"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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I'm pretty sure that my admiration for Asian design is in my blood.  My daddy, an architect, and my Aunt Ida, who lived in Tokyo for some years after World War II, both collected some lovely Japanese things. I've continued the love affair with many things oriental...especially dishes!  Tonight, I wanted to share Arita, Imari Fan with you.


 Spring is beginning to shine, just outside the back door.

 Come on in...I've set a casual table for four today...

 No tablecloth this time...I decided that the Persian carpet provided just the right "undercloth".

 Imari Fan is quite an exuberant pattern.  I don't think that it would take much effort to go straight over the "design cliff" with it.  I chose to emphasize the green in this delightful plate.



 A simple centerpiece....I elevated the Imari Fan bowl and chop plate on one of my antique oriental stands.  I pick up assorted sizes of these stands at estate sales.

A really important element in today's design, the MacKenzie-Childs soft green enamelware charger plate was a fortunate and reasonable eBay find.  I chose it to calm down the Imari Fan.

 The Arita Imari Fan is quite the attention getter...no shrinking violet here.

 Fire King Jadeite was originally restaurant ware.  You wouldn't know that today.  It's quite pricey on eBay and other on-line sites, but I've been able to score some great deals at several estate sales.  This is called the Lotus plate...


 Lately I've been interested in introducing some orange into my tablescapes.  I've started acquiring an assortment of orange wine goblets on eBay.  They don't show up often or in quantities, so I've decided to mix and match orange goblets by assorted makers.  Most of todays group are made by AJKA.  I've paired it with the Vietri Amber goblet.  The Vietri is still in production and comes in some great colors.  Reasonably priced, you'll probably find it in a nice shop near you.


 Finishing the place setting, the "antique" hemstitch napkin is caught by the Waverly beaded napkin ring, my often used gift from Cuisine Kathleen.  The dark bamboo flatware was found at Big Lots, and the D&Co. Limoges salt cellars belonged to Nana.


 Sunshine bright...this design looks like the Spring days that all of us are eagerly awaiting...


 I think that we'll leave the patio door wide open as we dine and visit long into the afternoon.  Have a seat; I'm so happy that you're here!

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays with The Tablescaper