Last look at July 4th

4th of July photos......
I was wanting to take a few more photos of my tablescape for the 4th. These were taken with a different camera. I moved the elf to pose on the teapot.

This is a close-up of the America sign, I wanted a good view of the flag and stars.




Here's a photo of the large elf's face with the patriot ribbon in the background.

Another is of the trio of elves, which really shows off their expressions

The girl elf below has even the sequins on her skirt showing their sparkle.

I love proud look and stance of this girl elf. She to show how glad she is to hold the flag.

A photo of the flag china, flatware and napkin givens a shot of all the designs together.

I feel I could reach in a pick up the cup to give a toast to our country!

This is just a touch of our country!

A Texas 4th of July

Happy 4th of July, my table is set for a wonderful celebration of our country's freedom. It makes me so happy to see the decorations, for I love this holiday. I couldn't wait to pull out my American flag china and start decorating. I was in Marshall's the other day and saw a display of tablecloths and my eye went to this blue and white stripe. My thoughts were maybe this is what I need to anchor the flag theme. This therefore gave a base of stripes on a flag.

This is really comical, the manufacture of my bone china is Mayfair. Where is Mayfair located, but in ye ole England. We were trying to free ourselves from this very country in the Revolutionary War. The flatware is by Cambridge Silversmiths, but I have had both the dinnerware and flatware for awhile. Each place setting begins with a red place mat and each napkins is made of different American flags. I found the brass napkin rings at my favorite antique mall for 6 for $6. The flag pinwheel at the top of each place setting is from Hobby Lobby, of course 50% off.

I have been looking for the Analee figures for several months, I have gathered them from Home Goods and Marshalls. The elves are hanging on to the candles and waving to everyone. I was excited to find the AMERICA sign and the star salt and pepper shakers at Hobby Lobby, again 50% off. The three white cake stands,used for elevating, are a trio of graduated sizes from Mikasa.

On the left side of the table, you can see a close-up of the cute girl mouse carrying her flag and in a flag dress by Analee. I also bought the 2 darling patriotic metal buckets and flowers at Michaels.

On the right side of the table are the three mice holding the banner flag by Analee. The middle mouse is dressed as Uncle Sam. Their sister mouse is carrying patriot streamers.

My centerpiece is of red, white and blue carnations, again from Dollar Tree. The colorful flags and stars are via the Hobby Lobby sale. The dome shape of the flowers is to symbolize the dome of our Capital in Washington. LOL.

The chandler is decorated with flag ribbons, which are holding the patriotic color sequin stars. Dangling from the center ring is the large elf with an out stretched hand waving his red star looking like a circus act. I think he is trying to ring the bells hanging from the star.

This is a close-up of the wrought iron plant holder in the dining room. The other Analee twin elf is holding a red star and waving it for attention. He is surrounded by red, white, and blue carnations; a wooden flag star garland, and flag pinwheels in the greenery planters.

My teapot of the American flags is special to me, but sadly the designer, Paul Cardew, is out of business. I do like many of his teapot designs and he has been successful for many years. My family is looking forward to a Texas size celebration and hope your family has a safe and Happy 4th of July, too.

Delightful Day Lilies

Hurrah the Day Lilies are in bloom. These wonderful flowers come back every year and always seem more abundant and beautiful each year. Our bunny is wanting you to throw a treat in his basket.

It truly is hard to tell which of the blooms is more dramatic. These brilliant orange with the yellow centers are very striking. The young girl is pushing her cart through the pretty flowers.


These three lovelies were bobbing in the wind when I photographed them. They almost seem in motion in the picture.


The pictures show a close up of the above and below photographs.

The flower beckons you to feel the velvety center.

The closeup really shows the vibrancy of the colors

Oh! They are so lovely!

Here the lilies seem to try to reach out to you.

The yellow day lilies in this photo are more calm and almost hidden.

This photo shows the yellow blooms a little brighter.

The blossoms and green leaves are very graceful.

