Soft pastel shades and fresh flowers are an instant cure for the winter doldrums.
English Garden by Certified International was new for 2020. The trellis pattern on the soft green, scallop-edged dinner plate was an instant hit with me. I can see styling it a dozen different ways.
So many different flowers and fruits to highlight. Don’t you love the strawberries peeking in from the left side?
What do you think – honeysuckle?
That looks like a pink clover flower, but not with those leaves. Pinks, perhaps?
The salad plate is a touch vibrant for me, but it is sunny and cheerful. It’s a typical English chintz pattern with blowsy pink roses.
There are four different patterns for the bowls and mugs. In addition to the green trellis and the yellow chintz, we have a coral coloured plaid.
And my favourite, the pale pink floral. Best of all are the cabbage feet that adorn the bowls and mugs.
The mugs also have cabbage handles, which have the added benefit of being extremely comfortable in the hand, as they are broad and easy to hold. I’m not too fond of spindly mug handles – not only do they cut into your fingers, but they give a sense of unease that the mug will drop any minute and shatter.
I decided to use pale pink to pull the table together, from the gingham table throw and napkins to the striped water glasses, acquired years ago from heaven knows where.
Little cabbage salt and pepper shakers. I can see pulling in Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage pattern plates for future tables.
Isn’t English Garden a breath of fresh spring air?
With the riot of colours in the pattern itself, I went with clear glass napkin rings from Pottery Barn years ago.
There are four different birds, which perch at different angles on the glass ring, and are supported by glass leaf “feet.”
Speaking of birds, a roosting hen butter dish fit right in. It’s a very friendly and inclusive pattern, extending its welcome to all things spring and garden.
Dundee kept a lazy eye on the proceedings while I was setting the table.
Inexpensive white ironstone pitchers and white planters painted to look like birch held a fresh array of pink tulips and pink-tinted daisies, flowers easily procured from the grocery store.
All set to enjoy a casual breakfast of oatmeal made with dried cherries and sprinkled with toasted nuts. Then perhaps an omelette made with spinach and tomatoes, and some multi-grain toast. Latte or hot chocolate with whipped cream in those mugs. Yum!!
Because even though it’s spring inside, it’s still pretty chilly outside. We need a hearty breakfast after a brisk walk with the dogs.
Just watch where you sit. Don’t want to plunk down on the plump feline. 🙂
Dundee’s has developed a funny little habit. Once he has had his breakfast, he likes to tuck himself up under the turned down quilt and sleep the day away. It’s almost like he’s putting himself to bed. He shoves his head under the edge of the duvet, then slides his whole body under before turning around and poking his nose out.
What? Are you bringing me a snack? Or are you just going to stare at me and snap pictures?
No snack, I see. Well, good night, then.
One last look at English Garden.
Have a lovely Sunday, all. We are hunkered down by the fire, watching big fluffy snowflakes come down. Winter in the North East. Brrrr.
Such a beautiful table and definitely a needed breath of spring, even down in the Sunny (but not at all warm, today) South! Those little cabbage shakers are the cutest things and a perfect accent. My favorite part of the post by far, though, is that adorable fluffy kitty My little Tortie, Mabel, likes burrowing under the covers, too!
Thanks, Ann. He is such a character. Our dearly departed Minnie lived to a ripe old age, and she used to crawl under the covers and come back up with her head above the sheets, but I’ve never seen a cat put themselves to bed before.
What a fun pattern. So pretty. Love the tulips and fun to see Dundee. He is all grown up.
He is Mr. Independence these days, just like a teenage boy. He teases his sisters mercilessly. They are NOT impressed. But he’s very affectionate with Taylor, still. He pushes himself up against her, bunting his head into her. Just adores her.
This table would brighten up any snowy day even though we’re in sunny, warm Florida. It’s amazing how so many colors and different patterns seem to go quite well together. I’ve never seen mugs before with little pedestals, how cute. Love all the soft pastels together to make another one of your beautiful tablescapes. Enjoy the snow!
I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather! We’re looking forward to seeing you later this month. Can’t wait. 🙂
This brings a smile to me today, Touches of pink are so cheerful.
Thank you Helen. As always your tables are perfection.
I can see you using the yellow cake plates with something different and making a
totally different look. But keep the same flowers to showcase the pink.
Dundee is always a delight….he has a wonderful sleeping spot.
Yes – the pink really is a consistent theme, isn’t it? Perhaps with pink spray roses next time. Maybe a green tablecloth and the cabbage dinner plates. Hmmm…
Enjoy your weekend, Patricia! Dundee sends his regards. 🙂
P.S.
i would love to see the yellow cake plates with white dishes and mugs.
And a lovely piece of cake or scones.
Haha! Yes – always with scones or cakes. I’m just writing up heart-shaped chocolate cakes with raspberry white chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream roses for Valentine’s Day. I’ll get it posted early this week. I made four cakes about 7″ each and gave three of them away to neighbours. Very happily received!
Dear Helen, What a cheery table for these white days (although we’ve had lots of sun/snowmelt and can sit on the terrace in our sheepskins). The dinner plate is particularly pretty, and the trellis gives it a Chinoiserie note. Pink is definitely the way to go, but I can see Bordallo cabbages in your future too. You are right about the honeysuckle, but the other flowers seem anatomically indecisive. The reddish clover flower does have the wrong leaves, and the pink-and-yellow flower looks like a morning glory lost on the opposite side of the colour wheel.. Thanks for the uplifting hint of spring. Pots of hyacinth will see me through…
I love “anatomically indecisive”. It’s a very nice way of saying “we made them up”. I have to remind myself that botanical accuracy is not the rule.
Enjoy the sunshine, Beatrice. It can be marvellous to sip a hot drink whilst bundled up in warm coats.
This is completely adorable and so very cheerful. Thanks for the extra ray of sunshine!
We are almost there, Linda! February is a short month. Lots of sunshine coming.
Awwww. Adorable Dundee!
Spring dishes. Soooo pretty!
Love the cabbage S& P.
The perfect touch!! I want to sit down and sip & eat.
I love everything about this post. It is literally a burst of spring and it makes me happy just to look at it. The setting really adds to the cuteness of the star – Dundee 🙂