Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Gift of Friendship






~ Friendships ~

Friendships shared through the years.

Friendships shared across the miles.

 Gifts that I treasure every day of my life.  

 Be it friends that are physically in my life or

the many dear friends I've made throughout Blogville,

Each one is a treasure!




A long time dear friend recently celebrated a birthday,

so a few of us gathered here for a birthday lunch in her honor.




Christmas colors and a touch of tartan seemed a fitting theme.




Glenn Plaid Crystal 

by Ralph Lauren




Vintage Linens With a Holly Motif 

and Gorgeous Hand Stitched Monogram




Chocolate Trees Offer A Take Home Treat




Gift Boxes of Tea Forte 

Serve as Place Cards for Guests




Simple Place Settings 

~ Menu ~

 Green Chili Chicken Soup 

 Green Salad

Italian Cream Birthday Cake




Centerpiece of Red Begonia 

and Boxwood Topiaries

~ On the Sideboard ~



Silver Tray of  Fresh Greens

Antique Chocolate Santa Molds

Faux Chocolate Santa Figures 

A Touch of Tartan




Vintage Tartanware Napkin Rings



Old World Santa Figures





Faux Chocolate Santa Figures 

Found at Timeless Charm



They were obviously produced 

from antique chocolate molds 

much like the ones on my tray.




A Basket of Seasonal Greens 





A Table Set to Honor

A Circle of Friends




Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable
When setting a table for guests I like to include a little take home treat.  In this case, it was a chocolate tree served up in the soup bowl.  I placed each tree on a nest of green paper so they could be easily transferred to the table when soup is served.

Joining

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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.

49 comments:

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleDecember 20, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    Sarah, it is all so pretty. I love the plaids, silver and those molds. Your wood table has the prettiest patina.

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  2. BethDecember 20, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Hi Sarah, What a lovely table! The gifts are so nice, and the glenn plaid china is gorgeous and so right for Christmas. I love the faux chocolate Santas!!!
    Merry Christmas!

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  3. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsDecember 20, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    What a lovely Christmas time table setting. Love the plaids....

    Have a Merry Christmas Sarah!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  4. Steph's StitchingDecember 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Lovely. Merry Christmas to you! See you in 2013!

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  5. DianeDecember 20, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Beautiful table! I am so partial to tartans and love that you used the Ralph Lauren glasses, too. The Santas on the sideboard are wonderful and I would adore having one of those yummy Christmas trees to take home - lucky guests!!

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  6. Bargain Decorating with LaurieDecember 20, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    Sarah, what a lucky friend to be honored with a party in your beautiful home. Your table setting is beautiful, and I think the tea forte boxes are such a clever idea for placecards. I want one of those chocolate Christmas trees. Thank you so much for your prayers for our little Cooper. He is scheduled to have surgery today to repair a heart valve. laurie

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  7. Carlene @ Organized ClutterDecember 20, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    Love the tray with the faux chocolate Santas. Beautiful table Sarah for your friend's birthday. I have to get boxwood topiaries.

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  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeDecember 20, 2012 at 3:13 PM

    So beautiful and the fake chocolate Santas are fabulous. I am sure everyone had a wonderful time. Love the tartan plates. I hope you and your family have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  9. bjDecember 20, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    Hi, Sarah...this is just lovely. I know your friends enjoyed all the beauty so much.
    Merriest Christmas, dear one.
    xo bj

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  10. La Table De NanaDecember 20, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    I appreciate you Sarah:)

    Thank you for this lovely post..
    I have never seen those tea forte boxes..and the chocolates look delicious..
    Have I mentioned your windows are so pretty?:)

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  11. Sunny Simple LifeDecember 20, 2012 at 4:28 PM

    I love all your tartan plaid. My daughter's school is the tartans. What a pretty setting for your lunch. Wanting to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

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  12. LynnDecember 20, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Such a fun and cozy setting Sarah! I love your chocolate molds, they are truly beautiful! Merry Christmas:@)

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  13. MarigeneDecember 20, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    I just had a feeling you would do a tartan table, Sarah...so lovely!
    Love your sideboard, so festive.
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Sarah!

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  14. Patti @ Pandoras BoxDecember 20, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    Such a richly festive table - beautiful dishes and I love the "place cards" and candy favors. Your candy molds and choc. santas are a very unique display...I am sure your friends had a lovely time.

