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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tablescape Thursday Brunch!

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday!

One of the most anticipated days of the week in Bloggertowne is
Tablescape Thursday.


At least, I know it is for me.

It's a day filled with beautifully showcased tables and cherished family dishes and serving pieces...presented by some extremely talented ladies.

And speaking of talented...I would be remiss if I did not thank our Hostess for
Tablescape Thursday -

Thank you, Susan, for being our hostess.

Please make sure you stop by her blog to enjoy her lovely offering, and see a full list of all Tablescape Thursday participants.





Our azaleas are almost in full bloom.


Our whole yard is a wonderment of pink, fuscia and white blooms. In another few days - these beauties will reach their peak. I can tell that's it azalea time by the number of cars that come by and take photographs. Our home has been featured in a few of the local papers, and also on the front of a Homes Magazine.






I can't take responsibility. The kind, older gentleman who custom built this home planted hundreds and hundreds of these on the almost 5-acre property.







He said they were his wife's favorite flower.


When the azaleas have a good year - i.e. when the deer do not eat all the blossoms, when I have fertilized correctly - and when the sun and the moon and the stars converge into a harmonious pattern - they are without a doubt the prettiest thing that Mother Nature can offer during Spring.




This is my favorite color.


Each year, Mr Grits and I have the same conversation. Do we wanna take out some or all of the azaleas. Why you ask? Because to be honest, when these bushes are not in bloom, they are simply not a very attractive bush. And when your whole yard is covered in them....well, you see my point.




.(view from my front porch)


So I guess you are asking....is she gonna talk about "Azaleas" the whole time?


Isn't this a Tablescape post? LOL


I want to share a few pics of what I see when I am standing in the kitchen...



The arched window in my Morning Room beautifully frames my yard and the
luscious, fuscia blooms.


So...I said to myself..."Self, I think we should have a "Mother-Daughter" Brunch or Tea....




And it should be held right in front of this window.


But, which one? A Brunch or a Tea? hmmmm....I asked my "daughter"....



Baby Lily chose the Brunch. :-)


Now - I am sure you are assuming that with all those pretty pink and fuscia blossoms so abundant in my yard, I would choose a color theme that was reflective of the view.




Nope. I have been wanting to use this new tablecloth for a few weeks now.


I found this lovely at Marshall's.

Doesn't the pale yellow and blue paisley design look lovely with my Staffordshire Blue plates?




Besides....Baby Lily thinks pink and blue go together fine.




I whipped up a batch of

Barb's Egg "M.A.C." Muffins

(M)ushroom, (A)sparugus, and (C)heese ! :-)

I will be featuring these tomorrow for

Foodie Friday!





I also roasted some veggies....asparagus, sweet red peppers, baby squash

and baby zucchini ....mmm......





I served both on my vintage, silver teacake caddy.

But, first....Baby Lily wanted soup...





So I served Chilled Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup with Toast Points.



I used two of my larger-sized vintage Victorian creamers to serve the soup.



Instead of a napkin holder, I simply threaded the napkin through the handle of the creamer.





A sprig of fresh rosemary from my herb garden adds a splash of color...



No Southern Brunch would be complete without Iced Tea.
I used Mr Grit's mother's cobalt blue goblets.




I made a fresh pitcher of Lemon-Cranberry Tea.


I'll share that recipe at a later time.




It's a simple table. No frills, no jewels - just simple food...



... pretty dishes and goblets...




... and a white pitcher filled to the brim with white azaleas, rosemary sprigs
and some leftover yellow daisies from my Easter flowers.




I also added a mini-white pitcher filled with

Garlic-Chive Aioli Sauce.


I love a bit of this classic, French sauce over the egg muffins.


Baby Lily took a pass on the sauce as she is not a fan of garlic breath!



I added this small candle, even though the daylight was more than ample.


My son, Blake, brought this small, hand-painted, Delft candleholder back from
the Netherlands when he went on a school class trip.


This small silver and cobalt candy dish holds extra toast points...
Baby Lily likes to dip them in her soup.


