Food & Entertaining

Tablescape Tuesday: Rise ‘n Shine!

September 1, 2015~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul”
Psalm 143:8

On Monday morning after a week-long vacation, it is so hard to “rise and shine”! But work was calling and so was Tablescape Tuesday! I decided to keep it simple – breakfast for two at our kitchen island! As always, you are invited to join us!

I softened the granite top with a rooster patterned table square! A European charcuterie board provided the foundation for the centerpiece! Water hyacinth placemats added texture! Paisley napkins match the border on the table square! The centerpiece consisted of a Fitz and Floyd rooster and hen along with fresh herbs from our garden! I used thyme, lemon balm, rosemary, basil, and ornamental peppers. The salt and pepper shakers are vintage! Pineapple orange juice in champagne flutes turns an ordinary breakfast into a festive one! The rooster plates coordinate perfectly with the table square! The large rooster and Italian pasta jar are always at home on the kitchen island! “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”
Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭11‬

The Details:
Table square/napkins – custom-made many years ago with Waverly fabrics
Charcuterie board – Blackberry Farm
Dinner plate/cup and saucer – Horchow.com American Atelier
“baroque” pattern
Flutes – Tuesday Morning (several years ago)
Water Hyacinth Placemats – Tuesday Morning
Pasta Canister – Horchow.com

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Anticipating Autumn

August 27, 2015~ Decorating, Food & Entertaining

“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭103:17-18‬ ‭

My “sweet home Alabama” finally received several days of good soaking rain and lower temps last week. Summer is waning and autumn is on my mind! After a few months of scorching heat, I welcome the change! With the new season coming upon us, I can’t help but think forward to cooler nights to sit on the patio, the changing of leaves everywhere we look, pumpkin flavored everything, and let’s not forget college football (Roll Tide!) I took to my Pinterest board for some autumn inspiration and I want to share with you, my fabulous readers!

(Click the photo for the original source)  The falling leaves and a split rail fence sing autumn’s song!
Maple trees provide gorgeous autumn color! And look at the elegant fence!   I bet the mailman enjoys delivering to this box!  The ladder is a great idea for a rustic porch! Pumpkins and mums are autumn staples! Who would not enjoy this bountiful table? The burlap tablecloth adds the perfect touch to this outdoor soirée! Lovely neutral mantel for those who don’t want to use orange for the season! The sweater pillow and blanket welcomes you to enjoy this cozy chair! This idea is great for an entrance table or dining buffet!  What is autumn without comfort food? Sweet potatoes, spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions for a fall dinner! Butternut squash is a favorite fall vegetable and bacon makes everything tasty! We all enjoy a bowl of hearty, home-made soup for a crisp autumn evening! Apple harvest pound cake is a great ending! Who can resist a spicy pumpkin cake with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting? This is a simple centerpiece to make, you just need the right container. What I love is it will keep for several weeks! I may use this idea for my kitchen island! This centerpiece will transition from autumn to Christmas…feathers, pine cones, and magnolia leaves! Classic and elegant…sprig of rosemary…satin ribbon…golden leaf…mini pumpkin. Ladies, this is easy to pull off! Rosemary is so easy to grow and I use it for cooking and decorating!
A woodland setting with all the right elements!  An autumnal buffet with great style! Note the varying heights, textures, and colors! Golden touches for autumn! Now how easy is this? I will be using this for Tablescape Tuesday – stay tuned!  Tea lights and pumpkins for a seasonal centerpiece! What is autumn (especially in the south) without football! ROLL TIDE ROLL!

What about you? How will you decorate for autumn? Do you have special recipes for cooler weather? What football team do you root for? We love hearing from you!

Tablescape Tuesday: Waterford and Wedgwood

August 25, 2015~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭

On a recent trip to the British Isles, Butch and I spent some time in Waterford, Ireland. The most famous crystal in the world, Waterford, takes its name from the city where its history began in 1783. The company has undergone many changes over the years. In 1986 Waterford acquired Wedgwood, the prestigious company specializing since 1759 in exquisite bone china and earthenware. With the most recent change in July, Fiskars Corporation acquired the group of companies, Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, and Rogaska. Hopefully, this beautiful crystal will continue its history in Waterford, Ireland!

We spent time at the House of Waterford Crystal which included a guided tour of the manufacturing process and a beautiful retail store with the largest collection of Waterford crystal in the world. The store had a gorgeous tablescape set with exquisite Waterford and Wedgwood. Of course, I took photos with the idea of sharing with you all. Please forgive me for not listing all the patterns in the setting, but I couldn’t take the time to catalog all of that info. I think I had pushed my sweet husband’s patience long enough!

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A large 72 inch table set with sparkling crystal, fine china, and sterling silver. I wouldn’t have a clue how much this would cost, but obviously thousands. We can always enjoy looking!

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Notice the symbol of Waterford is a seahorse!

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Vera Wang “Grosgrain” by Wedgwood! The bone china is inspired by the subtle romantic touches that Wang uses to trim her world-famous bridal gowns! The platinum border trim is reminiscent of delicate needle lace.