A Birding and Nature Themed Table Setting

Welcome to the 79th Tablescape Thursday!

Hi Everyone! Hope your day was awesome!

I had plans to share a new tablescape with you this evening, took pics this past weekend. But there were a few more things I wanted to include in the post, and unfortunately, I just don’t have it quite ready. So, I’ve been perusing the archives this evening and found a tablescape I put together right after I started blogging. It seemed perfect for this time of year because the birds are just starting to return here…and they are already looking for the perfect spot to nest this spring. I’ve even had a sweet pair of bluebirds visiting my feeders recently.

I decided to leave most of my original wording with this tablescape. I had just purchased 2 tall, red candlesticks at Hobby Lobby in their discount isle and was very excited to get home and create a tablescape. Hope this tablescape puts you in the mood for spring…I’m already there!

When I purchased these red candlesticks recently from Hobby Lobby, I wasn’t exactly sure how I would use them. Sometimes my inspiration for a tablescape will come from the pattern or the colors in the china itself. But occasionally, I trip over a little treasure (like the candlesticks) and they just jump right into my buggy and insist I take them home. When that happens, I’m hoping when I get home they will work with some of the china I already have.

Upon arriving home, I was happy to discover I did have some china with a bold red color in the pattern. It was a Villeroy and Boch collection I had purchased around 20 years ago…the pattern is called Melina.

As I began putting the table together, I really liked the look and contrast of the more rustic candlesticks with the dressier, bone china. I decided to go with that theme, mixing rustic elements, along with the more formal.

You truly do not have to spend a lot of money to create a pretty tablescape. Often you already have just what you need on display in the various rooms in your own home. Shop the house! If you love that adorable bunny in the guest room, chances are you are going to love it in the center of your Easter table…and so will your dinner guests. Be bold, use the unexpected…your heart will tell you if it works or if you need something else.

Hope you enjoy viewing the tablescape below. But mostly, I hope it will embolden you to use the pretties you already have and love, in a whole new way.

Bird’s nest just fascinate me…I’ve collected several from my yard over the years, of course only after the birds were done using them. 🙂 I think they are just amazing…little works of art. I can’t begin to understand how a little bird can make something so intricate and perfect. I decided to try them on the table, and when I did, I liked the way they looked against the red of the candlesticks. Of course, you can purchase faux bird’s nest almost anywhere these days.

I remembered having seen some little bird napkin rings on a previous trip to Pier 1, which is only about 2 miles from my home. So after a short trip over to Pier 1…I had everything I needed for this tablescape.

The rustic gardening tools on this flower pot, went well with the iron elements in the candlesticks. I like the way the ivy heart-shaped topiary in the center…pulled in another main color from the china.

Years ago, I bought these iron accent pieces. In my shopping trip through the house, I stole them from the family room book shelves…thought they worked well with the iron accents in the candlesticks.

A little ruby flash salt cellar…

Whenever I purchase china, I love to use an accent plate in a coordinating color, as the salad plate. I love the way it looks and it frees up the actual salad plates to be used for dessert.

Another little iron accent piece…found this one in the guest bedroom when I shopped the house…

I took some greenery and blossoms from the magnolia tree in my front yard. Since it was toward the end of the blooming period, the tree only had a few blossoms left. So, I incorporated a few silk magnolia flowers I already had into the tablescape, too.

Since I had kind of a nature theme going here, I couldn’t resist using this little piece. What could be under there? 🙂 Grab the little bee on top and lift the lid to see…

Bug bites! You can find these in the cookie isle of your grocery store. (They are by Keebler and I found mine at Publix.)

A different look with crystal stemware instead of tea cups…

Thanks so much for for stopping by…

Looking forward to seeing your beautiful tablescapes!

China: Villeroy & Boch, pattern Melina
Red, Ruffled salad plates: Home Goods
Sterling Flatware: Towle, King Richard
Crystal Stemware: Waterford, Araglin
Candlesticks: Hobby Lobby
Chargers: Horchow, online
Napkin Rings: Pier 1
Silverplate server with dome lid: A Classy Flea

If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address.

Please copy and paste the Tablescape Thursday logo button to your computer. Then you can upload it to your side bar and use it in your tablescape post so your visitors will know you are participating.

Please link back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday.

Please do not add your link below, until your tablescape post is actually published to your blog.

 

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Comments

  1. I love the candle holders on the table!

  2. SouthernGal says

    Time has just been crazy lately around here too. I actually posted my table as I set it for a meeting. That seems to be all I ever do anymore 🙂

    Christi

    Christi @ A Southern Life
    http://asouthernlife.com

  3. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    I've never seen this before, and I enjoyed all of it! The red gives such a nice pop!

    I also shopped my house for my tablescpape this week!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Katherine

  4. Susan,
    I love the deep reds! They add such a wonderful pop to the table. Your layers are excellent!
    Dee Dee

  5. Hi Susan…great table as usual…and it seems even at your early attempts at Tablescaping you were a genius!!….Let's get this book going lady!
    And thank you for the link to the Spring tablescape contest…I entered the table I posted tonight….some great tables have been entered….Sue.

  6. Those candle sticks are wonderful, Susan..I love the red..The dishes are beautiful! I am sad about our V and B closing…
    I am ready for Spring, but it is at least 6 weeks before we will see any sprouts here!

  7. I really love the way you layered the plates and have the salad for desert. The chargers are so pretty. Funny how you are shopping in your house!:) Isn't that kinda of the way it goes.

  8. Dining Delight says

    I remember this tablescape from the first post and how I had saved it to my "favourites" when I found it just doing a Google search on tablescapes. I LOVED it then and enjoyed seeing it again! Those red candlesticks are gorgeous. Love all the little touches you added to your table to fit the theme. The little cookies were perfect!

    DD

  9. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    I love the red plates.. Your table is lovely.. Thank you so much for hosting our thursday party…

  10. Lady Katherine says

    I do love this one! So natural, but yet so beautiful! I love, love the bird napkin rings!!!!! Oh, and the red desert plates! You are so lucky, Pier one just a little way from you. lol When I go it an all day trip. lol

    I'm having a Tea Party for Hannah, who is 4 years old, this Saturday.
    I been watching the birds, the wrens are trying to fight my blue birds for the nests! Can I send the wrens up to you?

  11. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    Susan, you always manage to create the most beautiful tablescapes. I love the pattern of the china and the red plate and candlesticks are just wonderful with it. I like that you also shop the house to creat your centerpiece. I do that all the time and I think it is such fun. Thanks again for some beautiful inspiration. Hugs, Marty

  12. Michael Lee West says

    I love this tablescape but I love your words even more. It was a treat to see how you put this beautiful table together.
    XX00
    PS/Kathleen tells me that Villeroy & Bosh is going out of business.
    🙁

  13. Love the rustic but elegant look, Susan!…Christine

  14. Continually inspired!
    I love lingering here…
    but you know that, I'm sure!
    LOL

  15. Bunny, THE PARIS HOUSE says

    Beautiful, I wish we were able to sit out on our porch, we are expecting another big snowstorm. My son Oliver will just love those cookies, they are so cute!
    Have a lovely evening

  16. Anita @ Far Above Rubies says

    This is one of my favorites of yours! Actually this is one of your tablescapes that really inspired me to try this, so thanks for sharing it again. I just love it!! And I am SO ready for spring:-)

  17. Low Tide High Style says

    Old or new, that is a perfect tablescape for a winters day. I love those little bird napkin rings and your gorgeous ruby salt cellars!

    Kat 🙂

  18. Candle holders are beautiful, but my favorite is the napkin ring. I wish my Pier 1 was closer. I do love that place, along with Home Goods.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  19. a little bit of everything says

    Lovely! I really like the silver covered cookie dish. Unique.

  20. Ceekay- Thinkin of Home says

    I love those napkin rings…I have got to get to Pier 1 and see if we have them!! So copying if they do!!

  21. I love everything about your table!

    Mary
    From Virginia

  22. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    Susan, your tablescape is lovely! I love your china and how you paired it with the Homegoods plates. I especially like the bird candle holder. It all looks beautiful together!

