Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Touch of Pink



A Touch of Pink for My Birthday


Most days in January are cold and colorless, but this year we were treated to a bounty of gorgeous pink camellias in a friend's garden.


Perfectly Timed to Set the Theme for My Birthday Dinner

Pink Paired With My Favorite Courtly Check

More Fresh Flowers For The Table

Compliment the Pink of the Evening

Crisp White Linen

Layers of Shiny Black, Courtly Check, 
and a Ruffled Woven Mat

Antique Ivory Salt and Pepper


Tasty Daube a la Provençal Made with Lamb
You'll find the recipe here at Dean and Deluca.


Fresh Spinach with Citrus, Beets, Red Onions, and Olives

Tri-colored Roasted New Potatoes

Pink, Purple, and Cream

A Tower of Corn Muffins

Made For a Perfect Winter Birthday Dinner

When Shared With Good Friends

I Was Tickled Pink

Click the links below to join in the following weekly parties:










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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.

66 comments:

  1. Donna@Conghaile CottageMarch 2, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    "Happy Birthday to you Sarah"!!! Your setting is "Delicious", I LOVE the pink with your Courtly Check...How LUCKY to have the Camellia's blooming on your special day. "They are Smiling just for you"!
    Have a wonderful celebration week...
    Giant Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  2. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)March 2, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Hi Sarah, Happy Birthday! Your table is absolutely gorgeous with the camellias in hot pink and the black and white McK-C! I also like those ruffled placemats. Do you cook in your chicken or just use it to serve? I wouldn't want her to break. Have a wonderful birthday! I have hyacinths on my blog today in a bouquet I received, and I thought of you! I didn't even know it was your birthday! Linda

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  3. Gabriela Delworth - Adult Learning & DevelopmentMarch 2, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Hello,

    Love this flower!



    ~ Gabriela ~

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  4. DebbiedoosMarch 2, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    Happy Birthday dear Sarah! What a beautiful flowers, and gorgeous table setting..such pretty touches. XO

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  5. AnonymousMarch 2, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    :)

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  6. Ricki TreleavenMarch 2, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Happy Birthday, Sarah! I adore the shock of pink with the Courtly Check! The table and food look fantastic!
    The tower of corn muffins is too cute. I hope you had a blast! :D

    xoxoxo,
    Ricki Jill

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  7. PondsideMarch 2, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    One of my favorite combinations, at home or to wear is pink and black. Your table is just beautiful - the right measure of fun, elegance, beauty and colour.
    Happy Birthday!

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  8. Sylvia KMarch 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Sarah!! Love the gorgeous flowers and colors! Your table is beautiful. Looks like such fun!! Enjoy!!

    Sylvia

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  9. DebbieMarch 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Happy Birthday!

    Camelias are a favorite flower of mine.

    I love all of your pink and black. To me, it's one of the most stunning combinations. (Of course, anything with pink is already ahead of the rest in the game since it's my favorite color.)

    Loved that tower of corn muffins, too. That was so cute.

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  10. BabsMarch 2, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Happy Birthday,Sarah!! Your table is so festive and what great color combinations... they really "pop".
    Hope your birthday was the best ever. Hugs.

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  11. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMarch 2, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    I hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner ;o)Your antique ivory salt and pepper shakers are lovely. And of course, I love Courtly Check. I think you know that ;o) Happy Birthday Sarah!!

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  12. KathleenMarch 2, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Are you a March girl too? Mine is next week.
    What a beautiful table, and the meal sounds delicious!
    That flower is such a wonderful shade of pink!

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  13. PamelaMarch 2, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Happy Birthday Sarah!!!

    Lovely table setting and I love your
    new banner!!

    Pamela xo

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  14. Glenda/MidSouthMarch 2, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Happy Birthday! What a pretty setting - thanks for sharing.

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  15. SoutherncookMarch 2, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    Beautiful post and Happy Birthday. Our camelia's are blooming now in N FL and I am enjoying them too. They bloomed a little later this year for some reason. Maybe because we had colder temps earlier than usual. In any case, they are gorgeous and I am enjoying them as well. Your birthday menu sounded fabulous too.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  16. LynnMarch 2, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Hi Sarah! Looks like you had a beautiful B-Day! The color of the flowers is just amazing, and I'm lovin' the tower of corn muffins! Your new header is very pretty too:@)

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  17. Tammy518March 2, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Happy Birthday! The food looks delicious and I love the Courtly Check!

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  18. MarlisMarch 2, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Happy Happy Birthday. Your food has sent me to heaven I'm sure. I love your pieces. It's so wonderful to see your talent in your photos.

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  19. xinexMarch 2, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Happy birthday, Sarah! Your birthdy table is so lovely, the food looks so delicious. The camellias are very pretty. Our pink and red ones are also blooming....Christine

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  20. MarthaMarch 2, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Happy Birthday! I love the black and white and pink! And the food . . .

