Monday, August 6, 2012

Farewell Tea Party Turned Dinner

A friend of ours is moving to KY with her hubby to pursue her Ph.D studies. I decided to throw a despedida tea party for them. But after planning and inviting friends, I was worried that they would stay longer so I decided to make paella also. When they found out about that, most of them brought dinner items too so the party lingered and we all had so much fun!

I used various tea sets since I served various flavored teas. For tea cups, I used Johann Haviland's Brown Rose and Warvel pieces made in Poland and also some Tirschenreuth Hutschenreuther Gruppe. Basically I picked patterns with pink in them since I used  a toile pink and blue tablecloth and napkins.

I first saw the toile tablecloth from Cherry Kay's table and fell in love with it and just had to have it.The colors clashed with our dining room walls but I did not care, I wanted to use it. Fortunately, nobody even noticed since their eyes were focused on the table.

The Bon Appetit napkin rings were some of my latest acquisitions. They were from a clearance table of Williams Sonoma in Destin, FL.

I used a fluted on pedestal Polish pottery bowl to serve the paella.
I bought this white lattice Gracie China Victorian Bird tea set from Illinois when I went there a few weeks ago for my mother's 94th birthday celebration. I placed the tea set on a "Fromage" plateau tray I also bought from WS in Destin.

The set consisted of several pieces including a coffee pot, tray, sugar and creamer, bonbon and this little basket that I used to served various sugars.

Here's the Tirschenreuth Hutschenreuther Gruppe teapot.


Mangoes, yum! I got them for 50 cents each at Walmart and they were so good.
Below is another tea set from Global design connection by Kate Williams. I brought it from TJ Maxx in Park City, Utah.
I cut a mix of flowers from the garden and placed them in a vase with pink roses and cherubs. The daisies on the right are faux.

Oh, I almost forgot about this. I also served tea from this Tirschenreuth Briar Rose tea set.


I ran out of room on the table after the food were placed so I used the buffet to lay the dessert plates and flatware.


I won the maidens compote centerpiece from my very first auction here in Natchez. I just borrowed it from the living room.

I usually keep my natural rock collection on it and spread some dried flowers for potpourri.






Here is all of us. After dinner and socializing a bit, we did Karaoke and had so much fun.

Thanks a lot to all of you for your visits!

And thank you so much to our hostesses for the parties listed below.


Marty's Tabletop Tuesday at
Sandi's Teatime Tues a
Tuesday Cuppa tea at
Kathleen's Let's Dish
Susan's Tablescape Thurs
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
Miss Spencer's Teacup Thursday at
http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/
Kathy's Home and garden
http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

52 comments:

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh goodness my friend! You are the best hostess, ever!! Your dining room looks fabulous with all your stunning elements and of course, GREAT FOOD!! What a despedida! I love your side buffet arrangement with the flatware, I have things like that I could use. Loving the toile tablecloth in pink, and I don't think we have to match WALLS too, but the china only. I'm drooling for your paella, I could break any diet for that kinda rice, lol.. Enjoy your week.
FABBY

Terra said...

Christine, I have never seen a more beautiful table(s), china, tea sets, food array, etc. Have you ever had your home photographed for a home magazine? It is fabulous and I can tell from your friends' happy expressions they are loving this get together.

Unknown said...

Beautiful table with delicious food!
Perfect for your guest...thanks for sharing! Hugs

Blondie's Journal said...

You did such a wonderful job setting your table and preparing food on such short notice, Christine! It's beautiful and the food makes me hungry! Love the napkin rings and the gorgeous compote. I saw some of this on Facebook but it is much prettier here!!

XO,
Janie

Bernadine said...

What a nice thing to do for your friends! The whole setting is a delight to the eyes. You always put so much detail into your tablescapes. I love a place where there is something to behold every where you look. Gorgeous.

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Wow! What a party! The table looks beautiful and I love all of your tea sets, especially your new lattice one. Nice table cloth and napkins too! Thanks for sharing! Gina

PAT said...

