Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Table Talk ~ Galentine's Day




Valentine's Girlfriends' Dinner Party ~ 2017
Those of you who follow along here at Hyacinths for the Soul
may remember that a group of my girlfriends
formed a small dinner group in the early 1980s.
We gather for dinner to celebrate
 birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Monday evening, February 13th, we celebrated 
Valentine's 2017 with dinner here. 
I read that February 13th is Galentine's Day.
I had to google to see what that is.
~ Galentine's Day ~
I'd say that's exactly what we celebrated this year.

Last year I had great fun mixing my 
MacKenzie-Child's Courtly Check 
with a Queen of Hearts theme for a CAMEO meeting in our home.
You can read about this table here.

I wanted to do something different this year,
yet retain the same theme, 
using both the black and white
and the Queen of Hearts.

I gathered my group of Queen of Hearts 
figures on a tray for my centerpiece.

Patience Brewster's regal Queen was there, along
with Hop Hopping Boo's tall, skinny whimsical gal.

Lori Mitchell's darling Queen of Hearts 
joined my collection this year.

As did this miniature version of Pier I's larger
Queen of Hearts that came home with me last year.
This petite lady has dangly legs, so I propped her on the edge 
of the valentine tin used as a cache pot.

It's always fun to see the different artists' 
creative interpretation of the Queen of Hearts.
Allen Cunningham's on the left, 
and Mary Engelbreit's on the little box.

I set the table with black and white dishes 
and a good helping of brilliant gold.
I thought it looked pretty regal!

Quilted red placemats with a scalloped edge anchored the stack.
White Charger ~ Ambiance Vintage Garden
Gold Fluted Glass Dinner Plate ~ Maker Unknown
Salad Plate ~ Cynthia Rowley
Crystal Dessert Stem ~ Maker Unknown
Crystal Wine Stem ~ Crystal D'Arques
Flatware ~ Sir Christopher by Wallace

At the brilliant suggestion of my sweet friend,
dinner was a one dish meal of 
Baked Chicken Milanese with Arugula and Tomatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffins
made in heart shaped tins were served on the side.
Thank you, Monique!
Dinner was delicious, healthy, and "kitchen friendly".
I highly recommend both of these recipes 
which can be found Here and Here.

For dessert I offered each their own regal cookie crown
along side a Table Talk spoon.

The Table Talk spoons sparked a bit of fun 
and lively discussion after dinner to stir up our conversation.

I selected six different questions from the box of 30.
Available here.

 A hostess can select the questions of choice,
or one could simply put the spoons in a container 
and have each guest draw out a spoon to answer.

Either way these conversation starters will
offer a lively conversation.

Would you rather take tea 
with Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks?

What is your most guilty pleasure?

Miss Sadie and I wish you a very
Happy Valentine's Day!

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.

44 comments:

  1. Botanic BleuFebruary 15, 2017 at 12:29 AM

    Sarah,
    Tom Hanks, hands down. Love your Galentine table... Those crown cookies look too delicious to eat, but I could force myself. :)

    Happy Valentine's Day,

    Judith

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  2. Art and SandFebruary 15, 2017 at 2:00 AM

    The Queen of Hearts, the gold plates and of course all of your MacKenzie Childs - what a lovely party!

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  3. DanielaFebruary 15, 2017 at 2:49 AM

    I wonder what a cheerful meeting it was, you've create such a lovely and joy-filled atmosphere, darling Sarah, I'm sure that your friends have enjoyed it so, so much !

    Wishing you a most wonderful remainder of your week,
    I'm sending blessings of joy across the many miles,
    always thinking of you with much love and gratitude,

    Xx Dany

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  4. Debbie@Mountain BreathsFebruary 15, 2017 at 4:22 AM

    Sarah, love your sweet Galentine table. The touches of MacKenzie Childs along with ruffled plates is perfect for your Galentines get together. I have made Monique's chicken dish and it is delish. The cornbread hearts are a nice touch. xx

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  5. Rita C at PanoplyFebruary 15, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Sarah, you are pure class. What an honor it would be to be invited to that fete! I pinned the recipe, but really, every detail you have in this post is worthy of pinning to various boards - the decor (terrific collection of QofH and MC), the main meal and desserts, and those table talk spoons are all great! You are such a wonderful friend and hostess. XO

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  6. Pam RichardsonFebruary 15, 2017 at 6:47 AM

    Sarah, what a lovely setting with your Queen of Hearts and MC collections. The Mary Engelbreit box definitely caught my attention along with your plate stack! Happy Wednesday!

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  7. Patti @ Pandoras BoxFebruary 15, 2017 at 6:51 AM

    What a beautiful table and meal you have here. I adore the black and white dessert dishes and they look lovely on the gold dishes! Your centerpiece is amazing, and now I am off to find the recipe....

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  8. UnknownFebruary 15, 2017 at 6:52 AM

    Beautiful Sarah. You have inspired me to get out some family China and Crystal and have the girls over. I loved seeing your table and all the effort you have made. Thank you for some great ideas. Hugs.

