Emeralds are a Colleen’s Best Friend

Did you know that emeralds can be more precious than diamonds?  The components and pressure needed to create an emerald are rarer than those with which diamonds are created.  (Yeah, I look up info like that!) 

I was wondering how Ireland received it’s nickname of the Emerald Isle.  Turns out if you want a gorgeous emerald you go to Columbia, but, if you want to see beautiful, lush, green countryside you go to Ireland!  I found a picture from NASA taken on a rare cloudless day that shows just how ‘emerald’ Ireland really is!

Okay, that’s great, but I still need me some jewels!  One of the most famous emeralds is on display at the The National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian

It is the Chalk Emerald, donated in 1972 by

Mr. and Mrs. O. Roy Chalk.

Now, that is a sparkler!  Which brings us to my St Patrick’s Day tablescape…are you serious?  This is how you start a tablescape description??  Hey, I like to educate!  Besides, how am I going to work in my ‘Chalk Emerald’?

I know!! Pretty good looking!  This is a replica I purchased from the Smithsonian Collection.  It’s just so ‘emeraldy’!  Now a tablescape to complement my ring!…

Dressed for an elegant evening the table is draped in a sparkling gold mesh, layered with a cutwork topper I purchased in St Kitts, thank you Captain Butler! Ivory plates sit on gold chargers.  Both from Target.  The dinnerware has a simple beaded and gold banded rim.

Each place card is framed with a golden wreath/Christmas ornament, I have written the names of my Irish guests on cardstock and added a Celtic accent.

The flatware is from ShopNBC many years ago and my beautiful green Depression glass dishes are gifts from my mother, Eileen. The pattern is Georgian Lovebirds.

A better look at the detail.

Miniature Depression glass pitcher and glasses.

The creamer and sugar are gold with an embossed floral pattern, marked Pickard, from my mom along with the candy dish.

Some Irish coffee and soda bread of course!

The cherry cordials are displayed on a hand painted porcelain plate inherited from my Mother in law.

Leafy green napkin rings from Goodwill, and marked Shafford, Japan.  They will be beautiful in a variety of settings.

At the end of the day, champagne and emeralds aren’t bad dinner companions!

Please join me and other like minded individuals at the party hosted by Susan at

Between Naps on the Porch

Gone to match dishes to the Hope Diamond!

Scarlet

The flutes, coffee glasses, place card holders, column salt and pepper shakers and candles were given to me by my friend, Amy.  Without whom my home wouldn’t be half as decorated!!