Easter Delight, April 16. 2017

Oh my, I've missed you all so much!  I am pleased to report that I feel better than I have felt in years. My doctors tell me that I'm recovering from my lung surgery faster than they expected.  Works for me!  I was ready to roll when the time came to design my tablescape for our family's Easter dinner.  This past year, I have been collecting small figurines from Royal Doulton's Beatrix Potter Collection.  I knew that I wanted these charming little characters to become the focus of my centerpiece for this year's Easter table.  I could hardly wait for Beatrice Emaline and Hollis Harper to see it when they came to the table for our dinner to celebrate Resurrection Sunday.  I wasn't disappointed; they were fascinated by all the little characters.  I'm eager to know what you think about our table.  I've set a table for ten in the dining room.  Come on in...Fair warning, this is a photo intensive journey.


Beatrice's favorite colors are pink, purple, and blue.  I was determined to get a WOW from her...and the table did not disappoint.  The light lavender Williams-Sonoma hemstitched linen tablecloth set the mood for my design.

I allowed myself to run freely when it came to the color choices for our Easter table.
I chose this resin charger because 4 year old Beatrice gave them to me for my Christmas gift.  When I opened my gift, she said, "Mo, I chose these just for you.  I knew they would be perfect because they are unbreakable!"



The Copeland Spode Irene dinner plate pulled all the assorted colors together.  It was just what I wanted for this day.  Pay attention to the outside edge of the design.  It's actually a blue, but it plays as a blue violet against the tablecloth.  It is such a delightful pattern.  My wedding silver, Reed & Barton Grande Renaissance added just a touch of elegance to the whimsical tablescape.


If you are one my faithful returning readers, you recognize the Waterford Simply Blue goblet.  Today I've paired it with a new addition, an Italian pink wine goblet by Stelle.  The Stelle was an eBay find, and it was very inexpensive.  I've seen more of this design on eBay in several different colors.  One of them might be perfect for you.  Take a look! 


I pulled the minute Schumann Empress reticulated bowl to use as a butter dish for our dinner.  It made a lovely companion for...


the antique Madeira napkin.  Once again, the embroidery is blue, but against the tablecloth, my guests all thought it was lavender.


I always enjoy incorporating the tiny blown glass salt and peppers in an assortment of designs.


My goal was a place setting perfect for kids from 2 to 92!


I was grateful that I had left the vases on the buffet empty because one of our guests appeared carrying an armful of beautiful lilies...the perfect addition!


Now that you're positioned with a guest's eye view, maybe we can take a spot of time to examine the centerpiece.


On any other day, the antique Luneville tureen would be the crown jewel of my centerpiece,...


...on this day, the tureen had to be satisfied with a cameo role, along with the Hobby Lobby egg trees and Easter Egg garlands and the Pottery Barn topiary baskets.


There can be no doubt.  The stars of this Beatrix Potter Easter Parade were the Royal Doulton figurines.  Take a scroll  stroll and see which ones are your favorites...

















Did you discover any old childhood friends?


As much as my guests enjoyed the whimsical Easter Parade set for their delight and pleasure...


It is my fervent prayer, that we will all keep the incredible gift that is Christ's resurrection in the front of our minds each and every day as we move through the coming year.  May our loving mighty God equip each of you for the journey that stretches ahead of you, and may He fill you with His peace each day.


And remember to let me know if you are passing my way.  I'd love to set a special table just for you!

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch

Flirting with Fall & a Giveaway, 9.14

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.

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 A few of my dear friends called today, so I invited them to drop by for an easy lunch from the fridge...chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad, fresh strawberries, and cookies.  Time for a 20 minute tablescape.  I know it's Fall, but I'm only ready to flirt with Fall...not embrace it.

  By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, I'm generally completely over pumpkins, gourds, and all the rest, so this tablecloth seemed to meet me right where I needed to be today.  I wonder if this 90" round cloth might meet you in the right place, too?  I've been editing my linen closets, and this beautiful cloth has lingered too long without being put to work.  Therefore, I've decided that it's time for it to find a new home.  Will it be yours?  Make sure that you are a follower and leave a comment.  If you'd like to go explore my archives and leave comments from older posts, you'll increase your chances to win in a random drawing.  I'll draw the winner's name to be announced in my tablescape post next week.

 I think that this is actually a great four seasons cloth.

 Come a little closer...

 Let's examine the elements of my tablescape design...

 Once again, I've built off the gardener's philosophy....a good mix of greens will yield a pleasing gardenscape...

 ...no matchy matchy here!

 Shall we dissect the stack?

 An old standby, the Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Leaf charger plate provided my first shot of green...

 ...a nice blend of the florals in the cloth...I chose the Luneville Louis XV dinner plate to hold our lunch.  Tip:  Luneville Louis XV can usually be found for incredibly reasonable prices on eBay.  I bought mine a few at a time, and it didn't take too long to collect them.  They are regularly available.

 ...Successfully drawing the eye to the colors in the cloth, the Bordallo Pinheiro leaf salad plate was eventually used for our dessert.  The Argent Sophia gold were found through Tuesday Morning and Horchow.  Horchow still sells them online.

 Thank you Italy and France...a continental stack.

 The leaf green hemstitched napkin is caught in a ring of beaded fall leaves and berries.  It's really a candle ring, but today it has a new job description!


Stemware for today was the Vietri Optic green goblet and the Bohemian orange wine goblet.  Tip:  If you're in the market for a new crystal goblet, the Vietri is reasonably priced and probably available in a gift store near you.  It comes in a great assortment of colors.  Check it out!

 Do you think this tablecloth needs to go home with you?

 The cabbage leaf tureen is Italian, but I don't think that it's Bordallo...

 I found the pair of majolica spill vases in a local antiques shop.

 I always call this my "Marlis angle" (Marlis @ Creative Journeys).  She likes the McGuire Empire folding screen with the Fortuny inserts.

 My friends should be here any time now...

 I'm ready...

 ...I love the opportunity to "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off"...

 ...and enjoy some precious time with friends for good food and blessed fellowship.  You're welcome at my table, too!

This week I'm joining:

Tablescape Thursday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch

Thursday's Favorite Things Blog Hop @ Katherine's Corner