"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.
***************************************************************************************************************
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might remember that I celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts with two small groups of friends.  In 2012, I called my party A Cup of Christmas Tea.  A few weeks ago I shared the first luncheon for 2013, with you.  The two luncheons are similar because I give the same gifts to everyone.  This year I gave each friend a cranberry bell for Christmas.  I wanted to share the second party with you because I made a few changes...typical artist...I get bored if I have to repeat my designs too often...like twice.

 Bells Part Two:  I decided to add a bit more color.

 The centerpiece remained the same...but the stack changed slightly.


 The red Bormioli glass charger rang clear against the gold and cream toile tablecloth, an eBay find.

 New to the festivities was the Royal Sutherland gold encrusted dinner plate, one of our treasures from sweet Nana.
 
I continued to go to the Kings Crown ruby flash thumbprint accent plate.  It's pretty hard to beat during the Christmas season.

 ...and a new bell for each guest's place setting.

 The Waterford Simply Red remained, and I added the AJKA Arabella in green.


 A red hemstitched napkin was snuggled into the ceramic basket napkin ring, which belonged to my mama.

 The ruby flash pitcher was a $4.00 estate sale find.

 I repeated my menu of Quiche Lorraine, Simple Salad, Mixed Berries, and hot bread for brunch.  Three parties in one week; I was looking for ways to simplify the process each time.  Using the same menu helped.

Did you have a favorite between the two Bells are Ringing tablescape designs?  The monochromatic table or this one in clear colors?  Happy New Year!  I look forward to your tablescapes for 2014!  Let a new round of blogging begin!

This week I'm joining:

Let's Dish with Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch