by Trenda
After seeing the first coral blossoms on a Flowering Quince … a row of blooming daffodils … and a bluebird in our backyard hunting for a nesting spot, it’s time for the interior decor of our cottage to shrug out of it’s winter garments and get “dressed” for Valentine’s Day, Romance and Spring!
My decorating transformation began on our mantle … using a collection of blue and white porcelain pieces … a favorite over-sized clock with a Carolina Wren painted on it’s face … and two matching crystal decanters (bought near the Czech border) and serving as bookends on either end of the mantle. Then I took a swag that was covered with roses and eucalyptus and wove two strands of twinkle lights between the flowers – to add a little glimmer and magic (; before draping the swag across the mantle. I tucked in a few more grape clusters and moss covered bird nests “here and there” for additional cuteness!
A bird stands near his nest amidst the delightful setting of roses. A stack of gardening books is a base for a collection of blue and white porcelain pieces and a Delft Ginger jar bought and brought all the way from Holland!
Atop a porcelain box and tucked at the base of the clock are little nests filled with ferns, prickly statice, Scottish heather, and green speckled eggs.
Large Ginger Jars in blue and white porcelain.
I love the patina of this mirror! It used to be a gaudy-gold until Richard and I painted the entire mirror frame with white paint. After it dried, we “distressed” the surface with sand paper to let a little bit of the gold “peek through.” Now, it’s “one of my favorite things” and one of our keepsakes – it’s been with us since we bought our first home! (P.S. I love this picture showing the beautiful patina of our mirror and the reflection of our dining room chandelier and our kitchen in the background.)
Now, for the hearth! Same colors and spring mood are reflected in both the mantle and hearth. More blue and white porcelain and the “outside is brought in” with a green wreath bursting with white blossoms and sheltering an intricate obelisk.
A tiny birdbath is filled with mossy stones and more speckled eggs … a chunky white urn holds a white gardenia on a bed of moss … and two antique books serve as a base and staircase to a blue and white peacock plate. I love the blue and green book on the top of the stack; everything about is darling! … from it’s jacket covered in dainty flowers and blue and green striping, the green oval “cameo” of a ladies profile encircled in gold, and it’s charming title … Haps and Mishaps Blackberry Jam ❤
Well, here in East Texas, the ground hog did not see his shadow. It was 80 degrees today with warm weather predicted for the next 10 days! Here on the lake it definitely “feels like” spring and adding to my list and sighting’s of spring harbinger’s … today I saw Saucer Magnolia blooming … a beautiful red-violet blossom unfolding on my Encore Azalea … and my White Lady Banks Rose Bush is covered in buds!
From my cottage to yours ~ Trenda
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Trenda, your mantel is lovely with its nod to Valentine’s Day and Spring. I love all of your blue/white pieces. It sounds like you are in to spring, for sure. Blessings~
So lovely! You have styled this so pretty! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate Your Story!