Less is more today as the temps in Chicago have hit the high 60's and I'm chasing daylight once again. All of the snow piles have melted over the last few days. I saw a flock of geese flying this afternoon and I thought, "They've come home." My neighbors are out working in their yards, children are riding bikes and parents are taking babies for walks. There's just a little extra bounce in every body's step when we first warm up here in the Midwest, though we know it won't last and we will probably have several more snowfalls. But today is gorgeous and I thought I would do a little 'springy' tablescape for you and include one of my favorite recipes as well.
Today my centerpiece is a simple white basket of white flowers that I made a few weeks ago and I believe I posted a picture of. I also have a little white pitcher filled with blue flowers and a new addition to my bunny family. Isn't he precious holding his little basket of eggs?My tablescape is very simple as well. I bought some pretty salad plates that I wanted you to see. They are called Blue Chintz and I bought them at HomeGoods last fall. I also bought the white dinner plates there. The salad plates came four to a package for $7.99. Yes!
The place mats and napkins are from Steinmart, the wineglasses are from Target and the silver is vintage.
Very simple. And now I have a recipe for an easy soup that your guests will think is anything but. It's not a cream soup, but it has a velvety taste and texture. You will love it.Spinach & Rice Lemon Soup
1 onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 shallots, minced
2 T butter
**************************
3 cans (10 1/2/ oz. ea.) chicken broth
2 10 oz. packages of frozen chopped spinach
4 T fresh lemon juice
1 c. cooked rice
1/2 c cream (optional)
salt to taste
In a dutch oven, saute the first 4 ingredients until the onions are soft. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer. Add the spinach, lemon juice, and rice and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cream if you are using it. I do. Heat through. Looks lovely garnished with a sprig of parsley.
I hope you try this recipe. I love it and I think you will too. Let me know if you like it.
Today I am joining Susan from Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Michael Lee from Designs By Gollum for Foodie Friday. Please visit each of these sweet ladies and then make the rounds of all the participants. I am happy you stopped by and hope you all have a great evening.
110 comments:
Our weather has been nice the past few days but rain tomorrow. Your table looks beautiful!
How lucky for you girl to have nice weather again...I woke up to that white stuff that I'm so sick of...but hey its even snowed in May here...Love all your sweet flowers your doing and the Chintz plates are wonderful my friend...when you get a chance come by Jane...Thanks again for the Springness flowers you made me...love ya sis...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
We're having pleasant weather, too! Isn't it great? :)
Love your tablescape! Very pretty, and I'm not even partial to blue.
Very pretty, Miss Jane..but where is your green?? :)
I hope you are enjoying the little break from bad weather. Still winter
and that nasty white stuff could reappear..
My gdau was born on the first day of Spring..named Lily...very appropriate for Spring..
What a gorgeous and "Springy" tablescape! I love it! The soup sounds good too, I love spinach in anything!
Hello Jane... your tablescape is so very pretty, I love blue and white... it looks so Springy too! Thank you for the soup recipe, that sounds so yummy! I will try it for sure... Happy Spring to you too! xoxo Julie Marie
Don't you just love the sights and sounds of spring and seeing everything coming back to life?
Your table is gorgeous...love the sweet plates!
Big Hugs,
Karyn
Hi, Janie... I love your table! That bunny is the cutest thing going. He is a doll! :-)
That's a great price on the plates, too. Super good. Love them. Blue and white is my favorite of all.
And I love and adore your antique chairs! They are wonderful! Love the shapes. I'm crazy about chairs (they are very shiny objects to me!), and I love the table, too. Great 'scape!
Glad you're warming up. Send some our way! We're still coolish.
Happy Tablescape Thursday!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Love your table. The blue/white combination is lovely.
Hi Jane,
Now just a second girl! It was only in the 40's here today and dreary as all get out! We're not that far away! Can I come to Chicago this week-end and stay with you? LOL. Don't worry, I won't just show up at the door. I love this blue and white table, the china is gorgeous and so is your centerpiece! Great Job! I think we had a bit of the same thought this week as far as color goes. Big Hugs, Cindy
I may try your soup. Sounds pretty good. My husband is the soup nut in our house. I really like your table..not just how you set it, but the table. Planks on an iron base.
