Monday, June 11, 2012

Fortune Cookie/Mottahedeh Blogiversary Give-away

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. 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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Entertaining Women's first blog post was July 7, 2010.  It's hard to conceive that I've been blogging my tablescapes for almost two years.  I never dreamed that I would be "published" in any format. It was always my Aunt Ida's dream for me, and I think that she would be happy.  I'm having even more fun with my blog today than when I began, and I look forward to my third year.  I adore the many new blog buddies that I've come to care about, and I am humbled by your support and unending encouragement.  Thank you seems so inadequate.  

I've been contemplating my blogiversary for quite a while now, and I've been seeking something special for one of you.  I think that I've found it...no...I know that I've found it!  By now, you know that I enjoy "the hunt" for a great and grand deal at estate sales, especially at the tail end of the sale.  I've had some really good luck in the past, but I think that I've recently scored my most amazing 'get' ever....and I want to share my good fortune with one of you.  Just one week ago, I was able to purchase a set of 47 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates, plus 36 cups and saucers, for the same price that Replacements gets for one plate(click, if you're curious).  I've decided that my give-away gift will be a set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.  

I really liked the give-away that the Tablescaper held recently, and I'm going to base mine on her model.  Starting tonight, 1. become a follower or tell me that you already are one... 2. leave me a comment about my posts from now through Saturday, July 7, 2012...and 3. take a stroll through my archives and leave me comments on my older posts.  I'll record each comment entered by my followers from now through July 7, and use the automatic generator to choose a winner with an address in the lower 48 United States to be announced the following week. (Fabby, I think that I remember that you have a mailing address in the US...right?)   Now on to the good stuff...

The original of this magnificent Chinese export pattern may be found set in the dining room of Charleston's famed Nathaniel Russell House. Butterflies, a popular design in China, are often found as porcelain decoration or embroidered on robes. Perhaps the popularity of the butterfly comes, in part, from the fact that Chinese word for butterfly, tieh, is a pun which expresses the wish that the owner might live to a ripe old age. Mottahedeh, in cooperation with Historic Charleston, offers an updated version and is true to the antique. The name reflects the many birds and butterflies featured in the design.


As I designed my tablescape, I kept thinking of Alycia of TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE.  Alycia introduced us to the marvelous Bormioli Rocco Figlio of Fidenza, Italy glass charger plates on clearance at Gordman's.  I'm fairly gaga over these turquoise ones, and I like the way that the Williams Sonoma Hemstitch Linen Tablecloth makes the colors pop.  I've bought them in four colors, and I'm pretty sure that you're going to see them a lot this summer.  Alycia also has told us that orange is her 'go-to' color...


...I've never given much thought to the color orange, but the "Sacred Butterfly" is rapidly becoming one of my favorite patterns...I think that I'm becoming a convert.  How do you feel about orange?


It's always a pleasure to use the antique carved ivory handle flatware, purchased from a local antiques store.  Amending the antique pieces with the L'Argent "Sophia" Gold flatware from Horchow and Tuesday Morning, has always been a good solution for a complete setting.

The Tiffany Blue Hemstitched napkins are once again from an eBay seller, NAPKINS ONLINE.  They are a linen/cotton blend, and you can purchase a dozen of them for $23.00, often with free shipping.  This lovely napkin is available in a large variety of colors...I highly recommend them.  The wonderful beaded tassel napkin ring was a give away prize from CUISINE KATHLEEN.  Thanks again, Kathleen!

I continue to find great pleasure in mixing a variety of cased crystal (colored) and sparkling clear crystal.  I think that it really adds to the color story of the entire table design.

 Today I enjoyed mixing the Vietri Amber Optical Goblet with the Tiffin "Elyse" wine goblet, another great estate sale find.  I love that the clear crystal picks up the reflection of the Tiffany blue napkin.

  
I don't know if we'll have guests at this summertime table, yet, so for the time being, I've kept the centerpiece and sideboard relatively simple.  If we choose to actually use this setting for a meal, I'll add some florals and probably candlelight.  For now, just use your imagination.


The pair of Rose Famille Republic Period lidded rose bowls were another one of my buys at the tale end of a good estate sale.  I want to say that I paid $30.00 for the pair.  I've had the quartet of Lalique Love Birds for many years.

