Purple Passion Easter Table

Hi, there! How ready are you for Easter? Me: Nope!

Have you bought the Easter-basket goodies? Me: Huh-uh!

Do you have your menu set? No!! I can’t make up my mind with all the Pinterest ideas I keep pinning!! Help!!

Have you made at least one of the Easter decorations or vignettes you’ve pinned? Me: Not a one. :(  I think I’m living vicariously through Pinterest. :(

Okay…but have you at least set the time for your gathering and invited guests????  Me: Kind’a….sorta….the guests know we’re doing SOMETHING. Time to be determined.

Do you have a plan for your table yet? Me: Ummmm….no (in a meek voice).

I may not have it all together—at all—

…but I can help YOU!!

Well, with the table at least. :)

I’ve seen several PURPLE EASTER TABLES this year, so I thought I’d bring last year’s PURPLE table out again, seeing as PURPLE might be getting to be a trend. I hope it serves as inspiration and helps you get on track.  Happy Easter to all! I hope the Easter bunny stops by your house, and I wish you the true blessings and joy of Easter.

 

 

I’d seen a gorgeous purple table on tumblr that served as a huge inspiration, but alas, woe is me…I don’t have the gorgeous amethyst Ajka goblets that ‘scaper (I haven’t been able to identify him/her, though believe me, I’ve tried, because I so wanted close ups of this table!) has. They’re pricey…I don’t think I can justify them for one.table. Oh, I’m sure I’d use them and sooooo thoroughly enjoy having them, but reason must prevail at times, I think someone once said. :(

So this is the Chickadee Home Nest version of a purple table, just in time for Easter, and spring, and flowers.

I’ve used these Limoges dishes for several tablescapes, and I’ve so enjoyed them. They were purchased at a local antique shop on a day when reason {happily} did not prevail. I remember the day well…summer-almost-fall sunny day. I almost ran to my car, clutching them in my arms, sure that they were going to call me back because they’d made a mistake on the price, but happily, they didn’t! The “chargers” are Lenox Eternal dinner plates.

I have eight of these dishes, but three different floral patterns.

Four of these beauties live with us.

And two of these…

And two of these!

And their rims are just as beautiful ~

Hmmmm, lovely, yes? And…

Another one.

It’s funny…I just realized, as I wrote about how beautiful they are,that I do that quite often—I talk about the beauty of items, as from afar; as though they don’t belong to me. And it occurs to me that that might sound like I’m going on and on about “things” I own, but it’s not that at all. I marvel at the mastery in all things beautiful, and I so enjoy others’ talents and vision in creating beautiful things. It’s really about them, and the creative process. I have vivid memories of my sweet grandmother doing that too, like admiring the stitchery in fine linens the same way…as just stating a fact. I’m just happy that these beautiful creations live with me so I can enjoy them!

So how did I partner these lovelies?

With lots of purples, to bring out the purple in them. I wrote about the silver goblets recently (a happy auction find!), and the crystal wines are big favorites of mine. The pattern is Pristine, made by Reizart at the time, which was eventually bought by Gorham. The pattern was discontinued in the early 70s. Unlike Waterford that is so heavy (and I also l-o-v-e), these stems are delicate and paper thin. Of the original set of 12 (waters, wines, and sherbets each) only a couple have small chips! I’m so glad I still have them and still like them!

Were you wondering if I’d forgotten the napkins? :) Nope! They’re here! I decided to do something different with them and stack them on a silver server (not visible in this picture), tied with a shimmery purple ribbon. They will be passed around the table, just like the bread will be, when all my imaginary guests are seated. (The real Easter table this year will involve birds and nests. :) )

Lots of purple.

As I often do, the grandchickadee’s high chair is part of the ensemble, this time with a mix of purple and white flowers. Little does he know that his high chair serves another purpose when he’s not here! :)

The centerpiece was created to give the illusion of a runner, extending the full length of the open center of the table.

Have you noticed the challenge of silverware placement on round placemats? The placemats don’t appear to be too small, but because we lose the valuable real estate of the corners, we have to get a little creative. So I moved the salad forks and teaspoons up a bit and liked it!

