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| I don't really know how this scape began... It seems as though it all started with "The Last Train from Paris"...We'll talk about this great book in a moment... |
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| Whirling in my head all week were shades of amethyst, mosses, & sapphires... In case you don't remember my "French Chateau Stone" that I carried back from France many years ago ... TAKE A PEEK where I told it's story in my "Breakfast at Tiffany's" POST HERE |
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| Majolica was my FAVORITE FIND this week... I have been faithfully visiting this little "Antique Italian Bird",on an artichoke, covered bowl, SINCE it landed at a local thrift shop...It started out a very pretty penny that I could not afford on my THRIFTING budget of $1(I kid you not, that is ALWAYS my goal!). OK, I have been noted to splurge an extra dollar or two... BUT... if it's more than $3, It's a dream to take home and sleep on with multiple visits of examining such an extravagant purchase... As you can see the "Little Majolica Birdie on an Artichoke has moved into Conghaile Cottage"... At a price of $10... It's VERY OLD...It's from Italy... and now...It's MINE!!! "What do you think? Do you like it"??? |
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| April Cornell linens are scattered about my table today... April has such an artists eye for attraction to a tablescape. I have trunks of her beautiful materials and will never ever have enough... I do wish she would name her prints to make it easier to match up when we "NEED" more(which is often)... Thank you April for always making me smile! |
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| Once upon a time I fell in love with these "Vintage Garden dishes by Ambiance Collections"... I bought a large set of them from HORCHOW long before I had ever even known about ebay... Those were the days when the "Thrill of the Hunt" was much more fun...Although NOW that I've discovered the $1 allowance budget... "MY thrill of the hunt just got more exciting"!!! |
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| I have always had a household of "MEN"...of course they started out as little princes... I have 3 sons, add Mr Cottage to that and it totals 4 burly 6ft,plus,plus,plus MEN... My pretties get ignored "BUT" when I use these dishes, "THEY SPEAK"!!! They DO have a soft spot!!! Yes, they all compliment these green figural flower bowls & plates...How about that??? |
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| The olive green napkins were a thrift store find ... This tablescape was SITTING here needing a few more touches of perfect... I was going grocery shopping "AND" stopped into my usual places "AND" there they were, "THE PERFECT COLOR" too... The material is MADE in India 100%cotton(which is probably my FAVORITE), Matched PERFECTLY with Aprils table runner... |
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| The cup&saucers are "Duralex Rivage, Made in FRANCE" and the pattern is "AMETHYST"! I think I get more use out of these than any other little extra cup&saucers I've ever acquired. LOOK at that rich color!!! My table today was a trick to brighten WITHOUT any whites. It would have to be the lightest mauve and palest moss that would enrich the scene... Somehow the French Chateau Stone in it's natural form "worked well though"... |
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| "The Last Train to Paris" is a gripping love story that illustrates how art and passion can transcend despair... It is set against the chilling backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris in 1944... This story is of forbidden love between an artist turned French soldier and a Russian ballerina...I will not say any more other than "It was a great story" and the author "Stacy Cohen" has my attention for MORE READING! Oh and "You WILL need to have a hanky available"... |
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94 comments:
Hi Donna, what an absolutely exquisite post!... I love every single thing, especially your Italian Majolica birdie on the artichoke!... what a treasure!... you always create the most enchanted settings... and inspire me to get creative with mine... your linens are all just stunning!... wishing you a most beautiful Spring day, xoxo Julie Marie
OK Donna, I love everything about this post -- from the chateau stone to the April Cornell linens ( love them, don't have ANY!), and that artichoke, and the bird, and .... you get the picture.
Thanks for visiting That Old House today -- I LOVE to bring home beautiful yarns from Europe; they always seem to be displayed so enticingly that you cannot resist them. Plus, they travel well, don't they? :-)
Thanks for sharing!
Cass
PS Gonna have to hunt up that book.
Hi Donna,
I always stop breathing when I start to read your new tablescape post. It is for me almost like someone opens a fairy tale book and starts reading: "Once upon a time .... there was a wonderful woman who lived in the wonderful Conghaile Cottage. She had a special skill to make pictures, which bewitched everybody who looked to long at them. Once it happens that a little bird in Italy, who did not listen to his birdie mom and sat down on the wizards artischoke. Immediately it was petrified/stonewared and with him the whole artischoke. So the unlucky bird sat thousand years in a thrift store and waited for the woman who could release him. And now I know who paid the price to rescue him. I wish you that the bird starts singing in your home.
Donna, I loved every detail of your fairy tablescape. For me your vignettes are always a voyage in the fairyland.
