HEDGE ROSE

I suppose it's true that I have a thing for cream Wedgwood china. This is an older more subtle pattern named HEDGE ROSE. I'm amused by that name because it's the same as 'hedgerows' which features big in Brambly Hedge books! The nature tie-in seems like a foregone conclusion, but of course white works with any theme. The bird invitation cards are my own design. And I know I overuse my quail eggs as decorative accents, but I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!
When I don't have fresh flowers on hand I prefer to use dried over artificial ones. I enjoy the organic look of them.
My table is laid with a vintage ivory tablecloth with crochet rose insets as well. Since the Hedge Rose design is only embossed on a narrow rim of the china, it reinforces the subject of roses nicely, as does the choice of roses as a centerpiece.
Vintage cut-work dinner napkins provide more pattern to the setting and prevent it from becoming too formal as all-white themes can tend to. The contrasting tone of the embroidery threads also livens the mix and punctuates the accessory colors.

For all the movement in the close-up visual detail, this table arrangement retreats to the margins in order to showcase whatever might be chosen for the menu. It's very common for plain white to be chosen for French tables, for instance, where so much closer attention is paid to both food preparation and presentation.

I am always in awe of the artistry of hand crocheted lace!

Here we see a closer detail of this delightfully understated china pattern.

All other table items are vintage. The cake stand elevating the plates is a candlewick design on a sterling pedestal. Pottery Barn has a wide and wonderful range of standard long-lasting ivory candles at reasonable prices.

Somebody's grandmother's hand-work close up.

These napkins are as yummy as anything served on the table!

Bon Appetit!

Please join Between Naps on the Porch for more Tablescape Thursday!

Ciao! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jacqueline

The Colors of Cottage



Springtime at the shop means the door can stand open again to welcome visitors.







It also means that it's time to showcase cottage pastels. Winter seems to be best for elegant and Frenchified all white schemes seen so much in California.



And summer lends itself best to the chippy and rusty whites of Texas. Junk style.





But the mixed florals and pastels belong to Spring and the Pacific Northwest.



There's a lot of overlap of course. And I would really HATE to have to stick to only one style.



But the new season begs for the color of rose gardens.



Flower painted tins, pots, and trays all mixed together if possible.



Time also for layers of chenille with a cheery quilt at the end of the bed just in case.



If ever there is a time to over use pink, this is it! I really could only do that for one season anyway. Here's wishing you all the pastel your springing heart can hold. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy May Day!

I was lucky enough to take a break in beautiful Santa Barbara wine country at the beginning of the week.
This part of California is as close to the Garden of Eden as any I know.
Rose hedges were all in bloom.
My favorite kind of garden chairs next to the lavender fields.
Wine barrel country too!
The fields had just been trimmed, but some wise person left a bush for the inevitable photo, thank you very much.
Hated to leave the bucolic scene for blustery New Mexico. We had snow flurries today! Hope you have a cheery first day of May. Thanks for stopping by.