Wednesday, May 8, 2013

You Are Cordially Invited...



... to our most recent Luncheon Club adventure. 

I've yakked before about the Luncheon Club I formed with a group of good friends a few years ago.
 I've said it before, and I will say it again:
 It was one of the best ideas we have ever had. 

Last Saturday, it was my turn to host. 

In full disclosure, I actually reset this table after the fact to take pictures. 
As usual, I was running too late to do that before the hens arrived.  


In case it isn't obvious, my theme for this luncheon was a 
May basket theme.

Flowers, flowers, everywhere...


Flowers on the white tablecloth (borrowed from the Duchess).
 It overlays some magenta fabric for just a hint of pink. 




White linen napkins were folded in the Royal Orchid Fold
and garnished pink flowers. 


(You can see a video of how to do this fold here)



The flowers on the place setting were my color inspiration.
 Technically, that beautiful china belongs to one of my two daughters.
It's just waiting here for safe keeping.

It was the wedding pattern of my  late mother-in-law,
Charnwood, by Wedgewood.
  



I used  white chargers rather than silver or gold 
because I wanted the table to feel light and garden-y. 
Did it work?  



I wanted some pink hydrangeas
to fill this white iron May basket for the center.  

Rather than buy expensive stems, though, 
we purchased a huge bush of pink blossoms 
 from the farmer's market to plant in the yard. 

(I'm researching what I need to do to the soil to keep them pink. 
 Any suggestions are welcome.) 



More May baskets for place card holders. 
I specifically purchased the hot pink gerbera daisies for my garden, too.





I guess that's my tip of the day: 
Plant your own centerpieces.

When planning a garden, choose colors and flowers that you
 know you like to use on tables and vignettes.
(Yes, I realize that for some of you this is obvious, 
but it took this blonde a quarter of a century to figure it out.)

 For me, it's a lot of pink and yellow.  
I planted some "poppy" red, too, since that's my color of the year.




Flatware is my overused Act 1 by Oneida.


Even my stems have flowers. 
That's (my) Moonspun by Lenox.



And there you have it:
A May Basket table for my luncheon.  


And since I have admitted to restaging it, I might as well admit that I came back 
at twilight so I could light the candles.


I really do plan to share the cake recipe
 from the previous post either tomorrow or Friday.

I actually made another one so I could take pictures. 


That's right. Another cake.
Ah, the joys of blogging...

*****

  Sharing with Let's Dish!


41 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

I wish I was my of an elegant speaker then I am. I opened your post and so those pretty flowers and spectacular table setting and it took my breathe away. You are so incredibly talented - and oh yeah - sweet too.
sandie

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love gerber daisies. really enjoy the candle lit view. so beautiful!! nice party. ( :

Debbie said...

Oh how I would love to participate in something like this. Looks soo fun. And the table is just beautiful. And yes, very fresh, springy and light. Love, love, love it! The cake looks wonderful too. Glad you enjoyed everything.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Debbie, you really do create SUCH pretty tablescapes!! I especially love this table because like you, I'm all about the pink. The effect of the tablecloth overlay is gorgeous, and I love your hydrangea centerpiece. I always tell everyone in my comments that hydrangeas are just about my favorite flower, and they are. I'm just going to have to plant some. I know several people in our area that have trouble getting theirs to bloom, so I'm a little intimidated for that reason.

Your late MIL's china is lovely; I think I've seen it in one of your previous tablescapes. It really is some of the prettiest I've seen, and with Wedgewood, you can't go wrong.

I'm very impressed with your napkin fold -- thanks for sharing the video! :) Everything about your table looks beautiful and springy, and I look forward to seeing your cake recipe!

Have a wonderful day!

Denise

Sharon said...

Everything looks just perfect! What I love most about your tablescapes (besides the attention to detail) is that they are always *understated* - and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. There is a quiet elegance, such a sense of good taste. Just exactly what I would expect from a beautiful Southern lady - who is lovely on the inside and out.

XO

Vee said...

Very pretty tablescape. I do like the white chargers. I'd love to hear more of the specifics of these meetings of yours and why they are the best idea you've had.

Creations By Cindy said...

Everything is very pretty. Love the colors and yes I do like the white chargers. I must say the pink really was the color to use for the May Basket theme. I too would love to know more on why you meet, things you gals do and what started this project. I love the idea. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Gaby said...

I would move close to you just to be part of this group and I'm still waiting for that cake recipe... :)

Anonymous said...

So pretty, especially that image at twilight. That's my favorite time of the day. Seems to call all things home. Simply lovely, Debbie.
xoxo's

Ann said...

Beautiful, as usual, but probably among my favorites, too, of your table settings. I LOVE spring flowers and use most of mine inside .... I love hydrangea, too. I know that to keep blue hydrangia blue, you want an acidic soil, so what's the opposite of acidic soil?
I assume that is what you'd want to keep the pink ones pink.

Cheers!

Miss Char said...

Beautiful fresh tablesscape Debbie, i'm always a sucker for
Hydrangeas and this pink is stunning. Thanks for sharing.

Barbara F. said...

Very pretty table, Debbie, I do like the white charges, especially with the floral dishes. Does look like a garden. I always hope and pray for flowers that I plant to bloom. It is a hit and a miss, mostly misses, and rarely get more than a few flowers. :( Even my bulbs were disappointing this year. No lilac from three bushes. Bummer! xo

Diane said...

What a wonderful way to get together with friends!! You table is beautiful and the theme is perfect for May. I always struggle with centerpieces, so I really appreciate the tip about planting them later. I cannot wait to try it. Thanks!

Angel @ Finding The Inspiring said...

This table is a blooming feast for the eyes! I adore hydrangeas but haven't ever been able to grow one. :( Your pink ones are gorgeous.

By the way, making another cake just so you can blog about it? Love that!!!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Beautiful tablescape as always and I'm very impressed with your napkin folding.

To have pink hydrangeas the soil needs to be more alkaline. I've never had any luck with changing the color of my hydrangeas. I think the soil in pots would be much easier to change - so probably potted hydrangeas would be easy to start with. But I haven't tried it yet - just thinking outloud!

Unknown said...

Wait.
You made TWO cakes? sigh. I wish I lived closer.
Here's why I like you so much. I noticed in the one photo that the candles had been burned, but were not burning in the photo. The very next photo you had those candles burning. Love it.
xo
lynn

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

hi Debbie, Yes, I do think the white chargers add a light touch to the table, and it is such a pretty table! I would reset the table for photos too, but to make another cake is way beyond my talents! In fact I'm not sure I could make one that beautiful! It really looks delicious. Linda

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Girlfriend, I can't believe you reset the table and made another cake!!!! You are one devoted blogger! You had me at floral plates and hydrangeas, we can't grow them here in Florida...Oh I wish!

Carol
PS: Thank you for talking to the practical one for me

Sarah said...

I have Gerber daisy growing in my garden. Love the way you used them with the napkins. Love the idea of planting your own centerpiece. Your table is sheer delight! Thanks for going the extra step to share it with us. '-)

xinex said...

You are so funny, resetting the table because you did not take pictures, lol, but I am glad you did cause this is so sweet and pretty. The plates are stunning, lucky daughter who is getting them. I was told to put a penny in the soil if you want the flowers to be blue, which I guess will make the soil alkaline. So, I assume the soil has to be acidic to turn them pink....Christine

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Beautiful table. I bet the hens love coming to your house for the luncheon. That china is gorgeous. I've never seen that pattern, and the delicate cloth is so feminine and pretty. of course, since I have them too, I love the Moonspun stemware. What a cool napkin fold! I'm impressed. My hydrangeas never end up being the same color that they were at the garden store, so I can't help you with the soil additives. laurie

Marlis said...

Two cakes??? That is dedication. Now to the table.. oh gosh I so love this table. The dishes, the white chargers, the silver the plant your centerpieces.. just all is wonderful. Great shot of the blue hour. xo marlis

Alycia Nichols said...

