After my last small luncheon on Friday, December 18, I had the weekend to prepare for my antique club's Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 21, which also happened to be my 47th wedding anniversary. It was a busy and wonderful day. Our little club sets its membership limit at 25. Today I set three tables for 24 guests. Come on in and allow me to share the day with you.
One of the tables was, as you have probably already speculated, at the games table in the dining room. What would I do without my trusty flip-top tabletop that turns my games table for four into a comfortable table for 6-8?
Today, the table was set for six. I had such a good time mixing precious old family items with other vintage pieces that I've collected over the 47 years of our marriage.
My
Baroque silver chargers, a gift from my sister many years ago, provided a lovely seat for Nana's
Limoges thick gold rim dinner plates. Take just a moment to notice the amazing flat to satin appearance of the gold rim, found on any number of wonderful old plates. I'll show you later why I wanted to mention this. My estate sale gold-tone flatware makes a fitting companion to the plates.
Another of my collected vintage finds, the
Kings Crown ruby flash luncheon plates and the dinner plates were removed right before the luncheon was served. The luncheon plate was later used for several dessert offerings. The
AJKA Arabella red wine was paired with my mother-in-love's cut crystal goblet. I don't know the name or maker of her crystal. It's so pretty, and I am blessed to be its caretaker until it is passed on to the next generation of our family. The angel in the centerpiece is one of a number of angels that you will see today, another gift from my beloved sister, Pat. I also enjoyed using my antique
cranberry bell collection on all the tables today. The table linens are yet, another example of my decision to mix old and new. The antique lace runner and the matching placemats and napkins belonged to our Nana. The
Williams-Sonoma toile tablecloth is one that I found on
eBay. Tip: eBay is such an amazing resource, if you are willing to do your homework and BE PATIENT! Yes, that was me yelling to the rooftop. You guys, several week ago, I bought an absolutely amazing set of 12
Aynsley cobalt and gold trim dinner plates for $9.95 and free shipping! It was the opening bid, and I turned out to be the only bidder. Can you imagine being able to give a beloved daughter, niece, grand daughter, etc., a gorgeous set of 12 excellent English china dinner plates as a wedding gift for less than $10.00? Oh my word...I hope you'll start shopping, if you're not shopping already!
The crystal bowl with amazing silver overlay belonged to Nana. The inexpensive
Pasabache crystal compotes were another of my
eBay finds.
That's probably more than you wanted to know about this table, so let's head into the dining room...
...where I've prepared a table for twelve.
Starting with the centerpiece...more angels, more cranberry bells,
gold cone Christmas trees and assorted picks and berries from Hobby Lobby. "Rose Lilies" and red roses from La Grocery Store are resting in Nana's vintage
Glastonbury-Lotus bowl.
Can you see all the layers in the Rose Lilies? They are gorgeous!
Oh yes! Please, give a hand to my co-hostesses for the luncheon. They were an amazing team, and I'd work with them any time. Linda (center) brought each of us one of the pretty aprons to wear while we served our fellow members. We were worn slick by the end of the day, but we had a great time working together. I'm so thankful for them.
Friends and guests often ask me to name my favorite tablecloth...
...This has to be the one...
The antique tape lace figural tablecloth and the napkins belonged to...you knew it all along...Nana! I'm also blessed to have Nana's antique
gold medallion dinner plates by Stouffer Studios. This also has to be
one of my favorite plates. By this point, I probably don't even need to identify the
Retroneau Hollydays flatware.
The dining table was festooned with the
Waterford Simply Red goblet and Nana's amazing antique French hand-cut crystal goblet. The
Lenox Holly napkin rings were an estate sale find. Score! I was so busy that I never remembered to light the votive candles...ah well. It didn't seem to put a damper on the party.
I did notice that there were lots of handbags reserving early seats at this table. I took that as a compliment for Nana.
Never say never. I rarely, if ever, repeat a tablescape, but I may have to pull this one out of the archives one day. I really enjoyed putting this design together. So, you may ask..."Where did the kitchen help sit?'...
Just like Mrs. Patmore and her crew at Downton Abbey, we were seated in the kitchen. Again, I mixed another set of Nana's antique placemats and runner with a
Williams-Sonoma toile tablecloth. The napkins were an estate sale buy. The crystal is the same as that used at the games table.
The gold rimmed plates looked so much like Nana's Limoges plates on the other table. You know...the ones that I asked you to notice a while back. When I saw them on eBay, I snapped them up. Upon opening the box, it took only a moment to realize that I should have asked the seller more questions. Instead of the rich satin finish of the antique plates, the newer ones have a bright shiny, almost gold mirrored finish. You may be able to detect the difference in the bottom right plate.
eBay Tip: When shopping on eBay, take the time to read every single word in the description, examine the pictures as closely as possible, and if you're trying to match plates that you already own, ask extra questions! I like the plates just fine; I happily use them; but they are not what I thought I was buying.
I almost deleted this picture. The far end of the breakfast room never received the attention that it deserved prior to seating guests in this room...even the kitchen crew. Well, it happens, and once again...I'm pretty sure that it didn't put a damper on the party. Oh wow..."that little girl with the red hair chews her pencil!" (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown)...
I guess my message is...just do the best you can; then let it go and enjoy your own party. If anyone makes a snarky comment, just don't invite them back again...or let them host the next party! Besides, today was my 47th Anniversary, and I knew that there was a great evening waiting for me with Sweet Mister and our dear friends, Ken and June. Ken and June were married exactly one day to the year after our wedding. We have celebrated together for many years, and we love our precious friends.
May all of your celebrations be lovely and last many years!
I'm joining:
Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Gorgeous! I'm sure all your members thoroughly enjoyed your hard work. What a wonderful gift from your co-host, too. They look very nice on the three in the picture, and I enjoyed your comment about the servants eating in the kitchen. Although, THAT was no servant's table! Thanks for sharing your event with us. Blessings~
ReplyDeleteKim @ Curtain Queen Creates
Welcome back! I somehow missed your earlier Christmas table, but was just delighted to see your table today. I have thought of you often with prayerful wishes over the past year. I am so happy that you are feeling better and that all is well with your family. You have such an incredible collection of china, crystal, silver and serve ware that it is always a treat to see your latest tables. It is always a bit of surprise when I realize that despite the fact that I don't post myself, I have become so "connected" with many of you that post on Thursdays. Sending you the very best wishes for 2016. MM
ReplyDeleteStunning!! A corner of the Kitchen must be imperfect! Lol
ReplyDeleteOh sweet friend, I just realized how much I missed your stunning table settings and here they are, each one a real work of art with your always amazing and beautiful heirlooms. You all had a wonderful party, you were always so good at throwing them in your lovely house, even though the kitchen corner is not perfect. I didn't notice as I just focused on your pretty hutch and table, but you made me do it, lol..
ReplyDeleteI hope your new year is coming off to a good start. Thanks for dropping by, you made my day!
FABBY
At your house, how could there ever be a damper? Always your tables are lovely and I'm sure everyone appreciates your effort.
ReplyDeleteYour tables always look so beautiful. You are an inspiration. BTW - I love your fancy French florist - "l'epicier" - the grocer!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back, posting again. We missed you last year. Take care and God bless, xoxox Carol
Cherry Kay! First and foremost.. I wish you both a very belated but well wished Happy Anniversary! We are only about 5 years behind you. I love the detail you include in your posts about the pieces you've cherished and used. So heartwarming to know the history. I love your cohesiveness between the tables. And yes, there is certainly a difference between the aged gilt and the newer pieces. Glaring.. lol, but still beautiful. Each table is stunning and I know that each guest left satiated by friendship, grace and beauty as only you can do! xo Marlis
ReplyDeleteA belated Happy Anniversary, Cherry Kay! Like the previous writer, I am five years behind you.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your tables take one's breath away. What fun you must have had planning, and then acting as 'staff' for your luncheon. What a clever idea!
Oh Cherry Kay!
ReplyDeleteEverything is just stunning!
I absolutely love those gold rimmed plates.
Your tablescapes are such an inspiration.
Thank you!
Laura
Happy Happy 47th anniversary you two! Belated but with all the love one heart can muster. Patience is a virtue and God is still working on me with that one. Your hints for ebay shopping are spot on. I passed on the meakin blue willow because one further inspections (yes there were plenty), the transfers didn't line up between outer ring and inner ring and I knew that would drive me insane. There will be a set just for me in the future, I know it. Patience.
ReplyDeleteYour tables are fabulous and I would be plenty happy just to sit in the kitchen with the help. Oh my, as you, I would use this table again. Every piece is exquisitely placed and thought about, that is the secret to your gorgeous tables..
Love and Hugs,
marlis