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The Exotic Peacock Bridal Shower

"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.



My sweet KC has been busy again...throwing a bridal shower for her friend Jacquie.  Jacquie has spent some significant time traveling, and KC wanted to use a color palette that reflected some of the exotic locations that Jacquie loves to visit.  Strong blues...lime greens...the color of peacocks...KC had a vision for this celebration, and it was fun to watch her pull everything together in such a delightful way.

 The drinks were served from the breakfast room table.  The old green and white geometric homespun tablecloth belonged to our dear Nana.  The clear goblets are Godinger Sutton Place.  The cobalt goblets are from Dollar Tree.  I found the two wire baskets and decanters through One Kings Lane.  Today they held chilled water for our guests.

Come on in.  I'll highlight some of the goodies on the table for you.

 KC decided to use the Reed & Barton Grande Renaissance and Francis I forks.

An abundance of grocery store Hydrangeas and yellow roses were used in combination with an assortment of blue and white import pieces.  The Val St. Lambert candlesticks added a touch of elegance and reflection.

 Nana's pair of antique cloisonné peacocks were just right for KC's design.  They are quite heavy, and they kind of make me giggle a little.

 The Theodore Haviland Rani luncheon plates continued KC's exotic and elegant theme.

 She chose to also use the Royal Staffordshire Louis XVI to amend the Rani plates.

 The buffet was dressed and ready to party.

 KC placed one of Nana's antique runners underneath her centerpiece.  It featured wonderful stylized peacocks at each end.  I made the apple green tablecloth.

 Homemade goodies were presented on an assortment of silver and crystal serving pieces.

 Meltiing Moments...one of my favorites always go quickly when made into tiny bite size servings.

Drunk Strawberries...so delicious...so easy...so popular.  Tip: We always label them for the benefit of pregnant women and those who might be working a recovery program.  Serve them with brown sugar and sour cream on the side.

 A veggie tray is always welcomed by non-sweet eaters.  Tidbit: Have you ever noticed that no one ever eats the cauliflower?  I always toss it after the party.

 Brie en Croute...I assembled this one for KC.  I created the peacock from extra dough.  I spread a thin layer of blackberry jam between the Brie and the crust.  It was a hit!

 Chocolate Cream Sherry Bars...oh so delicious.

 Chess Squares, a.k.a. Neiman Marcus Bars.

 It was a beautiful day to celebrate a new marriage...

 KC did a gorgeous job creating her table design...

 Everything was organized and ready to go...now all KC had to do was welcome her guests and enjoy the party.

Have you been busy with wedding celebrations this Spring?  I love weddings!

Wednesday is the 68th 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.

June is here, and I so love the somewhat slower tempo of summer...time to entertain dear friends and spend time catching up with each other.  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!  

Rome Adventure, Part III

"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.



After cleaning up for supper, we ventured back out onto the streets to experience yet more of this magnificent city before stopping to dine.  I can't necessarily identify all the locations, so we'll just stroll together and soak in the sights.

Amazing fountains around every corner...

Imagine living right in the middle of all this panorama of history...

A street artists market, right in the middle of the plaza...

...Lots of prints, but it was worth the effort to locate street artists working on originals.  KC and I came home with several.

Stopping for a moment...

                                                                             

We learned that Roman authorities built fountains, buildings, memorials, etc. that were huge...to make the Roman citizens feel small...powerless.  See what I mean.

It's been a glorious day...

 Sweet Mister suggested that we stop at The Exselsior for a cocktail.  He remembered coming here when he spent time in Rome during college days.

 Sophisticated...gorgeous...and staffed with friendly people.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable moment.  Now it was time to head for dinner.  Join me next time as we continue our Rome adventure.

I think that any season is the right time to ponder magical moments spent during long dreamed of visits to foreign lands.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her meme Oh the Places I've Been..  Don't miss out on this marvelous blog party.  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 "Orchid."  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!  

Pre-Wedding Supper Al Fresco

"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.



During the middle of May, I was happy to open my china and linen closets for my friend Kathy.  She was hosting a pre-wedding dinner for her grandson.  We had a great time pulling together the elements for the special evening, which was held in her backyard.

It was a beautiful late Spring evening...

...and Kathy's yard was the perfect setting for her party for Joshua.

Kathy had black taffeta underskirts made for each of the tables...

 ...and topped them with some of my black and white toile tablecloths. 

 I love the contrast against the colors at play in the yard.

My French wired baskets held hot pink grocery store Azaleas, sitting in a "nest" of roasidia...clippings from the Burfordi Holly bushes that line my back drive.  My aqua glass decanters held fresh water for the guests. 

My Hobby Lobby black acrylic chargers provided just the right contrast for my Wedgwood Countryware dinner plate.  Kathy's flatware was highlighted by my hot pink hemstitch napkins.  Funny note:  I moved all of the napkins to the left, but I didn't realize that Kathy has always placed napkins on the right.  I moved them back, and I think that they look quite lovely.  Kathy's Crystal d'Arque tumblers were filled with cool drinks for the evening.

Some of the tables featured my L'Argent Sophia White flatware.

 Ready to roll...

I was told that everyone had a magnificent time, and the guests lingered long into the evening.  It's always a blessing to be allowed to contribute to my friends' special parties.

Wednesday is the 67th 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.

June is here, and I so love the somewhat slower tempo of summer...time to entertain dear friends and spend time catching up with each other.  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!  

- See more at: http://entertainingwomen.blogspot.com/#sthash.BGkkO7RS.dpuf