Some of the details (you know I love details!).

And now, as they say in Hollywood…

It’s a wrap!

So, do you think I need those purple Ajka goblets? (There’s only one right answer, you know…because I’ll be reporting the results of this unbiased, statistically sound survey to Mr. CHN so he understands my “need.”)

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ll leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I’m thrilled to know you stopped by, and I’ll always visit back and comment too. If you like what you see, I invite you to follow me (I promise to follow back), and please—Pin away and follow me on Pinterest too! Thank you!!

NOTE: Some of the items I use in my posts are in my Etsy shop, but many are not, simply because I haven’t updated my shop. If you see something you like and wonder if it’s available for sale, email me at coral5252@gmail.com and let’s talk!

Sunday Showcase at http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

Sunday at It’s Overflowing at http://www.itsoverflowing.com/

Sunday Creative Home and Garden Hop at http://creativehomeexpressions.blogspot.com/

Sundays at The Tablescaper: http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Mop it Up Monday at http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

Tuesdays at Our Home at http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/

Tuesdays at The Scoop at http://www.stonegableblog.com

Tuesday’s Treasures http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Inspire Me Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Tuesdays at http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/

Cuisine Kathleen at http://www.cuisinekathleen.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/

Wednesday DIY by Design Party at http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/

Centerpiece Wednesday at http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/

Thursdays Share Your Cup with Mrs. Olson at http://jannolson.blogspot.com/

Home and Garden Thursday at http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Thursdays at http://www.impartinggrace.com/

Thursday Your Turn to Shine at http://blesserhouse.blogspot.com/

Share Your Style Thursday at http://www.Commonground-do.com/

Fabulously Creative Fridays at http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/

Design it Friday at http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/

Friday Party Junk at http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

Friday at Redoux Interiors at http://www.redouxinteriors.com/

Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home Fridays at http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Thrifty Things Friday at http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Simply Sweet Fridays at http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/

Fridays at Imparting Grace at http://www.impartinggrace.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday at http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Saturdays at http://piecedpastimes.blogspot.com/

Spotlight Saturdays at http://www.classyclutter.net/

Saturdays at Be Different, Act Normal at http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/

Sunday Showcase at http://www.bystephanielynn.com/

Sunday at It’s Overflowing at http://www.itsoverflowing.com/

Sunday Creative Home and Garden Hop at http://creativehomeexpressions.blogspot.com/

Sundays at The Tablescaper: http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Mop it Up Monday at http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com

Masterpiece Monday at http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

Tuesdays at Our Home at http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/

Tuesdays at The Scoop at http://www.stonegableblog.com

Tuesday’s Treasures http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Inspire Me Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

From my nest to yours~

Zuni

Winter Dinner 'Scape

Thank you for visiting, and best wishes to you in the new year.  Emily, at Chatting at the Sky, has one of my favorite blogs  She had a lovely post about a new year and the gift that it offers us all.  Here's the link to her post...I hope it will bring a new perspective to you. 

Our New Year's Eve was a quiet affair at our house--by design--but that didn't keep us from enjoying a nice dinner with my mother's company.  At midnight we headed out to our sons' restaurant, to welcome the new year with them, so we DID stay up!



I'm calling the post a Winter Dinner 'Scape because I think this table (except for the Santa hat on
the rosemary bush on the baby's highchair in the corner :)  ) would work through the cold winter months.

The crystal trees were a gift from my mother years ago.  Still love them, still put them out every year.
You don't see these very often anymore--have you seen them at stores in the last few years?
I found some GORGEOUS ones at a local boutique--handblown, seeded crystal, about $200 each.  Ouch.
But I'd love to bring them home too!
Tablesetting:
Lenox Eternal dishes
Silverplate chargers I've had for many years
Napking rings were a gift from my youngest son--he bought them at Bombay!  That's a well-trained
son who knows to shop at Bombay for Mom! :)
The silverware is Oneida King James silverplate
Water goblets are Shannon crystal, Sutton Place
Wine goblets are Pristine, by Reizart, discontinued long ago.  I've had a love affair with
this crystal for many years...It's paper thin and has a beautiful, clear quality
Tablecloth and napkins are vintage damask with a lovely feel to them.  I'm pretty sure
that was a Mom gift too.
Placemats are embroidered organza.

