently held by the wonderful Laura Ashley, beaded tassel napkin ring, a 'give away' gift from our special Cuisine Kathleen.  I know that many of us consider her a blessing.  Kathleen is my roll model (pun intended) for cooking...someday...when I grow up...I'll be able to cook like Kathleen...sure I will.

I am blessed by the artisans in our world, old and new.  I adore beautiful crystal, and it's always a treat to find another design...antique or fresh off the shelf...

The Vietri amber goblet is a welcome new addition from a wonderful local jewelry/gift store, BC Clark.  The vintage wine goblet is by Tiffin, and I bought 20 of them at the tail end of an estate sale for a pittance.

By now, you are quite familiar with the blessing that was our sweet Nana.  The silver master salt and pepper once graced her table.

My centerpiece is a combination of old familiar and new.

I've used the collection of mercury glass candlesticks many times over the years.  I once again employed one of my "go to" design tricks by placing several shimmering Michael's garlands down the table in a serpentine fashion.  I've used four garlands for my table, two for each half of the table.  I double them to create a full appearance.  I always check out Michael's and Hobby Lobby at the end of the holidays and snap them up at a greatly reduced price. 

See the small mercury glass votive tucked in behind the amber goblet?  Brand new...currently available at Michael's on the clearance aisle!  Hurry!

The leading role in my tableau goes to the new Pottery Barn mercury glass pumpkins.  They make the tablescape sparkle and shine; I really like them, and I'll enjoy using them for many years.

Still working on my candlelight photography.  I don't think that it could be confused with Bill's amazing work...a blessing in itself, but I'm content with the results...for the moment.















That pretty much covers it...

 Let the good times begin!...

As we bow our heads to say grace before beginning our meal, I'll give special thanks for the blessing of all the young men and women who serve in our military...

...and for the many blessings that our mighty God has poured on my family and our magnificent country.  I pray that you have a wonderful peace-filled day surrounded by family and friends.  My precious blessing, Dickens will be standing at the ready to alert me as our family and friends arrive.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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.



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.

32 comments:

  1. Beautiful table settings, just gorgeous.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. Your Thanksgiving table is stunning! I love your long and elegant centerpiece. The plate layers are beautiful, each one of them. Your entire dining room is a beautiful, elegant and inviting place to celebrate Thanksgiving. Wishing a very blessed Thnksgiving for you and yours. FABBY

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  3. ABSOLUTELY breathe taking!! You have truly set a magical setting... You are so right the friendships and inspirations that I can discovered in BlogLand is a true blessing!! ... In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October.. so it's all about Christmas at the moment...

    Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!! xo HHL

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  4. It is such a treat to visit you each week to see the table your family and friends will be dining at. So very beautifully elegant.
    Yes, eBay is a good thing!
    A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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  5. Such an elegant table!!! Everything is so stunning. Thank you for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  6. Gorgeous table!!! Everything is so beautiful and the colors are subdued yet still very autumnal. It's so wonderful you will have so much of your family with you!!! I love your silver and your chandelier looks fabulous. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  7. An elegant and gorgeous table. Your mercury glass pumpkin centerpiece is just stunning. Wow! I also enjoy your dish stack. Love those Wedgwood majolica plates!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thank you for sharing your lovely creations with us and sharing your tips about ebay purchasing.

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  8. Your table is simply stunning and so elegant, Cherry Kay. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!...Christine

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  9. I am sure that the Thanksgiving feast at your table will be terrific no matter who does the cooking or what is served. It's beautiful enough not to need any food!

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  10. Dear Cherry Kay... I wish you and yours a most blessed day and feast. Your gorgeous table was certainly a true feast for the eyes. Congrats on your upcoming 42nd! We have our 37th in December also!! There is not one piece amiss... and now I think Pb Will be delivering a new pumpkin or two.. stunning centerpiece! Xo marlis

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  11. Cherry! This table is divine!! I thought you had already set your table and now you go and top it! This is so elegant and I adore the mercury glass pumpkin with all the gorgeous crystal! A feast for the eyes! Sounds like your home will be full of family, friends and good times. Happy Thanksgiving!
    Miss Bloomers

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  12. This is so stunning...just everything.
    I love your pumpkin centrepieces.
    As always..you know how to present a beautiful table.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
    Shel

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  13. Your table is just stunning...I can tell hoe hard you have worked on this...the colors are so serene and the lighting so calm...I adore the silverware and the crystal is beautiful...thank you for all your effort, I am so aware of the time and work this takes...thanks for sharing it with all of us...phyllis

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  14. Just beautiful! I love all the sparkle in the room~~~your family will truly feel blessed at the table:)

    Happy Tablescape Thursday and have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

    Blessings to you,
    Kay Ellen

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  15. I'm standing on my desk chair, clapping my hands & yelling "BRAVO"!!! Outstanding tablescape, Cherry Kay!

    Your new Vietri amber goblets are gorgeous & I especially love the contrast of colors you achieved with the layered plates. Beautiful!


    I think YOU are an incredibly generous and giving woman, like your MIL. Have a wonderfully happy Thanksgiving!
    fondly,
    Rett

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  16. Your table is so shiny! I love, love, love it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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  17. Wow. The candlelight is reverant! What a wonderful blessing you bring to your family. You have the gift of hospitatlity. Happy Thanksgiving. ~CJ

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  18. Greetings Cherry Kay!

    As always, you've created a breathtaking and unforgettable setting. Just stopping by to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Thank you for always inspiring us with your amazing talent.

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  19. Happy Thanksgiving, Cherry Kay!There was a word that poppd in my head while looking at your table. I think it is "regal!" I love how the table settings just blend into the centerpiece, making the whole table look like a pyramid of sparkle!

    Elaine
    Creating Wonderful Spaces

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  20. Happy Thanksgiving! This table is so elegant and I love the way it all sparkles in the candlelight. My favorite things are the pumpkins and the salt and pepper shakers. I'm not a very good photographer but these pictues look really good to me!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  21. Just gorgeous, Cherry Kay! The stemware just glows! The eBay plates look wonderful, you always do well there! I am so honored you used the napkin rings on this beautiful table , they pick up the color of those fabulous glasses!
    I imagine it was a great time at your house today, many blessings.
    I am thankful for your friendship!

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  22. Hi Cherry Kay,

    Your table is splendid -- just so elegant! I love your tablecloth from Italy, your antique wine goblets, sterling flatware, and your creative centerpiece. Your buffet is a beautiful piece of furniture.

    I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving Day and I'm sure you had a wonderful meal. Our family has so much to be grateful for, and I'm grateful for my dear blogging friends. :)

    Hugs,

    Denise

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  23. By now, I'm sure, your table is cleared and the wonderful meal is a memory. I hope that your Thanksgiving was a peaceful and memorable one. To be surrounded by so many dear friends and family is a blessing in itself.

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  24. Your table was beautiful. I love all the mercury glass mixed with all the fall colors. So glad i found your blog.

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  25. Such a beautifully set table. I love all the sparkle to this. I do love the season of gratitude.

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  26. Gorgeous tablescape! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  27. Hi, Cherry Kay! I am always enchanted by Nana's beautiful salt & peppers. They are exquisite!!! The Reed & Barton flatware is just beyond beautiful!!! I think it would make every bite of food taste better "just because!" I get goosebumps to look at the Coalport "Athlone Brown" dinner plates. They are truly gorgeous!!! Given the magnitude of my recent centerpiece faux pas, I can relate to the feeling you got when you realized the finish on the salad plates was not consistent and there was no turning back. In addition to learning positive things as we grow in tablescaping, we are also learning valuable lessons. Once again you have created a spectacular table that knows no boundaries of beauty. I hope you and your family enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and that all are safe & sound.

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  28. Your tablescape is gorgeous, so warm and inviting. Hope you had a great thanksgiving.

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  29. Beautiful! What a gorgeous feast! Enjoy the lovely start of the week, Kellie xx

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  30. Hi lovely lady.
    How did I miss your Gorgeous Thanksgiving Tablescape !! You did out do your self on this one with your Beautiful dishes and stemware..lovely..
    I hope you have a wonderful week.
    XXOO Diane

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  31. Beautiful,Stunning,Gorgeous and so Elegant! Thanks for sharing Joann

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  32. I have some mercury glass pumpkins that I pair with my mother's mercury glass candlesticks. I love the look, and use them for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. Not sure how I missed this post the first time, but am glad I saw it "in a re-run"!

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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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