A Charm of Finches for a Late Spring Table Setting

Welcome to the table today, friends! I'm sure you're wondering about the title I used for this table setting in late Spring, almost June. A "charm" is the delightful term for a group of various types of songbirds. I couldn't resist!

 

    

The table began with these lovely luncheon plates that I frequently use in the spring, such as in Spring Tablescape with Azaleas and Birds. Eggs in the nests are a giveaway, but I've also used them on summer tables. 

 

    

A table runner and placemats covered in small to medium birds (that look like finches to me) seemed to be a perfect choice beneath the plates. Bought on sale but never used, they've been hidden at the bottom of a drawer for I'm not sure how long. The light background of the linens and the multi-colored birds definitely convey spring vibes.

 

As a centerpiece I chose this hand-crafted birdhouse with copper cut-out dragonflies and a copper roof with a lovely patina. I used its companion piece in The Birds of Toulouse, which subsequently moved onto the deck and hosted a series of successful nests for five years.

 

     

Behind the birdhouse sit a pair of birds — actually a set of salt and pepper shakers — on a different type of nest. 

 

     

 I love that the stems on the plates are figural, as are the branch-like rims.

 

Echoing the sky-blue base of the plates are the pretty blue stems of the iced-tea glasses and 

 

       

 the sherbet glasses, which will hold fresh fruits as a dessert. I used the glassware most recently in Year of the Fire Horse.

 

      

Also in a soft blue are the napkins, clasped by pewter-colored rings in the shape of stems that are accented by tiny birds.

 

Now that I have "found" these linens I'm sure I will continue to use them on spring and summer tables!

 

    

This breakfast table is where we eat most of our meals, open mail, wrap presents, do jigsaw puzzles, and lots of other things! It sits between the kitchen and the family room and has direct access to the deck and the backyard beyond. It's also a great spot for bird watching, as wrens, finches, cardinals, woodpeckers, crows and the occasional hawks and owls like to congregate in the trees and visit the stream and pond. The latter feature in A Perfect Backyard Summer Picnic under the Trees.

 

     

 I know I mention it each time I've set a post here, but I just love the design of the table.

 

This is one I think I'll reset over the coming weeks!

 

         

Thanks for stopping by! 

 

    

Table details 

Plates | Fitz & Floyd 'Toulouse'

Stemware | Schott-Zwiesel 'Conte Sapphire'

Napkin rings | Lenox 'Chirp' 

Shared with these fun parties   

Sundays on Silverado  

Love Your Creativity    

   

    

   

   

   

   

   

   

    

   

   

   

   

   

A Perfect Backyard Summer Picnic under the Trees

"Summertime . . . an' the livin' is easy"

                composed by George Gershwin, lyrics by DuBose Heyward    

 

And nothing says easier living than a picnic in the open air, with simple foods, good wine and great friends! 

 

 

Better yet, set up your picnic in the backyard under the trees!   

Gorgeous Flowers Style a Charming Table for Mother's Day

An arrangement of absolutely gorgeous flowers that I received were the starting point for styling a charming table! Since they were from my daughter it felt right to design a Mother's Day celebration! Come join me at the table. 

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