Tuesday, March 29, 2022

A Field of Tulips on a Spring Table

One of the most thrilling things in the spring is the sight of bright green shoots rising from the earth in the garden. The first belong to the crocuses and daffodils, followed in short order by TULIPS! The buds open in a rainbow of colors and it's just spectacular! 

I wanted to duplicate that exuberance of color and shape on my spring table! Gathering all my faux tulips (unabashedly less expensive than that number of real flowers), I placed them in glass and crystal vases on a delicate linen runner drenched in flowers.

The table was set in the dining room, and I was ready to join a fun spring and Easter tablescape blog hop hosted by Rita of Panoply. You'll find the table stylists who are participating in the blog hop at the bottom of the post. If you're coming from a visit to the garden bunnies at Corner of Plaid and Paisley, welcome!

My inspiration for today's table comes directly from all the gorgeous photos of the tulip fields in the Netherlands I see every spring. One of these days, I hope to see them in person!
 

I brought out my lavender tablecloth that I use frequently in the spring (and ought to have spent more time ironing, lol), with its matching napkins. Next came green glass chargers to represent all the leaves that should begin to unfurl any day now. I didn't want to compete with the flowers, so I chose white plates that are embossed on the shoulder. Turquoise tinted glassware with a vaguely tulip shape was added along with my wedding silver that I love to use.

  
The swan appears to be gracefully landing among tulips. I love the details on this pitcher, where the handle is formed of entwined stems.  I had used the swan pieces in one of my first posts on the blog. 


I like the interplay of textures — the linen of the table runner, the crocheted edge of the napkins, the embossed shoulder of the plates, the cross-hatch design of the chargers, and the handles of the silverware. I think it's the mixture of details that make tablescapes interesting.

  
The goblets are etched in a design that looks to me like dandelion seed heads. Found in the summer at one of the local antique malls, I'm still researching the manufacturer and pattern name. Daisies are cut into the vase next to it.

  
I carried the theme to the buffet with another vase of tulips and lavender candles.


Flowers cover the napkin rings, in colors similar to the tulips.

  
Tulips form the cups of the candle holders on the backs of the swans. Their poses are so realistic!

  
I included the small tulip covered compote to serve after-dinner chocolates.


I've only got a few early tulips blooming in the garden — a half dozen that are orange with pink stripes, and a single pink one. These are safely planted in pots on the patio. I also have some in the front garden, but the deer often find them sooner than I do. Sigh...


The flowers are colorful, dynamic. And they make me smile!

  


The flowers on the buffet are more restrained,


while the field of tulips on the table are anything but!





Table details
Chargers | Villeroy & Boch 'Verona'
Plates | Villeroy & Boch 'Manoir'
Glassware | vintage
Ceramic swans | Fitz and Floyd
Vases | various
Flatware | Reed & Barton 'Eighteenth Century'

 
Thanks to Rita of Panoply for organizing this Spring and Easter blog hop! I know you'll enjoy visiting all the talented stylists! Next up is the Bookish Dilettante with her casual Easter tablescape.  
  
 
        List of participants
            Everyday Living - The Joys of Easter
            The Little Yellow Corner Store - Funny Bunny Fern and Her Breakfast Tablescape
            Me and My Captain - Spring Is In the Air
            Red Cottage Chronicles - Fruit and Flowers Spring Tablescape
            Living with Thanksgiving - The Joy of Spring
            Life and Linda - Bunnies Pedaling Toward Easter
            Hyacinths for the Soul - Garden Party on the Terrace
            Home Is Where the Boat Is - Hop To It
            Panoply - Blissful Signs of Spring / Easter Tablescape
            My Hubbard Home - Busy Bunny Easter Table
            My Thrift Store Addiction - Rabbits and Roses Garden Tea for Two
            Thrifting Wonderland - Easter Table in Black and White
            Karins Kottage - Children's Easter Table in Bright Colors
            The Painted Apron - Spring Piggy Party!
            Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Bunnies in the Garden
            Dinner at Eight - A Field of Tulips on a Spring Table  (you are here!)  
            The Bookish Dilettante - Casual Easter Tablescape
            Pandora's Box - Here Comes Peter Cottontail

 

 

    
    
    
    
    

    
    

54 comments:

  1. A beautiful burst of color, balanced nicely against a calm tablecloth and accessories. Lovely!

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  2. Wow! Sandra!! Your field of tulips made me smile as well! Such a wonderful display of color. I am with you, I love tulips and would love to go see the glorious fields in the Netherlands, but at this point I may settle for a trip to Holland Michigan!! I hope you have a wonderful spring and that your tulips blooming bring your nothing but smiles 🌷💜

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    1. Ann, thank you! I went to Holland Michigan when I was a child. It was in the summer and I don't recall seeing any tulips, but I do remember a windmill!

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  3. Oh, what a colorful table - tulips certainly are the perfect spring flower! What really caught my eye is your table runner - I adore the colors and it looks so pretty with all of your tulips. Have a wonderful spring and thanks for sharing your pretty table!

