This china pattern reminded me of a song my daughter Stephanie sang when she was just a little mite:
“Spring, spring, spring is in the air
I can feel it everywhere
And the pussywillows bloom
And the pussywillows bloom
And the pussywillows bloom in spring.”
Though at the time, she had a slight lisp (or perhaps a New Jersey accent), and it sounded more like “spring is in de ayah.”
Pussywillows are a very welcome harbinger of spring. Who can resist the plump little pillows of soft fur?
Didn’t we all carefully rub them against our cheeks and chin as children, marvelling at their softness?
I found Spring Willow by Kent when cruising around Replacement’s site one day, searching for spring patterns. While the pale pink tones are something of a fanciful leap, the simple lines with their familiar buds make for a heartwarming table.
I paired Spring Willow with the improbably named Ikea Formidabel plate. What is formidable about a pale pink hexagonal plate, I ask you?
The almost mauve undertone of Formidabel suited Spring Willow nicely.
The next trick was how to accessorize the table. The green tone in Spring Willow is very soft, so I continued that theme with the checked tablecloth and sage green napkins.
The napkins were from Pottery Barn years ago. The linen is lovely, but it’s a devil to iron, and the colour is fading unevenly. I’ve kind of accepted that it’s going to look “rustic.”
Small white open salts were another fairly neutral addition.
The glasses are of unknown origin; they weren’t expensive; I bought them more than a decade ago.
The water glasses have a fun stripe of pink, while the champagnes are solid. They were the right shade and casual heft to coordinate with the rest of the table.
At that point, I thought we’d had enough of pale pastels. To extend the muted shade to the flowers risked making the whole table bland and forgettable. So I went with more vibrant tones for the tulips.
The doubles have a beautiful green tone at the base of the petals, while the singles have white. Together, they’ve got a visual punch.
“Spring, spring, spring is in de ayah.”
“I can feel it everywhere.”
I have finished the cleaning and sorting portion of the kitchen overhaul. Every cupboard and drawer has been emptied and scrubbed, the contents sorted and purged. I’ve reorganized things by function – all baking and decorating items are in one area, the food processor is with the mandoline, and the box grater is in one pull-out drawer, etc. It’s taking way longer than I thought it would, but I shall press on until it ‘s done!
Meanwhile, let’s enjoy the tulips and pussywillows.
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
A very pretty spring table which features two favourite spring plants…tulips and pussy willows. Both bring back memories of childhood! Very pretty colour combination of the plates and glasses. By the way you will love the IKEA bins which I have used with great success in kitchen organization…delivery is slow with everyone ordering online for home delivery. Stay well and safe.
Funny you should say that about bringing back memories of childhood, Alayne. Whenever I see pussywillows I’m seven years old again. 🙂 Thanks for the info about the IKEA bins. They looked to be just the right size, and of course, the price is right. Gotta love IKEA. Thanks for stopping in.
“The plump little pillows of soft fur” …. Were you speaking about Dundee? Love this tablescape! You are so talented and have great taste.
That plump little pillow of soft fur raised the entire household at 5 am, as is his habit when he’s bored. First, he comes into the bedroom and attempts to rouse the dogs by winding between them and pouncing on anyone who twitches. If that’s unsuccessful, he starts batting things down from one of our bedside tables (my contact lens case is a favourite item) and either begins a game of feline-hockey with it or, if he’s managed to wake one of the dogs, they start chewing noisily on the item, which is sufficient to get me leaping out of bed in alarm. If all that fails, he trots into the bathroom, hops into the bathtub and starts drumming on the side with his paws, one paw after the other in quick succession. The noise is usually enough to get the dogs up, so they start jumping up on the side of the bed, demanding breakfast. One of us (usually me) gets up, and the whole noisy entourage leaves the room. It’s total bedlam. So yes, little Dundee is very well, thank you! And since he invariably gets treats at the end of that whole production, his plumpness continues to expand. 🙂
This is just lovely Helen – you have such an eye! Thanks for all your inspiration and entertainment – I can just hear that little song in my head! 🙂 Take care and stay safe!
Thanks, Barb! It’s still chilly but definitely spring. I hope all is well with you and your family.
The pussy willows brought me back to my playing in the woods with my brothers and sister. Very nostalgic. You’ve put together yet another beautifully coordinated table. ButI must say, those tulips are a knockout! And, thank you for the inspiration on sorting out my kitchen drawers, etc. Time to go to work the next rainy day. OH,,,, that’s tomorrow. Take care.
There is something about pussy willows that brings out the kid in all of us, isn’t there? I picked up some creamy apricot/gold “peony tulips” today at Trader Joe’s. Too bad it’s going to rain tomorrow, but I’ll be setting a table with them on Saturday. Can’t wait.
Happy Kitchen Sort!
This is so pretty Helen. Sometimes pale colors are just what’s called for. And the pop of the flowers was just perfect! We are just entering into spring here – the last of the snow melted this week. Fingers crossed it stays that way. I’m now inspired by your table to set a spring tablescape. Take care. (and that Dundee sounds like a delightful rascal).
It’s been a really cold spring, hasn’t it Kim? I hope you have seen the last of your snow; we had a bit last week and I was none too pleased. It’s May next week!
Enjoy the weekend. I’ll pass along your regards to that monkey, Dundee.
Dear Helen,
I guess a little serenity and order is what we need now. I have several sets of PB linens, and they are all nightmarish to iron. What gorgeous tulips and fun glasses! Is there anything softer than pussywillow? Maybe belly fur on a rabbit or the down on lamb’s-ear (stachys). I’ve received pictures of our tulips from the neighbours…they will probably be dead by the time I get there in person (the flowers, not the neighbours). The lilacs and wisteria are fat with buds. Counting down the days…
I was just thinking about you yesterday, Beatrice. It’s May 1 you fly out? Can’t wait to hear how things are when you get there.
Rabbit belly fur is the softest of soft, and you’re so right – very like pussywillows. It’s funny how one is animal and the other plant, but they’re so similar.
Spring cleaning the catch-all kitchen drawer reminds me of a famous humorist who said she keeps a potato masher in that drawer because it’s fun not to be able to open it sometimes.
Isn’t that the truth? It’s such an awkward piece of kitchen equipment.