Late Spring with Toulouse

Spring has returned, with clear blue skies and wonderful breezes. It chased summer away with thunderstorms and rains for days. But I don't mind – I much prefer spring! (This northern transplant has yet to get used to southern summers...even after all these years!)

And so I bring you another spring-themed table.

I love dishes that reflect spring – either through their use of spring colors or spring delights. As you may have realized, I also have a "thing" for designs featuring birds.

The two come together in these 'Toulouse' plates – aren't they wonderful? Birds and nests and new leaves and butterflies!

The luncheon-sized plates sit atop the green glass chargers I've been using throughout April and May. (Sorry for the glare – I had to light the chandelier because it was raining when I took the pictures.)

To emphasize the new greens of spring, I used pretty green goblets (first seen here). And I couldn't resist adding the vintage stemware for aperitifs.

Birds have alighted and they... 

and their nests serve as the centerpiece.

Understated metal rings hold damask napkins in a paler shade of blue.

I wanted to keep the table bare to let the wood serve as a natural underlayment.

I continued with the hand-crafted salt cellars I found at the American Craft Council show, representing curled leaves with twigs for spoons.

A few months ago, I stumbled across this vintage salt and pepper set and knew it would go with any of my nature-themed plates.

I like to coordinate the look of the buffet with the dining table, so I gathered spring-blooming silk flowers there.

I think this will be the perfect setting for a weekend lunch, whatever the weather outside!

Perhaps you could join us!

Resources  

Chargers | Villeroy & Boch
Luncheon plates, centerpiece | Fitz & Floyd 'Toulouse'
Aperitif stems |  Fostoria 'June'
Silverware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'
Napkin rings | Lenox 'Chirp'