The Rose Famille Republican Period Tureen was purchased much later through eBay.  I've used them often since obtaining the trio.

Our sweet Nana's antique salts were added to the table as an unexpected touch.

I'm so excited to think that in just about a month, these dinner plates will belong to one of you!

I can hardly wait to see the tablescape that you'll design with your new set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.  I hope that I have lots of comments from you, so you'll have more chances to win! 


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 June, I think of lazy summer days and time to 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!



Wednesday evening is the thirteenth edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  So excited to be 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!  KC has just released her 5th studio CD project, "The Tag Hollow Sessions".  The sold out CD release concert was this past weekend.  "The Tag Hollow Sessions" 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.

62 comments:

  1. Cherry Kay, first of all ~ Congratulations on the Blogiversary. I've so enjoyed following along with your "Entertaining" tables and posts. Love that you found these stunningly beautiful dishes. I'm a fan of orange, especially paired with blue. I've done a couple of posts on this color combo. ;-) Those turquoise chargers are fantastic with these plates, not to mention that amazing ivory flatware. I'm soooooo envious! I don't think I've ever seen any like them. Great find!
    ~ Sarah

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  2. Congratulations on your blogiversary! You always do such lovely tables and your have such a clever use of color in your tables.

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  3. Happy second blogiversary, Cherry Kay! I always learn something from your posts and so appreciate all the detail, historic and otherwise, that you include. I really love the turquoise mixed with orange in this table!

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  4. Congratulations on your blog-anniversary, Cherry Kay. I've enjoyed all of your posts and garnered some lovely inspiration. I'll watch with interest to see which of our friends in blogdom wins your lovely dishes.

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  5. Hi Cherry Kay,
    Congratulations on your blogiversary! You truly have the gift of entertaining and I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful collections of china. You have inspired so many to set beautiful tables with China...something that's not done that often anymore in the day of paper plates and plastic! Cringe!! What a generous giveaway!! Those dishes are gorgeous !!! Love your asian theme tables..my family has spent years overseas and I love my pieces from my Mother's collection.
    Happy Blogiversary!
    Miss Bloomers

    BTW-I'm retiring from nursing this summer...so hopefully will have more time to blog, set pretty tables and entertain!

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  6. Congratulations on the anniversary of your lovely blog, Cherry Kay! I love the Sacred Bird plates and how you have added the complementary blue napkins and Famille Rose lidded rose bowls and tureen with them. You have been such an inspiration to me and I always feel I can't wait to read your blog posts.

    Francie

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  7. Congratulations on 3 years.. Your blog is certainly a favorite! I love those plates.. I am leaning back towards the oranges, olives... what does that say about me? Old.... But the orange in those plates is vibrant and new.. I'm just happy being in the running. Thanks so much for the chance.. I am a follower and have been..
    This table is absolutely spectacular with the vibrant colors.. The turquoise chargers are a perfect compliment to the orange.. It's just stunning.. xo marlis

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  8. First, I would like to congratulate you on your blogaversary, Cherry Kay! I am glad I got to know you through blogging cause you are one of my favorite tablescapers. You have the most amazing collection. And OMG, I want to win! I love dishes and I love orange. What a combination of your giveaway. Your tablescape is very, very pretty. I love the colors you combined....Christine

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  9. And but of course, I am a follower, alwqays have!..
    Christine

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  10. OMG, I am glad I checked about being a follower. I thought I was but it let me sign again, so now I definitely am....Christine

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  11. I think I just became a follower-- only it is called Friends Connect???

    Francie

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  12. Oh, you KNOW I'm a follower ... and even though I'm not adding to my own collection, I would LOVE to win this set for my daughter. She is a huge fan of orange -- and butterflies are a very special "thing" in our relationship. Here's hoping my luck holds and I'll win these plate, too! (Is that greedy -- since I'd be giving them away?!)

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  13. I've been waiting to see how you presented these gorgeous plates ever since the day you lucked upon them. They are fabulous paired with the aqua, and Nana's little salts are definitely a nice unexpected touch! Everything just says "welcome!" Congrats again on your big score AND on your blogiversary. It's very generous of you to share with one of us.

