Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Garden Friends Christmas, 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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Tomorrow morning the Garden Friends Bible Study group will gather around my tables to celebrate the most important birthday of each and every year.  I'm so excited for them to walk through the door and sit at my tables.  I've had a wonderful time preparing special tablescapes that I pray will honor them.  I hope that each one of them will return to her home and feel that she was the guest of honor.  (Photo intensive post...enter at your own risk.)

I found a bright sunny morning when I came down the hall to give Dickens his breakfast this morning.  I grabbed my Nikon to capture some light filled shots of my tablescapes for the Garden Friends' Christmas luncheon.  I've set two tables for 17 guests.

I've enjoyed using lots of shimmery apple green in my Christmas decorating this year.  A determined sunbeam seemed to say, "Here, let me make everything even more bright and shiny for you."

 Even Nana's antique silver chandelier is dressed for the occasion.  The canopy of shiny green is simply picks laid across the interior arms of the fixture.  The ornaments added a nice pop of Christmas red.  Tip:  The ornaments and the picks don't have any significant weight.  I try to "keep it light" when adorning the chandelier.  The fixture itself is so heavy that I try to avoid adding excessive weight to it.  Safety first!

 The glittery apple green reticulated ribbon is probably my favorite element in this centerpiece.  I used three pieces and "rolled them" into loose loops.  The ribbons are anchored by the red "quilted" cachepots, found at a local florist.  They were quite inexpensive, and I really like the diamond pattern.  Tip:  I bought ten of these.  I'll be hosting another large luncheon for my sorority sisters in October, 2014.  I thought that these would make great centerpieces for that occasion and many others.  Currently they are scattered in different places throughout our "Christmas house."  A pair of mirrored place mats creates a nice reflection.  I tucked four of the Lalique Love Birds into the design...just because I like them.


 The clear glass hurricanes were bought at Michael's a number of years ago.  They are still in stock, and they are very inexpensive!  The cream colored pillar candles are simply wrapped with a peppermint striped ribbon...left over from last year.

The glitz and shine continue on the buffet.  You should see me...I'm covered with glitter!  It may not all come off until Easter!

 Who knew how often I would use the Apple Green Bormolio Glass Charger, bought on clearance at Gordman's.  Thanks, yet again to Alycia of TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE.  Alycia provided what may be the 'tip of the year.' I use these chargers often.

My guests will dine off of the Royal Worcester "Regency" dinner plate, an eBay find.

Making an encore appearance, the King's Crown Tiffin Thumbprint Ruby Flash Plate will once again accommodate our dessert... 

...which will be served in the individual lidded dessert compotes.  The apple green linen hemstitched napkins are rolled into a beaded napkin ring in red and green.  I like the way that they pop against the Williams-Sonoma White Linen Hemstitched Tablecloth.  Do you see the square crystal salt cellar just above the teaspoon?  These belonged to my friend's mother-in-law.  My friend brought them to me as a gift.  I told her that I would hold them and use them until she decided that she wanted to use them after all...or one of her sons wanted to use them.  I am honored that she entrusted them to me.  My mother-in-love's Reed & Barton Francis I silver flatware is such a blessing for the times that I entertain larger groups. She was an amazing hostess, and I was blessed to learn so much from her.

Today, the Waterford Simply Lime seemed an obvious choice for my color story.  The Tiffin Optical Gold Goblet was acquired through eBay.

Makes me smile.  Let's go into the living room, and I'll share some pics of this table's "little sister"...The games table is also ready and waiting for our guests to arrive...

Come on in!  

The centerpiece for the games table is the only significant difference in the two tablescapes.  This is an old Cooper Brass Hurricane that I have had forever!  This was on of the first decorative pieces that I purchased when we bought our first home...many, many years ago.

The candle is actually glass, with an indention that holds a tea candle.  The greenery is, again, simply shimmery green picks that I have loosely fashioned into a wreath around the base of the hurricane.  Easy peasy!

Done!  I wiah that you could join me...

...We'll dine "tree side."

I captured some candlelight shots of both tables last night...  












When I think of candlelight shots, I always think of Bill at Affordable Accoutrements.  I miss him...Come back, Bill!

