The Tuscan Luncheon

This is the time of the year when I can't seem to settle down. The weather seems to feel the same way. One day it's 20 degrees, the next 70. Not sure how to react to this! Too early for the spring decor. Besides it is still too cold to go outside and start the 'clean up'. Really, there are still sunless areas of the yard that have some snow. So no. Holidays? Well, St. Patricks Day is on the horizon, but it's still too early to think about that one. And Easter?  - I'm still in the planning stages. The one thing that is always welcome is a hot plate of pasta. Just thinking of the warm Tuscan sun inspired me. Who needs a holiday! So, off to set the table for a nice hot Italian inspired dinner. Welcome to ....


The Tuscan Luncheon

When I think of Tuscany I always think of the plentiful fruits

and the colors used in the interior spaces

that bring the outdoors in.

The purple of the luscious grapes found in wine country

is represented here

in the dinner plate of the

guest setting

The olive background in the center of the salad plate

brings to mind the delicious olives served

with almost every meal

A close up of the dish stack

 with everyday flatware

The bread plate has a beautiful grape and leaf design

in keeping with the theme

As does the gravy boat

The purple pitcher in the background

 has been around for many years.

The wine glasses were a purchase

from a hospital gift shop!

What would an Italian meal be without

a crusty loaf of bread?

I'm ready!

The handles of the bread tray have

a design that resembles a fruit basket

Full table setting for four

Thanks for stopping by this week! I always enjoy our visits and your sweet and supportive comments.

This week I will be joining

Seasonal Sundays with The Tablescaper

and

Tablescape Thursday

 at

Between Naps on the Porch

Click on the links on the side bar to enjoy others who love

the art of Tablescaping!

 

Senior Recital Luncheon

There are moments in your life you will always remember as the sweetest days. This weekend was one of them. My younger daughter at the age of six asked for a piano for her seventh birthday. As a dutiful mother, I promptly provided her with one. Little did I know I was paving the way for her passionate expression - Music. This weekend I was proud to host a small champagne and cake reception for her Senior Recital; one last step necessary to complete her requirements for the Bachelors Degree of Music. This was the culmination of years of hard work, study, lessons, education and its fair share of frustration and nervous jitters. This weekend was a true testament to what dedication and support from those we love can do. Words cannot express how proud of her I am!
Today I am posting a peek at some of the preparations. Thanks for allowing me to share them with you.

My daughters favorite color has always been pink

so I chose it as the basis of my color scheme

right down to the Champagne!

As an accent, white and black were added

in some of the smaller elements

The pink labeled champagne and 'glasses'

 stood ready for the guests

Her invitation was framed in an autograph board

for friends and family to leave their sentiments

On the buffet there was a Candy Station

Lucky for me this was Valentines Day weekend

it made setting the pink sweets table easier!

Little Chinese takeout boxes were placed

where guests could "take away" a

sweet treat

As a true labor of love, my elder

daughter, our very own Cake Boss

made the centerpiece.

What concentration!

The color theme was carried out in the cake as well

This cake was truly a show stopper!

Notice the little Grand Piano on top?

Nice touch!

I just love the how all the different

patterns come into play

Because my daughters dress was a beautiful

deep blue, I decided to match her dress

instead of going with her signature pink

when creating  the stage arrangements

My daughter on her special day.

I'm so very proud of you!

I am sharing this post this week with these blogs...

Seasonal Sundays with

The Tablescaper

and Tablescape Thursday 

at 

Between Naps on the Porch

Click on the links to the right

to view the party!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

The Valentine Luncheon for Two

Today I am dedicating my post to my dear, patient Hubby. After all, it is a Valentines table for two! And Valentines Day is all about love. This wonderful man and I have been together for over 30 years. How time flies! He is my true love, my best friend, my rock and the best companion ever to share life's journey.  For you my love, a few words I saw on a picture and was so moved, I had to snap a pic of them and include them in this dedication to you...  

In your eyes,

I see my soul mate.

In your arms,

I am home.

In our world,

I found a love

         to last

      forever

I Love you

Happy Valentines Day!

Join me with others Celebrating the

Season of Love

by clicking on the links to the right with

The Tablescaper

for Seasonal Sundays

and

Susan at

Between Naps on the Porch

Thanks for stopping by ....

Wishing you love