Hugs and greetings, Johanna
Hi Donna...
Well my friend, your "Last Train to Paris" table is simply gorgeous...in each and every detail! First of all, I adore your beautiful table linens...such fabulous colors! Ohhh...and I just fell in love with your garden place settings! Love, love, LOVE your newest treasure find...the sweet artichoke bowl with the little bird! Sooo awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely table with us today, dear friend! It's always a treat to come to your place!
Warmest spring wishes,
Chari
PS...the book looks like a great read! Thanks for telling us about it!
Seems I have missed a lot here!
Such pretty amethyst coloured cups & saucers...
Crazy for the Bird on the Majolica artichoke bowl!
Oh my!
Also the dishes in your last post with the roses! I have a whole bunch of it that I add to this & that..so sweet & pretty!
i have your same cheap dish rules too... but there are times to throw caution to the wind, that piece is priceless!
Nice setting, I like the soft jewel tones :)
I know what you mean about the $1.00 budget. If I pay more than $5.00 I feel that I over paid. The Italian piece is gorgeous however and sometimes you splurge. I just tried my large glass cake dome on the nest and the nest is too big for it. Shucks.
Simply said....GORGEOUS!!!
I love it all :)
Have a wonderful evening!
Aledia @ Plum Perfect
Beautiful, beautiful table settings! Wonderful stories too! (And artichokes are my favorite vegetable too.)
Absolutely breathtaking Donna! What else can be said? This is one of my favorites!
Nancy
Donna, I say you found a treasure, a beautiful treasure. Italian pieces are always beautifully done. Glad you brought this one home to Conghaile Cottage. I'm an April Cornel fan too. Her textiles are gorgeous. Beautiful table all the way around! I'm going to look for this book at the library. Sounds like one I need to read. ~ Sarah
I would compliment on those bowls too. Love love them. Your amethyst cups are so pretty. Another perfect post. Happy Earth Day. xo marlis
Love your thrifty find. I wish I was on a train TO Paris!
Everything here is just fabulous -- I think the other commenters have said it all. So I will just add, "I think so too."
Hi sweet Donna! You've come up with another gorgeous post, sooo with the fabulous Donna touch. I love your photography and of course, the Italian piece, so pretty. I'd love to get a hold of that book too. The majolica and the cups and saucers are just lovely. I can go on and on with this fab post. Happy Earth Day!
Hugs,
FABBY
Yummy goodness here...love the various setting pieces!!!
Your table is fantastic...so many wonderful things, hard to pick a favorite! Happy VTT!
Gorgeous table, as always. I adore historical fiction, and THE LAST TRAIN TO PARIS sounds like a perfect lazy summer read. Thanks for inviting us for speak and for the recommendation. Cherry Kay
Your colors and linens are gorgeous...and I'm very intrigued by that book! :)
HaPpY vInTaGe ThInGiE tHuRsDaY!
Sarah
Oh, that color scheme is just so unique and beautiful.
Oh what an adorable little bird perched on that artichoke bowl! Love your vintage garden dishes~ perfect with your AC linens :)
Your settings are magical, dear one.
Gorgeous and so full of fun.
The bird is amazing....and I must hurry or I will MISS THAT TRAIN....:)
Heading over to Barnes and Noble's website to check out The Last Train from Paris. Your tablescape is so stunning...love the moss! And your April Cornell linens are so pretty. The colors look perfect with your glassware and dishes!
SImply stunning, Donna!
xo,
RJ
Exquisite table. Absolutely beautiful!
Hi Donna, I do remember your post about the chateau blocks but I went back to drool over the chocolate and paris pictures again. I still haven't gone into our Belgique (I've been good), but I was up in your area a few weekends ago when we went to Putnam Memorial State Park. I must admit that we went through Bethel and a few other towns and I was keeping my eyes open to see if I could spy your fabulous goodwill or thrift store! Hubby thought it was hilarious. And your table today is wonderful. Linda
How pretty...love the artichoke. And thank you for the book recommendation. Have a great day.
Hi Donna! Oh, what a pretty table! Love the artichoke piece and the colors you've used are gorgeous! Thanks for telling us about the book.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Oh, the colors! Sigh... Lovely table. Thank you for the book recommendation!
Beautiful artichoke with the little bird! I see why you scouted the shop and then you were so successful. I have been scouting a thrift shop for the price to go further down on a teapot and I was fortunate this week. I love majolica but like you the price has to be right. The tablecloth picks up all the beautful colors of your china. This so lovely with the purple glass cups and saucers! Thanks for sharing!
