It's Almost Here!!!

WooHoo!!!  I can't believe Easter is in a few days.  Time flies when you're having fun! 

We've been plenty busy 'round here getting things ready for our special celebration.  Easter is not about bunnies, dyeing eggs or baskets overflowing with candy.  It's about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ!  However, I do find it fascinating that Spring is the time in which we celebrate His gift to us.  Even though Autumn is my favorite season...Spring is captivating.  Everything radiates with newness of life.  Days are filled with gusty winds...cute critters as they wake from their winter slumber...baby ducklings scurrying about...gorgeous trees in bloom...warm sunshine... peaceful April showers and of course tulips...my favorite!  It's such a refreshing time.  Filled with wonder, life and hope.  

In our home Easter decor includes all things Spring.  We teach our children very clearly the true meaning of Easter and we also choose to celebrate the reminder of new beginnings.  I firmly believe that Jesus did not die just to save us, but also to give us life, joy and freedom in the present.  I think it makes Him smile when I see His fingerprints displayed all over creation and delight in what He has done.

This year we're having company for Sunday's supper.  So excited!  I LOVE having family and friends over.  Immediately my planning began.  As I thought through my menu I concluded it was time to change things up with the table scape too.  New decor is always fun!  Off on a mission - Ally and I went crazy with brainstorming.  We finally decided on a rustic cottage theme using bird nests as our inspiration.  Times have been tough so the budget was honestly non-existent.  I love it when it's that way.  It forces me to be creative instead of being lazy and buying new stuff.  We scavenged our home for things we already owned... made a huge pile in the living room and then began to purge until we came up with a design we liked.  We did purchase some adorable eggs that were on clearance at the craft store.  Knowing I would use them all year round I felt OK about spending a few dollars.  Once Easter has passed I will paint them a creamy white with brown spots... the decorating possibilities are endless.

Come on in! 

Using a hand stitched quilt for the tablecloth gave some much needed charm

Vintage hankies tucked into a teacup make the perfect napkins.  The mismatched approach fosters a comfy cottage feel.

The table proudly displays my grandmother's china...ordinarily they wouldn't be my style but it's tradition to use them every Easter... tied with many precious memories they're perfect.

Mixed amongst the fine china we used canning jars for the drinking glasses.  It gave the unique, rustic feeling we were trying to achieve.

Using an old grapevine wreath as the base for our birds nest...we wired on a few artificial branches and filled the center with moss and eggs.  Placing it on a crystal cake plate gave the needed dimension and height.  So cute and simple!

When using a centerpiece remember to make sure it's in scale with the size of your table, that it makes a strong statement and is low enough to see over or through so you can still visit with your guest on the other side of the table.

For the buffet table we placed a picket fence panel (that was going to the trash) against the back wall for that rustic cottage look.  I may whitewash the pickets before Easter...I haven't decided.  What do you think?

Behind the dining room hutch we hung 3 crosses made of more fence pickets tying the center with raffia

A basket filled with eggs leaves no doubt that Spring is in full bloom.

I hope this inspired you to make Easter dinner special with your family.  Remember to pull things together that you love... and have fun!  True design should always be an expression of yourself.  Do what makes you smile and that will bless others.

Until then...
Jessie