Jadeite Birthday Lunch

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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It didn't start out this way....

When my dear friend Cindy is the guest of honor at one of my tables, I often make a point to highlight the color green...her favorite. For Cindy's birthday, I decided that I wanted to use the Fireking Jadeite "Alice" as my focal point. I found 13 of these on the last day of an estate sale for $3.00 each. At the time I wasn't familiar with Jadeite, and little did I know that I was getting an amazing deal. I set the table early in the week, and I was waiting until closer to the party to build my floral centerpieces. But then...

...the amazing Miss Alycia from TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE posted about a wonderful deal at Gordman's for some hot colored glass charger plates. I was waiting for Sweet Mister to meet me at a Mexican food restaurant when I received the email, and as soon as dinner was over, I hot footed it to the store. I bought chargers in this hot pink and in turquoise...and my plans were suddenly in flux. I couldn't wait to use them!

I replaced the Wedgwood "Queens Plain" with the high white Wedgwood "Countryware".

The Fire King Jadeite "Alice" remained in the line up. The glassware initially came into fashion because it was durable and cheap to produce. McKee was the first to manufacture jadeite, but the Jeannette Glass Company is credited for coining the name. However, Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation became its largest producer. In 1942, Anchor Hocking debuted the popular Fire-King line in a variety of colors, but jadeite (or “Jade-ite” as the company calls it) remained in high demand for 30 years.

The stain- and heat-resistant tableware was served in frugal diners across America. Additionally, restaurant owners could save money by serving coffee in thick-rimmed “cheater mugs” that appeared to hold more than they actually did. The simple design of the Anchor Hocking Restaurant Ware was one of the most popular lines produced from 1950 to 1956. Today, Restaurant Ware is also the most collected, in part because of its sheer abundance.

Collectible jadeite pieces come in many forms and, as usual, the hardest to find items fetch the highest prices. Whereas mugs generally sell for around $20, a Fire-King grease jar can run $100. A set of four nesting bowls in mint condition may sell for $200.

A keen eye can tell the difference between vintage jadeite and department store knock-offs. You can identify the maker (and worth) of most pieces by examining the markings on the underside: “McK” in a small circle indicates McKee, and a “J” inside a triangle indicates Jeannette Glass Co.

The antique Luneville "Old Strasbourg" leaf plate would later be used for homemade strawberry cupcakes served with Brandy Ice. The Old Strasbourg plates feature a variety of floral sprays. I liked the way that they worked with the frosted white tumblers...

My dear friend Marsha delivered the 5 white tumblers over the weekend. I had fun using them in my design because they were actually Marsha's birthday gift for Cindy. Marsha found them in an antique store; each one features a different floral design. Marsha also made Gazpacho for our luncheon. It was delicious, and we served it in the Coalport "Old Coalport" bowl. It's really a cereal bowl, but it worked just fine for our soup.

Rounding out each place setting...the pink and white striped napkins were found at an estate sale, 12 for $1.00. They are caught in the Coalport "Countryware" napkin rings. Next to the L'Argent "Sophia Gold" flatware, I placed the MacKenzie-Childs individual salt and peppers. The Green glass decanters were a Tuesday Morning find.

The Jadeite pedestal bowl ultimately ended up on the gift table. I bought the flowers at Sam's and Homeland Grocery. I really liked the pink gift box that I found at Gordman's...the same day that I bought the glass chargers. I fitted it for Cindy's gift...

...and then I carefully removed it...

...and used it as my centerpiece! I bought this wonderful Italian tureen on eBay. I surrounded it with a trio of floral centerpieces that I designed using small green plaid metal buckets, found on the after Easter clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby. When she opened her "empty" gift box, Cindy had to figure out what went in it.

My finishing touch, the hot pink Italian crystal goblets, a Marshall's find, highlighted the floral bouquets in the pale mint green tablecloth...another of my eBay gets.

It was a wonderful day to share food, fun, and fellowship with my dearest friends. I linked to a fabulous recipe for CHESAPEAKE CRAB QUICHE from Blue Bay Crab Co. Thank you to ROBIN FLIES SOUTH who posted the link. The quiche was a huge hit served with a mixed berry salad and poppy seed dressing, accompanied by garlic bread. I'd love to have you as a guest at my table someday, too!

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!

Tonight is the twelfth 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!

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