Lunch in a Tudor Garden

"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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I'm guessing that the grand majority of us spent at least a modicum of time last week paying attention to all things British, in particular William, Cate, and Baby George.  With that in mind, I was contemplating Jolly Olde England as I set about to design my contribution to Cuisine Kathleen's White Challenge for this week's Let's Dish.  The image that kept invading my brain was of the formal gardens found in some of the great castles through Great Britain...Blenheim Palace and Hampton Court.  They were known as Tudor Gardens, and they were the inspiration for my tablescape this week.

Bringing the outside inside...white with touches of green.  I made the green tablecloth.  Tip:  I think that it's much easier and quicker to sew a fabric cording around the hem of the cloth than to hem a round cloth.  Give it a try!

The creamy white matelasse cloth was an inexpensive eBay get.  I often like to create a white-on-white color story.  It adds movement to an all white table...and interest.

The centerpiece is highlighted by elements that reminded me of shapes that we might find in a formal English garden...

The Rosenthal Sansoucci tureen was reminiscent of lovely marble sculptures.  To elevate the tureen, I used the Fenton Silver Crest cake pedestal...I was thinking fountain...or maybe birdbath.  Both were eBay acquisitions.

My "go-to" Lenox white urns each held a topiary ball made of dried and lacquered Hypericum berries...both are classic forms suitable for a Tudor garden.

 The whitewashed carved finials reminded me of the sculpted evergreen trees found in a formal garden. Of course, come autumn, I'll probably tell you that they look like pinecones.  I bought them from a local antiques store.  I like the texture and organic feel that they add to the design.

 The green glass Bormioli charger plate was bought on clearance at Gordman's.  I'm still thanking Alycia of Tablescapes @ Table Twenty-One for telling us about these.  Tidbit:  Remember to keep Alycia in your heart and prayers as she recovers from a major shoulder surgery.  She had her surgery last Friday.

 Next...the Maryland China Company Bernadotte charger plate.

 To add another small touch of green, I chose the Bernardaud Limoges Artois Green dinner plate...

 ...topped with the Haviland Ranson, Schleiger #1, luncheon plate.  Tip:  I adore the Ranson pattern, but I if you happen to contemplate collecting it, I want to warn you that those delicate double-ruffled scallops take a bit of special care when washing.  I chipped a few before I figured out a system for cleaning them...and I always make sure that I'm the one to wash them.  If they are going to be chipped, I need to be the one who chips them.  

 White with an accent.

 And a crown jewel...the Mottahedeh Musee Decoratif Strawberry pot de creme.  I set it on a small unmarked reticulated plate that I picked up at an estate sale...$10.00 for a dozen.

A pair of lovely blossoms for my garden... the Vietri optical acid green goblet was paired with the Rosenthal Iris goblet, one of the patterns from my wedding crystal.  

Finishing touches...the green hemstitch napkin was caught in the Coalport Countryware napkin ring.  The gold bamboo flatware was a garage sale find....maker and pattern unknown.  The butterpat is also Haviland Ranson.

Spot on, I say.  Just right for a proper English tea.

I wish that you could be here to join me.  We could discuss all things royal!  Cheerio!

This week I'll be joining:

Cuisine Kathleen for "Let's Dish."
Yvonne @ Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits

Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Good Stuff & Tables for Two with Marlis @ Creative Journeys

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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Marlis @ CREATIVE JOURNEYS and I have long wanted to design a "Tables for Two" using the Schumann china that we both enjoy so much.  It just seemed perfect for a Valentine's celebration, and I was also hosting a birthday luncheon for my dear friend today.

  Early in my marriage, I always saved my good china, "the good stuff" for important occasions and usually for dinners only...not luncheons. With that in mind, Question:  What can we do to make the "good stuff" suitable for use any time of the day?  

 Tidbit:  This time I decided to pair a whimsical ticking striped tablecloth with my fou fou  china.  An extremely inexpensive eBay find, I love the tone that this cloth set.  Do you have other ideas to make your "good stuff" more versatile?

  Anchoring my place setting is the MARYLAND CHINA CO. Bernadotte Charger Plate.  I have searched for affordable, good looking white chargers for a long time, and I happened across this company on line.  They primarily manufacture a variety of white patterned blanks to market to china painters.  Their prices are reasonable, and the quality of the plate is good.  Click on the link and check them out for yourself.

Cast in the starring role as leading lading is the Schumann Empress Dresden Flower Dinner Plate.  Several years ago, I scored a "deal of the century" on a service for 10 in this gorgeous vintage pattern, and I've added additional pieces here and there.  I always imagine that Marie Antoinette might have enjoyed dining on this pattern...or not...Marie and I were never really that close.

