Birthday Luncheon for Cindy, 6.13

"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.

*********************************************************************************

It was a gorgeous late spring day, and we were gathering to celebrate my friend Cindy's birthday.  Somedays Mr. Sunshine just seems to enjoy cooperating with my camera.

 You know the M.O.S....

...Small group of five.....games table in the living room.

 The centerpiece revolved around this Hutschenreuther tureen, an eBay find.  Tip:  I often elevate certain pieces in my centerpiece.  The vertical movement brings an extra element of interest to the eye.  Flanking the tureen are a pair of Val St. Lambert crystal candlesticks and a pair of crystal decanters found at Tuesday Morning.  The decanters will be used for iced water for my guests.

Green hydrangeas were placed in the Fenton pink ruffled coin dot bowls.  

                          

A single cluster of rhododendrons was slipped into an assortment of Waterford crystal posy vases next to each place setting.  I occasionally find the vases at estate sales and antique stores, and if I can pick one up for a great deal, it comes home with me.

 The Bormioli hot pink glass charger takes on the texture and pattern of the white mattelasse tablecloth.


 On any given day, the Coalport Exotic Bird, Z3137, is my favorite of all my patterns.  I've been searching for it for ten years, and in that time, I've located 6 dinner plates.  Just about the time that I give up on finding any more, one will pop up on eBay...so far for a very reasonable price.

 I usually don't like to cover the Exotic Bird plate, but today I happily made an exception.  I picked up 12 of this Copeland Spode unnamed luncheon plate on eBay.  I just couldn't resist them.

Topping the stack, a Tiffin gold rimmed plate hosted...

 ...a gold rimmed Glaston-Lotus footed chiller...

Be still my heart...I came across 12 of these...never used...still with the original tags...at a local antique mall...for $70.00 for the entire set.  The tag said "price firm"...I grabbed them immediately.

The Oneida Modern Baroque flatware seemed an obvious choice for today.  The Limoges open salt belonged to our Nana.  I chose the apple green hemstitched napkin and the Coalport Countryware napkin ring just for fun and whimsy.  Cindy loves pink and green.

For our wine...our sweet Nana's antique French cut crystal goblet.  I've never been able to identify it, but antique dealers always tell me that it's French.  For water or tea, the Waterford Simply Lilac goblet.  I like the way that they add additional texture and reflective value to my design.

 In the foyer, Mimosas would be awaiting my guests when they arrived...

 ...Served in the LaStelle lilac goblets, found at Home Goods during a visit to Dallas...

The antique Heisey cut crystal pitcher, found at a local antique store, was my birthday present for Cindy.

  More gifts for the birthday girl...

 On your mark...

 ...get set....

Ready to go!  It's going to be a wonderful day filled with blessed food, laughter, conversation, and fellowship.  Passing my way?  I'd love to set a table and share a meal with you!

Parties I'll be joining this week:
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits with Yvonne @ Stone Gable
Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper