Spring on the Cape is a long, drawn-out affair with lots of sea mist and chilly mornings. The daffodils last for weeks, and the fruit trees blossom slowly and luxuriantly, carpeting the streets with fallen petals.
When the flowering cherry trees hit their peak, however, there is no time to waste if you want to capture their glory in a table setting. One heavy spring downpour, and they’re finished. So I hopped to it, snipped some cherry and apple boughs, and brought out Juliska Sketch.
Launched a few years ago to complement their Berry and Thread pattern, scalloped edge Sketch comprises jasmine, cherry blossom, camellia and wisteria flowers, all welcome harbingers of spring. As you can see from this photo from Juliska’s site, there are several serving pieces in addition to dinner plates in the cherry and jasmine patterns.
The cherry pattern is my favourite.
Though the wisteria runs a close second.
Lavender tumblers from Pottery Barn a few years ago reflect the soft shades of creeping phlox in the garden, in addition to the wisteria on the plates. I just wanted to hang around all day and drink in the beauty of spring.
Jasmine is subtle.
Camellia is bold.
Fleeting spring pastels soon vanish into the bolder shades of summer. We are just on the cusp, with the hydrangea bushes poised to burst into bloom.
And speaking of bold, guess who had their first romp on the beach? Marigold took the lead in her little green “lifejacket”. Spencer was a touch more hesitant at first.
But they were soon persuaded to shed their harnesses and head for the water. We had to carry them down the stairs this first time, but they got the hang of it very quickly.
Once their paws hit the sand and Churchill showed them the way, it was fun, fun, fun.
Enjoy the short video clip by clicking on: Marigold and Spencer at the Beach.
Two very tired pups slept for six straight hours when we returned to the house. They were tired!
One last look at our spring table.
Enjoy the week, folks!
Cute overload, two pooped out puppies!! Spring floral patterns here are so lovely. Can’t pick a favorite. The filled posey vases are the perfect touch. I bought several from our local Ragspun shop before Easter. Time to put small bouquets of lilly of the valley in them, you’ve inspired me!
I am just about to go out and pick some lilies of the valley in our garden, too! It’s time. 🙂
Beautiful plates but the pups are the best!
Sometimes I wonder why I bother with tables and cooking. 🙂
Love the photo of Marigold and Spencer snuggled together sleeping after their big day on the beach. They look utterly adorable .
Lovely springtime table setting. It’s been a chilly, blustery Spring here and blossoms of all sorts didn’t last. The tulips however are still going strong
Oh! You’re so lucky to still have your tulips. Ours are long gone. But it’s a succession of new blossoms now!
Loved your spring table setting but you know what’s the best? Couldn’t get the video! Send to my email. See you soon.
The puppies win, every time it seems! As we speak, Marigold is stretched out on the fireplace hearth, and Spencer is sprawled out on the carpet nearby in a most undignified position, his parts on display for all to see. Moxie is pounding on the sliding French doors to get someone to let her out. Ah, the peaceful life! LOL
Lovely table Helen! I’m with you in that I think the cherry plate is my favorite, but the salad plates are all gorgeous! We are about 2 to 4 weeks behind here in Calgary this spring but the tulips are up now and our cherry trees should flower this week. Their fragrance is heavenly so I’m sure you are enjoying yours. Those tuckered out pups are adorable! I hope you have a lovely week!
The Canadian mid-West has been really cold this spring, hasn’t it? But now you’ll get your blooms all at once, and it should be gorgeous! The pups really are adorable – they make us smile, even when they’re in the middle of doing something naughty. 🙂
Pretty table ideas. Love your babies too.
Thanks, Liz! They’re pretty special (the babies, that is)!