The closeup shows the different shades of color from very pastel to brighter hue.

The center of the flower really catches your eye as the blossoms turn in opposing directions.

The little angel is comforting the birds and bunnies in our garden.

Texas Bluebonnets and Shelby

The bluebonnets seemed to be more lush this year, maybe it was how the rains came. The park where we photographed the bluebonnets had sweeping masses of the state's official wild flower. Many people do not know it is against the law to pick these beauties.

We had so much fun the day we photographed Shelby in the bluebonnets. She was just so well behaved and all the photos were exceptional. It was hard to pick the few I chose to place on the site. She is definitely a very photogenic pup.


This picture captures her in that happiness she share with us. I have seen this face a million times and her expression always mkes me smile.

Texas Butterflies Arrive for Dinner

Lovely, colorful buterflies adorn my dinning table.

They are fluttering on every possible surface.

Flowered Lenox vases contain an assortment of brillantly

bright butterflies.

Paul Cardew's butterfly teapot is the center
of the butterfly themed table.

Lenox "Butterfly Meadow" chinaware creates a lovely
design with six different salads and dinner plate motifs.
Each place setting has a vibrant green placemat and a
complimentary napkin. Each napkin ring has an attached
butterfly.

The above setting is another example of the the
Lenox tableware. The green glassware
was a "99 Cent Store" purchase, what a bargain!
The flatware has a soft green palette.


Here is a closer look at the Lenox vase and the flurry of butterflies.

My favorite butterflies are from the porcelain company

Villeroy and Boch.

These two closeups are examples of the detail of the hand painting.

My 2009 Easter Table

" Happy Easter!", shouts Father Pinky Bunny as he twirls his cane to welcome you to the Easter Time Party with all his Bunny friends. Next to Father is Purple Bunny, Jr. and the twins, Miss Lilac and Mr. Lavender.

Mother Pinky Bunny is greeting you with a hop in her step. Her daughter, Miss Princess Bunny is telling you, " Come sit a spell and enjoy your Easter stay." The other little bunnies are gathered as well for cousins have come all dressed in their best Easter finery.

A place is set for Peter Cottontail, we will have Easter cake on the bunny plate and carrot juice in the lavender goblet. If you eat too much we can offer you some chamomile tea in the tiny green cups.

The teapot is ready and there is cream and sugar if you care for some. It is time sit and partake of the feast.

Oh! You can sit at the head of the table. Cousin Mr. Green Bunny will be glad to sit with you.

Here is another chair, I see you brought a friend so let's be seated. Mother Pinky Bunny will lead us in song, "The Easter Parade".

Just be sure and don't bump your Easter bonnet on the shiny Easter eggs. The Easter bunny family can get a little tipsy with the singing and all the carrot juice flowing. Don't forget there is always chamomile tea to soothe you and those precious playful bunnies.

Easter Living Room

Welcome to the Easter House of Bunny! This is the entrance hall and Miss Party Bunny is saying hello as she flips her yellow feather boa at you.

We see Mr. Cook Bunny leading the Party Parade all over the house. You should be sure to stop and smell the tulips as you pass by.

A tray is waiting for you, as Little Miss Pinkie Frou Frou asks you to join her in a cup of bunny tea. Don't forget to hold up your pinkie finger to show your best party etiquette.

Mother Duck in her adorable spring bonnet and her two ducklings, Dollie Duck and Dandy Duck, sit waiting for you. See if you can pluck one of the Easter surprises from their Easter basket without ruffling their feathers.

Oh, the tiny colorful bunnies are parked on the mantle with their color coordinated sack of jelly beans. There are even bunny shaped baskets of eggs for you to admire. Do you think there is flower flavored tea in the lovely buttercup teapot?

The other tiny bunnies are playing under the Buttercup Flower Basket. Would you like to play with them and help find all the Easter eggs?

The mantle is decorated with festive Easter Egg ribbon garland. Please, untie the tiny Easter buckets and help the tiny bunnies place all their Easter treats in them.