Thursday, May 21, 2009

Capturing Old World Memories with an Italian Scape & Foodie Friday

I'll be sharing the spotlight today with Susan, my sweet friend from "Between Naps On The Porch" for Tablescape Thursday, and with Michael Lee, from "Designs by Gollum" for Foodie Friday!
To start the day off right...I'm sneaking a peak up!
First, the Old World Memories...
I have a second cousin by marriage that I created a Family Heirloom Recipe Book to give as her bridal shower gift this weekend. I used handwritten recipes that I copied from her Great Grandmother that she shared a birthday with, and was named after as well~ The buttons were put on the outside of the cover of the album to create dimension and interest...they also belonged to her Great Grandmother.
In memory of the Great Grandmother, my husband's maternal Grandmother, that has since departed us, the petals of this rose all represent the wonderful layers of her life that she shared with us...and all the wonderful Italian traditions, recipes, and holiday dinners that we experienced in her home. I still remember when she taught me how to make home made cavatelli's! The loving care she gave each family member while on earth remains with us today in a special time capsule that from time to time we open up when we see one of her recipes or something we have that used to belong to her.
For the first page in the book, I decided to create a Table of Contents that lists the recipes I included in the book, as well as some notes of interest personally to the Bride to be. All recipes were placed onto a marbled pink heavy hard stock paper and were slipped into high grade plastic sleeves.
Here is a look at how a few pages of the recipe book look...
One of my favorite recipes of hers is one used with Ricotta Cheese, every Italian's favorite staple for any baking or cooking is Ricotta Cheese! ;) This recipe can be used for filling between cake layers, used for cream puffs, or can be eaten as a dessert by itself.
For my scape for one today, you'll see traces of my Blue Italian Spode...it seemed perfect to share my Italian Spode on an Old World theme day showcasing this fabulous history of my husband's Grandmother.
And here is my place setting for one ~ Blue Italian Spode style~
Be sure to visit with other participating posts at Susan's today for tablescapes and Michael's on Foodie Friday!
~Ciao for now...
~CC Catherine

51 comments:

Unknown said...

That Blue Italian Spode is to die for! It looks so inviting! Stop by and see my table setting, if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking on "Follow" in the right hand column. This way we can inspire one another frequently! Be sure to stay a while when you're there and enjoy the experience!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Catherine,
Love your post and the shower gift is unique and really a true treasure. You are ao talented and this creation is very special.

I love your Italian spode, and being Italian, I have a few pieces that I add to my Blue Willow handed down to me from my grandmother and mother. I love that touch of blue in my Tuscan Kitchen.
Beautiful table for one you have shared.
Just got your email. I wrote back.
See you soon.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Catherine, that has got to be one of the most thoughtful and neat presents ever! She will cherish that for years to come!

And those recipes! YUM! And your place setting is perfect to showcase the Italian theme...

XO,

Sheila (who was able to access your blog) :-)

The Raggedy Girl said...

How lovely and what a wonderful gift, a true treasure.

The Raggedy Girl

Kathleen Ellis said...

What a lovely idea for a wedding gift, Cath! I'm sure she'll love it!
Hope you guys have a FABulous weekend!
xo ;-D

ps...the peony is silk! :-)

Tammy518 said...

Oh, wow, what a wonderful gift, and such a great tribute to you DH's grandmother! Love your table setting also!

Carrie said...

What a lovely and thoughtful bridal gift. It is sure to be a treasured heirloom!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

CC,
You are so thoughtful my friend! That is really a beautiful gift and the table is so lovely! I love those napkin rings and of course the The Blue Spode! Have a wonderful Memorial Day Week-end! Cindy

Blondie's Journal said...

Catherine,

I don't think I have ever heard of a more thoughtful gift! This took a lot of time and love and I am sure the bride~to~be will just love it.

The recipe looks yummy and I clicked on larger to see that dish full of fruit and treats!! Very pretty tray that had all of us Spode lover's green with envy!

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

xoxo
Jane

Chandy said...

First off, I love those placemats and will be using them soon!

That table is gorgeous, wow! All the great Italian feast to enjoy on them. Mmmm... I'm hungry now!

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I love the blue italian spode!
Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan

Stephanie said...

I would love a gift like this. It's so meaningful. She will treasure it forever. It really is the best idea I have heard of in a long time.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

What a fabulous wedding gift. I'm sure she will love it!! Your blue Italian Spode is great. Love your little scape. Also, I received the plate I won from your little giveaway. I posted about it yesterday on my blog on my What's on your wall Wednesday post. I gave a shout out to you. Thanks for having the giveaway. And I love the plate.

Lady Katherine said...

The Blue Spode China is so pretty! Could not take my eyes off it! I love the recipe book you creating using the Grandmother's Photo on the front! Such a wonderful idea! I need to do this for my children. I started it once or twice or more and never finished them. I love the little touches you have done with the album.

Kammy said...

Hi There !
You know I love your Spode...mine is slowly increasing....I really like your old world memories and a great way to do it with food.
Thanks for sharing !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Mary@ Boogieboard Cottage said...

Your blue Italian Spode is just beautiful, nice touch with the floating star candle too. :O)

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

What a great idea - love the Spode!

Barbara said...

Catherine, Personal gifts like yours mean so much more. I am sure she will realize the time and love that comes with the recipe book. Very creative and thoughtful of you.

The Blue Italian Spode is breathtaking.

Jojo said...

What a sweet and thoughtful gift. But then again, that is you! I still treasure the lovely lambs notecard from the blog gathering (and I get so many compliments on it in my office)!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Great post! Just beautiful.