    Jane

  23. I can't tell whether I'm leaving links and messages in the right place… everything keeps moving around in your blog, but at least I tried…

    cielo

  24. I just posted my first entry! Thanks for hosting!
    Joanne @ Simply Saving

  25. Susan, Your tablescapes are so very lovely and show a lot of original thought. This one, as usual, was stunning.
    I want to say thanks to you for the blogging tips you have shared. As a new blogger, I've learned a lot from you!
    Blessings – Beth

  26. WOW – what a fabulous table..absolutely beautiful…you have quite a flare for this!!!

  27. Paula Grace Designs says

    Beautiful! I love how you have layered the table adding element after element into a wonderful cohesive whole.
    Paula Grace ~

  28. Cooking for One says

    Once again, a gorgeous table!

  29. Hi Susan,
    I'm so glad you ended up re-posting this wonderful table! I thought I'd gone through your "archives" thoroughly, but I'd somehow missed this one. The way you incorporated so many beautiful natural elements, the organic textures, and the earthy browns and rich reds is a delight to behold.

    Knowing how much you love your birds and your gorgeous magnolia tree … I suspect this table must be one of your "pet projects." It's become an instant favorite of mine! Kudos, my friend!

    Warmest regards,
    Bill

  30. vignette design says

    Susan,
    It's hard to believe this is one of your first posts! It is just beautiful. Love the red candleholders. I can see how that inspired you. The bird motif is one of my favorites.
    Thanks for hosting another TT!–Delores

  31. Wow! You never cease to amaze me, Susan! Beautiful Tablescape! Thanks again for hosting this fun party!!
    Blessings!
    Myrna

  32. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Susan, either I missed this the first time you posted it, or in my old age, I've forgotten it. It's so pretty. I am really loving those napkin rings. I wish I had seen those when Pier 1 had them. Those candlesticks make such a statement on the table. As always, thank you for hosting TT. laurie

  33. Katherine Baggett Thornburgh says

    Beautiful table! I love the sterling flatware and those shiny red plates. AFter a few weeks of lurking, I'm thrilled to be joining in the fun for the first time! Thanks for hosting!

  34. I will have to go and visit Pier 1 to find those charming napking rings. I stayed in the winter-mode one last week on my tablescape. OH how I am longing for spring!

  35. I will have to visit Pier 1 to purchase some of the charming napkin rings. I stayed in the winter-mode one last week. OH how I long for spring!

  36. Fifi Flowers says

    Happy Thursday Tablescape!!!

  37. Gail at Victorian at Heart says

    Susan you always amaze me with your creativeness. The bird nests are so fun, isn't it cute the different ways birds build their nests yet they are all unique….kind of like us. Thanks again for another wonderful post.

  38. The natural elements are fantastic. I really like the colors too. Great details.
    Holly

  39. "Shop the house"…that's great advice! This is exactly what I would tell my students when I taught classes on tablescaping.

    Your salt cellars are lovely. I love the ruby color. Thanks so much for sharing your ideas…
    Jane (Artfully Graced)

  40. Carol at Serendipity says

    Susan,

    Another beautiful tablescape. I love the candlesticks. It is just so obvious how much you love doing this and how good you are at it!

    Have a wonderful day.

    Carol

  41. Lovely table, great accents, and cute cookies. My post is a bird theme today, I could use those little napkins rings, do you mind?
    Beautiful as always.

  42. Creations By Cindy says

    Amazing! Love it all. Those candlesticks are beautiful TFS

  43. Your table scape is just wonderful. Love those red candlesticks!! 🙂
    xo bj

  44. I could not get my computer to let me leave any comments last night. How frustrating!! I love your napkin rings. I will have to stop by Pier 1 today and get some! I stayed in the winter-mode for my tablescape. BUT all winter is put away now. Bring on spring! Loved your table.

