The Apple Never Falls Far From the Tree

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 was thrilled when KC asked me if she could use our home to host a couples' wedding shower with three other couples.  I turned them loose in the china cabinets, and I was impressed with the choices that they made to create their buffet table.  They offered their guests a variety of hors d'oeuvres and a selection of wines and beers.  I want to share their table with you this week.  I'll keep my comments relatively short and sweet...well, short and sweet for me anyway.

                                                               

The invitations featured browns and acid green.  They decided to continue with the same colors for their shower decor.  The tablecloth, featuring a wide chocolate brown border, is by Russia House, found on eBay, of course.

 Mercury glass candlesticks and Pottery Barn Mercury Glass Bottles kept the design somewhat contemporary.

Green and white hydrangeas added a sophisticated touch and were a quick and easy choice for a luxurious centerpiece...especially for mommies of young children.

They chose the base of one of my Mottahedeh tureens to present their florals...

 KC dove into my scarf drawer and found the brown lace lovely to drape around the base of the bowl. Tip:  Repeating color elements in a variety of spots on your table, will help to create a cohesive design.

 You've seen the apple green mercury glass votives many times...little bitty work horses.

You saw the apple green Mercury glass containers with the same white Hydrangeas on my St. Pat's table (the week before the shower) and on my Easter table (the week after the shower).  Minimal money well spent.

The table elements...Many were Nana's, and a few were wedding gifts...

Nana's silver shell, dolphin footed compotes.  The pair held sour cream and brown sugar for drunk strawberries.

Dorothy Thorpe crystal tray...it belonged to Nana.

Barker-Ellis...a wedding gift.

The cake plate belongs to my friend Marsha.  She keeps forgetting to pick it up and take it home.

Nana's cake knife and cake separator. 

Nana's oval crystal bowl...I don't know the maker.

  

Barker-Ellis galley tray...a wedding gift.

  

Nana's crystal and silver condiment server.

  

Nana's ivory handled silver fish server...tonight it held roasted asparagus.

Nana's Dorothy Thorpe crystal salad bowl.

Nana's Dorothy Thorpe crystal tray.  I love the quirky handles.

The ladies chose to use the Royal Doulton RD199 Luncheon Plates.  They used the Francis I and Grande Renaissance silver forks by Reed & Barton.

The hostesses shared the task of preparing food for the shower...

Chess squares, a.k.a. Neiman Marcus Squares...so good.

Rum Balls & Drunk Strawberries...

Cake Balls...

 I think that the hostesses have this entertaining thing down pat!  Their guests were thrilled, and their party was a total success.  I told KC that she was welcome to entertain in our home any time.  She's already scheduled two more showers in the next few months!  I couldn't be happier.

Come join me at Marty's Tabletop Tuesday..always a great place to visit!

I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for Tuesday To Do & Listmakers.  So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!

Wednesday is the 54th 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!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS.  Don't miss it!  

                                                                

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme,  "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.

March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, 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!           

  

Red, White, and Blue Luncheon

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.



I'm posting a reprise of a blog entry that I published last summer.  I was quite new to blogworld at that point, so I think that not too many of you will have seen this.  Red, white, and blue seems to weave its way throughout my summer.  My Sweet Mister and my precious son were both born on Memorial Day; Dickens, my Yorkshire Terrorist , was also born on the same day.  We all celebrate with this most patriotic of color combinations for Independence Day, and it always seems a natural choice for picnics and barbecues.  So for Seasonal Sundays, hosted by The Tablescaper, I want to celebrate Red, White, and Blue....so closely associated with Summer in my household.  Please, click HERE to visit other wonderful blogs participating in this marvelous meme.  Thank you Tablescaper for being our hostess!

RED, WHITE, & BLUE LUNCHEON

HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT

MY DAUGHTER-IN-LOVE'S

CAKE BALLS?

