The First Luncheon of the Summer

We often donate a luncheon for four to charities for fundraisers. It's a way we can help raise funds for good causes and I love to have company. Four only because it works so well in the breakfast room overlooking the back garden.

And last fall, I donated a luncheon to a P.E.O. chapter and Tuesday, the guests came for lunch -- the first lunch of summer.

The table set for four -- my original plan for table linen was changed on Monday when a package arrived from a dear friend with these delightful napkins and table runner. I knew I had to use them Tuesday for they would work perfectly with my beloved blue and white! And they did!!!!

One of my Spode pitchers utilized as a vase -- I love pitchers for this very reason -- they can be used for their intended purpose or put into use as a vase -- and they make a darling centerpiece.

Filled not with daisies (for they were still in bud) but the false sunflowers that I love so much -- they're yellow and the fact that they bloom most of the summer!

The linens play well against the blue and white. Napkins, of course, are in silver napkin rings (these were brought home from England) and I also used Jim's grandmother's cutlery.

The bread and butter plate -- part of some Spode Blue Italian that I received on Monday. The English butter knife -- not a souvenir of my trip but one that I've had "forever" -- it's bone handled and the blade is etched. It's probably Edwardian and I loved how the English used their butter knives. So, once home, I dug out these treasures and now use them frequently.

My favorite soup bowls -- Spode Camilla -- I love the soft blue and they pair well with any of my blue and white transferware.

And, of course, a menu for each guest --

And for luncheon they had

Corn and basil soup -- served chilled. It's one of my favorite summer soups. It's from one of my favorite cooks -- Anna Pump in her newest cookbook, Summer on a Plate.

Ina Garten's lemon chicken which couldn't be easier along with a salad of white and wild rice, pecans, red pepper, green onions and water chestnuts dressed simply with vinaigrette.

And the roles are not mine, but Sister Shuberts. Buttered and then a sprig of thyme placed on top before they are baked.

And for dessert -- a new favorite -- sticky toffee pudding. The same pudding that I served to the Lunch Bunch last week -- picture and recipe are HERE.

It's Thursday and I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday -- always a fun event!