Dessert in the Garden

I received the nicest surprise in the mail recently from Rita @Panoply. 

This lovely vintage tablecloth and napkins as well as the nostalgic milk glass cake plate were part of her purge that she offered to bloggers. 

I love vintage things and enjoy knowing their history. Rita said the cake stand came from the estate of a widow that was downsizing and her kids called her the black widow because she outlived four husbands.

I was thrilled to receive these wonderful items that she acquired at estate sales. She and her sisters have a booth at their local antique mall  in Charleston,West Virginia. If I ever get to West Virginia I plan to visit Rita and their shop.

I also received a Fiesta vase that I will use in another post. Rita thought I might enjoy this tablecloth in my garden when the hydrangeas bloom and I certainly will. However, I told her I could not wait that long to use it. Fortunately, my bridal wreath was blooming and provided a nice backdrop to show off my new cake stand and tablecloth.

My mother had a cake stand like this which explains my nostalgia about a milk glass cake plate.  My sister has it so I am very happy to have one of my own now. I told Rita I was going to make a homemade coconut cake and photograph the cake plate.  I have been craving a coconut cake but by the time I could make a cake my bridal wreath probably would not be as pretty. So, I bought one and was pleasantly surprised how good it was.

Using  fresh hydrangea leaves under the cake is something I learned from Ina Garten years ago. I also use them under Brie or other cheeses for appetizers.

 I wish Rita and I could enjoy a piece of coconut cake and a glass of iced tea together. Maybe one day that will happen. Thank you so much Rita, for your generosity and friendship. Enclosed in the package was the nicest handwritten note which is so rare these days.

Have a beautiful week.