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'