Spring's Stunning Colors Transform My Garden

After an unusually dry winter punctuated by days of ice and temperatures in the single digits, spring has exploded with color during warm, sunny days!  I'm excited to share with you today all the colors in my garden as spring progressed!

 

Bloom times for camellia shrubs can range from fall (for my light pink Camellia sasanqua) to spring, depending on the species and variety. The last two of the Camellia japonica in my garden burst into color in early March. Covered in red flowers, this blooms next to our side door.

 

    

Nestled under the dogwoods in the front yard is a deep pink variety of camellia

Bunnies and Cupcakes: An Easter Table for Kids

Flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out, birds are singing — a sure sign that spring's arrival is accelerating. Houses are being decorated with lighter colors and playful touches to echo spring's sunnier mood. Welcome to my table inspired by several Easter baskets that had belonged to my daughter which were stored and forgotten. I had kept these baskets because they were woven of natural materials dyed pretty colors.

 

I originally planned a table around the lovely plates

Springing Into View — A Blossoming Table

I can see it — can you? Spring is quickly coming into view and I am ready for it! I'm ready for the warmth of longer days and for the greening of my garden. 

 

While the trees have yet to leaf out, the last of my camellias are covered in lovely pink flowers and spring bulbs have begun to bloom in the garden. Together they've inspired a blossoming table! Come and view it with me!

 

          

I'm especially delighted today

Magical Irish Tablesetting in Delightful Greens and Golds

March has arrived, announced by dozens of daffodils blooming in my yard. Their cheery yellow and gold petals and bright green leaves are just in time for one of the most lighthearted of holidays — St. Patrick's Day! It's a day to don some green, believe in good luck, sing lovely Irish ballads and shout Slainté while raising my glass, all to celebrate my Irish heritage (on both sides of my family). Before that, though, I love decorating my house with green and gold and a sprinkling of Celtic patterns and Irish symbols.

 

I've also set a table that I'm delighted to share with you today! I like to think it captures the magical Irish spirit.

 

          

Year of the Fire Horse — A Table Setting

Tonight, in the middle of winter, comes the first new moon, signaling the beginning of a new lunar year whose zodiac sign is the Fire Horse. The lunar year cycle repeats every twelve years, with each year represented by its animal sign. Unlike a regular horse year, 2026 is a year of the Fire Horse, which only occurs every 60 years. Combining the Fire element with the Horse's energy is thought to bring transformative change and creativity.

 

In that spirit I've set a table to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse! 

 

Fittingly, I began with a ceramic Tang Dynasty-style horse statue