Pam
What a pleasure to peruse your signature oppulent table! Love the majolica. But your tables are always covered with interest. I really like stories of Paris of that era.
What a dramatic and stunning tablescape, Donna! Love the floral bowls and the artichoke bowls and your little birdie. I also enjoyed reading the post below. I did not know that Johanna had a shop...I am familiar with her blog as she participates in Tea Time Tuesday every week. Sorry you only have one tulip! The squirrels dug some of mine up last year after I planted them, and this year the deer did munch on them a bit. I have maybe 30 tulips, but plan to get more this fall. Hope springs eternal! lol
Hugs, Beth
Lovely dramatic table!
You like April have an artistic eye! I always love your vignettes. That majolica pieces is exquisite and of course I adore the colors. Sounds like a wonderful book too. You make everything so beautiful!
You have so many beautiful things and you sure know how to put them together beautifully. And then you take fantastic photos. Your blog just make me drool, Donna....Christine
I love the Majolica piece. What a find! Your table scape is simply lovely.
~Clara
Gorgeous table with so many lovely pieces. I Love the majolica. The artichoke bowls are so sweet. It was a a pleasure visiting.
I love the $1 budget. Such a sweet birdie :)
Dying over the purple. Gorgeous and calming at the same time. Beautiful pieces - of course the burly men would soften!
How gorgeous! love the beautiful deep colors! thanks so much for linking up with VIF!
Some exciting finds.
Love those salad bowls.
Pat
Hello Donna, fabulous tablesetting - SO glad you got that Majolica piece - it is beautiful! Love how all your lovelies came together - good girl on your budget - I try to keep to one too - most of everything I shared was at the $3 range - the square bowl was my splurge at $10- It called my name over and over...I just had to
;)
It has been through blogging that I have grown to find so many that appreciate all the little things we do and UNDERSTAND! Thank you for sharing with Home and Garden Thursday
God Bless,
Kathy
btw - will look for that book today!
(through the library)
What a post Donna! Loved it and your "Little Majolica Birdie on an Artichoke". The colors in your post are so rich, loved every piece on your table. Thanks for sharing.
What gorgeous photos! I love what you have created. I have three sons... all grown now and a husband. They too appreciate beautiful tablesetting as well. So glad. Maybe it's because none of this was ever forced on them. Do ya think?? :-)
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Beautiful photos!
I love your charming artichoke and birdie majolica! I think you did well. Now I'm intrigued by that book! Happy Pink Saturday!! ~Lorraine ♥♥♥
Beautiful, Donna, such beautiful colors, and pieces. I will read the book , although France does not interest me. Ireland, yes! :) I have to figure how to download from the Library for free onto my ipad .
Thanks for linking this to Let's Dish!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Gorgeous photography and tablescape! Thanks for your visit to me, I look forward to tea times!
Tammy
Beautiful post! I am so happy you decided to get the lovely olden Majolica artichoke pot with bird....I have a feeling you have something very, very valuable!
Your tablescape is lovely!!!
HPS!
♥ Jil
Your Majolica artichoke bowl find is a wonderful treasure ~ lucky you! Your table setting looks so beautiful and inviting! ~Marcy
Hi Donna!
I am so excited you commented on my blog which led me here to your most lovely home!
Love the layers and colors on your tablescape. Just gorgeous.
So nice to meet you!
Your newest follower,
Alison
Hi Donna,
I love your treasures! That Majolica artichoke/birdie bowl is beautiful! Very, very sweet!!
You arranged everything so perfectly! Thanks for sharing, and for your visit today. It is always so nice to have visitors...:)
Happy Friday!
xoxo...Gloria
Hi Donna,
Your tablescape is gorgeous. I just love your little artichoke dish too. I can't believe that you got it for $1. That is awesome! :)
I drew your name for the Scones & Tea book giveaway. Send me an email and I'll get it out in the mail. :)
~Liz
Oh Donna, that majolica piece is fabulous! And what a fabulous price! This entire scape is so pretty. I love the thick, beautiful stone; the moss; and all of the greens and florals. The "flower" dishes are wonderful too. So many pretty treasures to see in this post. That sounds like a good read too. I'll add it to my list. laurie
Beautiful tablescape!!
Really love the colors!
Hugs,
Deb
It's nice to meet you Donna,
Thank you for visiting my blog and your kind words. You set a lovely table from the linens on your table to your sweet bird on the artichoke. It certainly would be a feast for eyes and tummy to be a guest around that table.
