Our “birthday group” met in celebration of my birthday as well as hubby’s. My friend Carla, whose home I have featured before HERE hosted the dinner and as always she created a theme that was near and dear to my heart.

Carla's collection is displayed in several areas of her home. This antique Welsh cupboard has some favorites.
Carla has collected, over many years, an incredible collection of antique Staffordshire figures. She has a real talent for finding many of her best pieces on eBay. We (her friends) all marvel at her talent for her discovery of the prized figures for a great price (relatively speaking). So when she asked me what she should adorn the birthday dinner table with, I quickly suggested her Staffordshire dogs. Hubby and I have 2 live dogs (although I believe the pottery kind would be less work!) and I knew with Carla’s flair, her table would be beautiful…I wasn’t disappointed.

Carla had brought one of her lanterns in and placed some antique egg cups filled with live viola's in the base of the lantern...that along with a tine figure made for such a great centerpiece for her kitchen table.
sadly, the image doesn’t do this piece justice.
We had such a jolly good time and everything was delicious. Thank you Wendy and Linda for amazing appetizers and Joyce for the best birthday cake! Thank you Carla and Tom for opening your lovely home for our birthday and thanks for preparing a fabulous chicken dish (recipe HERE). No one went home hungry!
Gretchen said:
Carla’s table was beautiful! Sounds like it was a wonderful party.
Karen said:
Gretchen,
She really outdid herself, it was lovely and we had a wonderful time.
Karen
Trish said:
Happy Birthday, Karen! (My daughter just celebrated her birthday on the 23rd). Sounds like you’ve had a great month! I thought I was the only one in “Spring Cleaning” mode. XO Trish
Karen said:
Trish,
Thank you, good wishes for the year to your daughter, too.
What is it about a new year—I’m always energized to pare down and clean up around the house!
Glad your back, missed reading your wonderful updates!
Karen