And the holly sprig?  It's real...from our yard.

Waterford Lismore pitcher

I used a mix of candle holders--sterling, cut crystal, Depression/pressed glass, and pewter.
I bought the beaded garland several years ago at Pier 1--I haven't seen them around for a while,
but they lend beautiful texture, as do the silvery pinecones.
The tree sits on a "slice" of our Christmas tree trunk, as I described
in this POST.

One final view.

May you have any happy, warm family dinners this year.
From my nest to yours~  Zuni

Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them!  They encourage me and inspire me.  And if you like what you see a lot J, maybe you’d like to +1 this post too!  Thank you!

I will be joining these fun parties; please stop by to see all the great things there!

 House in Roses Show Off Your Cottage Monday at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/

 Amaze Me Monday at http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/

 Metamorphosis Monday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

 Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple   

 Newbie Party on Monday at http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

 Tabletop Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ 

 Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ 

 Mrs. Hines’ Wednesday Show & Tell at  http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=120723&type=thumbnail

Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

 Open House Party Thursday http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com

 Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

 Potpourri Friday at http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

 Inspiration Friday at http://www.atthepicketfence.com

 Show and Tell Friday at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

 Five Minutes Just for Me at http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com

 In and Out of My Nest’s Saturday weekend party at http://inandoutmynest.blogspot.com/2011/12/r-r-weekend-party_29.html?showComment=1325569309720#c8749613812899918207 

 Seasonal Sunday at http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/              

 Homemaker on a Dime, Sunday at http://www.homemakeronadime.com/p/link-parties.html

Bejeweled Thanksgiving

This past summer I was on Cloud Nine when I found a set of 8 beautiful Limoges plates at Powell Antiques close to home.  And now...[drumroll please]....here they are!  Their debut to Blogland!



Eight plates, two of each of four patterns.
Through my research I can't find a pattern name...
I'll name them EXQUISITE--aren't they?


My first thought was the expected thought--"I can't wait till Easter/spring to use them!" Then other fall and Thanksgiving posts using non-fall china challenged me to use them NOW!

The inspiration finally came--from the most unexpected place and item:  Kroger Marketplace & bargain placemats in a BEAUTIFUL, RICH, SHIMMERY purple!

OK...I'm making this a smmmmaaaalll picture, because, REALLY?! $.79 placemats for LIMOGES?!!

But I love them!  I love that they're shimmery and a beautiful shade of purple, or...
let's call them AUBERGINE--that makes them FANCY!

I already have aubergine napkins that I blogged about and how they came into my life HERE.  Though they're not the exact shade, I now have the placemats to work with too!

Here's the table:

I decided to create a second runner with the placemats by layering them on top of the gold linen runner,
 and not use them at all four place settings.
The centerpiece is the last HURRAH for the roses I dried from our son's wedding HERE.  I got
a month's worth of enjoyment and lots of pictures/memories from those beautiful roses.

Instead of traditional placecard holders I used our Lenox Eternal cream soup bowls with a dried rose at each place.
Amazingly, the colors of the dried roses were perfect for the setting!

The layers:
Lenox Eternal charger
Limoges dinner plate
Heritage (by Federal) Depression glass salad plate
Lenox Eternal cream soup bowl and and stand/plate










Dried Wedding Roses and Crystal
(Berwick juice/cocktail cups)



Color is so amazing, isn't it? Same dishes, yet the setting looks so different
with different backgrounds.
The Heritage salad plate not only adds texture, but it also plays with the
colors of the Limoges plates.



And finally...the LIMOGES plates.  Ta-dah!






Coffee service at the china cabinet/buffet~

Lenox Eternal cups and coffeepot
1847 Rogers Brothers Columbia silver spoons--a {WONDERFUL} hostess gift from my SIL
Crystal server bowl...pattern not known.  (Can anyone help me on that?)
Vintage napkins from my linen collection.








Other pieces:
Water goblets ~ Pottery Barn
Wine goblets ~ Pristine, by Reizart/Gorham
Gold linen table runner with velvet trim ~ Pottery Barn
Gold linen tablecloth ~ Don't remember
Gold flatware ~ gift from my dear grandmother, years ago
Oval s/p tray ~ GW find
Brass candlestick ~ Baldwin Brass
Crystal candlesticks ~ Various/unknown

So...was I able to convert my spring Limoges to fall?

Would you like to be invited to this Thanksgiving table? (I'd love to have you visit!)

Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave me a comment to let me know you were here—I read every single one of them!  They encourage me and inspire me.  And if you like what you see a lot J, maybe you’d like to +1 this post too!  Thank you!

I will be joining these fun parties; please stop by to see all the great things there!

The Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday at http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

 Homemaker on a Dime, Sunday at http://www.homemakeronadime.com/p/link-parties.html

 Carrie’s Amaze Me Monday at http://dittledattle.blogspot.com/

 Home Savvy A to Z Monday party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/savvy-homemade-monday-13/

 Susan’s Metamorphosis Monday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

 Motivated Monday at http://becolorful.typepad.com/  

 Debbie’s Newbie Party on Monday at http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

 Marty's Table Top Tuesday at http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ 

 Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/ 

 Susan's Tablescape Thursday at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

 Open House Party Thursday http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com

 Courtney’s, Feathered Nest Friday at http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

 Honey's Potpourri Friday at http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

 Inspiration Friday at http://www.atthepicketfence.com

Hydrangeas and Pumpkins

Friday, September 2, 2011

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and here in Ohio the leaves are starting to change ever so slightly.  I'm always sad to see my favorite season come to an end, but invariably I fall in love with fall, year after year.  This table setting is from a a few years ago, before I dreamed of a blog.  It's from an intimate dinner party my husband and I hosted to celebrate my cousin's engagement and to welcome his beautiful bride-to-be into our family.

The china is my wedding china--Lenox Eternal--which I still love after all these years, because it mixes and matches with so many other patterns.  The crystal is Pristine, by Reizart, which was bought by Gorham shortly after I registered it for my wedding.  The bridal consultant advised me to change it, but I was--and still am--in love with it.  It was produced from 1969 to 1974.  Its fine cuts and crystal make it super-special--and super-fragile--but well worth the tender care it requires.

And the pumpkins? :)  I've done this several times--real pumpkins to serve squash soup.  Early the morning of our party I went to a pumpkin "patch" at a local church and scouted around (with the help of the gentleman manning the "patch," who said he'd never heard of using pumpkins for soup) until I found perfect, similar ones.

Dusk is upon us.  Another view of the full table, with a hint of the hydrangeas, used as simple centerpieces and as accents with the hors d'oeuvres.

A close-up of the pumpkin...see the little tendril?  I made sure they all had them, to add a bit of "sweet" to their earthiness.  I like the contrast of the fine bone china, crystal, and hydrangeas with the pumpkins.  Maybe some day soon I'll do a post on how to prepare the pumpkins, and share the squash soup recipe.  Linen napkins from Pottery Barn.  The "placemats" are also linen napkins from PB, and the flatware is by Oneida, pattern unknown.

  Sweet little pumpkin.

This picture isn't very clear, but no engagement celebration would be complete without champagne to toast the happy couple and wish them health, wealth, happiness, and continued love for a lifetime.  Napkins are vintage, given to me by my mother-in-law from her own collection from when they lived in Mexico.  The marble lazy Susan is from TJ Maxx, many years ago.  The champagne bucket and the sterling compote are gifts from my mother many years ago.

This first post is dedicated to Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch, and Bill, at Affordable Accroutements, who have generously given me much of their time to help me get started.

I'm joining:

 Marty's Table Top Tuesday:  http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

 The Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday: http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

 Kim's Wow Us Wednesdays: http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Please be sure to visit their blogs too, and to leave a comment.

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