Hugs
Becky
That is an unbelievable enchanting cute adorable gorgeous etc LOL house you have there in your banner picture! (Ohhhh more things to swoon over in blogland!) :D And I love what you have going on here...yes I'm following you too! thanks for visiting my page and following and your gracious comment! blessings, Lady
Hello Donna! Thanks SO MUCH for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I so love your sweet blog! The table setting is just beautiful and very organic. Lovely touches for spring! I loved eBay back in the day, but I do love thrifting and finding that perfect little prize for very little money.
Happy day,
Becky
Happy PINK Saturday! As always, gorgeous photos and a gorgeous tablescape. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend, Nan
Love your colors of moss, amethyst and sapphire, and all the wonderful aspects of your gorgeous vignette. April Cornel linens are some of my favorites, to...and majolica. Your artichoke with the little bird on top is perfect with your flower dishes. So pretty. What a great find!
Hope you have a great weekend,
Babs
Oh Donna, this is just stunning today! I enjoyed my visit to your beautiful blog.
Happy Pink Saturday! xo Tami
Your vignettes are beautiful as usual!!! You have an amazing collection of majolica because you have such a discerning eye!!! I'm glad the men in your life appreciate your vintage finds!!!
What a beautiful tablescape...I love the little bird on the artichoke...I would have easily paid the $10!!!Have a great weekend!!
Love your pink this week. So pretty!
My PINK..., have a great weekend!
Beautiful post. I love your "Little Majolica Birdie on an Artichoke". What a great find! Thanks for the book recommendation, too! Happy Earth Day!
I'm so happy to have clicked on yuor post after missing out on your entry on Tablescape Thursday (only so much time each week to look!). Firs off, do you really live in the home in your header? It's so charming as is this tablescape.
Robin
Robin Flies South
Very elegant tablescape, love all the details. Happy Pink Saturday. ~Diane (I am #17)
Beautiful tablescape! I am fascinated by the sound of the book! I'm adding it to my list! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie
I can only be repetitive, Donna. Your entire presentation is just exquisite, the elegance is perfect even for big hunk-a-chunk-a fellas. And even a gorgeous piece of Majolica, you are so fortune to have this beauty.
Will have to take a peek at this novel.
Sorry I haven't been over more often. Have missed you, tho.
Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~
Marydon
Your scapes escape me. I could never do them as beautiful as you do! I love majolica and don't have one single piece. I think it's time I started thinking about it. Right now I am on the hunt for old red transfer ware. Thank you for your compliment on my divided plates. They are quite old and I love them too. Have only ever used them once though, as I prefer plain ol' white or cream serving plates. I just like to look at them! :) Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Another gorgeous scape Donna! Seriously love it ALL! You and I have the same thrifting budget goal...$1.00. It does make it a challenge but, then I feel better if I find something I truly love that costs more because I know I have been so good with all my other treasures! Thank you for sharing with us at TTF. Have a great day!
Hi Donna! Oh, thank you for popping in to see my little kitchen and I hope you can find some of the little Pyrex bowls. I think I may have started the beginnings of a new collection! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
An absolutely stunning post! I love your "birdie" find, perfect for your table. I think I'd like to read "The Last Train to Paris". I'm always looking for a good read.
-Lynn
OMG Donna, the minute I hopped oveer here and saw you cottage I was in heaven. What a glorious cottage it is! I have such a bird fetish that I absolutely love the bird on the artichoke! I too love moss. Especially with ferns. Gives such a woodsy feeling. I am so happy that you visited me because now I found you. Your fabrics are gorgeous and the entire taable is a thing of beauty. I have a new linky party, Share Your Cup Thursday. I would love it if you would link this up later this week. Now a new follower.
Hugs,
Jann
I've been away from Blog Land again so I'm just getting to this. As you obviously know by the number of other responses, this is just BEAUTIFUL!
I love AC linens too, and I agree that it would be nice for her to name the patterns. Your linen choice was perfect for this. I'm floored by your $10.00 thrift store treasure. It was definitely worth "the splurge".
(And my dream budget is a dollar too!)
Donna , thanks for stopping by my newish blog:-) I have long admired yours! I was always a follower, I just checked and for some reason I followed "anonymously", now I am "public", LOL! Must have hit the wrong button when I had joined.
Cheers,
Suzanne
I LOVE your cottage, Donna! I'm your newest follower, visiting from Tea Time Tuesday.
The majolica artichoke with bird is a wonderfully special treasure find! I also love April Cornell linens... there used to be an AC shop near me but sadly it closed! Enjoyed reading it all, and now am going to check on the Paris book!
