A Table in Winter!

Hi Everyone!

It's time for another Tablescape Thursday with our charming and always delightful hostess, Susan of Between Naps on the Porch! It snowed in West Tennessee, and road conditions are challenging. I hope you can make it to the dinner party this evening ...

I walked up to the main street, and conditions are beginning to improve. I snapped this picture of the front of the house on the way back. Next came hot chocolate (not from a mix) in front of the fire ... so soothing on a cold Winter's day!

I'm going on the assumption that the party will still happen. No one has called to cancel. I set the table for you in the sunniest room of the house. I used dishes that have been sitting in the little china cabinet next to the table. They've been patiently awaiting their turn to used for a tablescape post.

People often ask where I store tabletop items when they're not in use. I wish I could say there's a huge, centrally located, perfectly organized dish room. Unfortunately, there is not. On the plus side, the house offers a lot of storage space. China, crystal, and silver can be found in kitchen cabinets, mudroom cabinets, in five different pieces of furniture, and in seven closets. Flatware chests and boxes containing dishes and glassware are labeled by pattern (in case I get hit by that proverbial bus).

I kept today's table very basic: no table covering, no ornaments, no fruit or flowers, and not even one serving piece in sight.

The centerpiece is a single candle on a footed ceramic compote. The cabinet against the wall is where today's dishes normally reside.

I used clean-lined glassware from the bar in the next room.

I want today's table to have a modern, uncluttered feeling. I did, however, use china that can probably be described as vintage. It's Lace Point by Lenox, introduced in 1978. "Vintage" is one of those words that gets tossed about rather freely these days. Most sources seem to indicate that vintage items are anywhere from 20 to 100 years old. One hundred is the point at which something becomes "antique." But with cars and furniture, it's can be less (except in Europe, I think, where furniture can't be called antique unless it's reached the century mark).

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions on criteria for items being vintage vs. antique (vs. merely old!).

I usually prefer silver flatware, but stainless seemed appropriate today. This is American Harmony by Oneida. I like the way it seems to bridge the gap between traditional and modern design. It's a nice weight and quite affordable (especially when it's on sale). Belk currently has a 45 piece set (8 place settings, plus serving pieces), regularly priced at $110, for $79.99. If you buy the 45 piece set, you get a 20 piece service for 4 for only $1! Read about it HERE.

A closer view of the patterns. I like the subtle soft pinks and grays (grey in the UK?), the sylized floral pattern, and the wide platinum-banded rims. It seems to me that the cool tones of the stainless go well with the platinum trim of the china.

The glassware is basic, but oversized, which makes hosting easier ... fewer refills required!

The artwork, mostly watercolor paintings I did a few years ago, is colorful and has a tropical feel ... although the reference photo I worked from for the floral is one I took of lilies in West Tennessee. I just added lots of bold colors for a lively background. My tastes usually run to more muted shades, but sometimes it's good to step outside our comfort zones, isn't it?

I chose to use these candleholders because the colors remind me of the ones in the china pattern. They came from a local thrift store (around fifty cents for the pair!). The griffin design appeals to me. Griffins, as you know, are legendary creatures with bodies of lions and heads and wings of eagles. In antiquity, they were thought to be guardians of treasure. Perhaps I'll store them with my favorite china to keep it safe from harm! First, of course, I'd have to pick a favorite pattern!

Through the glass ....

And a clearer view ...

The candle reminds me of a paper lantern. It glows softly when it's lit. The compote is by a local artist. One of his tradmarks is pressing his thumbs into the clay before it's fired. I like the organic feel and earthy colors of his work. The candle came from Goodwill. I enjoy mixing thrift store items with original art and estate sale finds. It keeps tables affordable, but eclectic and interesting.

The late afternoon sun's coming in now ... and we have an observer! He's the neighborhood cat, KK (our neighbor named him ... short for Kitty Kat). He lives mostly here and at her house ... he used to patrol the entire neighborhood on a schedule you could set your clocks by.

Don't worry ... he has a warm place to go at night (or whenever he wants). I think he really prefers being outdoors. He got bored watching me set the table and started grooming himself in the sun.


The sun's sweeping across the old tile floor now. It's not a fashionable floor, but I still like it.

I like the creamy color of most Lenox china. When the sun shines in, you can see how transluscent it is.

Another view ...

