Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Mother's Day Dinner





My sister went to Italy two autumn's ago with my mom and dad. They spent a little bit of time toodling around Rome. Then, they spent a week in Florence and wound up by accident in the very hotel where A Room With a View was filmed.  .... I know! They didn't have a view, alas, but did visit the river Arno and Santa Croce and everything, basically that E.M. Forster's heroine explored whilst there on her Romantic journey.

My sister, however, does not play Beethoven. She cooks! After Florence, my mom, dad and sister went down to Tuscany and spent some heavenly days touring vineyards and attending a cooking school at the "new" 17th century farmhouse where they were staying.

We, poor souls who were left behind, have reaped the benefits several times, now!!!!

On Sunday, she made a lovely dinner for us.


On the menu was


Cream of Asparagus soup with a dill garnish

Three cheese tortellini tossed with sauteed cherry tomato and basil

lemon ice

Frenched rack of lamb on a bed of mashed garlic red potatoes
with a side of grilled corn and red pepper infused with rosemary
and a port reduction sauce.

Panna cotta
(a vanilla cooked cream - yum!)




It was a lovely and meandering time. The Italian way is to linger over meals!




 



Present, were, my mom and dad, Mr. Tom, my 3 boys, my mother in law and her mother (great grandma), my sister and a very good friend of ours, Jillian. There were four mothers in all.




 




I used the Gien faience ware (the pattern is Lorraine Vert) that were given to us for our wedding. The lace table cloth (also, a wedding gift) that my Grandma gave us, is like the one that she used, time out of mind, for special occasions on her tables.




 






 





 



It was a light infused day. Passing clouds and and a few showers - the kind that splash raindrops on the window. My favorite!

It was hard to take a clear picture of this light soaked room. The hedge of blousy lilacs were glowing through the windows and bouncing in the puffing breeze. The cotton ball clouds and the blue, blue sky that were reflecting in the diamondlike pond, the glistening new green of the grass on the hill and those lilacs were all reflecting in the glass on the table and the china cabinet and the glass door to the kitchen - everywhere, it seemed.



Look at how the table is awash in gentle light. Sigh!



 






 






 






 






 












 





 Being able to set a lovely table was like a gift in itself. I am so glad to know that I'm not alone in this world and that there are others who are addicted to dishes and are happy, happy, happy when setting a table.

Therefore,

I am linking to Tablescape Thursday at


She has a lovely beach themed table set on her cozy porch; so, if you're dreaming of summer......ahhhhhhh!


It's a bit like a rummage sale. Look, here are my favorite finds:


You can hop on over and take a look - if you like rummage sales too! It's a vaaaary elegant rummage sale!


and



Show and Tell Friday at



Absolutely, goodness graciousness! You ought to see her lovely lace pillows! (and she has the most wonderful "lantern" with a nest and eggs in it - I think that was my favorite part but, it was kind of hard to pick what was prettiest in her lovely rooms.) Her show and tell is so fresh!


Wishing you the same lightness and brightness and loveliness in your life in whatever form is precious to you.



Love, Katy Noelle xo


P.S. For those of you who are regular friends who visit me in the sunny spot, please don't miss my last post. It wasn't even up for 24 hours. I think that everyone should know about Victoria Magazine and should have a chance to know about Nancy Lindemeyer's blog.  ~Thanks








46 comments:

  1. Katy ~ that is such a beautiful table setting! And your photos are wonderful ~ the light dreamy! I am thinking that sitting around that table with friends and loved ones eating a delicious meal in that inviting light would make any meal taste all that more yummy! So lovely!

    re: Comment on my "Bird Update" post ~ That is so wonderful you took that bird to the 'bird lady' ~ what a trip! We humans do so much to harm nature that I think anything we can do to help nature, helps with the karma! :)

    Have a lovely evening Katy!
    xo Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful setting, it sounds like you had a great Mother's Day! My favorite thing is the lace tablecloth and you captured the gentle light really well!

    ReplyDelete
  3. what a lovely, lovely table. i adore the lilacs. what a delicious menu. sounds like a great day!

    xo
    elyse

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your table is awash wigh such beautiful soft colors -- it sure looks like a table I would love to linger over.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautifully romantic table! I love all the blues and lavenders. Those lilacs are gorgeous! And I love your wedding china, too, and the pretty tablecloth your grandmother gave you. The whole tablescape is lovely.

    And how great that you got to benefit from the cooking classes they took in Italy! That sounds wonderful, and I can easily see how you could relax at the table and enjoy the ambiance of this setting because I enjoyed the photos so much. Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Tablescape Thursday!

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a lovely table and wonderful post. Your lavendar looks so pretty in the light. Happy Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very pretty table! I bet everyone just loved it! And your menu sounds yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Katy Noelle,
    So nice to discover your blog. Thanks for following me as well. I poured over this post. The light coming through on the table, your dishes and lilacs (mine are done) in the vase are just gorgeous. You describe everything so eloquently, and I am now even more excited to visit Florence in the Fall when No. 2 Son studies abroad. You have a beautiful blog.
    Delores

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a beautiful table setting! I have always dreamed of going to Italy and taking cooking lessons! How fortunate for your sister...and you...The menu sounds like it came from a five star restaraunt. I hope you had a great mother's day.. Terri

    ReplyDelete
  10. Any leftovers perhaps?!! Mind you, you;d have to send the table too for the right effect!! LOL! Absolutely beautiful! Cx

    ReplyDelete
  11. A lovely tablescape. I adore the lilac and the faience from Gien. The patten reminds me very much of similiar one by Luneville.
    Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  12. hello again,

    thank you so very much for the lovely comment you left at my guest post. i am just overwhelmed at what you wrote. it means so much to me and i will treasure it always (and no pun intended).

    thank you again!

    xo
    elyse

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've probably said many times before, but here it goes again: you have a lovely home. That table was perfect for a magazine! and that angel, I just love it!!! XXX

    ReplyDelete
  14. My dear-
    what a wonderful table! I am in love with these colours and in my next post I am sure, you wil laugh- I have nearly the same tablecloth from my grandma. I love these both lilac eggs- what is it? It looks great!
    A fantastic dinner- so much to eat- an 4 mothers at the table- full of love!
    I send you all my loving wishes- I feel ill since yesterday- so I am late for a comment- but its from the bottom of my heart :-)

    Hugs- Ines

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a beautiful table! Just gorgeous! Love the lilacs with the centerpiece and the dishes. Your images of your home in the sidebar are stunning. So nice to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Kathy Noelle,

    Just a quick note to say hi. Haven't read the text yet, but only looked (with an open mouth) are your table..... So beautiful!!! Will be back soon to catch up! Hope you had a lovely mothers day.

    Lieve groet, Madelief

    ReplyDelete
  17. Such a lovely table in all of it's lavenders and greens!! It is so pretty! I adore all the detail and your grandmother's tablecloth is splendid! I know without a doubt that your Mother's Day dinner was just as tasty here as it would have been in Tuscany. A beautiful post, Katy!

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, Katy! Dropping by to say, yes, I did read every word of your comments to me, and I appreciate every single word! :-)

    Sorry you've had cold weather. It was 80+ degrees here today. So summer is upon us. I fell down a flight of stairs and landed on brick and concrete a little earlier, so I might be holed up inside for a few days. Grace in action! ;-)

    I looked at your beautiful table again, and I love it just as much this time around. It's amazing. Those colors! Those luscious colors!

    Also just read that you're an opera singer. Soprano? Alto? One of my good friends is a mezzo, and her favorite opera is "Carmen." She makes a pretty sassy one, too! I'm a fan.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. You did set a pretty table and photographed it well! I love the lilacs -oh, and can I borrow your sister?

    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  20. So lovely! I can feel how much it meant to you!

    What a trip to Italy!

    Thank-you for sharing a moment in life!

    love, kelee

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lovely! What a pretty table! Love it!

    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful table, and I bet your day was very special!Renee

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovely table...your china is gorgeous. I can almost smell your beautiful lilacs!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Katy Noelle,
    What a pretty and romantic table setting. I love the lilacs and the beautiful dishes. I have the same tablecloth and haven't used it for ages, thanks for reminding me to take it out and give it some air!
    The menu sounds delicious. What good fortune to be able to share in such wonderful food!
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

    ReplyDelete
  25. Katy, I'm so happy you stopped by HFTS to visit because now I've found you. Your table is very beautiful. The lilacs surrounding the candle are lovely, and the dishes are charming. Thank you for sharing this beautiful table.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The colors here are just fabulous--what a beautiful table!!!
    And how wonderful to have your sister cook....and especially after being inspired by that Italian trip!!!

    Hugs, Lana

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just bought a large glass vase like the one you have as your centerpiece. I am inspired to try the white pillar and lilacs inside like the gorgeous display you created! Your table is so pretty! I love the white lace tablecloth and the china! The pic with the sun streaming on to the table is magnificent!

    DD

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a beautiful table and such sweet memories...and what a wonderful menu.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What an absolutely beautiful table! I know you had fun setting it for the special family meal, and I'm sure all the mothers loved it! Your china is gorgeous -- a new pattern to me -- and the lavender touches worked so well with your lilacs!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your table looks stunning! Nicely done!

    Jeanine

    ReplyDelete
  31. The stemware and china are so beautiful! Love the lilac centerpiece too!

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh my.. what a lovely setting! wish I could join you and enjoy the beauty of this setting..

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sigh...swoon...my heart is going pitter pat.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Katy, what an absolute gorgeous table. The colors! Those Lilacs! The candlelight glow. Stunning. I agree with my friend Laura, swoon. xo Lidy

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Katy, You are right my home will feature in the American version of, "The English Home" magazine next month. Your lilac pictures are beautiful,
    Love Helen xx

    ReplyDelete
  36. How beautiful and romantic everything looks.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a wonderful tablescape. I love lilacs.
    Kelly Bookend Diaries
    http://bookenddiaries.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Absolutely fabulously gorgeous! Loved loved loved it. Excellent job.
    Blessings,
    Eren

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh what a lovely table!!! And that menu sounds divine. Have a wonderful weekend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Katy,

    This is dreamy! The centerpiece is absolutely stunning! There is something so calming about lavender. I really like your place card settings to! It's all so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  42. p/s I just added you to my sidebar so I won't miss your posts! Love your sweet blog!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I am finally getting around to seeing all the TT postings & yours is absolutely LOVELY, Katy! I adore your lace tablecloth & the lilacs & the china & your pretty lavender napkins. All put together so beautifully.
    I ♥ the way your write (you ARE a romantic!) & just became a follower so I don't miss any more of your wonderful posts.
    Now to spend the next hour going back over some old ones. Must get a hot cuppa tea first! LOL

    fondly,
    Rett

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the plates with your goblets. They're adorable. I love roses therefore, this the reason I would die to get a set of those gorgeous treasures of yours.

    Happy week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Very pretty and I do believe I can smell the lilacs!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wow, Katy, the lilacs are amazing! I just love, love they way you have displayed them. Love the large vase and the candle with the lilacs. Thank you for telling me and letting me see. I so want to copy this... all I need is such a large vase now!

    ReplyDelete

Short and witty, long and heartfelt, just a blip to say hello - I love all of your comments! Feel free ...

ShareThis