Dinner at Eight: A Charm of Finches for a Late Spring Table Setting

May 30, 2026

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.

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.