The glassware consists of oversized red wine goblets and tall pilsner glasses. The wine glasses are from an antique shop (but not old), and the pilsners are Bormioli Rocco Amadeus 13 Ounce Palladio Footed beer flutes. They're available on Amazon.com. I found these new-in-the-box at Goodwill for a really good price. I like using pilsner glasses for water and iced tea ... or for any iced beverage such as Mojotos or Harvey Wallbangers (anyone else out there remember those???).

Another view of "the guardian."

The sun's beginning to set and warm light fills the room.

Here you can see the height of the glasses relative to the cups. A toddler's eye view ...

These glasses are lead-free and dishwasher safe (but I think they're too tall for most dishwashers). I hand washed these and dried them with lint-free towels before setting the table. I knew the sun would tattle if I left any dust or water spots!

Soon it will be dark ...

The napkins are from Ross (on sale so I bought lots of them!). The bare trees are reflected in the china ...

You know what it's time for now, don't you?

Let's light the candles ....

This one's been burned so often that the flame is low in the candle, and it has a nice soft glow.

I found a fascinating short video the other day on howstuffworks.com. It's about "How Bone China Works," and features a tour of the only US manufacturer of fine china, Lenox. The pattern below is applied as a decal. The video shows the process using "Winter Greetings" in the demonstration. You can watch it HERE.

I like the warm colors of the table setting contrasting with the cool blues of the snowy deck.

The sun has set, and the candles and wall of artwork are reflected in the glass ....

Just more views of the table by candlelight ....



When the water glasses are filled, and there's red wine in the glasses ... you and the other guests will sparkle in the glow of the flickering candles.

Drive carefully ... see you soon!

Please join Susan and all the talented tablescapers for Tablescape Thursday!

Visit the Vamp!

Thank you for all your thoughtful comments on last week's tablescape post. Some of you even sweetly expressed concern for my emotional health. I'm fine ... honestly! It was just an "art project."

Anyway, even if I had been feeling slightly blue, I'm definitely melancholy no more!
Not since I stopped by the wonderful blog of Valorie, the fabulous Visual Vamp, today! See her latest post HERE. It's called "Small Masterpieces," and it describes a party rental company in California owned by "the irreverent Martha Stewart," Jason Murakawa. He specializes in antique and vintage tableware. The Vamp has gorgeous images from Jason's website AND...
she generously mentioned Affordable Accoutrements. In the same sentence with a reference to uber blogger, Eddie Ross! Was I honored? Well ... yes, more than a little.

If you missed my table last week, here's a sample image:

You can see it HERE.

Make sure and visit Jason Murakawa at www.SmallMasterpiece.com. What a brilliant concept!

Tomorrow, Valorie and several other bloggers are doing 'Eddie Ross Day." Just in case any of you missed the news, here's what she wrote:

"He's in this contest at Apartment Therapy, and tomorrow (Thursday) is the last day of voting, so we are putting all our blog power to use to get out the final big number of votes for him.The post can be short and sweet: Eddie Ross Day - Last chance to vote - Link
http://bigwindowchallenge.apartmenttherapy.com/"

Thank you, as always, Susan for hosting Tablescape Thursday. Visit Between Naps on the Porch for lots of great tablescapes from Susan and all her talented guests.

I hope you'll forgive me for not posting a new table this week. I'm working on something fun for next week. I hope you'll join me!

A Melancholy Table ...

Usually I set tables for YOU. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular guest at Affordable Accoutrements, I value your visits tremendously. Some of the tables I set are for actual dinner parties. One was for Mrs. Rivard, a fictional (or is she?) character from a post I did for "Christmas in July" You can read it HERE.

Today, I've set a table for one, for myself, in the upstairs sitting area. It's the same table where Mrs. Rivard dined. A single place setting can be a happy thing, a special indulgence, but it can also make one wistful, heavy-hearted. I decided to focus on the latter feeling.

I replaced the usual artwork in the space with a charcoal drawing my friend, Yvonne, did a few years ago. Perhaps you'll recognize the subject. I wasn't sad when I posed for it, but she captured a certain something that makes me feel ... not depressed, but emotional, nostalgic ... yes, melancholy ...

I usually describe each item in detail and tell you how and where it was acquired.

Today, I think there should be poetry. Who better than Emily Dickenson to describe feelings of longing and loneliness?


