Wednesday, July 21, 2010

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.

45 comments:

James said...

Simply too beautiful,thank you.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Gorgeous and how I would love to win....

jninecostumes said...

Love the color of ths Lustreware. I love scones, so I'll pull up a chair and wait while the water boils. And Congratulations on one year!

jninecostumes said...

Love the color of ths Lustreware. I love scones, so I'll pull up a chair and wait while the water boils. And Congratulations on one year!

Kari @ Mommy's Fabulous Finds said...

Hi, I'm the newest follower from Welcome Wednesday. I look forward to reading your posts.
Hope you have a great day

Please visit my blog at
http://shining2save.blogspot.com

I would love if you followed me back

Shannan Martin said...

Three cheers for Ebay! My husband used to crack up when I would tell him about something I "won". He felt like that was an overly optimistic presentation. ;)

Beautiful tablescape... And Lisa Leonard's work is just gorgeous!!

Jemsmom said...

What a gorgeous table. The colors are so unique and beautiful as is the luster ware! I am excited about your giveaway! I am keeping my fingers crossed especially for the Lisa Leonard necklace!!! I have my eye on a few!

Gypsy Heart said...

Just beautiful, Heidi. I love the cutwork placemats ~ I have some white ones and they just always 'feel' so special. Love the tulips too!

Sorry I didn't make it for our regular gratitude posts ~ :-(

This is a great giveaway and I would be delighted to win!

Have a wonderful rest of the week ~

xoxo
Pat

Allison said...

Heidi, Your tablescape is beautiful! I like the luster-ware. Adds a lot of pizzaz to the table! What a wonderful giveaway. I have been eyeing Lisa Leonard's necklaces for awhile. I have a big birthday coming up so just might have to treat myself. I am also a follower on your blog!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

Beautiful Tablescape!

vignette design said...

Lovely table Heidi! And yes, I love Lisa Leonard jewelry too, so sign me up!

gena said...

So, so pretty ! I have a set similar to that from my dear godparents hotel ( they owned a resort in the catskills during the 40's and 50's.... think Dirty Dancing the movie ). You've inspired me to dig them out and enjoy them again !!!


thanks for sharing,

gena
www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com

RedBettySummer said...

I have a thing for the Redwood Coast (I'm from WA state) so I knew when I came across your blog, I would be captivated. That lusterware is so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm excited to receive your blog subscription. Thanks for offering that option.

RedBettySummer said...

I have a thing for the Redwood Coast (I'm from WA state) so I knew when I came across your blog, I would be captivated. That lusterware is so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm excited to receive your blog subscription. Thanks for offering that option.

Entertaining Women said...

The parrot tulips are perfect with the lustre ware tea set and dishes. You set a beautiful table, and I love that you are teaching your daughters to carry on the fine art of tablescaping. Thank you for sharing your design. Cherry Kay

Kathy said...

Your tablescape is lovely -the lustreware is really pretty-you really did get a good deal on the set. -It will look pretty set for autumn tables too.

deb said...

Please don't wait for the "perfect" buffet (sometimes perfect doesn't exist :))- your lusterware needs to be out and about!! Beautiful...

Barbara said...

That lusterware is just gorgeous. You did a great job photographing it -really showing its shine. The cut work linens are so pretty. A lovely table indeed!

Tricia said...

What gorgeous lusterware! I have not seen any of the two-color type, and yours is wonderful. And what a bargain! You've set a beautiful table to show it off!

Unknown said...

So beautiful setting!!!

Hugs
Charo

Reginas Cottage said...

dear heidi,
your table looks wonderful.i love your lusterware and the white linen,
it looks gorgeous.just wonderful!!!!
have a nice thursday,
regina

craftyles said...

I also love the lustreware. My Mom has some small pieces and I just love it. You did such a pretty table using everything!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Love your lusterware, Heidi. Love the sheen on them and such pretty colors. I am so glad that you are having a Lisa Leonard giveaway, too. Please don't add me to the giveaway since I am having one, too.

Terry @ La Bella Vie said...

Wow, I just found you through
"Take mt Breath Away" and this is a wonderful blog you have!
I am positive you and I are cut from the same cloth we have so much in common! The only difference...I went into the medical profession instead of my passion; interior design!
Lovely to meet you and I am now your latest Follower:)
Terry

a quiet life said...

unique shade of dishes!

Celeste said...

So much loveliness... and yes - Lisa's jewelry: amazing.

celeste@mail4me.com

Celeste said...

just became a follower :) yay!

celeste@mail4me.com

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Heidi, Your lusterware is beautiful. I can;t believe the deal you got! i am now a happy follower! Linda

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a gorgeous tablescape! I love these dishes, and those wine glasses are very elegant.
Brenda

NomadatHeart said...

Wow!! What a giveaway! I'd love one of those necklaces! And your table is gorgeous. I'd come for tea. For sure.

Tess said...

Stunning table! The colors are beautiful. It is vintage and elegant!!!

sharon said...

I am new to your blog and loving it. Your tablescape is lovely. Would love to be the winner of your contest!

NomadatHeart said...

Wow!! What a giveaway! I'd love one of those necklaces! And your table is gorgeous. I'd come for tea. For sure.

NomadatHeart said...

And I've signed up via RSS so I get your lovely offerings straight to my inbox!! :o)

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Everything about your 'scape is lovely! The lusterware is fabulous and the tulips compliment it so well! I love that you light candles for regular meals with your family...now that's "celebrating" everyday! (I love candles too!)Funny about how your kids know how to get wax out - a valuable life lesson!
Happy 100th week of TT to you!

DD

Marigene said...

Stunning!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Heidi,
this lusterware is amazing pretty. I have never seen such a pretty combination of this orange with grey. How elegant this looks. And you have set it so well with this treasures of placemats and the wonderful centerpiece. I am so curious about the hidden rest of your collection. Thank you for sharing this pretty table.
Greetings, Johanna

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

I only became familiar with lusterware in the past ten years or so -- yours is glorious! Thanks for sharing.

Domestic Diva said...

Lovely! Thanks for the chance.

Domestic Diva said...

I follow on gfc

Dena E's Blog said...

Happy Sunday Heidi and Miss Maggie,,,BEAUTIFUL photos Sweetie,,simply stunning!!!
Blessings and Hugs Dena

black eyed susans kitchen said...

It is so rare to see vintage dishes like these actually used in a table setting. This tea set is swoon worthy...beautiful!

GwendolynKay said...

Your table setting is gorgeous!! please throw my name in the give away hat... I am a follower too.
Blessings:)
Gwen

Kelee Katillac said...

Love the lusterware...gorgeous!


love, kelee

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

Heidi, you took the words right out of mouth...I was about to say...no wonder they call it lusterware...what a shimmer and luster it has! Really is beautiful...so glad you brought it out from...did you say...under the house? :) It's too pretty to hide...you gotta find that china hutch soon! :) Your cutwork linens are beautiful! Happy 100TT and thanks so much for joing in for the celebration!