Tuesday, April 17, 2012

AN APRIL TABLESCAPE

Hurray for tulips! They are everywhere {except my backyard} and I can't help but buy a little bouquet ever week when I do my grocery shopping. These yellow and pink ones were love at first sight. And they seem to last long, too.
Before I show you my tablescape, I want you to see the giveaway gift I won from Lynne at Dreams On 34th Street. It came in a little package jam packed with goodies! First, a set of very Frenchy notecards which I love...everyone loves to get old fashioned mail!
A little bar of shea butter soap called Sweet Pea. And though it is hard to see, a little friendship charm with a real crystal and seed pearl. I keep this on my glass vanity tray to remind me how important friendship is.
Lynne also included some stamped tags that I just love. What a thoughtful and generous gift. Pay Lynne a visit, she is the sweetest and her blog is so fun. Thanks, my friend!
And here is my tablescape for this week. I am joining Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen for her party called Let's Dish! At her blog you can find all the ladies participating...it's fun to see what everyone comes up with each week and to get some inspiration.
I found these carnations at the grocery store yesterday...seems like I live there, and I knew I had some dishes that would compliment them perfectly.
It's a big mix here, the dinner plates are from Anthropologie. I bought them to display on a wall in my family room around an old window I found. It's still waiting to happen as the window is up at the lake. So, I decided to use them in the tablescape in the meantime. The salad or dessert plates are from Pier 1 going back a few years. The pale green and pink just shouts "Spring" to me!
The white plates have a raised fleur de lis on them that I love. The glass candle cubes were a present from my sister in law and the runner was found on Etsy. My water glasses are from the Lenox Butterfly Meadow dishes that I have. One of these days I will do a tablescape with them.
I have coordinating dinner plates for the salad plates but I think I did a tablescape a few years back with those. I love to mix my dishes up.
So there you have it! I had fun playing around with this on another of what I call my "Me" days. Tuesday is the only day that I have 3 hours to myself with no one home. I have a stack of magazines and catalogs that I need to read before they get too old and some paperwork. Yesterday it was shopping and an early dinner for Abby and me at a Japanese restaurant. Which reminds me that I had the family over for dinner again last week. Son Kevin and Mary Clare bought a house and finally moved in last Thursday. They had to give up their apartment early so they were sort of scattered about prior to moving in. I found a recipe at Funky Junk Interiors called Japanese Chicken Wings and it was a quick and simple dinner that fed a lot of people! My wings were some big flappers at one time and definitely made a meal rather then an appetizer. We had a good time. Once they are settled in their new home, I will see if they will let me take some pictures.

I am hoping {as usual} that we get up to the lake soon. The Husband went on a shopping spree at Costco and bought some inflatable lounging chairs and an "island", a floating sort of thing that holds four people. Did I ever tell you that he LOVES to shop! We make quite a pair!

I hope all of you are having a good week. We finally have sunshine today and the rain over the weekend really greened up the grass. I love the buzzing of lawn mowers floating in my windows and seeing my neighbor prune her climbing roses. My favorite time of year is almost here! :-)

98 comments:

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

I love all the flowers exp those tulips, so pretty! We finally have sun as well and I am really enjoying it. Hope you have a great week.
XO
Kristin

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

I love your tulips, they are one of my favorite spring flowers! Your tablescape looks beautiful!

Daydream Living said...

Mmmh, as always lovely to read your posts back to back (I had missed five! don't know what I've been doing...oh yes, spring break, dubai, family over, kids home, the usual things that keep me from leaving comments). Anyhoo.....glad I hopped over, hope the tulips stay good! (tip: water them daily, they need it)
Hugs, Maureen xx

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your posts so much that I came here yesterday to just check, even though I have you on my side bar list I thought it had missed one, my joy when I saw you had a new post today, everything is just beautiful, I can't wait to see photos of the floaty things your husband bought!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very pretty, Jane! I love your napkin rings!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... your tablescape is just beautiful!... love your tulips and they really do look lovely with your place settings... it shouts out Spring!... is that a new book you show there?... and congrats on winning the giveaway, all gorgeous treasures!... have a happy week, xoxo Julie Marie

Debby said...

The daffodils were here one day and gone the next but the tulips have done so well this year. They ae beautiful for sure.
Nice gifts......so much fun to get in the mail.

Unknown said...

Your table looks so fresh and pretty. Love the colors, and your plates are gorgeous!

Aledia said...

Congrats on your win! Those are such sweet and lovely items!

Your flowers are pretty and your tablescape is very refreshing! Those white plates are gorgeous!

Have a great night!
Aledia

Sonny G said...

Beautiful table, Jane. Love the tulips an bird napkin rings.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a pretty table Jane! And a great giveaway package for sure!

April said...

Hi Jane!
Love those gorgeous tulips...makes me want to run down to the store and buy some myself! Flowers brighten up any room! You've done a great job on your pretty tablescape! Glad you're getting some warmer weather...80 degrees here right now!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

So pretty Jane! I love those floral dishes, they look so pretty with the white ones. Love those little birdie napkin rings too!

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

PS-- I never pass up tulips either, they are my fav!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

The bird napkin rings caught my eye too, so cute! I love the plates you used and the glasses just sparkle! Love fresh flowers too!

Gina said...

What a pretty table! I love your salad plates.

Tulips are my favorites! Congrats on the win, Lynne is a sweetheart!

Lynn said...

Cute tablescape Jane! Lovin' the pretty tulips (none in my yard either) and fun bird napkin rings! Congrats to the kids on their first house, I'm sure that's very exciting:@)

Theresa said...

Hi there friend, I love the plates and those cutest napkin rings! Your table is just PRECIOUS!

Great packages in the mail are so much fun! Looks like you got some wonderful goodies!

Enjoy your evening dear friend, HUGS!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I love, love your beautiful tablescape. The Anthropologie plates are so pretty. They would look great on the wall.

hugs
Sissie

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love those dessert plates and the bird napkin rings.Very pretty tulips too.

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi dear Jane
Apologies for being so slow to visit lately..

Well lucky you winning that giveaway.. looks like it was filled with delightful items.. and love your spring look for your table!! it's wet and windy here in Sydney..

Ok.. sorry again for being a slacker.. {ps I have a giveaway this week.. feeling lucky a 2nd time?]

Ciao xxx Julie

Melanie said...

Pretty tablescape! Love the bird napkin rings. A husband that loves to shop?! Wow, now that's a rarity! lol

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Jane!

Lucky you! Those were such sweet gifts. I don't think I have meet Lynne so I will give her a visit!

I remember how wonderful Spring was when it finally came to visit after a cold wet winter. That's how I feel in the Fall after the temps start to cool down... rejuvenated! It might get into the 100's this week in the desert. So much for spending hours in the garden...

Sounds like your husband is really looking forward to getting out on the lake! Costco is a good man kind of shopping place...

xoxo Bunny Jean

Charlene said...

Your table is so pretty. And I too have a love affair with tulips. I bought purple last week. And the were stunning when fully opened. They just make you SMILE don't they? So glad you got such great goodies in the giveaway. It is fun to get real mail & treasures from friends. HUGS!
Charlene

NanaDiana said...

Jane-Your tablescape is just lovely. I really LOVE those little plates that you are taking to the lakehouse.

It will be fun to see your son's new place if they let you show pictures of it. My son and dil are pretty private so I haven't taken any pictures of their home yet...and it is just gorgeous.

I love Lynne. She is just a doll. What a nice giveaway to have won. I won a GlassyBaby from her last year and it sits right in my kitchen window.

Hope you have a good night-Watching Dancing With The Stars here so we can root on Donald Driver. He is friends with my son. xo Diana

Traci said...

Very pretty! I love tulips!!! They're my fave.

Traci said...

I forgot- thanks for visiting me!!!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Beautiful spring table.

I wanted to buy tulips this week and my grocery store had no tulips and no daffodils. huh?

Heaven's Walk said...

You set a beautiful spring table, Jane! Aren't you so glad that spring is finally here...? I, too, love the sound of lawn mowers, birds chirping, and watching people bike and run past my house. Yay! :)

xoxo laurie

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Soft,pretty and oh so perfect for spring!!! x0

Unknown said...

Gorgeous spring flowers, Jane. Love my tulips, too. Lovely table setting. Lucky you a shopping hubby ... is he for rent?! Chuckle!!

Have a lovely eve ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Rebecca said...

Oh how I adore tulips too! One of my students brought me some. They were gorgeous! Your tablescape is beautiful!

Spring Blessings,
Rebecca

Amy Chalmers said...

Exciting times when the kids buy their first house...so fun. And my hubs likes to shop too! Its dangerous!

June said...

I do hope you get a trip to the lake house soon Jane. I know how much you love it there. In the meantime, enjoy your alone time :)
I LOVE those plates...so pretty. I always love your beautiful tablescapes. I love the color of the carnations!!!
The color of those tulips is so beautiful.
Your giveaway win is incredible. I bet you are enjoying it so much.
sending hugs...

Tricia said...

Love the tulips! I saw some at the grocery store today and really wanted to get them, but refrained from giving into my urges...lol. Your table looks so pretty! I love both sets of plates. And that giveaway?! What a lucky girl you are. That's some great stuff :)

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Those tulips are gorgeous! Your tablescape is really lovely and I really love the birdie napkin rings! So sweet!

Lynne said...

Jane! Thanks for the shout out!
The goodies look so beautiful on display in your home. How perfect, to place the charm on your vanity. I LOVE it!

The Anthro plates are amazing on your table. (Maybe you need to buy a few more for your wall}.

Your tulips are bright and blooming on my sidebar blog roll!
~Lynne
w/L.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Those chargers are gorgeous! The plates would look great on my patio table since I am so into the apple green.
Congratulations on your win from Lynne!

Stacey said...

I love tulips too. I stopped by the garden store after work yesterday and I was thinking that I must plant some this year. They are beautiful! Congrats on your giveaway win! very nice. Your tablescape looks divine. Love your plates. Yes, Summer is almost here(my favorite time of year too). I fear this one is going to be super hot, but I still can't wait!:-)

Kathleen Grace said...

What a fun prize! It's always such a treat to get a giveaway package in the mail. Like Christmas any tiume of the year, it's a day brightener:>)
Your table is so pretty, it just looks like spring!

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear Jane,
I like your table setting very much!
Hugs
Yvonne

Privet and Holly said...

It must be fun to
have those three
hours to play! I
seem to be on the
go more than ever,
with two teens, now.
Glad you are getting
the sunshine and the
tulips, as we are. I
think we are in for a
long summer!

xo Suzanne

Rettabug said...

What a wonderful table, Jane!! LOVE all the beautiful elements you so skillfully combined.
You should plant some tulip bulbs in the fall. They are the only flowers you don't ever have to do much to after planting. Maybe feed & divide after a few years. I love seeing them early in spring!

I was able to keep my vase of yellow ones for a LONG time by changing the water daily & adding some floral preserver each time. Also, its not good to mix tulips with other flowers in the same water. I can't remember why but it s a no-no. LOL

Hugs,
Rett

Pondside said...

Such a pretty table - fresh and inviting.
Lucky you, to have received such a lovely package!
Waiting to see your floating island!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

What a pretty table this makes with your flowers. I LOVE the white plates and all the details too!

Rita said...

Love tour photos; they speak of Spring and Summer. Congratulations on your gift. Happy that you do get some Me Time; we deserve and need that once in a while.
Rita

Evi said...

love the tablescape! It shouts...Spring. I adore tulips...for the first time at Easter I got parrot tulips. Nature is a wonder!
Your husband being a shopper made me smile....mine barely tolerates it. But he does like to go to the fleamarket and antique stores with me.....maybe it is just to keep an eye on my spending, hmmmm.
It has gotten cold here again too, so, like you...no plants yet for the outside.
Have a great spring day,
Evi

Blondiensc said...

Your table looks fantastic Jane...the colors just scream spring and I love the white plates, so pretty! Happy Wednesday, Tara

Melissa Miller said...

So pretty Jane! I adore your dishes. :)

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Jane,
Your dishes are so pretty! I love the way you put them together. I have a few tulips in my yard and daffodils too! I love Spring but can't wait for it to warm up around here!I hope your week is going well!
Jennifer

Susan Shull said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Anthro and Pier One plates are so cute. I should start playing with my dishes, too. Going to check out the blog you mentioned. Hugs!

PAT said...

Beautiful April table, Jane!

Urban Farmgirl said...

Beautiful, as always! ;o)

Mary

Anonymous said...

Very pretty, I love those birdie knapkin holders.
Pat

Barbara F. said...

Your table is stunning, love the ruffle plates and the bird napkin rings. That was a wonderful package you received. Blogging buds are the best! xo

Alycia Nichols said...

Hi, Jane! I'm sitting here listening to Kenny Loggins singing "Celebrate Me Home" and thinking that's how your son and his wife were probably experiencing during their wait to get into their new place. I wish them much love and laughter in their new digs! Beautiful table with FABULOUS plates all around! Those white dinner plates are just too much to bear!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mary said...

Jane~ You're a girl after my own heart, buying flowers every time you're at the grocery store! Love your fleur de lis plates! Hope you get to the lake soon & enjoy your floating lounge chairs :)

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Beautiful tulips, I love then they droop over vases. Thanks for sharing.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Jane, Your table is so simple and pretty--perfect for Spring. I think the floating island sounds like fun! I don't know how the water temps are in your lakes, but it can't be time already for swimming! Those white pieces of fruit are so interesting! Happy Earth Day. Linda

Marlis said...

Beautiful table.. Happy Earth Day. xo marlis

Tea in Texas said...

Glad you set your table with the lovely green and pink flowered plates for it is great for Spring! The carnations go beautiful with the plates for a centerpiece. The lake sounds so much fun and your husband is really ready. Happy Tablescaping! Pam

Sarah said...

Jane, I love to buy tulips this time of year too. None growing in my garden! Your table is lovely. Happy Spring! ~ Sarah

Kathleen said...

Lovely table, Jane, very Springy and perfect for Earth day with the birds and fruits. The tulips are so sweet! Here the deer eat them, but they leave the daffs alone.
Thanks so much for joining in Let's Dish with such a pretty entry!
Hope you get to the Lake. My little gkids were out last week, and though it was only in the 60's they went swimming in the Bay! Crazy, it was cold!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a pretty spring table. Love the green, white and pink! hugs, Linda

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Hooray for your win! Tulips are so pretty and your tablescape is beautiful!

Kelly said...

Your table setting looks very pretty. Glad to hear that your weather is finally getting better. We have enjoyed some much needed rain lately. We're expecting more this weekend. I miss the sunshine, but must have rain to keep things pretty too. Congrats to your son on his new house. Hope you'll be able to share it with us.

Elaine said...

I agree that there is just something special about tulips! I think we have ONE in our yard. Your table is so pretty and spring-like! Those dishes are gorgeous! Thank you for your visit and sweet comment!

Deserae said...

Your Tulips are beautiful....love the color!!! You won some wonderful goodies too :o) Your table scape is gorgeous....those plates are so beautiful too!!!
~Des

Unknown said...

Beautiful table! I love the flower plates. I love tulips so much too :)
What a great prize! You could link this post to the French party on Monday if you want.
I can't wait for summer and water play. I saw a fun water sliding thing at the store for the kids. I will get it next week. YAY!
Thanks for your frienship, you know i am busy with baby but you stayu in my heart.
Xo

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Hi Jane,

Your tablescape is beautiful! I love "Frenchy" inspired things too! I especially love your white ruffled dinner plates!

My hubby LOVES to shop too! Me, not so much! LOL!!!

Marigene said...

Jane, very pretty table...love the white plates. Gorgeous tulips, they are one of my favorites.

Debby said...

Beautiful table. Love those flowered dishes.

