Ladies Luncheon Tablescape

Last Saturday, I had my bible study group over for fellowship and a luncheon. I've been reading Sandy Coughlin's blog, Reluctant Entertainer. I don't reluctantly entertain, but there is always room for improvement. Her motto, don't sweat the small stuff, it's about them not you! needs to be the gentle reminder in the back of your mind. Always. To the bewilderment of my family, I was calm during the preparations and didn't bite anyone's head off.... and I was ready 90 minutes before the luncheon, shower, hair done and make up on! 

I wanted to use crochet doilies between the glass plates and the chargers... but I had sent them to my sister in law to make dishes.. so I placed a white dinner plate on the charger under the glass plate. It just added a little more interest to the table. 

I used mismatched silver to keep the table from being too formal.

Napkin rings on self-dyed napkins. I had to have this perfect lime color years ago and so I dyed them with a cold water dye called Procion MX Fiber Reactive Cold Water dye. It's held up perfectly through many washings, totally recommend this product. Oh and the napkin rings.... can you say 98 cents each? Someone apparently got sticker happy when pricing these jewels! They weren't really on sale, but marked as such. 

Flowers from Mr. Sam... you know from Sam's. I took apart one bundle and filled three small containers for the tables. Each bouquet is small enough to see over.. we are really eating here!

I had 7 over, so I pulled up the smaller round table to the end. That way we could all sit together comfortably.

Do you remember my cherub planter? You might have seen him HERE. It's so perfect on a buffet, takes up so little space and adds a bit of fresh greenery to the table. Plants on sale at Lowe's in a plastic liner!

The perfect outdoors glass - Dollah crystal. 

Choices. Spoon or fork for dessert.

Cast:

Tablecloths - vintage - one from my dear friend Sarah*

Napkins - Dyed with Procion dye

Chargers and napkin rings - Pier One

White china - Wedgwood Windsor

Clear plates - World Market

Silver - estate sales

Glasses - Dollar Tree

Round Vase - Mikasa Cheers votive

Wooden crosses - made by moi

Wanted to share a new something for which to wish: June 21^st is the first day of summer, and Mikasa has released Midnight Bloom—a dramatic and sophisticated pattern, great for a summertime tablescape! The unique design features graceful florals that adorn a sleek, flat rimmed bone china shape. Sophisticated and timeless design that is perfect for casual or formal entertaining. Midnight Bloom is dishwasher & microwave safe! The 5 piece place setting includes one each: 10-1/2 inch diameter dinner plate, 8-1/2 inch diameter salad plate, 12 ounce rim soup bowl, 10 ounce teacup & 4-1/4 inch diameter saucer.   You can check it out HERE.

I'm going to be linking up to both Susan's Tablescape Thursday (on Thursday) and the Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday on Sunday. Drop in to see some really beautiful posts!

*I totally treasure the pink damask tablecloth on the rectangular table. My dear friend Sarah gave this me after we lost our home to a fire over a decade ago.  It's beautifully worn and best of all, it keeps a bit of dear friend with me. What special memories it evokes!