Birds, Bee's, Flowers and there's a Tree Outside

Let me tell you bout the birds and the bees and the pollen in the trees...wait, you mean that's not the way it's supposed to go!  Well, that's certainly the way it is around here!  LOL!

Please don't look too closely because the floor of my screen porch is covered in pollen again.  I have already thoroughly cleaned this porch once but it's back again.  Atleast this time is just a dusting and will clean up easily.  Just another beautiful reminder that spring is here, right?

I hope you won't mind, but I just couldn't pass up a chance to get back in the game with this tablescape challenge of Birds, Bees, Flowers or Trees from Cuisine Kathleen's.

It's been quite awhile since I've been able to play with you ladies but I hope this setting won't disappoint.  Also, please excuse the overcast look of my photos as the sun keeps going in and out trying to decide what it's going to do today.  

The best thing about this setting was I had everything right here at home at my fingertips.  All I had to do was pull it all together.

I had no problems finding flowers.

And certainly no problem finding any birds around here too.

I was especially excited to bring out my newest acrylic glasses that I bought from work several months ago.

They are acrylic hobnail glasses.  I saw these just last week at Hobby Lobby as well.  They also have them in different colors at HL if your interested.

I thought this flatware since it is so outdoorsy went pretty well with this setting too.

More birds... see I told you had lot's of birds!

Finally, because you have been sooo patiently waiting, let me show you my most favorite part of this setting.

This is it!  I actually had one thing with bee's on it!

One small little honeycomb candle holder that I picked up at a garage sale somewhere.  

Since it was so small and I didn't want it to get lost on the table I decided to make it a centerpiece by creating a whole cloche around it.  I love, love, a challenge!

Then to finish it all off I decided place markers were in order here.

Yep, those are actually old rusty metal markers I've used in my real herb plants.

Just print out a piece of paper with some names, a piece of tape and you are good to go.  Care to to be my guest and join me today?

Your always welcome!

And we can certainly talk about the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees!

Please be sure and visit the following parties for more beautiful tablescape settings at;

 Let's Dish Cuisine Kathleens

and

Tablescape Thursday at BNOTP

Have a great day and great weekend everyone!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

My Holiday Kitchen 2012

Hey!  Welcome back!  As I promised it's Christmas time in the kitchen today.  

Last year was the first year I went with a large tree in the kitchen.  I have to say I just love it!  The Candyland theme is back too.  Hey, when it works why change it right?  I am hoping to add a few more items from work to the tree this year because we actually had a whole Candyland theme in our Christmas merchandise this year.  I've got my eye on several ornaments but am waiting on just the right sale.  Waiting and hoping they will still be available and not sold already that is.  LOL!

My cute little elves are back.  They were purchased from Hobby Lobby last year and I have seen that they also have them again this year.  I used an inexpensive fleece throw purchased from Walmart for only $2.98 for my tree skirt.  I think it's a wonderful substitute don't you?

The tree topper that I used last year came back up again. I decided to move one of the elves up higher into the bow this time to give it a little more whimsy.

On the island I have brought out my Candyland Santa purchased from Kohls after Christmas last year.  He is surrounded by a few gingerbread men and my Christopher Radko Christmas tree cookie jar that I've had for quite a while now.  

Look closely at the chandelier.  Do you see my old elves hanging with the berries up there?  

I have had these guys ever since I was a child.  They are so fun and just make me smile every time I see them.  

Even my oven gets a little decorating too.  Hehe!

The bar got just a few tweaks since you've seen it recently.  I added holiday napkins and brought out Mr. Jingles.  He is actually a bottle topper purchased many years ago from a Christmas Around the World party.  Then a bowl full of peanuts and I was done!

The bakers rack was moved from the corner of the kitchen where the tree is to a spot over by the coat rack.  Since it's in a very prominent location it got a little Christmas makeover too.

However I just couldn't bring myself to totally convert it over to Christmas.  So.... I left a few things that were already on it and decorated around them.  In other words, the roosters stayed!  Cock-a-doodle-do!!!

I tried to go with a more country look here since the roosters stayed.  Luckily for me, I already had several Christmas items that lent them selves to this look.

I was pretty thrilled to see this was a perfect spot to add my dishes for Santa.  We have put this set out every year since my children my toddlers.  And yes, we have actually put out milk and cookies for Santa each year too.  You have to have proof of eaten cookies and milk that has been drunk for for inquisitive children you know.  Now days they get a kick out of eating the cookies themselves and leaving a few bites on the plate before going to bed.  LOL!   We have trained them well and I know they will make great Santa's one day.

Speaking of these days, this old Mr. and Mrs. Claus are some of my favorites, unfortunately they really do reflect how I feel lately.  Haha!

Well, that's a wrap!  

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my holiday kitchen.

I have quite a kooky schedule this week and I am so happy I am able to get several things done. I'm also very happy to be able to share it with you too.  A little bit here and little bit there and eventually you'll get there.  Now on to the dining room!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are having a great day too!

The return of Miss Abby

Hi Ladies!  I've been flying around blogland tonight to see what's up.  Looks like there's quite a flurry of witches gathering around the tables everywhere this week.  With all due respect, I guess it's just been one of those weeks everywhere!   I am not sure Miss Abby will host her little get together this year but I can assure you there has definitely been no shortage of witches around my neck of the woods lately.  LOL!

So to honor this very witchy occassion, I thought I would share a repost of one of my favorite tablescapes from Halloween of last year.  Hope you enjoy!

Welcome to Miss Abigail's table! 

She has been quite busy conjuring up just the right mix for her brew. 

 Be forewarned my friends!  Miss Abby may look like a sweet little old lady, but don't be fooled!

  She hasn't just dabbled on the dark side, Oh No!  She is quite well versed in the ways of witchery!

She knows what it takes to serve a tasty treat for her crafty friends!   I've heard she is not yet satisfied with her brew and so has decided to cast a spell for the final ingredients.  Oh My!!!

What could it be, do you see anything missing?  Let's take a closer look!

Hmmm???  I see creepy crawly spiders that are sure to put a spin on things....

.....and dirty rats to get rid of all those clean thoughts....

....and she's even added a few bats to keep you hanging around!

Looks like she has added a few black birds who can't be trusted.  Remember, they are known for stealing you know!

A touch of crow for humility maybe? Hmm???

Shakers filled with the dust from a witch's boot for spicing things up a bit.

Why she's even laid out the silver goblets....

.....for savoring all that bad blood she is serving!

So what could it be?  What am I missing here?

I see she's set a place setting for her most mysterious friend the night owl!

And there's a setting for old Jack-O-lantern too, the grinning fool!

Looks like she planning to entertain a spooky friend as well.

Oh!  This has to be her own place setting!  So what's the problem right?

Oh No!  I think I see it now.  Where are our place settings, weren't we invited too?

Look closely at her brew!  Everyone know's you can't have a good witches brew without a few eyeballs.  Seems Miss Abigail has looked high and low, but could not find them anywhere!

Quick!  Turn your eyes away now!

That wicked old witch has cast a spell and plans to steal your eyes!

 That's why she is 

 attending BNOTP for 

Tablescape Thursday today.

Happy Halloween!

Thanks so much for dropping by Ladies!  I am sharing this post with the following parties:

Let's Dish

Tablescape Thursday

Hope your have a spooktacular week!