The Punch Bowl- Saving It From Extinction

The punch bowl was a household stable in the mid century years.  However, when was the last time a new bride listed one on their bridal registry?Can you even buy one in a traditional department store?  In my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than a punch bowl filled with a gorgeous ice ring and a delicious punch.  However, how many times a year do you need one for that purpose?   So spotting one at my friend Penny's estate sale, I easily  rationalized  reasons to purchase it.

I love the romance of serving from a punch bowl.  It is such a southern style of entertaining.

The one I purchased was an International Silver punch set with 24 beautiful cups and a 24 inch tray.

I took it home and polished it completely.



It was in great condition and had a gorgeous grape vine border on the bowl and base of the cups.

I can just imagine this large silver vessel filled with dozens of roses. 

I think the punch cups make pretty cupcake holders too!

Serving soup from this bowl would be lovely.  A chilled summer gazpacho ladled into the silver cups

would be a visual treat.  The punch cups are the perfect size for a cup of soup.

I began to look on Pinterest for punch bowl inspiration and was inspired by many pictures.

Here are some of my favorites.

Clever use as a cake stand.

Floral ice cubes to ice down champagne- how pretty in a large punch bowl.

Punch Cup Chandeliers

I am so happy that I purchased this old fashioned punch bowl.  I have many plans for it to become a

"must have" in every household!!

The Art of Settng a Gorgeous Table

My friends and I were treated to a wonderful time in the city last night. 

 My friend, Mariterese, who is a fabulous cook, is also an extremely talented tablescaper. 

I knew I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed!.

 

As we enter the kitchen, we see a beautiful table set for a buffet.

 



 

 

A wonderful nectarine , blackberry, candied walnut and spring green salad enhanced by Mariterese's own recipe for blueberry balsamic dressing.

 

 

The beautiful antique tray is holding the tarragon sauce, ready for the slow roasted beef tenderloin.

 

A slow roasting tray of sweet potatoes is also in the oven.

 

 

 

I walk into the dining room and my heart stops- I mean completely skips a couple of beats.

Cold chill bumps run down my arm and I grab my camera.

 

One of the most beautiful tablescapes that I have ever seen is sitting right in front of me.

 

Three arrangements of zinnias, roses and calla lilies march down the center of the table on a pastel plaid fabric.

Green and gold banded service plates sit upon gray and white square trays with

an antique graphics design.

 

Soft romantic roses bowls await the delicious salad.

 



 

Petite boxes of macarons sit at every place setting as a guest favor.

 

The vivid colors in the arrangements create a floral tapestry for the eyes to feast upon.

 

Miniature arrangements are fashioned into mercury glass goblets for every guest place setting. 

 

And as another thoughtful gesture, they are given to the guests to take home.

 

Silk crinkle napkins are tied on the side of each place setting.

And for dessert, a glorious coconut cake has been flown in from Charleston, South Carolina, in honor of the friend Jill's birthday!

 

Decadent, creamy, light morsels of cake are devoured by nine of us.

 

 

A wonderful evening-  close friends, fabulous food and an enchanting magical setting.

What could be better?   Absolutely nothing!