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  21. Tablescapes By DianeMarch 2, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    Hi lovely lady Happy Birthday, Sarah !!!! I love your Tablescape you are so Talent!!!
    I would like to thank you for your lovely comments on my Tablescapes.
    I hope you have a Great Evening.
    xxoo
    Diane

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  22. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeMarch 2, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Happy Birthday!!! Your camelia's are beautiful. Hope YOUR day is wonderful!

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  23. vignette designMarch 2, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    Happy Birthday dear Sarah! Your pink table is just gorgeous with black checks and the food looks delicious too.

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  24. Johanna GehrleinMarch 3, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Hello,
    Happy Birthsday, dear Sarah, and all luck, health and joy of the world for you. Your birthsday table is exquisit. I really love how you combine your black-white checker china with the Camellias. Photo No. 8 looks like made by Coco Chanel or Christian Dior. Do you know that Dior used some years exactly this pink? It is absolutely classy. I love your header also. Truly beautiful.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  25. French-KissedMarch 3, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    What a delightful table setting...just love pink and black together... and the food looks delicious. Hope you had a happy birthday. You new header looks absolutely wonderful.

    ~jermaine

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  26. TriciaMarch 3, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    Sarah, that camellia is SO gorgeous! I really miss all the ones we had in Baton Rouge and Tallahassee. That deep pink is wonderful with your Courtly Check! Your birthday dinner sounded divine -- happy belated birthday!

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  27. MaryMarch 3, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Happy Belated Birthday to you! I love your pink camellia nestled in the edge of your plate stack. I do love your courtly check! Your birthday dinner looks & sounds delish :-)

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  28. MaggieMarch 3, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    What a delightful birthday celebration it must have been, with beautiful pink camelias in January, perfect for your tablescape.
    I love, love, love your new header, where did that come from???

    ReplyDelete
  29. On Crooked CreekMarch 3, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Sarah,
    Life's simplest pleasures make the greatest gifts! Your decor and tablescape is superb! Many wonderful wishes for your birthday!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  30. CRICKETMarch 3, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Happy Birthday! Flowers always make for a happy day. Hope you had lots of love and fun on your special day.

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  31. MarigeneMarch 3, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    The pink does go so well with the courtly checks...but then I think any color would! Your bouquet is beautiful.

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  32. SarahMarch 3, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Happy birthday! I love this table setting, especially all the pink and the beautiful flowers. What a special way to celebrate your birthday :)

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  33. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)March 3, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Happy Birthday Dear Sarah!
    Love your whimsical and pretty pink and black table!
    And the flowers just make me smile...
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  34. Sue McPeakMarch 3, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    What a wonderful way to celebrate a Special Texas Gal's Birthday! Everything looked so yummy and so pretty in pink with the black and white checked accessories and serving pieces.

    Happy Birthday, My Texas Friend!

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  35. AnonymousMarch 3, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Happy Birthday Sarah....what a beautiful table setting. The flowers and the Mackenzie Childs dishes are gorgeous.

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  36. By the BluegrassMarch 3, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Happy Birthday, sweet lady! I love the flowers arrangement with the pear and pine cone. It is breathtaking!
    xo,
    Sena

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  37. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Goodness! Those Camellias are absolutely gorgeous! Your whole dinner party looks like it was so fun! I always love to see the MacKenzie Childs dishes too. And your Camellias are the perfect pink with them! :)

    Thank you for joining in for Fresh-Friday!!!! :)

    ~Liz

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  38. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    OoopS! I meant to say Happy B-day Too!!!! :)

    ~Liz

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  39. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMarch 3, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Happy Birthday Dear Sarah (although I guess my wishes are belated)! Did you cook your own birthday dinner? Beautiful table, and the food looks delish! Those Camelias are gorgeous. I'm so ready for SOMETHING to bloom here! Hope you had a wonderful birthday. laurie

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  40. debMarch 3, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Happy Birthday!!
    Beautiful camelias! Miss mine.
    *hugs*deb

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  41. SusanMarch 3, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!

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  42. Patricia @ ButterYumMarch 3, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Well Happy Birthday!!!!! I love pink - it's my favorite color.

    Your tablescape is truly gorgeous! Love the black and white accents too.

    Happy Foodie Friday
    ButterYum

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  43. UnknownMarch 3, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    Happy birthday! I'm jealous that you have flowers already... and such a sharing friend! What a great spring treat.

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  44. Sweet Bee CottageMarch 3, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Happy, Happy Birthday! What a beautiful table and that meal looks divine! I always love your table settings. Just gorgeous!

