Happy Spring!

As Southern CA awaits the "Pineapple Express" of a spring rainstorm, I thought I'd brighten up the gray day of clouds by creating a spring tablescape.

I started my table with a vintage tablecloth that I found in an antique store in Pennsylvania. Thanks, Patty, for the fun day!! This tablecloth is absolutely beautiful, and a perfect base for a spring table. I love its cream color, but what is so stunning is the embroidery work that dances across the cloth. I have always admired the skill that is required to complete an embroidered piece of art like this tablecloth. When I see these table covers hanging in antique stores, I marvel at the effort it has taken, and wonder about the history of the artist who created it. I wish there were a way I could let the artist know that I will honor their stitchery and proudly display their work as part of my tablescapes.

To start off my dish stack, I placed a yellow straw placemat at its base.

Then I added my yellow Metaceramica dinner plate.

Next, I placed my Mikasa Antique Countryside "Fig"  plate. I love the edges on this plate and the colorful combination of bird, butterfly and fig!

For extra color and texture, I completed the plate stack with the Mikasa Antique Countryside "Pear" plate that is part of the same series. The pretty edging is scalloped, but I love the green of the pear and the sweet bird and butterfly. So fitting for a spring table!

I completed the place setting with my green-handled flatware I bought at the grocery store(!), my favorite beaded butterfly napkin rings from Pier 1, some green goblets also found at Pier 1, and a happy surprise I found in my linen storage: some lovely patterned April Cornell napkins whose colors perfectly coordinated with my tablecloth!

For my centerpiece I chose some favorite pieces of mine: a burton +BURTON teapot and cup and saucer my Hubby surprised me with on a Mother's Day. The pattern is called "Morning Meadow" and it depicts precious flowers, butterflies and bees! I filled the teapot with flowers that I recently received from my cousin. Thank you, Karen! I placed them on a placemat which reflects the colors of the table and sets the centerpiece apart from the candlesticks and votive candles that flank it.

To add some whimsy to the table, I also placed my favorite "peas in a pod" salt and pepper shakers. Thanks, Leah, for the gift. They always bring a smile to my face when this set is on the table.

I think I'll leave this table up for a couple of days. As this heavy rainstorm begins, it will cheer up the atmosphere in the house and bring bright spring days to mind!

I'll be joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday at www.betweennapsontheporch.net. Thank you, Susan, for hosting this fun day where we get to see fellow tablescapers share their visions! Be sure and take a peek, and see what I mean!