MMP Friday Shopping Event October 15th "Dressing your table for guests"
When I think back on my childhood, having family or friends to dinner was a really big deal. It always felt like a holiday or special occasion when we moved dinner into the dining room, and opened the up the china cabinet in search of special dishes, table linens and flatwear.I can still remember the feeling of excitement as I helped polish the silver and unwrap the special serving pieces. Each piece felt like a treasure. My mother always encouraged to use extra care when handling these special pieces. We were so proud to be trusted with this special task.
The china, once my grandmother’s, and now my mom’s, encouraged large family gatherings. Place settings for 12, filled every corner of the china cabinet. The hand-painted roses, still bright and glorious. I knew we were in for a treat, the minute I heard those glass doors open.
It was setting the table for guests, where I learned my right from my left. Placing the flatwear atop the freshly ironed linen cloth, in just the right order, was a lesson I learned early on. My mother had such patience with us, when I’m certain it would have been easier to set the table herself. She never complained if we were slow, or had questions about where a special piece came from. She was always happy to share the stories of her childhood, while we worked side by side. Our small hands, clumsy and unsure, her hands working deftly next to ours.When the table was set, we’d step back and admire our masterpiece. To a child, the table looked like it was set for a queen. Beautiful linen and lace tablecloth and napkins added just the right touch.
Spotless crystal water glasses, shimmering from the light of the candles, china place settings, each piece brimming with memories, an ornament to be admired by all. Dressing our table for guests was a ritual that not only made our guests feel special, but was a reminder of just how special they were to us.
Please visit the boutiques at Make Mine Pink, to dress your own table for your special guests.
Joyce Lucas, Founder
Make Mine Pink
Photo Contribution 1: Grandma G's | Photo Contribution 2: The Roseberry Cottage | Photo Contribution 3: Shabby Shan's Cottage
Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. I’m just getting settled back into my regular routine and enjoying some of the nesting that naturally comes with the season. 
If I were to close my eyes and conjure up images of an English Cottage, it would be surrounded by an explosion of colorful flowers, both inside and out. The porch, though small, would hold a whitewashed rocker, with even more fresh cut flowers peeking out of a tote hanging from the arm. A beautiful needlepoint pillow, stitched with a riotous bouquet of wildflowers, propped against the back for comfort. The first entry to my English Cottage would feel like home itself with a wreath on the door, welcoming you to step inside. 
Shelves and cupboards are an essential part of any English cottage. They’re often used for storage and for display. You might see a beautiful collection of vintage dishes, or a cupboard devoted to teapots and favorite teacups. Colorful tins that once held tea, now hold buttons and sewing notions. Hand embroidered tea towels and pure white linens, help fill the shelves until they’re called upon to celebrate a special occasion. 
The garden, visible from the kitchen window is ablaze with color and activity. Ivy climbs the trellises and arbors, colorful bird houses and wrought iron bird baths, a refuge for our aviary friends.
A well worn and much loved quilt, graces the end of my bed. The stitches tiny and even, the fabric almost transparent in spots. I find myself running my hands across the time-softened fabric and wondering about the families that loved this quilt before me. With much love and care, will it someday grace the end of my granddaughter’s bed? Will she trace the stitches with the tips of her fingers and wonder about the lives it touched before her? The antique armoire sitting close by, filled with newer quilts. Some modern, with fabrics bright and crisp. Someday, they’ll be faded and worn and proudly stacked with other heirlooms, both new and old. 
A hand or machine stitched treasure can be beautiful as well as practical. Handmade totes and pillows, stitched for style and practicality. Whimsical quilts, using the newest techniques and blended with treasured old fabrics, now faded with love. Each and every piece, beautiful in its own right and coming together in perfect harmony.
Do you remember the simple delights of childhood? How a cupcake could make you giggle and as far as you were concerned, polkadots belonged on everything. As I made the passage from child to adult, I found that some of the same things that gave me delight as a child, still brought a smile to my face. The little girl in me, always looking for an opportunity to relive the happiness of childhood. Then having daughters, the perfect excuse.
It’s the simple things like cupcakes and whimsical dots that bring us so much pleasure. So why not add a little whimsy to our lives? Because of this fun, new focus on whimsy, we’ve seen cupcakes and polkadots finding their way into even the most conventional lifestyles! Cupcake pillows and purses, fabrics sprinkled with delightful little cakes and colorful dots, framed prints of the grandest of cupcakes, piled high with whipped frosting and topped with a cherry, earrings dangling with the smallest of tasty confections. All a scrumptious reminder of the delight we feel when we take time to enjoy the simple things in life. The delight we feel when we let our inner child out to play, even if only for a moment.
Cupcakes and Polkadots remind us how easy it is to escape to a place where a little touch of whimsy can brighten a whole day. A bit of fun and delight in a world that can be demanding.
I love to surround myself with treasures from the past. They remind me of my favorite people, my favorite things, and especially my favorite moments in time. All of these memories have helped me become the woman I am today. I hope to pass some of these memories down to my own children, and their children too. Some will be by means of memories shared, and some will be treasured heirlooms from my past.
One of my most cherished pieces is Dad's old pocket watch. The hands of time are still moving, although a little slower than before. I remember him pulling the watch from his pocket so many times. The case rubbed smooth from use. 
As fall approaches, I love to take my mug of morning coffee outdoors and walk along the rose bushes. The same bushes that offered an abundance of roses during the summer are starting to show a little thinning, each needing their winter’s rest. The enchanting blooms beg the question “Will these be the last roses of summer?”
Roses lend themselves well to the fall decorating theme. The bright yellows will fit nicely into fall foliage bouquet. The wonderful black rose is perfect for the upcoming All Hallows’ Eve theme. Thanksgiving tables can be accented with fiery oranges. And when Christmas approaches, the red rose becomes the perfect flower for the season. The white rose welcomes the New Year. February brings the pink roses of love.
It seems like just a few weeks ago that I was awakened to the sweet melody of a robin cheerily singing it’s good morning greeting outside of my bedroom window. I knew spring had arrived, and the first of many feathered friends had arrived with that message. Spring and all of it’s glorious wonders was finally within reach. A time for new beginnings and rebirths. 
With the arrival of summer, our lives take on a slower pace. As the lazy days of summer roll in, we take the time to enjoy picnics, and outdoor family gatherings. Strolls on the beach replace our fast paced schedules. Before we know it, we start to notice the evenings are a little cooler and a few leaves beginning to change and drop. 
The fragrances of fall, fill you with expectation. The familiar scents reminiscent of feelings of peacefulness and contentment. You find yourself smiling at the memories of days gone by.
Vintage needlepoints, rescued, revived and trimmed with gorgeous new silks and trims. The marriage of old, rich in history, and new luxurious fabrics, exquisite!
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