Welcoming our German Neighbors! Happy Birthday, Christoph!

We have German neighbors who own the house right next to my daughter and family's home, who is right next to us. They come here a few months every year. We also have another family of German friends who retired and relocated permanently who just moved from Illinois. They own a home here so even when they were still working, they used to spend vacations here every year and we got to know them very well. We decided to have a get together dinner at the house.

Before I go on, I would like to thank the hosts of Dishing and Digging it, for featuring my last tablescape prior to this. I am truly humbled and honored.

Now, on to this post.

I prepared mostly Filipino food that they have become accustomed to over the years,  plus a Hungarian goulash.

I am excited about an upcoming trip to Meissen, Germany so I used our Meissen German figures and added them to the centerpiece. I eventually
had to take them out when I added the food because there wasn't enough space on the table.

We are also going to Dresden in the future so I added our Dresden candle holder.


For the china, I opted for my Johann Haviland Bavarian china in "Brown Rose" pattern, also German.

The napkin rings are also Meissen's. The flatware set is American though, silver plated by Wm. Rogers and Sons.


Another reason to celebrate was Christoph's coming birthday. He is going back to Germany before that to take care of their business, so we celebrated early.
Advance Happy Birthday, Christoph!!

A close up of some of the food. You will see the desserts next to Christoph above. Close up of desserts coming soon.

It is amazing how these kids only see each other a few months a year but they have gotten so close to one another and they get along so well. They are like brothers and sisters.

I set a table on the breakfast table for the kids.

I used unbreakable plates and I love the inspirational sayings on them.

As I was setting the table, I looked around the family room and spotted these piano babies and added them to the centerpiece. I also used a funky fun looking vase to add flowers to.

Kids love bunnies, don't they? Therefore, I used bunny name plate holders and napkin rings for their table, even though it is not Easter.

Desserts: leche flan, cassava bibingka, fruit salad, pecan bars and Stephanie, Todd ans Isabel brought the most yummy macarons.

I made some Whittard of Chelsea lychee mango tea that we, including the kids, all love. I couldn't believe My 5 year old granddaughter Reese had 4 cups. My daughter had to refill the pot.

The tea set is also in the same Johann Haviland "Brown Rose" set.
Here is also a salute to National Afternoon Tea Week. Join the party at Bernideen's 

My happy guests: Todd and Christoph

More happy guests photos, clockwise from the
top: Stephanie, Todd,  Tina, Natascha and Scott

Thank you guys, for coming over. It is always a lot of fun having you over.

Thanks to all for visiting and to all the hosts of parties that I am linking to. Your hard work is always appreciated.

Christine's Dishing It and Digging It

http://www.rustic-refined.com/

Kathryn's Make it Pretty Monday

http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/

Chloe's Celebrate it Monday

http://celebrateanddecorate.com

Bernideen's Tea Time, Cottage and Garden Blog Party!

http:/blog.bernideen.com

Ruth's Tuesday Cuppa Tea

http://www.antiquesandteacups.info

Marty's Inspire Me Tuesday

http://www.astrollthrulife.com

Show and Share

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

Home Matters

http://lifewithlorelai.com/
Share Your Cup

http://jannolson.blogspot.com

Kathy's Home and Garden Thursday

http://www.adelightsomelife.com/

Tablescape Thursday

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

Share your Style Thursday

http://www.thevintagenestblog.com/

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

http://peoniesandorangeblossoms.blogspot.com/

Kate's Flaunt it Friday

http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/

Foodie Fri and Everything Else

Anything Goes" Pink Saturday

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/pink-saturday/