...family, friends, home and other tidbits of a blessed life

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Rejoice! it's a spring tablescape

It's spring! It's finally officially arrived. The trees are in bud or bloom, the tulips are poking out of the earth and the rest of the bulbs have sprung forth slowly but surely. In this honor, I welcome you to a spring table...

I really wanted some tulips or daffodils or something very springlike for the table center. Once again, though I was foiled! So the permanent snowdrops will have to do.

I stacked a shabby chic charger beneath the dishes I chose for the day. It's a bit unexpected with the gold rimmed dishes.

 Wooden shabby charger from Pier One beneath a Granada dinner plate. (This set of dishes was an auction purchase several years ago - nobody wanted this set and I felt so sorry for it, so I got a service for 12, plus dozens of serving pieces at about 10 cents each!)

For a bit of separation, a Wedgwood Windsor salad plate is next.

Topped the white salad plate with another Granada salad plate, where both will be removed after the salad course.

And to herald spring in style, a permanent bird's nest set in a saucer to top off the place setting.

Gold flatware was used to tie into the gold rim on the dinner plates. The tablecloth is the color of "new" spring green  by Ralph Lauren.

Napkins casually gathered in spring green napkin rings to match the tablecloth - also Ralph Lauren. Napkin rings from Dillards.

Got these after Christmas on sale. Some ridiculous amount of $1.18 each. I loved the green leaf design on the pieces.

Family favorite glasses: hand-blown French water goblets purchased in Santa Fe, NM and vintage wine glasses from an estate sale.

Green salt cellars with silver spoons invite diners to season to taste. What you can't see are the darling flower center pressed into the bottoms of the salt cellars.

Crystal cruets for the vinegar and oil set on a tray to keep any drips off the table.

The tray has a few flowers and scallops along the edge. It has a shabby appearance and an edge finished off with a bit of gold.

In the center of the table is a very curvy pedestal hurricane filled with green grass and a white candle.

One side of the table has the addition of the little bird tea light holder and the opposite a mini terrarium filled with spanish moss in which nests a sweet little bird, a gift from a dear friend.


Now that the players are all introduced.. it's time for some self-paced viewing without a lot of words:





Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The palm and may make country houses gay,
Lambs frisk and play, the shepherds pipe all day,
And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet,
Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit,
In every street these tunes our ears do greet:
    Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to witta-woo!
(From Summer's Last Will and Testament, Thomas Nashe 1600)


Cast:
Tablecloth and napkins - Ralph Lauren
Napkin rings - Dillard's
Shabby wooden chargers - Pier One
Dinnerware - Granada, by Fine China of Japan
Flatware - International
Water goblets - Hand-blown in France, purchased in Santa Fe, NM
Etched wine glasses - estate sale; Libbey Rock Sharpe
Bird nests - local store (Shabby Chic) no longer in business
Pedestal hurricane - Home Goods
Candlesticks - TJMaxx
Permanent snowdrops - TJMaxx years ago
Bird tea light - TJMaxx recently
Salt cellars and silver spoons - antique stores/estate sales


 Thank you so very much for dropping in, your conversation (comments) are my blessings, please let me know you've been here. 

I'll be linking up to Susan's Tablescape Thursday, do be sure to drop in for some more inspiring tables set just for you.




54 comments:

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Your salt cellars make me swoon! I love the subtle design on the napkin rings. The Shabby wooden chargers from Pier One are in my inventory as well and will be used for Easter. Beautiful spring table!

Lynn said...

Such a pretty and welcoming table Marlis! Love the soft greens and my eye was drawn to the pretty salt cellars too! Happy Spring:@)

Tricia said...

Marlis, you have OUTDONE yourself with this gorgeous table! You really showed off the pretty china you "rescued," and I love the little nests to top the placesetting. So charming!

Diane said...

Stunning! Your table setting and the diningroom are beautiful. Pretty dishes and great deal too!

A Hint of Home said...

Your tablesetting is divine!!!
Love your dishes and those chargers are beautiful!
Your centerpieces are very pretty, too.

Maureen Stevens said...

gorgeous! gorgeous! so many details? do u have an open invite for a Spring party?

Susan said...

Your table setting is FABULOUS!!! I love everything! Your salt cellars, china, chargers, hurricane, bird nests, everything is gorgeous! Oh, how I wish I had a Home Goods store near me! I love green and white together with clear/crystal.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful table with us. This is one of my favorites of all time.
Susan

Babs said...

Marlis, I'm so enthralled with your tablescape and just keep looking at each photo again and again. I love EVERYTHING about it... but especially that shade of green you've chosen and your French glasses, the permanent snowdrops and little bird's nests...oh, and the salt cellars..and the great photos with the shadows. Oh, did I say I love it? Have a happy Spring.

Red Couch Recipes said...

Marlis -- what a beautiful table you have set to herald in spring. I know what you mean about feeling sorry for dishes that no one wants, but these dishes appreciate that you have bought them because they really shine on your table! Love the nests and the chargers. Thanks for such a beautiful table. Joni

Bonnie Bee said...

