Monday, August 08, 2011

"Tables For Two" Party Coming Up!

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Last month, I made the statement in my

tea party post HERE

"you can never have too many polka-dots".


Dear sweet & VERY knowledgeable Cherry Kay,

owner of the beautiful blog, Entertaining Women

commented on that post, telling me that Tuesday Morning

had some pretty Waterford "Ballet Dot" tablecloths.

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I went shopping the next day & was so disappointed

that my TM only had the napkins, not the tablecloths.

I emailed Cherry Kay & she

very generously offered to go check two of her TM's.

We exchanged phone numbers &

called each other back & forth as she shopped.

She found herself some matching napkins &

the same BEAUTIFUL tablecloth &

several sets of napkins for me.

We had such fun, working on that together

that we decided to do joint tablescapes,

using our matching tablecloths.

Thus began the idea for a meme, titled

"Tables For Two".

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Surprisingly & unbeknownst to each other,

we both decided to use our Blue Willow china for the tables!

Great minds on the same track!

She has waaaaaay more of it than I do.

Unknowingly, we also both used hydrangeas in our centerpieces as well.

I'm telling you, we were on the same wave length all week.

~~cue the Twilight Zone music~~

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Can you believe my Lilac tree is blooming

AGAIN at this time of year???

Strange behavior but I’m loving it... they smell soooo wonderful.

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I set up my Johnson Brothers Blue Willow cups & saucers,

along with dessert plates &

the teapot, sugar & creamer on my side table.


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This tea caddy was a gift from my step-daughters one Christmas.

Its from the Bombay Company, a store that we all sadly miss.

I think Shelia over at Note Songs has the same one!

(Today is her Roosters & Chickens party,

which I totally spaced on...sorry, Shelia!)

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These newly purchased "His & Hers" crowned teaspoons

were also found on my trip to Tuesday Morning.

I'll CRY if that store ever closes!

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You can really see the glint of the polka-dots in these photos.

The fabric is a very nicely weighted cotton & poly & irons beautifully!

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I added some silver pieces to help echo & reflect the light.

This Oneida Ridgewood oval gallery tray, below

was also a gift from the kids.


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It is the perfect size to hold bread or rolls or in this case, croissants.

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I chose to use my American Harmony flatware with this tablescape,

as I felt the beading echoed the pattern around the silver chargers nicely.

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Stacked plates from the bottom up are:

Pier One (dark blue),

Spode Blue Willow dinner plate,

white salad plates are American Atelier Bianca Leaf &

the cobalt blue ones on the top were thrift store finds last year.

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Of course, the after dinner treats had to match, too!

Did I ever tell you how much I ♥♥♥ Dove chocolates???

(preferably frozen)

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I added some accent pieces for extra candle light.

I've always got my eye out for blue & white accessories, since they all play together so well.


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In fact, I just bought a Coleport decanter on Ebay,

exactly like the ones Cherry Kay has used on her table today.

She has so many wonderful tips on how to find the best bargains!


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It was such fun to chat back & forth

as we planned this joint venture.

Cherry Kay & I thought it might be fun to do a party or meme

where people could pick a partner & they

would work together on tablescapes that reflected their similar collections.

It wouldn't be exact, as ours certainly aren't

but they are along the same lines.

Most of us know of another blogger who has the same dishes

or crystal or flatware that we do.

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I know Ceekay, author of the blog Thinkin’ of Home &

I have the same everyday dishes &

several other gals have some PINK & GREEN depression glass, like I do.

I've never hosted a linky party but its about time I learned!

We're thinking we should hold it in the fall.

This would give folks time to contact a partner & plan their tables.

Go visit Cherry Kay & see how she used her GORGEOUS collection of Burleigh Blue Willow

as well as her Coalport Kings Ware on her pretty new tablecloth.

This gal really knows her china, let me tell you!

I’ll be linking to Marty's blog A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday,

Susan’s beautiful blog Between Naps On The Porch

for "Tablescape Thursday"

as well as The Tablescapers "Seasonal Sunday" fun meme &

Yvonne’s inspiring StoneGable for

"On The Menu Monday".

Thanks to all these ladies for hosting such fun & educational

parties week after week &

a VERY SPECIAL “Thank you” to my personal shopper, Cherry Kay!!


fondly,

Rett

EDIT to answer Karen's question below:

There are several legends as to the origin of the Blue Willow pattern.

One is that there once was a wealthy Mandarin, who had a beautiful daughter (Koong-se). She had fallen in love with her father's humble accounting assistant (Chang), angering her father (it was inappropriate for them to marry due to their difference in social class). He dismissed the young man and built a high fence around his house to keep the lovers apart. The Mandarin was planning for his daughter to marry a powerful Duke. The Duke arrived by boat to claim his bride, bearing a box of jewels as a gift. The wedding was to take place on the day the blossom fell from the willow tree.

On the eve of the daughter's wedding to the Duke, the young accountant, disguised as a servant, slipped into the palace unnoticed. As the lovers escaped with the jewels, the alarm was raised. They ran over a bridge, chased by the Mandarin, whip in hand. They eventually escaped on the Duke's ship to the safety of a secluded island, where they lived happily for years. But one day, the Duke learned of their refuge. Hungry for revenge, he sent soldiers, who captured the lovers and put them to death. The Gods, moved by their plight, transformed the lovers into a pair of doves (possibly a later addition to the tale, since the birds do not appear on the earliest willow pattern plates). You can clearly see the doves on my tea set, above.

Info above found on Wikipdia.

There is a similar variation of this story found HERE.

39 comments:

  1. This is soooo beautiful, Rett! I do have very little in blue and white but I have always loved it! I learned about the Blue Willow pattern when I was 8 years old and visited a friend's family for a fancy meal. They told me about a lady who lost her love who cried so much that she turned into a weeping willow tree and made the pond that it was next to with her tears. I don't know if they were just makining up stories or if that is really the fairy tale behind the pattern!

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  2. Rett, that is too funny that both of you decided to use the blue and white theme. I was over at Cherry Kay's Entertaining Woman this morning admiring her beautiful table.

    I'm in love with the silver spoons you have, our TMs never seem to have things that appeal to me, maybe I need to go back and give them another look! Thanks for sharing your beautiful Blue Willow table and I can't wait to see the entries on your party in the fall!

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  3. Everything looks so pretty, Rett, from the beautiful tablecloth to your dishes and floral arrangement! I especially love your silverware!!

    Love, love, love TM. Ours is not so close to home so it is usually a big treat to shop there!

    Have a wonderful week! :-)

    Xo,
    Jane

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  4. HI Rett! OH, your table is gorgeous! I love Blue Willow and have a set too! Your little flowers are so beautiful and your silver pieces! OH, my!
    Thank you for mentioning my party and it's not too late to come! If you can gather your yard birds, we'll be partying through Wednesday night!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  5. Rett!

    I love this post. My mother used to have blue willow when I was a teenager, and I'm not sure who got it. Hmmmm.... anyhow, I love your table. And your centerpiece is so pretty as are your linens. That's neat that you got help from blogger friends. Bloggers are THE BEST! :-)

    Have missed you so much, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your prayers. It's been a loooooong few months, but God is good. I'm hoping I will be able to blog again, but I have a bad tendency to want to visit 100 people in one sitting. That's a magpie thing, you know. I have to learn to "pace" which won't be easy! Lots still going on, but I wanted to see everyone and see what you're up to. Love your table, but I always do. Love you, too, Rett.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  6. I'm so excited to see the fruits of your labor...delicious and beautiful! I've had so much fun the past few weeks. Oh, I've been meaning to tell you...my sister is an RN who established ER trauma protocols for several hospitals in Virginia years ago. She later earned an additional masters in Public Administration and eventually was the administrative head for Texas Techs Surgery Department and then their Anesthesiology/Pain Management Department. I'm guessing that you two would get along like peas in a pod. I adore the Atelier plates and of course, the Blue Italian...and those crown spoons...how did I miss those. I was just at TM yesterday with my daughter...bought her some of the Churchill Pink Willow. This has been so much fun...a wonderful beginning to a new friendship! Thanks, friend. Cherry Kay

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  7. Lovely, Rett, as always. Love your new masthead too!