I Had Been Hungry All The Years
by Emily Dickinson

I had been hungry all the years-

My noon had come, to dine-

I, trembling, drew the table near

And touched the curious wine.

'T was this on tables I had seen

When turning, hungry, lone,

I looked in windows, for the wealth

I could not hope to own.

I did not know the ample bread,

'T was so unlike the crumb

The birds and I had often shared

In Nature's dining-room

The plenty hurt me, 't was so new,--

Myself felt ill and odd,

As berry of a mountain bush

Transplanted to the road.

Nor was I hungry; so I found

That hunger was a way

Of persons outside windows,

The entering takes away.

Emily Dickinson
(1830 -- 1886)

Dickinson had what appears to have been a normal childhood. She was bright, witty, had friends, went to parties ... but by her early 30's began a withdrawal which later became almost complete. There were occasions when even the people she obviously loved had to speak with her from the other side of a door held slightly ajar.

While in her early 30's, Dickinson made tentative attempts at having her work published, but it was far ahead of its time and she did not meet with success.

Only seven poems were published in her lifetime, each changed by editors to suit the day's standards of rhyme, punctuation, and meter.

I HAD BEEN HUNGRY ALL THE YEARS
by Emily Dickinson.

I had been hungry all the years-
My noon had come, to dine-
I, trembling, drew the table near
And touched the curious wine.

'T was this on tables I had seen
When turning, hungry, lone,
I looked in windows, for the wealth
I could not hope to own.

I did not know the ample bread,
'T was so unlike the crumb
The birds and I had often shared
In Nature's dining-room.

The plenty hurt me, 't was so new,--
Myself felt ill and odd,
As berry of a mountain bush
Transplanted to the road.

Nor was I hungry; so I found
That hunger was a way
Of persons outside windows,
The entering takes away

China: "Medici" by Myott/Staffordshire

Flatware: Estate sale service for six, leather case, pattern unknown

Crystal decanter: Estate sale

Stemware: Water glass, Goodwill; wine glass, "Pistoia" by DaVinci

Napkin: Estate sale placemats (two)

Charger: Estate sale (serving tray)

Leather topped drum table: Antique mall, $50

Side table: Thrift store, $5 (sewing machine table) Shelf inside holds remote controls, etc.

Silverplated single candleholder: Charity thrift shop, $.50

Be sure to visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch to see all this week's Tablescape Thursday participants. It's always great fun! Thank you, Susan for hosting.

The Birds ... of Paradise!

It's time for another Tablescape Thursday with our delightful hostess, Susan of Between Naps on the Porch! I hope you'll stop by and see Susan's festive table, leave a comment for her, and spend some time visiting all her talented tablescaping participants.

The dishes on the table I've set for you today are marked "Epiag." They feature a bird of paradise pattern and a stylized floral motif. The backstamp indicates that they were made in Czechoslovakia sometime between 1920 and 1945.

Epiag was an association of porcelain factories. It was formed in 1918 by the Austrian government, and named OEPIAG (Österreichische Porzellan Industrie AG - Austrian Porcelain Industry). In 1920, to reflect the creation of Czechoslovakia (prior to 1918, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), the name was changed to EPIAG (Erste Böhemische Porzellan Industrie AG - First Bohemian Porcelain Industry).

If you're interested, you can read more about the subject at: http://www.collectorscircle.com/bohemian/porcelain/marks_table1.html

More trivia about Bohemian/Czech china:

The British and Americans prefer bone china, whereas Europeans prefer the hard paste porcelain that is made with quartz. England, Russia, and Japan make “bone” china. In Russia, bone china is called alabaster china. Bohemian and Czechoslovakian porcelain (china) is not bone china.

Source: http://www.collectorscircle.com/bohemian/bohemian_china.html

This type of china was originally marketed as a less expensive alternative to English porcelain. Some of it is beautiful, and I think the quality is generally high. I found this set at a local antique mall and another set (that I haven't shown you yet!) at an estate sale. Both were reasonably priced and included several nice serving pieces.


The view through the back of the chair ... just for fun:

I used vintage stemware by Rock Sharpe. The company's heyday was in the 1930s and '40s. They were a decorating company only and purchased blank glassware from numerous manufacturers. Various etchings and cuttings were done on the same basic stems. There are three different patterns on this table today, but all are stem/blank number 3005. I did a post about Rock Sharpe a few months ago. If you want to know more, click HERE.

