Monday, December 16, 2013

Bells Will Be Ringing

"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. During this beautiful season when we celebrate harvest and Thanksgiving, 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 missed you all so much!  I can't believe that it's been more than a month since I've been able to post.  So....where have I been?  Sweet Mister had hip replacement surgery in November.  On the day that he had his surgery KC and David closed on a new/old home in one of our city's historical preservation districts. There's a neat story to go with the purchase of their new home, but I'll tell you about that a little later.  Sweet Mister came home from the hospital on the 23rd, KC and David made their move on the day before Thanksgiving, and we hosted Thanksgiving for the family.  I could have slept for a week, but no time for that!  

I've been dancing as fast as I can.  It's been a blessing to care for Sweet Mister, and I have often thought about those of you who are sole caregivers.  You have every ounce of respect and admiration that I can muster.  My mama was my daddy's sole caregiver for 25 years, after he became a paraplegic.  My esteem for her has always been great, and it has grown even more during the last month.  My Sweet Mister is doing quite well, and this evening some of his friends took him to one of their hunting leases for a hunt tomorrow morning.  He was ecstatic!

Today I was thrilled to once again entertain a small group of my friends.  Come on in.  We'll be seated in the dining room...

Whoa, Nelly!  What's going on?  Where are the dining room table and chairs?  That would be part of the story about KC and David's new home.  They just bought Sweet Mister's childhood home!  We are so excited about it.  It's the only home that Sweet Mister lived in, from the time he was born until we were married 45 years ago this week.  His mom sold the house in November, 1971, while Sweet Mister was in Viet Nam.  He never had the opportunity to say goodbye to the home, and now it's back in the family.  Shortly after KC and David closed on the house, Sweet Mister asked me if I would be willing to find new dining room furniture, so we could return the table and chairs to the home for which the suite was originally purchased.  I thought it was a grand idea, and immediately said "Yes!"  I found 12 Karges chairs in a wonderful local consignment shop, and the same night, I found the dining table that goes with them on....wait for it....you know the answer...yep...eBay.  It is currently at an antique store in Pennsylvania, waiting to be loaded onto a truck that was already preparing to make a trip out here to the prairie.  In the meantime, we are improvising for the Christmas season.  Never a dull moment!

Today's tablescape was all about...
Cranberry bells!  I first saw cranberry bells used on a tablescape in  A PASSION FOR FLOWERS by Carolyne Roehm.  I've never forgotten the idea, and I was inspired to collect my own grouping of bells...on eBay, of course.  Thanks for the idea, Carolyne!  I knew that I wanted to create a Christmas table with the bells, and I planned to give each of my guests a cranberry bell for their Christmas gift.  The bells also worked perfectly as place cards for the table.  The azaleas are in an old cranberry bowl that belonged to my dear Aunt Ida.

I love them!  Aren't they pretty!?  I placed the large "Whimsy" bells on festive, glittery candle rings.

 The Bormioli red glass charger plate kept with the cranberry color story.  I've had the Retroneau gold Holly flatware for many years; I always enjoy using them during the Christmas holiday.

 The texture and creamy white color of the Copeland Spode Jewel dinner plate was elegant...
 ...paired with the thumbprint ruby glass accent plate, used later for a dessert of individual sized red velvet bundt cake.

 The stack was crowned with each guest's cranberry bell.


I'm smiling...I love the way that it all came together.

I was really committed to all things cranberry for this design.  I paired the AJKA Arabella wine goblet with the Waterford Simply Red goblet.  Tip:  The Waterford goblet is actually the Glendora pattern, but you can usually find it on eBay and Replacements listed as Waterford Simply Red.

I purchased the cranberry and white Fenton splatter ware pitcher at an auction during my birthday week in early November.  It will always be a special reminder of the first time that I got to meet sweet and wonderful...

Sarah @ Hyacinths for the Soul.  She came with her friend Susan, who was helping with the auction which featured an abundance of antique Quimper.  We had a great time, I bought some wonderful treasures, and I can hardly wait for us to get together again!  It was a superb birthday treat!  But I digress...

Because we were a small group of 4 at a 60" table, I used an assortment of other cranberry glass pieces to act as "filler."  Smaller containers held posy arrangements of flowers.

We had such a wonderful time today.  I prepared Quiche Lorraine, a simple salad, mixed berries, and hot garlic bread.  I felt so blessed to have time to gather friends around my table once again.  Matter of fact, I'm hosting two more luncheons this week!  I can hardly wait!

This week I'll be joining:




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.

28 comments:

  1. It's lovely to see a post from you again, Cherry Kay - I missed you!
    This table is so very pretty. The cranberry is festive! Lucky friends who are invited to join you.
    More good fortune....your meeting with Sarah, one of my favourite bloggers! Welcome back, and it is good to learn that your Dear Mr is well on the way to full recovery.

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  2. My lovely long comment disappeared, and I received an 'error message' - ah well - it was all about my happiness to see you back - my appreciation for your pretty, festive Cranberry table, a wee bit of envy of the lucky friends who sat at that table and finally, a comment on your good fortune at meeting Sarah, one of my favourite bloggers. I am glad to learn that your Dear Mr is on the way to recovery.....and I can't wait to learn more about his boyhood home coming back into the family.

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  3. Such a pretty Christmas table and how lucky for your daughter to be able to purchase her father's childhood home! Looking forward at a peek at KC's entertaining when she gets the house decorated!

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  4. Welcome back, Cherry Kay. I'm thankful Sweet Mister's surgery went well -- and that his caregiver now gets a break! Your cranberry bell tablescape is so festive and just perfect for a small luncheon with friends. They must have been ecstatic.

    What really grabbed my heart in this post, though, is KC's purchase of your husband's childhood home... and the return of the dining set. I love that! Can't wait to see pics someday.

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  5. Cherry Kay,
    I've missed you and am so glad to see you back. Sounds like you have had a really full plate lately..Your table is beautiful and I do love the cranberry bells...
    Merry Christmas.
    Love, Mona

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  6. What a great post! You are such an inspiration. And congratulations on the return of your husband's old family home to the family once again. What a sweet story.

    All the best to you and yours at this special festive time of year.

    Love, Carol xoxox

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  7. CHERRY KAYE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow...we were both gone for such a long time! It's great to see that you are back! I had no idea about Sweet Mister's surgery. Good think he's doing well! I am just blown away that KC and her hubby will be moving into his childhood home!!! That is REALLY coming full circle!!! I think it even more spectacular that the dining table has returned there!!! And you bought a new one on eBay??!?!?! That is CLASSIC!!! I LOVE it!!! But, of COURSE you did!!!!!!!! :-) That is just TOO delicious!!! Can't wait to see it in all its glory!

    Wow...you were just FULL of great news today! Hallelujah! I'm so glad!!! And your table setting is magnificent...as always! I am just kicking myself a thousand times over for not getting those Bermiolis in red. What was I thinking??!?!!!

    Welcome back!

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  8. I love this story about the dining table going back to the family home, and especially that your daughter will be living there (I am sure she will dress it as well as you have over the years - she has certainly picked up your talent!) Love the cranberry glassware and especially the Waterford - just stunning! Looking forward to seeing your new dining room set - and maybe we will get a peek into KC's home some time - hint hint!! Happy to hear your husband has recuperated! Have a wonderful holiday season!

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  9. You have been dancing as fast as you can and then some! How wonderful that your daughter was fortunate to have the family home come up for sale at the time she was in the market to buy and that you got to meet Sarah and her friend.
    Beautiful holiday table. Hope your husband continues on the road to a full recovery.
    Merry Christmas, Cherry Kay!

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  10. Cherry Kay, this table is certainly you!!! Sarah told me about the wonderful visit you had! I love the idea of the bells. What a gorgeous idea, Ms. Roehm has the absolute best ideas. And fabulous taste to boot. I had checked your blog over the weekend and noticed you were AWOL too. So glad Sweet Mister is doing so well that he can go enjoy the hunt! It must be all do to his most wonderful care giver! :-)
    What a darling, romantic story about the dining room and the old house. This should be a hallmark movie. How wonderful for the kids. and now you get a new table. Oh I cannot wait to see the new room! Merry Christmas to you and yours Cherry Kay. xo marlis

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  11. So glad to see you back, Cherry Kay! Your table is elegant as always. I love the bells and beautiful centerpiece.

    Such a great story about the family home and table. I am sure you selected a great table so I look forward to seeing it when it is christened.

    Glad your husband got to go out and you are in your element entertaining.

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  12. Hi Cherry Kay, glad to see you back in action and looks like you have lots of stories to tell. I will be looking forward to reading your posts. Beautiful table, love the cranberry bells and all of the festivities on the table. Hope Mister is recovering nicely. I am recuperative from knee replacement and still taking lots of meds to get through the pain. Take care.

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  13. Well, this table is stunning. Love the red bells as a centerpiece! You already know how excited I am for KC and her darling family to have this extra special new home. Their first Christmas in their new / old home complete with the family dining room table and chairs. How perfect is that!
    Yes, the OK trip, meeting you, and enjoying a fun time together to celebrate your birthday will forever be a dear memory for me. Love the photo. And to think that was at the end of a very long day. ;-)
    Thanks for sharing. It's great to see a post from you! ~ Sarah

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  14. The Cranberry Bells are lovely and make wonderful accents to your t'scape! Terrific colours - very festive! How special for your hubby's house to be back in the family and for you to give up your dining room suite for it! No doubt, it will be part of a Christmas memory!

