...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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!




28 comments:

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

Sounds like a lovely party! The menu has several of my favorites! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Judy @ In His Grip said...

What a beautiful setting for company. I am sure everyone loved the party you put together. Thanks for stopping by In His Grip.

Jacqueline said...

These all look wonderful and as always I love your gorgeous setting and you set the table for a crowd so well. What a fun find on the green dishes, who wouldn't feel sorry for a box of dishes? I love the pink lemonade in the matching pitchers. That made quite a statement. Wish I had been there.

Tricia said...

What a beautiful setting for what sounded like a fun event! I love your beautiful linens, and I think it adds interest to use different dishes for each table. The goodies looked wonderful on the buffet!

podso said...

It looks peaceful and lovely and the tablecloths are exquisite. Love the pink lemonade line up!

Miss Merry said...

What an absolutely lovely setting for a party. And your tables are amazing. I love all the different linens and toppers. And your dishes and flatware are just gorgeous. You would have to assign seats, I would never be able to make a choice! And petit fours, too? This is a slice of heaven!!!!

Debbie said...

It was a gorgeous setting, and I love how each table was unique. Your toppers are lovely. I LOVE the lavender one (from Germany I think) the best of all.

I would absolutely have had to snap up those plates too. Are they really "pitiful"? They didn't look it to me... I'm thinking of the possibilities!

From the Kitchen said...

Hello: I always try to meet at least one new person a week and I found you on another favorite blog of mine. I decided to stop in and found your lovely blog. And, we used to live in Lubbock!! Small blogging world I've found. We lived there from 1978 to 1985. Wonderful people!

Best,
Bonnie

Kathleen said...

Perfect! What a lovely outdoor setting. I love that cloth, and the flowers look so pretty!

Marigene said...

Great place for an outdoor meal. I love the pitiful dishes, beautiful pattern...and a great deal, too!
Your table linens are so pretty.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a lucky young lady. I am sure this party will be forever in her memory. Everything is perfect! Love the cloths and toppers on the tables, and what pretty china patterns. How fun that you got that huge set of beautiful china for $10! I also love the setting for the party. All of those white cloths and iron chairs are beautiful set on the pretty patio. laurie

Melissa Miller said...

How beautiful Marlis!

It's nice to meet you. Your blog is wonderful.

Warmly, ~Melissa :)

Unknown said...

It looks like it came together beautifully, love the pink lemonade.

Mary said...

What a coup to land that box of dishes at that price! Love your embroidered tablecloth~ what beautiful detail!

From the Kitchen said...

Lovely setting--with TREES! We found a dearth of trees when we first moved to Lubbock (from La Jolla, CA). Our first house was in a brand new subdivision called Lakeridge (or "lake" something) and was too far out!! We lived there less than a year when we were approached to sell it. We then moved to an older area closer in--and it had lots and lots of trees! We were there with the V.A. Clinic. And you?

Best,
Bonnie

Chubby Chieque said...

It sounded like a gorgeous party and as far I can see from my point of view, PERFECTLY SETTING for today's event.

You really know how to rock §;-)


Happy TS Day!

Greetings from a chilly Stockholmer,
/chie

From the Kitchen said...

Our "commenting friends" are going to think we are pen pals! Yes, I know 19th. When we moved it was to the area called Tanglewood and I think, without looking it up, we were on 23rd. We left the new house with no trees for a house with huge trees, back and front--loved it!

Lubbock was perfect for us at the time. An infant and a toddler didn't leave much time for anything and we met people in the same circumstances. Our only complaint was no great bread (my husband is from Europe!!) and a dearth of good dining. The people were truly wonderful and we enjoyed great friendships.

Best,
Bonnie

Entertaining Women said...

I love your tables! I would have bought the box of orphan dishes, too! The green flowed gently and effectively throughout your tablescapes. Down here in comment land, I just caught a glimpse of your bar in your last post. Reminded me...is the Paper Moon still in business? I painted a large armoire for them some years ago as a display piece. Don't know if they still have it in use. The owner is a friend of my sisters. Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Come back anytime. Cherry Kay

Entertaining Women said...

Me again. Meant to let you know that the decanters in my post were 19.99 each at Tuesday Morning. They usually have decanters in stock. I also found some neat rattan wrapped ones through Nell Hill that were $12.99, if I remember correctly. They really are a nice addition to the table. Cherry Kay

Entertaining Women said...

Well, there you have it...our Six degrees of separation. When I'm next in Lubbock, I'll try to touch base before I make that long drive down Hwy 82...through the gorgeous canyon land. Cherry Kay

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a lovely gathering -- I would have had to give those orphaned dishes a home too! They're so charming. This all cordinates beautifully.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Marlis! What a lovely setting and a wonderful get-together! Love those dishes...and a fabulous price! amazing! Have a great weekend...hugs...Debbie

kayellen said...

Pretty outside setting...
I am sharing in the garden as well...

Have a blessed day!

xo
Kay Ellen

Unknown said...

I'm glad you enyed seeing the chocolate pot! Sounds and looks like it was a wonderful party. Thanks for sharing and for visiting.
Sandy

Table Escapes said...

LOVE your tablecloth and table topper..thanks for the link.. Have a great weekend...Sharon

Gabriele Agustini said...

Great photographs! I love the dappled sunlight on your lovely table. I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I'm now a "Follower"!
Best,
gabriele

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is just beautiful! I'm sure your guests were very impressed! Love the table linens!

Katherine

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Ahhh, what a lovely picture your tables make outside under the trees. Beautiful.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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