Autumn Jewels

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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Fall is definitely in the air. The winds are picking up out here on the prairie, and at any moment you might expect one of the 'flying nannies' from Mary Poppins to sweep by the door. We've had enough rain that we're getting at least a modicum of changing color in the leaves that float to the ground and crunch under foot. The Garden Friends Bible study was coming this morning, so last night, I prepared a large pot of my chicken noodle soup for anyone who wanted to stay for lunch. Sweet cornbread muffins and key lime pie completed our laid back lunch.

For today's luncheon, I've set a table for 8 in the dining room. I'm finally ready to begin playing with the jewel tones that saunter comfortably hand in hand with Autumn.

The lime green Bormoglio charger that I bought at Gordman's played nicely with...

The antique Luneville Louis XV faience in honey...

...and the Bordallo Pinheiro majolica leaf plate. The leaf plate was later set to the side for a large cornbread muffin. The chicken noodle soup was served from the kitchen in Haviland soup bowls. I forgot to snap a picture of the soup bowl. Flatware is the L'Argent Sophia "Gold," found at Tuesday Morning and through Horchow. Horchow's still offers it through their website. Tip: Watch Horchows for a bit before deciding to make a purchase. They have some pretty good sales periodically. Also, if you sign up for their email list, they'll occasionally send a notification for what they call their "Click Tock" Sale...usually at least 50% off and only available through the email link.

Everything worked well on the Williams Sonoma yellow linen tablecloth, another get from eBay. This is a four seasons cloth, good for use throughout the year.

Continuing with the jewel tone color story, I chose the Vietri Optical in Apple Green and the Lenox Red Holiday Gem...

...along with the Pier One cotton napkin and beaded napkin ring. I've had the napkins for a number of years, but the versatile napkin rings may still be available in the stores.

The inspiration for my table was this selection of faux elements. The pomegranate topiary is actually permanently affixed to a small wooden urn. I regularly pop it into another container. You've seen me use my green hypericum berries topiary ball, so I was thrilled to find a variation of the same for the holiday seasons. The ocher berries and the multi-colored berries are all miniature pomegranates. Certainly a riot of Autumn colors...I had a ball playing with them.

The parade down the center of the table was completed by the addition of two pair of my Barley Twist Candlesticks. The quintet of red tole jardinieres were an inexpensive purchase on the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby. Tip: My friends laughingly say that I always buy decorative items in pairs or multiples. I agree; at any given time, I may only want one of something, but it inevitably comes in handy when I have extras on hand. The use of repetitive elements is one of my favorite design strategies.

It's been a while, but I even caught some candlelight shots the night before my luncheon...

And I'm good to go...

The soups hot and ready to eat...Let the food, fun, & fellowship begin!

Wednesday evening is the 32nd 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, & 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 October, I think about the crisp Autumn days and leaves that crunch under foot. 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! Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions"" It 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!