Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Four Weeks Out - - - Lunch for 9



Four weeks ago today I got my new right knee . . . and, now, four weeks later -- I have company for lunch -- nine guests!!!!

Yes, I feel like having company and I did pick an easy menu -- some of which could be made ahead.

Often for fundraisers in our community, I donate a luncheon at Linderhof. They've always went well and I get the pleasure of having some interesting and new guests for lunch.

This was one of those gifts. And last week, when asked if I could, because of out of town company, I felt that I would be able so we made arrangements.

And yes, I was ready . . . and able!

The table with the colors of fall! The big blue bowl centerpiece stayed on the table -- full of pumpkins, gourds and bittersweet. Low enough so that conversation could flow.

A dark green cloth which is always a good background for the blue and white Spode.


The napkins were white Irish linen tucked into my silver napkin rings. My hotel silver which is so versatile and my favorite water/tea glasses. I did get some "what a pretty table" comments when my guests sat down.

It was an easy lunch and definitely a fall lunch -- green salad to start with a raspberry vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of rosemary walnuts, roasted pork loin with a cranberry pear port sauce and rosemary mashed potatoes. And for dessert -- fresh apple cake.

The cake slices, lined up like soldiers awaiting their turn on the dining room table.

I must admit that new knees are wonderful. By 2 p.m. the guests were gone, the pots and pans washed and put away and the dishwasher filled with everything else humming away. The old knees never would have been that far along at 2!

It's Thursday which means that it's time for Tabletop Thursday so please join Susan at Between Naps on the Porch to see everyone's Thursday tables. I must admit that it's nice to not have to post a reprise!

23 comments:

Rebecca said...

It WAS a beautifully set table - elegance without intimidation :)

The menu sounds so appropriate for the season & the apple cake a fine finish to a generous meal!

So happy to hear your knees "stood up" to the challenge.

Allie and Pattie said...

I am SO glad you're feeling so well Martha! I can't wait to get this all done with and be able to have dinner guests! Your table is lovely as always!
xoxo Pattie

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a blessing to feel so well so soon. Love your beautiful table and your menu sounds absolutely yummy. Hugs, Marty

Rose H (UK) said...

So glad that you are recovering so well Martha :o)
Table looks lovely, and the menu sounds delicious - what lucky guests.

On Crooked Creek said...

Martha,
Lovely and inspiring is your lovely table set for your luncheon. Don't you just adore entertaining in this lovely weather? The apple cake looks delicious. . .will you be posting the recipe soon? ? ?
Fondly,
Pat

lindaraxa said...

Martha - after you left that comment on my blog I came over hoping you had posted the cranberry pear and port sauce... it sounds divine! (soon, maybe?)Glad to hear you are doing so well.

Pat said...

Lovely blues with that touch of Fall color! Good for you and such progress at week #4! Isn't it wonderful to move around minus that really inconvenient pain?

(7 months out and thinking about snowshoeing this coming winter...)

Have a good rest of the week.

Savannah Granny said...

I have followed your blog for a while and I am so happy that your knee is working so well. I talked with you earlier about my own experience.
WOW! You are doing great and your table is fabulous. I always enjoy your post because you have such beautiful things and seem to enjoy sharing generously with family and friends.
Well, I finally jumped and became a blogger. Oh, I am not a REAL blogger yet. Only two posts. I have a lot to learn about photography. Please stop by and please offer suggestions. I would be most appreciative. Ginger
Oh, I think you might find today's post interesting.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh! Martha! You should not have been up on your feet making dinner for guests!! I know you have the perfect home for entertaining, and I know you love the hostess role, but you need to take it easy for a few more weeks. Promise me you will get more rest tomorrow! You feel well, but you don't want to overdo it so soon after the surgery. Your table did look beautiful, as always. And the menu sounded delicious! I wish I could cook like you!

Mabel said...

Your table is just gorgeous. I think that spode makes the most adorable blue and white transferware. Greetings from Europe!

Mary Bergfeld said...

I'm so glad you are feeling up to entertaining so many for lunch. Everything looks wonderful. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

From the Kitchen said...

Good to hear how fast your new knee has allowed you to be your old self!

Best,
Bonnie

Tricia said...

You are amazing! I'm glad you're recovering so nicely! Your centerpiece is stunning, and it looks perfect with your blue and white china. The menu sounded divine!

Pondside said...

Bravo, Martha! Those new knees are a miracle. Your table looked lovely and I'm sure it was a memorable lunch for all involved.

BumbleVee said...

Oh, how wonderful that you are doing so well after the knee replacement!!
..... mmmm apple cake....

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

That table looks beautiful! But the cake is my favorite. I luv pastrys. Thanks for stopping by....Julian

xinex said...

You have a beautiful dining room and a gorgeous table, Martha. The cake loos scrumptious....Christine

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What a wonderful hostess you are after your surgery -- so glad that your new knee didn't let you, your guests (or us) down! You've set a beautiful and scrumptious table!.

Entertaining Women said...

Your table was lovely, and your menu was actually quite ambitious...especially considering your last month. Congratulations! I know that you must feel so relieved to be moving back into your regular routines. Your tablescape was a perfect, calm and cool toned interpretation of Autumn. I know that your guest felt special to be at your table. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

Scribbler said...

A lovely table and party as always. Congratulations on your new knees-- I think I am looking at having to do that my self in the not too distant future.

Chubby Chieque said...

Stunning over all. I agree with Rebecca.

Get well soon, Lady & take care.

Happy Friday.

x0x0,
From Stockholm,
/chie

Unknown said...

LOVE!!!! the large bowl filled with autum goodness...simply beautiful and elegant!

Marlis said...

Beautiful table. Love the idea of a bowl piled high in the center. MMMm.. scrumptious cake.. Glad you are up and about again.