Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Masquerade...A Reprise

"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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It's been a busy week, and I am not entertaining here at the house.  I posted this entry last October, and several of you commented that you thought that it might be well suited for Mardis Gras...so here's a reprise of my table.  I created 'Masquerade' for all of those who like to disappear for a few hours by donning a costume, a mask, and a new personality.

The game table in the living room has been turned into a 60" table with the assistance of one of our flip-top table tops.  In the foreground, the Lalique Eagle and Nana's old sterling presentation bowl give a hint of eye candy to come.

I made the black tablecloth out of....felt!  Entertaining Tip: If you need a large under cloth or just an inexpensive solid color cloth, take yourself to your local fabric shop and be amazed at the multitude of colors available in felt. It's about $5.00 per yard, and it is VERY wide.  It's a quick sew, and you don't even have to hem it!  How much easier could it be?

Do you love to get a package in the mail, waiting on your doorstep?  About a week ago, I opened a package to discover these glorious black and white quilted place mats and napkins from Southern Style Home Decor.  They sponsored a give away with Yvonne @ Stone Gable, and I was the winner of this lovely, generous gift.  Southern Style Home Decor has a wonderful online shopping site...check it out!  Thank you, Yvonne and Southern Style Home Decor!  I'm going to enjoy these fine linens for many years to come.

My inspiration for tonight's table was a collection of jeweled and feathered masks...reminiscent of Venice Carnival...

Of all the amazing things that we've received from our blessed Nana, this has to be one of my very favorites.  It's a Black Starr & Frost, sterling reticulated bowl,  from the 1920's.  If you peak under the black mask, you can see a small portion of the decorative brass 'frog' that fits the bowl.  The intricate art deco design work seemed fitting for my 'high drama' table.

On top of the quilted place mat, I set a black Hobby Lobby charger plate beneath our silver Baroque charger plate.  My mother-in- love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I" flatware continued the opulent tone of my table.  To crown the entire place setting...



...I chose some of our Lalique "Plate of the Year" crystal plates.  When Sweet Mister and I were married, almost 43 years ago, my mama, my mother-in-love, and I each started collecting the series of these beautiful plates.  We now have all three sets, ours to shepherd until it's time for the next generation to enjoy.  I wanted the incredible designs to glow, so I set them directly on the silver chargers.

The Lalique, "Treves" goblet and the Corbel silver goblet  were both part of my wedding trousseau.  If I had to choose all over again, I would still choose both of these stems.  I've used them often through the years. 




The decanter is St. Louis crystal.

The sterling master salt and pepper came from....you've got it...dear Nana.





A few Blue Hour shots.  I'm in love with my new camera, the Nikon 7000D SLR...so much smarter than I.  They were all shot sans flash...























...as were my candlelight shots.  Thank you, thank you Sweet Mister!  I'm reading about ways to use my camera more effectively every day.  Have you checked out The Pioneer Woman's blog site?  She has a really nice segment on photography with complete archives.  She loves Photo Shop.  I encourage you to check her out, if you've never visited her.  Her whole blog is pure pleasure.  Can you tell by the blue light emanating from the den that Sweet Mister was watching television?  If you had rung the bell at this moment, he'd have rounded the corner and offered you some Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  We had so many trick or treaters that I wondered if we'd have enough goodies.  We did...and I took the excess to the beauty shop this morning when I went to get back to my 'natural blonde.'    Hope that you had a happy and safe Halloween!


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 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!  


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.

27 comments:

  1. Oh how pretty! I did not see this in October and am so glad I saw it today! I love it! It does look very much like a Mardi Gras setting, only one very reminiscent of the days of old when there were Masqurade balls. I read all about them today and your setting is what I visual, so very elegant! Thanks for the repost I really enjoyed it!

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  2. Very opulent and just perfect for Mardi Gras.Such treasures you received from your Nanna.

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  3. Yes! Your tablescape does look like Mardi Gras. The masks are lovely as a centerpiece and the black and white place mats have great contrast to the other colors. I created a Mardi Gras table for the first time this week. Thanks for sharing your tablescape again! Happy Tea Party! Pam

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  4. Wonderful Mardi Gras table! The centerpiece is gorgeous as is the entire table.

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  5. GORGEOUS! fun and elegant .... Happy Thursday..xo HHL

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  6. It's nice to see this table again which is just perfect for the season. Your elegant touches are always amazing.

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  7. Perfectly opulent! I can't get over your gorgeous silver goblets and your wonderful silver bowl. These are treasures that will be cared for in the family for many more generations to come!

    The placemats and napkins are perfect with everything. I agree, you can find linens at the fabric store at such great prices and more importantly - they actually fit the table rather than hang down just a couple of inches! The black is a perfect backdrop.

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  8. I remember this but am so happy to see it again. Love it! It is so filled with high drama. Just gorgeous silver. How wonderful that you use it!

    - The Tablescaper

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  9. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! I love the silver bowl with the brass "frog!" What a treasure! The black and white place mats are a lovely background for all the masks and crystal!

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  10. I often don a costume, a mask, and a new personality...it's called PMS! :-) :-) :-) I remember this beautiful table, and it could definitely work for Mardi Gras or just for the sake of whimsy. Beautiful!!!

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  11. Gorgeous!! Love the napkins and place mats, Congrats on winning!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Aledia

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  12. Hi Cherry Kay, I remember this dramatic table, and I sure did enjoy seeing it again. Perfect for Mardi Gras or Halloween. Very beautiful!

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  13. OMG! I would love to have your Corbel silver goblets. They are absolutely, stunning.

    I am enjoying every piece you have.

    Greetings from a cold and icy Stockholm,
    /chie

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  14. Gorgeous gorgeous table!!! Love everything..the silver, black and white and so dramatic!! Always enjoy your tables!
    Miss Bloomers

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  15. I missed this opulent table back in my busy month of October. I'm glad you reposted it. Your treasures and tablescaping talents never cease to inspire!

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  16. Simply beautiful!
    I've always wished to see Mardi Gras in New Orleans - but I'd settle for an evening at that table!

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  17. I love your table! The black felt tablecloth is just beautiful, thanks for the tip ;). I adore your new placemats too. And the mardi gras masks are so elegant and beautiful!

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  18. *LOVED* this setting. So unexpected. I am also going to keep that felt tip in mind. Sometimes I get a table whim, but don't have the tablecloth to pull it off so this might come in handy.

    I especially loved the lalique plates. I had never seen any like that before. They were very enchanting. Everything came together beautiful. A very opulent table that anyone would be lucky to enjoy. Thank you for sharing.

    Eldarose

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  19. This table is definitely worth another look! So full of beautiful treasures!

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  20. Cherry Kay, late getting around, sorry. But I'm delighted that you brought this back. I loved getting to look at the lovely lalique plates again. This table is absolutely splendid! xo marlis

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  21. Add me to the list of those who missed seeing this glorious tablescape last Oct. It is FABULOUS, Cherry Kay!! So many opulent pieces & so beautifully combined for a luscious effect.

    I know that your Nana is smiling down from Heaven each time you use & share the history of one of her treasures. I can only hope that future generations cherish & appreciate the few good things I have acquired.

    Warm Hugs,
    Rett

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  22. Cherry Kay, using felt for a table cover is such a great idea! And your silver pieces are fabulous. I have never seen the lalique plates before and didn't know they have an annual! That is so interesting. All your things are so elegant together, and it is nice to hear you would choose your wedding goblets still! Linda

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  23. I remember this, and it is perfect for Mardi Gras!
    Wonderful!

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  24. It's wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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  25. Cherry Kay, this table is full of drama! First off, that silver centerpiece is incredible. The fact that it is a family piece makes it all the more special. I'd love to be celebrating Mardi Gras at this gorgeous table.

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  26. Love the Mardi Gras tablescape! Although that "season" has passed, I'm thinking it could be adapted for a Shakespeare party in August. Thank you for sharing your talent.

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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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