I wanted to share a beautiful pattern by Johann Haviland called, "Forever Spring." One of the vocalists in my worship team brought me her beautiful set to use. Is that the nicest thing? I wanted to do a simple and elegant lunch table. I'll be joining "Tablescape Thursday" at "Between Naps on the Porch" so be sure to stop by there.
I did not use a tablecloth as I love the rustic look of the wood against the china and silver.
I used vintage silver chargers and vintage napkins belonging to my great grandmother...
The butter knife is mother of pearl and sterling by Landers/Frary/Clark.
The sterling flatware is "Louvre" by Wallace and made in 1893...
The crystal stemware is "Longchamp" by Cristal D'Arques/Durand.
I went around the property and came up with this arrangement, which I put in a vintage Minton bone china pitcher.
This table is for Beth with my thanks:-) My maternal grandmother also had this pattern, so it is very special to me. I don't ever remember her using it, though. She was an incredible woman who loved God first, and shared that love with everyone she met. She did not entertain with fine china and silver, nor did she have very many nice things. She always thought of others first. Her kitchen was always open and there was always something wonderful to eat. She entertained senators, congressmen, staffers, neighbors, family and anyone was always welcome. She delivered "Meals on Wheels" in her 60s. Her hand was always extended in Christian love. She was the woman Solomon talks about in Proverbs 31. She is certainly now getting the reward she earned here on earth.
I tell you that to encourage all of you to give back in your community. I think we all have such access here with blogging, that we have a responsibility to use it for something greater than ourselves. Last week I posted about a wonderful program called "Blessings in a Backpack" that feeds hungry children here in America. How I wish that post had received as many comments as the Mikasa giveaway. Take what you have and give back. You will be so glad that you did:-) One person can make a huge difference!
Anita
I love your silverware,this tablescape does make one want to hold on to Spring/Summer alittle longer!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty Anita! Reminds me of a Sunday lunch at my grandmother's. Love the flowers you found on the property, perfect!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful china, crystal and silver and your spring bouquet. I think you have all the pretties here, Anita. Gorgeous table!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jane
Oh~ I wanted to mention that your grandmother sounds like an inspiring, remarkable woman!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jane
Hi Anita! I just love that your decorating instincts told you not use a tablecloth but to let the china shine against the wood tones! And that mother of pearl knife could not be more perfect with it! I also wanted to tell you how inspiring you have been to me in this blogging thing. I love how you have shared your heart and your faith without reservation and it has been an encouragement to me to do the same in my own blog! I want to share more of my heart rather than just my home. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
http://southerninmyheart.blogspot.com
Saw your meaningful posts and thanks for reminding us we are living in the greatest country and have always had generous giving spirits. We give and help with our two churches and hopefully will be able to continue for a long time. Thank you for sharing about the organization that sounds so great.
ReplyDeleteLovely table, Anita. I like the simplicity of the overall presentation contrasting with the elegance of the heirloom sterling flatware. It was kind of your friend to allow you to share her pretty china with us. Loved the garden flowers. They always add warmth and charm to a well-laid table.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to give back. Well said.
Hi, Anita beautiful table. I agree with you 100%
ReplyDeleteToday people live too fast, you have to enjoy what God has given us at their time you are correct. I have the same opinion as you.
There’s a time in live for each occasion. Anita when I look your Mikasa glasses
It reminds me of mine that I lost in the earthquake in California
XOX
Isora
So pretty and elegant!
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL table, I love it. Hurray for friends with beautiful china. I like the rustic look of the table too, very nice. The silverware is beautiful and the napkins are pristine. Everything is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to play with other people's dishes? Your table looks so pretty with the delicate china pattern, sparkling crystal, and silver. I especially admire your ability to produce such a gorgeous centerpiece from your own property!
ReplyDeleteSo very pretty Anita. I love the flower centerpiece. I know with Fall, Mr. Winter is behind...I do not care for that part.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH, we are truly twins separated at birth! I am starting a list of all the things we share alike and do a post about it! And to think we have daughters named Miranda!
ReplyDeleteI also googled the "1956 Brookpark pink hyacinth" melmac you mentioned and went wild! Anita, I have never seen that pattern! I was born in 1956, so I must make it my quest to own some pieces. I can't believe they designed a square pattern back then. Way cool!
Thanks kindred blog friend!
Oh, Anita!!! I love this table, and it's so "me" (at least the elegant me that lives inside my head.) I think the china and sterling and linen are all beautiful and agree that they look wonderful against the bare wood of the table.
ReplyDeleteAnd on top of it, the music just puts me in the fine dining mood!
What a special table with memories of your grandmother and the generousity of your church friend! I agree, the china is really showcased on the rustic wood of the table. And you still have flowers! Lovely. And the flatware, breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteYou know, the giving post reminds me of our children's heroes today. Reality stars with legal problems and sports figures who embarass themselves and others. It is too bad there isn't a "Caught Doing Good" award!
Your grandmother sounds like a very wonderful woman, Anita. Your table is gorgeous. Your bouquet with flowers picked from your garden are simply stunning. Love the J. Haviland dishes and the crystals and the sterling silver. Everything is so elegant and pretty....Christine
ReplyDeleteSo nice of your friend to let you play with her dishes! They are very pretty and the pop of pink in the flowers is just right on your table. Linda
ReplyDeletePretty is pretty in any season! Love showing the table! Lovely setting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. I am absolutely in love with your silver. It would make any table a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteI am a Haviland advocate from way back. My first set was Haviland Ranson, and I've gone on from there. Your table is gently elegant, and the Louvre is magnificent. Aren't family treasures the very best. I showed your post to KC. She loved that you were promoting a backpack program. I could be mistaken, but I think that the backpack program originated here. Thank you for sharing your beautiful design. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely table: the combination of your valuable silver, the china, the beautiful crystal stemware and the antique napkins makes it unique. I'm also deeply impressed by your grandmother!
ReplyDeleteWith kindest regards from Europe!
Anita, your blog truly shows that you think about what is good and lovely! You are inspiring in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tablescape today, as always. I really love the ornate silver against the wood of your handmade, rustic table. The centerpiece is so pretty, too.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteYour table is beautiful!!! My grandson is called into the worship and music ministry and is attending Lee University majoring in Music with a Church emphasis. He's amazing. God bless you for what you do!!
Beautiful china. I love your table setting on that rustic wooden table. So very beautiful. I love to come up with tables that remind me of loved family members. So wonderful. Anita, you are inspiring in many ways! God bless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Sherry
I love the simplicity of the wood with the crystal and beautiful china.
ReplyDeleteI echo your plea for help for our underpriveleged communities and encourage you to read my post on "Matthew's Ground" to see poverty in my local area. (If you haven't already). Thanks for stopping by.
Warm South African blessings
Shel
Your table is so elegant...the china pattern is so beautiful with all the sparkling crystal. Love the flowers, they look so nice in that pitcher.
ReplyDeleteHELLO ANITA,
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! YOUR TABLE LOOKS GORGEOUS LOVE THE PLATES JUST STUNNING AND THE SILVERWARE IS TO DIE FOR!!! OH MY YOUR GRAND MOTHER SOUNDS LIKE AN AMAZING WOMEN, I JUST KNOW SHE IS HAPPY WITH OUR LORD NOW :)
XOX~MARI
Oh, I hear you about saying goodbye to summer, lol. My son says authumn is here and summer's over, I say we've got a few more good days left. Today was just such a day :o) Praise the Lord!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table as usual, very pretty service.
Blessings, hugs.
Anita,
ReplyDeleteYour table looks lovely.
The leaves are already starting to change here in Ohio. Enjoy your last bits of summer! La
This is classic elegance at its best! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHi Anita!
ReplyDeleteYour tablescape ...and entire home as a matter of fact... looks so light, airy and peaceful.
There's an attitude of joy when I look at your tablescapes, Anita. I think it's "in the air" at your home...part of the scene, no matter what dishes you display...
The things on your table are like accessories to the already beautiful mood that is present...
...just thought I share what I think when I look at your lovely home ♥
peace and joy to you this weekend~
love,
Maria
Hi Anita.....thanks for the comment. I would never forget you and your blog:) You are one of the gals who inspired me to start one of my own. It is getting increasingly difficult to keep up on comments. SOme days I just can't get to them all, and I hope people understand that. For the most though I do OK:) And yes my Mom is awesome....I am very much like her!!~ HA!!~
ReplyDeleteAnita, you are always an inspiration. I really love the beautiful china and silver on a bare table. It creates a different feel and I just love it. Those silver chargers are, I think, the most beautiful that I have seen. Such lovely china too. How wonderful that your friend brought this for you to use.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a not Fall tablescape! I am hanging on to summer as long as I can. Your table is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love your Grandmother and I don't even know her! She reminds us to be a Proverb 31 women! I think we get so caught up in worldly life we forget we are here to serve Christ! Him only! Thank you for sharing your wonderful tablescape but also your memories of your wonderful Grandmother.