Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Fourth of July, 2012

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 my daughter-in-love, Jamiann at THE BLACKBERRY VINE, graciously helped me figure out how to even start a blog.  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 introduced my blogiversary give-away week before last...a set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.  To read about it and learn how to be the winner, click HERE. 

We have a couple of good friends coming for dinner tomorrow night to observe Independence Day, 2012.  This tablescape kind of grew like 'Flopsy, Mopsy, and Peter Cottontail.  Other than knowing that I wanted to use the red and white striped tablecloth, I really didn't have a grand plan....

...but I'm happy with the end result. The pair of Uncle Sam's on the refectory table are actually Christmas Decorations, and don't most of us have a stash of the small American flags that we've had forever tucked away someplace?

I haven't used the Burleigh "Calico" tureen in quite a while; I liked the dark cobalt color with the white flowers that were a bit reminiscent of stars (just chalk it up to poetic license).  I found this at the tail end of a good estate sale for $30.00 for the tureen, ladle, and under plate.  The little fabric dolls were also an estate sale get...four for $1.00.  I think that they're quirky and fun...

Susan B. Anthony...

Daniel Boone...or maybe Davy Crockett, both fine Americans...

Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain...

...and of course, Betsy Ross!

I surrounded the tureen with a quartet of my Lenox Urns.  Flowers from the grocery store made simple floral poseys.

...Centerpiece...✓...Now that wasn't too hard...just a bit of digging in cabinets and closets.

The Royal Doulton's Restaurant Ware Brand Steelite Cobalt Charger is making yet another appearance as the base of my place setting.

They're becoming like Hepburn and Tracey.  I've once again used the Wedgwood "Countryware" as my dinner plate.  I've bought a number of this pattern on eBay over time.  This is one of the patterns that I go to for large groups.  Tip:  Different china companies will often make the same design.  For example, "Countryware" was originally produced by Coalport.  When Coalport closed their operation, Wedgwood bought the molds and continued to produce this pattern.  Here's my advice.  The plates are exactly the same from Wedgwood to Coalport, but the Coalport version often sells for two or three times more than the Wedgwood.  Now Coalport is one of my favorite china manufacturers, but in this instance, I didn't hesitate to collect the Wedgwood.  Just do your homework and take your time!

The Royal Worcester "Regency Ruby" luncheon plate was another of my eBay discoveries.  Red, white, and blue...yep, I like it.  For our celebration, this will be removed before dinner and returned with our dessert.

Held in place with the Coalport "Countryware" Napkin Ring, the navy and white stars napkin is a bandana, found at Hobby Lobby.  I think that I paid $1.00 each for them.  I folded the bandana to conceal the remainder of the napkin which is red and white stripe.  I thought that this turned out to be an important component for my design....Who knew?

 If you've followed me for any time at all, you know that I'm fond of the L'Argent "Sophia" flatware from Horchow and Tuesday Morning.  I've bought it in a number of colors.  It sells for $10.00 per 5 piece place setting...sometimes less.  I've purchased it a little at a time...a lot of punch for a minimum investment.

The cutwork design and the faceted stem in the AJKA "Arabella" Cobalt Goblet reminded me of bursting fireworks lighting up the night sky on Independence Day.  The Lenox "Holiday Gem" in red was the perfect partner for our red, white, and blue celebration.

  Ready to roll.  We'll share a no-fuss dinner of Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Asparagus, Baked Potato, Garlic French Bread, Homemade Ice Cream and Fresh Summer Berries.

Those of you on the coast who experienced the damaging straight winds have been on my heart and in my prayers this week.  It is not uncommon for us prairie dwellers to experience 100 MPH straight winds on occasion...and we had more than 50 days over 100º last summer, so we understand your predicament.  I continue to pray for your situation and for your safety.  If you could get away for a bit, I'll be glad to add extra place settings to the table.  I would be honored to have you as a guest at my table.

May we all embrace this magnificent country of ours, The United States of America...one nation, under God.  I'm grateful to our military men and women who sacrifice themselves that we might live free.  Happy Independence Day!


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 fifteenth 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!


It's always a treat to learn something new when I go exploring in blog land.  Tonight I'm excited to join Yvonne @ Stone Gable for her new meme, TUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS.  Bring your notebook...there's so much to learn!


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.

32 comments:

  1. Cherry:

    This is a gorgeous table. I know what you mean about how a table somehow just grows. That cluster of flags on the side board certainly set the stage. Your calico tureen is gorgeous and as always, love your stemware. What a great collection of varying china to made an amazing stack.

    Hope you have a fun 4th!

    - The Tablescaper

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  2. For a "Flopsy, Mopsy, & Peter Cottontail" genesis, this table went straight to the top and stayed there!!! (Kinda like the thermometer these past few weeks!) Beautiful, Cherry Kay, with so many wonderful details. The little rag dolls are a FABULOUS touch!!!!!!!! Seriously...the $1 you paid for them was beyond worth it!!!!! I love the profusion of flags on the refectory table, too. That's really cool! They're made just a bit glamorous by the vessel they're in, but the message is still there. Gorgeous dishes, and I love your tip. It can be hard to be patient sometimes, but it sure pays off!!! I hope you guys enjoy your wonderful dinner INDOORS (as most of us will be!), and have a safe & happy 4th!

