Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Black & White & Yellow Roses & Tortellini Soup

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My roses have started blooming, so I thought I would use a few in a black & white table for dinner with friends this weekend.


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Our guests will have
cocktails & appetizers served in the sunroom,

with these cute napkins to start things off with a chuckle.

I think I'll put some nuts in the little white casseroles.

The runner is new from from

Petite Provence

& was purchased during Jain's

Once in a Blue Moon little party.

Thank you, Jain for the savings!

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Drinks will go on this tray (T.J. Maxx) along with some healthy nibbles & dip.


On the dining room table, I've mixed several different sets of white dishes for this table. Some are Federalist Ironstone, some are American Antelier (Bianca Leaf & Bianca Fruit & Bead) & others are an unknown brand with just the letter "B" shown in a crest.


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Little ceramic place markers await names.

I can't find my black calligraphy pen at the moment!


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The black & white toille placemats were recently
purchased at K-Mart.
They are part of the Jaclyn Smith collection.
I love the striped bias binding on them...it makes a cute effect!

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The bee glassware is the set I won from
Libby's pretty blog,
I want to say 'thank you' to her every time I take them out.
I must remember to serve something yummy
in the cute carafe that matches them.

I haven't decided on another stem to go with them yet.

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Since there are bees on the glasses, I used my
Napoleon Bee flatware again.

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It is rapidly becoming my favorite, as it works for both a formal table
as well as a more casual one, like this.



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The white linen hemstiched napkins are just lightly gathered
& then
tied with
black ribbons for a relaxed feeling.


The little black bowls were a recent purchase

from Big Lots.

They are going to be filled with
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

to go on the first course of Tortellini soup.


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It is SOOOO easy to make, tastes outstanding &
everything you need can be kept in your
pantry & freezer so you can make it in a jiffy.

TORTELLINI SOUP

Sauté the following in a small amt. of olive oil:
1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 med. chopped onion

Add: 1 block frozen chopped spinach
(Cook till thawed)

Add: 1 large can crushed tomatoes
2 or 3 quarts of chicken stock

Bring to a boil

Add: 1 pk. DRY tortellini
DO NOT USE FROZEN OR DAIRY CASE
(They get mushy)

Salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, basil & oregano to taste
Reduce heat and simmer till tender.
Top with cheese & Enjoy!


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I have several unusual white serving dishes that I'll use for vegetables.
Some are Crate & Barrel, some just nondescript names.


I really like the ruffled edge on the one with the handles below.
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My wrought iron candle holder that I've used for the centerpiece is usually out on the table in the gazebo but I recently spruced it up with oil rubbed bronze spray paint so I thought I would use it in the dining room, as it looked so nice.

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It is sitting inside the open circle of this neat little flower arranger

that
has really come in handy over the years.

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You fill the inside with water & then lock on the top that has multiple sized holes so that various sized stems can be positioned down into the water inside.


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I used some fresh mint & yellow roses from my garden to add interesting textures &

fragrance along with the baby's breath.

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The side table is set for coffee & dessert to be
served on
some fun monogrammed plates.
(from Tuesday Morning, this year)

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I the detail on this little cake plate!!!

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It has wonderful pattern & texture &
the cake server from
my Christmas cake plate matches it beautifully.
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The heart shaped bowls were purchased years apart.
EDIT: Carol tells me they are
coeur à la crème molds.


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I've had this larger sized one that is holding
the strawberries a long time.

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The little one came with some cranberry/walnut cheese in it.
They look like a set, don't they?


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We're having vanilla pound cake with either
strawberries or blueberries
...OR BOTH!
(with homemade whipped cream on top, of course)


The little ironstone basket with the handle was found at my favorite thrift shop recently.

EDIT to say: Delores from the lovely Vignette Design

tells me it is called a "strawberry basket.

She really knows her stuff...go see her beautiful blog

when you have at least an hour to visit.

Thanks for that info, D!

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I don't know yet what I'm going to put into it.
It would work well for a fruit salad &
then the containers on the sides could hold powdered sugar
or a sweet honey dressing.
I'm open to other suggestions, please?
I haven't planned out the whole menu yet
but I've got dessert figured out.
Hey, I have MY priorities straight!




I'm linking up with Susan's beautiful blog

Between Naps on the Porch


I'm also participating
in "Foodie Friday" at Designs By Gollum
Be sure to check out all the other delicious recipes
posted on her wonderful blog.



Thank you to both Susan & Michael Lee!

Thank YOU for visiting
The Gazebo House today!



fondly,


Photobucket

45 comments:

  1. Hi Rett,
    First of all, your table is gorgeous! Love all the black and white and the yellow roses are beautiful. That little basket you found is a strawberry basket. You put sugar and cream on the sides and the strawberries go in the middle. My mother-in-law used to sell these in her little store in San Francisco. Yours is lovely!

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  2. Rett, Yellow, Black and White is the most striking color combination! You did a fabulous job putting this table together. I think it is so appealing because, even though it is mostly white, the texture and detail in the dishes just pop! I love it!!!!!
    I am a big fan of K-Mart lately. They have some wonderful textiles. I haven't seen the striking toile placemats, but I will be on the lookout for them.

    The yellow roses that are so artfully done into the centerpiece are my favorite! Of all the roses I love yellow and your are flawless!
    This is one of my favorite tablescapes!
    xoYvonne

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  3. I love your table and the fact that you were able to match so many pieces that did not even come together. Great job! I love your K-Mart placemats. They are beautiful and look great with your table setting. The yellow roses are the 'icing on the cake'. Love the table. Lori L

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  4. Black and white is so dramatic and striking - it is one of my favorite color combo's but it looks even more classy with the yellow roses. Beautiful table. I was cracking up at your previous post on where you hide all your dishes!! Too funny!

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  5. Rett,
    You certainly do set an elegant table. Everything is so pretty and coordinated. I love the little flower ring. I've never seen one of those. That soup looks delish!!

    D

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  6. SO PERFECT! I would love to dine at that magnificent tablescape! Everything looks great together. I had such fun reading the post that went with it, delighting in your menu-planning and what you were serving in each dish. My mouth is watering! Gorgeous photos as always too!

    DD

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  7. Hi Rett, Your black and white table is so stunning! The yellow offers it a beautiful popp of color:-) That flower arranger is a fun tool I will have to keep my eyes open for something similiar! I love your bees, a must have at a summery table:-)
    Bella

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  8. Hi Rett, yes, the roses starts blooming and they must be used now for table decoration. Your yellow rose is very nice and elegant. And makes a great decoration on your fabulous black and white table. This creamy colored ironstone items with different nice textures are gorgeous. They are in a softer contrast to black as if they would be just white. I love all the details, you have shown. What a versatile flower arranger you have. And this little ironstone basket is genious. Your yummy looking food makes me really drooling.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  9. I love the yellow roses highlighted with the black and white. The table detail is beautiful...every single piece.

    Where did you get that amazing flower arranger? I love that!

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  10. Rett,

    The table is beautiful. I love the black and white. The heart shaped dishes are molds for coeur a la creme. Ina Garten has a wonderful recipe. The holes allow the excess moisture to drain off leaving a firm, rich and delicious dessert.

    I would love to have a centerpiece maker like that. Do you have a source?
    Carol

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  11. Beautiful tablescape, Rett! I LOVE the bee pattern on the stemware and silverware - very nice! Your roses are gorgeous!

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  12. Jojo & Carol, I'm sorry I do not have a source for the flower arranger. It is at least 10 years old, if not more. I will google the subject & try to find some online for you.

    Carol, I thank you also, for that info on Ina's recipe for "coeur a la creme". I will google that also!

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  13. I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago. Your table settings are beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

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  14. Beautiful Rett!! What amazing details! The cake plate has got to be my fave! Great job!

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  15. just lovely- love the graphic look of b&w- bought those same placemats last weekend at the big k.

    i am in love with your flower ring- really looks nice and easy to do

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  16. What a gorgeous table. I adore black and white. I love the ring for the roses! That is a neat idea!!

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  17. What a gorgeous post, Rett. I love black and white because it is so dramatic and other colors really "pop" on it. In my strawberry basket I put brown sugar on one side and sour cream on the other. Dip a strawberry in the sour cream and then in the brown sugar. This is beyond delicious.

    I do love your bee flatware. I've been looking at it for ages and one of these days will break down and buy it.

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  18. SO beautiful! Your white dishes with the pattern are gorgeous!

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  19. I would die for you white plates for dessert. They are adorable.

    I wish I could purchase those. MB an advice?

    Have a gorgeous TT & great day.

    Greetings from Stockholm

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  20. So beautiful, Rett! First of all, your photography shows off every element to absolute perfection.
    The black and white is crisp and elegant, and it sets off your gorgeous yellow roses to their best advantage. I love the way you've used baby's breath as filler and fresh mint as a color accent. Everything about this table really POPS. Love the attention to detail and all the thoughtful touches you've included to make your guests feel special and comfortable.

    Wonderful post!
    Bill

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  21. There are too many things that I love. The roses are what got my attention to continue to read. I love yellow roses. Yours have just the right shading! Your post makes me want to run out & do some shopping, but then I stop myself & say..."look around, where would you put another thing!".

    Love it all.
    Beckie

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  22. This is so pretty! The black and white is so sophisticated! It looks wonderful with you textured dishes. Just beautiful!
    Come by my blog and win a CSN $50 gift certificate.
    Sherry

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  23. Rett, your table is so elegant...just beautiful. And the roses are breathtaking!

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  24. What a pretty table! Hope you enjoy your dinner guests immensely, as I enjoyed this post! Have a wonderful week! Sandi

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  25. OMG, everything is so pretty. How lovely and special every item is. Tortellini soup sounds great; I'm definitely going to try it.

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  26. Rett, you have everything fixed up so pretty. I love the black and white. That makes an elegant look. Love those placemats. Can't believe they are from K Mart. I would love to get that bee flatware. It is on sale again, but we need other things around here first. Maybe some day. Your roses are just stunning and I love the frog thing you have to display your flowers in.

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  27. Well, Mizz Rett, I do declare...you have outdone yourself with this beautiful setting. I love everything!!!
    xo bj

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  28. The yellow roses are perfect for a centerpiece with the beautiful black and white tablescape! Love it all!

    Katherine

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  29. I'm with you on those priorities! What an elegant table setting and the yellow roses set of the the black and white just perfectly. Beautiful setting!

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  30. Beautiful table and dishes!! And the soup looks divine. That flower piece is quite interesting too. Nice post.

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  31. Well I have to say your black and white tablescape is just wonderful, love those dishes and love the black with all the white, of course love the bee glasses and the bee flatware, the whole table is stunning....Have a glass of wine, the Chateau St. Michelle Reisling can be found everywhere, even Target and I know you will love it.......my fav is the Reisling

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  32. What lovely photographs! And I love the peonies - they are gorgeous!

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  33. oh that was fun fun FUN! so many beautiful things in one giant post! i love everything you shared, each pic was delightful! i loved your table and the runner and the bees and the food and and and and AND! GORGEOUS PICS! thanks for the smiles, beautiful presentations always lift my spirits~

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  34. I love the Black/White table. So simple yet so elegant. Strawberries are my favorite dessert to serve this time of year also. Pretty table!

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  35. Oooh, La, La! What time's dinner? That tortellini recipe looks DE-lish!
    Love all the details and thought you've put into your table. Everything is gorgeous!

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  37. dear rett,
    thank you for sharing your lovely setting. you really created a stylish and welcoming look with a simple palette. i see your imagination in every bit of it!
    we had a sister martina that we called martini when i was in catholic grade school!!
    donna

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  38. Hello Rett~I've been busy with visiting family. Summer weather may not be upon us (we're still running the heater), but the summer guests are.
    I did take time to sneak out of the kitchen (from time to time) to see what you'd been up to.
    It's nice to finally have time to chat. As usual your tablescape takes my breath away. Did I somehow miss where your plates were from?
    Ina Garten has a wonderful recipe and how to's for using your coeur à la crème mold.
    I'm going to be on the hunt for those JS place mates.
    I've no doubt your dinner guest will feel very pampered with your five star setting and menu.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

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  39. Your table is just gorgeous. Your photographs are amazing. The roses are lovely. Your food is unbelievable. What a marvelous post - you are AMAZING!

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  40. OK, after reading your book review I thought there must be a tablescape behind this. And of course there is and it's gorgeous. I LOVE those cups and saucers. I have a lot of interesting white plates, but my saucers are not nearly as interesting as those. Just a wonderful tablescape.

    Your soup has me inspired. I have a VERY simple Tortelleni soup recipe. This one is easy too, but has a bit more pizazz. I've copied it and am going to check it out.

    Now I got to wondering how I missed this. I know I don't make it to all of the TT posts but usually hit my favs. I did a little research and realized I wasn't one of your followers. Well, I've corrected the errors of my ways! LOL!

    - The Tablescaper

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  41. Your black and white tablescape is stunning! I love your china, your toile placemats, your bee glassware and flatware, and your flowers! What gorgeous roses, and your arrangement is so pretty. Rett, you do know how to throw a dinner party! Thanks for sharing; this is beautiful!
    Beth

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  42. I am sorry I am late getting here. I didn't do TT last week...it was a very hectic week. I had guests till Tues.
    Your table looks beautiful...so many pretty pieces. And the flowers are so lovely!
    Things should settle down here..Sun was the 50th Anniv party for my eldest sis...150 people. I did 15 centerpieces! The priest who married them came to the party, he is 82!
    Lots of Irish dancing and lots of fun, but it has been very busy!
    I need some peace and quiet!

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  43. I just came across your blog, and your insights into home improvement, DIY projects, and overall design are very interesting. Your article about your table settings was especially interesting. I really liked your comments on how black and white truly complement each other to make for an elegant, more formal dining table. I am adding you to my favorites. Since you and your readers have a flair for interior decorating and interest in design, we thought you would especially be interested in our custom window coverings. Heritage Window Coverings is located in Huntington Beach, CA and we have a wide selection of treatments to complement any home’s interior design! Any feedback would be appreciated as well. As a special thanks to you and your readers, I would like to offer a 20% off coupon using this code upon checkout: BLG20.

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  44. Hi, Rett. Bill at Affordable Accoutrements suggested I visit your blog--so glad he did! I hope you see this comment, even though it's so late, because I wanted to tell you a cute story about "dishes with holes in them." :) Recently I was so excited to find a great berry bowl that was half off ($6) at a second-hand store, and when I went to pay for it the woman told me they'd all been wondering what you're supposed to do with a dish that has holes in it--LOL! "Aaahhhh," she said, and I added that she of course would need to put a plate under it. Isn't it funny that they had even discussed it? Great table, too. Your dishes are all beautiful. Glad to "meet" you.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~