Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Blue, Come Back, Blue!

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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"I got a dog, and his name is "Blue".  Betcha five dollars he's a good dog, too."
--as sung  by Peter Paul & Mary

When Sweet Mister and I were first married, I gave him a German Short Hair hunting dog for Christmas.  Sweet Mister named him "Blue".  Now Sweet Mister has 'working dogs' for hunting, so it became an issue when we realized that this marvelous dog that I had given him was gun shy.  Sweet Mister would fire his shot gun, Blue would take off at a dead run, and Sweet Mister would yell, "Blue, come back, Blue...you *&#@**%&!!!"  Blue ended up living out the rest of his very passive life with my dear Aunt Ida.  Sweet Mister and Blue were both much happier with this solution, and Aunt Ida enjoyed Blue's company.  So....that experience with Blue didn't work out so well...But when it comes to the color blue, Sweet Mister and I have always agreed that blue is a color with which we both live well.  Now you know the source of my love affair with blue dishes...outdone only by my 44 year love affair with Sweet Mister.  With the holidays all the way up through Valentine's Day, I've created an abundance of tablescapes in reds, pinks, and greens.  Marlis @ CREATIVE JOURNEYS did a neat post on blue and white today.  She started my wheels turning. I've been yearning to play with some of my blue dishes, and this turned out to be the perfect day.  I set a table for four today, and my friend Kathy brought...my favorite...take-out for lunch.

 We're in the living room at the games table.  The crystal decanters are catching the bright sun on this winter day.  The decanters were gifts many years ago.  In addition to Nana's tall antique decanter, one of them is St. Louis, one is Waterford, and two are Baccarat.  I can't remember which is which.  I've never had liquor in them, but I have always loved the look of them...regal sun catchers.

This was one of my 30 minute tables.  We're pretty spontaneous around here...First I grabbed the Williams-Sonoma white linen hemstitched tablecloth.

 I selected the restaurant grade Steelite by Royal Doulton cobalt charger plate to anchor the stack...

...and topped it with the Spode Warwick Vase. Both plates were eBay finds.  The Warwick Vase is part of the Spode Blue Room Collection, but I decided just to collect this one pattern from the group.  Tip:  That's one of the neat aspects of eBay.  It's possible to acquire only what you want out of a collection because sellers often auction them one at a time.  The flatware is L'Argent Sophia, found through Tuesday Morning and Horchow.  Horchow still has it on their website.

  I thought that my design was complete, but Kathy came through the door with a beautiful potato soup to go with our salads.  I hot footed it to the kitchen cabinet and pulled the Furnivals Blue Quail Cream Soup and Underplate.  The Blue Quail has been one of our everyday patterns for many years.  Tip:  The Quail comes in the blue and in a brown.  The Furnivals can be a bit tricky to locate, but when the Furnival Factory closed its doors, Mason's bought the molds and continued to make this dear transferware pattern. They are exactly the same, so if you have an interest or need to replace some pieces of your own collection, be sure to check out the Mason's Quail. They are usually available and less expensive than the Furnivals.

  Continuing with the blue and white commentary, I selected the AJKA Arabella wine with the Dollar Tree Cobalt goblet.  The blue and white checked napkins are used nearly every day.  We've  had them for many years.                                                                

   No time for fresh flowers today, but I had previously picked up a pair of the Blue and White Lidded Jardinieres at one of the regular half price sales at Hobby Lobby.  Today one of them was perfect for our needs.  The small blue and white votive holders continue the theme.
                                                             
   Table's set...pictures are taken...Done!  Time was now at hand to stop, take a deep breath, give praise to the Lord, and enjoy a delicious meal and time for dear friends.  Let me know if you're passing my way, and I'll set a place for you, too!

                                                                  
Wednesday is the 49th 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!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS.  Don't miss it!  
                                                                
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 THURSDAYS."   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.

I always enjoy February as we begin to pass from winter and anticipate Spring.  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! 

  
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.

30 comments:

  1. Beautiful setting! I have no blue dishes at all so I enjoyed seeing all of your pieces, especially the Spode dinner dishes! And what a great friend you have to bring take-out for lunch!

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  2. Beautiful table! I love your dishes! The blue of your glasses is just stunning.

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  3. Yes please - set a place for me at your beautiful blue table. Blue is my forever-favourite colour for home and wardrobe, and The Great Dane shares my affection for all things blue.
    Too funny about the gun-shy hunting dog!

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  4. That is hysterical about the dog....you wouldn't think a "hunting" dog would ever be scared of gun shots or at least you would think he would get used to it...I guess he was meant to be with your Aunt..in a calm setting. I love all your blue dishes and especially the blue goblets. Soo pretty! Thanks for linking up!
    Karin

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  5. Cherry Kay, what a funny story about your sweet pooch. OMG.. that is serious for a hunter though. Love the table. I think it came together so prettily. Having the quail pattern at hand was a blessing and blends so well. I have the spode plates in red and mixed patterns and I think that is why i don't use them as often. Thanks for the shout out! I am doing blue and white with what I have (not mom's) this next week. It will be interesting to see what I can come up with!
    Many blessings, xo marlis

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  6. What a beautiful table setting. Love your blue dishes and I'm sure your luncheon was a great success!

    I also have a dog that Border Collie) does NOT like any loud noises - think he has very sensitive ears, thunder, fireworks he goes crazy hiding. Thank God we don't have thunder very often in So CA.
    Mary

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  7. I love blue and your blue and white dishes are very pretty. I like everything on the table. Your choice of centerpiece blends very well with the dish pattern...Christine

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  8. I NEED for you to know just how pretty your table was and how much I'm going to regret the blatant and bold theft of your Spode "Warwick Vase" china! See...I'm admitting to the theft and saying I'm sorry up front, so that should count for something at my trial! That is one of the most beautiful patterns I have ever seen in my entire life!!! I love blue & white, but this is a blue & white like no other. Maybe it's the urn in the center...I don't know! I just know it's beautiful!!! The whole table is gorgeous! I love the way the sunlight caught the crystal and how it made the tablecloth shimmer. It made the tablecloth look, just for a moment, almost like a super soft blue. So, so pretty!!! When you come to visit me in the pokey, please bring me a "sack lunch" on this exact china! :-)

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  9. Very beautiful. I also love blue and white.

    Your luncheon sounds fabulous! You not only set a great table in record speed but you may great pictures and write a good commentary.

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  10. Absolutely gorgeous. Blue is a striking color. Your china shows so beautifully. Poor sweet doggie. Some of them do get scared. Thanks for sharing such a lovely table

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  11. Loved the story of Blue! Your spontaneous table is really beautiful, especially to all us blue-and-white lovers. Thank you for the tip about Mason's Quail! I have just a few pieces of Furnival's Quail from my mother-in-law but would love some more.

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  12. This is just fabulous! I love the blue hues in this table that soup tureen and those blue goblets are wonderful! Thanks for sharing this awesome table! =D

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  13. Yes, I'd love for you to set a place for me, Cherry Kay. I'd feel so special sitting at your beautiful table. I've been checking eBay lately for my wedding china. Early in our married years, I sold it because I wanted another pattern. That was one decision I've always regretted. 😞

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  14. Cherry Kay, one of these days I just might knock on your door. '-) I'd love to meet you!
    Cute story about ole Blue. Glad he found a good home with Aunt Ida.
    You have the best girlfriends who stop by with lunch. They obviously know a pretty table will be waiting. Of course I adore your blue and white theme. Blue is a favorite color for both the chef and myself. As I told you in the email, I have the Spode Blue Room series, but opted to do one of each pattern. So I have one of the Warwick Vase. '-) I could bring my own plate. LOL
    Would love to have some blue chargers to go with my Blue Room pieces. Will need to work toward that end. Thanks for sharing this pretty table! ~ Sarah

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  15. Beautiful table...I drool every time I see your gorgeous AJKA stemware, Cherry Kay. The Quail pattern is really pretty. I had to look to see how the brown compares...like the blue so much more. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Oh, the blue is lovely! I adore that pretty tablecloth and all of the china pieces. Also, your crystal pieces are stunning!

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  17. Blue is always my favorite color, and over the years I have gravitated towards colors that accent blue, compliment blue, go with blue...

    So funny about the dog, we had one like blue, but she was red.( goes with blue too) and she recently died here of old age, not much hunting though, being gun shy does present a practical problem with a hunting dog.

    Your table setting is beautiful, and as always , inspirational.

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  18. I enjoyed looking over your beautiful blue table! That is one gorgeous pattern!

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  19. Love the blue and white dishes, I like the addition of the dark blue as the charger...The little soup bowls are soo sweet..don't you love soup bowls with the handles on the sides.

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  20. Dear CK,
    How I drool once again with your precious collection. I don't really have those sweet blue dishes, either. I know what to look for when I happen to stroll in the shoppe soon, §:-)

    You always share so pretty treasure. I drool, everytime I see them.

    Blessings,
    /CC girl

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  21. Hi lovely lady.
    Your blue and white tablescape is Gorgeous and this was for Lunch wow.
    XXOO Diane

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  22. This is so elegant and classy. I love blue and white and this one is just exquisite. I also saw the post from Marlis on blue and white tablescapes and I am working on mine..

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  23. Love the chargers, love the Spode, love the Waterford goblets. This is just beautiful. I, too, have that white linen tablecloth. It's become one of my favorites. I was recently given some blue calico dishes and I'm hoping to be able to put together a blue and white table in the not-to-distant future.

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  24. I love your story of ol' Blue and Sweet Mister! Renaissance Man just chuckled. He knows there's nothing worse than a hunting dog that won't hunt!

    As for the dishes... I think I may have to see if Alycia will let me be an accomplice to her theft of your gorgeous Warwick Vase plates. They are truly exquisite! Your blue and white is a perfect "smile" on this Winter-turning-to-Spring day.

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  25. Beautiful table, I love the blue and white Quail pattern. I have fallen in love with blue elements this year and have a blue table planned for next week.Hope the Mister is doing well after his surgery.

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  26. Oh, how beautiful! I love your blue and white. The dishes are gorgeous!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  27. Love, love, love your blue and white post, BUT honestly, I think I covet those cobalt chargers. They are magnificent.

    Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. I love your quick table setting...it came out gorgeous, as beautiful dishes are always the queen of a table. The tureen is so pretty too, along with the great blue glasses. Another lovely setting Cherry Kay.
    FABBY

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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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