Winter Berries

"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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Last week I was blessed to host my dear Garden Friends Bible study for a November birthday luncheon.  The house was still partially dressed for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I decided that I wanted to "flirt with Christmas", but not completely embrace it for my table design.  I chose to highlight the beautiful berries that seem to flourish during this season, a "Winter Berries" theme, if you will.

I've been eager to use the Zina Vasi, "Winter Village", tablecloth for a long time.  I bought it last winter on eBay.  I also reverses to a dark center field with the village in the lighter tones.  The cloth set the tone for the rest of the elements that I would use for the luncheon...

...I think that I'm going to enjoy this cloth for many years.

I've always liked the warmth created by a white-on-white design...I love the idea of mixing a variety of white tones to create a place setting for my table.  To anchor the setting, I've chosen the hammered copper charger plate, an estate sale purchase.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to use our antique carved ivory handle flatware again.  Isn't it silly that some funky old silverware can make me so happy!  The dinner plate is Copeland Spode, "Jewel", collected over a period of time through eBay.  I laid the Royal Doulton, "RD199", luncheon plate as an underplate for the Haviland, "Ranson" coupe soup...also eBay acquisitions.  I placed the Haviland, "Ranson" crescent plate to hold bread and butter.

I bought the napkins many years ago for one of our lake houses.  I don't use them often, but I thought that the crocheted corner was fitting with the vintage look of the tablecloth.  The napkin ring is actually a candle ring that I frequently use for the Christmas holidays.

 The Mikasa, "French Country" goblet is such a versatile stem.  It works for casual everyday purposes, and it also looks beautiful in a more formal setting.  Today I've paired it with a cranberry Bohemian Crystal goblet.  I found a set of 8 on eBay.

The minute that I decided to use the Zina Vasi tablecloth, I knew that I wanted the collection of antique English Barley Twist candlesticks to be incorporated as a component for my centerpiece.  I bought my original small pair in a local antique store, but I watched like a hawk to find the two larger pair for great prices on...you guessed it...eBay, of course.  The pair of berry topiary trees have been a part of our Christmas decor for years.  They are so easy to use, and they live happily in the Christmas closet for the rest of the year.

This is the second year for the Reindeer Sleigh to make an appearance as part of our Christmas decor.  Last year, it was a headliner in the foyer.  After the luncheon, he'll make his way to the front hall again.  The berry arrangement is compiled of two large berry candle rings that I squashed together to fit in the sleigh.  I then added four large 'picks' covered with berries and shimmering green holly leaves.  No brainer, people!  I liked the look enough that I went out and bought another couple of candle rings, so these could stay as an arrangement for the entry hall center table.

Voila!...my Winter Berry Tablescape.  The chandelier is laced with pine and berry picks from Hobby Lobby.

Kept if fairly simple on the antique Country French buffet...the Hobby Lobby lanterns have been joined by a pair of shimmering green mesh Christmas trees.  The antique Towle, "Lafayette" sterling tea service and the pair of Barker-Ellis silver candelabra always reside here.  The silver pieces all belonged to our amazing Nana.

I took some candlelight shots the night before the luncheon...

  

   

     

The Garden Friends are waiting with eager anticipation to celebrate the most important birthday of each year.  We are blessed each week to be able to sit at the knee of our sweet Master, Jesus, lover of our ragged souls, and soak in the encouragement and peace that comes from studying His amazing Word.  We would welcome you to join us for prayer, study, and blessed fellowship any time that you happen to pass our way.  Just let me know, and I'll set a place for you at the table.  And so, this wonderful season has begun.  Buckle up!  It's going to be an exciting sleigh ride.

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!