Fill a Vintage Tote for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Weekend, everyone. Over the years, I've realized this is a holiday, (like many holidays) that can be so bittersweet. I still have my mom, but I know so many of you have moms in heaven. And for those that have lost children or never had children, it's a sad reminder. So to all of you, my prayers are with you today in joy and sorrow. 

Woodsy Cloche for Spring and Easter

A few weeks ago I put together a post with Spring and Easter cloche inspiration. My personal favorites always include not only a focal point, but surrounded with some kind of botanical element like florals, grapevine, bird nests, or moss. Figural elements such as rabbits, lambs, dishes, and graphics are always a beautiful way to create a small vignette and elevate it to visual importance.

Join me?

Recently I've found some odds and end dishes

 that I've just washed and stacked in a pile. 

Roses, red transferware, plain white...

Some were found for just a few pennies because of broken ones in the set.

I'm not much of a "tablescaper",

and I don't entertain a lot,

but I still wanted to "play" tea party today.

Today was the perfect day to send an invitation for brunch and tea.

This is the lower level patio, usually shaded and quiet.

A place to feed the birds, chipmunks, and squirrels and watch the birdbath activity.

The little vintage iron garden set was just the place to have an impromptu setting.

Not only dishes, but mismatched old silver is part of the setting today.

Collecting bits and pieces this last few years has been something I've really enjoyed.

Hope you don't mind that I didn't follow protocol.

Limited space had me keep it all to the right.

White vintage embroidered tea towels are used as a placemat,

and a cherries luncheon cloth sits atop one of my wicker lunch "hampers".

This was my inspiration,

English ironstone salad plates.

I just cannot resist transferware.

And to make sure we're comfy,

settle back into some pillows with a vintage flair.

Chenille and old linens.

My neighbor had this concrete faux bois planter out for the trash truck.

Hmmm...it curiously ended up in my backyard. (?)

So, have a seat, let's relax, and I'll pour the tea.

I'm linking with

Show off your Cottage Monday

A Stroll Thru Life

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Faded Charm for White Wednesday

And Between Naps on the Porch

for Tablescape Thursday

and My Romantic Home

for Show and Tell Friday

Hope you're having a wonderful week!
love,
Debra

What's A Girl to Do...?

...when she has some really pretty plates, that are mismatched orphans? I love old dishes of all kinds and I have random bits and pieces of sets. I love any kind of transferware, especially brown and green. When I find a plate that catches my eye, I usually buy it, then not know what to do with it.
I found these two Austrian gold rimmed plates several years ago and they have been in a drawer of my china cabinet. They are just so sweet and feminine.
I have wanted to try this little, and I do mean "little", project for a long time and just never got around to it until last week when I saw a couple of other blog posts showing their beautiful plate pedestals. So I dug around to find some glass candlesticks that I had and voila! Look what I have!

This little salad plate pattern is called "Coronet".

Something plain now can take center stage, or center "table".

I'm sure that many of you have created these,

but there are a few of us late bloomers out there that either didn't have the time

or the motivation to try it.

And if you don't have any fabulous cakes, cupcakes or desserts,

why not try something else just as sweet, with no calories.

I have found a wonderful blog that I'm sure many of you know about,

French-Kissed. Jermaine was my motivation to get busy on these.

Her blog and photos are beautiful, and you can get lost for a few minutes

in her lovely home and French-Kissed philosophy.

Her entry of July 10 highlights her masterpieces. She is a real inspiration.

I used E6000 adhesive to bond the plate and candlestick.

Many of you craft gals are very familiar with this brand.

Have a fun and creative weekend.

Debra