Baby Lily said all this Brunching Business makes her sleepy.
She's glad it's a Brunch
because there is still plenty of time to get in a late-morning,
early pre-lunch nap.
Besides, she has to make her poster to hold up at this afternoon's
Tax-Day Tea Party!
I haven't had the heart to tell her there will not be dainty tea cups
and scones there. :-D
Please join me tomorrow for Foodie Friday...





I will share with you my oh-so-simple recipe for
Barb's Egg "M.A.C." Muffins ...




...and Roasted-Veggies w/ Rosemary
Until then....I wish you and yours...





Pin It!

54 comments:

  1. Aaaahhh! I am there! what a lovely brunch! the food looks fabulous!
    Your azaleas are stunning, too, and I know exactly what you mean about when they're not in bloom...we took ours out for that reason!
    Happy TT!
    ;-D

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  2. Hi Barb, just discovered your charming blog today! Your pictures are so lovely. Beautiful!

    Your porch project sounds divine. I will be out of town that day but look forward to your next plan.

    Thanks for visiting Bella Vista...you comment was lovely.

    Barb

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  3. HI Barb~~~Just simply beautiful! Our azaelas are so worth it, aren't they?
    Love your wonderful food, table, everything! Baby Lili is one smart girl and just so precious.

    Thanks for the beautiful post!

    Hugs,
    Lynn

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  4. Hello Barb,
    Those pictures remind me of going to Greensboro NC to visit my grandmothers'family. The beautiful landscaping and the way you southern ladies can make a tomato sandwich look exquisite. This is far from a tomato sandwich though, what a great tablescape and spread for lunch.

    Have a great day!
    thehummingbirdcottage.blogspot.com

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  5. simple you say......simply fabulous, I say!! It looks beautiful and the food looks scrumptious!!!

    Suzanne

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  6. That is a stunning post - the azaleas, the table, the fab food - wow! Beautiful! Linda

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  7. Beautiful! I love azaleas _when they bloom_, just like my wisteria!!!! Your table is lovely and the new tablecloth sets everything off. But no Jewels!!!! I'll gladly come and enjoy a meal with you any time!!!!! :D Jewel

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  8. I sure do love azaleas (especially vibrant ones planted with love), but that blue and yellow tablescape is just dreamy! I have always loved blue and yellow together. My mom has Blue Willow and I drool over it every time we visit. She uses them as her everyday dishes, and I love that... love what you have and USE it, I say!!! (Oh, by the way... Baby Lily earns you extra points. How precious is she?????)

    Blessings, Barb!

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  9. Your flowers are beautiful, your table is beautiful, your dishes are pretty and the food looks fabulous. I love it all...thanks for sharing! Connie

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  10. Barb, Your tablescape is so pretty. I love the colors. And the food looks awesome. What a wonderful view you have out your kitchen window. The azaleas are beautiful. I love your blog so much! Hugs, Terrie

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  11. I just love azaleas -- I just wish they would stay in bloom longer. Now my "boys" are quite jealous of the brunch you share with your kitty!

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  12. The azalea's are a favorite of mine!! Gorgeous!

    Your table is beautiful and the meal looks delicious!

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  13. Your yard looks like a park. Your table looks like it came out of a magazine and I can't wait to get your recipes tomorrow. Thank you for the lovely post.

    Roberta Anne--The Raggedy Girl

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  14. Mouth is watering! I am now going to go make dinner! Lovely tablescape!

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  15. Your azaleas are incredible! What a color show! And your table looks so inviting and I can't wait to see how to make the M.A.C. muffins!
    See you tomorrow Barb~
    ~Really Rainey~

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  16. No. That's the answer whenever anyone asks the question about removing the azaleas!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The view is spectacular! And yes, you could go on and on about them. In the midwest, it's still cold and rainy so I LOVE hearing about all those flowers...and because pink is my favorite color!

    But no, you didn't stop at the gorgeous flowers-you added a lovely spot for brunch, then a gorgeous tablescape (My favorite
    to date I believe!) and then that awesome food! You were really over the top this week in all categories!

    Now that I have calmed down a bit from your lovely flowers, I must comment on your tablecloth-it is divine with your dishes. Just divine.

    Thank you for a lovely tablescape this week.

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  17. Barb,
    I just went like WOW! The azaleas are breathtaking and the table and food your serving are incredible. I love the blue and yellow and the china and the..... just everything. Great Job, you should be proud! Cindy

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  18. Lucky you to have so many gorgeous flowering bushes planted by the previous owners. I love your menu. My favorite is your tablecloth. It is so so so pretty.
    Joyce

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  19. Barb, this post was just filled with beauty! The flowers, that lovely tablecloth, your dishes, your stemware - all beautiful, but that food is spectacular! I can't wait until tomorrow! laurie

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  20. Hi Barb...Your azeleas are just gorgeous! What a wonderful view! I loved your tablescape...so pretty! You know those are my favorite colors! Baby Lily made a good choice for the brunch! The food looks so yummy!!! Everything is scrumptious!!...hugs...Debbie

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  21. Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I love azaleas while they are blooming, but like you, I don't like them the other 48 weeks of the year! LOL!
    I can't wait to see your recipes on Friday!!

    Thank you for all the sweet comments and for nudging your followers over in my direction! It really means a lot to me!

    {{{{HUGS}}}}

    Robin :o)

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  22. What a beautiful view - I love azaleas and wished the blooms would last longer. Brunch looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.
    Glenda

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  23. * A happy, pink abundance of Azaleas, a super-charming, french-like table of blues n' yellows, TRULY mouth-watering food AND a nice friend to enjoy it with~~~ Wow, Barb!~~~ "Yer the ma'am"!!! Hugs, Linda *

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  24. Barb, this is just gorgeous. The menu also sounds soooo good. I love the Eggs M.A.C. Muffind, they look wonderful and the combination of ingredients sounds good. I'm hungry. Your new tablecloth and dishes are so pretty. Everything is just beautiful and such a pretty setting in front of the window. Also your Azaleas are stunning. Hugs, Marty

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  25. Do you have a new header? or am I just old...
    love the Azaleas and your yard!!
    The blues and yellows on your brunch table are magnifik! I am so impressed with your menu and presentation too!! You really know how to whet the appetite!! Blessings....

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  26. Wow! You really put it all together this week! Those flowers are amazing! Your table setting and all that yummy food put me to shame. If my family sees this, they will start expecting food with the tablescaping! Everything looks fabulous!

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  27. Wonderful brunch, delicious food, gorgeous table setting and dishes and a great view....can't get any better than that!...Christine

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  28. Lily made a good choice the food looks so yummy. Wish I had some now! Your table is beautiful and can only be surpassed by the glorious view! Gorgeous azaleas - so pretty. Love the tablecloth. I love the blue and yellow combination. Lovely.

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  29. Barb... being in south Texas... I think I miss the Azaleas the most... It's just too dry and hot here in the summer for them to survive. They never get the size of yours... thanks for sharing them today... it makes me miss "back home" even more...

    oh.. and what a beautiful view from your beautiful tablescape...

    blessings. Dixie

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  30. How do I love this table setting? I could go on and on...What creativity in the way you use your dishes and serving pieces. If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be the way you put the napkin through the little pitcher handle. Great ideas and inspiration ~ and the food looks absolutely delicious!

    J

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  31. Hi Barb, Thank you for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment. I really enjoyed your tablescape post. Your flower garden is gorgeous! And I love the colbalt blue and yellow table setting, and Baby Lily is adorable. :O)

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  32. I must clean my keyboard now from
    drooling at your tablescape and FOOD (I do love FOOD) so, so pretty
    and those azaleas - I never seen
    so much pretty color - and that
    window shot - you are a professional ! Hugs ~ Kammy

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  33. Hi Barb,
    Thank you so much for visiting me today. Please stop by again anytime!

    I totally am in love with your blog. In fact, I just added you to my blog roll. It is homey and cozy! Your azaleas are just amazing. I have never seen so many beautiful blooms in my life. Gorgeous tablescape today.

