Adrift On a China Sea

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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Entertaining Women's first blog post was July 7, 2010. It's hard to conceive that I've been blogging my tablescapes for almost two years. I never dreamed that I would be "published" in any format. It was always my Aunt Ida's dream for me, and I think that she would be happy. I'm having even more fun with my blog today than when my daughter-in-love, Jamiann at THE BLACKBERRY VINE, graciously helped me figure out how to even start a blog. I look forward to my third year. I adore the many new blog buddies that I've come to care about, and I am humbled by your support and unending encouragement. Thank you seems so inadequate. I introduced my blogiversary give-away last week. To read about it and learn how to be the winner, click HERE.

CUISINE KATHLEEN issued an "At the Beach Challenge" for this week's meme, "Let's Dish." It didn't take this prairie lady long to realize that I didn't have a single shell, lighthouse, beach ball, beach towel, etc. in my stash of supplies for tablescaping. "Adrift in a China Sea" (pun intended) is probably a stretch, but I had a good time digging through drawers to create my entry for Kathleen's blog party.

The color story would be paramount for my tablescape today. I needed to establish a vision of water and sand...

After using one of the flip-top tabletops to extend the 48" games table to 60", I chose a light teal/aqua matelasse quilt to use as my tablecloth...the color of sea and sky... ✓. Tip: If you check the dimensions of quilts, coverlets, even duvets, you can often find a king size piece that is almost a square shape. They are generous enough to be used as a floor length cloth. I use duvets frequently, and they are often reversible with a different pattern on the other side...double duty. Give it a try!

I remembered that I had ordered these wonderful textural cloths, made in the Philippines, from Christine at CHRISTINE'S HOME & TRAVEL ADVENTURES. She had used them in one of her

tablescapes, and I was pleased to learn that she had some extras available in her shop. When I placed them on my table, I was thinking about sand, sand dunes, and sea grasses...and strolling for miles down the beach searching for treasures tucked here and there...

...like sand dollars. Remember that I told you that I didn't have any shells...well, I didn't. I did, however stumble across an unopened box of soaps in one of the guest baths that looked like sand dollars. Shells...✓. ...

...or a box of pirate's treasure! The malachite box belonged to our precious Nana. I looked for my roll of pearls from Michael's, but I couldn't find it, so I used my strand of pearls that once belonged to mama. I did finally remember the Nell Hill's mother of pearl spoon with a shell handle. Found treasures... ✓.

Now, it's important to stay hydrated when exploring the beach....right? I've had this Japanese brass teapot for many years. It belonged to my beloved Aunt Ida. It normally lives in the kitchen.

The large antique bronze bowl was found at the same estate sale that produced the 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates that will go to the winner of my give-away. The bowl is one of my new/old favorite things. I filled it with hydrangeas from our garden for my centerpiece.

My place setting continues the color story of the sea. The blue and white rice bowl and under plate were estate sale finds.

The antique Imari chargers belonged to my Aunt Ida. She was an intelligence officer stationed in Tokyo after World War II. She bought a number of antiques during the years that she lived there. I am blessed to care for them.

I used the Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" because it reminded me of deep sea coral, and because I wanted to remind you to 1. follow me, and 2. leave comments on this post as well as archived posts between now and July 7. The more comments, the better your chance to win a set of 12 of these beautiful plates! The antique carved ivory flatware reminded me of the orient. The napkins were an eBay purchase, and the Waverly napkin rings were a give away prize from our "Let's Dish" hostess, Cuisine Kathleen.

I admire the simple, clean lines of the two goblets chosen for today's table. I paired the Rosenthal "Iris" clear crystal stem with the Vietri Smoke optical goblet. The Vietri is currently available on the market. I've really enjoyed using them in a number of different designs. Check them out at a store in your area. For nice crystal, they are not too expensive at about $20.00 per stem. I've collected them one or two at a time.

I would love to have you join me. We can sit at my table and dream of sea, sand, and sky...far away places and found treasures. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a summer day.

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 June, I think of lazy summer days and time to share a meal with friends. 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!

Wednesday evening is the fourteenth 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!

It's always a treat to learn something new when I go exploring in blog land. Tonight I'm excited to join Yvonne @ Stone Gable for her new meme, TUTORIALS, TIPS, AND TIDBITS. Bring your notebook...there's so much to learn!

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!