Hi Donna,
I enjoyed your post so much! The chateau stone is wonderful and all the way from France too! I love the rich colours on your table. That book sounds like a great read and one I would truly enjoy, being the romantic that I am!
You had asked about the pattern on my teacups and I'm afraid they have no mark on their bottoms whatsoever except to say that they were made in England. I really love them and I would love to find the saucers.
Thank you so much for joining me for tea and have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Sandi
Oh I love your new artichoke and the little bird sitting on top is just amazing. The flower bowl and plate are fabulous also, then couple that with your wonderful linens and other accessories and soooooooooooooo pretty. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Hello Donna,
What a gorgeous post! So many lovely things to see. Your new birdie is so absolutely sweet! I am always amazed at what you find for a bargain! Your entire table looks so stunning. The colors you put together really look great. The amethyst tea cups are perfect for it!
Thanks so much for sharing your comment with my on my blog. I remember how expensive those tea cups were 2o some years ago! How smart of you to ask others to share! Lol! I am sure they were thrilled to help you get your collection started, and like you said, now you have lovely memories of your loved ones.
Sounds perfect to me : )
Hugs,
Terri
What beautiful pieces you have! Such a pretty table setting and I love the picture of the cottage on your blog header!
-Shelley
I'll have to look for the book. Sounds steamy.
Hi Donna,
I am so in love with your treasures today. WHile scrolling down, that makes me more drooling and I really feel that I need to have feeling.
I love everything.
/CC
I certainly fove your bird and artichoke! I am surprised you didn't jump on it before...just so it didn't fly away to another home! Wonderful table and photographs!
Ruth
Hi Donna, everything is so gorgeous. I love the beautiful colors..... GORGEOUS!!!
Hugs~~~ Daphne
Donna, This scape is rich and opulent and filled with an air of old charm. It is so lovely. The artichoke tureen is beyond beautiful. I would dream about this too! I love your sensibility! Being very aware of how much you pay for things that catch you eye. Good for you!
So nice to stop by!
Hi Donna: I love your $1 rule. I am converted, that will be my new rule. The tureen is stunning. Like everything you do. Love to know that you are back. I sure missed your beautiful posts. Have a great week. Blessings and hugs, Martha
The colors in this are absolutely spectacular. I too find April Cornell's linens so inspiring. Love your newest treasure.
Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays. Be sure to check out my recent post and GIVEAWAY announcement.
- The Tablescaper
Donna....thank you soooo very much for stopping by and introducing yourself....we LOVE, absolutely LOVE your blog, your style & that tablescape ~ oh my goodness!! You've even talked us into that book, it sounds lovely :) We've been talking about how we haven't had a good book to read of late....so guess what is on the list?!! We adore that stone ~ it truly makes this tablescape come to life...the bird bowl, well my dear, you KNOW that we love it ~ and how funny we were talking about bird containers and if we should get them or not ~ isn't that the funniest?!
Again, thanks so very much for stopping by and for following...we are looking forward to all the loveliness from your blog :)
Karla & Karrie
Very pretty! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
OK...I'm going to admit that I can't sit still long enough to read a cereal box, let alone an entire book. Looking at your table, though, inspires me to at least try!!! What a beauty! I had to go back again and again to look at those beautiful Vintage Garden dishes!!! They're just so...captivating!!! Lucky they have survived the bigness and burliness of the men in the house! I am glad you broke your $1 rule and brought the little Majolica birdie home. I'll bet he was starting to think you were just a tease! How can you stand to do that?!??!?!!!! I wish I had that kind of willpower!!! Just $1??? Man...that would cut me out of SO many things!!! There are rarely any good thrift store finds at any of the places I go anyway, but I don't know that I could stick to a $1 rule...or even a $10 rule!!!!! Kudos to you!!! Those cups and saucers ARE a fabulous color. I don't know that I could resist using them all the time!!!!! This is very beautifully done!
Oh Donna, your majolica artichoke is so beautiful. The bird is such a pretty added touch. Love your photos, they just pop! Thanks you so much for your lovely comment about the babies...Christine
Oh how beautiful...such rich colors and yes, I love the artichoke. I'm glad to know that the men in your house ignore your pretties too. With my daughter living so far away...I end up with my husband, on occasion my son and sometimes my dad or my 2 little grandsons. It is horrible when they are all here at once! They just want sports on television and chips and chili!
This is beautiful and screams to come and join and be a lady...love it, and in my boy's world (five sons) I could use some lady time. The book sounds great...I need a new read.
Thanks for stopping by and your comment...you have the place I dreamed of...and with five boys I should have had a place like yours...now only two are home, so I would be doing most of the work...enjoy your haven
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