Acting as an "extra" in the ensemble, I used the Haviland Ranson Schleiger #1 Luncheon Plate just to add an extra spark of white to the stack...to frame the...

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  ...Empress Dresden Flower Accent Plate, a.k.a. salad plate.  The accent plate would eventually...

 ...host our Nana's antique French crystal compote and under plate...

 ...the perfect prop for our first course...Strawberry Soup.  Are you reading "whimsy", yet?

I had fun with a number of small details today...a supporting cast, if you will...

She she china screams for she she silver...Reed & Barton's Francis I.  The individual salt cellar is also Dresden Flower.  I found them in an antiques store.

Our Nana's given name was Minnie Adeline.  I adore this antique linen napkin with its monogrammed organdy insert from her collection.  Today they are held with the Coalport Countryware Napkin Ring.

The Empress Reticulated Ramekin was placed on the table to hold butter for each guest.

As long as I was playing with some of the "good stuff", I chose to use two of my wedding crystal goblets...

...The Lalique Treves Goblet was used for wine,...

...The Lalique Angel Flute held Mimosas, served as we took our seats.

The angel face carved at the base of the bowl is such a special touch for this goblet.  If I had to choose all over again, I'd still choose this piece.

...And as always, the Waterford Simply Pink Goblet gives another strong performance in this ensemble cast.

 Holding court in the centerpiece is the Rosenthal Sansoucci Tureen, an estate sale find, surrounded by a quartet of...

 ...classic Lenox Urns filled with a variety of blooms from my concierge florist...Sam's Warehouse, of course!

A single pink heart in each arrangement is the lone reference to Valentine's Day.  Instead, I told my seasonal story with color.  The lacy mercury glass votives added a spot of shine when lighted.

After our Strawberry Soup, I served  Grilled Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto.  It was accompanied by a Spinach Salad and Hot Bread.  Dessert was my mama's Brandy Ice.

As snow flakes steadily fell outside, we dined and visited long into the afternoon.  It was a marvelous winter day for fellowship with dear friends.  I would dearly love to create a table for you if you happen to pass my way!  Happy Valentine's Day!

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Wednesday is the 48th 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 forTUTORIALS, 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.  I'll be linking my post to "TABLESCAPE THURSDAYS."   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.

I always enjoy February as we begin to pass from winter and anticipate Spring.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts (even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy), 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!             

                                                                   

                                                              

Snow Bird, A Reprise

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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We just arrived home from a wonderful trip.  My birthday was in November, and Sweet Mister surprised me with a trip to The Biltmore Estate Christmas.  We stayed at the lovely Inn on the Biltmore Estate.  It was delightful.  My only sad moment came when I realized that visitors are not allowed to take pictures in the mansion.  Sigh.  I'm a bit late to the party this week, so I thought that I would share a reprise of a table that I designed in December of 2010.  I called it "Snow Bird."  I'll be back with more of this year's Christmas next week.  In the meantime, I hope that you'll enjoy this again...or for the first time.

Several weeks ago while whiling away some time exploring the marvelous blogs that participate in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, I came across Cuisine Kathleen's post and learned that she is hosting a White Christmas/Winter White Event.  I don't usually design Christmas tables in white, but this time my interest was piqued.  Today I hosted a Christmas luncheon for my precious Garden Friends Bible Study, and I chose to create two white on white tables for our party of 15.  Tonight I'll link to Cuisine Kathleen's White Christmas/Winter White Event as well as Susan at Between Naps on the Porch's Tablescape Thursday.  This tablescape has ended up as one of my all time favorite designs.  I had so much fun creating it, and I hope that you enjoy it, too.

 Come on in!  My Yorkshire Terrorist, "Little Charlie Dickens" told me that you were at the door.  Some of our friends have decided to rename "Dickens."  They call him, "Doorbell."  Most of the Christmas decorations are in place, and it's going to be a great day for a party!

You might remember that a month or two ago, we decided to have our dining room repainted.  I'm really happy with the changes that we've made. Tip:  If you happen to be interested, the color is Benjamin Moore, "Woodstock Tan," HC-20.  The only thing that I'm still waiting on is the custom cafe curtains and rod.  In the meantime, I've placed some ready-made sheers on the windows.  Our dining room is on the front of the house, and I thought that it was important to maintain some level of privacy.  The drapes were actually in the living room, and I decided to move them to the dining room  Years ago I took the Fortuny drapes out of our sweet Nana's home when it was sold.  I deconstructed some of the them and had them remade into this window treatment for my house.  I still have a large box full of her old 1920, Fortuny panels.  I plan to use more of the fabric and have new window treatments created for the living room.  I bought the Persian rug on eBay for $350.00 and free shipping...such a deal!