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  45. Savannah GrannyMarch 3, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Happy Birthday sweet lady. I hope you had a wonderful day. The table setting is beautiful I love you black and white check plates. I have the same placements but haven't used them yet. I think they really worked well with your dishes.
    Have a great weekend and turn that birthday into a celebration. Ginger

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  46. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMarch 3, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Happy Birthday Miss Sarah!!! What a lovely table you set for a special celebration! Everything is gorgeous! Your favorite check plates are so neat~Thanks for sharing at FNF! :) Hugs, Courtney

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  47. MaryMarch 4, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Glad your special birthday was celebrated in such grand style - all looked so pretty and delicious! Many happy returns dear Sarah - each Birthday is precious as we know.

    LOVE the new banner - it says "Sarah" all over - and blue hyacinths are my favorite!

    Hugs - Mary

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  48. Ceekay-THINKIN of HOMEMarch 4, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Such a beautiful party. Love the black, white and pink. Lovely flowers....Have a great weekend!!

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  49. BethMarch 4, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Hello and Happy Birthday! Love the pink camellias, and your birthday centerpiece. The food looks great too.
    Blessings, Beth

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  50. MeMeSueMarch 4, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    BeAUtIfUL!! I just have to say that your picture of the purple hyacinth makes me yearn for Spring and that luscious smell!!

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  51. MeMeSueMarch 4, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. Doris LongMarch 4, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    A belated Happy Birthday Sarah! We share a birthday month! The camellias here are blooming profusely too, since it has gotten warmer so they are not all browned by the cold.

    Many happy returns to you, have a great year ahead. I am sure you will as you celebrate life!

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  53. From the KitchenMarch 4, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    I enjoyed a true visual treat visiting you today! We had those lovely camellias when we lived in Charleston, S.C.. Alas, we are too far north to enjoy them.

    Your meal looks and sounds delicious!

    Very best wishes for a happy birthday.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  54. Chari at Happy To DesignMarch 4, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Hi Sarah...

    Happy Birthday, dear lady! I do apologize for being a couple of days late with my well wishes! It looks like you had the perfect birthday...sharing a fabulous meal with friends! Ohhh...your pretty pinks are just...well...pretty!!! The pink is stunning with the black and white courtly checks...love that! The courtly check dishware really is beautiful..and sooo much fun at the same time! Loved all the pretty pink flowers...the pink camellias are gorgeous! Mmmm...what a lovely dinner...fit for a Queen! A very sweet birthday Queen! Happy Birthday, dearest Sarah!!!

    My friend, thank you so much for coming by and leaving such a sweet note! I always enjoy our visits!

    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Chari

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  55. Tammy@Beatrice BanksMarch 4, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    Wow! You know how to do it up right! Happy Birthday sweet lady! You have such a gift. This is gorgeous!

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  56. C'est moi ClaudetteMarch 4, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Oh Sarah... HaPpY BiRtHdAy. What a special dinner and lovely table setting.
    I also saw that sweet French Toast press. CUTE.
    I LOVE all your fresh flowers too.
    Did you notice it's moi Claudie from Bubblin' Over? I've changed : )
    Happy PS
    Love Claudie
    xoxox

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  57. CharMarch 4, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Hello Sarah, it looks like your birthday was perfect in every way. Happy Birthday sweetie.
    Love your camellia, I only wish they had a scent. Can you imagine how wonderful they would smell?
    Happy Pink Saturday, Char

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  58. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMarch 4, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Happy Birthday!!
    What beautiful things you have shared with us today!!

    HPS!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  59. The Charm of HomeMarch 4, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    Happy Birthday Sarah! I love your pink with the black. That is a stunning combo. The food looks delicious! What a nice dinner. Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for linking this up!
    Sherry

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  60. CindyMarch 4, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Such beauty in one place. I am always fascinated by your beautiful things.
    Joyeux Anniversaire!

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  61. genieMarch 5, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    How exciting to have flowers blooming on your birthday...HAPPY BEATED BIRTHDAY! If ever you want to get rid of the checkered china, please let me know :-) I love them. HPS.

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  62. a quiet lifeMarch 5, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    happy belated birthday! oh my, the table and food look fabulous! i also love love love your header, very chic~

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  63. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageMarch 5, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Happy Pink Birthday, Sarah! What an elegant dinner! Looks like a wonderful celebration.

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  64. GraceMarch 5, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Happy Birthday! Beautiful Table and blog post. Happy Pink Saturday. Grace xoox

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  65. BeverlyMarch 8, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Happy Belated Birthday and Pink Saturday, Sarah.

    Your birthday celebration looks beautiful, delicious and perfect. I know everything must have been wonderful and that you created treasured memories.

    Our camellias are blooming, too.

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  66. FABBY'S LIVINGMarch 11, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Sarah, I just came down to your b'day post and I'm so glad I did! It's gorgeous, everything it's so elegant and also a terrific celeb! Happy belated birthday aaaand manyyyyyyyy morrrrrrrrrre....

    FABBY

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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.

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