Some little birdies came inside — out of the frigid winter storm — to inspire a please-come-soon spring table.
Today’s post is part of the Springtime Tablescape Blog Hop, hosted by Chloe of Celebrate & Decorate. All this week, 26 talented stylists share their ideas and inspirational tables. Bee sure to check all the tablescape links at the end of the post.
Having just returned from a nearly weeklong ski vacation in Breathtaking Breckenridge, Colorado, I initially hit a creative brick wall on setting a spring table. As we landed in Pittsburgh a snowstorm hit, which made for a dicey drive home around midnight. And, as I set the springtime tablescape, four more inches of snow was falling and temperatures dropped to a frigid 10 degrees. Burr!
While scratching my head for some spring table theme, I ‘rediscovered’ my lovely bird dishes — buried deep behind Christmas and winter plates. These cute birdies inspired a tweet table to welcome spring. Won’t you come in from the cold and join us?
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Birds of a Feather, Gather Together
“My favorite weather is bird chirping weather.“
Terry Guillemets
Once I pulled out the bird dishes, the rest of the spring table came together rather quickly. By ‘shopping’ my own cupboards, closets and drawers, I was able to find almost everything I needed. Only the napkin rings required a trip out into the snow.
Much of the tableware, linens and centerpiece items were originally used for several different theme My Favorite Things Parties.
Anchoring a Bee Theme Party Food Features Honey, Lemon dessert table, is the same cheery, yellow gingham tablecloth (Home Goods) as the spring table.
Previously, the bird place card holders (Pier 1) held menu tent cards for a Peacock Themed Menu. Perfect for a Birds of a Feather, Gather Together party buffet.
On the spring table, they are used for their original intention as place cards.
Designed to sit on the rim of a glass, the laser-cut place cards (Joann Fabrics) were mixed with butterflies on hand-painted glasses at the Alice in Wonderland Table.
Both sets of place cards were 75% off in the clearance section. You never know what you’ll find there!
All About the Bird Plates
It was for the same bird-themed party that I used these fabulous bird dishes (Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls). I went on a crazed hunt for them, after viewing a wonderful tablescape set in Mary’s (Home is Where the Boat Is) garden shed.
Originally, I only had four, and used them as candy dishes and to hold My Favorite Things ballots/votes. Made by Grace’s Teaware, the bird plates are labeled dishwasher/microwave safe — something I’ve never tested as I always handwash them.
Over about two years, I managed to collect eight; by keeping an eagle-eye out while shopping. Occasionally, I still see them at Home Goods.
Storage, I admit, is a challenge. Eventually, I found small shelf organizers at Bed, Bath & Beyond that allow me to ‘stack’ them three high on a shelf.
There are four different style dishes. All include a cute bird perched on the edge. I love the details. Aren’t they sweet?
Which is your favorite?
Winter White for Early Spring Table
Since it’s still early for spring here in Pittsburgh, I went for a winter white on white look for the plate stack. Each bird dish is layered on a lattice and fruit embossed plate (Tuesday Morning).
Made by Mikassa, English Countryside is both dishwasher and microwave safe. My go-to white dinner plate has been used in several spring and summer tablescapes, including; A HapBEE Birthday Table and Beehive Dessert.
For some forest texture, the embossed white plates sit on woodcut chargers, and are flanked by copper twig flatware.
This is the first time I’ve used the chargers and flatware for a spring table.
Usually it’s been for a fall or winter tablescape like January’s, Moose Toboggan Ride Tablescape.
But, since it’s still winter with no leaves on the trees, bluejays and cardinals are easily seen perched on branches and twigs in the woods and landscape.
Although I have gingham napkins that match the tablecloth, I decided to use a bright, floral print. A few spring blooms promise a change in seasons soon (fingers crossed!).
Simple Libbey glasses (Goodwill) help to pull out blue in the napkin print, and in the little bluebirds nesting on the spring table.
Another Tweet Turquoise Early Spring Table, includes a Pretty Flower Napkin Fold Tutorial.
Nesting Birds
For napkin rings, I found moss nests floral picks with pale yellow eggs inside (Michael’s). Simply curving the wire into a circle, quickly transformed the nests into napkin rings for the spring table.
At half-off, the bird nests made for bargain-priced napkin rings. Next, I perched a little bluebird from my craft stash onto each nest.
