Last Thursday I had my Quester’s group for a light brunch and a report. Quester’s is an international group of like minded people who are interested in preservation and restoration. The keepers of the past. I love having this group of ladies to my home, because they are antique lovers, and I enjoy sharing my old stuff with them. Having a difficult time deciding on things like the menu, where I was going to put 16 women for the report, and how I was going to serve 16 women, were the first challenges I had to figure out. And then there was the report itself. What was I going to talk about but, that’s for another day.

I decided to divide and conquer. Coffee and juice first, meeting because you know with any group, you have to have one of those. Report, and food. In theory I felt this was the best way to handle so many people in my small home. I prepared them at our previous meeting for what to expect, and informed them that I would have food upstairs and in the lower level. Obviously being the largest room in the house the LL was the logical place to hold the meeting and to give the report but, when it came to food I knew we would need to split up, in order to comfortably enjoy a casual meal.

The first order of preparation was setting the table. I knew the pie safe downstairs was going to need to be loaded with dishes I didn’t even try for a centerpiece. I threw a pretty tea towel on the top and worked in all the required dishes and called it good. I didn’t even take a photo. But upstairs I wanted that table to be springy and fun. Setting tables is one of my greatest joys and I usually do it a few days before the event.

Extending the black and white theme from the living room into the kitchen I started with a favorite tea towel. Very garden of Versaille feel, it is fun and quirky. I knew I wanted to use my dad’s Spotted Hen weather vane. This unfortunately has been in storage because I don’t have the perfect spot for it. It is wonderful on the round table on the deck but, of course I would never leave it outside. Carved by my dad many years ago, it always sat on the corner of Mom’s peninsula, on a piece of marble in her kitchen.

I wasn’t going to use the pedestal but in the end I was still in bunny, lamb and chicken mode so I mixed it up a bit with clay pots and eggs.

Still experimenting on the right side I added a breadboard as a base, and went out to the deck and retrieved another clay pot for a vase. I was semi pleased with the result. But I also knew I needed something taller. I went shopping at Prairie and Bloom. Hmm what’s this? A twisty twig with moss on it. What can I do with that? I thought it might enhance the base of the weathervane. I knew it would create rhythm and movement, so I grabbed it. I picked up a bundle of 9 roses that feel and look like dried roses, along with some blush seeded stems in their sale room. Time to play.

At home I worked with the arrangement for a few minutes, added a few stems that I already had and I was happy with its very casual look. Now I added some small chalk ware lambs to the breadboard, a tilted clay pot and some china berries. Works!!! An added bonus, I can move this arrangement into my new bedroom!

Next decision was the menu. I have a great quiche recipe that is easy and always yummy, so I made 2, one for up and one for down. Threw together deviled eggs, a bowl of fruit for both locations, coffee and juice both up and down, and I invited people to feel free to wander the house. This allowed for the whole house to breathe and allow people to look at their leisure and eat when and where they chose.

Downstairs in preparation I removed one end table, my leather ottoman, and a fragile antique chair that holds a stack of books. That made room for a couple of chairs we brought downstairs and folding chairs that I have stashed for extra seating.

After the report, after brunch, after everyone took their leave, I felt that it was a very pleasant way to spend an April morning. It was satisfying to know the report was informative and hopefully interesting to all, and that the meal was more than edible. Until next time.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley