Early Bird

 I guess this pretty little bird was the inspiration for this tablescape. I bought this candleholder about a year ago and never used it, it was packed away, I think I forgot about it.  When Cuisine Kathleen gave birds, nests and eggs as her next challenge, I started looking for what I have on hand and remembered this one. I had several birds laid out on the table, then I added  placemats, napkins, etc. trying to come up with a tablescape.  I wish I had taken pictures of the "before."

Well, I came up with two tablescape! This one and the one I will use for Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish Challenge next week, using only birds, nests, and eggs. This one is quite simple, but very pretty! Next week's challenge will have lots more going on.

I knew I wanted to use these placemats that I found a while ago at Home Goods:


The price was right (for four):

And I think they look similar to birds nests! I wanted to use them next week, but this tablescape just came together, and so did the one I'll use for next week's "Bird Let's Dish!"

These cream colored square plates worked better than others:

Along with the cream colored napkins and cream color handles on the flatware.

I liked the neutral tones, but added the pink blossoms for a touch of spring.

The tablecloth is cream tone on tone:

 I fell in love with the little ceramic bird and the three nests, so when it went on sale at Michael's I scooped it up!

 I added the pink blossoms to the metal candle holder that the little ceramic bird is attached to.

                 It makes a nice centerpiece all by itself!



I didn't feel there should be any other busyness, just the bird candleholder!


Another shot from the other end of the table:


                                     And the opposite end:


This is always my favorite shot:


Take a seat


                                                Here's a special place just for you! 

                                               Be the early bird, before others come!

                                                               Isn't she pretty!

 Be sure to come back next week to see the second bird tablescape. I'm also linking to Susan's Tablescape Thursday and Alma's Seasonal Sundays. Click on their names for lots of inspiration.

Birds and Bunnies

 Inspiration for this tablescape started with these napkins:

 Only $5.99 for four at Home Goods!

 Royal Albert likes to have their tag i.d. large, one inside and one right on top!

The floral pattern matches the new Royal Albert china, I think it is beautiful! I'm not buying any new china though! The napkins will have to do!

First I tried to use a pink tablecloth, but it just didn't work, so I had to get out my Battenburg lace 100% cotton tablecloth, and IRON it!! It has been ironed!

 The photos really do show up the wrinkles more than in person!

I used white (Dollar Tree) plates on a basketweave charger (which was originally gold, and I spray painted them, then rubbed on some thinned umber to bring out the weave pattern more.


The white bunny napkin rings are perfect! There's four different cute bunnies.

The one below has his paws over his ears!

I've had this pretty little ceramic birdhouse packed away for years, don't think I've ever used it. Now's the time! I think I bought it at Hobby Lobby, and forgot to use it.
 
Next I added the white ceramic basket filled with pink silk flowers and white bird and pink doily (both from Michael's.)
 

 Sweet centerpiece!

 

                                      Simple and sweet!

                                         The flatware is cream colored, I think it is from Ross.

 We have four more weeks until Easter, I hope to do a few more Easter tablescapes by then!

I'm linking to Susan's Tablescape Thursday and Alma's Seasonal Sundays. Click on their names for lots more inspiration.

Old Country Roses - Topiary

 As promised, I did a tablescape using my Old Country Roses (OCR) Topiary salad plates.

I have done several OCR tablescapes and used different colored tablecloths - burgundy, white, spring green, Here are a couple of old pics with those colors (not good quality tho.)

I have never used a gold tablecloth with them, so here you go - a gold tablecloth!


The gold-leafed chargers go well with the gold tablecloth. I've had them for years, they came from Pier 1. My daughters gave them to me and I've always loved them, they are ceramic, the metal ones hadn't started then!

The topiary plates come in two designs, this one with green in the border.


And this one with more burgundy in the border.


There's a third one, but the topiary is in the shape of a Christmas tree (see below:)


Since it's the Easter season I decided to use the OCR bunnies in the centerpiece.



How cute is this!  This OCR bunny is a teapot!

The two small OCR bunnies are salt and pepper shakers:


Miss Salty:


And Mr. Pepper:


I had this tablescape up for a while, even before we went on our recent vacation. That's why I used the gold tablecloth, since it was still cold weather and not spring yet! I ran out of time and didn't get it posted before we left for vacation. Then it was time to post the St. Pat's Day tablescape. Better late, than never!

Which is your favorite design? The green border?

Or more of the burgundy?




The napkins are by Royal Albert, the Old Country Roses design.


I really like them!


I'm linking to the following parties, thanks for hosting, ladies!


Susan's Tablescape Thursday
Alma's Seasonal Sundayswww.thetablescaper.blogspot.com
Click on their names to visit them.

 Take a seat, let's eat!

                    Or maybe you prefer this plate design:

How do you like the gold tablecloth with the Old Country Roses china? It really looks better in person!

 Have a great day!