Birthday Loveliness, 9.20.13

"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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Just over a week ago, a group of us met at my dear friend Cindy's house to celebrate three birthday girls.  One of the honorees has a September birthday.  The other two have summer birthdays, but they are both away a good deal of each summer...one in Colorado and one in Maine.  Now that everyone is home for our beautiful Fall season, we had the opportunity to gather for a triple birthday celebration.  Cindy outdid herself creating the table and the menu.  I wanted to share some photos of the luncheon; it was a magnificent day...

Do you have certain friends who are "back door friends"...so close that you tend to come in through the back door instead of the front door?  Cindy and I are "back door friends".  Sooooo...when I came through the back door this day, I was greeted by this absolutely stunning tablescape.  You can imagine...I immediately grabbed my camera and started snapping pictures.  I thought that I'd just allow you to soak in the wonderfulness...

 A Royal Albert Tea pot was found at each place setting.  Tip:  Cindy often ties her gifts with ribbon that she has had printed with her initial....neat idea for a 'gift card'.

 One of the birthday girls gave Cindy the frosted floral tumblers last year as a birthday gift.  Love that.

 A trio of square glass containers held bouquets in brilliant colors, accented by wonderful apple green footed candles.  I may need to find those candles...they were phenomenal!

 The stack was well supported by the Caspari woven rattan charger.

 An antique embossed Colcough dinner plate added a beautiful layer of texture.

 Copeland Spode manufactured several varieties of their beautiful Bermuda Flowers Series luncheon plates.  The original offering was presented on this magnificent Embossed Daisy blank...another touch of wonderful texture.  I love the green stripe on the rim.

 In a point/counter-point move, Cindy added the MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market enamelware plate.  This design is available in an assortment of colors....so wonderful.  I love the addition of this sophisticated whimsy.

 Crowning the stack was the Royal Albert teapot.   Cindy gave each of us our own tea set as a party favor.  We were all thrilled..

As if the dynamic tablescape weren't enough, Cindy had prepared an incredible home cooked meal for  our pleasure...

 Baked apples filled with cinnamon, raisins, and pecans...

 ...Homemade rolls...oh my!...

 ...Individual homemade chicken pot pies...We all took home our leftovers and devoured the remainder...

 ...and a delicious Caprese Salad.

We were one bunch of happy hens!

Presents were opened over an amazing dessert of Chantilly Berry Cake and vanilla bean ice cream.

 Cindy never fails...

 ...to make each and every person at the table...

...feel like the guest of honor!  So much inspiration amidst a blessed day of amazing food, "laugh 'til your sides hurt' fun, and blessed fellowship with beloved friends.  Just another day at Cindy's kitchen table...I can't imagine a better place to spend an afternoon!

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