Saturday, February 16, 2013

Made With Love





Life is uncertain, eat dessert first!




The week of Valentine's I had a 

group of girlfriends over for a casual dinner.




These little crowned birdies were my table inspiration 

and the take home party favors for my girlfriends.




Red tea towels in a crown motif,  

purchased at World Market several years ago, 

made the perfect choice for napkins.




But it was these new bowls 

that were the crowning touch.




I spied these Queens Made With Love bowls on 

an email blast from Tuesday Morning.

I promptly ordered them, 

only to find my order canceled the following day.



Not to be deterred, 

I enlisted the help of a friend 

(she's known to be my personal shopper) 

to track them down in Dallas.

I knew they would coordinate perfectly with

the Queens Rooster plates we've had for several years.




They are called Queens Made With Love.

Do you see the crown at the top of the heart?


~ MADE IN ENGLAND ~ 

They remind me of Emma Bridgwater's work.





An ivy heart topiary nestled into one of my 

white tureens was the centerpiece.




Twisted heart garland gave a nod to 

Valentine's Day.




While glitter crowns at the base gave 

a nod to the sweet crowned birdies.




I found the glitter crowns last fall 

while shopping Rachel Ashwell's shop at

The Prairie in Round Top.




I knew they would be the 

perfect touch for something.





I floated a garland of 

pink and red hearts around the base.




~ Dinner for Six ~




Cheese and Fruit to Start




With Valley Lahvosh Heart Crackers




Heart Healthy Meal

~ Salmon on a Salad ~




~ Sweet Ending ~




I've a reputation for serving heart 

shaped decorated cookies for Valentine's Day.




But I've been out of town and had limited time.

So I opted to make brownies and cut them into hearts.





~ Fresh Berries and Cream ~

With a Side of Heart Brownie!

~ Made With Love ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chargers ~ Ambiance Vintage Garden
Dinner Plates ~ Queens Rooster
Bowls ~ Queens Made With Love
Heart Plates ~ Mesa International
Heart On The Side Cutter ~ World Market

Joining

Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

78 comments:

  1. What a lovely dinner for your friends, Sarah. I'm so impressed that you pulled this off after being out of town. Love your new hearts and crown dishes, and they do look perfect with the border on that dinner plate. Your heart topiary with crowns makes the perfect centerpiece, and the food looks delicious. Love the way you sliced the brownie to slide onto the side of the bowl. You are a fabulous hostess. (I knew that when you hosted such a charming lunch at the airport!) laurie

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  2. I loved everything. The red dishes, the heart garland, the crowned birds, the heart cookie cutters, the cenerpiece. Everything, except the salmon.

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  3. This is such a gorgeous Valentine's Day lunch tablescape, Sarah! The heart shaped brownies were a fun idea. Hope you had a wonderful holiday filled with many sweet treats!

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  4. I know your friends enjoyed your special valentine's dinner. The salad and dessert look delicious! I love your little place settings. The bowls truly are special and so worth the trouble it took you to find them. Your centerpiece is so cute, and the Rachel Ashwell crowns are the perfect touch for your centerpiece. I've always wanted to visit Round Top. That might be where I road trip this summer! The Prairie looks so nice. I want to stay and shop there!

    Super post, and your collection of heart cookie cutters made me smile this evening!

    (((hugs))),
    Ricki Jill

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  5. I loved your table! The dishes are great and everything went together perfectly. I also have Queen Rooster
    set of dishes and I love love them!

    Love the brownies also - bet your girl friends were so impressed with your table and food!
    Mary

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  6. Wow! The pictures look beautiful. Miss you.

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  7. What a beautiful tablescape, Sarah! I love your collection of heart cookie cutters. xo

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  8. Sarah,
    I'm in love with your entire table...that salad is beautiful on those dishes. So glad you were able to track them down..don't think I've ever seen any like them! Your desert is so special and I know your guests enjoyed every minute! Great post! Hope your Valentine's day was super special!
    Miss Bloomers

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  9. I thought I was done with dishes for the rest of my whole life long.
    Until...well..the bowls:-)
    You did a great job with the heart brownies and the collection of cutters etc...just charming.
    What cute take homes too.
    The crowns ..are the crowning glory:-)

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  10. Oh, I saw the china at Tuesday Morning. I could have sent it to you. It's a darling grouping. Love that brownies. Cherry Kay

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  11. I love your tablesetting! So pretty! The salmon salad and strawberry and brownie dessert look really yummy, too.

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  12. Such a pretty table Sarah, I'm glad you got the bowls! Everything looks great and I'm sure you all had a blast:@)

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  13. I love the heart dishes! Sarah I bake cookies for valentine's day too. Hope you had a wonderful week.

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  14. Your tablesetting is so beautiful, love all of your dishes. Gorgeous. The salad looks soooooo good and desert is amazing. The brownies are perfect cut as hearts. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  15. Gorgeous....what a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. Your dinner looks amazing!

    blessings,
    karianne

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  16. Sarah, Your table is beautiful, as always! I do love those bowls. I have been using the rooster dishes for breakfast but the bowls would be such a wonderful addition! Now I am tempted. The entire theme is so clever and the crowns are the "crowning touch" to your table! The meal looks delicious! I have also used cutters on brownies, but I like the way you have arranged the heart on the bowl! Your friends must always be thrilled to receive invitations to dine with you. Linda

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  17. Lucky, lucky friends! Your attention to detail is lovely, and something that draws me. I find that I am often frustrated in what I can do - what I can arrange - with work and the commute. Your posts give me a glimpse of what could be again :)

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  18. Oh, Sarah! Your table is just delightful! I noticed the crowned birds right away. The dishes...gorgeous. So glad you had help from a friend in tracking those down! The ivy in the tureen is very inspiring...I've wanted to use my tureen for something (never soup!) for quite awhile!

    Your menu is delicious. What a fantastic idea for serving the brownies. And I LOVE your collection of cookie cutters. Thanks so much for sharing your luncheon!

    XO,
    Jane

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  19. Sarah, this is wonderful. I would have loved being at this party with all the girlfriends. Aren't they the best. Thank you so much for coming to see me, I really appreciate your comment, it revalidated me for Sunday. xx's

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  20. What a lovely way to celebrate Valentine's Day. I'm sure your friends were delighted with this fun table. The heart bowls are beautifully mixed with your Queens pattern. Delicious dinner menu Sarah.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  21. Sarah,
    I adore the idea of inviting friend's for a Vealentine's Day Luncheon!!! Those plates, found by your friend, are truly...the crowning touch!!! The details of this tablescape are so elegantly assembled! I have a heart~felt feeling that each time your guest look at their bird favors...they'll smile at such a lovely reminder of a very special luncheon with Sarah!!!
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  22. Sarah this is the prettiest Valentine table! Love the reds and the crowns! The food looks wonderful also.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  23. Hi Sarah- I am in love with those tea towels. Wish I had found them!
    Your table setting is precious. I think the brownie on the side of the cup is so cute. Susan at Romancing the Home.

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  24. Hi Sarah- I am in love with those tea towels. Wish I had found them!
    Your table setting is precious. I think the brownie on the side of the cup is so cute. Susan at Romancing the Home.

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  25. Love those little crowned birds! Looks like a stellar luncheon all around!
    xo
    Cathy

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  26. Hi Sarah! Oh, this is so lovely! You have the prettiest things - look at those little birds! Nothing wrong with heart cookie cutters!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  27. Oh my your lucky girlfriends! Beginning to end! Those are such darling, darling bowls. Thank goodness you have the right friends! You set a delightful table!

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  28. Oh my goodness Sarah, what a lucky group of friends you have to treat them so royally, with crowns and all! I spied those dishes at Tuesday Morning, too. You displayed them so perfectly with all your special touches. I love your collection of hearts on your hutch. The brownies on the edge of the bowl are TOO cute. I'd love a bite right now as I'm finishing Downton Abbey!! xo

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  29. Hi Sarah, Thank you for your sweet comment about our valentine exchange. It is the first time I have ever attempted to make cards. It was so much fun.

    Your post is absolutely stunning today. The table is so charming and perfect for Valentines day. I too have those little birds with the crowns as well as the checkered red and white heart plates. Your bowls from England look so sweet. I have always said, "Life is uncertain, eat dessert first." This made me smile. Your luncheon looks delicious. I know your guests loved everything. I know I do.

    xo, Jeanne

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  30. What a lovely dinner table for friends, Sarah. Those plates are so pretty, I am glad your friend found them for you.I lvoe the crowned birds and also the other crown accessories.....Christine

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  31. I am reading this on my lunch break at work and now I have the most horrible craving for chocolate brownies! :)

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  32. SARAH!

    WOW, I think many of us have sweetness on our minds! But coming off the heels of such a sweet celebration of love, it is hard to resist that second bite. Those little birdies on your table are absolutely darling. I made many a crowned bird and your dessert from beginning to end is super.

    I so hope you order Koralee's book; when I got it in the mail on Saturday, I was so blessed. Truly, every page reflects the beautiful soul I know through blogging and the kind woman I had the chance to actually meet once.

    Do order it; you will smile at every turn of the page. Anita

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  33. Sarah~ Your table made my heart go pitter patter! Love your setting with your new Queens Made With Love plates and your sweet crowned birds are the perfect take home favor! I don't go to Tuesday Morning very often since I don't have much luck as a general rule~ glad your personal shopper was able to find them for you! Love your clever side brownie heart...♥

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  34. Beautiful table and your menu was perfect. Glad you were able to find your bowls. I need to go to Tues Morning more often.

    Carolyn/A Southerner's Notebook

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  35. What a beautiful setting for a dinner party!!!
    And what a beautiful sentiment, after all girlfriends are sisters of the heart!!!
    Loved this post :)
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  36. What a lovely setting you set for your friends. I am sure they all feel you were the sweetheart at the table. I would have searched for the bowls as well, how wonderful to have a personal shopper. Happy Belated Valentines Day. Hugs

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  37. I love those plates! I'm so glad you were able to track them down. I'm an Emma Bridgewater fan as well, and continue to kick myself for not buying a set when we were in England.

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  38. This is just gorgeous - I love it! Elegant with a touch of rustic and a sprinkling of sparkle. Well done! Hope you can stop by the enchanted oven for a visit.
    xo,
    Lisa

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  39. Lucky, lucky friends! What a lovely table and I cannot get over that heart shaped cookie cutter with the part cut out. I have never seen anything like it! I adore your crown theme and all of your plates are wonderful! Dessert looks fabulous!

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  40. Love those plates....I too also shop at Tuesday Morning so I'll give you some help. They have a phone number you can call and you can find items you need at a store within 50 miles of you. All you need is your zip code and the SKU number (number underneath the bar code) 1-800-907-0881. I use it all the time. It helps me find dishes all the time without driving to each store.

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  41. Very pretty table indeed for the occasion.love the red plates.the birdie candle stand looks so cute.you have great collections and you do great tablescapes.thanks for your stop.Stargazer lilies are so beautiful and they have unique fragrance.nothing can beat it...:):):)

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  42. I just love parties like this...those bowls are incredible....and the little bird with the crown...so cute. Looks like so much fun!

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  43. First..your table for Valentine's is gorgeous. The dishes and bowls are so pretty, each one, specially the red check ones..so glad you got them! The food looks incredible in them and that heart cookie, and heart crackers and everything about this setting for lunch with your lucky friends, wow..what a treat! Hugs,
    FABBY

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  44. Oh, I wish I had been to your dinner. I LOVE salmon on a salad, I order it often when I go out to eat. My hubby doesn't like fish:(. The brownies, fruit and cream are calling to me!!!! Love the dishes are new bowls too. XO, Pinky

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  45. How blessed your girlfriends must have been to sit at this pretty table! Your red plates look so beautiful together! I love reds and whites! This table is fit for a queen!

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  46. Love, love all your images and the many heart shapes! What lucky friends you have Sarah!
    Thanks for visiting tonight; have a lovely day tomorrow!

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  47. Beautiful table Sarah. You went all out for your friends. Love the crown accessories. Truly a girly party. What fun to sit at your gorgeous red and white table.

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  48. Delightful, as always, dear Sarah!
    I bet I know the name of your personal shopper in Dallas, and yes they are quite Bridgewater "y", very pretty.
    Oh & the food looked scrumptious, of course.

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  49. Beautiful and it's so nice of you to do this for your friends..

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  50. What a sweet thing for you to do! Everything is so lovely and looks delicious. Thanks for popping by!

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  51. Hi lovely lady.
    So sorry I miss your Valentine's day party. What a beautiful tablescape, Sarah! I love your collection of heart cookie cutters. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family.
    XXOO Diane

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  52. Totally gorgeous!! Are you going to Round Top this spring? I also have shopped at The Prairie, actually I think she calls it her shabby chic couture shop, but yeah it's the Prairie to me too!!

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  53. Oh...I'm just in awe of your beautiful post. Just look at all that luscious RED. You have created a magical place for good food and friendly conversation. Everything looks so delicious.
    I love...love...love your bread bowl full of heart shaped cookie cutters. What an amazing collection.
    Thank you for your kind comment and visit to my blog.
    Have a happy day,
    Carolynn xoxo

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  54. oh, would i love to be seated at this table! love all the dishes and especially love the dessert presentation! Such a pretty table!

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  55. Your new plates are so pretty! I like the uniqueness of the whole tablescape design! I love the heart shaped brownie perched on the side of the bowl! I want to copy that idea!

    Katherine

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  56. Oh, such amazing plates.I truly love them and have never seen anything like them.

    - The Tablescaper

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  57. Sarah.. omg, what a lovely table.. I love the bowls.. how sad i missed those! I think i've been an ostrich lately, head in the sand, oblivious to the world! Help!! I love the plates, and the pretty crowns and the scrumptious food. All is just fabulous.. xo marlis

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  58. Oh, those bowls are lovely! I haven't been to Tuesday Morning in months, the one I usually go to has gone downhill for some reason...maybe I will give it another try.
    Your menu looks delicious, too...

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  59. Love love love those bowls!! Glad you were able to enlist a friend to land them-well worth it!!! They work perfectly with your plates and napkins!! Great table! Also love the collection of heart shaped cutters!!

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  60. such a darling table and meal and that sweet favor of a birdie - they loved it I know! thanks so much for linking to "Open House".

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  61. Just not sure which picture or setting I loved the most, those bowls are just the sweetest ever and the vintage cookie cutters are so sweet and those crackers, love those, I think I do however need those bowls, in fact would love the whole set...love the way you intigrated then perfectly with the rooster plates..

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  62. oh i am wild over your new bowls, just made in england thrills me, but they are beyond cute! so love your whole dessert thing, and the drawer with all you goodies, tooooo cute cute CUTE! love the brownies hanging round too ;-)

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  63. Thanks for popping in to see me, sweet Sarah! Have a lovely weekend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  64. They canceled your order?!??! I would have been totally beside myself! You kept your cool, though, and got on the case. I'm so glad you prevailed in the end because those bowls...those bowls...they are nothing short of fabulous!!! They really look terrific with the rest of the place setting! Your "limited time" dessert is the cat's pajamas, too! GREAT choice on the napkins! I am so glad they make fun tea towels that can sub for napkins. How else would we survive? :-) (There just really aren't enough great napkin patterns out there!) This is gorgeous, Sarah!!!

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  65. I love your drawer filled with heart collectibles! Such a beautiful table!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  66. Oh do I love those dishes! and your table Sarah is gorgeous and the food looks amazing.
    Kudos to you!
    Cindy

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  67. What a pretty and festive Table for your friends! I love that heart-shaped brownie over the side of your bowl! What a cute idea! The dishes are wonderful too! Great post! Thanks for sharing! =D

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  68. Everything looks "LOVEly". I'm sure that your guests felt so special.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    Leann

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  69. Oh what a pretty setting! I know that your friends must have really enjoyed the "royal" treatment and such a delightful heart filled luncheon! Thanks for stopping by to visit my tea table with my grands, yes, I do believe that Valentine's tea will become a sweet tradition.

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  70. O dear Sarah...this is just BEAUTIFUL. I love it every single bit, but, like Carlene..not salmon. :)) Sooo, since I "don't do" salmon, may I have TWO brownies?
    Your dishes are just precious.

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  71. Everything is so beautiful! You thought of lots of ways to make it special. I love your sweet cookie cutters!

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  72. Sarah your dishes are so darling. Glad that your friend was able to track some down for you. The crowning theme is so fun! The salad and dessert both look delicious. I bet your friends loved everything about this special time. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  73. Hi Sarah, just hopping back to say that I will be featuring you at Share Your Cup.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  74. The food all looks fantastic! I love those glitter crowns. Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  75. Sarah,
    I love the Queen's plates and I want that collection of heart cookie cutters! Wonderful.
    Bests,
    Kim

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.