Tablescape Thursday: Garden of Eatin'

Then God planted a garden in Eden, in the east.  He put the man he had just made in it.  God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful to look at and good to eat.......

Genesis 2: 8-9 (The Message)

A few weeks ago, when I got the idea to do this "Garden of Eatin' " tablescape, I began imagining what the Garden of Eden must have looked like...........with trees, flowers, fruit, & other plants in abundance, in every color possible, with a beautiful river flowing nearby, with birds chirping in the air and animals frolicking. 
As many times as I've seen breathtaking gardens & landscapes, I'm sure they can't possibly have measured up to the Garden of Eden.  After all, this garden was created by God Himself, while the world was yet perfect.  (It wasn't 'til after man sinned that God stated that there would be thistles & thorns.)  It was perfect....a true paradise!

So while I knew my tablescape couldn't possibly measure up to the beauty of the real thing, I still wanted to attempt to make my version of the Garden of Eden using dishes & accessories.

Of course, the table had to be outdoors, with trees & birds all around.

First, I wanted something light & breezy as the bottom layer, so I chose this sheer yellow-green overlay.  Then, to add a little texture & color, I topped it with this fun, colorful table runner, just casually layed across the table. 

Here's a closer look at the colorful birds on the runner.
{I didn't realize until I was putting this post together that the edge was folded over!}

For each place setting, I began with a green leaf charger, followed by a dark royal blue plate with a tropical fruit design.  Then I added a flower plate & small bowl.   

An orange napkin rests casually nearby. 

While this all-fruit breakfast in the garden doesn't really require any flatware, a clear acrylic fork sits close by just in case.  (Plus, a tablescape just doesn't seem complete with some flatware!)

Because there was already so much color, I chose these clear glass goblets.

Here's a closer look at all those layers:

A sweet little bird creamer, used as a bud vase, sits in each bowl.

{Those flowers just keep appearing in all my posts!  But, I have to admit, I'm thinking they don't have much life left in them at this point!}

Here's a better view of the little bird creamer bud vase:

And speaking of birds, here's a "bird's eye view" of the table:

A bright red colander, filled with a variety of fruit, is ready to be eaten.

A small pitcher of orange juice rests on a stack of flower plates.

 Breakfast is served in the "Garden of Eatin' ". 

 Who wants to join me?

I'll be linking with BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday, Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday, & A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday.

Table Runner/Flower Plates & Bowls/Orange Napkins - Pier 1

Leaf Charger - by Tracy Porter/Horchow

Tropical Fruit Plate - Target (years ago)

Bird Creamers - The Market

Clear Acrylic Flatware - Walmart (years ago)

Glass Goblets - Walmart or Dollar Tree

Thanks for stopping by.

Wildcard Wednesday: Signs of Spring.......Here & There

What's Spring without fresh flowers? 

Since our weather around here can't seem to make up it's mind, we don't have many blooms yet.  So last weekend, when I was doing some grocery shopping (for my "Picnic on the Greens"), I just couldn't resisted picking up a few flowers.

Recently I've been collecting various styles of antiqued silver bud vases, & I couldn't wait to see how they looked with the flowers.






I planned to scatter them throughout the house, but they made such a statement grouped together that I just had to take a few snapshots first!

I sat them atop a mirrored charger to add to the drama.

{This a pic of their reflection!}


Don't you think they would be adorable sitting at each place setting of a tablescape?


The remaining flowers were gathered in this antiqued silver pitcher from Pottery Barn.

And I even saved a flower for this little bird.

Now that my "photo shoot" is over, the flowers are happily scattered throughout the house.....the pitcher rests nearby my kitchen sink, while the little vases sit HERE & THERE.........on an end table, on the bathroom vanity, on my nightstand......and if you remember, one even showed up in last week's Chicken Cordon Bleu post. 

But no matter where they are, they add a little brightness & Spring cheer!

I'll be linking to How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday, Rose Vignettes for Fresh Cut Friday,  Show & Tell Friday at Romantic Home, & The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays.

Tutorial Tuesday: The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Okay, I have to admit, this post is a little cheesy! (sorry, couldn't resist)

But you see, when I realized that today was "grilled cheese sandwich day" (& apparently the whole month of April is "Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month"), that last Sunday was "sibling day", & that my sister's birthday was last Friday, I knew I had to do this post.

So you may be wondering, what in the world does "grilled cheese day" have to do with "sibling day" & my sister's birthday?  Well, let me explain.

My sister, who happens to be my only sibling, is quite the grilled cheese connoisseur.  In fact, growing up, it was well known by all of our family & friends that she LOVED, and I mean LOVED, grilled cheese sandwiches.  Being the picky eater that she was, her food options were quite limited, but there was one thing you could count on: she would always like a grilled cheese!  Having eaten a grilled cheese from just about every restaurant in town that served them, she can definitely tell you who has the best ones and what makes them good. 

So I decided that for today's post I'd share my sister's recipe for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich!  

What you'll need:
Texas Toast
Kraft Sharp Cheese Slices (the new "Big Slices" are good)
Butter
Pam or other cooking spray

Directions:
1) Spray the pan with cooking spray.

2) Butter both sides of the bread.


3) Add the cheese (at least 2 slices).

4) Turn the burner on medium or low/medium setting & add the bread & cheese. 

5) Flip it occasionally until the cheese is melted and both sides are a golden toasty brown.

{A special thanks to my sister for taking all of these pics for me & providing me with the recipe!  And happy late birthday, sis!  Love you!}