Kathleen really inspired me with her White Christmas meme idea.  I had so much fun creating this tablescape.  Things just seemed to fall in place.  Let me share some of the details with you...

When I thought about a white Christmas table, my mind flew to the Mottahedeh "Musee de Arts Decoratifs Bird Tureen." I immediately knew that I could create a table for Kathleen's party, and it would be called, "Snow Bird."  This is one of my favorite tureens.  I smile each time that I walk by the dining room and see it resting on the table.

The Mottahedeh tureen was an eBay purchase.  The day that I won the high bid on the auction, my dear friend Marsha gave me a pair of these darling bird jardinieres for my birthday. She found them at Nell Hill's in Kansas City.  Aren't they just wonderful together!

White Poinsettias were purchased at a local nursery and just plopped into the pair of jardinieres.  The faux greenery is from Michael's. and I topped the Mercury Glass candlesticks with white beaded candle rings, found at a local gift shop.  As a finishing touch for the centerpiece, I tucked in my Lalique, "Love Birds" in several places.  

I continued the same motif on the buffet.  Nana's Towle, "Lafayette," Silver Service is flanked by a pair of Nana's silver champagne buckets filled with more white poinsettias and surrounded by greenery.  The two German porcelain angels belonged to my mama.  I am blessed to be their caretaker for a season until they are handed to the next generation.  TheBarker-Ellis Candelabras also came from Nana.

I chose to work without a tablecloth today.  I thought that the mahogany of the dining table created a valuable contrast against the white of the china and the centerpiece.  Instead, I anchored each place setting with a Godinger, Silver Baroque Charger.

 Topping the silver charger is my Wedgewood, "Countryware"  dinner plate.  Ready for our first course, Lentil Soup, is Nana's antique French crystal footed compote and underplate.

  The antique French crystal tumbler and wine goblet also were Nana's, as was the vintage cutwork linen napkin.  The Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance" is my wedding silver flatware.

I chose this particular napkin because I thought that the cutwork design was extremely compatible with the detail in the tureen.  Tip:  Remember to look for "Vintage Soak" for laundering antique linens.  It's an amazing product!  I buy mine locally from www.antiquehouse.okc.com.

  I created the second table at the game table in the living room.  Tip:  Thanks to a "Flip Top Table Top," I am able to turn our 48" game table into a 60" round dining table.  They are available through "By Invitation Only" 405-748-4949.  To recreate the same contrast that I achieved in the dining room between the white of the china and the brown mahogany of the dining table, I used a chocolate brown moire tablecloth that I made.

For this tablescape, I used a Rosenthal, "Sanssouci" tureen flanked by a trio of white poinsettia that I planted in white milk glass beakers.  You'll notice the same greenery and theLalique, "Love Birds"  that are also present in the dining room tablescape.

I adore this napkin, an estate sale find. Because of the placement of the intricate design and monogram, it is impossible to fold it in the proper manner...a bit unusual, but no less beautiful.  The silver flatware was my mother-in-love's Reed & Barton, "Francis I."  I am so grateful to have her silver.  It allows me great leeway when entertaining larger groups. The goblets are a recent estate sale purchase.  I bought a set of 8 of each to use alongside Nana's beautiful antique French crystal.  The people conducting the sale told me that they are Tiffin.  A dealer who was at the sale said that he thought that one of them was "Heisey."  I don't have a clue one way or the other.  I just know that I really like them, and they were a great deal!

Although some of them got away too quickly, we managed to get a group pic of most of the Garden Friends who were able to come for our luncheon today.  This is one of the most incredible groups of prayer warriors that you could ever hope to meet.  I am so blessed to call them my sisters in Christ...my dearest friends.  That's your's truly in the middle with the red turtleneck.  Since I'm always behind the camera lens, you won't see me in photos very often.  If you ever come our way, we'd love to have you join us for one of our Bible study lessons and of course...lunch!  After today, I'm definitely filled with the Christmas spirit.  MERRY CHRISTMAS, dear blog friends.  I'm having so much fun getting to know you.

Wednesday is the 38th 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.  I'll be linking my post to "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.

When I think of December, I think about the day that I married Sweet Mister...in just a few weeks, we'll celebrate our 44th anniversary.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts (even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy), 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!