Monday, February 27, 2012

Lunching With The Ladies

Believe it or not, my new keyboard has yet to arrive. Good grief, folks, I could have walked to New Delhi by this time. 

But here's an update on the Luncheon Club adventure that I mentioned last week and a few pictures to go with it.  In full disclosure, I didn't take these pictures the day of the luncheon. I reset the table the next day. 

That's why the flowers look a little wilted. 
I felt the oddball need to point that out.   
Picture them fresher, OK?


As I mentioned last week, we've been doing luncheon club for about two years now.  We get together every few months, usually during a school break. That's because our group includes two friends who are still teaching full time.  Last week was winter break around these parts, even though it felt much more like spring. 

I wanted my luncheon to feel like spring too.  

My china pattern is Shenendoah by Noritake.  I chose it because of those pink roses, and I've been dressing her in rosey pink for 28 years. 

She's pretty in pink... 


However, I have already done a pink themed table for luncheon club, and I wanted to do something different. Since my theme color this year is yellow, I decided to try her out on a backdrop of the butter yellow I found near the rim. 

See it?

It wasn't as easy I had assumed. Every single napkin I owned just looked blah with the ivory and butter yellow. I was just about to retreat back to pink comfort zone when I decided to go with quirky cotton casual for a pop of color. I made these reversible ones in green and pink the night before the luncheon.  


'Cause what I need around here is one more set of napkins...


I borrowed those silver napkin rings from the Farm Sister. Aside from that, the only thing I had to mooch was a set of sherbet glasses from the Duchess. 


The rest of the crystal is my own
 Moonspun by Lenox. 


Place cards were set in silver baskets 
that I found in the wedding section of Hobby Lobby.    

 I'm planning to reuse them for my Easter table,
but for now they are just spring baskets. 


As far as the actual luncheon is concerned, this is how we roll:  

Guests always arrive together. In fact, they carpool when it's my turn since I live 30 country miles from the rest of them. They are greeted with a table dressed however the hostess wants to dress it... 


...even if she's not planning to use every piece of creative dishery. 
When you're dealing with friends, you can do whatever you want. 


Then, guests retreat to the living room to turn on their chatterboxes while the hostess removes overkill and gets it ready for the first course.  

Ours was a spring salad with
 toasted pecans, craisons, feta, and mandarin oranges. 


I had a little orange theme going with the rest of the meal. We had marmalade chicken and chilled asparagus with THIS honey balsamic vinaigrette.


For the chicken, I basically use THIS  this recipe, but this time I improved it by adapting a recipe from Singing With Birds. I marinated the chicken all morning in 2 cups of Sprite Zero, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 2 cloves of garlic. 

I will forever more fix it this way.  Really... yum. Sorry, but we ate all the pictorial evidence. 

Since we're a bunch of weight watching 50 somethings, 
we  had a WW recipe for dessert called orange fluff. 



As of this writing, no one has reported ptomaine or nausea. 
They even requested recipes. 

We lingered as usual until late into the afternoon and have already planned our next luncheon club adventure for spring break in April.  

So anyway, that's all I have to say about that. I'm still waiting for my keyboard to arrive and make this blog life a little bit easier. If you don't see my flower cart around as much,  please know that it's not for lack of desire. 

Computer willing, I'll be sharing with the The Porch People
I'm kind of odd about not posting at a party if I can't mingle, though,
 and Winky is a poor mingler.  

43 comments:

Sharon said...

Sounds like the day was a resounding success!! (I just knew it would be - you are, after all, the *hostess with the mostest*)

Lovely table, Debbie - and the food sounds delicious. And I'm sure that the fellowship was the icing on the cake.

Did you see me at the invisible people's end of the table? I told you no one would know I was there. I know how to keep still and blend in...

...and eat to my heart's delight!

Good luck with the computer - I really do MISS your little flower cart so much!

xo

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Such a beautiful table and I love your china--

As creative as I am in some ways, I cannot for the life of me set a pretty table--but I enjoy looking at yours so much.

I checked out the recipes--they look awesome--can't wait to try them.

Hope your week is blessed, Debbie!!

Terra said...

I ADMIRE you for setting such a lovely table and even making napkins. Then I saw that salad and thought yum. I want an invite for your next luncheon party (giggle).

Crickit said...

What a lovely table and the recipes sound really yummy also.

I so love the idea of this luncheon club...great idea!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

I've been anxious to read about your luncheon. I just finished reading the post, and I can't wait to check out those recipes. The orange fluff looks yummy, and I like anything with orange or lemon.

Your table is beautiful. Wilted or not, I love your flowers; they're so soft and springy looking. Your Moonspun crystal is one of my favorites. It always looks so pretty when you show it in pictures. Your mom's sherbets are lovely, too. But I especially love your Noritake dishes. They're gorgeous. Because of the pink and yellow roses, they remind me a little bit of my Juliet dishes.

It looks like a good time was had by all. And since that's all you have to say about that (Miss Forest Gump), I'd better go as well. :)

Have a great day!

Denise

Ann said...

Beautiful -- as I expected it to be, Debbie!
I may check out that Chicken recipe. Sounds yummy.
Just curious, how do you make your napkins? Do you use fabric glue or iron in hem tape? Or are they sewn? Also, what fabric do you generally use? I have troubles finding just the right weight of fabric around here.

ANYway, lovely table and beautiful spring flowers!

Cheers!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

I've always liked that china pattern, and you set a beautiful table! If only you lived closer, you could have mooched the beautiful butter-yellow linen napkins I've got stashed somewhere and saved your creativity. I'm impressed by your reversible napkins, though! I'm sure you'll find many great uses for them this Spring. I'll bet all the yakking was a blast!

Renée said...

I am catching up and love your fun rules and beautiful table. I have been attending monthly with a more casual group and would love to fancy things up a bit. Your flowers, china, goblets and place-cards I'm sure made for a great time with the gals. Wish I could blink my eyes and be a fly on the wall. I smile just thinking of it ;D. Thanks for the re-creation!

Debbie said...

Hello! I had to laugh because it would have been sdooo me to point out the flowers being less than fresh, haha, Though truthfully yours looked glorious! The whole table was just soo pretty, and the napkins just finished it all off...loved them. Loved the little baskets too. I am off now to check out the recipe for orange fluff... Glad you all had a good time. Have a wonderful day....HUGS

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh how fun!! What a beautiful table...and for someone who doesn't cook much, well I would so enjoy your meal! It is truly beautiful and I know the fellowship was the icing on the cake.

Your post last week encouraged me to step out and do something also...I am excited to see what the Lord does with me moving outside my comfort zone and opening my door.

Karen said...

what a beautiful table and such a tasty sounding meal! I miss my ladies group & just can't seem to get the girls around here to take to one!

Kathleen said...

Really, really lovely, as always I might add! And the flowers, fresh or not were sooo pretty. I think you definitely have an eye for all things pretty. A luncheon club sounds so civilised, I'm looking forward to the next one already.

Denise said...

While I think your photos are wonderful, I have to express I really don't think they did the table justice. Your tablecloth really brings out the yellow in the dishes and your photos don't really show how splendid it really looked. The flowers don't look wilted in your pix and are still as lovely as they were for the luncheon. Food was super and so was the fellowship. Can't wait for April.

Barbara F. said...

Beautiful table, I am envious of ladies who can whip up any color napkin they desire! Your menu sounds delicious and I would have been a very happy guest if I was there. xo.

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

it all looks great and I'm sure tasted wonderful ... but the best part is ya'll got to visit and catch up.
(())

Chatty Crone said...

Okay this was a GORGEOUS table scape. And I will forgive you for not inviting me - lol - since you put that good chicken salad recipe on your site. It looks great. sandie

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

This table is gorgeous. I love it all, Debbie!

Lynn said...

Your table was beautiful Debbie, lovin' the cute wire baskets, you could use them year round! Lunch sounds great and I'm sure everyone had fun-enjoy:@)

Maryann said...

Beautiful table, think I am going to try that chicken marinade (we do a lot of chicken and am always looking for new marinades)
Sounds like a great time

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Re your comment ... you could do a little dish swap and use tablecloths and napkins, maybe draw names for the trade? or even to sell dishes OR napkin rings etc... I think you could def think of something. (())
and geeeeee you could invite meeeee LOL

Denise said...

Sounds beyond awesome.

Gina said...

What a beautiful table! Your china is lovely! I love the little baskets that you used as placecard holders. Great idea!

I am your newest follower.

bj said...

How fun this must have been. Everything looks so nice and the food...ummmmm.

bj said...

How fun this must have been. Everything looks so nice and the food...ummmmm.

bj said...

How fun this must have been. Everything looks so nice and the food...ummmmm.

Tanna said...

Those two tone napkins are just perfect with your china, Debbie! And, I am going to give that chicken recipe a try this week.

I love that you ladies treat each other to such fine tables and good food... I am convinced there is something about the gift of that kind of 'service' and care to one another that is a true blessings... to both the recipient and the giver. And, you tried to tell us you weren't a cook. Hrumph.

Wedding plans are moving forward... though we are less involved now that we helped them secure a spot and passed on some funds. The future DIL and friends are in full swing... I wait and hope for opportunities. ;) Oh, I'm praying to be a good MIL.

There will be pictures to come. LOL! ;) Thank you so much for sharing about your luncheon club. Makes me just smile. blessings ~ tanna

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Your table is wonderful, I love the reversible napkins (Even if you don't need any more) Hope you get your keyboard soon! Hey, next time for gosh sakes use fresh flowers LOL!

Carol

Debbiedoos said...

Good morning Debbie! I love your luncheon table, wilted flowers and all. Your dishes are pretty too. Your salad is my favorite!

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

Thanks for the visit. So glad you were inspired by Reynolda Gardens! I love them, too.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm following you on Linky Followers, too. Ironically, I did that last night before I got your comment this morning. You might not recognize my thumbnail icon; I didn't use the same one that I have on Google Friends Connect. I wanted to, so that friends would recognize it, but Hubby suggested I use the image from my new blog button. That was a good idea, but the image is kind of smushed looking on Linky Followers. :)

About Downton Abbey, I think you would really like it. We recorded the Season 2 marathon a few weeks ago, and we finished watching it this weekend. Now we have to wait until September for Season 3.

Have a great week, and I hope you get your new keyboard soon! Isn't it something how we feel lost without our blogging?

Denise

Shanee said...

Just as I expected this looks just beautiful and if the real of the meal looked as yummy as the salad I know it was all dlish! Glad you had a good time. Thanks for sharing.

Babs said...

Yum! I remember the Orange Fluff dessert.The only thing is I want to eat more than one serving.:) Your table looks pretty and I didn't notice your flowers looking a bit wilted at all. Everything is so pretty and I can see why recipes were requested. I'm checking out the marmalade chicken. I'm always looking for new chicken recipes.
Babs

Ginger said...

My sister had that same china! Lovely table, and a lovely idea to have a luncheon club.

Kathy said...

Hello,
Love your china, I love the idea of a luncheon club....will have to see if I can do something similar! Your napkins turned out lovely - complimented the flowers! I hope you have a great week,
Kathy

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That china is gorgeous, Debbie, and you know I love the Moonspun crystal pattern. It looks wonderful with this china set. Love your reversable napkins. You are so smart, but that sounds just like something I'd do - make the napkins the night before the event - well, I'd do it if I could sew, but sewing is not my forte. Those little silver baskets are so pretty. Great idea to use them for place card holders. The menu sounds delish. I'll have to try the Sprite Zero marinade. Who would have thought? laurie

FrouFrouBritches said...

Have I mentioned that I want to be like you when I grow up? If I ever have company (which is rarely), everything is served on or in plastic. DURN KIDS! I think I'm down to five of my real plates. I don't even remember what my china looks like. I think it's Noritake?

Of course, I love that you made the napkins. SO CUTE!!! Love that you get two colors in one and it looks GREAT with the china. I really like the yellow too.

Everything looks just beautiful. I'm living vicariously through your luncheon club. I think my most exciting "luncheon club" was when te "real" 5th grade teachers asked me (the "sub") to eat with them the other day. That's as close to "lumcheon club" as I get.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

The flowers don't look wilted to me. Your table is just beautiful! You're so clever to look in the wedding aisle for those cute place card holders!

I had to get a whole new lap top the other day!

Manuela

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

The tablescape with YELLOW is beautiful! I'm very impressed that you made those napkins - and the night before!! Wow!

The food sounds delicious, and I copied all the recipes to try!

I'm sure everyone enjoyed your lovely luncheon!

Katherine

Angel said...

Wish I was part of your luncheon club! I would have gladly driven the 30 minute trek to sit at your lovely table. Your menu sounds positively scrumptious and I love that fluff stuff! Hope you get your keyboard soon. :)

Anonymous said...

Ypour salad and orange dessert look so good, Debbie. Your plates are very pretty and the table is very elegant. I would have loved to dine on this table...Christine

Donna (My Mothers {favorite} Daughter) said...

Now that is an amazing menu for your club and the table was so perfect for you gals to enjoy every bite!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful table! Your meal sounds absolutely delicious. I have the same pattern of china. I did a tablescape with it here.

http://lisatakesix.blogspot.com/2011/05/pink-green-for-mothers-day.html

Marigene said...

As I was scrolling down, when I saw your china, I just knew without reading that it was Noritake...beautiful pattern and colors.
Your menu sounds yummy!

Tricia said...

It was fun to see your wedding china again, as well as "our" Moonspun! Thanks for joining the impromptu party -- I thought it was a great idea!

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