    DD

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  15. Oh, so happy to see you back with your stunning tables dear Cherry Kay! First: I loved the story of your hubby's home. Your table is gorgeous and the cramberry bells are unique and beautiful, which makes this setting so perfect and elegant for the C'mas holiday. The flatware is fabulous, I've never seen holiday flatware like this!!! Lovely china too. Merry Cmas to you and yours.
    FABBY

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  16. This is a special post! First, I hope your Mister is recovering quickly and your comment about caregivers is so true. Second the Mister's home being returned to the family is wonderful and I am so glad your daughter and her family will enjoy the dining table in the home. Third, your cranberry glass bells are so beautiful and how special to share the gift of a bell with your friends. The Kings Crown plates are lovely with your Spode Jewel earthenware used in each place setting! Have a very Merry Christmas and this so wonderful news about your Mister"s home and your daughter!

    Pam

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  17. Cherry Kay, I can't believe you got to meet Sarah. Mr. magpie and I did, too! Isn't she woodcut??!

    And how exciting for your kids to by your husband's family home. That really is wonderful. Made me cry... In a good way!

    And I adore your table... And those new chairs!

    I have been MIA for a long time, too, but hope to get back I to the swing of things.

    Merry Christmas!

    xo,

    Sheila

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  18. I'm glad to hear that your husband is recovering from his surgery. The story about his childhood home is nothing short of wonderful. What a great story! And about those bells, they are beautiful.

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  19. Cherry Kay, I am delighted that you are back and that your husband is doing well. Your table is so beautiful, but the story about your daughter's purchase of your huband's family home is even better! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!

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  20. So glad all is well, I look forward every week to your post and had been concerned that something had happened to you or your family. Being a caregiver is not an easy task, but its a blessing in the end. Merry Christmas!

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  21. Can somebody come help pick me up off the floor??!! This festive table just knocked my socks off! What GORGEOUS red treasures...Cherry Kay, if YOU smiled when you completed it, can you just imagine how WE are smiling, seeing it all together for the first time? It is just spectacular...every inch!

    I'm jealous that you got to meet our sweet Sarah & she, you. What a lovely time you must have had.

    Two more luncheons yet to go...BEFORE Christmas??? Bless you woman, you have more energy that I do.
    I hope you have a spectacular Christmas & I'm glad to hear your sweet Mister came through his surgery with flying colors.

    Hugs to you both,
    Rett

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  22. Cherry Kay, Seeing your posting on BNOTP was such a welcome sight for it meant that you were back! I am also glad to hear that your husband's recovery has progressed well. The best news, however, was that your daughter is now owner of the family home. Only someone who has had to walk away from a family home can fully appreciate what a joy this must be for all of you. My wishes for a Blessed Christmas, MM

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  23. Hi Lady CK,

    OMG... can I pick some of your treasures? LoL* I would love and die for your flatwares. so, dear!

    Hope you had an enjoyable time.

    Merry Christmas to you and you loveones (spec your pretty angel/granddaughter) send my warm hugs.

    Greetings from D´Box,
    /CC girl

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  24. Be still my heart! I want a collection of cranberry bells, or to be a guest at your table and get one! What a lovely gift. You are amazing. You sound as busy as I have been. Glad hubby is doing well. Mine had emergency kidney stone surgery and I was so sick in bed I couldn't even drive him to it! We are slowly getting back to some level of energy! Have a wonderful Christmas!

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  25. Oh, Cherry Kay, the bells....I am green with envy over those you have collected. I have collected glass/crystal bells for ages, and I love, love, love the cranberry ones. You have some great pieces and I love how you've used them on your table.
    Good to have you back. I'd wondered where you were.

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  26. This has got to be one of the prettiest tables that I have ever seen...wonderful idea with the bells. You have carried it through completely! Love!

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  27. First of all, what a wonderful fairy tale ending re your dh's home. Fabulous, and how sweet to send the dining room set back to where it :lived: :)
    Secondly , what a great pic of you and Sarah. She told me how much fun it was to meet you!
    Last, but not least, the table! Gorgeous! I have never seen that flower! The colors are just fabulous! I don't know where you get the energy to do this, being a care giver, well...you know!
    So glad he is doing better!
    Christmas blessings, and thanks for linking this inspirational table to Let's Dish!

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  28. Well now I know where the table went! You had quite a lot of things going on! How wonderful about getting your husband's childhood home back in the family. Sounds like the hip replacement was a success. Glad it all went well. Now for pictures of the table in their house and your new table in your house!

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