Leprechaun Luncheon

"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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The Wild Game Dinner was a tremendous success, and I look forward to sharing it with you.  However, this week I want to contribute a tablescape to Cuisine Kathleen's "Fourth Annual St. Patrirck's Day Blog Crawl. HERE"  Kathleen is my role model...what I want to be when I grow up.  Of course, I probably need to get it in gear because I think that I'm quite a bit older than Kathleen.

I have exactly ONE St.Patrick's Day decoration that I received as a gift from Sweet Mister many years ago, and I am using it for the first time ever!  Over the past year, I've made an effort to add more green items to my repetoire, and many of them were put to work tonight.  Welcome to my Leprechaun Luncheon!

This little guy has spent years sitting in a closet in one of our guest bedrooms.  I think that he looks really happy to see the light of day!  He is made by Simpich Dolls of Colorado Springs.  They have gone out of business, but Simpich Dolls may still be found on eBay and other secondary sites.  

I decided to showcase this sweet fellow, atop a field of lemons and gold foil wrapped chocolates.  The whole thing is resting atop the Wedgwood, "Napoleon Ivy" pedestal punch bowl.  Decorating Tip:  I took a medium size glass cake plate and turned it upside down inside the bowl. Next, I concealed it with some shimmering Easter grass.  I did this for several reasons.  I wanted to be able to use a minimum number of lemons for a maximum effect, and I wanted the small footed piece of the cake plate to serve as a raised base for my Leprechaun.  Give it a try; I think that you'll be pleased with the results.  Of course, I ate the extra pieces of candy that weren't needed for the centerpiece!

Flanking the large center bowl are four Lenox urns.  Several were found at estate sales, and several were bought through eBay.  eBay Tip:  Don't be in a hurry when you're searching for items on eBay!  I've seen this urn listed for more than $100.00 + on eBay...no way!  I bought these for right around $25 - $30 each, over a period of about a year.  If a price seems unreasonable, it probably is...be patient!  The better deals will come around.  Topping the urns with a wonderful acid green are four topiary balls made from Hypericum Berries.  They are coated with a sealer, so I can use them for years.  I love this classic look.  The cream colored Italian candlesticks were very inexpensive eBay purchases.  My saved search was for "Italian candlesticks."  If you haven't done so, set up a "My eBay Page" for yourself, and you'll be ready to shop!

The supporting role went to this metallic acrylic charger from Walmart.  I bought them for less that $1.00 each during Christmas, but I knew that I would use them for this 
tablescape.  The star of the show is the Wedgwood, "Napoleon Ivy" dinner plate.  The Napoleon Ivy was another great get at the tail end of an estate sale.  This is one of the patterns on my "list."

Nabbing the co-starring role was the Wedgwood, Majolica "Grape Leaf" Plate.  This is another example of the benefits of patience when shopping on eBay.  I've seen these listed often for $120 - $150 each.  I paid 20% of that for each one.

Rounding out the ensemble cast for my St. Patrick's Day production are the Tiffin Optic goblet, with the green stem, and the AJKA, "Arabella" green wine goblet.  The flatware is Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance".  The linen napkin with the green satin stitched border was an estate sale find.

To add that 'touch o' gold' to my Irish fantasy, I used the Williams-Sonoma "Farmer's Market Jacquard" linen tablecloth, also an eBay acquisition.  If you're searching for table linens, eBay is always a good place to start!  Also, add Zina Vasi and Russia House to your searches for table linens.

Well, "Top 'o the morning to you!"  I'd love to have you join me for a delicious bowl of Irish Stew, and we can celebrate all things Irish together.  

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 riot of greens and golds that not only mark St. Patrick's Day, but pave the path for the quickly approaching colors of Spring...ready to burst forth in our gardens and on our tables.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there!


I'm linking to The Style Sister's, CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAY this week.  Come join the fun!

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!