Wednesday, March 17, 2010

LUCK OF THE IRISH LUNCHEON


Today was my Luck of the Irish Luncheon. It was just me, my two sisters and my friend. We had a fun time.


I didn't use actual place cards this time. I thought it would be fun to print out a vintage St. Patrick's Day postcard and then just add every one's initial rather then their whole name.

These could then be saved and later added to a scrapbook or even framed and used for a decoration next year.


The colors were all white and green with only a touch of gold brought in by the "pot of gold" given to us by my captured Lucky Leprechaun.


There he is. Still waiting for me to decide if I will let him go or not.


A few years ago my sister, Maureen, lived in CO and she mailed me a darling package for St. Patrick's Day. In it was a tea pot decorated with shamrocks, an Irish themed tea cup and saucer and this cute book of Irish Blessings.

Since I didn't have a tea this year, I didn't bring out the tea pot or cup and saucer. However, I did put the book of Irish Blessings on the table and before we ate lunch I read a few out loud to everyone.


If you are like me, you will want to know where everything came from. The white table cloth and napkins came from Target. The place mats came from TJ Maxx. The lace chargers came from Debra's Cottage but can also be found on EBay. The dinner plates were from a thrift store and the salad polka dot plates came from TJ Maxx. The flatware came from Ross and the glasses came from World Market.

The shamrocks, used as napkin rings, came from TJ Maxx and they are Dept. 56 so they may also be found on line. The shamrock favors came from the Dollar Store and the shamrock chocolates inside came from See's candy.

The Leprechaun used for the Centerpiece... well, I guess he came from Ireland. But, I have seen some figures like him at TJ Maxx. The little pots of gold came from the Leprechaun when I captured him.

However, if you would like your own pots of gold and can't seem to capture a Leprechaun of your own, you can always find pots at The Dollar Stores and you can get your own "gold" at See's candy.


Everyone wore green to our little party.


We all decided that we didn't want a big lunch since Sandra and I are on Weight Watchers, Patty is trying to eat healthy and Maureen wants to maintain her weight loss.

So we had soup.


I went with Broccoli Cheese Soup as I thought it would be green but as you can see it wasn't real green. It was more like a creamy color. Yes there is a ton of cream, butter and cheese in there but, there is still broccoli.

Hmm, I'm going to have to see if I can some way count this is a vegetable.

I love soup served in bread bowls. Don't you?

Desserts were mini eclairs and mini cream puffs. OK, OK, so not so Weight Watcher friendly but hey, don't I get credit for them being mini ones and not the full size.


Wouldn't you like one? You know you do! They are so yummy.

We had a nice time talking and laughing and just taking a few hours out of the day to relax and enjoy some girl time.


By the end of our lunch I had decided that I really had all the luck I need. I have my health, I have a wonderful family. I'm blessed to have good friends and place to live with more then enough food to eat.

So, I decided to let Mr. O'Malley go. I thanked him for our pots of gold and all the chocolate shamrocks he made for us. Then I said good bye.

Before leaving he hopped up on my shoulder and whispered in my ear a little Irish Blessing.

He said...

You've heard of the Luck O' the Irish
Tis the best in the world , no end,
And my own is the Luck O' the Irish
In havin' you for my friend.

With that he gave me a kiss on my cheek and quickly disappeared.


I wanted to show the lovely Hostess gifts I given. Why I do believe I'm one spoiled girl!

I got four beautiful blue glasses. I think I'll use these for our next luncheon. I have the perfect theme to go with them.

Some green flatware. I'll be using these this summer for sure! A darling little box with a copy of a vintage St. Patrick's Day postcard on it.

A gift card for Target! I'll be getting more stuff for future tablescapes with this!

Plus a vintage hankie with shamrocks.

Wow! Everything is so perfect. I'm just pleased that everyone enjoys these little get togethers as much as I love having them. No one needs to bring me gifts. Though they sure are fun to get!

Do you always bring hostess gifts? What is your favorite hostess gift you ever gave or received?

I'm joining in on the Tablescape Thursday over at Between the Naps on the Porch. If you have not yet been there, please do stop by. You won't be sorry as there are so many wonderful blogs showing great tablescapes.

Also, don't forget that for every post you leave me between now and March 22nd you will get an entry into my giveaway.
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18 comments:

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Oh Joanne! I LOVE your tablescape and the fact that you had a little "party" and used it makes it even more beautiful! What lucky guests! And the food looks amazing. As far as calories in the desserts, it it has "green" on it or in it, doesn't that count as a veggie? LOL

Have a wonderful day!

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Oh my! I just took another look at your desserts and noticed the cake stand! I LOVE it! Sorry, first time around I got sidetracted by drooling over the eclairs! LOL

Anita Diaz said...

How pretty and so very Irish!! Beautiful table, and I got really hungry when I got to the cream puffs. Not on my diet, though! Thanks for stopping by:-)

Julie said...

Hi Joanne,Love your Table...So Pretty and all the foos looks so yummy
HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY
xoxo
Julie

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

What fun you gals had at your luncheon!! Wish we all could have come too. Your table looked beautiful. I love those lace chargers. When I have people over, I don't expect a hostess gift. For hostess gifts I often take stationery/notecards, soap/lotion, a plant/flowers, a candle or a bottle of wine. Love & blessings from NC!

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

I am going to follow your blog! I love how you "tell the story" to go with your pics! It really makes your post come alive. I so enjoyed your previous post about whether or not to free Mr. O'Malley and this one of your luncheon was even better! It was fun to see how your luncheon went, what you served, your guests and of course, the beautiful tablescape! Love it all!

DD

The Tablescaper said...

Looks like you ladies had a great time! Happy St. Patrick's day.

- The Tablescaper

Rach said...

Yummy menu! It's making me crave Panera Bread!

Martha said...

A very pretty table and your food looks really good, too. Love the dessert and the dessert presentation! And See's candy coins -- that is just so over the top!

Kim said...

I always love to see your tablescapes. You have the most amazing collection of dishes & accessories and put them together in the cutest ways. Thank you for the inspiration.

Myrna said...

What a darling tablescape and what FUN you must have had!!
Wow! I would've LOVED to have lunch with you!!That would have been so much fun to meet you!!
Hopefully another time!!
Blessings!
Myrna

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

This was an absolutely darling St. Patrick's Day tablescape. What a pretty group you all made. I cannot wait to see your slim trim little figure. I am so happy for you, Joanne!
About Mele...I have no doubt you would see to Mele's well being...no doubt at all. You are a dear friend, Joanne! So easy to be with and to talk to.
Enjoy...
Lovely things you got..and everything very useful and well as pretty!
Love,
Mona

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Joanne...what a great luncheon...the food looked fabulous! You racked up with all those lovely gifts. :-) That broccoli soup looked yummy, green or not. :-) And the desserts! Wow! Love your thrift store plates...great lace chargers. I may have to look on eBay for some of those charmers. Hugs,
Susan

kay said...

I love your table scape! What a lovely afternoon!

CWBD Parties said...

WOW! Everything looked absolutely amazing. Love every detail. Thank you for sharing!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tablesetting, and the soup in bread bowls looked deeee-lish...ut the desserts were my favorite picture!!! Yummy! Your friends are blessed to have such a thoughtful hostess!
Tracey

Karen said...

Your tablescape is beautiful. Who wouldn't love a lunch invitation to your house!

Creations By Cindy said...

I love this tablescape. And I could really use some of those desserts right about now! Made me hungry!
Be blessed, Cindy