Karen said...

Oh my goodness what a wonderful gift!!!! I wish someone had done that for me! :) I had to spend an entire day with Grammie when I was 23 cooking and writing down all of the recipes that I wanted to learn how to cook. But it was a fun day! I mean, an Italina grandmother ? talk about God Eats!!!
Love the Spode. I just got a Spode dinner plate, "At the Mill" for 99 cents at Goodwill! Could you hear me singing all the way to your house? YAY!
Hugs! Karen

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I'm sure she will love the cook book you created. It not only is very pretty, but a sentimental treasure.

Deb said...

What a grand idea to honor your relatives and keep all of their recipes! I have several of my beloved grandmother in her sweet handwriting. I am going to honor her with your idea!
Thanks, Catherine!!!

Joy Tilton said...

Catherine this is a priceless gift! I love the handwritten recipes and the buttons that were hers make the album so personal. I'm still having problems with my posts. It just looks blank except for the pictures. I don't think it's my computer since everything else will pull up ok. I am thinking it's just Blogger. Have a good weekend sweetie!
joy c. at grannymountain

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just beautiful my friend...love the cook book how special is that for a new bride..your table everything is wonderful...hey girl I have the recipe to even made Ricotta cheese from my Late Hubby's step Mom...oh girl its so good and easy which I really like...May you have a great memorial weekend my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Brenda Pruitt said...

The blue and white Spode is breathtaking! And arranged so artfully. Always love to read about family heirlooms and memories.
Brenda

Joyce said...

What a thoughtful treasure to pass along in the family.
Joyce

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh that cobalt blue charger is gorgeous, and it really sets off the Spode to perfection! Love the idea of the cookbook-especially the photo on the front with the buttons that belonged to grandmother. What a treasure you created. laurie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a fabulous idea for a bridal gift. I know it will be appreciated for years. Your Spode is just gorgeous and I love the tablesetting. So pretty. Hugs, Marty

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May you have a wonderful Memorial day weekend my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Kathleen said...

What a lovely gift! Such wonderful memories..
And your table is so very pretty in blue, too!

Bernideen said...

I love family recipes!

SmilingSally said...

What a thoughtful shower gift; I'm sure that the bride will treasure it. I love your blue Spode too!

claudie said...

Hello dear friend.
Your personal attention to special gifts is one of your beautiful talents. Nothing like that from "target"!!!
She will enjoy grandma's favorites just like you. Can't wait to taste some of them...yum yum
Hope your relaxing today...take it easy, put your feet up and enjoy your Memorial Weekend.
Talk to you soon
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

A very thoughtful and beautiful gift! The Ricotta cheese recipe sounds so good! I wrote it down and hope to try it! I love cheese and and in the form of a dessert...well...all the better! Your Blue Italian spode is lovely! Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend! Hugs!!

Sue said...

Hi CC....what a great idea to give a new bride...I started a recipe book for Miss Sophie and will give it to her when she turns 18...when she may have an interest in cooking...I put the date on the page that I wrote the recipe and some little line or two like...
"Today Mom took you to the circus in New York." or I tell her what I was doing on that day...I thought it was a cute idea...I like how you did your cover, mine is just a book from Barnes...

Tamara Jansen said...

Love your photos!

A Joyful Chaos said...

I enjoyed your lovely post very much!
Your recipe book, I am sure will be cherished!

Claudie said...

Tag your it.
Come on over.
Love Claudie
xoxoxo

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

CC, I'm just stopping by to say hi. Been missing you. Hope everything is okay. laurie

Anonymous said...

Hi there,

Oh what a rich, lovely post! Love the handwritten recipe - sweet.

xJ
MaidenShade.wordpress.com

xinex said...

What a thoughtful and wonderful wedding present. If that does not bring tears to her eyes, I don't know what would. And your Italian plates are gorgeous!....Christine

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

I think summer has become a distraction.... There seems to be many (bloggie) friends absent. I've been a bit guilty myself of wanting to be outdoors rather than at the computer indoors.
I didn't see a Foodie Friday for this week at Miss Gollums.
Thankfully there are a few up from last week to see.
The Blue Italian Spode was so precious. Isn't it a treasure to have recipes that were created by the hands of those we love. What a wonderful gift.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Dixie said...

CC... I had to copy down that cake filling recipe.. I think I'll spring it on Ricky's family at the next family gathering... looks delicious... and I always love when you post your blue and white...

Thought I'd let you know.. I'll be posting about my beautiful apron on Rhondi's 2nd annual porch party this coming Monday...

have a beautiful weekend...
blessings. Dixie

Helen said...

You are one special lady,
Ms. Catherine!

Anonymous said...

Catherine,
Thanks you for stopping by...with your prayers and support....I got my computer up and going. the reipe book is just beautiful....what a treasure to recieve for a weeding gift. You did a fantastic job....Have a wonderful week...Smiles and Hugs..Katherinellen

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

When you get a chance check out my blog. I am taking a poll to see who would like to join a Cloche Party. Let me know. Thanks, Hugs, Marty

Tomarie said...

What a thoughtful and kind gift you made for your cousin!!
Your tablescape is lovely! L~

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a thoughtful gift for the bride ~ an heirloom in the making for sure!

The Italian Blue Room Spode is beautiful! I need to pair mine with some silver beads, too! Stunning little white table, toO!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

The Bloom Girls said...

The ricotta filling looks amazing! I will have to try it! Hope you are doing well! Would love to get together for lunch again soon, it was so much fun at Susans!

Take care and have a great weekend!

Karyn

Carol said...

Beautiful! Thanks, also for the recipe!