True to Blue for Two

"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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Same story...one of many verses.  My friend is picking up our favorite Grilled Salmon salad and heading over for lunch.  Today it had to be blue and white...I've missed my old friend blue as we've concentrated on various holiday themed tablescapes.  Keeping it short and sweet tonight...well, at least as short and sweet as I ever am.

It's been rainy, and now the wind is rearing its ugly head...so the games table in the living room is where we've landed again.

One of the azalea plants from our Easter table added a nice touch of vibrant pink.  I plopped it in a random blue and white jardiniere that was hiding in a closet.  The pair of oriental lanterns were a half-price purchase from Hobby Lobby.  Today I didn't bother, but they'd look great with a candle inside, too. All in all, the centerpiece took moments to complete.

The blue and white toile tablecloth is one of ten that I bought on eBay several months ago for a  large luncheon that I'm hosting in October.  I bought them for less than $20.00 each.  It would have cost me $35.00 each to rent them for one day.  eBay Tip:  I sometimes find someone who is selling a large lot of tablecloths...these had been used for a wedding reception.  If you will write the seller a note and ask if there is a better price if you purchase a large number, the seller will often lower the price for each cloth.  It's always worth asking!  The Pottery Barn navy linen hemstitch napkin was an eBay purchase, and once again it's nestled in the Coalport, "Countryware" napkin ring. 

eBay was also the source for the pair of Coalport, decanters.  I filled one with water and one with wine, so we could serve ourselves throughout lunch.

Undergirding the placesetting is a Churchill, "Blue Willow" chop plate, acquired from eBay...again.  Entertaining Tip:  Chop plates will usually work well as chargers.  These are very inexpensive on eBay, and I periodically add another one.  Someday I'll have enough to set a whole table.  The L'Argent, blue "Sophia" flatware was found through Horchow and Tuesday Morning. The small white reticulated plate and the Chinese rice bowl were both found at estate sales.  Today I used them for hot bread and dipping oil.  Inverting the bowl was a design choice.  The interior of the bowl is pure white, and I wanted to highlight the blue and white design.

And yet another eBay find, the dinner plate is Wedgwood, "Countryside".  I really like the mix of patterns in this monochromatic design.  

I love that the refined AJKA, "Arabella" wine plays quite well with the Dollar Tree, cobalt goblet.

I'm looking forward to time with my friend....time to share a meal...and take a few quiet moments just to relax and breathe.  Tomorrow I'll get around to putting away the rest of the Easter bunnies.  Sweet Mister would say, "You're not the last one to put away Easter for this year; you're just the first one to start setting out Easter for next year."  He's my prince.

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 THIURSDAY."   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 April, I think of rainy days that give us time to slow down for a bit and share a meal with friends.  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!

Tonight is the fourth edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  So excited to become a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and 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!