Hi Blondie~ ~ Thanks for your sweet comments. Your recipe sounds delightful and springy. I really will try it. I love the simplicity of the plank top table and the white dishes. The new blue dishes are lovely too. You have great taste gal!
Thanks for stopping by.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
Hi sweetie...
first of all thank you for stopping by and your continued prayers...we covet them.
Secondly...Your tablescape sings to me...Happy and spring all over the place!
Your basket of flowers I love too.
Your soup recipe sounds delish...for sure I will give it a go....bet there were no leftovers...
xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...
Hi Jane,
You set a very pretty table. Your flower arrangement is beautiful. I'm glad you are having some good weather. We had temps in the 60's today too and it was wonderful to be outside without all of the winter gear.
Hope you are having a great week.
Jane
That bunny is too cute. The plates are very pretty also but that bunny is wonderful
You can never go wrong with a blue and white combination! So pretty!
We had your same weather the last two days...it's amazing how quickly the snow melts! I had the windows cracked a wee bit in the house...felt great! :)
It may be simple -- but it's simply beautiful!
I love your pretty spring table, so fresh and the rabbit is the perfect addition with the white basket, the blue and white are my favorites...Phyllis
Hi Jane,
Nothing says spring freshness like blue and white. I enjoyed seeing your centerpiece in all it's glory after your post on creating it. Your table is so pretty.
I am happy your weather is turning too, makes you just glad to be alive!
Enjoy your day.
We've had some really nice days here along with sunshine! It really does add a spring to your step doesn't it? Your table is just so pretty and 'happy' in my opinion. :-) Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely try it.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Pat
I really like seeing the rough wood on the table. Too many cover up the gorgeous wood table tops.
Jane, this is simplicity done beautifully! Love those plates, and that bunny is adorable! This all looks so fresh and pretty! laurie
Hi, I love the blue and white color scheme and the flowers look so lovely on top of the wooden table. Your tablescape is simply divine!
xoxo
adore the sign.
adore your table.
adore steinmart!
triple yay!
Wow, it's warmer there than it is here in the So. California desert. We've had highs around 40F, but with strong wind chills it feels much colder.
Your table looks very pretty. I'd like to try your recipe with vegetable broth (my hubby's a vegetarian). Do you think it would taste pretty good this way, or does it need the chicken flavor?
Blessings,
Marcia
Hi, Blondie girl...the table looks just beautiful. I love your pretty dishes...
It hasn't warmed up enuf here and the wind hasn't quite blowing enuf for me to want to work in the yard yet..Maybe in a couple of weeks.
I love the quiet simplicity of your table. While the colours of spring are fabulous, the gentle blues and whites are calming - I'd love to sit there for a sip of soup and a little conversation.
I'm glad to hear that you've enjoyed our province - you'll have to visit the Island, though, and sip tea at the Empress!
I love the blue and white theme for your table. It would be really nice for Easter as it is so fresh and spring like and the bunny is cute too.
Susie X
Perfect table setting! Simple and sweet. I love the blue in the plates and flowers. Have a blessed day my friend!
We have the same bunny! He's on my dining room table. I love those plates... and thanks for the recipe!.. will try it this weekend.
i LOVE this Jane! I love simple and pretty blue and white against the rustic wood table. Absolutely a winner!
I had the exact same thoughts today as I drive around seeing people. They were walking, jogging, riding a bike...but I did not imagine more snow in Chicagoland. Nope, I didn't. It's not gonna happen. LOL.
I do love your tablescape though. Something about those dishes makes my heart happy.
I have a spring in my step too. I am doing all kinds of things around the house.
Bring on spring....I am ready.
I love it - especially on this rainy day in south Georgia!
Glad to hear the snow is finally melting away :)
Your table looks very pretty and your soup recipe sounds delicious and I will give it a try! I am glad to hear that your weather is warming up. You are right about snowfalls in Chicago, I remember snow in April there. Still, spring is on it's way!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Soup sounds wonderful and your table is so pretty in the blues and whites. I love the planked table itself!
Your table is beautiful, Jane! The soup sounds wonderful.
