Robin Flies South...

A blog about decorating and tablescaping with an emphasis on creativity and smart shopping over cash!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Reflecting on Spring!







Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb


For those of you who think we have only summer year long here in Florida, I have to disagree.  In the months of December and January the plants lose their brilliant green color and the grass gets a bit brown.  As the weather warms up in February we have our own version of Spring with new growth on our plants, buds on the trees and flowers and the daylight lasting longer every day.  Just as it has been in most of the country this winter, we have experienced very mild temperatures and where it should be in the 70's at this time of year we have been in the 80's most days. 

I am celebrating our arrival of Spring, both on the calendar and with the weather  this week with my tablescape.


There's been a lot of blogging about Old Time Pottery in the last few weeks and it was a source of many of the elements of this table.  My favorite part of shopping there is arriving at the back of the store where the fabric remnant table is.  All the fabrics are $4.99 a yard and come in sizes from 1 yard to 10 or more!  This last trip I could have come home with all of them the selection was so good. I limited myself to 2 including this remnant that was just over 1 yard.  I finished off the edges to make it a table topper.


The fabric has a watercolor look to it.

While I had the fabric in my cart I was able to search the fake flowers for just the right color purple to add to a planter I had purchased months ago.


Here's a closer look at the container.


As I told you in my last post, I am always thinking ahead with the seasons.  I have been picking up "spring-like" items for months now so with my new fabric and coordinating flowers I was able to add what I already had to complete this table. 

For my place setting I started with my Goodwill chargers that got a spray paint makeover.  The dinner plates are from Ross and I love their shape and beaded edge. 



The square plate is from Old Time Pottery and the top plate is from Ross.



I prefer a big centerpiece on this round table.  I was recently reading some tips about using fake flowers and I have been trying to follow them.  One of the best was to use colors that are found in nature and this purple is one of them.


Always make sure your centerpiece looks good from all sides.


At first I used purple wineglasses but I preferred the look of the green (Dollar Tree) and my water glasses are from Goodwill.



I wrapped a silk garland around each of the candle holders.




The checked napkins are from Old Time Pottery and the green glass napkin rings were on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  The bright green napkins are from Target.






I stood on top of my breakfast bar for this shot.  My husband is used to seeing me doing things like this!






I added a votive to a purple ramekin (Christmas Tree Shop).



Remember that you aren't limited by ready-made table linens.  I've used old drapes, pillow shams and even shower curtains to make table toppers.  Stop in your fabric store and see what's on clearance.  Try to get a good quality, thick fabric for the best results.  If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I NEVER sew anything.  I love my fabric glue!

I am joining the party at Between Naps on the Porch where I am sure you will see many more takes on Spring tablescapes and I am also joining the Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday,
 Seasonal Sundays and Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll thru Life.. 

Be sure to visit my sister's blog, Creating Wonderful Spaces!

Happy Spring!!!



















13 comments:

Elaine said...

This is hands down, my favorite tablescape you've done! It is just beautiful! I love everything about it!

Alycia Nichols said...

Robin, Robin, Robin....so, so pretty! You really outdid yourself on this table. I love the color combination! I remember when I used to wear a combo or purple and green eyeshadow and how much I loved it. (This was back in the 80s...cut me some slack!) I discovered the remnant table at OTP last year, and I bought some really good fabrics there. Like you, sewing is NOT my strong suit, but I learned just enough last January to make me dangerous. I sewed 3 or 4 linens, then I got bored with it all. Maybe I'll pick up the temporary sewing bug again sometime! I'm a train wreck with fabric glue, so that's never an option. :-( The green stemware was an excellent choice here (especially with the watercolor fabric). THANK YOU for reiterating the importance of choosing faux flowers that have colors from nature!!! I can't seem to stress that enough! When faux flowers are used, they should convey the colors, shapes and drape of nature. I go to the flower nursery or outside in the yard (or even the Internet!) to study how a flower looks and then gently bend or twist the faux one to mimic Mother Nature's version. Great job, Robin!

Unknown said...

Purple and Green is one of my favorite color combos! You have created a beautiful table.
XO Cindy

Marigene said...

There is no other color that compliments purple better than green...beautiful table, Robin. Gorgeous tablecloth!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Your table is so pretty. I like the hint to use fabric glue on remnants--we don't have OTP but I can still use the idea! Linda

Entertaining Women said...

The accent plates are perfect with your tabletopper and that fantastic jardiniere. I love the Houser green of your larger plate and the DT goblets. I have a batch of those goblets, too...I love to use them, especially knowing that they were only $1.00 each. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Unknown said...

Oh my... love the table. I never think about purple.Love the chargers.. You did such a great job on your table.

You always have the nicest things to say. Thank you for your kind comments.

Cynthia

Marlis said...

A truly lovely table. Good hint to only use colors found in nature for the fauxs.. The remnant made the table.. so perfect with your dishes.. xo marlis

Debbie said...

This is my first time here so I not only enjoyed this one, but I scrolled down to see that gorgeous blue one in the previous post. I love so many things about them.

You have a wonderful eye for color, and I love the plates you use together. The different shapes make the place settings stand out so well.

Wonderful job, and I'm another one who will use just about anything that I find to create linens, etc.

Marie Arden said...

Just saw the Wed blog party for centerpieces I loved the table and the centerpiece is stunning. What a nice fresh look it all is.
Have a pink day!

xinex said...

Your table topper is perfect for this beautiful lilac colored tablescape, Robin. I love your layer of plates, pretty combo of colors. Your centerpiece is gorgeous!...Christine

Maria Elena said...

Beautiful table! The dishes are gorgeous!

The Tablescaper said...

Such wonderful color!

- The Tablescaper