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  8. Loved the rendition of the tale behind the blue willow.. such a beautiful story. I was thrilled when I visited Cherry Kay and read about the table for two party! Now to find a partner in crime. I am so sorry I lost my blue willow in our house fire over a decade ago, I should have replaced it. Love your table, the pieces you pulled out looks so pretty together. I love your silver spoons.. now I'm kicking myself that I didn't pick them up! Great table!! xoxo marlis

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  9. I love a blue and white table. Yours is gorgeous. And how fun to create it in tandem with another blogger. Great minds DO think alike!

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  10. Oh Rett, what a beautiful table, and what a great and fun idea for a Linky Party! I think I've already got my partner.

    I need to check out the TM near here -- I rarely do, but I think I'm missing out!

    LOVELY table; you have some really gorgeous things, beautifully presented.
    Cass

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  11. Oh Rett, what a beautiful table, and what a great and fun idea for a Linky Party! I think I've already got my partner.

    I need to check out the TM near here -- I rarely do, but I think I'm missing out!

    LOVELY table; you have some really gorgeous things, beautifully presented.
    Cass

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  12. I love this post, Rett. What fun to work with Cherry Kay, especially when you have so much in common. Blue isn't my color but I do love it on your beautiful table. I've never heard of a lilac blooming so late in the year...lucky you.

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  13. I love the blue and white with the addition of the silver. Everything looks so elegant and so pretty. The centerpiece is stunning. Such an inviting setting. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  14. Oh Rett, this is so beautiful. And how wonderful that you planned it with Cherry Kay. She is a wonderful person, I love her! I LOVE your crown teaspoons!...Christine

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  15. Rhett -- your table for two is lovely -- and I love LOVE those crown teaspoons!

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  16. This is soooo beautiful!! I love the idea of doing tables for two meme! I hope I can find someone to do it with me!

    Now I'm off the see Cherry's blue tablescape!

    Katherine

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  17. Rett, oh, I just love blue and white and your table is simply gorgeous! What a cute idea to have a tandem tablescape with another blogger; love that idea!

    Those crowned spoons are making me drool. I can never find cool stuff at the local Tuesday Morning. I think it is a reject only store. But they are so cute, it makes me want to go there right now to look for them!

    Heading over to Cherry Kay's now to check out her table.

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  18. I'm back. Just thinking, maybe it would be good if someone would do a "set up meme," with people posting a picture of some of their china so we can find ourselves a match! I am not 'puter savvy, so I can't do a meme! ;-)

    Katherine

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  19. Rett:

    Anything with blue and white somehow makes me swoon! Love those crown teaspoons, very different.

    - The Tablescaper

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  20. This is beautiful Rett! What fun you girls must have had shopping via phone. I had a blogger friend pick up dishes down south and mail them to me to finish a set. Aren't bloggers just the best? Your table is absolutely gorgeous! hugs ~lynne~

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  21. Love the blues and whites, Rett.
    Lovely table (as usual)
    D

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  22. Hi Rett~ I'm going to have to visit TM more often~ it's off my beaten path, but obviously worth the trip! I love the Ballet Dot tablecloth and your crowned teaspoons are fit a queen!

    I'm envious of your Lilac tree, too warm here for them to grow and to have a second bloom is delightful treat!

    Tables for Two sounds like fun :-)

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  23. Hi Rett,
    This is all so pretty and love the Blue Willow story. Now have time now that the kids are back at home...their home...to catch up what everyone has been blogging about this summer. Just printed your Vinegar Chicken receipe too...thanks!!!
    Gwen

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  24. Beautiful table, Rett, and fabulous idea for a party!!! I'm in! Keep us posted! Your lilac bush bloomed again??!??! This is the craziest weather year, and I think it is starting to affect the behaviors of plants and animals. Wild! Enjoy that extra treat!!! I, too have that same tea caddy from Bombay Co. They were such a great source for fun things like that, and I, too, miss them dearly. I wonder why they folded up? They always seemed to have lots of customers whenever I visited. Sigh! :-( Don't forget...keep us posted on the party plans. I'm really looking forward to it!

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  25. Love you blog. The blue is beautiful.I have always wanted Blue Willow dishes.I guess it time for me to but some.Thanks for sharing

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  26. Such a beautiful table.

    My fav as always blue and white, everything I mean everything looks great.

    You and Cherry Kay did a wonderful job its a great idea what you have done so I confradulate you both.

    Ohhh the party will be so fun I am so excited I wish I could find a partners its such an amazing thing to do with a friend/partner.

    Thank you for sharing.

    I will comment the same things to both of you.

    Love,
    Karin Åžen Cankan
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

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  27. What a lovely table! I adore the flatware and I'm just drooling over the gorgeous flowers!

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  28. hi rett, so glad you stopped by, i am without the internet half the time now so its extra fun trying to catch up!

    omg your chicken below is driving me wild!

    such a pretty table, i love your centerpiece and the silverware is fabulous!

    hope you are having fun in the night sky now, i have been living in thick fog for a week, so fun to see the moon again, the shower will be a pure bonus :)

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  29. Rett, what a gorgeous table!! I'm heading to Tuesday Morning to see if I can find those adorable spoons. Dove chocolate is my favorite, too!!!! Thanks for visiting & commenting on my blog.

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  30. Beautiful! I can't believe you're getting lilacs now either, which only serves to remind me that our lilac bushes were uprooted and carried off by the April tornado. Gosh I miss them. Speaking of which, I recognized that tea caddy right away. I gave the same one to my mom years ago for a birthday and used to so love shopping at Bombay Company. I still have a few of their pieces around. I miss them too.

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  31. Hi Rett, thank you for swinging in and telling me about your books.. it meant the world darling. I had gotten a couple of negative comments, had to stand up be a big girl and just delete their comments.. so anything positive touches the heart... hope you're having a super w/k. hugs ~lynne~

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  32. Rett, beautiful blue and white! Those crowned spoons are darling and love the new linens. What a terrific idea for a new party. Sounds like fun to me! ~ sarah

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  33. AMAZING that your lilac is blooming AGAIN!!!! Love those crown teaspoons! I will cry if TM closes too!!!!! Love that store! YOur blue and white table is gorgeous, LOVE that tablecloth! What fun working with someone else! XO, Pinky

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  34. I love anything blue and white! Your set is so gorgeous and you have mixed and matched so many lovely thing to create a gorgeous tablescape.

    Your party sounds fun too-what a brilliant idea!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha

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  35. Rett,

    The Tables For Two party sounds like a winner. Polka Dots and Blue and White ... two of my favorite things! Great, fun post! Have a delightful week and I can almost smell those wonderful lilacs!

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  36. Such a pretty table Rett! I love your new tablecloth, I agree, polks dots are so much fun! Sounds like you had a great time coordinating settings:@)

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  37. Thanks for briging your beautiful table to Seasonal Sundays

    - The Tablescaper

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  38. Hi Rett...thank you sooo much for your kind comment on my quilted bed runner! How encouraging!

    I absolutley LOVE anything BLUE AND WHITE... I have a collection as well and the Blue Willow...along with the very same little round candle holder and the small blue bowl w lid you have a pic of by itself. The tablescape was like looking at a huge bowl of CANDY to me!!

    I really don't think you can have too much either...it just goes with everything..anywhere..even the bathroom!

    Blessings
    HOPE

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  39. Forgot to tell you to stop by my craft blog again and view the BLUE AND WHITE tea luncheon I decorated.

    Happy Days
    HOPE

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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~