I didn't use the bread/dessert plates at each place setting, but decided to stack them on the corner of the table so you could see them.

It's mid-afternoon on a cold, sunny day. Now I'm wishing I'd set the table in the solarium ... look past the kitchen, beyond the pass through window, at all that wonderful light!

Many china manufacturers have produced dishes decorated with birds and flowers. The bowl below is by Lenox.


I purchased this silverplated "silent butler" at an antique mall in Memphis last week. It was on sale for half price ... a bargain at only $5.

A closer view of one of the tall water glasses. I use these for wine, and the iced tea glasses for water. I realize their positions on the table should be be reversed, but I ignored that guideline. If you know the rules, you can break them, right? If you want to know what EmilyPost.com says about setting tables properly, you can view helpful diagrams HERE.

As the sun drops lower ...


Only two tapers on the table today (I was about to suggest saying that five times really fast ... but I tried it, and it's not particularly difficult to do). Usually, when I set tables in the dining room, I use lots of tall candles in tall candleholders but, this time, two seemed to be enough. I purchased this pair of single candleholders for only $5 at an estate sale ... and they're sterling!

I thought this was a nice shot ... of the table leg. I've read that Victorians skirted tables to the floor because "Victorian prudery sometimes went so far as to deem it improper to say "leg" in mixed company; instead, the preferred euphemism “limb” was used. Such ideas even pervaded seemingly unrelated aspects of daily life: for example fashion came to dictate that furniture such as tables be covered with embroidery and tablecloths so that table legs were hidden from view."

I did a quick search online and found this response:

The Victorians did not always cover table or chair legs. In the dining room, the opulence of carved or worked decoration of the table legs was a sign of wealth, and the legs were never covered - similarly the chairs. J&M Miller refer to the custom of covering tables in the drawing room with shawls: "A custom of draping tables with fringed fabrics meant that the lower middle classes could disguise ordinary pine tables." The illustrations in the various books are photographs of actual Victorian rooms or rooms which have been lovingly restored or preserved. Nearly all are examples of rooms in upper class homes. There is little covering of furniture legs in these examples. J&M Miller also refers to the paintings likely to be hung, saying that despite the prudish attitudes of the Victorians, nudes were acceptable, as long as the subject wore a blank or vacant expression.

Which is true? I don't know. Perhaps some of you know the answer.

I was pleased that this set of dishes included bowls for soup, salad ... or cereal. Well, for soup or salad ... somehow I doubt that I'll be serving guests corn flakes in these.

A closer view of the pattern:


And of the etched patterns on the glasses:

Looking down the table ...

The china pattern seemed to call for a degree of informality. With flowers on the plates and on the stemware, I decided to create a centerpiece using greenery and candles. I used inexpensive woven fiber placemats that add more texture than color. The napkins are well-used black restaurant napkins. Whenever I see restaurant napkins at thrift store, I buy them. Once I got a huge bagful for only $2. It held dozens and dozens of napkins. Most were in perfect condition, and the few that were frayed or faded make great rags for cleaning/dusting. They launder beautifully and the darker colors are perfect for dinners (with marinara sauce, red wine, etc.) that would ruin white damask napkins.

I used silverplated punch cups to hold floating candles. The gold washed interior of the cups creates a nice glow when the candles are lit.

To give the centerpiece height, I used racemes of a Mahonia (evergreen shrub related to the barberry, common name "Oregon Grape). The leaves are similar to holly (and just as prickly!).

I had planned to use just the magnolia (grandiflora) leaves, but noticed the "fruit" of American sweetgum trees littering the sidewalk as I returned to the house. I scattered the gumballs here and there to add texture and earthy color. Small, round glass ornaments could be used during the holidays to give a centerpiece such as this one a really festive look. I used a silverplated casserole dish holder and a small silverplated ice bucket to add a bit of shine and to contain parts of the arrangement. The punch cups fit nicely in the four corners.

Another view of the dishes and stemware ...

I had quite a few magnolia leaves left over, so I made a simple arrangement of them in this crystal compote. The candleholders flanking it are vintage. The pattern is "Canterbury," and they were made by the Duncan & Miller glass company. You can read about Duncan & Miller HERE.

I purposely included leaves with imperfections. I think it adds interest and emphasizes their "naturalness."

Time to light the candles!

I always enjoy using this flatware. It was my mother's pattern, "Remembrance" by 1847 Rogers Bros. It was introduced in 1948 to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary ... a year late, because WWII had halted production while silver and other metals were needed for the war effort.

Everything takes on a warm, creamy glow by candlelight (including guests!).

No silver candleabra on the bombay chest this evening ....

An overview of the room lit by candles and the incandescent bulbs of the chandelier ...

The next time Susan of Between Naps on the Porch does a bloopers post, perhaps I'll tell her how I almost set the centerpiece on fire ... it's easy to forget how much heat is produced by a single candle flame. For the record, mahonia smoke is not a pleasant aroma!

See the charred areas above the flames? I shifted them to the side, and they stopped smoldering. But this centerpiece concept definitely needs re-thinking!

In case you were wondering where the candleholders went ... I stashed them on the staircase. I lit them for fun and took a photo for you ...

Time to blow out the candles ... and say goodnight! Sweet dreams ...

Historic Bolivar, Tennessee, Re-post with Updates!

It's been a while since I've participated in Outdoor Wednesday with Susan of A Southern Daydreamer. I hope you'll visit her at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ and check out all the great outdoor posts. Thank you, Susan, for hosting! I hope you don't mind a re-posting of something I did back in September, but it includes some new information. Thanks again. And now back to historic Bolivar, Tennessee:


Hi again, Everyone!

As when my thrifted flatware post (HERE) was discovered by Goodwill and mentioned on their Facebook page ... and Google's "Blogs of Note" found Affordable Accoutrements and offered their kind endorsement ... well, I've been "caught" once again! A member of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities read my series of posts about Historic Bolivar, Tennessee, and contacted me. The other posts are HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE, if you'd like to read more.

I omitted some information the Association wishes readers to know and repeated a few historical inaccuracies gleaned from online searches. I apologize for that to you and to the Association.

Here's her e-mail (no last names!):

Bill,
I love your "tours"! Your photography is original, artistic and wonderful! Unlike the comments on the blog, I do have a but ...

First: re McNeal Place, EP McNeal was grandson of Ezekiel Polk (Grandfather of President James K. Polk.) So EP (Ezekiel Polk McNeal) was cousin to the president.
EP was brother to Prudence Tate (McNeal) Bills, first wife of John Houston Bills of The Pillars.

Second: you may be interested to know that the "little barn" at the Fentress Black House/Baker Estate Sale was a milking stall. Aileen Baker (who owned the property and died in May) told me that last year when I visited her.

Next and most important: Our APTA Group would love it if you would annotate your blog photos of The Little Courthouse (LCH) that the Little Courthouse Museum is open the second and fourth Saturday every month between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and by appointment. We have a web site thepillars.org for both The Pillars and the LCH.
The Pillars is open on the Spring Home Tour and available by appointment and for event rentals. Our phone number is (731) 528-7148, and the web site is also thepillars.org.

Additionally, the US Post Office in Bolivar Circa 1940s has a delightful original mural by Carl Nyquist titled "Picking Cotton" that is 13 ½’ wide by 3’ high. It can be seen 24/7 due to the PO Box access. It is thought to be a late WPA commission.
Lastly, when the LUEZ Theater was offered money to paint the rusty marquee, the owner said "no thanks, that marquee is porcelain" so the rust marks will stay.

Keep up the great work!

Paula S.,
Member of The Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of the historic sites Ms. Paula mentioned are described in the following post from September, 2009. However, her comments also refer to sites in other posts in the series (the first and third HERE's listed above).

The tour begins:

In yesterday's post, I took you along to an estate sale in an antebellum home in Bolivar, Tennessee. At the end, I asked if you would be interested in seeing more of the historic places in this West Tennessee town (population 5,802). Based on the positive response (I was hoping you'd say yes!), the tour continues. Part 2 focuses on sites related to the Civil War.

The first photograph is of the Presbyterian Church, the oldest church structure in Bolivar. It was built in 1852 and contains most of its original furnishings. It's noted for the pipe organ that was added in the late 1800s. During the War Between the States, the church was a place of worship for troops from both sides.

This shows the church's location relative to Hardeman County's first courthouse (the white frame structure on the right).

