Thank you for all of the sweet comments for my family as we mourn the loss of my mother-in-law. It means so much to me to hear from you, and your expressions of sympathy are much appreciated. Even Mr. CH who never enters the blogisphere was touched. (I read your comments to him. Heaven forbid that he would actually read my blog! That’s okay with me. That means I am completely “unsupervised” here and free to share my secrets with you.)
Since we had so many bluebells this year, I was looking for ways to make use of them. While they are gone for the year, I still have a project or two that I haven’t shared with you yet. This is a table I put together with the bluebells.
Although they are called bluebells, they are actually on the purple side. I thought it would be fun for everyone to have their own bouquet. I used small mason jars for vases, with a little raffia bow. I found a few other wildflowers that I added in with the buebells.
You might recognize these jars filled with bluebells from the post on my breakfast bar, picture shown below.
I used new luncheon-sized linen napkins I found at Round Top for $1 each.
The Cedar Hill silver is also tied up with raffia.
I used a vintage tablecloth that my mother-in-law gave me years ago. It has a soft, subtle lavender pattern. Perhaps it was a bright purple at one time and faded from use, I just don’t know.
I took a hike around the ranch to find some wildflowers to add to the bluebells, and found some bunches of Clasping Venus Looking Glass wildflowers for the Ikea vases.
Here are some more photos of the Clasping Venus Looking Glass flowers before they were cut.
I love this view, down our little hill toward the woods.
I really missed reading all of my favorite blogs in the last week, and hope to have some breathing room to catch up with everyone soon.
And as a side note, my MIL (mother-in-law) loved dishes and one of her last wishes was that we keep as much as possible. I really think she wanted us to keep everything of hers. I already had dishes stuffed into every nook and cranny here but now I am really trying to figure out where to keep hers and mine. She had some wonderful things and she would be very pleased to see us enjoying them. So as a tribute to her, I’ll be sharing them with you here. My most amazing find so far? Her ration book from WWII. I can’t wait to share her momentos from living in Switzerland in the 50’s, her dishes, crystal, “Jackie O” gloves and scarves, a Better Homes and Gardens magazine from 1958, a family bible from 1897, a painting of the 1800’s family homestead, an Ike for President button, and lots more.
Blessings to you.
What a beautiful table, love the blue bells!
I some people view their family items as junk…I think of them using them and as they are gone, it makes me feel closer to them. I will be anxious to see your MIL treasures.
Anita, what a wonderful setting with those gorgeous flowers. Such a pretty shade of blue. So glad you are back and I look forward to your treasures.
Lovely Anita and I am so sorry to hear of yoour mother-in- law. Thinking of your family. You bring us so much beauty.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
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I adore bluebells and you just reminded me that I need to plant up a few pots for the house. Your setting llok wonderful. Sorry to hear of your loss. wishing you strengh in this time.
Veronica
http://www.tasselsanstwigs.blogspot.com
I am so sorry for your loss! I don’t know how I missed that post. Your table is just lovely! Love the view too! I can’t wait to see all your MIL’s treasures!
Hi Anita! I’m sorry to hear of your MIL’s passing and pray for peach and comfort for your family.
Now your flowers are so beautiful and the way you’ve displayed them is so pretty. What a gorgeous setting.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;0
Isn’t there a song out there somewhere that went…” lavender’s blue, dilly dilly….” I don’t know why that came to my mind! LOL Your lavender charger and that subtly colored tablecloth are so pretty played against the blue patterned dinnerware. I wish I was getting my own jar of bluebells to take home! Lovely, Anita. hugs, Sue
I love the blue and white dishes. You’ve made such a beautiful table, it makes me want to sit down and enjoy the day!
Anita, these are so lovely. The colors show up amazingly well ~ you are a great photographer. I’m sure your m-i-l is pleased that you will be using her dishes, etc. I think that is so very special!
My prayers are still with you and I hope you’re staying cool.
Pat
I’m looking forward to seeing your MIL’s beautiful dishes in your future posts. Would love also to see the WWII ration book, my mother would have had one too!
So sorry to read that your MIL passed away, I’m sure your husband has great memories of her!
Rondell
So sorry about you MIL. It’s so sweet of you to use her sweet treasures in your home. The lovely lavender and white theme is certainly cooling and refreshing.
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So glad to see you back, Anita. This grieving process is not easy so be kind to yourself. I know you will enjoy having your MIL’s dishes and mementos. I know that for me some of my most priceless possessions are nOT valuable in monetary terms but in sentimental value. And, what a story is behind her things! PLus, now YOU can make nEW memories for your children. Have a good weekend. XO, Pinky
What a beautiful tribute to your mother in law.. how beautiful the place settings and the flowers are perfect! Sorry for your loss and know that prayers are sent your way!
this is so beautiful, simple perfection with spectactular pics~
Such a beautiful tablescape! Makes me kinda homesick for Texas(hopefully come November, I can ease that feeling a little). Can’t wait to see all the lovely things your sweet mother-in-law passed on to you!
Anita, everything is just beautiful!
I’m so very sorry about your mother-in-law.
It is so wonderful she wanted to share all of her treasures with you and you, in turn, can share them with all of us.
God Bless.
Hi Texas Lady.
I’m also so sorry about your Mother-in-law. She much have loved you a lot!!! I know you will always treasure her Beautiful Gift’s from her. Your tablescape is very beautiful sweet lady.
God bless you and your family.
XXOO Diane
Anita-I’m so sorry for your MILove’s passing. I haven’t been in blogland a whole lot lately, but you and your family were on my heart and prayers a lot. ♥.
On the posting side…I love that red wire hanging thing. What is that? 😉
Dear Anita, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news… sending my best to you and your family. How wonderful that you have such special mementos of your MIL. Take care, osc
Your tablescape is absolutely gorgeous. And I can’t imagine having that kind of view while dining outdoors – in my dreams! My condolences on the passing of your MIL. Sounds like you have wonderful mementos of hers; what a lovely gift.
So sorry to hear of your loss! Your family will be in my prayers. I love seeing the view from your “back porch”. The flowers are beautiful, the place settings are beautiful….but oh that view…..
Lovely table setting – love the tablecloth!
Anita,
While you grieve now for your loss and your husband’s loss those precious items you have brought into your home will bring you such comfort in the days ahead. It has been sixteen years since my MoMa left this earth. The things she marked for me to bring into our home give me such comfort…and peace. Knowing how she loved them reminds me of her love of family and life. May God bring comfort to your souls!
Fondly,
Pat
This is such a lovely table setting with those soft shades of the flowers and dishes. Nice view,too. I’m very sorry for your loss. Shannon
Anita, Your table is so beautiful. It just speaks to me! Beautiful tablecloth, dishes and those flowers… perfection. This is a table I would choose to sit down at.
It is quaint and charming and so very very inviting!
xo Yvonne
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