Uh...you DO know that "possession is 9/10 of the law", don't you? I'd say those are YOUR dishes, sister!!! :-)

I'm impressed that you actually went back and reset the table! You are a real trooper!!! I can see why you didn't want for us to miss the dramatic femininity of it all, though. It's gorgeous with all the flowers and that fabulous napkin fold (so regal!), and, of course, YOUR beautiful dishes! ;-)

Thank you for taking the time and going through the trouble to recreate your masterpiece so that we could share in the joy! I think I can say with much confidence that your Luncheon Club sisters really enjoy it when it's your turn! Have a great rest of the week!!!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I know I'm not supposed to envy, but I'm a little envious of the luncheon club. How lovely that would be.

Mary said...

Your May Basket table is beautiful Debbie! I love the napkin fold with the daisy tucked in, thanks for the link for the tutorial! Your MIL's pattern is beautiful and perfect with Mother's Day approaching, I'm sure she would be happy you're enjoying it!

bj said...

ahhh, Debbie...I know your ladies really enjoyed eating at such a beautiful table. You have such pretty things and you really know how to use them. :)
I LOVE your flowers...and the white chargers kept it all light and airy...just like you planned.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Gorgeous! I love the pink hydrangeas and the table cloth, dishes, flatware...I love it all!

What a lucky lunch group you have!

Deanna

Maria C said...

You bet it worked! This table is just so pretty! I love everything about it. You are lucky to have inherited such beautiful china from your mother-in-law!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Ooh lucky you, Debbie, to be able to enjoy your late MIL's china until it goes to your daughter. The very first thing that I noticed was the cleverly folded napkin with the adorable flower tucked in. The hydrangeas and gerbera daisies look so bright and cheery. I know the ladies had a fabulous time.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is just beautiful....but then again it just seems to show the heart of the creator...you! Some how who you are just shouted from this setting...and you know, I think you are great!
I love folding napkins different ways...I usually have to do 12 for our table and our family keeps growing.
The cake looks wonderful...you are a talented lady and a wonderful hostess.

Pat@BPM said...

Your table is beautiful! I love that napkin fold.

Amy Kinser said...

The table is beautiful! I love the white plates underneath the china and yes, it does give it a light gardeny feel. The flowers are also gorgeous and cheery.

I would love to know what you served at the luncheon besides the delish looking cake. Does everyone bring something?

Tanna said...

Yes, Debbie. Every. single. detail. WORKED!! Gorgeous. And, I'm so glad you sacrificed for us by making another of those cakes so you could share the recipe. ;) Can't wait! blessings ~ tanna

Kathleen said...

So pretty and delicate. The china is absolutley lovely your late MIL had good taste. Hydrangeas say traditional English garden to me and combined with the Wedgwood I think this whole table has quite a strong English feel. I love it!

Marigene said...

Beautifully elegant table, Debbie. Lovely china, lucky daughter to be inheriting it. Your centerpiece is stunning...my favorite flower.
To keep your hydrangeas pink you need alkaline soil...acidic soil for blue ones.

Denise said...

Finally had a pair of minutes to catch up on my reading and I'm delighted to find two posts. Just looking at this fabulous table again. I'm so happy that I was able to be participate in your lovely event. Everything was just perfect.

About the flower color: Pink requires alkaline soil. Most trees create naturally acidic soil so keep that in mind when you plant them. To make your soil more alkaline it needs lime added. Hope this info helps.

corners of my life said...

Actually this is a comment for your Mother's day post . . .

Great Moms become the best Grandmas.
Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom!

The Bashful Nest said...

I love your pretty pink table setting. All the flowers are beautiful. P.S. I loved your Mothers Day post, I have memories of my sweet moms living room sofa, only because it was covered in plastic in that Italian mama kind of way. You know that sofa is still around, plastic free and in perfect condition. She saved her money for little adventures too.

Michelle. thebashfulnest.blogspot.com

Debbiedoos said...

How lovely! I would love to attend a luncheon as lovely as this. Your table setting is so pretty. I love how you did the napkins.

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Great table - good ideas - your blog posts just are so happy!!! Love the dishes and flowers - and the candles at night.

Kathleen said...

This is so beautiful! I would feel like a queen dining at this tale, so elegant! The flowers are gorgeous too. Just stunning!

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