Gather and Nest

Ribbons. Pink. Nature. Something fun for Clementine’s first Christmas. That’s what my husband said when I asked him for some ideas for this year’s tree.

I can do that!

I didn’t want to go out and buy a bunch of stuff so I searched through the ‘magic closet’ of craft supplies and found tulle, wraphia, beads, and a sheer ribbon with flocked sparkly star-like shapes all in the same color of pinky purple. Perfect for garland! I also used this twinkling, fluffy wire I had from last year and wrapped that around the tree in a sort of twisty doodly fashion. The icy looking pink fruit-loop/life savor garland is a vintage find from a yard sale long ago. I happened to have a bunch of nests (I told you it was a magic closet!) that I made sparkly with some glitter. Snowflakes, sparkly animals and pinecones, icicles, and glittery pink balls completed the look. I draped white felt covered with sparkly white tulle around the bottom that glistens with the lights like snow in the moonlight!

We set the sunshine at our table this rainy easter. Here are a few shots from our brunch.

One bunch each of yellow ranunculus, tulips, freesia, and two different varieties of daffodils were the basis for the centerpiece that I made. Two calla lilies and billy’s balls added a little interest and the black grass gave it that final pow! I can plant the grass in my windowboxes after the arrangement is gone.

Poached eggs with parmesan and pesto with the traditional ham was our feast. This egg recipe is soooo good. I will share it later in the week. You definitely should try it!

Spring medley sweet potato home fries…a little something I made up…very tasty!

Easter is my favorite holiday, a celebration of springtime. Plus, I love any excuse to pick a theme and decorate. It gives me a chance to drag out some of those things I’ve collected along the way and put them to good use! Departing from the typical pastels that so many choose, last year’s theme for us was inspired by the carrot. A bright orange tablecloth (which is actually just a piece of duck canvas from the local fabric store) is topped with a white polka dot ‘runner’ (also just fabric) with whatever orange accented glassware I could find.

White hardboiled eggs look so simple and clean on the table accented by bright blue ‘robin’s eggs’. Later, we dyed those same eggs. 

A ruffly orange ranunculus plant served as our centerpiece and yes, there are a few carrots in there.

Silly carrot “eggs” on each plate filled with treats. Just trying to keep it fun!

Hanging above our head? Carrots tied to the cord of our light fixture of course!

This year’s theme will be yellow and black. You’ll have to wait a week to see that. What will your table inspiration be?

Corned beef and cabbage with home made brown soda bread, Irish butter and even some Blarney Cheese followed by butter cookies with coarse green sugar was on the menu last night at our house.

The brown soda bread was amazing and so easy, I think I might make it more often. The top gets so crusty and the inside stayed moist and full of hearty whole wheat. It tasted great served warm with some salted Irish butter. Mmmmmmm, all this talk about it, I may have to go have a slice for breakfast.

The cookies were just a simple butter cookie recipe that you roll into a log, chill, and slice and bake. I melted some dark mint chocolate and drizzled it on top, just to finish on a sweet note.