    I will definitely be back to your lovely blog! Amy

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  34. Your table looks lovely! You can never go wrong with blue and white. Can't wait for tomorrow's recipe.

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  35. Another blue and yellow tablescape...so pretty! I've got to find some yellow linens soon!

    Have a great day!

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  36. Hi Barb, another lovely table and a great recipe. Your morning room is a favorite of mine and you know how I feel about your cooking so all and all and adding the great view, I would say this is Perfection!!! Hugs Kathysue

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  37. WOW! Where do I start? I love this! Your azaleas are beautiful, love the blue and yellow and the food - oh my! I will be looking for the recipe to those muffins!

    How was your tea party? Ours was exhilarating!

    Thanks for you warm kind comments.

    Blessings, Marsha

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  38. The azaleas are so beautiful. They provide the perfect setting for a fabulous brunch. I am anxiously awaiting the recipe for your M.A.C muffins tomorrow, they look and sound delicious.
    Nola
    Nashville, TN

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  39. Hey, Barb! thanks for stopping by, you're a force to be reconned with, so I appreciate your comments. And you've got all that military to back you up, I'm happy for your knowledge. My hubby is very out-spoken, it's just not my nature, but I'll leave my post as it is & not worry about offending anyone. Most have been supportive anyway. It's amazing how these types of posts can get ugly.

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  40. Barb, gorgeous and yummy table!
    Great job, always like yellow and blue together.
    Linda Q

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  41. Lovely setting and a lovely view.
    And I can see why you were eager to use your new table cloth.....so pretty.

    I will be back tomorrow for Foodie firday. :-)

    Hope your day has been beautiful

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  42. Barb, I just had lunch and I'm hungry again! That menu is amazing! And that gorgeous table didn't help either... I wanted to be there! Lovely!

    Oh yeah, I'm your new follower!

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  43. Hi! I followed Alabama Slacker Mama, Robin (she's my aunt!) to your blog! I'm looking forward to reading it! :)

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. Good heavens! Table, food, azaleas -- all are absolutely WONDERFUL!

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  46. No, no no...don't cut the azaleas. We're on the same wavelength today with our blue and white china except yours looks delicious!!!Fabulous food. :)Nancy
    ps love the shot of the house through the flowers.

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  47. I ( LOL ) think I made the right decision to stay home and just watch and enjoy the other tablescapes. Nope...I am no where NEAR ready for this homemaking feat!! I am patting myself on the back for being WISE here. :)
    Yours is just gorgous and everything looks delicious! Homemaking to you...and many like you ...is an art. For me too..but...there is talent...and then there is TALENT!!
    ~Hugs and smiles~

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  48. I am also a fan of blue and white. Your table looked great and I love your beautiful azaleas. You are so lucky to have so many. And the food looked so delicious I will be by tomorrow for the recipe for the MAC!

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  49. Brunch is my favorite! Yours looks delish and the tablescape looks gorgeous! Nancy

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  50. Oh, Barb! Your lovely home in the Azaleas is just gorgeous! Now your table - true perfection! Love the new tablecloth, dishes and the food! Oh, my goodness! I'm drooling!;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  51. What a great idea for your egg muffins. Will give it a try. They look delish and your tablescape is done in my favorite color scheme!

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  52. I love your new tablecloth and your food looks delicious! By the way, my big orange tabby says hubba,hubba to Baby Lilly! She is gorgeous!

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  53. This is definitely one of the most beautiful posts I've ever seen...combined with the recipe for egg"mac"muffins in the next post. I am just drooling. The yard, the tablescape, the food. This is simply one my top favorite posts of all time. What a beautiful home you have Barb!!! Note to self: come back and devour this post!

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  54. Barb!
    How did I miss this one?

    Your azaleas and brunch are both FABULOUS!!!

    Have a blessed day my friend.
    ~Melissa :)

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Your comments and kind words mean so much to me, and I appreciate that you have not only visited my blog, but that you are taking the time to comment. I read them all! xxoo, Barb

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