We are having beautiful days here at the lake, with a few thunderstorms here and there. We don't mind the rain, the moisture is a good thing.:-)
Plates are adorable. Don't you love it when you find a great deal! I have a tendency to gasp and grab, and then very quietly walk up to the cashier and hope it's not priced incorrectly!
Soup sounds yummy - I never would've thought of the lemon!
Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day! Karen
Hello sweet lady...
Ohhh my...what a lovely Spring table, my friend! I love that beautiful blue with the white...so very fresh and Spring-like!!! Love your pretty centerpiece...that big white wicker basket full of flowers is simply gorgeous! And how pretty to add the beautiful blue flowers to the mix! Of course, I just adore bunnies and your little guy is just soooo sweet!
Jane, you made a great deal with those beautiful blue floral plates...they're sooo pretty and so perfect for your beautiful blue and white table!!! Thank you so much for sharing your pretty table with us today, my friend!!! Girl, it's snowing at my place..even as I am writing this! I'm sooo ready for Spring!
Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
What a lovely table. I love the bunny, and your dishes.
Karen
Jane, your table is beautiful. I KNOW you are so ready for spring. Because if I am giddy over the warmth & sunshine here in Texas... I can only imagine your delight after the winter you have had with TONS of snow. ENJOY IT GIRL! You earned it! HUGS Charlene
Simply elegant!
Hi Jane, oh, your table is so fresh and pretty. I love blue...there is something so energy filled about it.
Your centerpiece makes me smile.....from ear to ear. The whole table is delightful!!
Hugs, Barb ♥
Jane...a lovely, simple table. I love your dishes and the soup sounds super :)
Blessings!
Gail
Hi Jane,
I love the simplicity and freshness of your table! I'm glad you're having agreeable weather (at least for now). The sun's shining here today, and it really does make everthing seem better. Great deal on those pretty plates! Your blues are very soothing. Nicely done!
Regards,
Bill
Nice to hear that you're starting to have good weather, Janie. It is very nice here too, I have been outside planting. The backyard is coming alive! I love your springy tablescape, pretty bunny and blue flowers! I love the salad plates. I copied the soup recipe too, sounds good!...Christine
Beautiful table setting, The plate were is steal for sure!! Thank you for all your comments and the love.
Love
Frenchy
Hooray for your weather!
And the front door being open!
^_^
Oh Jane... you KNOW I love the blue and white touches!! So fresh and Spring-y with those pretty flowers and bunny ;)
Monicaxo.
another beautiful table! love the bunny and plates are gorgeous! that recipe sounds great, i've never seen anything like it, i think i will give it a go!
I have been enjoying our weather too. The snow has finally melted and I put on flip flops:) I sure hope we don't see another snow.
You table looks very nice.
I think your table looks very fresh and pretty...love the plates and the bunny! Hasn't the weather been great in Illinois the past couple of days? We hit 71 yesterday...had a big storm last night and have been nice all day. I have a friend an hour north and she just called and said it is hailing there (I still have sunshine) so I think more bad weather is coming. I needed this hint of spring!
Love the salad plates-what a deal you got on them. Love the spring sign too and the bunny. Very pretty!
Oh I just love your simple and springy tabelscape. What a good deal on those salad plates. I will have to check out where the closest Stein Mart is for me?? Your flowers are oh so pretty.
Ahh yes Spring is on its way. Here in Pa we still have some snow piles, but it was close to 60 today. Heavy rains predicted starting tomorrow and through the weekend. Pray for no flooding here.
Have a wonderful Friday.
There is just something about blue and white plates that I just love. The salad plates you got are beautiful!
I'll be trying that soup for sure. It sounds great!
Hugs,
Joanne
Love the blue chintz! But I noticed past the beautiful tablescape the table itself. Your table is fabulous!! I really like the wood with the crisp white! We are having rain and finally melting some of the snow that has been here since Dec. 18. Spring is coming, I hope:-)
What a beautiful tablescape! I love your plates! =)
You've created such a simple and beautiful table. I love your dishes and the little bunny is just adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Love the blue chintz Jane!!