The Little Courthouse, which was Hardeman County's original courthouse, was built in 1824, used for two years, and then moved to its present site just off the square in 1827. The log structure became the nucleus of a home for the Levi Joy family. Next, a Judge Barry purchased the log building/house. In 1849, his widow sold the house to Dr. Thomas E. Moore. Dr. Moore made extensive additions including painted weatherboard siding, shutters, and additional rooms. His family resided in the house for over 100 years. The descendants of his granddaughter, Miss Jennie Hardaway, sold the house to the county in 1967. One of only three log courthouses left standing in the United States, it now serves as the county's museum.

The second courthouse was burned in 1864. Union General Samuel D. Sturgis ordered that Bolivar be razed as his forces moved toward LaGrange, Tennessee. Citizens were given time to remove records and artifacts, which were stored until the third (and present) county courthouse was built on the original site in 1869.

The Little Courthouse reminds me of buildings in Colonial Williamsburg.

The second historic church in Bolivar is St. James Episcopal.

Constructed in 1869, it replaced the original Episcopal chapel built in 1840.


It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I think the brickwork is beautiful, and the church's interior is equally special. It was one of the stops on a Civil War-related historic tour I once took.


Another view ...
The wooden walkway leads to a small chapel behind the church. Materials from the first church were salvaged and used to construct the adjacent chapel. That tie-in to the original building was the reason the church was included in the Civil War tour.

The yellow house in the distance was saved from demolition by being moved to its present location. I'll show you a closer view of it in an upcoming tour.

The congregation's numbers have dwindled in recent years. On cold winter Sundays, the members meet in the small chapel to avoid the expense of heating the larger building.


“The Pillars” was home to the politically and socially prominent Bills family.

Major John Houston Bills came to West Tennessee in 1818 with members of the family of James K. Polk. In 1823, Bills married Prudence Polk McNeal, a cousin of the future president.

The house once accommodated such notable guests as Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, James K. Polk, and Jefferson Davis. The Pillars served as a hospital twice during the Civil War, alternately providing care for men on both sides of the conflict.
The house underwent numerous expansions and renovations, one of which changed its orientation to face a different street. A tour guide told us that, during one of the renovation projects, the home’s owner returned from a trip to find that workmen had installed the columns (that give the home its name) upside-down. They were left that way, and I think it adds interest to this unique property. The Bills family traveled extensively and included a number of prolific artists. Original furnishings, personal belongings, and artwork remain in the home for visitors to see.


This Greek revival home, "The Columns," was built in 1860. It served as a makeshift hospital for sick and wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
A walled garden is one of many appealing features of this historic property.

The house reflects the life of the Ingrams, an affluent banking and merchant family who bought it around 1900 and filled it with furnishings in the late-Victorian style.

Extensive restorations are ongoing at the house, which was deeded to the Bolivar Historical Foundation, Inc., established by The Columns’ last resident, Elizabeth Ingram, before she died in 1995. She was just two months shy of her 102nd birthday!

The home is available for tours by appointment. Call 731.658.6554 for further information.

McNeal Place, an 1858 Tuscan-style villa noted for its exquisite Spanish ironwork, is considered one of the premier showplaces of Tennessee.

A view approaching the house (from the rear) via a side street. The gardens are in transition now, but are extensive and impressive when flowers are in bloom.


The fences hint at the beauty in store ...
McNeal Place from the side ...


From the street corner ....
Only glimpses can be seen through the large trees on the property. "McNeal Place," was built due to the death of the only daughter of its original owner, Ezekiel K. Polk (grandfather of US President James K. Polk). Ezekiel's wife, Ann, was inconsolable at the death of their teen-aged daughter, Priscilla, in 1854. Polk built the home on the west side of their property across the street from Polk Cemetery, where Priscilla was buried. Mrs. Polk visited her grave daily. During the Civil War, she had a special pass to cross Union Lines to the cemetery.

The home is unique in that it was not designed by a local architect or built locally. It is believed that the architect was Samuel Sloan of Philadelphia. The lumber was pre-cut and delivered on barges from Cincinnati, Ohio. The shipping stencils are still evident on the back porch latticework and the cooks quarters’ mantle. Some of the features and materials used were imported from Europe.

The entry hall frescoes, marble and granite, and graining on the interior woodwork feature craftsmanship unknown in West Tennessee homes of the time. Furnishings and paintings are original to the McNeal family and their heirs, the Hills and McDonnells. Several outbuildings and elements of the original landscaping remain.

