Fourth of July, 2012

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 week before last...a set of 12 Mottahedeh "Sacred Butterfly" dinner plates. To read about it and learn how to be the winner, click HERE.

We have a couple of good friends coming for dinner tomorrow night to observe Independence Day, 2012. This tablescape kind of grew like 'Flopsy, Mopsy, and Peter Cottontail. Other than knowing that I wanted to use the red and white striped tablecloth, I really didn't have a grand plan....

...but I'm happy with the end result. The pair of Uncle Sam's on the refectory table are actually Christmas Decorations, and don't most of us have a stash of the small American flags that we've had forever tucked away someplace?

I haven't used the Burleigh "Calico" tureen in quite a while; I liked the dark cobalt color with the white flowers that were a bit reminiscent of stars (just chalk it up to poetic license). I found this at the tail end of a good estate sale for $30.00 for the tureen, ladle, and under plate. The little fabric dolls were also an estate sale get...four for $1.00. I think that they're quirky and fun...

Susan B. Anthony...

Daniel Boone...or maybe Davy Crockett, both fine Americans...

Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain...

...and of course, Betsy Ross!

I surrounded the tureen with a quartet of my Lenox Urns. Flowers from the grocery store made simple floral poseys.

...Centerpiece...✓...Now that wasn't too hard...just a bit of digging in cabinets and closets.

The Royal Doulton's Restaurant Ware Brand Steelite Cobalt Charger is making yet another appearance as the base of my place setting.

They're becoming like Hepburn and Tracey. I've once again used the Wedgwood "Countryware" as my dinner plate. I've bought a number of this pattern on eBay over time. This is one of the patterns that I go to for large groups. Tip: Different china companies will often make the same design. For example, "Countryware" was originally produced by Coalport. When Coalport closed their operation, Wedgwood bought the molds and continued to produce this pattern. Here's my advice. The plates are exactly the same from Wedgwood to Coalport, but the Coalport version often sells for two or three times more than the Wedgwood. Now Coalport is one of my favorite china manufacturers, but in this instance, I didn't hesitate to collect the Wedgwood. Just do your homework and take your time!

The Royal Worcester "Regency Ruby" luncheon plate was another of my eBay discoveries. Red, white, and blue...yep, I like it. For our celebration, this will be removed before dinner and returned with our dessert.

Held in place with the Coalport "Countryware" Napkin Ring, the navy and white stars napkin is a bandana, found at Hobby Lobby. I think that I paid $1.00 each for them. I folded the bandana to conceal the remainder of the napkin which is red and white stripe. I thought that this turned out to be an important component for my design....Who knew?

If you've followed me for any time at all, you know that I'm fond of the L'Argent "Sophia" flatware from Horchow and Tuesday Morning. I've bought it in a number of colors. It sells for $10.00 per 5 piece place setting...sometimes less. I've purchased it a little at a time...a lot of punch for a minimum investment.

The cutwork design and the faceted stem in the AJKA "Arabella" Cobalt Goblet reminded me of bursting fireworks lighting up the night sky on Independence Day. The Lenox "Holiday Gem" in red was the perfect partner for our red, white, and blue celebration.

Ready to roll. We'll share a no-fuss dinner of Pork Tenderloin, Fresh Asparagus, Baked Potato, Garlic French Bread, Homemade Ice Cream and Fresh Summer Berries.

Those of you on the coast who experienced the damaging straight winds have been on my heart and in my prayers this week. It is not uncommon for us prairie dwellers to experience 100 MPH straight winds on occasion...and we had more than 50 days over 100º last summer, so we understand your predicament. I continue to pray for your situation and for your safety. If you could get away for a bit, I'll be glad to add extra place settings to the table. I would be honored to have you as a guest at my table.

May we all embrace this magnificent country of ours, The United States of America...one nation, under God. I'm grateful to our military men and women who sacrifice themselves that we might live free. Happy Independence 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 fifteenth 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, & 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!