It needn't be about the menu or the decor...it's the time spent together that matters: the catching up on each other's lives, a few laughs together, memories shared while looking through old photographs. When I moved halfway across the country, far from family and my oldest friends, these were the things I missed most.
I've been a collector of the flotsam and jetsam of the dining table for decades now - nothing extremely precious, just things that spoke to me with old world charm, particularly French charm. I don't mind chips, cracks, tarnished silver, frayed linens - in fact, I prefer it. I would take a seat at the "Beggar's Banquet" any day.
This occasion wasn't about an over-the-top elaborate menu that would have me in the kitchen for days with aching feet and raccoon eyes. This was a few simple tea sandwiches followed by tiny lemon curd tarts that I whipped up that morning. I've found that Teas here in America can often be calorie-laden, heavy-on-the-whipped-cream affairs, but they needn't be. We each had three little triangular sandwiches and two tarts each and were perfectly satisfied.
If you were my guest for tea you would leave with one of my paper hats. This one is hand-painted wax resist. The trim is the 'real French' thing - bought at Tinsel Trading in NYC about thirty years ago. I made the white wig on the "masquerading" kitschy bust.
Here she dons a pale blue hat with lace trim and feather and a hand-painted swan with necklace.
When it comes to the Tea Table, which do you prefer, the sweet or the savory? Although I have a serious sweet-tooth, I'm still a girl who goes for the vegetables on the plate first. I'd have to say I like them in equal portions. (Chocolate stands alone. More is always better in my book.)
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL"
More photos to come on Monday, All Hallow's Eve
If you would like to blog or pin one of my photos please leave a Comment and become a Follower to show your appreciation. Thank you, kindly. And please link, of course.
Art Boxes, Wig, Hand-Painted Paper Hats, Food, Styling, and Photography by C. Andrako
Photographs (c) All Rights Reserved 2011
17 comments:
I just want that tablecloth! Seriously!!LOL! Is it old? A flea market find? Jacquard Francais?
Ok, back to your questions. I like a simple lemon mousse from a recipe I got from France. Tart, creamy and just a hint of sweetness. I put mint in it for an added zing. I love the "flotsam and jetsam" comment...that is so me!
Catherine,
Also, look at Ulla's diorama's she made for Halloween, her work always amazes me!
http://ullam.typepad.com/ullabenulla/2011/10/haunted-skeleton-nichos.html
Theresa -
Of course you would zero in on that cloth! I admired that tablecloth in an antique mall for over a year. I couldn't believe no one bought it. It is so exquisite. Feels like silk...and you should see the other side...the reverse pattern in gold thread, so perfect it is reversible. It has 6 napkins, never used. If my house was on fire....! Finally, one day everything was on sale & they were closing shop. Still too expensive. No takers...and then marked in half again and it was mine. Meant to be, I guess.
Also - Yes, I admire Ulla's work, too. We've corresponded many times. She's wonderful.
Thanks, Theresa -
C.
Hi Catherine, Your last paragraph could have been written by me, only you said it better than I could have. My sentiments exactly. Theresa is right. That tablecloth! I covet it.
Can we see more of it, pleae?
Gina
What a great story! I love it when things go that way. Curious if there is a brand tag on it? I would like to know the source. It is to die for!(I know I cannot get one, just want to know what else this company made!)
What a delightful way to catch up with old friends, everything looks exquisite.
T-
No tag. It's a mystery to me.
Gina-
Thanks, G. I'd be happy to do a post on it just for you...and Miss T. too.
Thank you, Dash.
C.
How beautiful, i only wish my own arrangements were half as elegant.
The table cloth is indeed a marvel to behold!
I'm a big fan of éclairs, i once attempted to make them myself but, instead of the usual chocolate or vanilla cream, i decided to fill them with an improviced tart, raspberry and blackcurrant mousse and then glazed them with white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed pistachio. They weren't at all bad. Happy Halloween!
Well done ... it never looks so beautiful as BEFORE everyone sits to enjoy. -J
Catherine!
So elegant and lovely.
Dinner at your house must be such fun and pretty too.
Yes, quite silly weather here.
We are expecting 4-6 inches of snow.....
Happy Halloween!
Catherine, it looks like such a divine time! I do love savory, cucumber sandwiches are my preference....although I will rarely turn down the sweet!
Happy Halloween to you, full of many tricks and treats!
Nathalie
Holà Catherine,
i've just seen your comment on Theresa's blog and of course had o come and see your table cloth...Exquisite as always !..and you know how much i would love to share this sweet happy tea with you.
To answer your question, sugary things come first :-)
Enjoy your lovely masquerade tea!
xo
Lala
This is a party I wish I could attend! What a beautiful tableau Catherine.
Hi Catherine
That is a gorgeous tablecloth .. I saw a few I truly coveted whilst in Paris.. but the price was too steep..
How clever you are to make those hats!! fabulous... and what lucky guest to take one of those beauties home..
Have a great Halloween.. ciao xxx Julie
PS... thanks for the comment.. Neptune thanks you also.
Oh how charming! I would love to be a guest at your masquerade and get one of those paper hats. You have such wonderful taste and that is one of the finest tea tables I've ever seen. I share your love of equal sweet and savoury; I have a sweet tooth but if I only eat desserts first when hungry I start to feel a bit ill.
HI Catherine, so wonderful to see your beautiful halloween table.. Have a great day.. Carla xx
What a gorgeous setting...and the menu looks perfect! And couldn't ask for a better flower for this butterfly to rest on while listening to the interesting conversation! I love how you play!When is the next party?
Kirsten
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