  45. I never saw this, but I do think it is gorgeous! It is so imaginative (as always) and it is so well put together.

    Scribbler

  46. Love the candlesticks, love the table. You are always such an inspiration in decorating. Thanks for hosting.

  47. Now I'm off to look at some of your links …

  48. A beautiful table with so many little surprises. It makes me yearn for spring!

  49. Beautiful! Ivy is so romantic!

    I started a new blog where stories will be published about the farm and the animals if you enjoy reading!
    http://www.equusgirl.blogspot.com

    Julie

  50. This looks so thought out and it came together great, looks perfect for the changing season, I am so looking forward to the day that I will be able to gather things up from around the house to pull together an awesome TT.

  51. Tennis Girl says

    It's so beautiful! Definitely puts me in the mood for spring!

  52. Susan, thanks for sharing this one again. I remember those little bug bites. Too cute! The details of this table are perfect for this time of year and the dishes all fit together like a puzzle. You have amazing talent!

  53. Denise Marie says

    Susan, it is really nice and cheery and beckons Spring. I love the way you mixed so many elements. I love the salt cellars and the nests and I am gonna have to go look for the napkin rings. I just bought some flatware from Overstock.com with birds, Oh my. I could mix and match with the egg name card holders I just got at Ross. I'm showing a page from a gorgeous seasonal magazine today.

  54. Melissa Rakowski says

    Hi Susan, I have been a follower of your wonderful blog. I love it and have placed it on my new blog I just started. I would love for you to take a look at my blog at http://colorandlightatelier.blogspot.com. Thanks in advance for looking a my blog.

  55. Great tablescape. This is the year for birds and birds nests it seems. Your table is so inviting and those Horchow chargers look good in so many settings.

    Your commentary is always fun to read. Thanks for your inspiration.

  56. Patriotic Mom says

    Susan another fabulous tablescape! I liked the domed lid with the bug cookies underneath. How perfect is that! I would like the napkin holders as well. I do not go to Pier 1 very often. I may need to make a trip… Joan

  57. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    I'm always glad when you repost, as I didn't get to see your earlier tablescapes. This is really gorgeous, the eclectic mix of items is something that I love to do, so I love seeing others do it. I like all the texture and color in the table setting.

    Sue

  58. Peridots Garden Blog says

    This is my first visit to your beautiful blog – I came from Candy's "Rock Candy" blog and I am so inspired by your post…it's like a tutorial and I needed it!

    I'm going to use your suggestions for my dining room table and I can't wait for the reactions!

    Thank you and I'll be back to LEARN more from your example.

    Sandy

  59. Hi Susan,

    I, too, am happy when you bring up an oldie since I'm new to blogging & didn't see this one the first time around. I need to spend a whole day just going back over your old postings!

    Your mix of colors & textures always amazes me & it something I need to learn how to do better. Each of the elements speaks softly with the others yet they provide great visual interest on their own, too. ♥ those rusty looking iron pieces!

    You have a wonderful, natural talent for this & I truly appreciate that you share it with us each week. I learn so much from you (and your followers, too!)

    Hugs,
    Rett

  60. Honestly, nobody does a table setting better than you! Any guest would be honored to sit at any of your tables — they are beautiful and such eye candy!

    You inspire me to always set a beautiful table even if we are having macaroni and cheese!

    Lovely, lovely!!

  61. ♥Georgie♥ says

    STUNNING!!!!

  62. Raggedy Kingdom says

    What brand is Bug Bites. What store. I wandered around the cookie aisle so long today that I thought the store might call the police. Couldn't find them.

    Sheila @ [email protected]

  63. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Sheila, Keebler makes Bug Bites…I found mine at Publix in the cookie isle. I just discovered they sale them on Amazon, too! 🙂

  64. The Southern Belle says

    The green and red give me hope that spring is on the way! Just gorgeous as usual.

  65. Entertain Exchange says

    I love the bird napkin rings. I am really enjoying looking at the leaves on your trees in your yard as we are blasted here with another snow storm! Your tables always look lovely.
    Susan

  66. I'm sorry, my computer jumped down and was on the wrong link and I linked up my entryway. You can delete mine. I am 110. Sorry about that.

  67. Love the doll house! Very cute. Have loads of fun renovating and decorating it.

  68. Angela McInnis says

    Your posts are very inspiring! I could sit out on your porch all the time! Thanks for hosting.
    Angela

    http://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com

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