I want to dedicate this post to the memory of my dear friend, Delia Young, whose life was senselessly cut short at the tender of age of 67. Without getting into graphic detail, Delia’s body was discovered by a maintenance worker in her townhome in the gated community where she lived this past Monday, the victim of a robbery/homicide. Delia, who lived alone since her husband passed away, was incapacitated and recently confined to a wheelchair. Her incomprehensible demise was vicious and ruthless.
Delia Young was a wonderfully motivational woman with a gift of gab. She was a teacher, a leader, a workhorse and a gracious lady all in one. Along with my husband and best friend, she “pestered” me into starting a blog and teaching a Communiversity course on the art of tablescaping. Delia lived a distinguishable life with great pride, persistence, dignity, and deliberation. Those enviable personal qualities, along with her incomparable smile, are among the treasured memories I will keep in my mind and my heart. So, unto that end, I devote this post to my “fancy friend”, Delia, and promise to make her proud in heaven.
For My Fancy Friend,
Delia Young
There is nothing that speaks of a chilly night’s relief like the warmth of a crackling fire. I wish we had a fireplace in every room of the house! But since we don’t, I tuck furniture away in Ramon’s office (thanks, honey!) and set up intimate dining in our casual, cozy family room.
On any given night, especially in the cool weather months, I’m a firm believer that you can never have too much candlelight!
It’s fun for us to linger in front of the fireplace over dinner and dessert with another couple. The food is always hearty, the conversation is relaxed and witty, and the wine bottle is bottomless! We’ve been entertaining a lot over the past year, and this little table for just the four of us was a nice change of pace.
I used rich rust-colored metal chargers, rustic avocado green (does that description date me?) plates and soup bowls, brown cotton napkins and simple faux mother-of-pearl flatware. To keep the tablescape from looking blah, I used a fanciful print cotton table linen with a plain ivory underskirt. The centerpiece floral was loosely constructed, using complementary colors. The ivory centerpiece pillar candles rest atop rustic…dare I say it again…avocado green candlesticks.
I thought it would be kind of fun to put a faux artichoke votive holder at each place setting.
Ramon gets very antsy about all this fire, but I love it! It’s so soothing and everybody looks better by candlelight!!! (After that near disaster in September, I watch candles like a hawk!!!) The tapers set against the mirror double back the look for depth and extra light. The side votives extend the mantel piece and provide an additional level of light. (Varied levels of light is infinitely more interesting to the eye than a static level!)
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
So sorry for the tragic loss of your friend.
Your fireside table is beautiful…that print topper is just gorgeous and the fireplace setting is perfect!!
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How tragic, such a beautiful soul was taken so young by unnecessary violence. God Speed Delia Young, may you rest in peace. I’m grateful to her (and your husband) for encouraging you to blog and share your gift of entertaining and decorating. Because of Delia and Cindy I feel like I’ve made a new friend. I know your heart is broken by losing your “fancy friend.” I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure Delia’s proud of you! I’m sending you a hug and praying that the police find the sick, evil murders who took her life.
Your autumn by the embers tablescape is just lovely.
xoxo
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This is so sweet of you — such a sad story. I am sorry for your loss.
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Beautiful.. for your “fancy friend”!
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What a lovely tribute to your friend. Such a sad story 😦
Thank you for linking up to Centerpiece Wed.
Karin
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Alycia, I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. What a senseless tragedy. Your post was beautiful and I’ll be thinking of you!
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What a lovely tribute to your friend! Your description of her obviously wonderful personality makes me feel like I knew her too and I feel sad for you…and at a loss, like everyone I’m sure, as to why people do these things to others.
Your Embers tablescape is so beautiful! I love your table set in front of the fireplace .The artichoke votive holders are so unique and look great! I loved hearing the term “avocado green” again! LOL!
DD
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TERRIBLE,so terrible.
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While I enjoyed seeing your tablescape (so well executed), I am so very, very sorry about your friend. My deepest sympathy to you and to her other friends and family. I hate when things like this happen, and I pray there is an end to senseless violence. A friend of mine’s mother who lived alone was murdered, too, and she was one of the most creative people ever, a mother to an award winning writer. All for some drug crazed nonsense.
On a happier note, I hope that the rest of your week is a blessed one…
XO,
Sheila
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Beautiful! And it’s wonderful that you created such a special table “just for the four of us.” I love all the candlelight — and that tablecloth is fabulous!
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I am so sorry for your loss, Of your good friend!
Your table is so Beautiful, your friend would love it you are a sweet lady to do this for her god be with you.~~~Diane
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I feel sure that your friend would be so proud to know that her teachings live on in such a creative person. It sounds like this friend was so special that whenever she left this earth it would be too soon. But what a complete tragedy! What pain you must be in. I am so sorry for you. Live on and treasure her teachings.
Linda@A Toile Tale
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Love your fireside table~ beautiful tablecloth and colors!
Sorry to hear about the tragic circumstances and the loss of your friend…
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So sorry for the loss of your friend. What a lovely tribute to her.
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I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. She would be happy with the tribute to her.
Your table setting is very warm and welcoming…love the tablecloth, just beautiful.
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My heart hurts for you over the loss of your friend, Delia. Your Autumn tablescape by the fireplace is lovely. I’m right there with you using the term ‘avocado green.’ If it dates us, I can live with that. Thank you for sharing your charming, beckoning design. Cherry Kay
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