I am so blessed to call these precious sisters in Christ my friends.  They are one of the most special gifts in my life.  I'll be back next week to share my tablescape for my beloved family.  I pray that you will know a peace-filled Christmas surrounded by family and friends.  We have all witnessed the breaking of so many hearts in the past week...in the passing year.  I pray that we'll embrace each of the people that God has placed in our lives...some of them are easy to love...some of them take a little more effort.  I pray that we'll seek God's reconciliation in fractured and painful relationships.  The time to build or rebuild relationships can be so fleeting.  I don't want to waste a moment.  I know that in my life, I have never regretted choosing to take the high road...no matter how contentious the relationship.  I've often regretted taking the low road.  Think about it.  What if sweet Jesus had decided that we weren't worth the pain that He endured for us?  I can't even wrap my mind around the despair that would invade my heart.  I pray that we'll focus on the multitude of gifts and blessings that God has unwrapped for us in the person of His Son, Sweet Jesus, Lover of my ragged soul.  Merry Christmas, my dear blogging friends.


Wednesday is the 40th 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!  
                                                                
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 "BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH."   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 December, I think about the day that I married Sweet Mister...this week, we celebrated our 44th anniversary.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts (even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy), I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme SEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there!  

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!            
  






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. Very pretty tables as always. I like the green you've chosen this Christmas! You have such lovely things!

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  2. Oh, where to begin? Your Christmas wish message is so special and true! Your tables are breathtaking - just magical. I love your green ribbon, too, it adds so much whimsy to the display. I added this color green to my gold and crystal tree this year. I spied a gorgeous silver punch bowl in the background in your dining room - wow! What are you serving for lunch? I just might slip in the door with your guests!! Enjoy your luncheon with your friends and treasure every moment of this holiday season, my friend - looking forward to seeing your entertaining ideas for 2013!

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  3. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a peak at both of the tables. I love the shimmery green touches, they add such sparkle. Your chandelier is so beautiful by itself and I love the Christmas touches you added, especially the red decorations. I love the Gorham plates. I agree about taking the high road, and it is something I have tried to teach my children. Have a wonderful luncheon and Christmas. I love that round table that is treeside. Joni

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  4. Stunning! I see your posts and immediately come to visit, as I'm never dissapointed with all the beautiful tablescapes you create, with such lovely things, for your lucky friends. Beautiful C'mas wishes, sweet lady. I love the ponsettias in white, they're so elegant. The layers of dishes are just perfect and so elegant with the small cloche on top. I always love the gorgeous punch bowl you have, as I love to collect silver and sterling items..my fave! Thanks fort sharing. Have a wonderful luncheon and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
    FABBY

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  5. CK, this is a wonderful post! And Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas. Is that Dale Chihuly on your header?

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  6. Wow! Now this has Christmas written all over it. I bet you have a lot of glitter, but it's very worth it. I love the apple green. That with the red makes this amazing. And not one "Christmas" dish in sight. You set the most incredible tables. Absolutely gorgeous. The red ornaments are so pretty with the green everywhere. What's for dessert? It's going to be fabulous, I can tell and your guests are going to feel pampered and treasured and take such delight in your preparations. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Anniversary. I wish you many blessings. xo marlis

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  7. Cherry Kay, you just have the magic touch when it comes to setting beautiful tables. These colors are just beautiful; and so festive for the season. I wish you and your fmaily a very Merry Christmas! God bless you!

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  8. Oh my word....I surely wish I could join you, but I wouldn't be able to eat a bite or say a word...your home and tables are most amazing....pure fantasy for me, but so lovely!!
    Christmas blessings to you and your family.
    J
    PS: I miss Bill too...please convince him to come back :^)

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  9. Oh my word....I surely wish I could join you, but I wouldn't be able to eat a bite or say a word...your home and tables are most amazing....pure fantasy for me, but so lovely!!
    Christmas blessings to you and your family.
    J
    PS: I miss Bill too...please convince him to come back :^)

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  10. I am speechless. This is so exquisitely beautiful and you have such a loving heart and spirit. Blessings for a Wonderful Christmas. Ginger

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  11. Both tables are exquisite and elegant, Cherry Kay. The shade of green looks very nice, still offers the traditional Christmas colors but is a little different which make it nice....Christine

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  12. Gorgeous colors with the bright red and apple green! The Garden Friends are certainly in for a treat with the beautiful tablescape. I love how you mixed the china and the different colors of glass plates. Your centerpiece with the ribbon is lovely and just perfect for Christmas. I love your sweet thoughts! Hope you and your family enjoy a beautiful Christmas Day!

    Pam

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  13. So beautiful as always! That chandelier is fabulous. I would love for you to write about your Nana -- she must have been quite a lady!

    ETS

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  14. I miss Bill, too. Whatever happened to him? We need to put an APB out on that guy! He had such beautiful tables, and it was fun having a guy in the mix! I concur: Come back, Bill!!! OK...enough about Bill for now. Let's talk about YOU and your lovely tables!!! Girlfriend, you have the Midas touch!!! I just can't even begin to tell you how enthralling these tables are!!! The dishes are magnificent (I'm STILL kicking myself for not getting the green chargers!!!), the centerpieces are fabulous (I love what you did with the green scrunchy ribbon!), the buffet is magnificent, the chandelier is....I've run out of adjectives! This is just "da bomb", Cherry Kay!!! Great idea/tip on the poinsettias, too. I think we often overlook the value of those little pots of joy! I know your friends are going to be squealing with sheer delight. They won't be able to help themselves!!! Enjoy your luncheon!

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  15. Beautifully said, CK. My 5 year old and I have been talking about advent and who Jesus is all week. Your Christmas house looks beautiful!!

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  16. I love what you've done to the chandelier! I always deck mine out too. And it is so funny that you are covered in glitter. A sign of the times, I think. Your tables are beautiful and your friends must really appreciate all the effort you make for the group. Merry Christmas! Linda

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  17. Everything is beautiful. What an elegant place to dine!

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  18. What a beautiful setting for a celebration! I'm sure that every one of you Garden Friends will feel she's entered fairyland. I have reason to think of you and your Garden Friends, and bless them, each one. I hope this luncheon was a lovely as the setting - somehow I know it was!

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  19. Absolutely beautiful, Cherry Kay...wonderful color combination. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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  20. OMG, CK!!!
    The apple green & red works perfectly. It's amazing!

    The cupcake glass are so dear and love your treasures (as always).

    Wishes to join the fun. I guess, I need more education about the Bible. Now, that I am living in Europe, I am not that religious but I go to church. But not as much I do when I was in The Philippines. We are very religious and my parents are very strict to follow their rules. I missed this though.

    Hope you had an enjoyment with friends.

    Cheers & more blessings,

    Hugs from a very chilly city,
    /CC girl

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  21. This is beyond beautiful! Your tables should be on the cover of home deocorating magazines. You have created such an elegant and cozy environment. So happy that I found you via Susan's blog. Merry Christmas!

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  22. Absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! I love the red dessert plates.

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  23. So beautiful, and two gorgeous table to share with us. Both are just stunning, love the green and the red together. Enjoy the season with family and friends.

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  24. Oh so pretty - a little different for you - but oh so spectacular!

    Merry Christmas!!!

    - The Tablescaper

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  25. Cherry Kay, this is sooo beautiful! Your garden group will love it! Love how you've decorated your chandelier. I love the lime color with the red, adds such vibrancy to the setting. I used that color combo for wrapping gifts this year. :) The little sister table is as beautiful as your main table. I love your dishware and stemware, absolutely beautiful! Your home is decorated so beautifully for Christmas...magical in candlelight! Merry Christmas to you and your family, dearheart! ♥

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  26. How wonderful to enjoy your Garden Friends with the lovely Christmas tablescape! The different mix of color and glass and china in your stack of plates is very pretty. Your great thoughts on the season are always a wise idea. The color of green in the ribbon and plates is my favorite! I always enjoy your tablescapes and hope you and the family will be blessed with many happy memories this Christmas!

    Pam

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  27. Very beautiful Cherry Kay! The softly wound green glitter ribbon looks fabulous- I love that idea...and your chandelier looks beautiful. I used a pop of green like that on one of my recent tables too. It really shows off the red nicely! The Bormolio chargers with your plates look fabulous! Love the 2nd table too! Beautiful job and I'm sure everyone will or did feel very special!
    Merry Christmas!

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  28. Gorgeous tables and so many lovely details. I love all of your tables. They are truly works of art. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  29. You are the hostess with the mostest! It is great you use all your gorgeous china to entertain, not like so many of us who just do a table, then put it all away!
    It looks beautiful, and I am sure they look forward to coming to your lovely home!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish, and have a very Merry Christmas, Cherry Kay!

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  30. Omigoodness, what an incredible fantasyland you have created. One of these days I would like to be a fly on the wall and hear the exclamations of delight when your guests come for any occasion.

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  31. Featured YOU today on my "Best Of The Weekend" post!!! Hope you can pop over to my page when you have a chance! :)
    Merry Christmas! - Claire
    http://wp.me/p2ZsWv-yY

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  32. Cherry Kay, I'm late to this gorgeous table. Just too much going on this week to have much time at the computer. As always, your tables take my breath away. Every detail is stunning and your message heartfelt. We are indeed blessed!
    Thank you for your friendship. I treasure it! Looking forward to all that you will share in 2013.
    Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! ~ 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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