Paper Blossoms

~ Flowers and Butterflies ~ 

A Lovely Spring Day

A Casual Lunch 

With Girlfriends

~ Capiz Shell Chargers ~ 

~ MacKenzie-Childs Taylor Series ~ 

~ M Studios' Flower Bowls and Plates ~

Each place setting 

intended to mimic a flower.

At first glance, I knew these flower shaped 

bowls and plates would be a perfect 

compliment to the fluted rimmed McK-C plates.

The stack offers a beautiful mix 

of organic textures and shapes.

Beautiful 

from any angle!

~ French Crystal ~

~ Pastel Linens ~

~ A Touch of Silver ~

~ Casual Elegance ~

Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

I like the rich patina of the dining room table to be part of the ambiance, so I use coasters under glassware to protect the table from moisture.  Be creative and use something fun.  Here a simple linen cocktail napkin serves as a pretty coaster.  Small plates, saucers, and butter pats can serve the same purpose.  So don't hesitate to pick up that odd little plate when you find one at a market or thrift store.  It's fun to have a mix of things!

And of Course ~ Sweet Endings

~ Chocolate Brownies ~
~ Lemon Bars, Tart and Rich ~
Recipe Here

Spring Bouquet ~ Photo Courtesy of Ray Marshall
Did you notice the simple, 
yet very creative and elegant centerpiece?

It's one of the five paper bouquets within 
PAPER BLOSSOMS, 
A BOOK OF BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS FOR THE TABLE

Ray Marshall, 
an incredibly talented paper engineer, 
is the genius behind this stunning pop-up book.

Available here on Amazon

CPAC Luncheon Table ~ Photo Courtesy of Ray Marshall
PAPER BLOSSOMS 
was recently used as centerpieces for a
ballroom full of tables at the spring luncheon of 
San Francisco Child Care Planning and Advisory Committee.

To read more about the luncheon, learn about the process involved in creating this book, and for pop-up projects you can download and make yourself, visit Ray Marshall's site.

raymarshall.com

This Giveaway is now closed. GIVEAWAY

In celebration of the beautiful spring we are having here in Texas and in appreciation of all my faithful followers and readers, I'm giving away a copy of Ray Marshall's beautiful pop-up book, PAPER BLOSSOMS, and a set of his pop-up flower note cards.  For a chance to win, leave me a comment telling me you'd like to be included along with the name of your favorite spring flower.  That's all there is to it.  Just be certain I have an email link to reach you, if you are the winner.  If you would like to share this giveaway on your blog and or Facebook Page, let me know in a separate comment, and I'll enter your name twice.

Winner will be announced Friday, May 17th.  

Joining

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen

Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Be Inspired @ Common Ground

Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm

Festive Friday Fiesta @ The Home Girl
Say G'Day @ Natasha in Oz

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally

Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage

Pretty Things @ TwelveOeight

Tuesday Treasure @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Your Gonna Love It Tuesday @ Kathe With An E

The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Happy List @ Art At Home

Golden Days of Autumn

I know it's the first week in December,  

but I'm still not ready to let go of Autumn.

Central Texas doesn't normally experience 

the cold temperatures necessary to produce 

a vibrant show of autumn color.

But Autumn does gift us with a golden glow.

Last November, 

Mary @ Home Is Where The Boat Is

 created a table she entitled

A Gentle Transition

Mary said,  "I'm lingering at the table 

with a warm palette of neutrals 

and a touch of soft gold, 

enjoying the last few days of November."

You can view her exquisite table for four here.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and in celebration

of her 2nd Blog Anniversary, 

Mary hosted a generous Giveaway with that post.

I was the extremely lucky one to receive her gift!

Yes, indeed, Mary sent me a service for four of 
Gold Leaves by 222 Fifth, including that gorgeous tureen, 
and a soft, warm Ralph Lauren wool throw.

With all the golden leaves falling about us, 

I knew this was the perfect time 

to set a table with this lovely set of 

Gold Leaves to share with my readers.

As you might have noticed, 

The Gold Leaves plates each feature a different leaf.  

These Williams Sonoma napkins 

compliment the plates with the lovely texture

of their beautiful crewel embroidery. 

I chose a simple sheer ribbon 
as my napkin ring.

White linen tea towels bordered 

with natural linen and oak leaf embroidery 

softened the layer between the 

rattan charger and the delicate china.

Natural elements were gathered 

from neighborhood walks to add to the table.

Then sprinkled about as if they 

had freshly fallen from a tree above.

Vintage French crystal stems added a 

touch of elegance among the bits of nature.

Served from that gorgeous Gold Leaves tureen .  .  .

~ Butternut Squash Soup ~

Recipe available here.

It's a delicious starter for a meal, 

or hearty enough to be a meal in itself. 

Candle light for 

a cozy evening dinner for two.

Adds to the golden glow!

"FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE A GOLDEN THREAD

THAT BINDS TWO PEOPLE"

Author Unknown

Thank you, 

Mary @ Home Is Where The Boat Is

Your friendship is 

~ GOLDEN ~

Mary's generosity continues with a new Give Away. 

Click here to view her gorgeous

Coastal Christmas Tablescape 

and enter to win a set of Blue Crab Bay Stoneware.  

Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

My tip for this table:  

Gather natural elements to use for a centerpiece.  

It's an easy inexpensive way to add seasonal details.