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  15. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)December 20, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Hi Sarah, I saw tartan plates at Potter Barn this year and immediately thought of you! All your tartan pieces are so pretty and those chocolate (faux) Santas had me drooling! They are very convincing! But the most beautiful things on your table may be the vintage monogrammed napkins! I'm sure your guests had a wonderful time. Linda

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  16. The TablescaperDecember 20, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Sarah:

    Your celebration is amazing. Love your dishes and love your celebration.

    Merry Christmas.

    - The Tablescaper

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  17. Red Couch RecipesDecember 21, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    Sarah, I loved this table. I have seen those tartan plates and love them. The little chocolate treats are so cute. I love the sideboard with the antique chocolate molds, and I am in love with the faux chocolate Santas. Thanks for the link to procure them. Sarah, this was fun! Joni

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  18. RhondaDecember 21, 2012 at 1:18 AM

    I love the tartan plaid! You did a fabulous job with the table setting.
    The menu sounds delicious. My birthday is in March!!!

    Rhonda

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  19. PondsideDecember 21, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    What a pretty table! I'm sure you and your friend had a lovely time over the meal, and afterwards.
    I am so very happy to have met you in Blogdom and to have come to be friends!

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  20. MaryDecember 21, 2012 at 5:45 AM

    Sarah~ I would be happy to be included in your circle of friends and gathered at your table! All your details are so Christmasy and welcoming~ the little take home chocolate trees, your tartan plates, your basket of greenery! I adore your antique chocolate molds and your faux chocolate Father Christmases look so real! I have some Vaillancourt Chalkware Santas made from antique molds. I would love Santa to leave some vintage tartan napkin rings in my stocking :) Sending you & Sadie Merry Christmas Wishes!

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  21. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizDecember 21, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    Oh what a nice table set for you and your friends! Love the tartan accents and the glasses. Those faux chocolate Santa are awesome! They look good enough to eat! What a great combo with your antique molds!
    Have yourself a very Merry Christmas,
    Liz

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  22. The French HutchDecember 21, 2012 at 8:04 PM

    Such beautiful Christmas decorations my friend. I love your silver tray of Santas and the tartan. Such a festive tablescape, so perfect for a birthday of this season. I see we both love RL Glenn Plaid. Love the way you use the Tea Fore boxes as your place cards. I love seeing your house all decked out, beautiful Sarah!

    Merry Christmas
    ~Emily

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  23. KathleenDecember 21, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    It looks like a lovely celebration. So sweet of you to cook and prepare a luncheon this time of year.
    Remember when we teaching we could never go to any holiday lunches cause we were working! I always envied those who could, they were so lucky to be ladies of leisure!
    I am sure they had a wonderful time!
    I just treated myself to a set of tartan dishes from the Pottery Barn Outlet. Can't wait to use them!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish, and have a very Merry Christmas!

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  24. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 21, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Beautiful table. I love the Tartan. I've been looking for dishes but haven't found any thrifting yet...lol
    Merry Christmas! hugs, Linda

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  25. MaggieDecember 22, 2012 at 6:45 AM

    Sarah, I'm taking 5 minutes away from baking mince pies to check up on what everyone is doing for Christmas.
    Love this lunch table, the chocolate trees in the soup bowls are a lovely idea as are the Tea Forte boxes used as guest place cards.
    The faux chocolate Santas look so real and you have created such a lovely display on the sideboard with them & the molds.
    I hope that 2013 will find us sitting down to lunch together once again, perhaps in Florida, next time??
    Merry Christmas from the SP & me to you & Mr Hyacinth and from Ben & Fleur to Miss Sadie, too
    Maggie

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  26. DebbiedoosDecember 22, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    Oh how delightful Sarah to be sitting at that beautiful and thoughtful table. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!

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  27. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 22, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    How absolutely GORGEOUS is this table, and fitting for a friend indeed. Sarah dear, thank you for your lovely companionship in Blogland this year. Your ideas and beautiful photos are always a charm to behold and may LOVE rule and reign for you all year!!! HUGS, Anita

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  28. Alycia NicholsDecember 22, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    Even though you were very clear that the chocolates on the sideboard are not real, I could still just smell the chocolate!!! :-) I don't care much to eat chocolate, but I LOVE the smell of it!!! This is a gorgeous setting, and I love the sideboard vignette with the plaid rings in the silver bowl and those fun chunky plaid candles. Great take home favors, too! Beautiful table, Sarah. I know your friends enjoyed every bit of it! (It has been a while since I had Italian Cream Cake. I LOVE that stuff!!!) Have a Merry Christmas and a safe, joyous New Year!!!

