Tuesday, April 6, 2010

TABLE TOP TUESDAY & BITS & PIECES

This is my first time joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday. Please visit Marty to see her table top vignette and then visit the participants to see what they have for inspiration.
Today I am showing my coffee table in the living room. I recently ordered and received this little French wooden tray from Barb at French Elements. She has a really neat Etsy shops and sells all things wonderful and French. On the tray I have two Fleuer de Lis candle holders that you may have seen on my mantel before, and two little chippy white birds.

On the right side of the table I have a little African violet (that I haven't killed yet), and a wooden box that I found at Marshall's.
The box sits atop the my new book My French Life, which I am hoping to get to reading next week.

I wanted to show you this beautiful table runner that I ordered from Sissie's Shabby Cottage. This lady is SO creative and she can sew! She happened to post about making this and I didn't even finish reading, I went straight to her Etsy shop and ordered it. I think she is going to make more. She also makes lovely pillows. Sissie is, besides talented, a very sweet lady. Visit her blog when you have a chance.
We had a wonderful Easter. The weather was gorgeous but for a thunderstorm later in the day. I made a spiral ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, asparagus and dinner rolls. After dinner we went to my sister in laws for dessert and they had family visiting from Ireland. The three children, Liam, Tessa and Niall had never received an Easter basket before ( they have the Easter Bunny and the egg thing in Ireland but not the basket) and it was the cutest thing seeing little Niall walking around with his precious basket filled with chocolates.

You can see that we dressed Layla up in her Easter dress. Very springy, wouldn't you say? Of course she got it dirty the first time she went outside! The day wore her and Milo out.

I threw this picture in because I have received some comments that Milo can appear very human like. Abby took this picture with her IPhone so I don't know if you can click to enlarge it. Isn't it a hoot? It looks like a portrait.
Our painting is going along marvelously. I am loving the white trim and today the color is going on the walls. I think I have decided on curtains for the family room but I still need a few other things to really give it that makeover look. I will keep you updated.


I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter. I know we did. Now I am going to just sit back and enjoy spring! Have a great week and thanks for visiting!

70 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh Layla is gorgeous in her Easter dress. How fun. You need to check out my Bentley from Easter...they could have been a couple!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
Sounds like a spendid day, and I love the new tray. You are a great shopper, you always order the most fun things from blogland. I will check out those sites.
Also, can't leave out the adorable pics of the puppy portraits...just darling.
:)

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Let me be the first to say that your home looks so lovely. Everything is so beautiful!!

Even Layla looks lovely and Milo is such a handsome dude.

Thank you so much for showing the runner and for complimenting me. I'm blushing from your kindness.

I can't wait to see what you do with it.

Thanks for thinking of the coal miners too.

hugs
Sissie

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Glad you had such a wonderful Easter. Layla is adorable in her Easter dress! So precious! Oh, I adore your table runner. I'll have to go by and check out her blog.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, your coffee table looks so pretty... my coffee table is one of my most favorite spots to decorate...your tray is so pretty, and so is your African violet... I love your new table runner, I am going to check out her shop too. That sounds so cute that little Niall was so excited over an Easter basket! Layla looks precious in her little Easter outfit, and your are right, Milo looks like he posed for a professional portrait! Doggie kisses to them! I hope you are enjoying Spring there... we got over 6 inches of snow in the night and I want it to go away!!! xoxo Julie Marie

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Poor Milo!!! -giggles- That is certainly a picture of worn-out-ness!
,-) I love it.

Unknown said...

Beautiful tabletop vingnette. Dogs looked so cute. Hope the sun is shining in Chicago for you!

Tricia said...

Your coffee table vignette is so pretty! I love those candle holders, especially. Your color scheme is perfect for spring!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Love your new tray and those fleur de lis candle holders, Jane! Oh yes, I follow Sissie's blog and saw that runner and another she did ~ they are just beautiful.

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Good morning! jane I love all this! What a cute tray and little birds....very sweet. I need to check out these sites! Hope your day is blessed and wonderful.
Blessings,
Debbie

"Blossom" said...

Blondie, I have been working on my house. I will post and show you what has been going on. I miss you too.

Deb said...

Layla & Milo are adorable ♥
Lovely Table Top Tuesday post & table runner - gorgeous!

Dana and Daisy said...

Yaye! fun stuff at Jane's house! Layla has the cutest easter dress I have yet seen this year! ha ha! And yes, Abby is a human in a dog's body.

Looking forward to seeing how your project is coming along. And to hear about the book My French Life. Ah! Maybe I should read it!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Layla is lovely all dressed for Easter. Your coffee table display is beautiful. I have been looking at mine and just going crazy trying to figure out something. Great inspiration. Thanks so much for joining the party. Hugs, Marty

Helen said...

Love the rustic feel of your coffee tablescape! Layla is beyond precious!

PAT said...

Your vignette is beautiful! I like the runner too.

Love the pup photos!

Kathleen Grace said...

Your vignette is very fresh and pretty! I love the table runner, is that burlap?

Unknown said...

You sure are getting so many pretty things!!! Love your new look. Your vignette looks darling!

Love the puppy pics. :)

~Liz

GwendolynKay said...

Jane,
I love your table setting. The green is lovely. I love everything you have on that table! You have given me some inspiration for mine. I have candle holders like that.
Love your doggy pictures. Especially that last one. looks like one that should be framed and on a wall.
Blessings always!
Gwen

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

Sounds like a lovely Easter! Layla looks sweet -I always let the "kids" run around in their Easter clothes, so why not the pups! I love the beautiful tray and goodies and the runner from SSC! the little birds are the sweetest!
Enjoy spring!
~Nancy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Thanks so much for stopping by. I love the tray you ordered and I love how you displayed it. Your dog pics are too cute. I also scrolled down to your other post. I ordered the Villa Bella sign a while back. She does make really pretty signs doesn't she.

Kim said...

Hi Blondie!! I'm so glad you gave us the 411 on that tray. I'm gonna go check out that Etsy store after this. I'm a big fan of Sissie too and that runner is gorgeous! Glad you had a nice Easter with the fam. I'm going to be puppy shopping soon and I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on Chihuahua's. That's what I want cause they are so small and cute.
xoxo,
Kim

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Blondie, your tabletop is so cute. I love that tray! I will go visit your friends shop and take a look around. What you have bought from her is adorable!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Thanks for stopping by and for you kind compliments. I love your coffee table vignette too. What a really neat tray. I especially love the little metal birds, they are my favorite. Nice job for your first Tabletop Tuesday post!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I think you're going to find that room just open up with the lighter color. I love what you have on your coffee table. I'm going to next visit those shopping sites. Your things are so pretty. And I love to see the dogs! So much personality they have!
Brenda

Diann said...

Well, it was my first time seeing your candle sticks and I just love them! they look wonderful in that beautiful tray!

Anonymous said...

Blondie, I wrote you a comment, and then it got lost somewhere!

I was saying that I was glad you came to visit, and that I used to follow your blog when I had my old one. I stopped for a while, then started a new one, and so we need to keep in touch!

bj said...

What a cute tray..love your tabletop.
I also got a new runner..I won it from The Old Painted Cottage and will post about it soon...probably in a tablescape..:_
So glad your Easter was good. We had beautiful weather and all our family but one together. Blessed!!

Charlene said...

Layla & Milo are a hoot! Does Layla mind wearing her dress? My reba wouldn't wear anything! She even hated it when they put bows in her hair at the groomers! Milo was so silly all sprawled out. HUG the day lights out of them while you CAN! Oh what I wouldn't do for just ONE MORE HUG from Reba!

Cute table top. Marty is such a sweetie. That runner is beautiful. Enjoy it! Hugs! Charlene

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Jane, I love the color of your pretty new tray and those candles. Layla's Easter dress is so adorable, and Milo looks so regal in his "portrait". laurie

Nancy said...

Jane, I love the tabletop! I keep seeing African violets and after we finish the summer traveling hope to get one.

I absolutely love that you are painting the trim. My husband loves wood, too. There just has to be an end to it though, you know? The plans sound great.

