By June Mathews
On an ordinary day, setting the table is simple. Put a plate and utensils at everyone’s place, then have a seat and pass the mashed potatoes.
But on an extraordinary day, setting the table becomes a creative experience – on a day such as Oct. 12, for instance, when members of The Guild of the Birmingham Music Club set 17 tables for a cause at the organization’s second annual TableScapes luncheon at Vestavia Country Club.
Chaired by Cheree Carlton and Fran Howard, who are past president and current president of the Birmingham Music Club Guild, respectively, TableScapes is a fundraiser for scholarships.
“Don’t we love to build a beautiful holiday table with fine or just special china, crystal, flowers and centerpieces of meaning!” said Phyllis Pelham, recording secretary of the guild. “This year’s TableScapes event was a perfect display of that passion with the vital purpose of supporting Alabama’s finest young musicians and live performance.”
Table themes included Halloween, Elegant Evenings, Honoring our Veterans, Lunch with Lilly (Pulitzer), Christmas, and the iconic movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” complete with black gloves and tiaras.
Taking First Place honors was An Elegant Evening (pictured right) created by Lesley DeRamus, Powell Owens and Linda Pope, featuring a whimsical lighted garden centerpiece surrounded by MacKenzie-Childs place settings.
Second Place went to Nutcracker Suite, (pictured far right) a holiday setting by Pelham featuring a tower of nutcrackers surrounded by musicians, pastry chefs, the Rat King, grand boars head cooks and Cuthbertson Christmas china.
Honorable Mention went to Birds of a Feather (pictured below) by Fran Howard, who used a collection of aviary bisque statues, vases and china to create a fanciful table experience.
In addition to enjoying a delicious meal at beautifully set tables, TableScapes attendees were treated to music by pianist Eyleen Widjanarko during the viewing and anonymous judging of the tables. Later, Daniel Szasz, violinist and concertmaster with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and his wife, Dr. Alina Voicu, a pianist and music instructor, presented an anthology of music.
“This sold-out event,” said Pelham, “had inspirations for all.”
The club was founded in 1905. First known as the Music Study Club, it became The Birmingham Music Club in 1928. The oldest active cultural organization in the Southeast, the BMC has brought musical artists to Birmingham every year for more than a century.
In 1941, the BMC established a scholarship program for music students in Alabama colleges and universities. The guild was organized in 1988 to support BMC activities. Incorporated in May 2011, The Guild is now a separate 501(c)(3), established to foster the appreciation of music and the performing arts in the Birmingham community, as well as to administer and fund the annual College Music Scholarship program.
“Our TableScapes event is one of several ways we support our outstanding youth in their musical pursuits,” said Pelham. “It’s also a reminder of the importance of gathering together at the table.”
For more information about supporting the guild and to view scholarship recipients, visit birminghammusicclubguild.org.