You know i've been meaning to make [and maybe post] my Greek Chicken Soup!! Well not mine.. my adaption.. passed to me from a family friend who is Greek .. it also has rice and lemon.. yummo!!!
Hope you are well.. sounds like you are happy to see the first clues of spring arriving!! Have fun xx Julie
Jane, So glad you are thawing out. Your table looks like Spring. The soup sounds very tasty - I will have to give it a try. Hope you can get to the cottage soon. My brother and SIL are sick of the Michigan winter.
Hi Jane! Simple and refreshing! Just beautiful - you can never go wrong with blue/white add a bunny and PERFECT! Have a warm weekend - were having tons of rain! Sincerely, Jeannette
Hi Jane,
Beautiful tablescape, your center piece is so spring looking, and the bunny with his basket is so adorable. I also love the table.
Thanks for sharing the soup recipe, and I am so glad that the weather is breaking for you. Hope your week-end is filled with many more blessings.
Hugs,
Sue
I love your table. The rustic tabletop with the spring blues and that little bunny is adorable. I just love it all. The natural light was perfect on your photos, it just looks great. The soup sounds good too!
Looks like you are ready for Spring in Chicago! I love that city!
Jane-I am so glad to see signs of spring too--even if it is temporar :) Love the placemats and napkins. I have not seen those. You KNOW I love that table. This soup will definitely be on my "to make" list--my favorite ingredients!
Just checking to see if my little rainbow shows up :)
I love the simplicity of blue and white. It is always perfect!!
Spring is on the way dear friend.
Blessings,
Jo
Oh this is so very beautiful. I love the bunnies and the lovely china is exquisite. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, Lia
Yay! I love this post Jane! I think that has to be one of the prettiest tablescapes I have seen! There is just something about blue and white dishes and blue and white in the kitchen! I love the bunny :) and that spring sign too!!
Hugs,
Amy
Oh Jane, Happy Spring indeed. Beautiful table setting -- but I have to say that I am IN LOVE with your round table and Windsors. So classic, so gorgeous!
The soup looks YUM....
Glad to hear you are warming up -- so are we, finally!
Cass
I can tell you're in a springy mood...your tablescape is so fresh and pretty. I really like that shade of blue. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks for stopping by today. Love your blog. Your tables yells spring.....can't wait. Soup sounds great. Have a wonderful weekend:)
I made a soup very similar but I used egg with the lemon. It was of Ellie's recipes from CEiMB.
Love your tablescape! Thanks for stopping by Simply Sweet Home.
I love, love, love this table, Jane.
Hi Jane,
Your Spring table looks so inviting and sweet. I love Mr. Rabbit and your basket of flowers is so pretty. I'm glad your weather is improving, we have finally gotten back to normal here in the coastal south.
hugs
Sissie
Love all your blue and white and your spinach soup sounds amazing. I saw your blog button on another blog and so I hope you don't mind but I grabbed it for my sidebar. Hope you have a great weekend!
What a lovely tablescape! I love the the bunny. Your soup sounds delicious. Both the recipe and the table make me wish spring were here right now!!
Hey Janie Girl! I love your blue/white table- it looks so spring-like and fresh. We had several days in a row of sun and warmth, but tonight it is pouring down rain. Ick! I drove home in it for 56 minutes from an evening out with friends- What a great time we had out of the house! Mr S. goes in for a surgical procedure next week, so it was nice to get out- plus I didn't have to cook! Hope the sun comes out again for us. hugs, Sue
Hi Jane! It's so nice to hear the weather is getting warmer! I love seeing your sunshine! Your table looks like spring and those salad plates are so pretty!
Love your sweet sign too.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Yummy recipe! Jane your tablescape is so gorgeous as well. Love the bunny and the blue.
The plate hangers are one Amazon.com in all sizes. I think I searched for "invisible plate hangers" and got many choices. Mine have just been shipped. I'm ready to swap them out as soon as I get them. I'm not too happy with the hangers from Pier 1. Show us yours!
Have a great weekend my friend!
~Melissa :)
PS Thank you so much for your kind words on my weight loss. You have always been so supportive and it means the world to me.
I'm so glad that your weather is getting better and spring is on it's way to you! Your tablescape is very PRETTY with all the blue:)
Blessings,
Linda
Lovely tablescape! Really gets me in a spring mood!