You should be afraid to ask what a dingleberry is......a bunch of poo......sorry to write on the same post as dishes.

Barbara said...

What a pretty table! I feel like it has been so long since I've been able to visit your blog. Just love your white plates. I have had those in my hands so many times but I already have two sets of white dishes and must resist! You are making it hard to do so! Those napkin rings are oh, so sweet.

xinex said...

So beautiful, Janie! I love the fluted dinner plates with the fleur de lis, really pretty. Love the bird napkin rings too and your tuplis are gorgeous!...Christine

Jacqueline said...

Fun gift! I just love your Pier I plates. I agree, they are wonderful for Spring. I didn't get around to a table this week as we just got back from Spring Break with the kids - hence the Cabo Barbie that I posted. Your whole table just brings a smile to my face! Have a wonderful day!

Lori said...

I love April too ~ everything greening up and the sprouts shooting out of the ground! I have been been buying tulips on every trip to the grocery store as mine are up but will have to wait a couple more weeks for some blooms. Hope you are having a great week.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

This is so pretty! April is a lovely month. I do love those pretty dishes.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Congratulations on your win!
You set such a pretty and welcoming table.Using white with those LOVELY floral plates is brilliant. I just love your darling bird napkin rings too. What is it about birds... cute birds?
I always leave your blog with a smile!
Yvonne

koralee said...

Oh I so agree...tulips are the best and so easy to find right now..fill your home up! Your table is lovely...sending you some love for a great weekend.

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi dear Jane.....wow....what beautiful gifts you won...and I must tell you....your table is so very pretty.

Hubby like to shop too, hugh, that is dangerous!!! LOL LOL

xo

Jo

farmhouse-story said...

i just love your pretty dishes and that cute birdy napkin ring, jane!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love the way you are balancing your life and your blogging, Jane. Thanks for joining the conversation.

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Hi, Jane! Lovely tablescape. I know what you mean about the tulips. They just make me smile!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Jane,
How did I miss this post! Whew, I've been rather busy here at home.
Love your table, so cozy and charming too.
You sure get a lot of comments you popular gal you!
Did Al come up with a date yet?
Big Hugs and happy weekend too,
Cindy

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

Oh how I love Tulips. They are such a pretty, happy flower. I had to giggle when you talked about your "Me" time. I totally get that. It feels like even as my kids get older I have less and less time to myself. Have a great weekend.

Judy Biggerstaff said...

I love the tulips too, and such a beautiful tablescape.Thanks for sharing.

Babs said...

I LOVE tulips and wish they would do well here in Georgia, but they are almost like annuals here since the winters are so mild. Your tablescape is so sweet...and the little bird napkin rings are just the sweetest. Great salad plates, too. Congratulations on winning the great giveaway.
Babs

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Jane,
What a lovely gift you recieved. Your table looks lovely. I use carnations ofte - I think they're 'unsung heroes', they last forever.
Thank you for your visit, i've gotten so fart behind in my blog vists, don't know if I'll ever get back on schedule!
Bon week-end,
Mimi

Anonymous said...

Your table setting looks lovely!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, what a lovely table setting. Love those little green plates and how your table looks so soft. Hope you're having a great weekend.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

just ask beth said...

love the dishes!! Love the Tulips..wish my backyard was full of those..we are loaded down here with Azaleas!!

Low Tide High Style said...

What lovely goodies you won Jane! Your tablescape is so pretty and perfect for spring. Congrats to your son and daughter in law about their new house, how exciting! And I hope you get to the lake soon...and having a husband who likes to shop is always a bonus!

Kat

Jo said...

So springy and beautiful ~ love the blooms!

Jo

Sarah said...

Jane, it sounds like life is good. Hope you have some lake days soon........Sarah

shannon i olson said...

I love me days, the kind where you just putz and be creative! lovely table.

Bliss said...

When I was a little girl growing up in California my aunt had carnations. Every time I see them it takes me back. They always smelled so great.

~Bliss~

Annesphamily said...

Your table is beautifully stunning and yet so inviting and warm! Thanks for the share.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

What gorgeous dishes!! I love them.