I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve made a purposeful effort to invite friends over for a meal. I thought that 2019 might shape up to be the year I started entertaining more, but then I got a new job that was mentally exhausting and I moved to a new home that took literally everything I had physically and financially. So my thoughts about “having friends over for lunch” didn’t really pan out. I did host my annual Christmas cookie exchange in December – which was (and always is) so much fun – but that was really it for “entertaining.”
But the thing is, I really want to do this! I want to welcome friends (and family) into my home and share meals and set pretty tables that people actually enjoy for dining, and so finally I decided to stop wishing and just do it. So a few weeks ago I contacted two friends and invited them to lunch, and wouldn’t you know it, they both accepted – for the same date! This past Sunday I served a simple but lovely “ladies luncheon” for my long-time dear friends Shirley and Kathy. We enjoyed Lemon Herb Chicken Ring (a Pampered Chef recipe) and a guilty-pleasure favorite, Jell-O Cheesecake, for dessert.
The table was a slightly pared-down version of a Spring table I set last year… I really loved these dishes together in that table setting and knew I wanted to use them again. The dinner plates are Martha Stewart Everyday – I call this the boxpleat pattern, but I’m sure it has another name. Dessert plates are Homer Laughlin Eggshell Georgian “Marilyn” in pink and blue.
Flatware is “Napoleon Bee” by Wallace – available on Amazon! Glassware is “Whitehall” by Indiana Glass, in crystal, though I also have them in pink and blue.
And my serving piece is a yellow Depression Glass cake stand – I think it’s by Heisey Glass.
Of course the real treasures at this table were the three of us… we’ve known each other for a very long time, and “back in the day” our families used to go to classic car shows together all over the country. Hobbies and interests evolved over the years and we haven’t kept up with the car shows – in fact even though we live fairly close to one another it had been about 10 years since we all three had been together… until this happy little luncheon! I’m so glad I got to see these special ladies!
I’m sharing this sweet “ladies luncheon” tablescape for Tablescape Thursday over on Susan’s blog, Between Naps on the Porch. If you would like to see more pretty tables set on a budget, please join my Facebook Group, Thrifty Tablescapers. It’s chock-full of inspiring, budget-friendly table settings!
Please note, this post contains my affiliate link to Amazon. If you click through using my link to purchase Napoleon Bee flatware, it costs you nothing extra but I earn a small commission. Thank you for using my link if you desire!
