Our large church had a girls' night out last week--groups of eight organized in homes for a meal together. Our director of women's ministries arranged each group and I didn't know most of the women coming to my house. It was great fun getting to know new friends.
I used my Johnson Brothers' Old Mill dishes as they certainly go with an autumn theme.My grandmother had this pattern later in her life, and my mother inherited them after Grandmother died. I absolutely loved this pattern, so chose it for our "everyday" dishes when we got married. Very soon I got tired of seeing them at both my house and my mom's and eventually put the dishes away for years. Now I love using them, especially when our extended family gathers around the table, for they bring a host of memories. I now have my own, my grandmother's, and my mother's, so have quite a large collection.
I asked each girl to bring a "show and tell" that could fit in her purse--something about herself that would help us get to know each other. They brought things like a coupon notebook, photos, a journal, a fan, beads, an i-phone, and college team towels! It was effective, as I still remember interesting things about each girl. We had a great time around the table. You know, when women get together, conversation flows pretty smoothly!
For more tablescapes, see Between Naps on the Porch.
...imagining myself sitting around your table. :) Very pretty, and I LOVE your dishes.
ReplyDeletevery pretty~
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty tablescape. I love those dishes. Sounds like it was a fun time, too. I love your idea about the show and tell.
ReplyDeleteJane
Very pretty - my grandmother had those dishes as well!
ReplyDeleteLovely autumnal tablescape! Those dishes are terrific and love the story about them. What a great way to get to know ladies from your church...I would have been so nervous though! Good for you thinking of the show and tell ice-breaker!
ReplyDeleteDD
Love the dishes~happy TT to you!
ReplyDeleteThose dishes are perfect for fall - and even better because of the memories they hold.
ReplyDeleteLorrie
The table setting is just lovely and I could just imagine sitting around it with the ladies, chatting and laughing. Great reason for having the dinner and the dishes are beautiful.
ReplyDelete♥, Susan
Your table looks wonderful. I love the dishes. I love the family tradition behind the dishes. Your idea about each girl bringing something that is personal to them for show and tell is awesome! I'll have to use that one,Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLovely table, so warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteA pretty table! Love the sentiment behind the beautiful dishes.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! I love that pattern!
ReplyDeleteYour table is beautiful ... and I love the "girls' night out" idea. That must have been fun and a fantastic way to meet new friends.
ReplyDeleteHi Ms.P...
ReplyDeleteI'm back again, Girlfriend! Hehe! Think I was just at your place last night but for a different post!
Ohhh...what a beautiful table you set for your ladies luncheon! So autumny!!! I love that Johnson Bros. pattern and I agree...it's perfect for an autumn table! Loved reading about your grandmother and mother...all using these dishes! Sounds like your Bible study group had lots of fun...love how you asked each lady to bring a little something that tells about who they are...very creative and a great conversation starter!!! Enjoyed this post, Darlin'...thank you for sharing it with us!!!
Warmest wishes,
Chari
Sounds like a really fun night. What a great idea to get the conversation going. Love your Johnson Brothers' dishes. They are very pretty and made for a lovely table.
ReplyDeleteChristi
What a lovely idea! I'm sure all the women who came enjoyed your hospitality and the prett table set just for them!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Rhondi
Oh yes, what a beautiful dish pattern that is! Gorgeous table!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
So nice that you took those dishes out again so you could share them with us, I love them! And they are the PERFECT Fall/Winter pattern, I just would be so happy to be seated at one of those place settings! 'Sort of reminds me of when I'm looking at a Thomas Kincade painting, I want to jump into the scene!
ReplyDeleteReally nice job!
All the best,
Eileen
Such a lovely table....so warm and welcoming.
ReplyDeleteBarb
You have a beautiful table that you've created for tablescape Thursday. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteGlad I got to see this. Liked it alot.
God Bless,
d from homehaven
Lovely table! It is good to put things we use away for awhile..when we take them out again we have a new appreciation for them!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for the women to bring something in their purse--good icebreaker too if you needed it. Love the browns of the table and plates---what a nice set to have!!!
ReplyDeleteThe ladies at my church were going to have a big moonlight partly last night with everyone bringing something. However one of our church ladies died the day before in a short struggle with cancer; she was only 41 and had only been diagnosed 3 months before with liver cancer. So the party was canceled and we will have it at the end of October.
what beautiful dishes - wow.
ReplyDeletethanks for your well-wishes, and, I hope you enjoy the muffins!
Your dishes are gorgeous! I'm a dish fanatic, but have never seen that pattern. Love the tablecloth too!
ReplyDelete