Let’s face it—some days just need flowers. Not a delicate little bud in a vase, but an all-out botanical explosion. And when you can’t quite coax the blooms from your garden just yet (peonies are merrily blooming, but everything else is still sulking), the next best thing is to bring the garden indoors.

 

 

That was the mood behind this latest table setting: a joyous burst of spring using beloved pieces from the Portmeirion Botanic Garden collection, with a few sparkly and nostalgic touches to sweeten the scene.

 

 

This particular table was set at the home of my dear friend, Maura, who spent 23 years living overseas, mainly in England. During that time, she developed a beautiful collection of Botanic Garden, picking up pieces here and there on regular trips to Wales—yes, the actual Portmeirion! That little pottery village nestled in the woods by the sea became a treasured destination, and her collection is a vivid reminder of those years abroad.

 

 

Each plate feels like a postcard from those travels. I think there are eight different flowers, including Helleborus Niger, (Lenten or Christmas rose)…

 

 

Passiflora (Blue Passion Flower)…

 

 

…even the whimsical Dionaea Muscipula (better known as Venus Fly Trap) make appearances. It’s a set that doesn’t just decorate the table—it tells a story.

 

 

To play up the romantic, botanical feel, we paired the plates with Fostoria June Pink Depression Glass. The delicate etching and soft blush hue lend a gentle elegance, like something you’d sip from at a countryside tea.

 

 

And on each plate, antique Venetian compotes joined the party, adding a little sparkle and height to the scene.

 

 

The tablecloth is a modern Etsy find, but it fits in seamlessly—deep green with winding vines and flowers, it could pass for vintage William Morris without batting an eye. It provides the perfect lush backdrop for all the floral goings-on above.

 

 

We grounded each place setting with Monique Lhuillier Antibes woven rattan chargers, a subtle natural texture that keeps the table from getting too precious. I had been dithering about those chargers a few years ago, and then they went out of stock. They reappeared this spring, and when Pottery Barn had a 25% off sale, I bit.

 

 

Green linen napkins with floral napkin rings added a little tailored polish—and echoed the garden theme in the best way. Maura and I debated on the napkins. In packing, I had brought a couple of choices with me, including a subtle stripe, but the plain, soft, sage green worked the best.

 

 

Aren’t the tureens to die for? They’re my favourite pieces in Maura’s collection. And she has every serving piece imaginable! Including three lasagne dishes in graduated sizes. I see a pumpkin sausage bechamel lasagne in our future.

 

 

Because we couldn’t resist adding a bit of whimsy, a couple of porcelain songbirds made their way to the table.

 

 

Maura added the pair of cheeky Herend-style rabbits.

 

 

Lastly, sweet little paper bird place cards, one of which wore a blue flower like a feathered fascinator. Adorable.

 

 

The centrepiece was a simple, happy mix of tulips, daisies, mums, and lilies in a low bowl. Nothing too structured—just an informal splash of spring, designed to spark conversation (and leave room for the gorgeous tureens, of course).

 

 

This table was such a joy to put together—not just because of the riot of florals and vintage charm, but because of the personal history woven into every place setting. It’s a reminder that a table can be more than beautiful—it can be meaningful.

 

 

Until next time, may your tables be full of stories, your glasses full of something pink and bubbly, and your flowers forever in bloom. Thank you again, Maura, for opening your home and joining me in setting this lovely table with your incredible Portmeirion collection of Botanic Garden. 

To learn more about Gien, visit Portmeirion—The Garden Blooms,  the latest installment in our Makers Behind the Magic Series.

I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.