I love simple recipes like this one. I'm going to try this!
Isn't the sunshine wonderful? We had four days in a row. The feeling that snow cannot be over prevails here, too, but I was loving those four days.
Your white dishes are just wonderful and a touch of blue is always so inviting. Have a good one. I'm getting out for the first time in three weeks. There is a bit of sunshine so I'm hoping there will be some barn sales going on when we drive the country roads to the grocery store.
Lovely post...Happy Pink Saturday!PS I am having a pink blog giveaway!
Happy Spring..your table is wonderful and those blue flowered plates are so so beautiful..Simple is always better!
xoxo
Happy spring, Jane! I love your simple blue and white. Always a fantastic combo.
Brenda
those plates are gorgeous!
Such a pretty table seting! I love it! Thank you for your lovely comments sweet lady!
Hope you have a relaxing Sunday!
Rachel x
Love your blog! Thanks for the visit to mine. You have excellent taste, Jane. I just bought the bunny in your top photo as a gift for a friend who collects hares.
That is a gorgeous tablescape...and that soup...YUM!
Simple and elegant. The best combo! Nice use of color.
Delightful tablescape so fresh & clean looking. Your bunny is adorable but I love your sign the most.
Happy Spring, Jane!
~Maggie~
Such a pretty Spring table setting! Lots and Lots of rain here ~ hope you are having a wonderful weekend Jane ♥
It's very pretty Jane! I love simple and do simple a lot. Don't you just love Steinmarts?
Hi Jane, after a few days of pleasant weather we were overcast and cold today, no rain though. Loved your table, I am a big fan of blue and white.
Happy Spring to you,it's right around the corner!
Bonnie
G'eve, Jane ~ What a lovely sweet table setting ... love the bunny overseeing all.
Our snow is gone except for the MOUNDS plowed in malls now ... I shall miss that beautiful white flaky stuff, but now that the flowers are blooming I am welcoming spring.
POP over for our GIVEAWAY
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Have a great weekend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
Such a pretty table! Love the blue and white..my favorite! Have a great weekend!
Miss Bloomers/Sonia
hooray for spring!
now...are you back to chilly & windy today? we are - but that's ok - it will soon be gone, right??!!! That recipe looks so good - my husband loves lemon rice soup, so I'll have to try it :)
Hi Janie, thanks for your sweet visits...it is always so good to see you.
I hope your Sunday is joy filled!!
Hugs, Barb ♥
Jane I am always so late to comment-100 comments...phew! I can see that lots of people agree that this is just the cutest celebration of Spring. You are so clever!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Hi ~ I love your tablescape and those plates with the blue flowers are just gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing your soup recipe, it sounds delicious and I am going to give it a try this week! Thanks so much for visiting and I wish you a wonderful week ~ Tina x
Your darling blue chintz plates would go so well with my new blue & white tea set! I will have to keep an eye out for those or something similar.
I'm looking forward to when we can have the doors open to let the fresh air in. I think your Spring decoration is adorable.
Such a pretty tablescape in soothing blue & white~I love it!
Your weather sounds so nice! Luckily it was a good day when I went to the city, but it has been a deluge since then! We had 75 mile an hour winds and 4 inches of rain...still going on today! I do feel spring around the corner after seeing your post! Beautiful tablescape and yummy recipe!
~Nancy
Very lovely! Thank you for bringing a little beauty to my evening! :-)
Hi Jane. I'm back. Hope you are doing well. I'm off to check out your blog and see what I've missed out on.
Hi there
Isn't it wonderful to have spring coming along and the weather warming up. Your table looks beautiful. I love the new plates you picked up. They go so nicely with your white dishes. Love the look with the pretty flowers also.
Your soup recipe sounds very interesting and very yummy....I will have to remember that. I'll let you know what I think.
I hope you've had a great weekend...come by and visit when you come some time..
Judi
Hi, Blondie, I tried to leave a comment on your newest post but, for some reason, it wouldn't publish..Hope this one will.
Everything you are doing for spring looks great. Those little chicks are the cutest things I've seen in awhile.
hugs, bj
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