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, February 9, 2011

The Coffee Service

When we have company for dinner it is a moveable feast. Appetizers in one place, dinner at another and coffee (after dessert -- and sometimes with liqueurs) in a third.

We often have appetizers in the breakfast room -- it's easy to reach the appetizer in the middle of the breakfast room table while we sip our cocktails. I do easy appetizers -- one I make and then either nuts or olives or cheese and crackers. We don't want to spoil anyone's appetite for dinner!

Dinner, of course, is in the dining room -- and my favorite number is six -- six makes for easy conversation and dishes don't seem overwhelming when there are only six of everything!

And then, often, especially in the winter, we have coffee in the living room in front of the fire and after dessert.


A silver tray with the after dinner coffee pot, creamer and sugar, napkins, and wee demitasse spoons and wee demitasse cups -- in blue and white, of course!


Served from the coffee table where I pour and Husband Jim serves our guests.


We linger over coffee and conversation -- often refilling the pot. Sometimes, the men will take brandy and go to the breakfast room for cigars. Husband Jim always makes sure that the brandy decanter and snifters are on a table in the breakfast room.

The wee cups are English, have a pretty rose in the center of the saucer and a rose inside the cup. I've forgotten the manufacturer and the pattern but they are blue and white and fit in perfectly at Linderhof!

It's Thursday and I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and I'm joining Candy at The Little Round Table for The Colour of Love Tablescape -- because love is blue!!!!

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks beautiful Martha and sounds wonderful!

Elaine said...

What a sweet vignette! I love the little demi cups!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Looks so inviting and beautiful! The silver is gorgeous!
I love the fact that your Mom and my Grandmother had the same dishes!

Maryrose said...

I love the idea of moving from one room to the other for each part of the dinner. It lets you enjoy your entire entertaining space. Lovely display, everything is especially exquisite with silver.
Enjoy
Maryrose

On Crooked Creek said...

Martha,
Lovely coffee set for love is blue! As we prepare for our dinner groups this coming Spring, I mentioned to "Mr. Ed" that I'd like to do dessert on the lower level in front of the fireplace. Thank you for this inspirational post!
Fondly,
Pat

Rose H (UK) said...

Sounds delightful Martha. Your coffee cups and saucers are beautiful...I don't drink coffee but, I think I could be tempted if it were served like that;o)

Miss Char said...

Beautiful setting Martha, two of my favorites blue and all things silver. Thanks so much for sharing.

Phyllis said...

I like the fact that you serve in different rooms.....that makes for an interesting evening. Your coffee set is so pretty and I love anything BLUE...and if it has a rose, even better! The silver tray is just perfect to use and to showcase your beautiful china.

Southerncook said...

I agree, six makes the perfect dinner party and I too have different courses in different parts of the house. My favorite way of entertaining is when cocktails and apps. can be served on the patio to enjoy the garden. Soon.

Carolyn

Marlis said...

Your blue cups are lovely. I love the setting in the living room Beautiful.

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Your Coffee Vignette is Beautiful! I love the shape of your pot, VERY Unique! I also prepare Movable Feasts. I think it's Much more interesting and fun...
Happy Valentines Day to you,
Hugs, Donna

Pondside said...

What a lovely way to end a perfect meal. Because we live out in the country, and because our laws have become very strict, it's rare now, that we serve liqueurs - and I miss that.

Becky said...

Martha, of course love is blue! I always feel so drawn into your home with your posts. Thank you for welcoming us. And thank you for joining us for our Colours of Love party.

Becky

Anonymous said...

Hi Martha! Just beautiful!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Carol at Serendipity said...

Martha,

Lovely post. I try to move dinner around too. I like to have appetizers on the lanai. With the fountain and the pool, it makes for a nice backdrop. If only it would warm up.

Happy Valentine's Day

Carol

Mary said...

I enjoy a meoveable feast myself! Love your sweet blue cups!

Candy @ The Little Round Table said...

Good Morning Martha -

Lovely setting and so romantic. Your tray is beautiful, I'm so happy to have been able to visit for a bit.

Thanks so much for joining my first linky party on The Little Round Table and I hope that you will be able to visit again soon.

Candy

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Looks like the perfect ending to one of your lovely dinners.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

I also like moving guests from one place to another--so much more interesting. Your coffee service is beautiful and so is the china! Linda

Marigene said...

Beautiful tray, Martha!

Bill said...

Just lovely, Martha. You're kind to share your time-tested common-sense methods for gracious, elegant entertaining. I've already adopted your "one wine glass method" -- makes so much more sense that giving guests before-dinner wine and having a second glass waiting on the dinner table. Often there was a tricky transition to make (plus, as you said, extra glasses to hand wash!).

The silver tray, coffee pot, and demitasse cups are all very beautiful!

Warmest regards,
Bill

Daphne said...

Thanks for sharing your "love is blue" for The Colors of Love. Your service is lovely!

Tess said...

Your dinner parties sound so classy. I love the elegance of after dinner coffee with lovely demitasse cups and spoons. I actually find your whole philosophy of entertaining for dinner!

Anonymous said...

Moving from room to room is such a cool idea. Somehow at our house everyone always ends up in the kitchen area even when foodstuffs are in the living room!

BumbleVee said...

love the little blue cups..

"the men take brandy and go to the breakfast room"... oh, it all sounds so wonderful really....so civilized... I love it.