Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Blue Quail Breakfast...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. 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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We are in the midst of preparing for a large Wild Game Dinner for around 150 this Friday evening.  There are 9 host couples, and the party will be held at the home of a friend.  I've been polishing silver, ironing linen napkins, counting silver forks, and..., and...., and....  I'll try to take some good pictures to share with you next week.  As a result, tonight I'm sharing a reprise of a simple design that I created in August, 2010.  I only realized when I took a look at it again that I never linked it to Tablescape Thursday, so this may be the first time that many of you have seen it.  I hope that you enjoy it.



Most Sunday evenings, you will find Sweet Mr. and me enjoying 'Breakfast for Dinner.  It's one of my favorite meal choices.  We tend to like the traditional fare...fried eggs, crisp bacon, toast or English muffins, juice, and a large glass of cold milk.  Yesterday, we added scrambled eggs to the mix (pun intended) for our precious daughter and son-in-love, who were joining us for supper.  Late afternoon sun was still filtering through the Western exposure of the breakfast room as I finished setting the table.

I have always appreciated the design value of English Transferware, but there are several other significant reasons that I chose to collect and use it.  Entertaining Tip:  Like so many young brides, I went through a season of being enamored with Italian pottery.  It was gorgeous; it was heavy; and it chipped every time that I looked sideways at it.  Furthermore, many Italian pottery designs are manufactured for a short time and then discontinued.  It became a burden to try to replace broken and chipped pieces, and I was not a happy camper.  Next, I spent a number of years using Dansk Pottery, "Bistro," as my every day pattern.  It was gorgeous, it rarely chipped or broke; but oh my, pulling it out of the cabinet and putting it away was like a full upper body workout!  Heavy just doesn't adequately describe the weight of this dinnerware....Enter...my mother-in-love.  She loved English Transferware, and one year for my birthday, she started my collection of Spode Tower Pink.  We are blessed that we now also are the caretakers for her Copeland Spode Tower Pink.  You can spot a portion of it in the Welsh Dresser in the background.  English Transferware...it was a wonderful new world of dinnerware.  It's gorgeous, it rarely chips, or breaks, I can find replacements on the secondary market if needed, and it is relatively light weight.  And so it began...

After the service of Spode Tower Pink was completed, my generous Mother-in-Love asked me what I next would like for my birthday, Christmas, etc.  I had seen and fallen in love with Furnivals 'Blue Quail.'  Between my MIL and the rest of my family, it didn't take too many holidays to complete a
service of this wonderful blue and white transferware pattern.  Furnivals eventually went out of business, but their designs were bought by Mason's, who continued to produce this pattern in the blue and in a wonderful brown.  The blue/yellow laminated fabric placemat is by Patricia Spratt for the Home, www.patriciasprattforthehome.com.
The blue quilted tumblers have been in use for years.  A number of manufacturers make this design, including Fostoria.  I think that these were made by Colony.  The cut crystal juice glass belonged to Nana, and I don't know who made them.  The stainless is Towle, 'Antique Bead.'  

I didn't spend a great deal of time planning this tablescape, maybe ten minutes before the kids arrived.  There were no plans for a floral centerpiece; I grabbed the Blue Quail tureen and a pair of blue and white candlesticks from Portugal.  A cobalt butter dish by Mosser Glass and a blue glass pitcher from a local thrift shop completed my design for a simple family meal.

The last of the day's sunshine is gently dancing across our table.  The bacon smells so good, and my Sweet Mister is preparing to fry and scramble the eggs.   My precious daughter and SIL are fixing the toast and English muffins, and I'm ready to pour the juice and ice cold glasses of milk.  We're right here most Sunday evenings; I hope that you'll join us some time for a simple meal and fellowship.  You would be welcome at our table.


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 March, I think of the dusk of Winter and the dawn of Spring...quiet moments spent around the table with family and friends.  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.

32 comments:

  1. I know what you mean about transferware. They are pretty and light weight and easier to handle. These blue and yellow ones are so pretty, kinda Frenchy. I like your red and white ones too. Breakfast for dinner sounds wonderful....Christine

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  2. So pretty! Love those dishes! I have been eyeing a set of them at one of my flea market haunts...the first time I had seen them! Sigh! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  3. Ooooh, maybe I will get to be the first to respond. After helping my mother with her garage sale and move all week, I am looking forward to the Wild Game Dinner! And, I do love a beautiful blue and white table...and bacon and eggs....yummy on both counts.

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  4. Well....as I have sat at your blue and white tables on more than one occasion, I find this one just as inviting as the others-charming and warm. Will S Mr. make some pancakes for me? My Sweet Baboo makes a mean waffle! Looking forward to trying some interesting wild game a few nights from now!

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  5. So pretty! I love this setting and your blue transferware. I really like the pattern on those. I would love some blue transferware but haven't seen many that I like the patterns on. I have seen some w/florals once that I liked very much but it was out of my price range. LOL! It's so neat you had a MIL who enjoyed giving you china as gifts. I love the picture that shows your dresser with the red transferware in the background. It is wonderful to see both sets w/different colors in that photo. Beautiful shot!

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  6. Well this is just gorgeous! I love that soft blue and white pattern! Your table is so beautiful and I love your welsh cupboard with your amazing collection of dishes! I enjoy breakfast for dinner and should do it more often. My son is a pancake lover and would eat them at any time of day! Hope you are enjoying the week!
    Miss Bloomers

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  7. Wonderful table! You were the one who identified the Blue Quail dishes from my mother-in-law that I used in a tablescape last year. That tureen is SO beautiful. I'm thinking I need to put more of these pieces on my wish list!

