Fortune Cookie/Mottahedeh Blogiversary Give-away

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.



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 I began, and 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've been contemplating my blogiversary for quite a while now, and I've been seeking something special for one of you. I think that I've found it...no...I know that I've found it! By now, you know that I enjoy "the hunt" for a great and grand deal at estate sales, especially at the tail end of the sale. I've had some really good luck in the past, but I think that I've recently scored my most amazing 'get' ever....and I want to share my good fortune with one of you. Just one week ago, I was able to purchase a set of 47 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates, plus 36 cups and saucers, for the same price that Replacements gets for one plate(click, if you're curious). I've decided that my give-away gift will be a set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates.

I really liked the give-away that the Tablescaper held recently, and I'm going to base mine on her model. Starting tonight, 1. become a follower or tell me that you already are one... 2. leave me a comment about my posts from now through Saturday, July 7, 2012...and 3. take a stroll through my archives and leave me comments on my older posts. I'll record each comment entered by my followers from now through July 7, and use the automatic generator to choose a winner with an address in the lower 48 United States to be announced the following week. (Fabby, I think that I remember that you have a mailing address in the US...right?) Now on to the good stuff...

The original of this magnificent Chinese export pattern may be found set in the dining room of Charleston's famed Nathaniel Russell House. Butterflies, a popular design in China, are often found as porcelain decoration or embroidered on robes. Perhaps the popularity of the butterfly comes, in part, from the fact that Chinese word for butterfly, tieh, is a pun which expresses the wish that the owner might live to a ripe old age. Mottahedeh, in cooperation with Historic Charleston, offers an updated version and is true to the antique. The name reflects the many birds and butterflies featured in the design.

As I designed my tablescape, I kept thinking of Alycia of TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE. Alycia introduced us to the marvelous Bormioli Rocco Figlio of Fidenza, Italy glass charger plates on clearance at Gordman's. I'm fairly gaga over these turquoise ones, and I like the way that the Williams Sonoma Hemstitch Linen Tablecloth makes the colors pop. I've bought them in four colors, and I'm pretty sure that you're going to see them a lot this summer. Alycia also has told us that orange is her 'go-to' color...

...I've never given much thought to the color orange, but the "Sacred Butterfly" is rapidly becoming one of my favorite patterns...I think that I'm becoming a convert. How do you feel about orange?

It's always a pleasure to use the antique carved ivory handle flatware, purchased from a local antiques store. Amending the antique pieces with the L'Argent "Sophia" Gold flatware from Horchow and Tuesday Morning, has always been a good solution for a complete setting.

The Tiffany Blue Hemstitched napkins are once again from an eBay seller, NAPKINS ONLINE. They are a linen/cotton blend, and you can purchase a dozen of them for $23.00, often with free shipping. This lovely napkin is available in a large variety of colors...I highly recommend them. The wonderful beaded tassel napkin ring was a give away prize from CUISINE KATHLEEN. Thanks again, Kathleen!

I continue to find great pleasure in mixing a variety of cased crystal (colored) and sparkling clear crystal. I think that it really adds to the color story of the entire table design.

Today I enjoyed mixing the Vietri Amber Optical Goblet with the Tiffin "Elyse" wine goblet, another great estate sale find. I love that the clear crystal picks up the reflection of the Tiffany blue napkin.

I don't know if we'll have guests at this summertime table, yet, so for the time being, I've kept the centerpiece and sideboard relatively simple. If we choose to actually use this setting for a meal, I'll add some florals and probably candlelight. For now, just use your imagination.

The pair of Rose Famille Republic Period lidded rose bowls were another one of my buys at the tale end of a good estate sale. I want to say that I paid $30.00 for the pair. I've had the quartet of Lalique Love Birds for many years.

The Rose Famille Republican Period Tureen was purchased much later through eBay. I've used them often since obtaining the trio.

Our sweet Nana's antique salts were added to the table as an unexpected touch.

I'm so excited to think that in just about a month, these dinner plates will belong to one of you!

I can hardly wait to see the tablescape that you'll design with your new set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates. I hope that I have lots of comments from you, so you'll have more chances to win!

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 thirteenth 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!