Monday, April 30, 2012

Australia in Natchez

I had just arrived from Florida for my grandbabies christening. Please scroll down one post below if you have not seen my grand triplets. Anyway, I was still unpacking when hubby called and told me he invited an Australian surgeon and his wife for dinner on Friday night. But wait a minute, I have a girls night out already planned for that night since a month ago so I asked him to change it for the next day, Saturday. And so it was set for Sat.
For sometime now,  John has been telling me about inviting them. I kept postponing it cause I have been too busy, plus the floors had to be done first. Well, I have no more excuse now since the floors are done, although I am still busy. We have house guests and trips scheduled starting next week. Anyway, since he mentioned his intention to invite the Australian doctor, I have been searching for Australian stuff on Ebay. I found this table topper.

 More Australian touches: kangaroo S & P shakers and a pair of koala bear figurines, all from Ebay.
 The plates are from Horchow, one of my latest acquisitions. I love the oval shape and the grayish color and the subtle print. The pattern is called "Sari" and they are made in Portugal. I thought I could use them formally. The problem is I could not find any serving pieces to match the set so I used silver and pewter serving pieces. And here, I thought I already had everything when it comes to tableware, lol.
 Look at the details of the pattern! I love the scalloped edging of the bowl too, which I intend to use for the salad. The salad plate, I will use for appetizers.

 I used oval wooden chargers from Horchow which I have had for years now.
 The behind of the kangaroos.
 I think this little S & P shaker set is so cute.
 It was a little bare behind the flowers so I added a pair of taper candles on short sterling silver holders. For a vase, I used a lion headed champagne bowl. I had another glass bowl inside it to hold the flowers together. I don't know but I am thinking of cutting the stems more and lowering the flowers a bit.
 At first, I used a pair of creamy white candelabras. But I replaced them with this tealight holders. Though they are very rustic, I think the color blends well with the dishes and wooden chargers and it gives the table a more relaxed look. I want the guests to feel relaxed.

 I am serving fish on the Selancor pewter tray, coconut chicken appetizers on the silver bowl and chili sauce on the little jam server.

 The flowers are from Walmart.
See the defocused pewter bowl on the right? I am serving roasted rosemary potatoes in it.

 A table set for 4. I moved the other 2 chairs by the window.
 I still have not decided what to serve for dessert. I have a key lime pie or I can make a flan. Which do you think is better for my menu? I am serving rice in that Princess House Pavillion cream bowl.
 I am serving pancit (Filipino noodles) here. I found this silver warmer from an antique store downtown about 4 years ago. I just love the details of the legs and on the handles.
 Silver Wallace Baroque flatware.
Thanks for stopping by. I am linking with


Marty's Tableop Tuesday at

Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop at

Kathleen's Let's Dish at
Susan's Tablescape Thursday at
Kathy's Home & Garden Thursday at
Sherry's Home Sweet Home Fri at

Addendum: Dinner was a success and here are our lovely guests.
A special thanks to all the hostesses. I appreciate you all doing this week after week.

43 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, this is just stunning. I love that you found some things representative of Australia. That is such a thoughtful touch. The menu sounds absolutely fabulous. Your new dishes are stunning and I love the whole tablesetting. Beautiful. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Enjoy dinner. Hugs, Marty

Sonny G said...

oh my Christine.. what an amazing table you've set.. I love those colors~! so elegant, yet inviting.

Tricia said...

Christine, what a delightful hostess you are, to plan a table to make your guests feel so at home! I love the way you put things together so beautifully. I vote for the key lime pie, as it's so cool and refreshing after anything a little spicy.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What an elegant table, Christine!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Everything was so pretty and foods sounds yummy. Glad it was success.

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Your guests must have been honored that you themed your dinner so SPECIAL for them!
You are amazing and they certainly must have KNOWN THAT too!
I love HORCHOW, I used to shop there BEFORE EBAY and have lots and lots to show from there!
I have always loved those wooden chargers of theirs and to this day they are on my WISHLIST!
I can NEVER EVER resist anything OVAL, I LOVE platters and it they have handles I MELT. LOVE THAT!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for "Taking us DOWN UNDER"... WHAT DID you serve for dessert???
Have a fun week,
Big Hugs,
Donna

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Christine, what a lovely couple. Your table is beautiful. I'm sure they appreciated all the Australian touches you added. I adore all the silver.. hugs ~lynne~

The French Hutch said...

Christine, your table is stunning! I'm sure your guests were delighted to be in your lovely home. Your new plates are beautiful, and the chargers I have wanted forever. Beautiful, beautiful……..

~Emily
The French Hutch

Susan said...

Christine everything is so lovely as usual! Your table scape is always so interesting, I never know what to expect!! Gorgeous!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Christine,

I love the theme and the picture of your guest. The plates and chargers are gorgeous! Pretty flowers I might add :)

Dee

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Fabulous Christine! You are so talented to think of the Australian motif and great elements for this great table. I love your dishes, pretty tabletopper too, but the chargers are TDF!! Yeah, you can cut the stems shorter, it happens to me often, they don't look it until I take the pics. You can visit me tomorrow night, as I still have the same tablescape, lol..You're guests are so lucky!
FABBY

Blondie's Journal said...

This is definitely one of my very favorite tablescapes of yours. You were so kind to find the table topper, kangaroos and pandas to remind your guests of home. Your dishes and silver are lovely. I really like the other set of S&P shakers. Do you remember where you found them?

Your friends look so nice...I'm sure they enjoyed every minute of the evening!

XO,
Janie

Deanna said...

Dear Christine,
Sooooo lovely!
You did an outstanding job and I would think that your guest felt very special.

shine on,
d from the kansas flint hills

Anonymous said...

Wow girl, you went all out for your guests! Taking the time to set the stage for an enjoyable evening is a gift.

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh I wish I could have been a guest but feel like I have as I ooh and ahh at this! BEAUTIFUL! Love the salt and pepper shaker! Oh my...I wish I could find something like that! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Alycia Nichols said...

I love to entertain at home, but I think entertaining people from a different country tops my list!!! It is always a fun challenge to mix a bit of your own home country and theirs! You found some really great pieces to do just that. The kangaroo salt & peppers are just too cute for words, and the table topper is a great touch. I know your guests felt welcome and honored.

Dolores said...

My favorite colors! Your table (as always) is beautiful!!!
Hugs,

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Christine!

You are "The Hostess with the Mostess"! I know that all you guest must feel so special because of all the effort you put into entertaining them.

Thank you for joining my party this week!

xoxo Bunny Jean
Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party!

Amy said...

You are so talented on setting the theme and making your tablescape elegant and beautiful. I love those koala bears! :) Make me miss my Aunts and Uncles in Australia.

Debbie said...

Not only are you one of my favorite tablescapers, you are a gracious hostess to boot! It was such a wonderful idea to make the table "Australia" themed. I know they just loved it.

As for me? I love everything about it. I think those oval chargers are among my favorite things of all. They are so different!

Chubby Chieque said...

U R one of the best Tablescaper's I met.

Everything was elegantly choose and every piece is an absolutely grandeur.

LUV ko ITO!

Hugs,
/Chie

Traci said...

Very pretty! The little kangaroos are just too cute!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am sure they had a great time! That table is gorgeous. You are definitely the perfect hostess.

Elaine said...

Your table is so lovely! How sweet of you to include items from your guest's home country. Every item is just gorgeous and the menu sounds wonderful!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Outstanding job! You really did a great job and it's wonderful that you included some accents to remind them of their country! You have many beautiful things and I love those wood chargers!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a beautiful table you carefully chose and arranged for your special guests! How very thoughtful of you.

Entertaining Women said...

I know that your beautiful table made your guests feel pampered and special. You really went above and beyond to amend your design with the assortment of Australian figurines and elements. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

This is one amazing table Christine!
It's elegant and stunning and so original too!
Love the kangaroo pieces...what a find!
Hugs,
Cindy

Marlis said...

Pancit.. I missed pancit. ooh soo sad. one of my fav dishes. I love your wooden chargers. Oh, swoon swoon. Your plates and dishes are amazing. Love the table topper too. I am sure that your guests appreciated the extra effort to make them feel at home.. have a fabulous weekend.. xo marlis

Schotzy said...

Utterly exquisite! You must definitely be the hostess with the mostest!!!

Beth said...

Hi Christine, Your tablescape is beautiful. I think it is really neat that you added touches of Australia to your table. The food sounds fabulous as well. You are a great hostess, Christine, and you have a lovely home.
Blessings, Beth

Diane said...

I know that your guests felt right at home! What a warm and inviting table, Christine! I have lusted after some of those wood chargers for years - totally jealous!!! Beautiful job - thank you for sharing.

Kathy said...

Chirstine! You are such a considerate hostess! All the special details you put into this setting to welcome your guests and to create such a beautiful tablescape is inspiring! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Ivy and Elephants said...

Christine you are simply amazing. Each vignette was absolutely stunning. I am in love with the Sari Horchow plates. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful post. I would love it if you could share this wonderful post at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us.

Anonymous said...

HI Christine! Oh, what a lovely table you set for your guests. I know they were so impressed you had all of the Australian things on the table for them. Now my vote would always be for the key lime pie. That's one of my favs.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Sarah said...

Beautiful table, Christine. Love the new dishes. Enjoy your night out. ~ sarah

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I bet ya wowed 'em off there rockers with your wonderful Australian table settin'. How very thoughtful of you to make 'em feel at home like that.

I bet it was a grand success and then some!

Have a bountiful blessed day sweetie!!! :o)

Kathleen said...

That was so sweet of you to find Australian things! The only thing I have is Yellow Tail wine! Your new dishes are beautiful!
Did you throw another shrimp on the Barbe? :)

Robin said...

What a nice way to make your guests feel welcomed with the Austalian touches. Those dishes are so pretty (ah, those chargers!) and your serving pieces are so elegant. I love how you switched from beautiful crystal and silver to a picture of the backsides of the kangaroos! The menu sounds wonderful too. I'm glad your dinner came together for all of you!

Robin
Robin Flies South

Jacqueline said...

Christine - aahh, those triples are the MOST BEAUTIFUL babies ever! They are already great at posing for pictures. Oh, mama - she is going to have her hands full, but what joy!

I would love to be your guest - what a beautiful table - but every table you do is so beautiful. How fun to have the Australians over! Have a fabulous weekend!

Erica (Irene) said...

OMG!!!! Gorgeous, glad it was a success. Where do you get the energy to be such a fantastic hostess. love love your home.

Barbara said...

What a beautiful table! I just love your new dishes. They are so unique in color and shape. The silver and the pewter looks wonderful with them. Your flatware is gorgeous. Triples! Wow! What a blessing! Congratulations to you all.

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Christine!

Oh you are so good! I love how you decorated your table for your guests - I know I would have enjoyed being a guest at your home! :) All the finishing touches were just perfect! Thank you for being an inspiration!


Hugs,
Jessie


P.S. What did you end up serving that evening?

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