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  3. Beautiful table. I love your tureen and your detailed touches make for a lovely holiday setting!

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  4. Cherry Kay, I just couldn't take my eyes off that stunning tureen! It's not only gorgeous, it really anchors the whole table nicely. Love the bandanna napkins with that striped cloth! Enjoy celebrating with your friends tonight!

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  5. Gorgeous table...I am so in love with our calico tureen...beautiful!!

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  6. Cherry --
    What a glorious table! You hit a home run here! I love it all, especially the cobalt cut goblets. And you've made us all jealous when you tell of the deal you got on that beautiful Burleigh tureen.
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

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  7. Your table makes me squeal with delight! The Lenox flower-filled urns looks great paired with the cobalt tureen. The plate stack is perfect. The salad/dessert plate is a true beauty! The napkins are quite striking; you chose well in arranging them that way.

    I LOVE your table setting and your menu sounds absolutely wonderful!

    I especially love the arrangement of multiple flags shown in the background on your sideboard. Happy 4th of July!

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  8. What a fun, pretty patriotic table! Love the little dolls! Nice combination of tablecloth and napkins...you always have the prettiest tables! Hope you had a wonderful holiday...we have been blessed having our middle son home with us this week...he now lives in Georgia! I had good reason to celebrate!
    Miss Bloomers

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  9. That is a beautiful table and patriotic too. Happy 4th!

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  10. A beautiful red, white and blue table! Love those "napkins"!

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  11. I love how you created this table without a 'plan'. It's so pretty and usually the way I tablescape also. Use and inspiration and go from there. Love your glassware! hugs, Linda

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  12. The calico is such a great accompaniment to the stars and stripes. Your little fabric dolls couldn't be more perfect! Good advice about buying the "nicer" flatware a little at a time and looking for it at Tuesday Morning. Your dinner menu sounds wonderful (all my favorites!)

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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  13. As always, your table delights and educates us with your narrative. The little dolls add great whimsey and historical significance to your table. What would we do without eBay, estate sales, and Hobby Lobby type stores? The mixture of vintage, cut glass, china, and bandanas speaks of the limitless possibilities available to us, and yes, we are blessed to live in a country of such abundance and opportunity. Thanks for inspiring. Happy Summer. ~CJ

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  14. Cherry Kay, I'm smiling at all this red, white, and blue goodness. That tureen is special! Love the stripes beneath the stack of plates. It makes for a very effective look. Great job!

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  15. Cherry Kay, I appreciated your lovely Fourth of July Table! You continue to inspire me.

    Francie

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  16. Stunning patriotic table so elegant and whimsy even with the rag dolls, ($1 too!!) around the pretty centerpiece with the flags. The tablecloth is lovely and the dishes are all gorgeous! I'm crazy about the Royal Doulton ones, wow! Your flatware is perfect too. A fabulous and elegant table lovely friend. Hope you had a terrific 4th. inside! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  17. Oh my goodness, this is the perfect Fourth tablescape. I love the stripe cloth and the napkins of course with the stars. Your tureen is amazing! Beautiful, Beautiful!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  18. I absolutely love this table. The way the gold in the chargers and the gold in the dessert plates play up one another is just fabulous. The stemware chosen is absolutely perfect. The stripes on the table and the stars in the napkins - well just perfect. Love the sweet dolls surrounding the spectacular tureen. You have the perfect pieces.. A wonderfully fabulous table. I know your guests felt as special as you wanted them to, as you are the hostess with the mostest! hope your fourth was fabulous.. xo marlis

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  19. So this is what a "thrown together" table without a plan looks like? It's wonderfully delightful, and I'm certain your guests enjoyed it immensely. Great reminder about the Coalport/Wedgwood "twins."

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  20. What a beautiful table! I love that tureen and how you surrounded it with the red and white flowers. Everything looks amazing. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

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  21. Your table is very cute, Cherry Kay. I love the dolls and your calico tureen is perfect. I love the red, white and blue mix of dishes....Chr,istine

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  22. Leave it to you to come up with the just right table with your usual touches of elegance. I look forward to what you create the next two years.

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  23. The layered plates are just stunning, as are the little urns with flowers.

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  24. Stunning table. I love the historical dolls and those great napkins. The tablecloth is spectacular and it makes everything pop! You are a great tablescaper!
    Gorgeous sapphire crystal is so elegant!

    So striking!

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  25. How I love a patriotic table! The Royal Worcester "Regency Ruby" luncheon plates are gorgeous. I'm sure your friends enjoyed celebrating with you. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Lovely tablescape. Great advice re. the Coalport and Wedgwood china pattern. Thanks!

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  27. Beautiful table, it is simply gorgeous and perfect for the 4th. Love the flags on your sideboard.

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  28. Your dishes are just beautiful; your table struck me as a formal 4th of July table--unusual and beautiful! ~Zuni

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  29. I just love that tureen! Those little dolls are perfect and the striped cloth pops. Great table!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish, and happy anniversary!

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  30. I'm sorry I missed this on the 4th. Your table was beautiful - and I'll bet everyone around it had a grand time.

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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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