My friend BJ and I decided to host a luncheon for a group of our sorority sisters.  We hadn't seen some of them in 40 years!  Yep, I'm that old.  We agreed that we would work with a 4th of July theme.  We wanted it to be somewhat casual, but very special.  There were 16 of us at the luncheon, so I created two tablescapes for our group.

As the ladies arrived, they were given a Mimosa to start the party.  The conversations picked up as if we had never been apart.  It was amazing and marvelous!  After the guests were seated, I served a first course of chicken noodle soup in blue and red star shaped bowls. (Yes, I really like chicken noodle soup.)  The invitations had requested that each person bring a "cold salad to share with your cool sisters." Every contribution was "church lady food" delicious.  For dessert, I served my daughter-in-love, Jamiann's, scrumptious cake balls. (http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com)  They are so good, they are evil.  More about the cake balls in a moment...

 Jamiann not only created cake balls for dessert, she also made individually wrapped, ribbon tied, cake balls on lollipop sticks.  I used two oasis-filled blue ceramic bowls to create cake ball centerpieces for each table.  They were quick and easy to assemble, and they had a great impact as a design element in the tablescapes.  These were red velvet flavor, and each guest took some home to share with her family after the party. 

Once seated, each guest found an individual covered dessert cloche filled with two cake balls presented on a bed of red, white,  & blue candies.  These were Pina Colada and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.  The individual covered dessert pedestals were a birthday gift from a dear friend.  She found them at Tuesday Morning Mall.  I saw some there as recently as June.  They are also available through Pottery Barn for a higher price.  I use them quite often, and my guests always comment on them.

The "Outdoor Collection," enamelware red and navy chargers and the white enamelware dinner plates were bought on clearance from Pottery Barn last year.  They are dishwasher safe and really fun for casual occasions.  The blue with white stars napkins are actually bandanas, available at Hobby Lobby for $1.27 each.  The ribbon completed the 'stars and stripes' effect.  The blue handled flatware is Argent "Sophia," purchased at Tuesday Morning Mall.

  The red goblet is such a nice size for water or iced tea.  It is Lenox, "Holiday Gem."  It is also made in a great Christmas green.  I believe that it is still available.  The cobalt goblet is by Libby, and I bought it at the Dollar Tree for $1.00 per stem...a great find!

This wonderful 1920's vintage white linen tablecloth belonged to Nana.  It's really too long for this table, so I fold it under, and it works quite nicely.  I've thought about hemming it, but I can never bring myself to cut into it.  Who knows?  Someday I might decide to use it as a drape!  It is unadorned, and I liked it for this crisp, clean tablescape.

My co-host, BJ, provided the charming 'frog jars.'  They are aqua green Mason jars that come with two lids.  One is the traditional lid, and one is a wired lid that works as a frog for flowers.  There was a frog jar with Gerbera Daisies for each guest to take home as a party favor.  They were a real hit with the ladies!  They add a special touch to a casual table.  BJ left some extras with me, and I'll use them often for future tablescapes.  Yippeeee!!!  Thank you, BJ!!!

I often use the game table in my living room for overflow seating, as well as for smaller luncheons and dinners.  The table is actually 48", but here I've utilized one of my 'flip-top table tops.'  With the flip-top, I now have a 60" table, which can seat a generous 8 to a tight 10 guests.  When seating 10, there is not enough space to use service plates, and I need to place smaller chairs.  Today, the table was set for 8.

I'm always intrigued that the same elements can be so distinctly unique on the two different table shapes. Everything is the same on this table with the exception of the tablecloth.  Here I've chosen a white matelasse' tablecloth that I purchased on eBay.  I really enjoy entertaining at a round table.  The conversation flows so easily, and everyone tends to participate equally.

Are you ready to dine, yet?  Grab your plate.  We're serving in the kitchen.

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 "Orchid."  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!            

Birthday Luncheon for the Girls of Summer

It's once again time for Centerpiece Wednesday with the Style Sisters.  I am reprising this post because I want to share my Daughter-in-love's wonderful and delicious cakeballs.  They not only make a beautiful and whimsical centerpiece, they also serve as a marvelous party favor for my guests!


