Aynsley Delphine for Takeout, 4.7.13

"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've been staying fairly close to home since our Wild Game Dinner on April 27.  You all know that I love to entertain, but sometimes the larger parties require a touch of recovery time.  I was delighted when some of my good friends called to say that "Take Out" was on the way.  Time for a 20 minute table...  

...in the living room...at the games table....but you already knew that.

The silver pitcher filled with Hydrangeas and Roses was still hanging on from Chelsee's Shower, so it immediately became my centerpiece...gotta love those Hydrangeas.  The Williams-Sonoma soft green linen hemstitch tablecloth, an eBay purchase, was also a remnant of the shower.  After the shower, I dived head-first into the preparations for the game dinner, so the tablecloth was still sitting there.  Color scheme established...✔.

Anchoring the place setting, I chose the Maryland China Co., Minuet charger plate...

Lover of blue & white that I am, the Aynsley China, Delphine, was irresistible.  I flanked it with my wedding silver, Reed & Barton, Grande Renaissance.  Today the Delphine would host a lovely salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, caramelized pecans, orange slices, and red onions drizzled with a delicious Basalmic Vinagrette.

Topping the stack, the Haviland (H&Co mark), Saxon Flowers luncheon plates each have a slightly different design.  I adore the cornflower blue accent on the rim.  They will be removed for lunch and returned as an underplate for our dessert, Brandy Ice.  Tip:  I always keep several containers of my mama's brandy ice recipe in the deep freezer...so I always have a special dessert on hand for unexpected guests.  

This one makes me smile....a lot.

I found the simple white napkins at an estate sale.  They were dirt cheap because they were badly stained and discolored.  I brought them home and used my Vintage Soak; they came out of the wash in pristine condition...

I encircled them with the Coalport Countryware napkin ring and added a small white ceramic bird from Dollar Tree.  Soft touches everywhere you look...relaxing...welcoming...peaceful.

A finishing touch with a spot of shine...The Waterford Simply Blue goblet is paired with the Tiffin Elise wine goblet.  The unexpected touch of the lavender petal bowl held one of the most outstanding salts that I've ever tasted.  Tidbit: If you run across Le Saunier De Camargue, Fleur De Sel, buy some immediately.  Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.00 dollars.  Serious!  I mean it.  I horde my little box of this jewel.  I need to get on the internet to make sure that I can find more.  A friend brought it to me as a gift when she visited from her home in France.  People, I'm serious...this stuff is a Harry met Sally moment.

Ready to relax and share a light lunch with dear friends...

If you're passing my way, get in touch.  I can have a table set for us in no time!

Wednesday is the 61st 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."   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.

May...lots of entertaining on the horizon.  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!