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  14. Love your blog. Have read for quite awhile (found you around Christmas when I searched for Spode Christmas Tree and found the blod on 'Spode Christmas Tree x2)--with you and your daughter. So fun to look at your tables and love when we tour your house (and see the nooks and crannies filled with dishes and decorative items)----as well as the display developments such as Easter April 5, 2012. Happy Blog-Anniversary. Thanks for all you share.

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  15. Congratulations on your 2 years! And what a find. Beautiful plates. I think orange works so well with turquoise and green that it's so much more versatile that we give it credit! My great grandfather's Mason Ironstone had hints of orange and I love it. I'm a follower, btw.

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  16. Me again. After spending a fun little while re-looking at past posts, I think my favorite (at least at the moment) is the "thankfulness" luncheon you coordinated with your daughter. I never tire of seeing all of the different tables. What a gift you gave the bride -- and everyone present!

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  17. Happy anniversary! I am smiling looking at this color combination. I got out my orange napkins and turquoise placemats, fooling around with things this afternoon. What a lovely table! You have so many treasures! I love looking at each and every one, learning a little bit about their origin. I am always happy when it is you who finds a treasure like this. You appreciate its beauty and its history.

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  18. Such a find! Wow - you are an incredible shopper. The table is lovely and I certainly wish that we had a Gordman's around here. Beautiful table, as always!

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  19. Congratulations on your anniversary. That's a lot of tables! I love those chargers. You must have bought them out! Orange is really "in" right now but it's a great color and looks so nice with the blue here. I can't get over how the crystal glass picked up that napkin color!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  20. Congratulations on your blogiversary! Oh My do I love every post you make. You are PURE PERFECTION when it comes to entertaining. I LOVE the dishes, the color is spectacular and fun AND WOW would a table set with them make a big statement.
    The way you have used them is stunning. LOVE those large JARS in the center.
    Thank you so much for a chance to sit on the edge of my seat with all these other lovely ladies!
    Big Hugs to you,
    Donna(YES, I'm a follower)

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  21. What a rich and beautiful table! I love the china. You know that I am a very happy followers... thank you for entering me in this WONDERFUL giveaway. Happy early Bloggiversary!
    The charger color really accents the beautiful rusty orange of the sacred butterfly china!
    Lovely!

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  22. Happy blogaversary! Lovely table. I really like the chargers.

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  23. What a beautiful table. It's so rich, yet very fresh looking. I think it's that combination of the elegant plates against the Tiffany blue chargers! Not to mention the amazing ivory flatware.

    You have amazing luck at Estate sales. One of these days I'm going to be your shadow. LOL!

    I would love to win those plates.Good luck keeping track of all of the comments.Start now. It became quite the chore.

    - The Tablescaper

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  24. Cherry Kay, I'm back to swoon over these gorgeous plates again. Love this table setting with all it's gorgeous color.

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  25. Happy Anniversary! Your table is just lovely, love the colors. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Cherry Kay, After I pick myself up off the floor maybe I can tell you that this table is out of this world. I love this color combination. My bedroom wall color is a pale aqua. I keep looking for orange to go in there. So, I love the orange and aqua.
    You table with the Mottahedeh china is possibly the most beautiful I have seen in a long time. The Sacred Butterfly is amazingly beautiful. Thanks for introducing us and such a great giveaway.
    I am a follower for a long time.
    Congratulations on you blogiversary. xo Ginger

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  27. You never cease to amaze me on your beautiful pieces from the glassware to the flatware to the centerpieces and of course the plates.

    Congratulations on two years. I must have started just before you on May 20, 2010. I was so busy that I didn't do anything but mention it. Include me in your giveaway - what a fabulous find!

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  28. I forgot to say that I am already a follower!

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  29. You never cease to amaze me on your beautiful pieces from the glassware to the flatware to the centerpieces and of course the plates.

    Congratulations on two years. I must have started just before you on May 20, 2010. I was so busy that I didn't do anything but mention it. Include me in your giveaway - what a fabulous find!

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  30. Hi dear CK,
    Graciouness! I want all this pls?

    Love every bit, every form.

    Thanks to Alycia for tip §:-)

    Happy day.

