Spring in the Dining Room

I am finally getting around to posting some spring décor which I have had out for a few weeks now. I couldn't resist snapping the pictures on Saturday when it was bright and sunny. I loved seeing the light streaming through the window to spotlight the forsythia centerpiece!

 

Look at the cute little photobomber who appeared as I was taking a picture of the sideboard! Her sister was napping and missed the opportunity. 😉  (The photo angle makes the furniture look like it's leaning!)

Many of the items on display are vintage. The china pieces belonged to my maternal grandma.

I used this antique frame from my paternal grandmother (with her maiden name handwritten on the back!) for a dried floral print that a dear friend made for me.

It seemed perfect to grab a few Audubon encyclopedias from a childhood set to complement the natural elements. 

Happy Monday! May your day be happy and bright.

Happy St. Paw-trick's Day!

 

If dogs are with you

Wherever you go,

Your blessings will outnumber

The shamrocks that grow! ☘

Tuesday Tablescape

In honor of St. Patrick's Day this Thursday, today's table incorporates a little pot of shamrocks paired with some of my vintage Metlox Poppytrail dishes. These daisy dishes are favorites of mine and I think the springy green and yellow colors are perfect for this tablescape.

I borrowed my mother's daisy cutwork table runner since it complements the dishes so well.

I was excited to use my new shamrock plant that I recently picked-up at the grocery and was pleased to be able to rest the pot in one of my hostess pieces for its place of honor. When I set the table so that I could photograph it for the blog, the sky was sunny and bright. Just at the very time that I was ready to take the pictures, the clouds rolled in and the shamrocks quickly closed like tiny umbrellas! If you're familiar with these little cuties, then you know that they respond to lack of light by folding in their three leaves. I was disappointed by the unfortunate timing!

Have a great day and be blessed!

Spring Mantel

My current decorating mode consists of blending vintage pieces with natural elements. It took a few days for me to achieve a mantel that aligned what I had in mind.

After a heavily decorated winter mantel, it was time for something light and sleek.

This rabbit planter is a favorite of mine and while it has been used in various locations throughout the house over the years, it often makes its way to the mantel. I love the realistic features and natural coloring. The faux dogwood blossoms I added are a reminder of what we will see on the trees before too much longer.

The vignette to balance this mantel consists of a vintage platter and books (all family pieces) along with burlap, greenery and a bird. My camera angle creates optical illusions with the plate and burlap. The platter really is straight and the fabric doesn't extend the edge of the mantel to the degree it appears.

Isn't it nice to be thinking spring?

Spring Lantern

As I mentioned in Tuesday's post, it seems as though the birds are definitely ready for spring (who isn't?!) because I hear them singing beginning at dawn and see them collecting useful materials for nest-building. Yesterday I saw some finches at the feeder and observed that their comparatively drab feathers are being replaced by the prettier "warm weather" colors by which we readily recognize them. All sweet signs! 

I decided to give the tall lantern on the upstairs landing a springtime look by decorating it with a faux bird, nest and greenery.

As you have seen before, I truly enjoy decorating this oversized antiqued lantern for the seasons.

If we open the lantern door, it's possible to get a better look at the bird and her nest.

Have a "tweet" rest of your day!

Tuesday Tablescape

I love to hear the birds singing this time of year! It's a promise of spring and such a welcome sound after the long and quiet winter months. In addition to their beautiful melodies, I have also noticed little wrens, finches, sparrows and black-capped chickadees gathering bits of dried weeds and stems for building nests. This morning I saw a finch struggling to fly with a white tissue! I have no idea where she had located it, but she must have been delighted to find something so soft and comforting to line her future children's home! Today's table was inspired by our little feathered friends who are preparing for this new season.

The centerpiece sitting on a burlap runner is meant to represent early spring with the pussy willow branches, a bird and cross.

See the little bird who is nesting in a teacup?

I think my maternal grandparents' china pattern lends itself well to this table.

Enjoy the songs of the birds!

Irish Soda Bread

With St. Patrick's Day just ten days away, I thought you may be interested in some tasty soda bread that is easy to make. The recipe was given to me by a very Irish friend a few years ago. She prepares it each year on March 17th. I made a loaf today to accompany my pot of homemade soup, so it was a good opportunity to snap a picture for the blog.

Irish Soda Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon. baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter

1 cup buttermilk

1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to work them into the flour mixture. Add the vinegar and buttermilk and mix everything together. Knead the dough a few times before forming a round loaf. Place it on a greased sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes. 

If you'd like some Irish bread to accompany your 

corned beef dinner, this may work for you!