Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Setting up the table

I’m setting up the table...
To create a somewhat romantic country atmosphere, I’m using my new country style iron pot holder as a centerpiece...
I love this little piece... it is in perfect condition, the wide-mouthed glass jars are the perfect size, and it only cost me $3.00! I can use it to hold kitchen utensils and napkins, but also flowers... Roses from the garden would look extra dreamy in these containers...
Tea is ready, and I have made a scrumpdelicious chocolate cake to go with it; topped with my ever favorite cream cheese frosting...
You see, the weather around here calls for baking. So that’s what I’ve been doing. Is spring at your doorsteps yet? Not here! I have a little grudge with Ms. Spring this year, yes I do! She’s been playing a little game with me... hide and seek hide and seek, and I’m starting to feel exhausted! Yes, it's still cold and it’s been raining and raining and then the sun comes out for a little bit—just a little bit to tease me, and here I am getting all excited for warmer weather... I see the first budding blossoms of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths and think: “It must be spring”! And so I go running to my shabby winter garden... but what a fool I am! The minute I wander outside, the craziest of winds starts to blow... or the coldest of rain would fall, and I have to run back indoors. There’s so much to do out there... so much! And sometimes you just have to brave the weather and do the job the best you can.

I know... spring cleaning can wait a little longer, right? But I’m extra eager and extra energized with thoughts of bringing the garden back to its formal orderly estate. And so, it’s been quiet a nightmare working in the garden these past few weeks.... phew! I’m convinced that my neighbors must think I’m absolutely cuckoo. But what can I do!

I’m joining these ladies for tea today: Tea Time Tuesday, Tea Time Tuesday, Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday, Table Top Tuesday, Martha's Favorites, A Return to Loveliness.

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30 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    This is absolutely delightful! Your table setting is beautiful & the cake looks delicious, Enjoy your day!

    Lisa

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  2. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageMarch 29, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Hi Cielo,
    Your table is just so charming and welcoming! I love your pretty teacups! One in particular caught my eye. The cake looks yummy too. I want to thank you for the tip you gave me. I'm still learning as I go and my son helped me to figure out the linky thing. So, thank you, I can use all the help I can get! Thanks for joining me for tea too. It's a pleasure having you!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  3. KathyMarch 29, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Hello Cielo,
    Only a garden lover would brave the chilly conditions - one who loved her dear plants - they will reward you soon! It is uncharacteristically chilly and overcast here - but, these quiet days will give way to bright, blooming days. Your tablesetting is just lovely - I love the Iron pot holder - so many beautiful uses - your teacups are exquisite - and your cake - beautiful. Such a lovely, warm cheerful setting. Thank you for sharing this with A Return to Loveliness - you've made it all the more special.
    Kathy

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  4. MadeliefMarch 29, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Hi Cielo,

    Your table looks beautiful. Your cups are all so pretty! It's a joy to look at.

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  5. Judith @ Lavender CottageMarch 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Hi Cielo
    Your tea table is lovely and the cake you baked looks yummy. It's still cold here with the most of the snow gone.

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  6. Tammy NealMarch 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Hi Cielo!

    You have an absolutely beautiful blog! I have a sweet cottage in Oklahoma that I would love to show off on your blog soon. I am thinking of joining your party on Mondays! I think we are kindred spirits because we love all of the same things. Your table is lovley and the cake looks delicious. I wish I was there now to have a bite . . . or two! Blessing to you dear one!
    Tammy

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  7. FABBY'S LIVINGMarch 29, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Love your charming table, I would love to go there for hot chocolate and that cake! Beautiful, the whole thing, Cielito!
    Love
    Fabby

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  8. CharoMarch 29, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Sin lugar a dudas una hermosa y acogedora forma de compartir el te, y esa torta de chocolate toda una delicia!

    Besos
    Charo

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  9. Pamela GordonMarch 29, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    March and spring have been very fickle everywhere it seems. What a lovely tablescape though. It would brighten up the dreariest of days - plus it give us something to do since we can't play in the garden! :-) Pamela

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  10. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Wow.... super post! I'm your newest follower. http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

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  11. UnknownMarch 29, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Stunning...everything is absolutely stunning. I would be scared to touch anything it looks prettier than a magazine and I know it would taste fabulous!

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  12. April DMarch 29, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    such a very pretty table. lovely teacups. cake does look delicious! one would never know from seeing all this that spring hasn't arrived yet! :)

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  13. THE VERANDA HOUSEMarch 29, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    I CAN TASTE YOUR CHOCOLAT" CAKE,YOUR TABLE IS SO ADORABLE TODAY I WILL GO TO THE TRIFT SHOP AND SEE WHAT I CAN FIND I LOVE YOUR BLUE TEA CUP THE BLUE IS A NICE CHANGE .FOR SPRING HUGS...SANDRA

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  14. My Cozy CasitaMarch 29, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    Hi Cielo, your table is so beautiful and romantic your cake looks yummy!!.
    Blessing
    XOX
    Isora

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  15. KarieMarch 29, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Cielo, Absolutely beautiuful. As always you do a beautiful job decorating. Love the tea cups and the table setting. So very pretty. I am with you, where is Spring. In my little spot of this earth, it still has not arrived. Thanks for sharing your lovliness. Karie

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  16. NanaDianaMarch 29, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Cielo- You table setting is as lovely as always. I like your iron holder..and the way the dark plays off the lighter colors that surround it.

    Do you know I set my table as if for a formal dinner party before I left home on vacation this week? My son (checking our house) asked me what the heck I had my table set for if I was gone.... I told him for fun! He thinks I have gone round the bend already so I might as well add to the mystique!

    Have a great, rainy week. We still have snow at home and rain here...sigh...I just can't win! xxoo Diana

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  17. Betty March 29, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    A wonderful tea party you are having. Everything looks so good.

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  18. SandraMarch 29, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    ¡Hola Cielo!
    Aquí también hace frio y llueve, así que también me dedico a hornear.
    Este fin de semana he preparado dos tipos de muffins, unos de chocolate (mi hermana pequeña se muere por el chocolate) y otros de manzana y canela (mi marido es un fanático de las manzanas).
    Me encanta el centro de flores que has preparado y tus tazas son todas preciosas.
    Un beso muy grande y hasta pronto.

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  19. life...just sayingMarch 29, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    What a delightful blog. Very lovely indeed.

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  20. acorn hollowMarch 29, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    oh now I want chocolate cake! the table is lovely and spring has not arrived here yet. they are predicting snow for Friday into Sat. so I guess that makes us the April fool.
    Cathy

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  21. TerriMarch 29, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Your table is beautiful! I love the color of your tea cups. Such a lovely pastel color. The centerpiece is indeed wonderful too!
    But you keep tantalizing us with more and more photos of your delicious cake! I wish I could taste it! Lol!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  22. ChristieMarch 29, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Beautiful post Cielo :)I am glad to have somehow stumbled upon your blog...I'm your newest follower and I will look forward to visiting here again soon and hopefully joining your weekly party event soon as well :)
    So nice to meet you...
    Queenie

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  23. Familie Peschke www.Ferienhauswalldorf.deMarch 30, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    The tray is very nice and the cake looks damn tasty.

    Greetings
    Pany

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  24. VictoriaMarch 30, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    Hi Magical Cielo...wow..gorgeousness!! How I'd love to join a kindred like you for a cup..I am sure we could chat for hours...such a beautiful setting..you have a magical touch with all that you do! I love it all..i adore those blue cups..stunning!
    happy tea my friend!
    Victoria~

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  25. The Paper Mulberry - Glenda SteelMarch 30, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Yummy! That looks so pretty, what time can I come!

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  26. debiMarch 30, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    What a lovely tea party! Your table looks beautiful with your pretty teacups and flowers...and your chocolate cake looks divine!

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  27. Martha's FavoritesMarch 30, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Hi: Everything looks so beautiful. I love the tea cups you shared today. That cake looks sooooo good! Have a wonderful week and thank you for joining Tea Cup Tuesday. Blessings, Martha

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  28. EileenMarch 30, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    What a lovely post. I just discovered your blog ~ it's absolutely swoon worthy! Just beautiful.

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  29. ahomespunyearMarch 31, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Spring is so fickle...you never know quite where you stand. We've had really warm weather, just like summer, and then the next day, freezing cold!
    I adore your flowery china - so pretty, and that cake looks delicious.

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  30. LynnMarch 31, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    In my eyes you have created a stunning romantic country tablescape. Love the lace tablecloth, the iron pot holder with blossoms and your china and napkins. If your blog has not been featured in Romantic Country magazine yet, it certainly should be. I am your newest follower. If you have not entered my give-away and would like to, please hop over to do so. Blessings.

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