Absolute perfection Christine. Gorgeous table. I can see why you had to have the linens.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your tablesettings and menues are always so fabulous. I love them. Such beautiful tea services and all the food looks soooooooooooo good. Sounds like a fabulous evening. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Your table looked beautiful and the food looked very yummy. Wonderful serving and tea sets.
Sandy

Olive said...

Christine, that tablecloth is gorgeous. I would definitely have been looking at your beautiful table and food. You are such a wonderful hostess. hugs, olive

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

OMGoodness, Christine, what a spread!! The tea party turned to dinner looks fabulous. You are a wonderful friend.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

What a wonderful party!Everything looks so beautiful!The food looks delicious,too!

High Heeled Life said...

Christine, WOW!! your table setting is breathe taking! From the tea pots, teacups - to the maiden compote to the food - Fabulous!!! and that tablecloth is brilliant... Wishing you a beautiful week..HHL

Susan said...

Christine, you entertain beautifully. You have so many pretty things.
Christine is your friend going to get her PHD at the University of Kentucky. That is where I obtained my graduate degree. She will love Ky.

Antiques And Teacups said...

Looks like a fun time! It's nice that a tea party can so easily stretch to whatever! Lovely setting and a wonderful send off for your friend. Thanks for sharing and linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

You are such a good hostess Christine, your table is always full of colourful dishes and foods.
I just love the new birdie teapot and the smiles on everyone's face that says they had a good time.
Judith

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Christine, you are such a lovely hostess! I love all your beautiful china and the toile is of course a favourite pattern of mine. I LOVE the birdie teapot and I'm sure your guests all enjoyed themselves. Thank you so much for sharing with us and have a splendid week.

Blessings,
Sandi

Unknown said...

So nice to visit. This tea and dinner is fit for a QUEEN - what generous heart you have. Wonderful send off for your friend indeed. Lovely china!

Chubby Chieque said...

Prettilicious talaga ang hostess, tonight.

I really drool your dishes there. Sana maka-visita one of these days para maki-kain. Waaahhh...

Happy Tuesday po?

Hugs,
/Chie

Zaa said...

What a fabulous teatime party... I can feel all the excitement with the colourful table setting and sites... Beautiful table display and such HAPPY pictures... Thanks for sharing ....Hugs

Laura said...

Absolutely gorgeous, so rich in color and texture. I'm sure your friends had a great time. You are a wonderful hostess.

bj said...

Oh, my, Christiney....this all looks fabulous. You have such beautiful things to entertain with and I know your guests love it when you invite them over.

I love how YOU love to entertain. So much fun.

Martha's Favorites said...

I love to see your tables! They are always amazing and the food looks so good all the time. Thank you for the wonderful peek. Blessings, Martha

Magnolia Blues said...

Beautiful!!! I'm sure your friends were very pleased to see such a gorgeous feast. You did a splendid job and the food looked incredible. I believe I have the bird tea pot. Great minds, great taste, Ha!

Gigi

Terri said...

Christine you have done it again! Created such a gorgeous table and treated your guests to great food! Your china is all gorgeous. I am loving your tea pot with the birdie on top.
Hugs,
Terri

Sarah said...

Christine, you amaze me! How do you have the energy to do all the travel and entertaining that you and John do? This party looks lovely. I know your friends were most appreciative.

Betty Stapleton said...

what a great looking party for your friend. The white teapot set with the bird is my favorite although they are all gorgeous. My dining room walls are the navy in your pink table cloth and napkins. I have two table cloths and 12 napkins, the exact same. Got them off ebay, but they are sonoma. Laid them out on my table and didn't like the table setting on them, just didn't look right, one end is upside down, just not right and so disappointed, I love them. But with the buffet style that you did it looks wonderful. My dishes got lost and I tried four different sets, was going to turn them into curtains. Really enjoyed your dining room and post.

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh my mercy Christine! How beautiful! Girl....you have outdone yourself with this one! Love it all. How sweet of you to do this. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Barb said...

Hi Christine,

Your table is lovely and as always, so gracious. The food looks so delicious...making me hungry. Ha.

Hope your day is blessed.

XOXO
Barb

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a beautiful party, Christine! How special your guest of honor must have felt. All of your glorious treasures make for such a festive occasion. What lucky friends to be invited to your home. laurie

Marlis said...

Now this looks like a fabulous party! Oh my, the tablecloth is perfect for all the pieces you used. I love your new white tea pot, it's just darling. I know everyone appreciated your hostessing and am sure they will remember this time for a long time. Your food is making me hungry - again. sigh.. xo marlis

Aledia said...

It's almost midnight here and after seeing all your delicious food....I'm hungry!! lol.... I love your pretty tablecloth and napkins. Those napkin rings are adorable!!

Sounds like a fun party!
Have a wonderful night!
(hugs)
Aledia

Jewel Sauls said...

Just gorgeous! I love that tablecloth and the napkin rings!

Traci said...

Your table looks gorgeous & the food delicious!!

Kathy said...

Wow! What a gorgeous tablesetting and feast Christine - you're a wonderful hostess - LOVE your dishes! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

My Little Home and Garden said...

That sounds like a fun and absolutely delicious evening!

Entertaining Women said...

The Williams-Sonoma Orleans Toile is the perfect backdrop for your gorgeous table. I adore Haviland, but I have to admit that I am enamored with the Gracie China Victorian tea set. Oh, my! Of course you decided to prepare paella...your entertain as beautifully as anyone I've ever seen. I know that your friend was overwhelmed with her magnificent party. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Diann said...

Christine, I have said it before and I will probably say it again in the future, I so wanna be a guest at 1 of your dinner parties!! everything looks gorgeous and amazing!

Tea in Texas said...

Fabulous table and your dining room is so elegant! You must be a tremendous cook. The food looks so delicious. I really concentrated on all the beautiful details with the china and each is so lovely. I love seeing the photos of your family in the header and I also bring back treasures from trips. Please pop over and view my finds from my trip to Oregon and the tablescape!

Thanks, Pam

All The Pretty Dishes said...

Everything looks so yummy and inviting. I had to laugh when you said your tablercloth didn't match the walls. I too have that tablecloth. I fell in love with it when I saw it on The Tablescaper's blog. In my house it goes okay with the walls but not with the fabric on the chairs, but I still love it anyway.

The Tablescaper said...

Oh what a party! I love how you clustered each tea set. You have so many beautiful items. It's great to see them all in use.

- The Tablescaper

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Hi Christine!!!

You are sooo good with your entertaining - I LOVE it! One day I hope to be as good as a hostess as you!!! You make all the parties look so fun and inviting - I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves! :)

Anyway, wishing you a lovely weekend!


Hugs,
Jessie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Christine!!

Beautiful!! I would so love to be a guest in your beautiful home at one of your fabulous parties!!

Hugs,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Lovely table, but I'm even more excited over the paella, one of my favorite dishes!

Elaine said...

I have never seen so many beautiful tea sets in one place! Your table is exquisite! The tablecloth works in your dining room because beautiful always matches beautiful!

Marigene said...

Beautiful table...I think someone else has that same lovely tablecloth, too.

Christine, you always have the most amazing amount of delicious looking food, I would weigh 500# if I were anywhere near one of your feasts!

Gina said...

Oh wow, everything looked so beautiful! I love the tablecloth and the Tirschenreuth Hutschenreuther Gruppe teapot. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time.

Amy said...

What a nice farewell party. I love your paella! Totally mouth watering. :) Wish your friend best of luck with her further education and adventure in KY.

Micupoftea said...

Wow, a beautiful setting, delicious food, good friends....AND karoake? I LOVE your new tea set and the toile. Everything looks wonderful. Thx for stopping by my blog :)
shawn

Dolores said...

Christine, the party sounds and looks like the perfect party. The table is beautiful with all your lovely dishes... the food looks so good ....and friends... you can't get much better than that!

Savannah Granny said...

Christine. You are the hostess with the mostess. You can pull off the most amazing tables with the most varied treasures and you talk like it was so easy. You are a jewel. I don't know where to begin but I will just say I love all the lovely tea sets and the Maidens Compote. Lovely, thanks for sharing, Ginger

Kathleen said...

Wow, you sent her off in style. I have never heard of that word, despedia?
I have that cloth from the outlet. It is hard to work with for me!
Thanks for being a part of Let's Dish!

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