Please forgive me that the eggs and birds aren’t to scale. I like to think the bluebirds are foster-parenting those eggs, LOL!
The Caged Bird Never Sings
Look closely, and you’ll see that none of the little birdies are inside any of the three birdcages (Michael’s) used in the spring table centerpiece. Instead, they are all perched on top.
Quite often I don’t bother with a traditional floral centerpiece on the small, round kitchen table. Otherwise, the tabletop gets too crowded. Frequently, I decorate the chandelier overhead. But, with all the snow outside, I just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to deck-out the light fixture with garlands, birds and twigs.
Besides, in a few days I’ll be switching the spring table for an Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table.
So, I gathered together some decor items from around the house and ‘built’ a bird theme centerpiece for the spring table.
Since forsythia is one of the first signs of spring, I began with a simple wreath in the center of the table. It encircles a trio of birdcages, a nest, and a bird porcelain basket (Home Goods, also Grace’s Teaware). Faux forsythia, pussy willows, and cherry blossoms fill the largest birdcage.
Small tea candles are burning inside yellow and sage green birdcages. Each is elevated to a different height using cupcake stands (Pottery Barn clear with domed lid not used here, Tuesday Morning white scalloped edge).
Another nest from my seasonal decor is incorporated into the spring table centerpiece. It’s from one of my favorite shops. Bee sure to Peruse Spring Open House at Old Allegheny Shoppe for more ideas and inspiration.
Two more little bluebirds have taken up residence in the nest.
Like most of the tableware and centerpiece elements, the nest was used to decorate a My Favorite Things party. Here, it anchors a little vignette for Peacock Party Favors, Gifts and Prizes.
Like the sign says, thanks for visiting my nest!
Spring Tablescape Hop
Normally, my kitchen and dining room are set and decorated for St. Patrick’s Day in March. See this year’s Casual St. Patrick’s Day Table & DIY Shamrock Glasses.
But, now it’s time to tablescape hop for a much-needed promise of warmer days and pretty blooms ahead.
Monday
A Casa di Bianca | Red Cottage Chronicles | Panoply |
The Little Yellow Corner Store | From My Carolina Home
Tuesday
Celebrate & Decorate | Everyday Living | Home is where the Boat Is | Belle Blue Interiors |
Living With Thanksgiving
Wednesday
The Painted Apron | Debbee’s Buzz | Bluesky at Home | Corner of Plaid and Paisley |
Home and Gardening With Liz
Thursday
Sweet Sensations | Chasing Quaintness | Our Crafty Mom | Zucchini Sisters | Life and Linda
Friday
My Thrift Store Addiction | My Family Thyme | Me and My Captain
Follow the Yellow Brick Home | Katherine’s Corner | Twelve on Main
Featured Post
Link Parties
I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, Your table is perfect for transitioning from winter into spring! Your Grace’s Teaware bird dishes are some of my favorites pieces, along with your Mikasa English Countryside. I love how you crafted your nest napkin rings from a floral pick. You feathered your table and nest perfectly twig-by-twig! It’s always a treat to have a virtual seat at your table and blog hop with you. ♥
Mary, I am especially delighted you enjoyed the table. Afterall, it was seeing your tablescape years ago that sent me off on the nearly two year hunt to find 8 of the bird plates! I think you’ve done at least two tables with the bird dishes? Would you mind if I added links to your posts for my readers to see your tables? Storing them is tough though. Have you ever done a post on where and how you store all your tableware? — I’d love to read it.
Debbee, great use of the forest elements with the white. The textiles are just right to hint at the season coming (spring, come soon!), along with the centerpiece. I love those sweet bird dishes. I saw forsythia and daffodils blooming yesterday through the neighborhood, this morning we woke up to another dusting of snow. I’m certain the birds are as restless as we humans for spring!
Rita, I’m glad you like the combo of spring and woodland table elements. We have several inches of snow on the ground and it’s bitterly cold. I envy your first blooms of spring! Now that I found my mojo to set a springtime table, I’m dragging my feet at swapping it for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s so nice seeing forsythia here — even its artificial!
What charming plates, love the birds perching on the edges. You’ve pulled together a lovely theme that definitely hints of warmer days to come.
Thanks Carole. Usually, I serve either a nice little salad and sometimes dessert in those bird plates. I’m hoping to set the table again once spring finally arrives, I can use fresh daffodils from our little woodland ‘garden.’
