Round the Clock Shower/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. As you consider your own philanthropic opportunities, 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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Sweet Mister and his friend Russ have been close friends since they were little boys. Russ and Kathy's son is engaged to be married this summer to a beautiful young woman whom he met while away at college. I was blessed to host a "Round the Clock" luncheon/shower for the bride-to-be. It was a wonderful opportunity for her to meet Kathy's friends and for us to meet the bride and her family, in town for the weekend. Five other friends shared the hostess responsibilities, and we prepared seating for thirty-two at four tables on the back porch.

As guests entered the foyer, they were offered a Mimosa in a hand painted flute. Over time, I've painted 6 dozen of these flutes. They live in their original boxes on a shelf in the garage, and they are used quite often for large groups. Today they were also put into service for the Brandy Ice dessert. The white pitcher was bought from Ceramice Casola, Positano last summer during our magical trip to Italy.

When it was time for lunch, guests filled their Royal Doulton RD199 luncheon plates with a light summer menu featuring fresh mixed berries, chicken salad, and hot bread.

When planning my design, I wanted to repeat a variety of elements that would create continuity among the tables. You can identify some of the elements on the buffet table. The Luneville tureen, an eBay purchase, worked well with the Hydrangeas from my garden. The Williams-Sonoma blue and white toile tablecloth was also an eBay get. The hot bread was served in a pair of Godinger crystal bread baskets. As a nod to our theme, small decorative clocks were tucked in along the length of the centerpiece.

Our dear Nana's silver candelabra and Towle "Lafayette" sterling tea service graced the buffet along with a pair of tall pale blue vases holding abundant arrangements starring more Hydrangeas, and a pair of the Lalique, "La Coq". The vases were found on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Come on out to the back porch. It's almost time for everyone to be seated....

It was a glorious day here on the prairie, and we were thrilled to dine al fresco...

Although no two tablescapes are exactly the same, I was able to create design continuity by using similar elements on each table. I've again used blue and white toile tablecloths. I bought 11 of these through eBay for 30% less than it would have cost me to rent them for one day. Each table held a white tureen surrounded by three small jardinieres filled with more of my garden Hydrangeas as the centerpiece. Here the tureen is Rosenthal "Sansoucci."

Each table showcased a different pattern of cobalt china. The Coalport "Spearpoint"dinner plate was found on eBay. All the plates were placed on silver chargers.

Assorted patterns of Nana's vintage linen napkins with pale blue embroidered motifs were held by oversized 'diamond ring' napkin rings. I bought 48 of the napkin rings with 2 other friends. We co-op them, and they have been utilized many times. Two of the tables offered the pink Waterford "Simply" goblets.

Of course, I wanted the bride's table to be very special. For her centerpiece, I placed the Mottahedeh, "Musee Decoratif" tureen and underplate in the midst of a trio of small Lenox tureens overflowing with more of my Hydrangeas...

Sweet Nana's Prussian Cobalt "Portrait" plates added the perfect grace note to the bride's table. Each plate has a different portrait in the center. I forgot to take a picture of the center of the plate. If you wish to see them, click HERE (they're worth the click). Two of my tablescapes held the blue Waterford "Simply" goblets. The Waterford "Simply" goblets were all eBay acquisitions. I bought them several years ago, very inexpensively. They are still available, but the cost has escalated quite a bit.

For the third table, I switched back to the Simply Pink goblet. The tureen and under plate are Wedgwood "Patrician", and the reticulated jardinieres were bought on clearance at Hobby Lobby.

Another pattern on my "list", the Minton "Consort" was once again a great eBay buy. All the tables were set with the Reed & Barton "Francis I" flatware, which belonged to my mother-in-love.

Completing the quartet of tables, this one features the Copeland Spode "Gadroon" tureen and underplate. The cobalt and gold encrusted Minton "H2954" dinner plates were made for Ovington Brothers.

I found the 12 plates at the tail end of an estate sale; they were $16.00 per plate...an incredible deal.

A beautiful azure blue sky...sunlight gently dappled on the tabletops...

It's a perfect day for an al fresco luncheon. Let me know if you're headed my way, and I'll set a table just for you. Let the party begin!

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 MAY, I think of days and evenings perfect for dining al fresco. 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!

Tonight is the tenth edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". So excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

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! KC has just released her 5th studio CD project, "The Tag Hollow Sessions". The sold out CD release concert was this past weekend. "The Tag Hollow Sessions" 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!