May 31, 2018

The Birds of Toulouse

After three days of rain we had a short break in the weather. I had been enjoying the return of birdsong this morning and found it to be the perfect inspiration for a table setting!


To bring birds to the table, I selected these luncheon-sized plates, in a pattern named 'Toulouse'. They're a pretty pale aqua, with spring-green leaves. A butterfly in a soft coral and blue flits above a wood thrush still sitting on its eggs.

Placemats of faux leaves sit beneath the plates. 

In the center I placed three cheerful birds with their birdhouse.

We purchased the birdhouse several years ago at a craft show in Piedmont Park. During the spring and summer, it usually sits on the deck where the copper roof has developed a nice patina.

I like that the rims of the plates resemble tree branches. The chargers provide a compatible woody texture.

Since this is a casual setting, I simply folded the napkins, but clasped the knives and forks in flowered wine glass charms for color.

I gathered hydrangeas from the garden in a cut glass vase. They are drooping a bit from the pounding they've taken the past few days.



I was having the usual problem photographing purplish-blue flower hues, discussed in a previous post.

The napkins and glassware were used just a few weeks ago for A Brunch for Mother's Day. Today they have a more casual feel.



 
My assistants. They are very much interested in helping with anything that involves plates. Surely treats can't be far behind!



Don't you find spring and soft pastels to be an irresistible combination?


Thank you for joining us today!
  


Resources
Plates | Fitz and Floyd 'Toulouse'
Glassware | Schott-Zwiesel 'Conte Sapphire'
 
   

  

  


18 comments:

  1. Beautifully done- love those pretty dishes! I like the flatware crossed over like that- it makes for extra visual interest! My hydrangeas aren't doing well and I am not sure I'll have any blooms this year. Lovely to see your pretty purple/blue ones!
    I learned how to use the "manual" setting on my camera so I can lighten up the image as I take the picture. Sometimes that provides just the shift in light and makes the colors come through better. My camera's manual has information on how to do it so maybe yours does too. Lovely spring table!

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    1. Thanks, Liz! I hope your hydrangeas shake off their doldrums. Almost all gardens are having issues of one kind or another after the winter/spring we've had. I'm using my husband's hand-me-down camera. He's a "don't need a manual" kind of guy so doesn't retain them when he does get them! I'll have to resort to Google, lol!

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  2. Gorgeous tablescape!I love each detail and the stunning hydrangea!Hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much! I liked the way this table turned out. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. What a charming tablescape!! I LOVE your dishes!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thank you, Debbie! I fell hard for these plates the first time I saw them!

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  4. What a beautiful tablescape! The bird plates are gorgeous and all your dishes in this setting. I love birds and anything with them. Your hydrangeas are stunning to, such lovely color.
    I did my mother's day setting with bird plates as well, I still have an 88 year old mom.
    Hugs,
    Fabby

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    1. Thanks, Fabby! There's just something about bird designs on plates that I find irresistible -- I now have three patterns that feature birds. I try not to look at any others, lol! Your mom is about the age mine would have been. We lost her too soon. Have a good weekend,

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  5. Your table looks really beautiful. Love your dishes and the table, itself, lends charm to it all. I am visiting from Keep in Touch and really enjoyed your post..Happy Tuesday..Judy

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    1. Thanks, Judy! I have had the table for years and like it as much now as when I bought it. I have discovered that bird dishes are apparently my 'thing', lol. Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. Beautiful tablescape. I love the bird china.

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    1. Thank you, Katie! I fell hard for these as soon as I saw them.

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  7. I love those plates, especially the soft color! I love decorating with birds, too. ;-) Thanks for joining us at Tuesday Turn About!

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    1. Thank you, Crissy! Songbirds are my favorite type to decorate with, but I have several cranes about as well. And a couple of pheasants!

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  8. Those dishes are lovely! I always love 'bird' themed items! Thanks for sharing on Tuesday Turn About! Hope to see you again this week!

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    1. Thanks, Julie! I hadn't realized how many bird themed things I had until I reorganized and put them all together, lol.

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  9. I absolutely love those pretty bird plates! And hydrangeas are my favorite flower. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

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    1. Thanks, Kathleen! I think they're such happy plates. One of my hydrangeas is finally blooming -- they're late this year.

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