This is so spring like with the pretty lemony yellow tablecloth and the bird cages! Love the sweet bird dishes and the bird nests for the napkins. I hear ya about the weather and having to conjure up some ideas for spring when it’s so wintry yet. Hope you had a lot of fun skiing in Colorado. You are such an adventurous lady!! I applaud you for it! Now lets pray for spring to arrive soon!
Hi Liz, how neat is it that little bluebirds nested at both of our spring tables? We loved Breckinridge — the town, the scenery and the skiing. It was the best I ever skied! Not so adventurous really, I’m just a blue trail, intermediate level skier. I actually get anxious about it, as my husband and sons are such skilled skiers. Hope to share a quick post on the trip this weekend.
Deebee, I love your theme and how you incorporated it with things you had. The yellow gingham tablecloth is so cheerful and the floral napkins with all your birds sing spring to me. I love the textured plates by Mikasa and the little bird bowls. The twig flatware was perfect for your theme. It was fun that you showed other tables using some of the same elements. That gives us all ideas. Hoping your weather will moderate soon.I enjoy blog hopping with you.
Glad you enjoyed the spring table, and glimpses of others Bonnie. Since there’s only so much storage space, it’s sure nice to reuse tableware and linens for totally different looks, seasons and occasions.
Very pretty table, Debbie! The first thing I noticed was all the textual details, from the bird plates, the rimmed plates, to the twig flatware, love it! Your yellow check tablecloth sets it all off so well. It locally looks very welcoming to spring.
Appreciate it Ann, as I was a little nervous mixing the spring elements with the twig flatware and wood chargers.
Debbee I adore birds of all kinds and so your table was especially meaningful to me. I also like the idea that you did not put the birds in the birdcages… because a caged bird doesn’t sing! If I add birds to my birdcages, I always leave the doors open so “they” can “escape” if need be. LOL I love your bird plates and I hear ya when trying to find a particular item. I have been searching for pastel butterfly plates for years. The Lenox pattern comes close to what I want, but once I have a particular goal in mind, it is hard to settle for second best. Your table is lovely and no matter the weather outside, inside you are screaming spring. Always fun blog hopping dear friend.
Hi ya Kari! What a clever idea to leave the birdcage doors open! All three that I used already had a metal bird perched on top. Your search is even more challenging, as you are looking for something in your mind’s eye vs. an actual thing. Sure hope you find ‘it’ soon —happy hunting!
Debbee, your table brought a smile to me since I love the sunny yellow color and I am a huge fan of checkered tableclothes. Having paired a sunny yellow color with your beautiful white bird dishes and lovely birdcage centerpiece makes my heart sing. I am in such a happier and cheerful mood for it. I think the elements of nature as in the bird’s nests, twig flatware and wood chargers are the perfect combination. So beautifully done.
Marsha, you made me smile when I read, “makes my heart sing.” What a lovely compliment, thanks!
I love the quote about bird chirping weather! That is so true, when the birds are chirping Spring has arrived, and it has definitely arrived on your table! The sweet birdies are a perfect theme, and I love how you have them outside their cages, and frolicking everywhere! the little bird dishes are beautiful and I love the white dinner plates too. The soft touches of yellow and the egg filled nests are sure signs of Spring too! Lots of fun Debbee!
Jenna, I had never seen that quote before, and it seemed so perfect for the occasion. I’m still waiting to hear that sweet sound… soon, I hope!
Debbee, I love your table…the yellow and white with a few rustic elements work perfectly together. That flatware is awesome and I love the wood chargers. The birds perched on the plates and napkin rings are adorable! So unusual, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen them but am going to keep an eye out.
Hi Benita, fun to hop with you too! I thought those bird dishes were pretty special, and that’s why I went on the hunt for them for nearly two years! Home Goods definitely has them and other pieces from the collection from time to time.
I love your sweet bird accents and the bees, too! Happy to be joining you on the tablescape hop this week!
Thanks Cecilia, I was pleased to be able to put the table together using what I already had — with the except of the nests for napkin rings.
Debbee, what a creative nod to spring with your frigid temps and snow. The bird plates are just stunning and I love the napkin rings that you made from floral picks. The twig flatware and wood slice chargers add the perfect balance of rustic to your spring tablescape. A lovely table!
Thanks Pam, the table has been a little ray of sunshine on these frigid, gray days. I may leave it set a few more days before setting the table for St. Paddy’s Day.
All the promise and hope of spring is displayed here on your table. The wooden elements all speak to the season and the yellow and white cloth is the perfect background. The beautiful floral napkins add just the right pop of color. Beautiful styling Debbee!
Hi Sandra! I had originally purchased those napkins for one the Alice in Wonderland party tables — but did pink, rose-fold ones instead. So, it was the first time I used the floral print. Definitely helped to have that pop.
The reappearance of birds in cold climates is always one of the early signs of spring so your theme is just perfect! I love both your little bird dishes and your pretty embossed white dinner plates. Your “twig” flatware are perfect, as they would offer a nice perch for any little birds flying by! Thank you so much for sharing another one of your fantastic tablescape for a hop!
Chloe, glad you appreciated the connection between my little birdies and twig flatware to either build a nest or perch on. Always love the tablescape hop, thanks for hosting!
The bird settings — SO lovely! I love the quiet elegance of the whole table. It made me smile and feel good. Thanks for sharing!
That’s so nice to hear Julie — thanks! What could be a nicer compliment than to make someone feel good?
A charming table that is so cheerful with the blue and yellow and all the darling birds. I also fell in love with Mary’s bird plates, but just don’t have the storage space even if I could find them. I glad your perseverance paid off and you were able to find the eight of them.
When do you start hinting at your favorite thing party theme? I can’t wait to see what great idea you come up with this year.
Hi Lee, nice to hear from you! After I found one of each of the four designs, I couldn’t stop myself when I found the other four — one at a time over a year. Like hitting the lottery LOL!
Hate to disappoint you, but I won’t be hosting a Fav Things party this year. Not to say there won’t be a theme party come Oct-Nov-Dec. The last 9 months have been crazy hectic, busy. Good things like my husband’s retirement, lots of travel, etc. We had one family wedding in Dec and another to come this April. I’ve also had lots going on long distance with my folks, and several other family members have health issues — with surgeries to come over the next 6 months. So, I’m taking a year off, as there’s been no time to plan, craft. Plus the calendar is packed with lots of conflicts mid May to mid June.
I look forward to all your posts because your are the queen of theme. Happy to hear that your busyness is caused by lots of good things. Hope you get to do all the fun things you enjoy now that your husband is retired. Live, love and laugh always.
Thank you Lee, that’s very kind of you to say. I’m really enjoying this new chapter in our lives.
Hi Debbie! I’m just making my way through the hop now, and see that we both have a bird themed table. Creative minds thing alike! I love love love those bird dishes. I can totally understand why you ran to Homegoods after seeing them in Mary’s shed! I love the pops of yellow on your napkins, tablecloth and the forsythia. Your twig flatware is fabulous! I agree with Chloe that it makes a nice perch for your birdies. I thought of you the other day when I was at Dollar Tree…they have some Spring cupcake tins, favor boxes and paper tablecloths with a bee motif. I know how you love all things bees! It’s a pleasure hopping with you. Happy Spring!
You are so sweet to compliment my table styling when your interpretation of a bird tablescape is so unique and special Rebecca. I was at DT the other day and didn’t see the bee motif party decor — will have to make a beeline there! Thanks for the tip, I appreciate you thinking of me.
Hello Debbee, your plate stack is pretty. Grace’s Teaware bird dishes are so lovely, along with your Mikasa English Countryside. Birds are a sure sign spring is coming. Birds and bees. The centerpiece is wonderful. love your twig flatware and your pretty little bird nests. So happy the birds are not caged. Your details are amazing. love your creatively on creating this fun spring posy.
Linda, our birds and bees tableware should get together for a party! If we didn’t live across the country from each other, I’d happily lend you my beehive cake mold.
I love your take on a spring tablescape, Debbee. The birds are perfect for this. I do hope the weather warms up a bit for you soon. But, at least indoors, you’ve got springtime going on.
Thank you Beverly. It’s warmed up to seasonal cold temps over the past couple of day. But on Sunday, we’re supposed to hit a high of 62 degrees — crazy. Happily, I have a trip to visit sistah in your neck of the woods for a family wedding in April.
I love it all! We have great taste ( wink) I used a similar theme and we even have matching bird dishes! Yes, we are awesome that way. Truly a lovely table my sweet friend. Pinned! xo
Wink, wink back at you Katherine! I so enjoyed seeing your styling of a birdsong table. So many possible varieties of a similar theme. Lovely hopping with you!
