A Luneville "Tables for Two"

"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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If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll recall that I've occasionally been honored to collaborate with another blogger for a "Tables for Two." The goal of a "Tables for Two" is to choose a tabletop element that we both have in common and to see how we each integrate that element into our tablescape design. This week I am thrilled to partner with Emily @ The French Hutch for a Luneville, "Tables for Two." Be sure to check out Emily's post. Along with her own beautiful tablescape, she's planning to share some of the wonderful history of the French faience known fondly as "Luneville".

Bon voyage, mes amis.

Several weeks ago, I was blessed to host the Garden Friends, my beloved Bible study group, for a luncheon. We met to celebrate the end of our 26th year of study and our summer birthday girls. I decided that on this beautiful Spring day, Luneville was the perfect choice. Come, join us at the table.

Vous êtes la bienvenue à ma table...

When I began collecting Copeland Spode Luneville, I wasn't even aware that it was what we would now label a 'knock-off' of the original French Faience, Luneville Strasbourg. It was a happy accident when I happened across the French original while doing an eBay search for 'Luneville." Tip: When you're searching for an item on eBay, do different searches under different titles. You can't assume that any given seller knows the actual name of the item that they have listed for auction. You also can't assume that they know how to spell the name correctly. You can find some really good deals from sellers who don't know how to spell. You could easily be the only buyer who finds their listing...and the only bidder.

Of course, I chose the Luneville tureen and under plate to anchor my centerpiece. To give the tureen a needed lift, I set it on an antique Luneville footed trivet. The trivet was a gift from my sister, and she found it at a shop in Marche au Puce in Paris. Did you notice that it is decorated with cherries? She couldn't resist it. For a tablescape highlighting all things francais, the green and white toile tablecloth seemed a natural. I made the cloth...one for the dining table and one for the games table. Tip: I often make or buy several tablecloths in the same fabric. It makes setting up for larger groups much easier.

To flank the tureen, I used a pair of Hobby Lobby's blue and cream jardinieres, holding hot pink Azalea plants from the grocery store. The Val St. Lambert crystal candlesticks, which we've had for decades, are interspersed down the table. To highlight the Luneville, I added...

...an Antique Luneville jug...

and the matching Luneville creamer and sugar. Today, I used the Luneville lidded pot de cremes to hold salt for my guests. Tip: Always be to ready to think outside the box!

The Bormioli hot pink charger, from Gordman's, added a desirable punch of color. The pink flatware was a Horchow sale item.

The Copeland Spode Luneville...

...comes in a variety of motifs...

...so delightful...

...and it also plays well with the Copeland Spode Marlborough Sprays, as well as the authentic Luneville pieces...

Today the antique Luneville Strasbourg leaf plates...

were used as bread and butter plates. I don't know their original purpose.

The Garden Friends were giddy with delight over this colorful, feminine design. It made me smile, too. The green hemstitched napkin complimented the toile tablecloth.

Continuing with the magical melange of colors in the antique Lunevile pieces, I chose stemware in pink and blue...

The Waterford Simply Blue seemed quite happy next to the Italian Stelle pink scroll wine, a fortunate find at Home Goods in Dallas. I made trips to several stores. Man, I wish we had Home Goods out here on the prairie. Are you listening, Home Goods?

Yep, definitely happy. Sheila's Birthday Casserole was served as an entree, and each Garden Friend brought a salad or dessert.

Bon appétit, mes amis!

Remember to visit my "Tables for Two" partner, Emily @ The French Hutch. If you're not already a follower, sign up and be inspired. And...think about partnering with another blogger for your own "Tables for Two." Emily and I have had a great time, and I've made a new friend.

Note: Please, keep our Alycia Nichols @ Table Twenty-one in your prayers. She has moved her father to hospice, and she will be staying with him. I know that many of us have walked this road, and prayers are coveted. Thank you so much!

Post Note (Wednesday, June 12): Alycia's father went home to be with the Lord today. Please, continue to keep Alycia and her family in your prayers. Thanks so much.

Random Question: When creating my post, I am careful to use a consistent font...however, when published, there are often random fonts mixed throughout the post that I didn't choose. Any thoughts?

Wednesday is the 66th 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!

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

June is here, and I so love the somewhat slower tempo of summer...time to entertain dear friends and spend time catching up with each other. How about you? With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme Seasonal Sunday. 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!