Celebrating Longview Farm

/ Alycia Nichols

I’ve been in a kind of funk lately. When I’m feeling down, it’s hard for me to write. It has been tough just to get out of bed most mornings, let alone share thoughts and witticisms with others. Things just pretty much suck right now. Not Hurricane Sandy sucking (may God bless and protect all of you guys!), but y’know…they just suck!

Because I’m trying to be a trooper, though, I thought I’d at least share a couple of photos with you of an autumn reception buffet tablescape I created a while back. The event was to commemorate the release of a PBS piece supported by the R.A. Long Historical Society. We live at historical Longview Farm in Lee’s Summit, MO, a.k.a. “The World’s Most Beautiful Farm“, and I love our community, so I was more than happy to help out. Show horses have long been associated with the Robert A. Long family’s empire (and is a prominent part of our community’s official horse and buggy logo), so I knew just what to use!
(Click on any photo to enhance/enlarge it.)

The public reception and documentary screening were held at the historic Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, MO., which is a monument in homage to the men and women who lost their lives as well as the surviving veterans of World War I. Dedicated on November 11, 1926, the Liberty Memorial also houses the National World War I Museum (as designated by the U.S. Congress in 2004). Robert A. Long contributed a substantial amount of money toward the building of the Liberty Memorial and served as president of the Memorial Association for a time. It was, therefore, only fitting that the screening and reception be held in this awesome place. (Honestly, folks…if you’re ever in the Kansas City, MO area, this place is a must see! The glass bridge and field of 9,000 poppies alone is worth the ticket price!!!)

The largest table held a bounty of wonderful desserts not prepared by me! 🙂 I displayed the sweets on silver pieces of varied levels for the most impact. This large wooden horse (also used for posts Carousel Colors, American Royal Tablescape, Derby Day Dining, Kentucky Derby Buffet, and Run for the Roses) served as the centerpiece, surrounded by scads of autumn foliage, flowers, berries and pumpkins. Tall silver candlesticks added shine and elegance as well as ambient light to the centerpiece.

The beverage table displayed a smaller horse (which I have since foolishly sold) with similar silver and autumn embellishments.

That’s it for this week, folks. Best wishes for a fun, safe, and happy Halloween. And to all my friends on the east coast of the U.S., please be safe as you ride out Hurricane Sandy. That chick is not playin’!!!

For a complete list of more buffet tablescapes on this site, click on the “Buffet Tables” tab at the top of this page!

I’m hooking up with Cuisine Kathleen’s “Let’s Dish!“, the Style Sisters’ “Centerpiece Wednesday“, and Susan’s “Tablescape Thursday” this week. There are always so many great creations by my tablescaping colleagues that you surely don’t want to miss!

39 thoughts on “Celebrating Longview Farm”

  1. Hi Alycia~ What a delicious buffet you styled for this event! I love seeing the grand scale of the horses at your table, shame on you for selling the smaller one 🙂

    It’s hard to imagine you in a funk and without any witticisms to share.Your talent and joie de vivre that your tables exude bring lots of joy to others! Hope things look up for you soon 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  2. Alycia…your reputation for magnificent table displays is widespread…you must be so honored to have so many charities and organizations come to you for your talents!…The tables are stunning…such a wonderful event!
    Alycia….I hope you are feeling better!!…

    Like

    Reply

  4. Alycia that was beautifully presented! Those horses are so unique! Love the tiered trays! You sure know how to do it!
    I’m sending you a big Internet hug! I hope you can pull out if this funk soon- otherwise I’m going to have to send you some of those Chippendale Dancers!! 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  6. Oh goodness dear Alycia, you are getting to be the “Famous Lady of Tablescaping!!”..to me you are always, but now you’re getting the calls, wow…and I don’t blame them either! I love the horse and the tiered trays with all that great food too! Hope you’re feeling better by this time..I wonder what Ramon is saying about it! Just gorgeous. Have a blessed and safe week ahead my friend.
    FABBY

    Like

    Reply

  8. Alycia, I found your website several months ago & have spent hours looking at your tablescapes! I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I found you, such fabulous ideas & such a tremendous help to me when planning a party! I moved to AZ 2 yrs ago from Overland Park, Ks, it was such a shock to realize that you are so close to where I lived for 30+ yrs! I’ve never sent my gratitude of how appreciated you are in my life! I do hope that you can rise up from your funk, it makes me so sad to hear that you’re at a dark time, however, I can say that at times I’ve experienced the same as I’m sure I can speak for most of your viewers too. Look forward to those smiling words & your gift of talents,you’re in my prayers & thoughts!
    Gisele

    Like

    Reply

  9. Well, of course you had magnificent carousel horses at hand. I think that I just gained five pounds just looking at the dessert table. When I’m close the next time, I’ll check out that museum…and I’ll call to take you to lunch! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

    Like

    Reply

  11. Talk about pulling out all the stops, there is a horse on the table!!! This is a jaw dropping set up kudos to you. I also know what you mean about being in a writing funk. Hang in there girl and take it easy.

