Break's over....and I'm back.

I took a two week blogging break to take care of some things ....meetings.....reports....Dr. appointment -- I won't bore you with all the details of that.... but there were some fun times too! And that's what I'll share. I missed you, and it's nice to be back!






Our Sunday School class has started a "pilot" of a program we're thinking of starting Church-wide next fall. We have two sets of four couples who are meeting once a month at each other's homes for dinner and devotions. The host provides the main dish and beverages (I also had a few appitizers), #2 brings salad and bread, #3 brings dessert and #4 has the devotion for the evening. Our house was first to kick off. This was the table set for six. Our dinner was lasagna, spinach salad, Italian bread and strawberry cake for dessert.







My "staged" tablescapes are usually quite full, but I went for a much simpler table setting for this dinner. I found this tealight candleabra in a Yankee Candle catalog. I filled the cups with epson salt and the tealights. Sorry that I got busy and didn't get a lit picture.


















Red glasses were a find at a "pre-Christmas" open house at a local antique store a couple of years ago. Love them for all the "red" holidays.













Black and white checked napkins over...




















black and white checked salad plates.


















Plain white dinner plates.


















Fun black iron flatwear.













We really had a fun gathering and great fellowship. Can't wait for our next dinner on the 11th. This time I bring the devotions. Have you ever been a part of a dinner group with your Church? I think this will be a good way to get to know our newer members too as we match them up with a group. One of our group is in his early 90's, recently widowed and he really enjoyed the evening out.










It's always a pleasure to have a visit from two of our granddarlings!
















Although mama had to hold them still in order to get a non blurry picture. They're on the move!










This past weekend we had a gathering from work to honor our boss who retired in December. That was such a busy time, we decided to wait until after the holidays and better weather. This is a picture of my co-worker and co-party planner, Betsy and Mr. Mid-Atlantic.















I've been blessed with great bosses since I started working with the school system, but I have to admit, Elaine's been one of the really special ones. We're really going to miss her leadership.










Everyone brought finger foods to share -- this was the table ready and waiting. Grocery store flowers in pinks and greens.

















Sideboard waiting for the sweets -- we had pound cake with cherry pie filling and triple chocolate cheese cake.


















The kitchen table was set up for the "bar" area for those who wanted wine or mixers for drinks.


















And a little coffee and Russian tea station for those who didn't.




















Napkins in pinks, white, and black & white checks made a pretty "skirt".


















This little white pineapple is a scented candle from Bath and Bodyworks on line. $12.50. I haven't lit the candle yet, but I love the pineapple!


















A close-up of the flowers.


















Antique depression glass plates.


















I found this sheer overlay tablecloth at a favorite gift shop at Virginia Beach this fall -- The Ragged Robin.


















Let the party begin!

















A spring flower arrangement and gift certificates to several local eateries.

















Many good wishes for the new retiree.
















Even grown-ups enjoy "party favors".


















A tray filled with "tea and toast".


















Little ball jars filled with Russian Tea mix.


















Little bottles of champagne or spumante.



















My party assistant was plum tuckered out! Well we're caught up on what's been going on in my Mid-Atlantic world....now I've got quite a bit of catching up to see what's been going on in your little corner of blogland! It's good to be back!

I hope Susan doesn't mind but I'm going to add this post to Tablescape Thursday over at "Between Naps On The Porch". Be sure to check out all the tables set this week for inspiration or just for fun!.

See ya!