Patriotism Greeted Our Members
Sometimes the sweetest surprise isn’t winning a game or finding the perfect vintage dish.
Sometimes it’s discovering that someone has quietly gone out of their way to make you feel appreciated.
That was the unexpected gift waiting for me at yesterday’s BBQ, Bunko & Beautiful Table Settings gathering.
Patriotism waved throughout the house, not just in the decorations, but in the spirit of the day—a celebration of country, friendship, laughter, and the joy of gathering around a table to play a game of Bunko.
Hostesses with Thoughtful Details
Tammy Williams and Melanie Brake welcomed our BTS members with thoughtful details. Sparkling red, white and blue picks danced from the flower pots lining the driveway before you even entered the house.
Lunch was a summertime feast of barbecue chicken and pork with both red and white sauces, creamy cole slaw, fresh vegetables, and a delightful pasta salad made with tiny star-shaped pasta—a perfectly patriotic touch.
A Patriotic Bunko Game along with a Kim-tini
Even Bunko reflected the day’s theme. Our scorecards included a tribute to America’s 250th birthday, and every set of dice was also dressed in patriotic red, white and blue.
For me personally it was especially sweet to have a chair saved just for me, and a signature drink bearing my name. The Red, White and Blue Kim-tini!
- one shot of rum
- 1/2 shot coconut rum
- 1 part blue power aid
- 1 part cranberry juice
- top with Sprite
I’ve had birthday cakes, thoughtful cards, and sweet hugs over the years, but never a drink named after me! I was genuinely speechless. To make the moment even sweeter, our dining room featured two throne-like chairs—one for the Bunko champion and one for me. As the founder of our Beautiful Table Settings Central-AL chapter, I felt incredibly honored by such an unexpected expression of appreciation. Kindness has a way of catching you completely off guard.
`
Keeping Us Cool
July in Alabama can be relentless. Our lunch was served in the garage where beautifully decorated tables awaited us. Tammy and Melanie had transformed the space into a comfortable dining room with fans and even a portable air conditioner keeping everyone cool. It was one more example of the thoughtfulness woven throughout the day.
Each place setting included a patriotic cookie and a coordinating tea towel for guests to take home—a practical gift that will forever remind us of a wonderful afternoon.
The centerpieces deserved their own standing ovation.
Every table featured a different patriotic arrangement celebrating love of country. My favorite was an adorable little drummer boy dressed in red, white and blue, who, of all things, turned out to be a vintage toothpick holder. It’s those unexpected little treasures that make table settings so much fun to discover.
Party favors in red, white and blue
Nearby, a generous table of party favors invited everyone to choose a keepsake. There were books, dishes, salt and pepper shakers, a Nothing Bundt Cakes gift card, and countless other treasures. Since I had already won a set of patriotic salad plates and dinner plates for placing third in Bunko, I happily selected the matching mugs and bowls to complete the collection.
Kindness in Transit
Perhaps my favorite part of the day had nothing to do with winning or decorations.
A guest joined us for the first time after our member, Sandy Thompson, offered to pick her up and bring her along. She was warmly welcomed, received a thoughtful gift, and by the end of the afternoon looked as though she’d been part of our group all along.
That’s what I love most about our Beautiful Table Settings family.
Yes, we gather around lovely tables.
Yes, we admire pretty dishes.
But underneath the linens, flowers, and centerpieces is something much more beautiful—a group of women who intentionally make room for one more chair, one more conversation, and one more friend.
And that’s a tradition worth celebrating every bit as much as America’s 250th birthday.
Read about our other events: