Thursday, March 22, 2012

It's A Pink Occasion


I mentioned a week or two ago that I was going to put together a table with what we call our Pink Occasion Dishes, some faithful old luncheon plates given to my girls by an elderly neighbor. We used them whenever an occasion is dubbed Pink. 


I was so busy actually enjoying our last Pink Occasion that I never did take pictures.  

Fortunately,  we had another Pink Occasion right around the corner. 
This one didn't involve the arrival of daughters,
 but it did involve the invasion of the south's favorite belle. 


So we set this table for two right smack dab in the middle of it.


The Duchess has just about every color of azalea in her lawn
so we gathered some pale pink and white ones for the centerpiece 
and added a few dogwoods for good measure. 

If the azalea is a belle, the dogwood is her faithful beau. 
They generally arrive together. .


Even though I love those Pink Occasion plates, they are actually my second favorite plates on the table. 

My very favorites are these antique cake plates. 

They originally belonged to the Duchess's great grandmother.

There are only five remaining, and I actually own just one of them.
The rest are shared among my sisters and the Duchess.



I picked up those sherbet dishes at the antique mall earlier in the year.

I've developed a big crush on that particular style of sherbet dishes. I love the extra height they add to the table, and I use them often.

There's absolutely no point in owning dishes if you don't actually use them. 


The blossom filled shoes serve no useful purpose beyond whimsy, but I liked them anyway. Don't you think any pink occasion calls for pink shoes?

 Yeah, me too.


They were originally Christmas ornaments. 


The silver is Old English Tipt by Gorham. It's a very simple pattern. 


And finally the napkin.  I used the reversible ones that I made for my luncheon club and just twisted them so that the fan showed both sides. The silver napkin rings belong to the Farm Sister. I still had them from the luncheon club because, "a fool borroweth and returned not again."


So there you have it: 
A Pink Occasion table 


Celebrating one of the Pinkest Occasions of the year:
The south Georgia spring. 

I'm sharing this week at Cuisine Kathleen's new party Let's Dish!

61 comments:

Laura said...

Your tablescape is just wonderful. Those plates are amazing-covet, covet!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.

I really appreciate it.

Laura
White Spray Paint

Debbiedoos said...

Gorgeous pinks Debbie. LOVE the flower shots too. Sweet dishes. FYI, in order for me to come up on blog rolls, if I am NOT with the new URL, you have to remove the old one from your reader and add the new one.
http://debbie-debbiedoos.com. Or just subscribe feedburner on my side bar. Thanks Debbie..Have a great weekend.

The Tablescaper said...

What a gorgeous table with an amazing back drop. I so agree with you, why have dishes if you're not going to use them.

- The Tablescaper

Gina said...

Oh what a beautiful table! All those lovely pink dishes set against the vibrant pink azaleas...I love it!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

you live in an amazing place. Those flowers are breath taking. And that's from someone seeing them in a picture. What would it feel like to be standing next to them breathing in their awesomeness. Wow.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Our flowering plants and trees have not bloomed yet and are just beginning to bud. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they will bloom because so many were destroyed last August in the hurricane and then during the October freak blizzard. Your pinks on the table are very pretty and maybe the farm sister will forget about the napkins! :) Linda

Debbie said...

Good morning Debbie! I LOVE this...the dishes, the flowers, the napkins, the pink, ALL of it. Just soo springy and welcoming. Couldn't agree more. Whatever is the point of pretty dishes if you don't use them? I lend mine out to my sisters whenever they have an occasion to use them too, which makes them nervous...but I honestly do feel that way. If one gets broken, oh well. I'd still rather it be used. Have a wonderful day! HUGS

Denise said...

Farm sister here and happy to report the "fool returneth the napkin rings." Such a lovely table set against an equally lovely location. Wish I could have helped you. Maybe next time. Those dessert plates really are wonderful, aren't they? So happy to own ONE. As I told you yesterday, I just love that napkin fold. Just a little different.

Denise said...

Beyond beautiful.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Gorgeous combination of plates and glassware. Your outdoor table is wonderful, Debbie.

Jocelyn said...

Your tablescape is so beautiful!! Love all the splashes of pink. And your azaleas are gorgeous. Perfect time to sit outdoors.

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Alycia Nichols said...

So, Debbie....you HAD me at "pink", but you kept me with all the beautiful touches you set to this table!!! I give you an A+ for this bad boy!!! Wow!!! I love the little pink flower-filled shoes (because we all need a bit of whimsy in our lives!), I love the way the dogwood lends another shape & color to the azalea bouquet, I love the sherbet dishes and how they work so well with the stemware you chose, I love the way you mixed dish patterns...love it all!!! The addition of the little statuette beneath the floral arrangement really adds a bit of whimsy, too, which always appeals to me. High five, girl! High five!!!

Tess said...

STUNNING!!! I adore pink and your azalea backdrop is gorgeous as are your beautiful floral plates-both designs!!! Really beautiful!!!