    Hugs,
    /Chie

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  31. Congrats on your blogaversary, Cherry Kay.
    I love the blue and orange combo, one of my favorites.

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  32. Congrats darling friend for your blogiversary!! Thank you so much for always feasting my eyes with such amazing tablescapes and fabulous elements you always display...like this awesome table, with great dishes and terrific centerpieces!! I've always been your follower as I adore your style and lovely dining room! Thank you for thinking of me Cherry Kay..I do have an American address, just in case I'm lucky!!
    Have a terrific weekend. I will be visiting from here on.
    FABBY

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  33. Again, I'm your fan and I'm crossing my fingers! LOVING THE ORANGE DISHES, I HAVE CHARGERS WITH THAT ORANGE AND THEY WILL GO JUST PERFECT!! Thank you for the chance.
    FABBY

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  34. Congratulations on the 2nd. Yours is one of the blogs I read that made me want to participate in blogland. Your tables are always so inspirational and the warmth of family comes through your writing.

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  35. Thank you Cherry Kay for such a lovely and generous comment on my table and home. Yes, we have Bormioli Rocco crystal and your chargers are lovely...small world indeed my friend; I guess it just means we like things the same, as I also adore oriental things, such as the beautful ginger jars you have as centerpieces, they always make me drool!! Thank you for asking about the dishes. I got them as a gift a few years ago from friends and they're a good brand of Chinese made dishes called: Multiple Choise, they make the finest china as I knew about them from catalogs they sent me at our company when I was into the tableware business. I really love them too, they're great for so much, as Halloween! Honey, I would imagine you're blogging for at least 5 years, you are such an expert blogger and fabulous tablescaper, one of my very fav.
    FABBY

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  36. Cherry Kay,
    The table looks beautiful. I was lucky enough to get to see it in person and it is even more stunning in person than in the photos. Thanks so much for the packing paper and other goodies!

    Chelsee

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  37. I can't wait until Wednesday evening on Thursday morning to see what you will post next. I got hooked on your site from Mere Thoughts of Mommies and Boys. I
    love you just travel through all of your tablescapes. Thanks for the ride!

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  38. Cherry Kay, congratulations on your Blogiversary! I found your site a little over a year ago, and look forward to your weekly tables. As I have said before, your collection of china, silver, crystal and linens is just incredible. When you add your sense of beauty and style, the results are always just lovely. I would love to be the winner of these lovely plates. I, too, am new to the "orange" family, and will be doing a table in the next few months that these plates would be just the perfect accent. Perhaps I will be the lucky recepient! Thank you,MM

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  39. Just beautiful, CK! What a combo of colors. I am not a fan of orange, I am a 70's bride and I still have remnants of the orange towels that were shower gifts in the rag bag!
    Howevah, on your table it looks fabulous! I love the centerpiece!
    I hope I win so Alma will be jealous of me! :)
    I love seeing those napkin rings being used, and they are great with this setting!

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  40. I forgot to wish you a Happy Blog a versary!

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  41. This is a beautiful table, Cherry Kay! Big congrats on your two year blogiversary! I feel a little like Eliza Doolittle when I visit your blog--I learn so much and can only dream about being as knowledgeable as you are! Your giveaway will make someone VERY happy!

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  42. Congratulations on your upcoming Blogiversary!!!!!!! You know I am a longtime follower and fan!!! You are such a sweetheart and so gifted with your fabulous tablescapes....and this one is utterly wonderful!!! I love the color contrast with the aqua shades against the butterfly plate colors!!! And that you're having such a tremendous giveaway??? AWESOME!!!!!!!

    Love/hugs/blessings,
    Lana

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  43. Congrats to you Cherry Kay! You always have stunning tables. Every element is beautiful on your table. I would love having the plates on my table, it is so sweet of you to have the giveaway. I love the napkins and chargers and your theme is beautiful with the centerpieces.

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  44. Wonderful as always to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  45. Hi, Cherry Kay! I've been recuperating over the last week and not able to visit blogs. I am SO glad to see that you are not only enjoying your new chargers, but that you have created such a drop-dead gorgeous table with them! Yes, I'm a lover of orange, and it looks fantastic the way you have it showcased in tiny kisses rather than just one big, smothering hug on your table. It's fabulous! I love the way the color works so well with the turquoise against the white linen!! LOVE the elevated ginger jars...my idea of pure perfection! Congratulations on your fabulous acquisition, and I know someone is going to enjoy those beautiful dishes for years and years to come!