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    1. Thanks, Patti! I've had a few more tulips bloom in the garden! The table runner is run of my favorites.

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  4. Sandra, your pretty table rival's nature's spring colors. I love it!!! The center display looks like a flower cart, where it would be hard for me to pick which tulips I like best. You didn't mention the table runner.
    Happy Easter,
    Rachelle

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    1. Thank you, Rachelle! I love the comparison to a flower cart! I bought the table runner 6 or 7 years ago at Crate & Barrel.

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  5. Sandra, your table is so charming. I love the bouquet of tulips displayed on your table, so pleasing to the eye. It all looks so beautiful with your dark blue wall color. The napkins with the crocheted edge are lovely. Sorry to hear the deer sometimes get to your tulips. We have a squirrel problem. This table is perfect for spring, so cheerful and full of joy. Always a pleasure to join you on these fun tablescape blog hops.

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda! Spring is a season for joy, isn't it?! At least until the deer eat my tulips, sigh..

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  6. Just gorgeous Sandra! Takes me back to the field of tulips near the house where I grew up. The very essence of the season to me! Your swans are so perfect there and you brought it all together beautifully!
    Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. Thanks so much, Denise! I would love to live near a field of flowers -- that must be so up-lifting.

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  7. Tulips are my daughter's favorite flower. You reminded me that perhaps I should send her a bouquet of them just to say I am thinking of her. I love your table setting.

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    1. Thank you, Latane! I think your daughter would love that!

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  8. What a beautiful collection of tulips, Sandra! Your table looks so cheerful! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! You can't go wrong with tulips!

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  9. Wow Sandra, you have quite a collection of faux tulips! If you hadn't said they were faux I would have never guessed! What a perfect theme for a Spring/Easter table, I love all the colors, a celebration of the season! I'm crazy over your flower napkin rings, so pretty! The swan pieces are beautiful, just beautiful! I love the way you kept the table simple and let the tulips and elegant place settings really shine~
    Jenna

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    1. Jenna, thank you for your sweet comments! Ever since I realized the local deer had discovered my tulips, I've relied more on the faux variety for decor!

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  10. Sandra, your colorful tulips on the runner are singing spring has arrived. This is a lovely table that you have designed and is perfect for spring. I love the F&F swans, they look so graceful on your table. It would be amazing to see the tulips in full bloom in Holland. It is always a treat to hop with you…Happy Spring!

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    1. Thanks, Pam! There's a field of sunflowers not far from me that is breathtaking in summer. I can only imagine what a rainbow of colors the fields of tulips would be!

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  11. I love tulips Sandra and when we lived in Seattle we would go up to Skagit Valley and just marvel at the fields and fields of beautiful tulips. Most of the fields were a solid color like all purple or pink etc, which made one feel they were in Oz. But they also have multicolored fields too. So if you can't get to the Netherlands, perhaps a trip to Skagit Valley will do.
    Your table is lovely, thank you for sharing and joining our group of bloggers. You always have that little something extra that I look forward too.
    Have a great and Blessed day.
    Kari @ Me and My Captain

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    1. Kari, thanks so much for your lovely comments! I haven't been to the Seattle area is a long time and had no idea that I would find tulip fields there. That's now on my list of places to visit! I have so enjoyed joining the group. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  12. Sandra, your linen floral runner is stunning and your parade of tulips look delightful. I also have a dream of seeing the tulips in Holland in person!
    Your swans are indeed lovely.
    I like your description of the interplay of textures.Your commentary was interesting and went well with your photos.
    Enjoy spring and Easter. Blessings to your family.

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie! I love spring in the garden with all the lovely colors exploding against the greens and browns. Even if it's chilly, you can bring the color inside with tulips. Have a wonderful week!

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  13. What a beautiful display of tulips Sandra, I love them paired with your floral runner! Your Fitz & Floyd swans are gorgeous, along with your compote and your photo of the swan pitcher with the tulips in the background is stunning! Your etched goblets look so delicate and graceful. If you need help identifying the pattern, you can upload a photo to Replacements' website and they will research it and email you back. I did that with my MIL’s wedding crystal pattern. :) As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you! Happy Spring ♥

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary! I hadn't used either the runner or the swans in awhile, and when I set them together it just seemed it was meant to be! Thanks for the tip -- I've looked at sooo many photos online trying to identify them. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  14. I should've done the same and filled our table with faux tulips. I was trying to put together a tulip-themed tablescape in our dining room and everything went wrong! The tulips didn't open and looked awful, and I didn't get them at Trader Joe's...so I gave up with that room, LOL!
    I like the lushness of all the tulips: Your table does look like a field of tulips! Brava!
    Happy spring!

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    1. Thanks, Ricki! I love the look of fresh flowers, but I have no compunction about using faux florals. They don't wilt or drop their petals, they don't need watering, they come in the colors I'd like to use, and they now look amazingly real. A win all around! Have a great week!

