Beatrice Emaline is Here!...And a Birthday 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. 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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Busy times in our neck of the woods. Our precious Beatrice Emaline was born last Friday, and our entire family is on Cloud Nine. Several weeks ago, before our newest family member made her appearance, I was blessed to host a small group of some of my closest friends for a birthday luncheon for five. I was excited to use the Coalport Chinese Willow, one of my favorite patterns for our celebration.

We gathered at the games table in the living room. I was in the mood for high color!

I even pulled a pop of color into the foyer...

...to greet my dear friends as they crossed the threshold.

Come on in! Gifts for the birthday girls are waiting on the piano bench.

I made the green undercloth. Tip: See the way that the bottom of the green cloth curls in and out? When I make the cording for my tablecloths, I break the rules. Instead of cutting the fabric for the cording on the bias, I cut the fabric on the grain. It makes the cording stiff, and it holds its shape beautifully. The Whitework cloth used to live on the bedside table in KC's childhood bedroom.

I started our meal with chilled Gazpacho, served in the gold rimmed Tiffin bowl. It was delivered to the table after my guests were seated, so it wasn't a part of "the stack" when everyone came to the table. The accent plate was used later for dessert.

The truth was that I couldn't bear to cover up these glorious plates. The Chinese Willow design puts a smile on my face every time. Today they are resting on one of the great apple green glass chargers that I found at Gordman's because of our dear Alycia from TABLESCAPES AT TABLE TWENTY-ONE. Thank you, Alycia!

The Zina Vasi Jacquard Linen Napkins were a birthday gift from one of todays honorees. I found the beaded napkin rings at Pier One. They'll work well in a variety of designs. The gold tone Bamboo Flatware was a garage sale treasure.

The Waterford Simply Lime goblet and the Tiffin Gold goblet played well when set against the bright blooms that I retrieved from Homeland Grocery. I arranged the flowers in four crystal rose bowls, which I later sent home with my guests as party favors.

Each of the birthday girls received either a tureen or a centerpiece bowl and an oriental wood stand as a birthday gift. The recipient of this antique Nippon Cobalt and Gold Moriage Bowl unwrapped an empty box. She squealed when she realized that the centerpiece was going home with her because she collects antique cobalt and gold Nippon china. It was a fortunate find on eBay

It was a glorious day for a birthday celebration featuring a Southwestern Chicken Salad, Homemade Guacamole, Toasted Garlic Bread, and a beautiful Birthday Cake. We sat and visited until it was time for everyone to go home and prepare dinner. I'd love to spend a similar day with you!

Wednesday evening is the twenty-seventh edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". Excited to be a charter member. Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for TUTORIAL, TIPS, AND TIDBITS. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

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 September, from now on, I'll always remember it as the month that brought us our first granddaughter! 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!

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!