Lisa Leonard, a Luster-ware Tablescape, and a Giveaway at Heart and Home

Welcome back everyone! Thanks to all of you who joined Wednesday Gratitude, and for all the supportive comments. You ladies are the best, I really appreciate your kind words! There's always room for anyone who wants to join in, so feel free to link to the party next week.

I'm happy you've dropped by today, and I'm happy to be participating in Susan's 100th tablescaping party.  Stop over at  Between Naps on the Porch when you're done here, and prepare to be amazed.

Susan is one of the sweetest hostesses around, and I know you'll be glad you went by to say hi.

Tell her Heidi at Heart and Home sent you!

For this special occasion I pulled out the vintage luster-ware tea service I've had stuffed in a box and in storage under the house for about 3 years.

I ironed and layered the cut-work linens I got for a song on E-Bay. Well, I didn't actually sing, but you know what I mean.

I thought the Lily napkin rings added just the right touch of drama!

I imagined a tea party for just the two of us, you and me.

There are warm lemon-cranberry scones in the oven.

The water is starting to boil for a nice pot of tea.

I love green tea with jasmine, but you can have your choice.

I've got 2 or 3, or 20 to choose from.

And honey, and lemon, and milk. Fix it how you like it!

Or, I suppose I can make a pot of coffee, if you'd rather. But it's not the same when you have a tea party with coffee.

I know it's the middle of the day, but I'll light the candles anyway, 'cause it's a special occasion.

Besides, I always light the candles.

There's something extra nice about eating by candlelight.

My girls have grown up having their meals that way, and know how to get wax out of a tablecloth!

Isn't love wonderful? These two seem to think so.

Please, no smooching at the table.

I borrowed the tulips from the vase in the living room.

They look perfect in here and really brighten up the table.

And, in case you're in a really festive mood, I put out the gold-rimmed Noritake crystal wine glasses.

Because this is a celebration after all.

A glass of wine a day is good for you, or so I've been told.

The luster-ware was a find on E-Bay a few years ago.  I was the winning bid at $10.99 for a service for six.

It cost me $15.00 to have the box shipped.

Still, I thought it was a real steal for something so pretty, and vintage to boot.

There's a reason it's called luster-ware. Just look at that shimmer.

This set was made after the war, in "Occupied Japan"

Some was made in Bavaria, or later, in just plain "Japan".

I have a nice collection of different sets, but they are all packed away, waiting for that perfect dining room hutch that doesn't seem to exist. Believe me I've looked.

I'm not giving up hope that I'll find it one of these days.

In the meantime, I don't mind unpacking boxes, and digging through tissue and newspaper and bubble wrap, and unwrapping this treasure to share with you for our special tea party.

Congratulations, Susan, on 100 inspiring Tablescape posts. Thanks for letting us tag along and for sharing your creativity with us!!

And now, I've got some exciting news!!

You know there's a giveaway going on here at Heart and Home, to celebrate my one year blogging anniversary.
You do know that, don't you?
Well, the prizes just got even better, because Lisa Leonard, yes THAT Lisa Leonard, is throwing a $40 gift certificate into the pot.

That's a whole $40 to spend however you'd like, at her shop.http://lisaleonardonline.com/
If you like jewelry like this:

or this:

You'll want to get in on this deal! The gift certificate is in addition to the already fabulous prizes I've been collecting for you. Because I want to thank you for one very special year of bloggy heaven.

Believe me, if I could enter my own drawing, I'd do it just for the gift certificate. I really want one of those necklaces. Maybe I'll treat myself...

To enter, leave a comment.
For extra entries, become a follower or subscriber (or let me know if you are or do)
Refer a friend, or post about this giveaway and wow, that's two more entries!
It's so easy, the winning entry will be chosen July 31. Good luck! (for the official giveaway details, go here.)

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

Of course, I'm linking up to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch.