Old Gold & Amethyst...Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury

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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The Garden Friends met at my house this last week. I invited anyone who was available to stay for lunch. I set a table for eight and prepared a lunch of Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto, Spinach Salad, Hot Bread, and Mini Pecan Tarts.

This week my inspiration was all about the tablecloth. This is a vintage double damask tablecloth that I found on eBay. Tip: Double damask tablecloths are quite versatile because they are reversible. The opposite side of this one has a gorgeous cream field with the oriental toile design in the gold. Today I was going for a strong punch of color, so I chose to use the gold field of the cloth.

As the foundation for the centerpiece, I placed the Mottahedeh Tureen, an eBay acquisition, on a large wooden stand.

On either side of the tureen, I used an assortment of design elements. The pink Mercury Glass stemmed votives were found on the clearance aisle at Michael's. I found them a couple of weeks ago, and I wouldn't be surprised if they are still available in the store. The Lalique Game Cock belonged to our dear Nana. She purchased the pair in the 1920's. Today I filled the Lenox Urns with a variety of Sam's flowers that picked up the colors in the dinner plates...

The Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury is also an eBay find. I placed it on a dusty lavender charger plate from Michael's. I like the way that the furl of the bird's tail feathers is mimicked in the shape and carving of the antique ivory handled flatware and the toile pattern of the tablecloth.

I found a dozen of these vintage Madeira napkins at an estate sale. Tip: Have you been searching for a laundry product that safely restores and cleans antique and vintage linens? Check with Susan @ MY PLACE TO YOURS.

Continuing my emphasis on old gold and amethyst, I chose to use the Vietri Amber Optical and the AJKA Arabella goblets for water and wine.

I like the way this is all going together...

...A bright late winter day spent seated at the knee of Sweet Jesus and studying His Word...

...With priceless friends, more valuable than the finest jewels...

....Followed by a simple meal, precious conversation, and lots of laughter.

Let me know if you happen to pass my way. You'll always be welcome to join us at the table.

Come join me at Marty's TABLETOP TUESDAY...always a great place to visit!

I'm joining Jamiann @ The Blackberry Vine for TUESDAY TO DO AND LIST MAKERS. So many inspirational ideas here...you won't want to miss it!

Wednesday is the 51st edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH". I'm 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 TUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS. Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!

I'm joining The Style Sisters for CENTERPIECE WEDNESDAYS. Don't miss it!

Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, "TABLESCAPE THURSDAYS." 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.

March, a month of so many transitions...I find myself still enjoying a Winter eve's fire in the fireplace while looking with sweet anticipation toward Spring. 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!