Positively Paisley

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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My heart has been hurting last night and again today for the many blogging friends whom I know have been impacted by the devastating onslaught known as Hurricane Sandy.  You have been in my prayers, and I shall continue to lift you up over the coming days, weeks, and even months for many of you.  Out here on the prairie, we are used to violent weather.  I can only imagine adding that extraordinary element of the ocean.  I would share with you one of my favorite teachings from a Bible study.  Sometimes God calms the hurricane, and sometimes He calms His child in the midst of the hurricane.  I pray that you will find God's peace at this time of difficulty.

Tonight, I'll keep it relatively short and sweet.  I've set the games table for yet another lunch of take out brought in by dear friends.  I am truly a blessed woman to have such precious friends.

Come on in...

...It's a good day to enjoy food, fun, & fellowship.

     The inspiration for today was the navy paisley tablecloth.  I bought it not long ago on eBay for $5.00...true story!  It caught my eye because I thought that I recognized the fabric.  Sure enough, it the same polished chintz that I used for my son's bedroom in 1985!  Always loved that fabric.  I let him take the whole kitten caboodle when he furnished his first college apartment.  I've always kind of missed it.  TIp:  Know what you like and don't worry about whether it's the current trend.  Trust your own eye, your likes, and dislikes; and you'll be content with your choice.

I'm still enjoying the faux mini pomegranates that I used last week.  Today they are the highlight of my centerpiece, an antique oak bowl that I scored at an estate sale.  With the simple addition of four "crystal" votives from Dollar Tree, the centerpiece for my small table is complete.

 Pulling from the colors in the tablecloth, I chose rich shades of red, blue, and bronze with a touch of ivory gold in the L'argent Gold Sophia flatware.  You can still find this pattern in a variety of colors through Howchow.  The Williams-Sonoma Navy Linen Hemstitch napkin is caught with the Waverly beaded tassle napkin ring...a give-away gift from our talented Kathleen of Cuisine Kathleen.

The players in this small production...

 The bronze acrylic charger was $1.99 at Hobby Lobby...inexpensive, but effective.  The Royal Worcester Regency dinner plate is such a classic and always easy to integrate into a design.

I chose the Royal Worcester Regency luncheon plate to complete my stack because...well, because it was sitting there in the cabinet beside the dinner plates, and I was in a hurry.  Hey, it happens!

Completing the story line, I selected the AJKA Red Arabella wine goblet, and the Godinger Sutton Place lead crystal goblet.  I like that they beautifully reflected the glow of the candlelight.

                                                           

It's such a blessing to share a meal with precious friends seated at my table.  I'll set a place for you should you pass this way.  Just let me know.

Despite Hurricane Sandy's best efforts, tonight is the 33rd edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  I'm excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for TUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS.  Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!  Yvonne lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Hurricane was headed inland straight for her.  Please, keep her in your prayers.
                                                                

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 October, I think about the crisp Autumn days and leaves that crunch under foot.  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!  Alma also lives on the coast, and has been without poser since Sunday.  Please, lift her in your prayers.

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 "The Tag Hollow Sessions""  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!