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  8. I'm so glad you showed this again. We feel the same way about chippy china! Love your blue and white. It's quite different and thus a sight to behold. Have fun, keep your wits about you. Hugs, marlis- oh and your table is lovely!!

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  9. Oh so very pretty!! It is always such a pleasure to see your beautiful tables.

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  10. Beautiful. I'm a fan of breakfast for dinner too.
    All your dishes are so pretty and seeing your hutch full of transfer ware makes me smile. ~ Sarah

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  11. I never tire of seeing your fabulous Welsh dresser filled with pretties and I so love hearing the stories of your collections. I've seen the quail pattern before (I have a tea set) but don't think I had ever seen the dinner plates. You are one lucky lady to have had such a wonderful mother-in-love!

    - The Tablescaper

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  12. PS

    Can't wait to see the wild game set up! Sounds like a lot of work and so exciting.

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  13. Love the blue! You have so many beautiful dishes .thanks for sharing . please come and refollow me ,lost my blog last week head to start over joann

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  14. Good luck with your big dinner! This is such a pretty table. I love reprises because often I don't remember or didn't see it. I just love this color of blue. The blue goblets are fabulous. Of course, the transferware is delightful.

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  15. It is beautiful!
    I have a blue "sea" set that I'm in love with too...
    inexpensive and for everyday use.
    Your tablescapes are always outstanding Cherry Kay.
    I love to visit here.
    Thanks for stopping by too.
    Shel

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  16. Love the dishes. You have set a beautiful table. I am currently on the search for blue transferware dishes but haven't found any as pretty as yours.

    Always inspiring.
    Cynthia

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  17. Beautiful blue china, love the table setting!! Jackie in Surrey, Uk.x

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  18. I love breakfast for dinner. We often have an omelet for the evening meal not only because it is good but it is such a simple dinner to prepare at the end of a busy day. As always, your table is lovely and I marvel over how many dishes, etc. you have!

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  19. I saw those blue quilted glasses in a thrift store yesterday and almost bought them! I had them years ago, but sold them when I moved and had a new color of kitchen. I have fond memories of using those in my little condo! I know what you mean about the evolution of dishware from the whimsy of a young bride to the grounded decisions of a seasoned shopper/hostess. Good for your Mother-in-Love for introducing you to the classic transferware that you can enjoy forever! I have a few heavy dishes in my repertoire, but I store them at eye level so I don't have to get Popeye arms taking them out of the cabinet! Beautiful table, Cherry Kay! Good luck with the dinner this weekend. Wow...150?!?!??!! Wow!!!!!!!!

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  20. You know that I LOVW the blue. And the sunshine dancing across the table is so inviting!!

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  21. So very, very pretty. Blue and white is always a favorite of mine.

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  22. We love breakfast for dinner around here to! Your china is just beautiful and I love your checked napkins!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Aledia

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  23. Your dishes are very pretty! I love the blue & white! It is crisp and homey at the same time!Have a great weekend!
    Blessings My Friend,

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  24. How lovely the setting sun looks, gracing your beautiful table, Cherry Kay! I know your daughter & her hubby felt blessed to be able to join you both for the evening meal. I love it when my kids come to eat.

    All your dishes are so pretty & you accessorize things so well, too. You are extremely knowledgeable about so many aspects of this hobby & I always learn something when I visit you.

    Hugs,
    Rett...who can't WAIT to see the photos from that Wild Game Dinner for around 150!!!! Yikes!!

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  25. All that soft blue is so pretty to look at! This is a beautiful tablescape.

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  26. I am looking forward to the photos from your big dinner! And I know exactly what you mean about the italian pottery. It does chip--so does the portugese which is now becoming more common. I am thinking of getting rid of some of my very heavy pieces too. My favorite everyday dish is Wedgwood Nantucket-- bone china--never chips and lightweight too! Your blue and white pieces are beautiful and so is your hutch! Linda

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  27. Oh that is so pretty! I love the colors, and those glasses are gorgeous, so vibrant with the sun streaming!
    It looks so warm and inviting! We used to have a Dansk Outlet here in Southampton, I loved the place, and what fabulous bargains we got. My kitchen dishes are Dansk Fiance, not too heavy,porcelain. I love them but it has been 15 years almost!
    Would love a set of the ones you have shown, just lovely!

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  28. Beautiful transferware on the table and the hutch! I only have a smattering of transferware but I do like it a lot. Your room looks like such a friendly cozy place to dine. The menu sounds good too! We used to think it was quite a treat when my Mom would make a breakfast for our dinner.

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  29. LOVE breakfast for dinner! When my kids were young, their dad played golf in a summer league, which left just the three of us for Friday dinners. We turned it into blueberry pancake night!

    Your table is so inviting, and I love the simplicity of a table set for an actual meal with loved ones. Your posts are very educational, and I love learning about china! Thanks for sharing this post!

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  30. So beautiful. Again, I'm in awe of all your gorgeous dishes. Have a wonderful dinner tonight.

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  31. Oh, I remember this pretty table! Breakfast for dinner is a favorite thing to do around here sometimes, too. I hope your wild game dinner went well and that you didn't totally exhaust yourself with all of the preparations!

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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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