    Like

    Reply

  12. I know what you mean about the funk — I have dealt with periodic depression all my life. One day you wake up, and it is just gone. I have always likened it to that character in the old Lil Abner comic strip — that one who had the black cloud following him around.

    That area you are referring to sounds charming. Your presentation as always is spectacular.

    If there is anything I can do to lift you up, get in touch, OK?

    ETS

    Like

    Reply

  13. I can seriously understand how you feel but I want you to know something: you are more than a conqueror and that you will be victorious through this! You are an incredible woman whom God has blessed with enormous creativity and talent. We here in blog land are so honored and priviledged that you grace us with your person presence and your creative presence. Know that I am praying for you and if you ever need a kind word or an e-hug, all you have to do is e-mail me.
    Thank you for the honor of knowing you through cyber space and through your beautiful art.

    Like

    Reply

  16. You better get out of your funk girlfriend or you will be over here with Dee and I cleaning up my house. PS I found the glass bridge to be very eerie for me to walk over although it is beautiful to see the poppies

    Like

    Reply

  17. Oh, dear blog friend, I can relate. I know exactly of what you write, and I will continue to cover you in prayer for sunshine to break through the shadow. I really DO understand. I

    I love this table, and I’m so glad you “powered through” to share it with us. I have always loved carousal horses for some reason. I guess it’s an old Mary Poppins obsession or something. I would love to visit that place just to see the poppies you mention. How awesome.

    Please know that someone does care.

    Like

    Reply

  21. Hello gorgeous Lady A…
    Am back from a long vacation in The Philippines. It was a hectic time but cést la vie…
    I really missed to visit all my fave Tablescapers. Now, I am drooling on everyones’ posts.
    Not joining the fun but I am just roaming around to see the updates in bloggie world.

    Hope your in the best of everything and away from the horrible storm.

    Hugs,
    /chie

    Like

    Reply

  22. Hello dear Alycia. I’m so sorry to hear that you are in a emotional funk right now. I hope by today things are better since I’m just getting around. I’m praying right now that God will comfort and send encouragement to you that will lift you up at this time. Hugs….

    Like

    Reply

  23. Alycia, Sorry to hear you’re in a “blue funk”! Sending you warm and cozy thoughts and prayers. Hugs…oh and great buffet tables with the horses.
    More hugs,
    Babs

    Like

    Reply

  24. Thoughts & Prayers dear Alycia. Over the top as usual!! Hubby & I had minor damage from Sandi, but several friends lost houses and cars. I too have been in “funky” state, even before..tired of this election process..should be shorter. Had planned to do an “election nite watch party”, but not really in the mood..we’ll see. UNTIL….HUGS, Danni

    Like

    Reply

  25. Hi Alycia, it must be that time of the year to feel a little off!!! Mr FH and I have been very flat (and more than a little stressed) lately as we have a lot of sheep to sell and our Prime Minister in her wisdom has stopped the live sheep export so that means on sales which means no money!! Hopefully things will turn around at this end and I have my fingers crossed that you will get going again soon. Chin up!!
    Suzyq

    Like

    Reply

  26. Hi Alycia,

    I’m so very sorry to hear that you’re feeling blue. I’ve been there enough times in the past to know how difficult that is. It’s just awful to not want to get out of bed; my thoughts are with you.

    This is a beautiful table you’ve arranged and decorated; the horse is just spectacular. The Liberty Memorial you described sounds magnificent; maybe someday I’ll get to see it. It’s so nice that we can all share these wonderful places with one another through blogging.

    I hope you’ll soon be feeling better and back to your cheerful and creative self. Until then, take good care.

    Hugs,

    Denise

    Like

    Reply

  28. Well the table is beautiful, but I wouldn’t expect anything less than that from you. I’m just worried about you and hope you are okay! Please feel free to email me direct if you want to chat or if I can do anything. I have good ears!

    Big, big hugs to you sweet lady,

    Nancy

    Like

    Reply

  31. Hey friend, I hope you get out of the funk real soon and back to your usual self so full of energy and spunk. The “horse of a centerpiece” is fabulous, it makes quite a statement all by itself. The rest of the table for the occasion is perfect too, I would say everything you touch turns to gold so start rubbing your feet and you’ll feel like a million bucks real soon.

    Like

    Reply

  32. Pingback: Hometown Pride: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos Football Tablescape | Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One

  33. Pingback: Pheasants & Pumpkins | Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One

  34. Pingback: Shake Your Tail Feather | Tablescapes at Table 21

  35. Pingback: Run For the Roses | Tablescapes at Table 21

  36. Pingback: Kentucky Derby Buffet | Tablescapes at Table 21

  37. Pingback: An Offer You Can’t Refuse | Tablescapes at Table 21

  38. Pingback: Hey, Pumpkin! | Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One

  39. Pingback: Thanksgiving Dessert Buffet | Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One

Thank you for visiting. If you would care to leave a comment about this post, please do! I appreciate the feedback!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.