Debbee, what a sweet and precious table to welcome spring! I adore birds so I am swooning over your bird plates. I have the same Mikasa dinnerware, and I use it often. This is such a beautiful and happy table, and it makes me smile. It has been so much fun being on this hop with you. Happy Spring!
Shannon, I can’t bee-lieve this is the first time I’ve shared a table with those fab bird plates! It has to bee because they were stored on those shelf inserts way to the back of my basement cabinets. I was equally thrilled when I found the Mikasa in the clearance section of TM — a real find. Hope you have lots of warm sunshine.
Debbee those bird plates are just wonderful! I love decorating with birds for early spring before I bring out my bunnies. The bird cage centerpiece with forsythia is so pretty!
I love the vintage look to those bird dishes. So many bird, bee and bunnies in my tableware and decor stash, there’s just not enough spring for all the tables to set LOL! Depending on how early or late Easter falls in any given year, determines which creatures come out first.
Deb, I love your spring table. Those bird plates are adorable. The birds nest napkin rings are equally fabulous. Your flatware is perfection! So unique. I love how you were able to shop your own home to style your table and choosing a bird theme in the middle of a snowstorm would certainly be a good way to make it feel like spring! I can hardly wait to hear the birds in the garden again!
Thanks Maureen — it’s always nice to gather tableware and decor from around the house and come up with differently styled tables.
Debbee, those white dishes are stunning and could be used any time of year. Using the bird cages with the nest, birds and eggs definitely brings out the springtime feel. Try to stay warm until spring actually does come your way.
Thanks for stopping by Carol. Happily, it’s actually warmed up to above average temps here.
Beautiful tablescape!
Thanks so much Nancy. Maybe next year I’ll try my hand at painting glasses with birds on them.
Debbee, your Spring tablescape just makes me smile! I love the beautiful dishes you used and the bird’s nests are just adorable! I look forward to hopping with you! :)
Glad to hear it Michelle — making someone smile is the nicest of compliments!
Debee, I love your beautiful spring table! It is the perfect transition to spring! Your bird dishes, matched with the lattice dishes are just gorgeous. I love all of the texture! The bird nests with eggs are so cute. I am so happy to be on this blog hop with you. Wishing you a wonderful spring!
Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared.
Debbee, your table always look so beautiful. I love those bird dishes. Congrats, you have been featured on Thursday Favorite Things.
Bev, many thanks for the feature — a sweet tweet for sure LOL!
I love the bird table, and I really, really love that you kept the little birds outside the cage! I like the Mikasa English Countryside dishes, and they go perfectly with your table! What a joy!
Hi Maria, sorry for the delay. I’ve been out-of-town visiting family and purposely left the computer at home. Delighted you enjoyed the table and the birdies outside the cage.
Beautiful table! Love the bird dishes and how your table came together right from your own stash! So smart to shop your stash.
Hi Judy, thanks for stopping by! Between the pandemic and lack of storage for new stuff, I’ve been reimaging lots of table settings. It’s made me also appreciate what I already have.
Debbee – love this table! Its definitely one of my favorites! I also fell in love with the bird dishes when I saw them on Mary’s blog and have been looking for years for them. I’m so glad you were able to find a set of eight! I’m curious as to what you found to store them? Reason I ask is because I lucked out in HomeSense this year and found eight of the Grace’s teaware bunny plates. So happy but trying to figure out how I’ll store them. Thanks!
The white ones that are similar to the bird dishes? They are soooo cute! I am able to store the sculptural plates three high using a corner storage wire “rack” found at BB&B, of which I have several. Tried to find it online for you, but it didn’t show up.
I love birds as they remind me of my grandfather, your white dishes are stunning. I am wondering if perhaps I may stumble upon a set myself… we have a small Home Goods in our area. I am not sure how you always pull together these elaborate tablescapes, but you do every time Debbee! I have a birdcage we used at our wedding, maybe I should dust it off and see if I can create something for our table, you have the cogs in the wheel turning! :)
Cara, I do love my little collection of white bird tableware. Such good finds at HG, it’s a good thing I don’t get there too often lol! As far as tablescapes go, I’ve amassed a large tableware and decor collection of stuff I keep restyling. It’s a plate addiction, but I’ve stopped adding more. Although very sad to see Tuesday Morning and Pier 1 go! Napkin folding also allows me to mix things up a bit.