I'm getting buggy with the staging of the house for the market and must escape to New Orleans to see my son and sister for 3 weeks, or going alone to Disney World to recoup! See my post tomorrow! :-)

Atticmag said...

Great tabletop with elegant colors but seriously, those dogs steal the show. Hope you know about our really useful giveaway. -- Jane F.

Jane said...

Hi Jane,
I love your table top. That tray is fabulous and you created a beautiful vignette.
Sounds like you had a wonderful Easter.
Jane

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
Love your tabletop and those poochies are adorable.
xo
Robin

Sonia said...

Your table vignette is beautiful and so is little Layla in her Easter dress!! Milo is hilarious! Hope you are not wearing yourself out with all those projects you've got going! Can't wait to see what you've been up to!

Miss Bloomers

My Grama's Soul said...

Love the things you found via these blogs. Isn't it great to be able to purchase things on-line an from new friends?

I'm reading "My French Life" as well, and so.....loving
it.

Blessings,

Jo

My Grama's Soul said...

Love the things you found via these blogs. Isn't it great to be able to purchase things on-line an from new friends?

I'm reading "My French Life" as well, and so.....loving
it.

Blessings,

Jo

Tina said...

I love your tabletop Jane! Your new french tray is just gorgeous as is your new tablerunner!! I really loved the way you have styled your table top:) Great to hear the painting is going well, can't wait to see the end results. How cute are your dogs!!! Hope you have a wonderful week ~ Tina xx

Debbiedoos said...

Those are great candle holders, I love them...and the tray is pretty cool too!~ THanks Jane for stopping over to see my LR, I appreciate your kind compliment!~

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I really like your tabletop! I enjoyed reading about your Easter, etc! Love all your new purchases! Layla looks so pretty in her Easter frock! Where's the Easter bonnet? ;-)

Katherine

Pondside said...

Your Easter sounds lovely - family, food, chocolate - perfect!
I'm glad to hear that you're having fun with the decorating - and still have time for pet pics and table decoration!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Layla is sooo cute! :-) Darling! Hope you Easter was wonderful!

Bird said...

Blondie,

Your dogs are adotable! I have a Labrador myself!

Great candles and I love the birdies and the vintage looking tray!! :)

We too had some rain at Easter and did our hunt under drizzle, but it was totally worth it!

Thank you for your sweet comment over at Bird Crafts!

Hugs,
Bird

savvycityfarmer said...

great easter here ... your days look so fun filled

cute puppy

will u be joining us at the nada farm sale?

Paula@SweetPea said...

I love your vignette. It looks so springy!

It sounds like you had a great Easter.

I'm looking forward to your remodeling pictures. It must be exciting to see the progress.

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I am so glad you had a Happy Easter. Layla and Milo are so cute:) Your French tray is great. I love how you have arranged everything. Have a great week! It is supposed to be in the 80s here today!!!!!
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

xinex said...

LOL! Layla looks so cute in her Easter dress but where is Milo's suit? I love the table top, Janie, love the arrangement. I really like those fleur de lis candle holders, also the table runner is gorgeous!...Christine

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good Morning Jane,
I love your beautiful table vignette and aren't your doggies adorable! That last pic of Milo is really cooool! We were in Lake Geneva yesterday and then I realized how close we were to Chicago. Dan and I just had taken a drive and boy did we drive! hehe. Anyway, Lake Geneva could be a really fun place for us to get together. The mansions along the lake are just amazing!
Have a great week my friend,
Cindy

Melanie said...

I love the tray that you got online. Everything looks nice as does the dogs:)

Happy spring!

Americana Lady said...

Thanks for the info on the Etsy shops. I love the tray so I will have to check out those shops. The picture of the dog is so precious. He could be a model! Thanks for stopping by Americana By Candlelight. Joan

anythinggoeshere said...

Layla in her Easter Dress made me laugh. She is just adorable. Love the tabletop display also. I have never joined this party because my dining room table is full of projects and didn't think of showing some other table top. You are a genius! xo Joan@anythinggoeshere

Gypsy Heart said...