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  9. RettabugFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:16 AM

    Pure delight, Sarah! I know your friends felt very special, given this *ROYAL* treatment! Love everything about your table settings! Thanks for all the links to the food & spoon. I'm thinking placecards would work nicely too, with a name on the front & a provoctive question inside. Thanks for the idea!

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  10. La Table De NanaFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:18 AM

    I used to LOve having girls over..you make everything special..I love Patience Brewster things..and I have seen that Queen of Harts ona few blogs..your collections..well you must be tired of hearing me say..how beautiful and special they are..

    I am glad the recipe turned out..and those hearts♥
    the adorable spoons..just a fun time all around..Sadie is a lucky girl.

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  11. The French HutchFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    Sarah, your Galentine's party must have been fun for all. Love the flowers to greet your guests and the table is just gorgeous! I love all of your Queen of Hearts, they make a stunning centerpiece. Of course your MC-CC table from last year was delightful too. I really like how you mixed your stack, the gold is so elegant and I think the CR salads are gorgeous. The menu was one I would enjoy and the fun of "Table Talk" makes for a lot of fun. Hands down, Tom Hanks here! Give Miss Sadie a hug for me.......I'm off to look at the recipes.

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  12. MaryFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    What a gorgeous plate stack and table fit for a Queen(s) of Hearts or a Galentine's celebration! I remember your spectacular display las year with MacKenzie-Child's Courtly Check. As always, I love seeing your collections and wonderful Queens and the fun addition of the table talk spoons. Tom Hanks over Tom Cruise any day :) Hope Miss Sadie enjoyed a treat or two. ♥

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  13. Bernideen February 15, 2017 at 8:47 AM

    Dear Sarah:
    What a great table for your lady friends and the whole idea of having that group is wonderful! I am sure they were all thrilled!

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  14. UnknownFebruary 15, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    This is about the cutest thing I've ever seen Sarah! Oh, your collection of Queens! From Patience to Mary and everyone in between paired with McK-Chds, swoon!! The conversation spoons are such a fun idea, and the crown cookies and regal plate stack! I know everyone had a ball, and I'm sure sweet Sadie's tail was wagging :)

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  15. Linda @ A La CarteFebruary 15, 2017 at 9:34 AM

    What a fun party!! I love your collection of Queen of Hearts and those questions are so fun! Hugs!

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  16. JeanieFebruary 15, 2017 at 12:55 PM

    This post is so charming -- I wanted to be a guest myself and I almost feel like I am! Those spoons are a treasure -- what fun. Happy (belated) Valentine's Day, Sarah!

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  17. Preppy Empty NesterFebruary 15, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    All I can say, dear Sarah, is I am going to tell the Mister that I want to move to Austin so that I might be invited to one of your beautiful parties! Your collection of Queen of Hearts is positively stunning, and all of your MC is the perfect compliment. They crowns are darling and I bet they were yummy! The spoons are such a fabulous idea!! Hope you have a wonderful week, dear Friend!

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  18. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenFebruary 15, 2017 at 8:37 PM

    What a fun party, Sarah! I loved seeing all the variations of the Queen of Hearts, each so unique and darling in their own way. The table talk spoons sound like the perfect conversation starters, although I'll bet you "gals" don't need too many starters. La Madeleine had a Galentine's Day on the 13th, also. Thanks for sharing your fabulous party.

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  19. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonFebruary 15, 2017 at 10:53 PM

    So fun Sarah! I love each and every one of your Queen of Hearts! I heard about Galantines Day and it make me smile. We often refer to Valentines as Dalantines Day. Our youngest son, Dalan was born on Valentines and he dubbed it that years ago. :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  20. Blondie's JournalFebruary 15, 2017 at 11:38 PM

    This is so fun, Sarah!! Just a really creative, all out great time with your long time friends. It doesn't get any better than that! Your Queen of Hearts theme is so original as well as your table and place settings. Very creative and YOU! I will definitely check out the links for your menu (I love Monique, I follow her on IG). The spoons are such a fun idea as are the crown cookies. I can see a lot of thought goes into these Galentine's and I just love it!

    Jane x

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  21. BeverlyFebruary 16, 2017 at 5:19 AM

    Happy Pink Saturday,Sarah. What a perfect celebration. Everything looks magical. Thank you for sharing. ♡♡♡

    By the way, I would definitely choose Tom Hanks. He is a favorite for me.

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  22. JacquelineFebruary 16, 2017 at 6:57 AM

    Oh my! I am swooning over everything on this table! Those table talk spoons are so delightful. Have to get those for my next Lunch Bunch get together. The Queens are adorable. I would like a collection of those ladies. Everything from the heart shaped muffins to the crown cookies! I want a luncheon just like this! Of course, you MCs makes it all the more fabulous!

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  23. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasFebruary 16, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    Simply fantastic!! Love it!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  24. Ricki TreleavenFebruary 16, 2017 at 6:30 PM

    I must tell you a funny story. Tuesday night Trip and I went out for a casual Valentine's dinner before seeing a movie, and the hostess placed us beside a group of women celebrating Galentine's and they were a hoot! Trip and I giggled at them the entire time we were in the restaurant.

    Your party must have been too much fun. I love your decor, menu, and the spoons are so much fun. I bet the answers to the questions were fun. I bet the conversation was lively to say the least! You're the best hostess!!!

    xo,
    RJ

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  25. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 17, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    Dearest Sarah,
    Pieter and I also had a delicious Galentine's dinner, prepared by Lady Chef Maria at RISTORANTE DA MARIA: https://www.dublinfarm.com/ristorante-da-maria/
    She is cooking authentic Italian food and she herself is from Bolzano, Italy.
    That was yummy and here your table looks equally yummy. Thanks for those great recipes, especially the sweet potato corn bread I must give a try.
    Sending you hugs and wishing you good health and many happy years together!
    Mariette

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  26. Judy at GoldCountryCottageFebruary 17, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    Sarah, what a great celebration for Galentine's Day. I have never heard of that but such a wonderful idea, especially for you and your gal friends. Food sounds and looks beautiful. Will be printing out the recipe. I bet you all had such fun. I go out to lunch with my retired gal pals, even though we have fun, I think a dinner in one's home would be prefect..Happy Weekend..Judy

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  27. Dana of The Stone RabbitFebruary 17, 2017 at 5:36 PM

    HPS!! It looks like a fabulous Galentine's Day......I hope to remember that idea for next year....what fun!!

    Have a great weekend!! Dana

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  28. Karen (Back Road Journal)February 18, 2017 at 2:41 PM

    You do have the most wonderful collections…the queens of hearts are so much fun. I bet you and your friends look forward to your get-togethers. Your table and meal provided a lot of talk as well, I'm sure of that. Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day.

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  29. organicgardendreamsFebruary 19, 2017 at 10:36 AM

    Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment on my blog!
    Wow, I would say you went all the way out for the Valentine's Day dinner with your girl friends! I love the sweet potato cornbread muffins in heart shape.
    I have never heard about Table Talk Spoons, but I think that is a great idea. I can see that working very well for a dinner party were guests don't know each other, so that you have something to start the conversation with.
    Love the photo of Miss Sadie with the cyclamen and pansies as a background at the end! She is such a cute looking dog.
    Warm regards,
    Christina

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  30. PondsideFebruary 19, 2017 at 5:14 PM

    You and your friends certainly know how to make a holiday the very best it can be, Sarah. Your posts always make me smile - I always know I'll find something beautiful to see or to read.

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  31. MaggieFebruary 20, 2017 at 6:40 AM

    Sarah, you always set a beautiful table for your friends when you hold your special gatherings. Dinner looked delicious. I can see that you have been adding to your Queen of Hearts collection with some very special pieces. It all looks quite charming and I would have loved to have been there too. (BTW my answer would be - Tom Hanks!)
    Maggie

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  32. SnapFebruary 20, 2017 at 7:16 AM

    Your Galentine evening looks like a great hit. Your collection of Queen of Hearts made me smile and I adore MacKenzie-Child anything! Sadie is adorable! Happy Monday!

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  33. riitta kFebruary 20, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    Your Galentine table setting looks so elegant, joyful - and royal to me. The dishes look delicious... I'm sure your lady friends appreciated and enjoyed. Have a great week!

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  34. LorrieFebruary 20, 2017 at 11:30 PM

    Looks like a fun Galentine's Day celebration at your place, Sarah! So much wonderful colour and delicious food. Have a good week.

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  35. SylviaFebruary 21, 2017 at 10:28 AM

    Sarah, We used to have a Galentine celebration at my work for the ladies in the office. I should start something now that I am no longer in an office. Your Queen of Hearts collection is wonderful. Love your place setting. I'm glad your meal went well. I love the conversation spoons. I will have to check them out for my women's group. Thanks for sharing. Sylvia D.

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  36. The Stonybrook HouseFebruary 21, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    So much fun! Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!

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  37. The Charm of HomeFebruary 21, 2017 at 7:17 PM

    What a cute set up Sarah! The planter on the front porch is really cute. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  38. krishnaFebruary 21, 2017 at 8:39 PM

    So beautiful tablescape....love your blog..

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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  39. Judy at GoldCountryCottageFebruary 22, 2017 at 2:50 PM

    Hi Sarah. Just wanted to let you know that I made the Chicken Milanese and muffins for dinner on Monday. So good and felt so healthy. Really love those little muffins (I didn't make them as fancy and pretty as yours). I posted about it yesterday and gave you a well deserved shout out..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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  40. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonFebruary 22, 2017 at 8:48 PM

    Hi Sarah, just hopping in to let you know that you are being featured at SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  41. EilisFebruary 23, 2017 at 5:41 PM

    Those Table Talk spoons look like fun! Your table is just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing at Monday Social.

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  42. Woodside ParkFebruary 25, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    Sarah, you sure know how to entertain in style! Looks like a very festive and fun Galentine's Day celebration there. Cheers, L

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  43. Woodside ParkFebruary 25, 2017 at 12:23 PM

    PS - Please share more of Miss Sadie :)

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  44. handmade by amaliaFebruary 27, 2017 at 2:15 AM

    This is a gorgeous celebration, the table looks fantastic and fun, Sarah.
    Amalia
    xo

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