Kathleen’s challenge this week was a spring-themed table, and I really thought that it was a no-brainer. But when I started planning it, I just never could come up with what I thought of as a great, cohesive idea. I started out with butterflies, then added birds, and at the last minute, some bees. So that is what my tablescape reflects this week.
I knew that I wanted to start with my Noritake Reverie china since it has those lovely soft pastel colors and butterflies. I used my white tablecloth and silver chargers as a base for the dinner plate.
The I added my Haviland Limoges Meadow Visitors. I picked up this set of six small plates in this pattern at our church sale a couple of years ago.
Each plate has a different bird and butterfly on it. A couple of the plates have a few “flea bites,” which I don’t normally purchase.
But it was for the church. And they are really pretty.
One internet source said that this pattern dates from 1876-1899.
I have no idea if that is accurate, but I do like thinking it is that old! I used four of the plates at the place settings. I used the other two as part of the centerpiece.
Then I layered on the small plate from the Noritake china, and I was done with the plates.
Since I had the silver chargers, I used my Grosvenor silverplate and sparkly silver napkin rings. It is hard to tell from the photos, but there is a pale pink flower in the plate design.
So I used my pastel pink napkins and delicate pink tulip-shaped goblets.
For the centerpiece, I used two tall candlesticks, a recent tablescaping purchase, topped with pillar candles. I thought my readers were supposed to keep me from new table purchases!
As I was searching for butterflies, I came across this silver pin that had once belonged to my husband’s grandmother. It was too small to be very noticeable, so I ended up sticking it on the candle. I thought that it was cute and continued my butterfly motif.
I wanted to continue the butterfly theme, so I propped my two Gail Pittman butterflies so that they would stand up. When I got the butterfly pin above off the shelf, I saw these sweet little bluebirds. My husband’s grandmother collected little glass birds, and this is a pair that we had given her at one point. After her death, I received them as a memento, so I decided to highlight them by setting them on the pillar candle holder and using the globe. The little birds in front of the vignette are my Cracker Barrel salt and pepper shakers. So I officially added a bird theme to the butterfly theme. That actually worked fine since the Meadow Visitors plates have both birds and butterflies.
I put the extra Meadow Visitors plates on either side of the vignette. On one plate I placed a small glass hummingbird. This is another gift that we had given David’s grandmother a long time ago.
On the other plate, I found a small antique porcelain basket. It once belonged to one of my female ancestors. Because the birds on the handle continued the bird theme, I chose it to complete the centerpiece. However, I still had this little nagging feeling that the table was not complete.
This morning when I went to the flea market, I saw these cute little bees at a friend’s booth. Knowing that I was going to finish up this tablescape and post it when I returned home, I did something that I rarely do-made a total impulse purchase. I thought my readers were supposed to keep me from new table purchases!
She did give me a “friend” discount, but I still didn’t need to spend the money. Oh well, don’t the bees look cute? I know that they added yet another motif to the table, but I really like the way that they finish off the place setting.
So I ended up with birds, bees, and butterflies as my spring theme.
Even though this table wasn’t what I had originally intended, I ended up being pleased with the results.
I am looking forward to seeing all of the spring tablescapes that you awesome bloggers out there are creating!
Happy Spring to All!
Tablescapes by Bev 
Bev thank you for sharing the things that belonged to Mother. It would have meant alot to her. You are so special and I Love You. Hope you have a good week!!!
A darling table. Those church sale plates are really quite pretty. Love your plates too. Gail Pittman butterflies.. how wonderful. Love it. have a blessed week, xo marlis
A beautiful table. Love your dishes and those cute bees.
Bev
I am in love with your china! The Reverie pattern is perfect as a Spring theme with the delicate flowers! Then the addition of your limoges plates is a great accent. You are so lucky to have these special family treasures which have so much meaning and coordinate with the theme. The cute bees are great in the center of the plates. This is a very lovely tablescape with the flowers, butterflies and bees! Thanks for sharing!
Pam
I worked for Nortakie the year Reverie came out. It is a beauty ivory pattern. My children grew up eating off this pattern. If you need to replace pieces some times E bay will have some.
Cute (progressive) theme! Nicely done! Happy Pink Saturday!
I love old china and your Meadow Visitors is no exception, just lovely. Happy Spring to you!
Peggy
http://gardenhouseliving.com
Loves those plates from your church sale. Each looks so interesting and unique.
Great to have at Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
This is just lovely – a perfect idea for spring where all the birds, bees and butterflies are happily flying around our garden s- love it! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
I have the Reverie pattern china . Have owned them since they first came out. It was interesting to see how you worked with the pattern- gave me some ideas. I am enjoying all of your wonderful blogs.
Thanks! I love that pattern and never get tired of it. Check out my 1979 post.