Forsythia and Fiddleheads

So, don't get me wrong,I love the snow, but after that last storm I found myself longing for the signs of spring. Yes, I know I have months to go, but I can't help but dream of the sun on my shoulders and that incredible smell after the rain in spring when the sun starts to warm the earth. Is there anything like the first pale green shoots poking out of the ground? I live in what my girlfriend likes to call my "Hundred Acre Woods" and it is delightful to walk through the woodland and watch the ferns unfurl. 

For now I'll have to be content with seed catalogs and David Austin rose books.

Then comes the lushness that spring brings, when huge arm loads of lilacs and peonies and tulips can be brought into the house. 

Here are some beautiful ideas for centerpieces!

What a great idea for common forsythia. It is one of the first spring branches, I love it's cheery color.

I have sliced lemons and limes for my water dispenser before but I really like the idea of including whole fruits and filling the container almost full.

Simple, but utterly elegant.

One of my favorite arrangements. I am going to try to copy this for our Easter gathering.

This is gorgeous too. The candle adds warmth and sparkle!

This box container is perfect for the daisies. 

It looks like the leaves in the bottom are from a hosta, this is so pretty and easy to do.

Good Morning Sunshine!

 

Yellow says optimism, it is full of energy and makes me feel happy. It fills the room with warmth and light reflects off it in the most wonderful way. 

 Our reaction to color is profound. I love the way yellow greets me in the morning. 

"How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun." 

--Vincent Van Gogh

Let it Snow!

We are having a major snowstorm! I love the snow, it is beyond beautiful. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Over looking our barn

Down the fence line

Out the front window

Gorgeous

Tutorial: How to do a table scape

Tables, especially those with large surfaces, can be intimidating to decorate. Rather than just throwing a variety of random objects on it or giving up with a lamp and a doodad, let's go step by step on how to do it right! Actually, there are many ways to design a table scape, but here are some basic points. I like to include beautiful lamps, plants and/or flowers, books and something with sparkly surfaces like glass with candles. I also like a punch of color, but neutral scape's can be wonderful as long as there is enough texture added. Here we go.

Here is my couch in a wonderful dark cocoa color. The table is a garage sale find. Both the lamps and the couch are from the Restoration Hardware outlet that is about thirty miles from my house. Pretty blah.

Let's add some color.

No, even more...

The pillows and throw are all from Pottery barn. Now we need some height in the center and it needs some action and life so I think greenery is the right choice.

I love to bring in red this time of year, it is bright and cheerful and can carry right through Valentines day. Actually, I love red anytime of the year so let's add more.

These Amaryllis are beautiful. One is real and one is faux, no one can tell the difference! Notice the candles on mercury glass pedestals to add sparkle.

Now let's really jazz it up.

 Books with red on them, some yellow to add a pop of color.

More greenery, a glass bowl of apples and a great piece of artwork. I feel like we just need one more thing.

The metronome brings in more of the wood to tie in with the table and the picture frame. 

I love the final result. It all ties together, has lots of interest and makes me happy whenever I walk into the room! I hope you enjoyed this little design lesson as much as I enjoyed doing it. Happy decorating.