English Garden Tablescape

I'm happy to be linking to Tablescape Thursdays this week, hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.  It's been awhile for me, and I'm going through tablescape withdrawal :-)  The inspirations for my table this week are the floral table runner and matching napkins that I found way back at the beginning of the summer, and I'm just now getting to use them.  What an incredibly short summer this has been!!

While browsing in Marshall's one day, my shopping radar led me straight to these pretty linens.  They're Ralph Lauren, the fabric is really good quality, and the price was great.  They remind me of the wonderful fabrics that are used so often in English country homes.  They seem to bring those amazing gardens inside, and they manage to look elegant and cozy at the same time.  So I bought these and stored them until I could find time to set just the right table with them. 

I wanted the table to have a garden/botanical theme.  After visiting England and looking at several English books and magazines featuring English homes, I discovered a common theme, especially in the country homes and cottages.  They love their plant and animal life.  Or Flora and Fauna, if you prefer the Latin term.  I think it sounds prettier :)

I had the floral aspect covered with the linens, so for the Fauna aspect, I borrowed a couple of indoor birdhouses that I've had for years...

and the stone bird, which I've also had for years.

The herb book is one of my coffee table books, and the silk flower arrangement came from our coffee table as well.

I didn't use real flowers because I didn't want to have too many colors, and when I tried these pink silk peonies, they just seemed to coordinate beautifully.

Not long after I bought the floral linens, I stopped by a local antique mall.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but I spotted these small fruit/dessert bowls with the solitary pink rose for $2.99 each, and I felt sure they would match the linens.

They have a little crazing in them, but I still love them.  The back stamp says HARMONY HOUSE, Oven Proof Dinnerware by Universal, "Symphony Betsy Rose".

I used my honeycomb taper candles, and the little miniature topiary pots I found discounted after July Fourth.

The last element I wanted to include was burlap.  I have seen so much burlap on tables this year, and I think the rustic texture has a garden feel about it and makes a nice contrast for the dressier floral table runner.

Marlis at Creative Journeys has inspired me with her versatile use of burlap in her tablescapes.  Unlike Marlis, I don't sew.  I just folded mine under on both sides and ironed it. I left the ends unfinished.  It definitely adds to the rustic look.  Maybe I should have told you I was just being artistic, instead of revealing that I don't know how to sew ;)

I thought the rattan or basket weave look of the napkin rings went with the garden theme, and I just used simple woven place mats.

So that's my table for this week.  An ode to our quickly departing summer -- hope you enjoyed the pictures.

I'm linking to Pink Saturdays, hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound and Seasonal Sundays, hosted by The Tablescaper.  I'd also like to add that this Saturday, August 13th, is the day that we are asked to share one of our blessings on Beverly's Pink Saturday meme.  She and four other bloggers will be hosting Miracle Makeover, and our participation and comments will help raise money to pay for another Miracle Makeover.  Won't you please stop by these participating blogs and leave a comment to support a worthy cause?

The blessing I'm sharing this week is our son, whose 21st birthday happens to be Saturday, August 13th.  He is one of the greatest blessings in mine and my husband's life.  Happy Birthday, Will!!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you all have a great weekend!

Denise

On the Table:

Dinner Plates -- Lenox, "Classic White"

Salad Plates -- Lenox, "Butterfly Meadow"

Fruit/ Dessert Bowls -- Harmony House, "Symphony Betsy Rose"

Flatware -- Oneida "Tennyson"

Salad Forks -- "Old Company" Plate

Pink Goblets -- From my husband's grandmother (Don't know the maker)

Miniature Topiaries -- Cracker Barrel Country Store

Napkin Rings -- World Market

Burlap -- Hancock Fabrics

Floral Table Runner and Napkins -- Marshall's

White Church Bird House -- Online several years ago

Brown Pottery Bird House -- Roads End Pottery, Seagrove, NC

Stone Bird -- Briar Patch Garden Shop

Silk Peony Centerpiece -- Home Goods

Honeycomb Taper Candles -- Online last year