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  15. What a beautiful explosion of spring color that really does mimic your inspiration photo, Sandra! I love how your kept your plate stack simple in color yet noticeable in textural patterns with the crosshatch charger and shoulder plate design particularly. Your wedding silver is classic. Those turquoise stems are beautiful, as are the swans and tulip compote. That view through your DR convex mirror (which itself is a stellar design) is just fabulous! It reminds me of ones I've seen in the Greenbrier Hotel, how it reflects the rooms beyond. Thank you for bringing your classic style to the blog hop.

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    1. Rita, thanks so much for your lovely comments! I think it's the interesting details on a tablescape that you really notice and remember. I'm pleased with the way this one matched what I set out to do. Thanks again for organizing this delightful blog hop.

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  16. Sandra, your explosion of tulips across your table truly delights. I love tulips! They are such interesting flowers to watch as they dance and move. I adore a bouquet of real tulips for that reason! I noticed that my tulips growing in containers on my terrace open during the day and close up at night.
    Your linens and dishes are a perfect nod to spring. Thanks for sharing the beauty! Happy Spring!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I'm delighted that you enjoyed my table. I think I'll have to buy my bouquets to have real tulips since the deer have outsmarted me this year *sigh*.

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  17. Pretty tulips. I have to collect more. They make a lovely Spring table.

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    1. Thanks, Thelma! And thanks for stopping by!

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  18. I am soaking up all of the color possible from your lovely collection of colorful tulips. I loved that you used them all on your table and it does look so much like the beautiful tulip fields in the Netherlands. It is best to use them and appreciate them before the deer and bunnies eat them all up since it is so much of a problem here too. I love how you used pattern sparingly in the table, but let the flowers speak for themselves. The use of flowers in the napkin rings and the delicate details in the napkins and the swans really draw all of the beauty together. Stunning. I definitely needed all of the color since we will get 2-4 inches of nothing but WHITE SNOW tonight in Wisconsin. I have such a deficiency of color. Your posting is my therapy. Very lovely and enjoyable. Happy Easter.

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    1. Thanks so much for your gracious comments! I'm pleased that you enjoyed my table -- I was excited to share it. I admit I'm a bit jealous of your snow -- it's such a rarity in N Georgia, even in the mountains. It's still one of the things I miss about leaving Ohio. Have a wonderful week!

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  19. Sandra, I love your field of tulips on the table and all the glorious colors they come in! if that doesn't say spring then I don't know what does. And your lovely and soft linens and plate stack is the perfect backdrop for them - those chargers are gorgeous and the tulip napkin ring just ties everything together so beautifully! Happy Spring!

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    1. Thank you, Kim! I feel that way about tulips too. Daffodils are first, of course, but since they bloom as early as February it's hard to think about them as being "Spring".

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  20. So much color with the beautiful tulips! It is such a thrill when the tulips begin blooming. Cute napkins rings and love the swan piece.

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    1. Thanks, Judy! It was fun to pull all of my tulips together and highlight them with my swan pitcher. I was smitten the moment I saw it! Happy Spring!

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  21. Sandra, I had to do a double take when you mentioned your tulips were faux! They look so real, and I love how you have flooded the table with them. A girl after my own heart! Your plate stack is perfect for the season. Those goblets were a really fun find. I have never seen anything like them before. The colour is perfect for your spring table! A pleasure to join you in this blog hop!

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    1. Thanks so much, Maureen! I've really been impressed recently by the quality of faux flowers and greenery. While I adore real flowers, the faux alternatives have lots to recommend them! I return periodically to my favorite antique malls to discover the newest additions. I didn't need 13 of the goblets, but they were sold as a set and I thought the ombre tones were lovely.

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  22. I have to fight the urge to buy up all of the colors of the faux tulips each Spring when they arrive the the stores. They are all just so pretty. So is your table. Thanks for sharing it this week. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. I know what you mean! Nonetheless I seem to be acquiring a flower cart full!

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  23. Beautiful and stunning table! Many pretties!

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    1. Thank you, Maristella! I'm so glad you enjoyed this!

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  24. Sandra your tulip tablescape is stunning and brings back so many wonderful memories of my early days with my grandmother! CONGRATS - you are on our Featured Guests at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!

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    1. Thank you so much! I very much appreciate you featuring my tablescape. I'm glad the tulips reminded you of your grandmother. My grandmother had a side yard full of Lily of the Valley.

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  25. hi sandra, I love the tulips! Gorgeous table setting! Laur

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  26. I love the tulips and the place settings Beautiful Sandra!

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  27. Sandra, I love how you've gone wild with tulips!!! They look gorgeous en masse and really are stunning... So happy to feature your post at Share Your Style #341 this week for you. <3 Perfect for an Easter week centerpiece!

    Do enjoy your beautiful table, and the pretty real ones outdoors. Mine are blooming as the daffodils fade away.

    Easter hugs to you,
    Barb :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Barb, for your generous comments and for featuring my tulip table on SYS! I really loved the effect the tulips had on the table and I can't wait to use it for Easter. I was able to enjoy the tulips on the patios since the backyard is fenced in. I barely saw the unopened buds out front before they were chomped to the ground. I could tolerate the deer if only they ate my neighbors' flowers as well!
      Have a happy Easter!

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