"There is no happier way of entertaining one's women friends than at a luncheon. (Men, as a rule, are not devotees of this pleasant sport.)
Naturally, if one does not have a maid one does not attempt a luncheon on a very large scale.
For a formal luncheon, the table is spread with the handsomest luncheon cloth, or runners and placemats, or centerpiece and doilies that the hostess possesses. A handsome bowl or vase in the center holds some of the more delicate varieties of garden or hothouse flowers arranged loosely, their stems cut at uneven lengths, so that the effect is of grace and fragility...
"It is the better part of wisdom not to string out the silver in a bewildering row at each place, but to have the dessert spoons brought on when the last course is served. "
"If tea or chocolate is to be served, it is probably more successful for the hostess to pour it at the table from the prettiest service she can beg, borrow or buy..."
Excerpts from "The Art of Cooking and Serving" by Sarah Field Splint, Copywright 1931.
Hydrangeas from Aunt Jody's garden
Mikasa "Italian Countryside" dinnerware
Wallace "Louvre" sterling flatware, 1893
Cristal D'Arques "Longchamp" crystal
Oneida butter dish
Vintage Irish Linen napkins and placemats
vintage quilt
vintage lace tablecloth
Minton pitcher
Leonard coffee service
Congratulations to Susan for her 100th Tablescape Thursday!! Please go by and see many beautiful and inspiring tables. Also, make sure you stop by "Affordable Accoutrements" to see Bill's gorgeous table!
Anita
Anita, what a fun setting for an outdoor lady's luncheon. Really, those hydrangeas are so beautiful...what vibrant colors! Love the Wallace Louvre! The quotes from the book are charming! Joni
ReplyDeleteHi Anita... How lucky the ladies are to share this with you... it is so cheerful and lovely:-) The hydrangeas in the compotes is gorgeous, and I love your doubles napkins! Beautiful details:-)
ReplyDeleteBella
That is so pretty Anita! Yes please do join my garage salen thrift party this week Friday, I would LOVE that! Your table outdoors is so pretty, I could look at it all day. Debbie
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are such an exquisite blue. What a lovely table you have set and the setting is so gorgeous too. I just love dining out of doors in the summer. Wish it didn't wait to get dark for so long, but only when I want to dine by candlelight, then it is really nice!
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I was there to have that luncheon with you and sit among all that beauty! Could those hydrangeas be more perfect??? I think not! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThe etiquette lesson was charming and illustrated lovingly in your tablescape. The quilt set the tone for the whole design, and the aqua placemats anchored the white Mikasa perfectly. A beautiful setting to while away the afternoon. Thank you for sharing your vision with us. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteVery, very pretty table, Anita! And I enjoyed your commentary as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tablescape Thursday...
Sheila :-)
Very pretty table, love the hydrangea at each setting!
ReplyDeleteAnita,
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice idea, to adorn the beautiful pictures of your pretty table with quotations from the antique book. And your table fits so perfect to all that. The Hydrangeas, especially the green ones, are so outstanding romantic and remind me to the ancient times. I love the blue and aqua and lime shades on the table. Your silverware is really stunning and so adorable. Thank you for sharing this pretty table.
Greetings, Johanna
Anita, I do believe this is your prettiest table by far. Your photos are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely outdoor setting, everthing is cute. Amazing silver and beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Charo
Gorgeous, Anita!!
ReplyDeleteDelightful table and text - admire the layered look with the drapery you have chosen and envious of the colorful array of hydrangea blossoms- how pretty those lime ones look with the blues and purples.
ReplyDeleteOf course-the louvre- is stunning!!
It hit 104 here yesterday-even in early am and pm to hot to be outdoors- so I am jealous of your weather as well
This is so very pretty! Can I come? LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh my, what an exquisite table, it's a feast for the eyes! Your hydrangeas are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to play with dishes? I am happy I found your blog!
Nancy
So pretty! I just love your hydrangeas! I can't believe you have so many still. Mine are done already! Love that you used the fancy silver flatware! I would enjoy this setting with you anytime! Oh and that quilt is really a great touch..thanks for all the tips too!
ReplyDeleteSigh! Oh, Anita, this is breathtakingly beautiful! I love the soft colors, the spectacular flowers, and all the elegant china, silver, and crystal. The flowers at each place add to the delight! Great quotes, too -- so fun to read!
ReplyDeleteYour tablescape is so relaxing, Anita. Lovely setting! I like the use of quilt for the table topper. Beautiful!..Christine
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your posts and this one was another pure delight! The quotes from the book were so much fun to read. I like to think that we continue to bring some elegance from the past and you certainly have! The quilt looks so lovely over the vintage cloth. Each and every detail is so perfect. Your hydrangeas are just stunning.
ReplyDeleteWe started a luncheon club for the express reason that we love to set pretty tables like the one you so graciously set. It's truly lovely, and I would want to linger and linger over that view.
ReplyDeleteThe hydrangeas make it perfect.
Don't they always? They are such a perfect flower.
Anita the setting is perfect for a Queen who would not want to come and sit at this lovely table .And all its gloryiest vintage finds:)
ReplyDeletebeauitful, fresh, clean and serene~
ReplyDeleteI love the whole table!!! Just so pretty! Thank you for sharing.....
ReplyDeleteWhat a proper table for a ladies' luncheon. The linens are gorgeous and the silver is ornately beautiful. The hydrangeas are adorable. The scenery outside is beautiful, too.
ReplyDeleteAll the Best,
Requi
I really like this table, it's so bright and cheery! You did a really good job of putting everything together. I love the hydrangeas. Take care, Mary
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, I love the quilt top....perfect for the setting. The Silver adds just the right classic touch. I'm so disappointed I wasn't able to join Susan this week, but I get to see everyone's contributions to the Festive tables!
ReplyDeleteI love these colors! Everything is so crisp and inviting...love the hydrangeas, the quilt, your silver and crystal. What a wonderful setting for your meal! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSharlotte
Anita, your table is absolutely beautiful with these pretty flower!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed being able to stop by and see your tablescape thursday even if it is Friday!
God bless,
d
Thank you for your comments on my new post. I have dishes stored all over the house...even in the head knocker over the toilet in the powder room. LOL. My friends all complain that they can never find extra toilet paper because of the Haviland Ranson. My husband is in the praise & worship group at our church, and our daughter is a singer songwriter. Check out her website at www.kcclifford.com. I think that you'll like her music. Glad to make your acquaintance. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteOh, Anita, this is one of my favorite tables...love the blues and greens...the setting is so serene. Your hydrangeas are just beautiful. It is such a treat to visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita,
ReplyDeleteThis is soooo lovely! Hydrangeas are breathtaking! It reminds me so much of the cover of one of Carolyne Roehm's books...just beautiful!
Thanks for all your wonderful tablescaping tips.
Happy 100th TT!
Susan
Your table is so elegant! I just love it. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteThis is just gorgeous! I love your pretty hydrangeas - they're lovely, as is your whole setting.
ReplyDeleteHi there!
ReplyDeleteIt's Blake with Mikasa again! Just letting you know that we're still keeping up with you :) We, of course, love this table design! It's so calm and inviting!
We'll be mentioning you again on our FB; so, as always be sure to check it out!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mikasadining?ref=ts