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  29. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenDecember 22, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Sarah, what a lovely luncheon you planned for friend's. I love all your plaid and the chocolate faux Santas, along with the antique molds. The very best was the message in the beginning... what a sweet sentiment to share with us. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

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  30. The Quintessential MagpieDecember 22, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Sarah, your friend is a mighty lucky lady to have that beautiful luncheon done by you in her honor. Loved everything.

    I'm dropping by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, my friend. I hope it's a blessed one filled with all sweet surprises and good memories.

    Love you...

    XO,

    Sheila

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  31. SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...PernillaDecember 22, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Very festive and Christmasy, Sarah! Seasons Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

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  32. KathysueDecember 22, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Sarah I love your touches of plaid and I am in love with your chocolate molds, I have always wanted some and your Santas are gorgeous. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
    xo Kathysue

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  33. French-KissedDecember 23, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Dear Sarah,

    You do host the best get togethers...your guests are sure to enjoy every wonderful detail! The antique chocolate molds are exquisite and the plaid adds such a festive touch. Your thoughtfulness and creativity are evident in every last detail. I am so grateful to have shared a friendship with you through blogging. Joyeux Noel to you and yours!

    Jermaine

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  34. Judy BiggerstaffDecember 23, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    So pretty, and we are all loving the faux chocolate Santa molds.

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  35. BabsDecember 23, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    Chocolate and tartan...a sweet way to celebrate a friend's birthday. LOVE, LOVE the silver tray with the tartan napkin rings and faux chocolate Santas and molds. The RL glen plaid glasses are one of my favorites, too.
    It's all perfect, Sarah.
    Wishing you a lovely Christmas.
    Hugs,
    Babs

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  36. Confessions of a Plate AddictDecember 23, 2012 at 7:50 PM

    Everything looks so festive, Sarah! Love those antique Santa molds! Wishing a wonderful Christmas to you and your family!...hugs...Debbie

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  37. AnonymousDecember 23, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    :)

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  38. Debbie@Mountain BreathsDecember 24, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    Sarah, you have the prettiest things! What a lovely lunch. I'm a little late in commenting, but I do always take a quick peek at your blog when I am work ;o) Merry Christmas to you and your family Sarah!

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  39. MaryDecember 24, 2012 at 6:18 AM

    Hi Sarah~ Chloe, Gracie & I are stopping in with Merry Christmas Wishes for you & Sadie! Wishing you all the Joy of the Season!

    Mary

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  40. mrs. cDecember 24, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Lovely, classic tablescape.....just like you! The last month has been very hectic, you know how it is. Thank you so much for stopping by, have a wonderful holiday and I will be visiting more often in 2013.

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  41. MaryDecember 24, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Merry Christmas from England dear Sarah.
    Sending blessings for the coming year.

    Warm hugs - Mary

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  42. AnnesphamilyDecember 24, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Everything was just perfect! I would have loved that birthday lunch! All those Santa's and tartan plaid! So sweet! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!

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  43. EviDecember 24, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    what a beautiful setting. Gosh, I wish these Santa's were there to eat. Then comes the question, which one. They are all so appealing.
    Funny, I wrote you the email before I read your post. Friendships are truly to be treasured.
    So my friend, have a wonderful holiday!
    Warm hugs,
    Evi

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  44. JojoDecember 25, 2012 at 10:55 AM

    Merry Christmas Sarah! I love the Ralph Lauren crystal and it's perfect with this table. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday with family.

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  45. TardevilDecember 25, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Your table is perfect. I love the Santa molds & faux chocolate Santa's! (Thanks for giving me a new thing to collect). I love the plaid plates and glasses, too. The begonia is so pretty. I never see them in the winter where I live. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
    Penny

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  46. Entertaining WomenDecember 25, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    Plaid is always perfect for a classic Christmas table. The chocolate party favors make my mouth water. I love chocolate! Merry Christmas!

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  47. Regina December 25, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    Beautiful!
    Merry Christmas!
    Enjoy the Seasons.

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  48. Ivy and ElephantsDecember 26, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    Love your gorgeous festive table, with chocolate incorporated in the décor! The molds are just perfect!Wishing you a happy and blessed new year.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  49. Crystal GrandeurDecember 26, 2012 at 11:52 AM



    Beautiful decor as always.Merry Christmas to you and to your family.love...sujatha.:):):)

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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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