Copeland Spode, "Red Aster"...Waiting for Spring.

"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. As you consider your own philanthropic opportunities, 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 thought that I was going to share another reprise of one of my former tablescapes this week, but last night I received a call from my friend.  She said that she would stop by one of our favorite restaurants today and bring take-out for lunch at my house.  There was a chance that several others might join us, so this morning I went to work setting a table for four.  Although it's still winter, the Jonquils are blooming in the garden, and the Pansies are perking up for the second time for their Spring showing.  I realized that as I pulled things for my table, I was obviously already thinking about Spring.  I just couldn't help myself!

 You know my MOS well enough by now, so you are not surprised that I've created my small group design at the games table in the living room.  Come on in!

I think it was my longing for touches of Spring that led me to pull the white matelasse tablecloth, an eBay find, from one of the linen closets.

The blue Damask "Geometric Stripe" napkins were a gift from a friend.  I used my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I", mainly because it was handy...and I adore the cream soups...and I had a bowl of the best Tomato Bisque in town being delivered by my dear friend!

I haven't used any of the MacKenzie-Childs miniature salt and peppers for quite a while.  I want to collect a few more sets this Spring...the time is right. They are so precious; they make me happy, and my guests enjoy them each time.

I've been blessed with an abundance of lovely dinnerware patterns.  Most of the time, if I'm going to add a new pattern, I won't buy a complete service.  I usually start with dinner plates, and I may or may not eventually add other sizes.  That said, there is "a list"...a list of certain patterns that I long ago decided would be mine if I ever came across a great deal on them.

High on my list for a very long time...

...is the Copeland Spode Red Aster.  I've seen this wonderful pattern a number of times...always priced way beyond what I was willing to pay.  Finally, about a month ago, I discovered a set of 12 on eBay for a great deal...and now they're mine!  Yippeeeee!!

The Bordallo Pinheiro "Cabbage Leaf" charger framed the "Aster" just perfectly.

Soft and simple, today I chose to use the Pier One, Pearlized wine goblet, and the Mikasa, "French Countryside" goblet for water.  

The Vietri candlesticks and the Fitz & Floyd, "Cabbage" Bowl provided the finishing touch as the centerpiece for the table.  Because the table was spur of the moment, I grabbed my faux Hydrangeas.  They are actually "kissing balls" with ribbon hangers.  I perched them in   the bowl with the ribbons tucked underneath.  I recently found them at a local gift shop, and I think that I'll get a lot of use from them.

We're having a large salad with grilled Salmon as our main course...

...and I have a batch of Mama's Brandy Ice recipe in the freezer.  We'll have dessert in front of the fireplace and visit and dream of Spring until the cows come home.

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 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

When I think of February, I think of Mardis Gras and the anticipation of our Easter celebration.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SASONAL 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!