Before the Garden Friends Bible Study began a summer hiatus, we gathered one more time to celebrate birthdays for our dear friends who were born during the summer months.  It was a precious time of fellowship with my dearest friends.  I enjoyed every moment preparing for them to come to my table.

  It was a gorgeous sun-filled day when I took this early morning shot.  My table was all set, waiting for a few last minute details...and my precious friends.

Once again, I chose to place a special order with my daughter-in-love for her beautiful and delicious cake balls.  The Red Velvet cake balls on lollipop sticks, individually wrapped and embellished with chocolate organdy ribbon, were perfect as a centerpiece.  My guests took some home as a party favor to share with their families.

Small creamware tulipieres held gorgeous Parrot Tulips, from my dear friend, Marsha's, yard.  We call these 'roadsideia.'  The buffet was flanked with two jardenieres holding Azalea plants.  The flowers were simple, by design, but they added just the right touch.

Zina Vasi designs lovely table linens that are made in Russia.  The cloth for today featured bunches of cherries and butterflies.  My name happens to be 'Cherry Kay,' so this one seemed a natural choice for me.  I found several of these on close-out at Dillard's, and they can also be found occasionally on eBay.   They are made in a nice variety of designs and sizes, and they launder beautifully.  Take a look at them sometime.  I think that you'll like them.  White Italian faience candlesticks provided continuity for my table.  I pick them up periodically on eBay, for a mere pittance.

There are some nice estate sales in our area.  I found the Fire King Jadeite "Alice," on the second day of a sale for $3.00 each.  I've since learned that my purchase was a great find.  Woohoo!  I'm enchanted by the color and the knowledge that they were originally commonly used in restaurants.  They are seated on Spode, "Luneville" dinnerplates, atop Caspari rattan service plates.  The flatware is Argent, "Sophia," another one of my Tuesday Morning purchases...also available through Horchow.  The baby blue linen napkins have a heavy passementerie design.  They are part of a round placemat set that I found on eBay.  They are one of my favorites, and I use them frequently.

I liked the smooth pearlized surface of the pink goblet, bought years ago on close-out at Pier One, contrasting with the texture of the cut crystal goblet, Cash Crystal, "Sutton Place."  Cash Crystal is also marketed as Godinger Crystal.  These goblets look quite opulent, but they can still be bought very inexpensively.  Did you see the tiny MacKenzie-Childs salt & pepper? I collect them, and they add a special touch to many of my tablescapes.  I like the reflective value of the individual dessert cloches, a Tuesday Morning find, at each place....

...and I adore the nests that my generous friend Marsha created...just the perfect size to hold an 'almond amaretto' cake ball for dessert.  Check out my daughter-in-love's blog: http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com/ for more information about the cake balls.  She is so incredibly talented!

The time has come, and I just heard the door bell ring.  My cherished Garden Friends have arrived.  They've each brought a delicious dish for us to share...

For our first course, a scrumptious cold strawberry soup looked perfect in the Haviland, "Ranson" cream soups, that once belonged to dear Nana.  I pray that I shall always be a good steward of the lovely things that she made it possible for us to have.  I think of all the magnificent women on both sides of our family each time I create a tablescape to honor my family and friends.  I am truly blessed.  

Everything is prepared.  Here, take a seat on my right.  I have a feeling that we have so many things in common.  I'm excited to have the opportunity to know you better.


"Il n'ya pas de bon repas sans bonne compagnie."  

I am pleased to participate in the 101st Tablescape Thursday at Susan Between Naps on the Porch.  Thank you, Susan, for providing such a wonderful vehicle for those of us who love entertaining, dishes, and tablescape design.  Click on the link below to see a marvelous variety of tablescapes by some extremely talented bloggers.










I am linking this post to "Centerpiece Wednesdays" athttp://www.thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Thanks to The Style Sisters for hosting the party.  Hop on over and see all the great ideas!