Sheer perfection,Marlis!!!! The mix of the soft greens and white are subtle and so elegant... Your table is just over the top gorgeous on every level!

Debbie said...

LOVE IT!! I think this is my favorite one that you've ever done. I am so glad you took pity on those dishes. They're pretty and versatile. You could go so many places with them. I do like the wedgewood in between them, too.

I just love every springy thing about this table. The nests, the flowers, the birds, you name it.

Jacqueline said...

Marlis, I can't believe how many wonderful pictures you posted. That must have taken forever just to upload them all! Everything is just gorgeous and wonderful. I loved the little birds and the nests. That sure shouts spring with the soft greens.

Those chargers are my favorite too. I love them so much, I was thinking of buying another set and giving them for a giveaway. They are perfect with the china. What a beautiful set that nobody wanted. I am glad you got it, you made it just gorgeous. Oh, I can't wait for something green outside here!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Marlis, you outdid yourself with this! It's so lovely, and I can't believe no one wanted that china. Glad you did because it is very, very pretty. Love your birds nest, too. I have that same tablecloth and just love it. It's a great shade of green, and it looks perfect with your table. Love your goblets, too.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Kathleen said...

No one wanted that china? Oh my, it is just beautiful! The table is lovely, the napkins, the nests, the stems, beautiful!

Luncheons at the Junction said...

This is just a visual fest for the eye. Every element of this beautiful table is a delight! Thanks so much for sharing - the effort and creativity is evident.

A Toile Tale said...

So many beautiful details! I just love these dishes. Poor little orphans. I'm glad you gave them a good home. I have that tablecloth, but I haven't used it yet. this makes me think I should use it with my St. Patrick's Day dishes with ferns on them. I could really use that fabulous hurricane then! Oh, yes, I love love love the salts.
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Diane said...

Marlis

As always your tablescape is perfection. You always have such a serene table with all of the right grace notes. Your tablescapes are such an inspiration to me and I learn something everytime.

And, I LOVE the hurricane with the frosted fern pattern. Too beautiful!

On Crooked Creek said...

Marlis,
How soothing and serene your green and white tablescape. Elegantly displayed dishes on those shabby chargers. I adore the slight touches of purple and lavendar throughout the birds nest. Thank you for such a lovely tablescape today!
Fondly,
Pat

Sarah said...

Marlis, your spring table is gorgeous with all its green details. I think you auction dishes were certainly a great find. They are truly beautiful, and you have spotlighted them with perfection. Each detail of this table offers inspiration. ~ sarah

Marigene said...

Beautiful green and white table. I can't believe no one wanted that china...what luck for you. I want those wooden chargers, but don't want to pay that price, yet! Your centerpiece is gorgeous.

LadyV said...

Beautiful china, soothing colours, perfect accessories...Gorgeous table!

Terri said...

Wow, what a breathtaking tablescape! I just love the touches of green against the soft whites. This is one of my favorite tablescapes ever.

Susan Hawthorne said...

so, so , spring- I just love this table.

Entertaining Women said...

Oh my, this is gorgeous! I've been eyeing the Ralph Lauren green paisley tablecloth on eBay. Your table convinces me that I may want to indulge myself. Beautiful linens. And I love the etched hurricane. Dang, I wish that we had a Home Goods. Once again, we've landed on the same design planet...Birds were an important part of my tablescape, too. Thanks you for opening the door to Spring with your wonderful creation. Cherry Kay

Dianne said...

Marlis,

I love this table, the subtle colors, the dishes, and the glassware, but I covet the hurricane! Just lovely. I have that same tablecloth andhaven't used it yet, but whatever I do it won't live up the bar you set! I think your new background is so inviting too. Makes me want to take a walk i the dappled sunlight in the woods. Dianne

Mrs. Serendipity said...

Marlis!

Lovely Spring Table! Love that spring green china - what a wonderful find. Right time - right place - right price. lol Everything is so beautiful! I also love the tablecloth as it matches perfectly with your china.

Thanks for sharing! Mrs. S

Alycia Nichols said...

Hey, Marlis! I've been paroled out of the bed to get on the computer for a little while, so you KNOW I headed straight to TT!!! I am SO sick (pun intended!) of laying in there, especially since I have to sleep sitting up. At least I don't have as much discomfort as earlier in the week. Hallelujah for that! :-) This is a drop dead gorgeous table! I LOVE the green and all the beautiful spring-like elements. The bird's nests are fabulous, and they work so well with the overall theme. I am so glad you "rescued" that china from a horrible fate of going to someone's home who wouldn't have a clue about what to do with it. It's beautiful!!! I love the salt cellars, and the teensy little terrarium...so cute! I really like the fern on the hurricane, too. It has a very "elgantly outdoorsy" feel to it. An absolutely gorgeous table! You always come through with such incredible, creative tablescapes! Thank you so much for entering the Mikasa contest on my site. I saw where my husband has been keeping up with everyone. That's a little scary! :-) Hope March goes "out like a lamb" for you! Talk to you soon!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh my you've set a lovely table with that "unwanted" china! If anyone who passed it up saw how gorgeous it is -- they'd be ill! Love all the beautiful bits of spring you've captured.

