Gathering in perfect weather

I had company last Sunday. The weather was as beautiful as any could be. Not too warm, very few gale force winds (well, 30 mph is not out of the norm for West Texas), and a very special young lady to honor. I set up 4 tables for guests and one to serve from. When planning for a large gathering, it's not necessary to have all the dishes from the same pattern. I used 3 different dish patterns. As I was pulling the dishes out to "audition" them before Sunday, I realized that the old adage that we mostly buy things within our comfort zone holds true with dishes too. I'll let you be the judge if it all blended well.

Each table had a linen tablecloth and then a topper. This topper is home embroidered on a purchased blank that I purchased in my favorite place - Martha Pullen's from Huntville, AL. If you would like to see her extensive collection of table toppers, click here.

This topper has a beautiful pulled thread edging as you can see in the photo above. For more particulars on the beautiful Jenny Haskins embrodiery on the tablecloth, take yourself over to my other blog HERE.

Goldplated flatware. Pitiful dishes. There's a story here.. we were at an auction. There sat this box of dishes. Well over 100 pieces, plates, salad plates, bread and butter plates, serving pieces, bowls, just no cups. Not one person placed a bid. I looked at my husband and he threw in the towel as I said, I can't just let those dishes go... so guess what? For $10.00 I got the entire box. Made in China, Granada, mark of M and a number 3183. Older. but i know nothing about them, except the green is amazing, the gold intact. I know, crazy huh?

 Moving right along to the next table. The crocheted insert and edged Ralph Lauren tablecloth. I just love the lacy look to this.

Rosewood handled brass flatware. Plates from TJ Maxx several years ago. Designs by Brunnelli - Made in Italy.

 A simple topper purchased in Germany covers this round table.

Brassware from Thailand, green pressed glass plates with no markings. Cannot remember from where these came.

Love the delicate blooms on this topper. I also have smaller doilies that match this.

Petit Fours, choclate covered strawberries, Pirouettes, and pink lemonade served in stemware. It was easiest to fill the glasses and bring them out than to fill the individual glasses on the tables. Only thing I am going to be looking for are a mass of cotton/linen napkins for just such occasions.

Flowers from the wholesale florist, vases from Dollar Tree.

Thanks for dropping in.You are my blessings, your comments my joy... I will be linking up with the gracious Susan at Between Naps on the Porch on Thursday. Be sure to run by there and see some of the other delightful and amazingly talented people opening their homes for you!