Entertaining Women said...

Pure Southern Magic! Scarlett would have thought that this complimented her perfect complexion. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Chatty Crone said...

I could say one word - AWE - but that wouldn't be very chatty.

Wish I had it for tonight. lol

It is gorgeous and may I say so delicate with the flowers and all. I love love love pink.

Very pretty.

sandie

Susan Hawthorne said...

This is gorgeous- Im jealous of the the lush landscape. such a pretty setting.

Marlis said...

drooling. envious. so sad I don't live in the south! Those azaleas and the dogwood are the crowns on this lovely table.. goodness, they just take my breath away. the dishes are lovely and I agree your favorite is also my favorite! I too am a fiend of the sherbets because you can use them for so much! Great great table..
xomarlis

The Howell Blessings said...

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. This is such a GROGEOUS table! I LOVE the pink shoes!! I love the flowers, the dishes, the napkins, the..... Oh, what's not to love on this table! I too am envious of all our southern ladies and the beautiful flowers they have at their beck and call! Thank you for sharing this amazing table.

Miss Mindy

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful setting to share a table for two. I don't think one could have picked a better spot or dishes for the table.
Visiting from Let's Dish.

ellen b said...

Beautiful. Lovely setting in pink!

Ann said...

Your tablescapes are ALWAYS gorgeous ... I am impressed by the azaleas! I have a few under my cherry tree but they are but babies compared to the wonderful Azaleas the Dutchess has growing in her garden.

LOVE it, as usual!

Cheers!

Chubby Chieque said...

Hello Deb,

Your so blessed having those bougenvilla around you. Like a pink heaven in my world, §;-)

Beautiful tablescape as always.

Happy TS,
/CC

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

My favorite things on the entire table are those adorable reversible napkins you made. How easy were they?! Whoa! Super easy!

And I agree wholeheartedly: Why own pretty dishes that are never used? Don't just OWN them; USE them!

Divine. Positively divine. I felt a breath of fresh air!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

My favorite things on the entire table are those adorable reversible napkins you made. How easy were they?! Whoa! Super easy!

And I agree wholeheartedly: Why own pretty dishes that are never used? Don't just OWN them; USE them!

Divine. Positively divine. I felt a breath of fresh air!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

The azaleas are so beautiful! I've got to say that there is no spring prettier than a Georgia one. Between the azaleas, wisteria and trees it's really THE most beautiful time of year (minus the yellow pollen everywhere).

Love your pink table! Those dishes are just too gorgeous. Love those reverse napkins - you are just so clever!

In case I haven't told you this before - I love your blog - just wanted to let you know!

Diane said...

So, so pretty! I adore azaleas - just hope they hold on, until the Masters!! Love all of the plates!

Barbara F. said...

Not only is your tablescape gorgeous, and the dishes very beautiful, your background is picture perfect! Stunning azaleas, and I love the dogwood. xo

xinex said...

What a lovely tablescape, Debbie. It looks so pretty with the azaleas. I live the plates, so Chang and so adorable....Christine

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this post, Debbie. The vintage dishes along with the colorful flowers...everything is gorgeous. Great idea with the shoes! Mildred, GA

Red Couch Recipes said...

Died and gone to heaven, the dessert where I live in never seemed so dry as when I look at your azaleas in bloom and that gorgeous pink tablescape. I love the cake plate too. I have one from my grandma that looks a lot like that one, but with handles. Joni

Kathleen said...

So very pretty! Love it all. Methinks the Duchess must have very green fingers.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous, and the shoes are perfect! Oh my, those flowers are divine. I'd sit there all day with you. So glad you shared.
And I'm so thankful for the rain too, although in Florida it's a constant in the summer, but last year we got a lot less.
Hugs!

Suzy said...

Such a stunningly beautiful table! I would love to enjoy a bit of lunch there. The dogwoods are just beginning to open here in central NC, but the azaleas aren't blooming yet. Boo. I really enjoyed your lovely tablescape!

Lynn said...

So very pretty and spring like! Love all of the pink, the plates are beautiful as are the azaleas and had to smile at the fun napkin fold-enjoy:@)

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Absolutely cannot get any prettier than pink azaleas- they are just gorgeous. You've set a pretty table for two!

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, my word! Debbie I love those sweet dishes and your blossoms are amazing! Just gorgeous!
Sherry

Renée said...

Pink perfection Debbie! Each dish and goblet is just beautiful. Your azaleas are absolutely amazing. When we lived in NYC they bloomed everywhere and were so stunning too! Enjoy being surrounded by all that pink and thanks for sharing it with those of us who don't get it.

Marigene said...

Beautiful table against those stunning flowers!

Robin said...

Beautiful pink dishes but that background is stunning! Ooops, I just glanced at another comment and I guess I'm not very original with my words!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Mary said...

Azalea Heaven! What a glorious setting~ ours are just beginning to bloom, but nothing en masse like this! I adore the heirloom floral cake plates :)

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Beautiful table!

The azaleas aren't bad either! ;)

Deanna

Christine said...

What a nice neighbor and how great for your girls. Your neighboor must really appreciate your loving family.

♥ my diary♥ said...

nice post thanks for sharing...blessings soraya

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Thought I'd never make it by today, but here I am ... finally ... and I'm (almost) speechless. I really love this table. The belles are so gorgeous; wish they grew better here, but our beaus make up for the absence. You couldn't have found a more perfect backdrop for this tablescape, but I'm sure you already knew that! I can see why you treasure the antique cake plate. It really is lovely. Funny thing: it's the twisted napkin that totally amazed me. It seems so "simple," -- so why haven't I ever thought of that? Great idea!

By the way, I replied to your comment on my post... You're on!

Rettabug said...

Spectacular tablescape, Debbie!!! My ♥ skipped a beat when I saw those gorgeous heirloom cake plates & how wonderful that you each share a piece of family history.
"a fool borroweth and returned not again." LOL So true!

Thank you for sharing this delightful collaboration & your DD's incredible yard.

Hugs,
Rett

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

What a wonderful kick-off for spring in the south!! Those azaleas are SPECTACULAR! My favorite photo is the third from the top, but I love all of them. The little girl figurine is so pretty; is that one of your daughters'?

What's not to love about this table? I think every element is perfect. I love the sherbets, the centerpiece(!!), the beautiful napkins and napkin fold, but especially your lovely "pink occasion" plates and the antique cake plates. Pink just makes my heart sing. :)

Your mom has wonderful azaleas, and I'm so glad we got to see these pics. Hope you have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Denise

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Well, I'm so glad you stopped by so I could come and 'meet' you too!

What a lovely, lovely posting (blog)!
I can tell you know how to find the glimpses of heaven in your world!

I'm joining up so I can visit again!

Wishing you a beautiful day.......

Scribbler said...

Your azaleas made an incredible backdrop for this beautiful table. Everything is perfect.

Marie Arden said...

Delightful table. It is so nice to have china that has a story and happy memories. I loved all the pictures. Have a Pink day!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Perfect in absolutely every way - thre is absolutely nothing to change - it is magical design and so very well done, indeed!

Bravo! And what a backddrop God provided! WOW!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

It's ALL beautiful - The setting, the colors, the china, etc!! Love the little shoes, and the way you twisted the napkins!

I have some heirloom china very similar to yours and have been trying to come up with some way to use them (without buying a lot.) I did buy a pink tablecloth, and a few other pink things to use, so will be posting a tablescape soon, hopefully.

Katherine

Cheryl said...

What.A.Table!! You have mixed all of the elements together, along with the spectacular backdrop provided by our Creator, to make a stunning display. Absolutely gorgeous!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful setting!

My Pink, have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

Oh, yes! I remember your "belle's" and "beau's" so well from my four years living in Charleston! How exciting to see these huge blossoms the beginning of March rather than the smaller varieties abundant in Jersey come June! Love your table - looks like summer to me!
Joy!
Kathy

LV said...

One of the most beautiful and stunning post ever. Great job and I loved it.

Kathleen said...

This is just beautiful! Those flowers are amazing! The plates are so delicate and pretty. I love your reversible napkins, how about showing us how? That would be a great Let's Dish post!
Thanks for showing us this pretty in pink, and thanks for linking up for Let's Dish! See you Wed. at 7!

Shanee said...

Wow! I do believe that I would have lots of occasions to use the pink table if I were you :) If the Duchess sees a strange woman lying about in her yard, tell her not to worry, the nutty lady is just an azalea addict looking for her fix! Thanks for sharing.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Ahhh! This was so worth the wait to come back when I could read it and enjoy it. I love your pink occasion philosophy and certainly think the azaleas are a worthy celebration. I want to plant some so bad in the back yard but am concerned about the clay here. Your mothers azaleas are beautiful. The pink ornament shoes on the table are so cute too! Mostly, I just love that the Duchess divided up that set of dishes between all of you. That is so sweet and so special. What a way to guarantee you all continue sharing your love of tablescaping together. This is such a gorgeous,gorgeous tablescape. Thank you for sharing it!

Sharon said...

I'm tickled green and pink with envy! What a cute table - so bright and cheery. Just the perfect antidote to my very rainy day here in So Cal.

I love the antique cake plates - your great-GREAT grandmother's, right? Wow. What a special heirloom. Don't you like the patterns they had in the "olden" days better than what they have now?

Call me a diehard traditionalist...

Holly Lefevre said...

I love pink..makes me smile! Love the azaleas too! Such pretty dishes...now I want to have a party.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

A breath taking pink occasion! What a perfect backdrop those gorgeous azalias make for this pink table. The china is beautiful, and I love the way you fanned the napkins. It really is breath taking. I'm pinning it. laurie

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