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Thursday, January 14, 2016

Bunnies In Winter Tablescape









My calendar begins with dancing bunnies for January. But bunnies are never far from my heart. (You will want to know that the calender is "Animalia" from Papayaart.com.)




When I posted this image from my post onto Facebook I got a flood of inquiries as to where to buy the plates. They are an old design from Magenta that I found at Home Goods and now are sometimes found on Ebay.




They really are an Easter design, but I knew when I bought them that they would never be saved only for that! Bunnies are forever!




I am more apt to do buffet style tables these days. So much more workable for small crowds in a small space. But bunny plates are perfect for a "Come over and we'll eat" kind of table like this one.




So January bunnies it is! I am not much of a cook, so a simple soup and sandwich affair is planned. But this adorable mustard/jam pot will help to elevate the humble menu. It was a gift from sweet friends some time ago, and will probably hold apricot jam for biscuits.




An old muffin tin is so versatile. Mine will serve up the biscuits. (Or warm cookies for dessert!)



Ironstone mugs will hold a savory soup and keep it nice and hot. Nothing more needed for an intimate cozy winter farmhouse style lunch. 








And I wonder if you noticed the lettered napkins peeking out from between the plates? I have been thinking about when and how to use them for some time now.




They are one version from a company called Sir/Madam. Mine are letters of advice from famous writers like Dickens to their children. Another set has love letters. I have seen them various places. Recently at Anthropolgie.




They make a fun setting for your bookish friends or for a book club meeting.










I'm so glad that you stopped by!

I hope it's a beautiful day for you!

Jacqueline




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Wednesday, January 13, 2016

A Little Change Up To The Winter Stage


I have given a little nod to bird life in my fancy old dining room frame.  The sunlight lingers a little longer each day, and soon enough it will be time for nesting. 




I like to surround myself with objects from nature in my own nest, and this beautiful little branch reminds me of the walk I took with my son and granddaughter in the snow one sunny day over the holidays. 




I spotted a small acorn still clinging to a twig and my son climbed up and fetched it down for me.




A fresh lace drapes over wicker my garden stand. 







I also found the sweetest roll of ribbon in recent weeks. The little bird tracks are similar to those found strewn across the open fields nearby from the Canadian Geese and Sand Hill Cranes that winter over.




A few farmhouse props get woven into the story too.









Anticipating the days ahead, while savoring the scents and sounds of the winter stage for yet awhile to come. . . .































What's new for you?

I hope you are enjoying the cozy pursuits of winter!

Jacqueline





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Monday, January 11, 2016

January Country




It's January, and once again I have flung around the corner of the year into the fast lane. The first month often feels like the start of a journey. But in other ways it is just another stream of days full of the familiar. Too familiar even. And some of us get restless for a change.




And of course change will come whether we look for it or not! And for me there is comfort in the things that remain the same.



 But January country has a different light. And my morning rooms have a brighter energy and glow. Have a peek around my dining room and just see for yourself!




























































I hope it's a beautiful new week for you too!

Jacqueline





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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Starting The New Year With Paper Whites


Hello and Happy New Year! It was off to a slow start for us this year. All of our people could find time for a visit only after Christmas, and so we have been in relaxed holiday mode for an extra week. The decorations are still up for one more day yet, but I am already greeting the new year with the thrill of something green blooming on the windowsill!





This is only my second year of planting paper whites, and they are the cheeriest way to start off a bitter winter. They are so symbolic of a fresh start. So easy, and such an antidote to gloomy weather.




A small system blew through overnight leaving behind a brief dusting of snow and an overcast sky, but the blooms go on and on. 




Such a simple pleasure!




Crazy easy. Just set the bulbs down in a bed of pebbles and keep the water level.




First time I have used this sweet little McCoy bulb pot.





I have never watched a minute of Game of Thrones, mind you, but the young old boys keep reciting a funny line from the series,"I am too fat for my armour!" And I find myself in exactly the same state!




But looking forward to calmer days. Ready to launch a new year of growth and bloom, armed or not.





2016!
Ready or not,
 Here we come!

I hope it's been a great start for you!
Happy New Year!

Jacqueline



        Image result for are paperwhites narcissus
    Unlike other Narcissus species, paperwhites do not require chilling to promote bloom. The bulbs begin to grow as soon as they are planted, with flowers appearing in 3–4 weeks. Narcissus papyraceus thrives in moist, peat moss based potting mix. Plants can also be grown in containers of water.
    from Wikipedia





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