I LOVE that you dress your dogs! :-) Layla looks adorable. Your tray is soooo pretty! Love the candle holders too. The table runner looks like it will be a beautiful addition to your lovely home.

Glad that you had a great Easter! I am still unpacking ~ :-)

xoxo
Pat

Unknown said...

I love all the finds! I love that party at stroll thru life!
OH your dogie is so darling with the little dress! My small dog is a boy hahaha. I want to put dresses on him, but i don't think he would like it!
Thank you for your visits ma belle!!
Love
Frenchy

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

p.s. You are right! Milo come across as a little person...posing just so! :)
And that tiny dress ..so cute.
(I think Mele might just need a little dress, however good natured she is..doubt she would stand for it!) :) I love the photo's. So cute!

Mary said...

What a fun Easter Jane - the Irish visitors must have enjoyed themselves.

Your tray is really cute and I love the table runner with the pleated ends.

Glad you are enjoying the paint results - can't wait to view the new look!

Rubyred said...

Hello Jane,
love your Etsy finds, gorgeous!Your little dog Layla looks so cute in her little Easter dress! I'm glad your decorating is going well! I bet the white trim looks fab!
Love your coffee table vignette, beautifully stylish!
Rachel x

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Hi there!!! Love your tray and all its goodies,really pretty!!I am so glad you came by today!!!! Talk soon!

Susan Freeman said...

Your table top is so chic! I read My French Life and you will like it. Layla is so stylish in her Easter dress and Milo is a doll. I'll grab Bentley, you bring Layla and Milo and let's head for Paris. You and I and the pooches can shop and stop for a cafe au lait, or some fabulous French wine at a little Parisian cafe. The petite chiens can have water and doggie treats. Ooh la la!!

Au Revoir !!

Suzanne and Bentley
xxoo

Unknown said...

Oh, your French accents are lovely, and I love that table runner. Great dogs too. Can't wait to see the finished painted room.

Karen

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Jane I'm dying here girl with Layla in her Easter dress...just to funny that just made my whole day girl friend...I'm so dog tired and to see a dog dressed to kill ha ha!! Love your table and that runner from Sissie is just beautiful girl...does she not do wonderful work...the tray is a bomb...you have been one busy gal..Oh I wished you could have met us in Vegas Jane you would have loved every minute of it the car show and just the people show...Hope you had a great Easter my friend...Have miss ya...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Betsy Brock said...

I have a 'thing' for birds and trays, so I'm loving this!

koralee said...

Love your table top and those sweet birds. Your puppies are so so adorable.

Just wanted to pop by to thank you for your love and caring comment you left me the other day about my daughter's migraines. Your thoughts and prayers are so kind and appreciated.

Hugs for a sweet evening and a great tomorrow. xoxo

Elaine said...

Great post. Love the French tray. Must check out that Etsy shop!

Oh it is nice to hear I am not the only one killing African Violets.

Your dogs are too funny! Love the Easter dress on Layla and your other dog sure does look human.

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hey Jane!!!
I love the subtle green theme today.... the candles look like they smell fantastic!!!! fresh and perfect for your spring.

Well Milo is a hoot.. just love the previous photo too!!! so cute.. and white... do you have Milo the powdered chocolate malt drink there???? can't remember the commercial tag line.. something like things go better with milo!!!

Ok.. well have a great day and thanks for your lovely comment... xxx Julie

Barb said...

Hi Jane, I love your sweet pictures. The tray is gorgeous. Your little doggie is beyond adorable.....just too cute!

Barb ♥

From the Old InkWell said...

Jane, the tray is so cute and the pillow too! You have a knack for arranging them just right too!

From the Old InkWell said...

oops, me again. I called the runner a pillow. I knew better!

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Layla looks adorable and that green is my favorite color!

Kathleen said...

Pretty, Jane! You are keeping those Etsy shops in business, LOL..good for the economy!
Too funny the dog dress!

Lady Katherine said...

Layla looks so cute in her Easter Dress! Sounds like a wonderful day! I love the new tray! Oh, I can see a tea on that tray in the future! lol I love the candles and the box. Your table looks great.