Unknown said...

Je suis française et j'adore les blogs anglais et j'aime beaucoup cette table avec les nids dans les assiettes, les plantes fleuries; l'allaince du vert, les superpositions d'assiettes ce qui a un charme fou.
evelyne

Anonymous said...

Marlis, your spring tablescape is so delicate and beautiful. I love your little bird nests. You have designed such an inspiring table. Thank you for sharing!

Tanya
www.lisatakesix.blogspot.com

Sweetladyelaine said...

You set a lovely table! I love the chargers, tablecloth and those dishes. They certainly are happy with you! Thank you for sharing..
Blessings My friend,

LYNDA QUINTERO-DAVIDS said...

How refreshing! Love all the green and white - especially the curvy glass hurricane with the fern etching!

Happy Spring!
:D Lynda

The Tablescaper said...

What a beautiful serene table. I love the mixing and matching of the patterns and textues.

- The Tablescaper

Sami said...

This is simply gorgeous and perfect for spring.
~sami

Savannah Granny said...

Marlis, This is breathtaking. I absolutely love everything on this table. This is such a wonderful representation of spring. The soft greens and whites with just a hint of color in those dishes (what a deal) are just the way spring arrives. Softly and quietly.
I have been over it twice to look at everything. The linens, the salt cellars, hurricane candleholder and the lovely stemware. Thank you so much for sharing. I am saving this to my favorites.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Marlis, I just love this! There is something wonderful about green and white...one of my fav color combinations. Your table setting is just beautiful and I love all the pretty flowers. Yay, for spring!

Kuby said...

Wow, another spectacular table. I love those glasses. The china is incredible!

My Cozy Casita said...

Hi,thank you so much for your comments on my blog, your tablescape the soft green and white make spertacular setting your table welcome spring!!
Blessing
XO
Isora

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

MARLIS! That is so genuinely GORGEOUS. I love the layering of green, the french glassware, everything. And the hurricane in the middle is just way too pretty. I would so appreciate a dinner at your table if I were your guest. You'll make everyone feel special with this.

Phyllis said...

Your lovely china looks "just like spring" to me.....the green design looks like teeny tiny buds on a tree almost ready to "pop" open. And the RL tablecloth could not be more perfect with the place settings! You have certainly planned a beautiful tablescape and one that any guest would enjoy!

Maureen said...

Beautiful tablescape. Love all the greens and white..so refreshing! I wish spring would come to the Metro New YOrk City area and after seeing your table I wish she would hurry up! Thank you for sharing and bringing a bit of spring into my life.

Unknown said...

Marlis, Wow! What a lovely tablescape! So soft, fresh and a beautiful "spring" green. I would have rescued those dishes also. They are beautiful.
Thank you for the sweet wishes!
Andrea

emptynester3 said...

Beautiful, beautiful table! Just striking! Love the stemware, flowers, bird nests...
Thanks for visiting me! Love, ~Nana~

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady. Your Tablescapes are Beautiful~~~ I LOVE all the greens and white so refreshing with Spring in the AIR. I hope you have a Great Evening with your family..
Diane

Martha said...

What a beautiful spring table!

Scribbler said...

Fabulous and fresh, yet elegant and seasonal. I love it.

All The Pretty Dishes said...

Beautiful tablescape! I love the dinnerware and the stemware - very pretty.

A Perfect Setting said...

I almost bought that tablecloth/napkins, now I wish I had! This is gorgeous, and so many beautiful components to your table. I love the birds' nests, and the beautiful green in the china looks so great with your tablecloth. It is sooo springy, and elegant at the same time! Thanks for visiting with me and your kind comments, especially educating me on the term peg nappy--hadn't heart that in years, and I didn't know they were still called that!! I enjoyed my visit today!!

Bill said...

Hi Marlis,

Absolutely stunning! Your attention to detail is always so impressive. I also took a look at your charming outdoor table from last week -- just beautiful!

I just had an e-mail from Alycia and heard that you won her Mikasa giveaway. Congratulations! I'll look forward to seeing you weave your magic with the "Daylight" dishes.

Have a great weekend!

Warmest regards,
Bill

xinex said...

Oh so lovely and so adorable! I love it Marlis. It looks so delicate too. Congrats on winning the Mikasa dinnerware on Alycia's giveaway! Lucky you!....Christine

Mary said...

This is so beautiful & so speaks to me! Green & white is one of my favorite color combinations. I love all your spring touches~ your sweet birds & nests! Congrats on the dinnerware giveaway!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a beautiful table Marlis. That etched hurricane and those wine glasses are stunning, and I really like those chargers. The little bird nests are such a sweet addition. I was so touched by your story in your next post, and it was so lovely to look at this beautiful table with that video in the background. laurie

matzsmith said...

I follow via GFC, I like the sketch floral, and I like Mikasa. Great giveaway.

@matzsmith matzsmithatgmaildotcom

Julio Muao said...

Very beautiful table Marlis! great job. I love it.

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin