Friday, December 18, 2009

Puttin On The Ritz with a Classy "or" Vintage Tea Theme for a Holiday Luncheon!

I recently posted about an event called "Beautiful" held at my church here in GA. This was our second year for it and it's always so much fun. I wanted to feature two tables that were hosted that used a "Tea" theme. This first one was created by a lady named Bobbi, it's the "Classy" style theme. Notice how she used a jewelry hanger for her centerpiece that flowed with silver jewels? Her color palette consisted of silvers, white, black, mirrored items, and crystal. Just the right mix for a totally classy look~
I hope you can see these fabulous chargers underneath her china. They are the fanciest chargers I've ever seen and were oohed and awed over all evening.
The tea set was part of the decoration, not functionally used for the event. So, even though you may not drink tea yourself......grab up that silver teapot at the GW~It makes a lovely centerpiece... The name card holder below fit the bill....a glittering silver shoe.
Voila.....a totally Classy Tea Party theme for a perfectly divine Holiday luncheon! You'll also see in the pic below that she used white bridal netting and wrapped it around the top of the chairs for a special affect.
Now for the Vintage Tea Theme! I've showed a few pics here and there of this table, as it was hosted by "Moi". :) Back in early 2009, when I participated for the first time in Tablescape Thursday, I brainstormed on what napkin rings I could use because I didn't really have that many sets. Using the same idea with this Vintage Tea theme, I'll share with you how I created them. I rummaged through my brooches in my jewelry box and then purchased new white pony tail holders. I pinned the brooches to the pony tail holders and slid them up over the napkins. The idea was one of the "a`ha" moments of the evenings for using what you have instead of going out to buy new in economically tough times. The young lady that was my guest took this PARIS brooch home as a gift from moi to her.
The china I used was mismatched intentionally, as I wanted everyone there to see that I had used mostly "misfits" to pull together the Vintage look., but also for a deeper purpose. Early on when I came up with this theme, I felt it served a spiritual purpose for the evening. So many times our lives feel messed up, we feel like we're not good enough, used baggage...and maybe will never "fit in" to what society approves of. Sometimes "we've" been tossed by the wayside like a stray piece of china put in the GW box for delivery. Intentionally, I pulled this table of misfits together as a message to all that sat at my table. I told each of them that GOD sees us all totally beautiful, regardless of any mess ups we've made, regardless of anything that has defined us in our past. HE loves us unconditionally for "who we are", not for "what we've done".
My "Tea~mutts" (mismatched tea cups and saucers) were showcased at the event. Another example of taking what I've found here and there and saved it to make a grand entrance at a grand affair. Little did each of them know they'd one day be Puttin on the Ritz at an event like this one! :)
The beautiful gold baroque oval photo frame is used flat on the table to showcase the elevated Teapot and silver jingle bell garland. All the items were either purchased at GW or were hand me downs with the exception of the mercury glass item turned upside down to serve as a stand for the red bejeweled picture frame that I used to hold my table number.
The Wedgwood blue tea tins had been awaiting this event for a few years now. I purposefully had been saving them for such an event. The pansies were just the right posie to smile when the guests arrived at the table. I used a floral pick and attached a clear wrapped Tea Bag with a bible quote on it and then put the guests name on a white flower shaped cut out and taped to the wrapped tea bag.
A Vintage event wouldn't be complete without borrowing something. So...I borrowed the gold chargers and silver flatware from my sister Becky. There was a time in my life that I thought "I had to own it all". But, again, tough times helps us to make better choices... borrow versus spending makes $mart Cents! :) And, what a lovely way to say "Welcome" for any Holiday Tea Luncheon guests~
I hope you've enjoyed both the Classy & Vintage Tea Party Luncheon themes today. Now...don't forget...it's "who you are today" that counts, you are a treasure to behold! :)
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! And...be sure to drop by Susan's at "Between Naps On The Porch" to experience other wonderful Tablescape Ideas!
Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah
~CC Catherine











16 comments:

Jeanette said...

What a delightful tea. Everything is just lovely and romantic, makes me want to have a tea this week. Thanks for sharing.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Catherine, both of these tables are just exquisite. I love the shimmer of the first one, however the mis-matched one that you did just stole my heart. I love that you took every single piece of precious misfit china and used it in such a beautiful setting, making each piece so special. Your message for the tablescape is just perfect. Such a beautiful and loving table. I hope you and all your family have a Blessed Christmas. Hugs, Marty

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

CC, the tables are so pretty. I love your idea of mixing everything. It makes the table much more interesting. And what a fabulous idea for napkin rings! I'm wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas. laurie

Connie said...

Yessssss, absolutely gorgeous and sooooo elegant, sugar!!! Just beautiful.
xoxo,
Connie

claudie said...

Dearest CC, you have a way of making all of us feel special. How one can decorate a table to look like a million dollars with all the "miss fits" is a gift. I'm so happy to be your BFF. I am blessed.
Sending you hugs, and we will talk on the telephone next week. I want to hear all about your Xmas day events.
Going shopping, hope your doing the same lol
Love Ya in our -4 degree weather. brrrrrrrrrr
Love Claudie
oxooxoxo

Lori (All That Splatters) said...

What a great tea for everyone!! It's all so elegant and chic!

Helen said...

Only YOU could have produced such a ritzy post! The napkin holder idea is pure genius.
Happy Holidays Catherine.

The Fajdich Times said...

How lovely! Merry Christmas:)

Kathy said...

What a beautiful event, Catherine. You just have the knack of making everything you do special and lovely!

Merry Christmas, My Friend...Kathy

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

The table looks so very lovely. I'm sure everyone had a wonderful time. Our church is having a day of pampering for the caregivers in our church. I am a table hostess. It is for those who take care of ill or handicapped persons. They will get massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, and a luncheon.

Happy holidays to your and your family.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Catherine...these are wonderful! Love your tablescape with the tea mutts and Wedgwood Blue tins. You are so creative! What a sweet theme/message for your tablescape. Merry Christmas, sweet friend!
Susan

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

I can see why this would be called "beautiful" -- it most certainly is! Love the mis-matched cups -- this is all lovely.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Many Blessings at Christmas, from my mountain top to your home….Hugs and Smiles Gl♥ria

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Just popping in to wish you a very Happy and Blessed Christmas. See you after the holidays. Hugs, Marty

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, how wonderful! Loved seeing all of this, but yours takes the cake, CC! Love it! You are so creative and made your table work to perfection.

Wishing you a very, very Merry Christmas!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Bernideen said...

Loved those tables and also enjoy your blog - I don't always comment but am here often!