. . . Cabin & Cottage

Friday, May 4, 2012

A Little Brown House

I'm far away from home as I post this, attending my son's college graduation. He is a family man with a wife and a couple of children of his own. It's been a long and challenging road, and we are proud like only parents can be proud I suppose.

The crossroads of life always make me pause and look forward and back. I remember a time when it was so hard to leave a new baby with someone else for very long, for instance. And that was a great long time ago.

But as I strolled through the yard taking pictures before leaving, I realized that I had a similar hesitance to part with a budding garden. The roses are just beginning to open, and we don't want to miss a thing.

But I'm a homebody and always hate leaving home behind. Still, it won't be for long.

I've been enjoying tremendously the premiere issue of ROMANTIC PRAIRIE STYLE magazine. Page fifteen has a poem that struck me with delight called MY HOME, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox:

This is the place that I love the best,

A little brown house, like a ground-birds nest,

Hid among grasses, and vines, and trees,

Summer retreat of the birds and bees.

Far from the city's dust and heat, I get but sounds and odors sweet.

Who can wonder I love to stay,

Week after week, here hidden away,

In this sly nook that I love the best--

This little brown house like a ground-bird's nest?

The wash.

The first open bud of spring on Monday.

Tuesday. When I saw little green critters, I swooped them out for another photo.

The rose unfurling. . . .

It's time for "name that plant."

A happy accident!

The evolution of the garden gate vine.

So nice for you to come visit the garden!

There should be a few lovely roses when we get back.

I'll keep you posted. . . .

Happy weekend!

Jacqueline

It's time for

Pink Saturday

at How Sweet the Sound

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Spring Tablescapes

A delicate Haviland Limoges china pattern is perfect for a spring table. But all of my pastels and florals come out of the cabinets and dressers this time of year.

Laid on a pale pink tablecloth of Madeira linen, this setting is a little dressy. Sweet details like the rose cutlery, and a lace trimmed napkins keep it soft.

Mixing patterns and textures liven up a different table set with yet another Limoges pattern. The lacy foundation keeps things light and breezy, while the vintage glass bowls add sparkle. Salad plates from Anthropologie provide a subtle punch of color.

White on white napkins are also vintage.

Just a touch of brown transferware in these few china accessories coordinates with the salad plates, and serves as a low key centerpiece.

Is there a better time of year for a bit of frothy lace?

I only have a few pieces of this cheery vintage Knowles floral china. But I think it's the happiest pattern I own. The background is a yummy creamy ivory. The vintage creamware bowls are similar in tone, and warm up all the whites.

Another lacy cloth is laid over a vintage pink Bates spread which both highlights the pretty pattern in the lace, and lets through a suggestion of color. I also just like the look and feel of layered linens at the table. A solid linen napkin tones down the lace.

More china accessories on an ironstone platter serve as a centerpiece here.

It's time for me to pull out all my flowery vintage print tablecloths. I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said a spring table requires almost nothing else! But just in case, a few springy teacups and saucers are set up and ready for tea time.

These are such busy May days. So many final exams, and graduations, and spring recitals. A small pause at lovely little table can make any simple ceremony a sweet celebration.

Thanks so much for stopping by during such busy days!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Between Naps on the Porch

Tablescape Thursday

The Charm of Home~Home Sweet Home

My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Chiffon Ruffles, and Roses

I don't know the name of my vintage teacup by Paragon. Someone always asks, because she is always turning heads. I inherited the cup minus the saucer, but no one cares. Like a beauty at the ball, she will always find a dancing partner.

The real star today is supposed to be the luscious vintage ruffled chiffon pillow sham I uncovered at a thrift store. Another single gal. But when you have what it takes, you fit in anywhere. Here she is right at home with chic Rachell Ashwell bedding.

Samples like this are very expensive to reproduce. Think Bella Notte bedding. But this refined lady had a $4.99 price tag. I wonder where her sister ended up! No matter. She's found good company to coze down with here.

The white quilt is also a thrift store find.

My springtime quilt is Summer Hill, and the coordinating pillow cases are many seasons ago Ralph Lauren from, you guessed it, the thrift store. But as you can see everyone is getting along just fine and having a wonderful time together.