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  46. This looks divine! That table is fit for a king or even a queen!Your china and crystal are beautiful! You did a wonderful job putting everything together. I hope you enjoyed your work with someone wonderful.
    Greetings from Switzerland
    Cornelia

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  47. Love the tablescape. The jars in the middle are beautiful. I have a friend that hopes I win the plates:)

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  48. Congratulations on your 2 years! I think I'm creeping up on 3 and I can't believe it. I wondered when I started if I would have anything to say for more than a week!

    What a great giveaway, the plates are beautiful and your tablescape is wonderful. I love the addition of the turquoise with them.

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  49. Oh, I am a follower...forgot to say so!

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  50. Cherry Kay, I have been following your site every Thursday as part of BNOTP's Tablescape Thursday, so hopefully that qualifies me as a "follower". If not, I will try to figure out what needs to be done to be an official follower. I do not have my own blog, and see on your sidebar a place for Google Chat, but I didn't find a way to sign up via email. I will seek the assistance of the younger generation in this endeavor. Thank you for sharing all your lovely tables. MM

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  51. Now, for the real challenge, which is my favorite tablescape? It is impossible to pick just one favorite since all your tables are beautiful and unique. I have reviewed most of the tables for 2011, and I have chosen two which are particular favorites. I love blue and white, with a touch of yellow, so the settings for "Tables for Two" is definitely a favorite. The classic feeling to a table set in blue and white is always a winner for me. For my more romantic leanings, I particularly enjoyed the table, "A Few of My Favorite Things". On that table the china was so beautiful, the colors were soft but with depth, and I, too, love linens with a scallop. So, for 2011, those tables would be my picks. MM

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  52. Cherry Kay, forgive me for adding still another comment. I wanted to share a thought on your orange and turquoise/aqua tablescape. I do not go to a Pier One store very often, but last week I was on a quest and stopped in that store. I didn't find what I was looking for, but saw something that seemed to "fit" with your latest table. Pier One had napkin rings that were encrusted or bejeweled with accents of aqua and orange. From the photos on-line of your table, these napkin rings just seemed to be a great match with your settings. So, if you happen to be near a Pier One store, you might want to check them out. MM

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  53. Hi darling, Cherry Kay congratulations on Blogiversary! Time flies when we're having fun doesn't it. I've enjoyed your tablescapes for a long time, always come away inspired.. Your table is a delight of colors and textures. Love the mismatched flatware.. hugs ~lynne~

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  54. Cherry Kay, Congratulations on your blogiversary! We started at the same time--July 2010. Doesn't time fly?? Your plates are beautiful, and you have an amazing eye to find things like those tureens at estate sales! I am a long time, very happy follower, and I always look forward to your posts! Linda

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  55. Cherry Kay, this is such a fabulous table! I love those blue glass chargers and they really set off the Sacred Butterfly plates! Your centerpiece items had my heart going pitterpatter! Such beautiful things! I am a follower!

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  56. Congratulations! Your tablescapes are AMAZING! I love your eye for color and creativity to match each occasion. you are a true artist with your palettes of color. I LOVE your blog! Keep 'em coming!

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  57. Congrats on your blogiversary!! What an amazing giveaway! I am always blown away by your talent in tablesaping I do follow you :-)

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  58. Yes, isn't blogging wonderful? I've met so many lovely women throughout this entire venture, it makes me very happy. Happy 2nd Anniversary !!!

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  59. Cherry Kay, a heartfelt congratulations on the Blogiversary. I've been "educated" on your blog! Thank you for the amazing giveaway.

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  60. Congratulations on your anniversary. I couldn't begin to be in your league but love to be inspired at your tables. Thank you for opportunity for a very generous give a way.

    You are so talented and a gracious person.

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  61. Cherry Kay, I just had to pop back over here tonight to admire those plates that are coming my way. I'm already mentally going through what I have that will work with them. This is going to be such fun! Thank you again for your generous gift. ~ Sarah

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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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