Now we come to the final home on today's tour, Magnolia Manor Bed and Breakfast (circa 1849). It was listed as one of Fodor Travel Guide's “The South's Best Bed & Breakfasts.”

Their website mentions that “each brick was hand-made and sun-dried on the home site by slaves.” It's a sad reminder that the lifestyle these fine old homes represent was created through, and supported by, the institution of slavery.

In 1862, during the Civil War, Magnolia Manor (home of the Miller family) was occupied by the Union Army and used as headquarters. Four Union generals, including Grant and Sherman, stayed there. Mrs. Miller told the Generals they could "only use half of the house" as she was "a delicate woman." The home has been featured in National Geographic Magazine and on HGTV’s “If Walls Could Talk.”As I was taking these pictures, I stopped and chatted with the owner, who was sitting on her front porch. She mentioned that she’s been busy with preparations for an upcoming “ghost tour.” Magnolia Manor is reputed to be haunted (as is McNeal Place)!


That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Keeping it Simple?

It's time again for Tablescape Thursday with Susan of Between Naps on the Porch! For my first table of the new year, I decided to keep it simple.

If you've visited Affordable Accoutrements before, you've probably noticed that that the tables I set tend to lean in the direction of formality. It's true; I DO like vintage fine china with rims of gold and gossamer-thin etched crystal stemware. I love to see silver flatware and serving pieces glowing in the light of a multitude of flickering candles. Well not today ....

We're going "below stairs," where I set a table for you once before (HERE). It's not a formal space, and it's not usually staged as a dining room. I like the idea of redesigning and repurposing rooms in our homes when we're entertaining guests ... or simply to suit our moods and keep things interesting.

My "simple" setting ended up involving more work than I'd originally intended. I decided to move the table nearer to the fireplace. That meant the sofa had to be shifted out of the way, and the lounge chairs and coffee table had to be temporarily moved to the studio (the room on the other side of the fireplace). What was I thinking??? I hope you'll like the result!

The dishes are vintage ironstone by Johnson Bros., England. Over time, I've purchased (very inexpensively) numerous pieces at local Goodwill stores. Some are white; others tend to be more cream-colored. Several exhibit surface crazing in the glaze, but I think that adds to the timeless, traditional feeling of these classic dishes.

You can clearly see the crazing on the square-ish salad plate. We tend to think of this shape as being very fresh and contemporary but, obviously, it's not a new concept! The knife was labeled a "1920's Celluloid Fish Knife" in an antique shop. With its serrated edge, I think it works well for slicing small, crusty loaves of bread for dinner guests.

It's a table for six. I brought in mismatched chairs from various rooms of the house.

I used tall stemmed water glasses by Towle. The pattern is Marquis. The vintage/retro balloon-type red wine glasses came from a local estate sale (for around one dollar each).

For less formal tables, I enjoy using vintage aluminum serving pieces. They're often available at thrift stores, estate sales, and antique malls at very reasonable prices. They were produced from (mostly) the 1930s through 50s in every imaginable shape, size, and pattern. I think they're fun to collect and great for adding a special touch to today's casual style of entertaining.

An overview ...


The beams were recycled from an old train station that used to be downtown ...

It's a hazy day, but the windows still provide natural light for the space (especially with the leaves off the trees).

It won't be long until time for guests to arrive ...

I used soft rayon/cotton blend napkins (from an estate sale), and folded them casually. I resisted the urge to use a tablecloth or placemats. That was the plan, remember? Keeping it simple ...

No flowers today ...

The plate collection displayed on the shelves is David's. It began with the ones that were displayed on his mother's and grandmother's kitchen walls when he was a child. The hand painted Blue Ridge dishes were produced from the 1920s - 50s by a Tennessee company, Southern Potteries. Read about Blue Ridge China HERE.

I saw a table set with mismatched Blue Ridge plates recently at an antique mall, and it was charming. If you like, I'll set a similar table for you for an upcoming Tablescape Thursday.

The flatware, like the chairs, is an assortment. The vintage celluloid/bakelite handled flatware combines well with older silverplated or sterling pieces. It can be relatively expensive if purchased in full sets, but individual pieces can often be found for a dollar or two in "dig boxes." The odd looking lines you see on the soup bowls and spoons are reflections of the beams above.

Just another view in late afternoon ...

Time to bring in the tealight holders and light the candles ...

Even a simple table can be quietly reflective ...

Some of my art books line the shelves in the background.

Another view looking down the table ...

David bought this mesh candleholder after one of his cats jumped on the table and set its fluffy tail on fire! No cats on the table today (yet) ...

The view from the wet bar in the corner (yes, I'm climbing to new heights for you!) ...

The fire definitely makes things cozy. The logs are gas (unvented) and produce enough heat to warm the space quickly. The fireplace formerly burned wood, so the bricks developed a nice patina over time.

Another view with by candle and firelight ...

Just a simple table ...

Won't you come and join me?

'A Loaf of Bread, a Glass of Wine, and Thou'

Omar Khayyám was right ... what could be nicer?

Don't forget to join Susan of Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursdays and visit all her talented participants at their creative, inviting tables!

Turkey Doodle Soup?

It's time for Foodie Friday with Gollum! Check out all the great foodie posts HERE.

I haven't joined in lately (too busy tablescaping, shopping, Christmas-ing, and ... squeezing in a full-time career here and there). If you're interested in tablescapes, you can see my latest "And a Hummel New Year" HERE.

Today I thought I'd share a great (I think) way to use leftover turkey from holiday meals. I don't mind leftovers at all ... I enjoy sliced turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, etc. When I was a child, I remember my mother concocting a version of turkey soup that we all liked. Since it began with boiling what was left of the bird after it had been carved, she dubbed it "Turkey Carcass Soup" (OK, her sense of humor WAS a little twisted at times). I recall her saying how amazing it was how much meat came off the almost-bare bones when they were boiled.

I decided to give it a try with my Christmas turkey's ... well ... the carcass. It was true about how much meat appeared (and you can always add more leftover turkey if you like your soup extra hearty). I did a variation of the famous Doodle Soup that's celebrated with a festival every year in the West Tennessee town of Bradford. That's doodle as in "cock-a-doodle-doo."

Here's a quote from http://administration.collegepublisher.com/media/paper1175/documents/hw3jj90e.pdf:

"If you drive by Bradford in September, you will more than likely see a sign proclaiming
this small West Tennessee town to be the “Doodle Soup Capital of the World.” At the
end of September the residents of Bradford come together for a weekend of festivities
including a quilt show, baby crawling contest, street dance, and, of course, a Doodle
Soup supper. No one really knows the origin of Doodle Soup, and there are nearly as
many different recipes for it as there are residents in Bradford. Here is a recipe from
Betty Jo Taylor, a Bradford resident who considered quite the chef by attendees of the
Doodle Soup festivities."

1 broiler chicken, 2 tablespoons cooking oil
2/3 cup vinegar
1 cup water
2/3 cup sugar to taste
salt to taste
dried cayenne pepper to taste
flour
Before putting meat in roaster, add cooking oil
and 2/3 cup vinegar. Roast chicken in oven until done.
Remove chicken and allow broth to cook on top of stove.
Add 2/3 cup vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and cayenne
pepper. Gradually stir in flour until it begins to thicken.

Here's the soup I made:

It's traditional to serve the soup over biscuits or crackers. I prefer biscuits. In the picture above, I used leftover ones I'd made (from scratch) for breakfast. I've also used drop biscuits and frozen ones from the supermarket. All seem to work equally well.

I don't include the sugar or the flour called for in Ms. Taylor's recipe. I've made it with fresh red pepper, but dried seems to taste about the same. I always add black pepper to taste. When I've needed to prepare a meal in a hurry, I've made it with a roasted chicken from the deli and added unsalted broth from the supermarket. The overall flavor is vinegary and peppery so, if you like those ingredients, you'll probably enjoy Doodle Soup.

Below are photographs from Doodle Soup Days in Bradford:

From the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development's website:

Bradford is the "Doodle Soup Capital of the World". No one knows the exact origin of this hot, spicy, savory dish. Some say the recipe was brought to Tennessee more than 150 years ago; others say it originated here. People from the entire area, as well as all parts of the nation, come to Bradford to sample the famous soup.The Bradford Doodle Soup Days are held annually - the third weekend in September.

For information, contact:
Bradford City Hall207 East Main StreetBradford, TN 38316Phone: (731) 742-3465