Saturday, May 25, 2013

Peony Inspired Tea Tablescape




Oh, the first of the peonies!







How I adore them!

They never fail to inspire me to set a pretty table
and feature them front and center!

They are so amazing, feminine, delicate and lovely...
and entirely much too short lived!








My wonderful neighbors a few doors down
have two of the sweetest little blonde girls.

Every year when their early light pink peonies bloom
they never fail to bring me a vase of them.

They know how much I love them and appreciate this gift.

(Their peonies are the first to bloom in this neighborhood.)








Apparently there are many many varieties of peonies.

I learned this from reading Carolyn Aiken's new book.

She and her husband planted all sorts of varieties of peonies
to prolong and stretch its pretty season at their home.

If you haven't yet been to Carolyn's incredible blog-
or have yet to order her new book
 do so soon- it's AWESOME!

Her gorgeous inspiration picture book would make
 the most thoughtful gift to anyone
 on your list who loves beauty and gardens! 

Go here to see!






I set this table with my prized antique Bavarian china
in the Orleans pattern.

I absolutely treasure this set, and of all  my china
 it is my absolute favorite.

I have been adding pieces to it for years now.






I found these bouillon cups that match it nicely. 
They are also Bavarian made.

For some odd reason I failed to think of grabbing
 their matching saucers too -
 and after taking all these pics no way was I going to redo it.







A simple white tablecloth was just the thing needed
to gently "feature" the peonies and floral china.

Nothing more was needed at all.


~~~*~~~


There is something about delicate
 pink rose china
 that just oozes sweetness.


These teacups are paper thin and feather-light.








This table would make a lovely bridal tea luncheon.

(There isn't much sweeter than a blushing bride!)







I also used my pink swirls glassware.







Gold flatware was used to match the gilding on the china.








Pretty pink floral china napkins rings complement the table.


















As always, thank you for your visit!


~Michele

Be also sure to check our Beverly's
nifty puzzle she posted yesterday!

Linking:


53 comments:

  1. What sweet neighbors! The peonies are gorgeous. Your table looks beautiful. I love the light soft pinks and pretty black chairs. Such a beautiful French look :)
    Karen

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  2. what a dreamy tablescape- the china is absolutely gorgeous! It coordinates so well with the delicate peonies.

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  3. I adore this tea table. I like pink so does my daugther.
    I have a Haviland Limoges France coffee set (kept in a closet) like yours. You have inspired me to someday make a pretty tabletscape like this. I also can use my Cristal D'Arques glassware.

    Have a nice day !

    Cecilia

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  4. Oh I forgot to say: These chairs are like my cousin's chairs had in his French Restaurant an old time ago.

    Cecila

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  5. Your china pattern is delicate and pretty Michele and the table would be perfect for any occassion for a few ladies to gather. I have been enjoying Carolyn's book as well, lots of inspiration in it.
    Peonies have always been a favourite and they were featured often at our oldest daughter's BD parties growing up. One year I tied blooms along the fence by the pool. I really like the light pink one you have in the vase and your neighbours are very thoughtful to provide you with some every year.
    Judith

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  6. Your table, and flowers are so beautiful!! I love your gorgeous china. Have a great holiday.

    Kathy

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  7. I had peonies once. Ants were always on them. They are absolutely divine flowers though. How feminine and soft. Just love them!
    Brenda

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  8. Wow! I adore the beautiful china with the soft pink peonies!I am looking forward to the peony season here in a couple of weeks.
    Thank you so much for the shout out on my book-I am happy you are enjoying it!

    Enjoy your weekend,
    Carolyn

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  9. Peonies are my favorite flowers after roses. These are simply beautiful on your lovely table Michele. I love your Bavarian china--just exquisite! ♥
    Martha Ellen

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  10. I love peonies but have never been able to grow them in our garden. I depend on the kindness of friends with lots of peonies!
    I read your comment at Lavender Cottage asking about Cornflowers and deer. We have a terrible deer problem here - they are voracious, but they have never eaten our poppies, cornflowers, foxglove or daisies of any sort. Good luck!

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  11. Those little girls have caught my heart! These really are the most beautiful peonies and they compliment your china so well. Your table is breathtaking!

    I love going to Carolyn's blog and have to have a peek at her book. It would make a wonderful addition to my gardening books, I'm sure!

    Have a wonderful holiday weekend, Michele!

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. Gorgeous tablescape, Michelle. So delicate and lovely. I love peonies and I can't grow them here -- so sad! Enjoy your weekend.

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  13. Such a sweet gift from your neighbors. I can imagine the excitement of the girls when those peonies are nearly ready to bloom. The tablescape is beyond lovely...

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  14. Oh my goodness, the peonies are amazing and so is your tablescape. So delicate and elegant, wow, I love it all.
    Plus, I will always think of you with an M from now own. Hugs, Marty

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  15. Gorgeous, every inch of this post. '-) How I wish we could grow peonies here. Love the soft pink of these. Mostly we only find the dark pink here in the stores, but the soft pinks and whites are my favorites.

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  16. Absolutely gorgeous! Peonies, beautiful china, it couldn't get better!

    Thank you for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  17. Hi Michele, what a gorgeous table setting! Peonies are one of my absolute favorite flowers, and they look perfect as the centerpiece for your wonderful china and crystal!!

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  18. What a wonderful table scape, your dining room is so exquisite, let alone beautiful. Everything on your table is so pretty, makes me wish I had pretty dishes. Have you been collecting china for a long time? You have such wonderful taste. Enjoy

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  19. Those Peonies are exquisite and your china as well... I understand why it is your favorite, it is so beautiful and delicate... Happy Sunday, Michele

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  20. Hello! .
    Table is gorgeous.
    Ziki harmony and great glass.
    Ziki the EU made​​?
    I like a button.
    From Japan.
    Ryoma Sakamoto.






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  21. Such a pretty table, Michele! Your table setting goes so well with the pretty pink of the peonies.

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  22. What a beautiful table! I love your china and tablecloth.

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  23. LuV it all , Michele! gorgeous. I can hardly wait to show you my new pink rose teacup for tuesday ;) we should live closer for teatime!

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  24. The peonies and the table are just beautiful.

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  25. Beautiful post. All theses beautiful posts inspire me.

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  26. How sweet of your neighbors girls to think of you and bring you peonies. I love your pink table setting. One of my favorite colors.

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  27. What a beautiful table all set in pastel pinks and those peonies -absolutely divine!

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  28. What a beautiful tablescape! Love the china, the flatware, and the gorgeous pale pink peonies.
    Blessings, Beth

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  29. Oh my Michele, I LOVE your peonies. I did get to see some on our visit to Columbus. How I miss them here in Texas. Your china is gorgeous and so pretty with the gold flatware. What a feminine tea table you've set.

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  30. Hi lovely lady.
    Your Tablescape is gorgeous love the way you put the setting together! Peonies are one of my absolute favorite flowers, and they look perfect as the centerpiece for your wonderful china and crystal!!
    Thanks so much for your sweet comments on my table for Memorial Day, hoping you and your family have a wonderful day.
    XXOO Diane

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  31. What a perfectly set table --- so pretty and your table is in such a pretty setting full of light. I love all your special touches. Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  32. What can I say, Michele? The peonies are scrumptious and I LOVE your pretty china! Your table is perfect for a bridal luncheon. I love everything about it! So happy you have shared this with us at Tea Time. It's simply dreamy! Happy Memorial Day, my friend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  33. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I had Carolyn sign my book at her book signing on Saturday. It was a lovely gathering!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  34. This is indeed a beautifully feminine tables cape. So very pretty. Love it.


    Velva

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  36. Dear Michele,
    What a pretty, pretty tablesetting. I love the china and it's curvy shape. It is so nice to have the table right there by the window to bring the outside in.
    Thanks for your visit too.
    Ruthie from Lady B's

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  37. How utterly charming! I can definitely see why this is your favorite china. It's so feminine and the rose design is extraordinarily lovely. I envy you the peonies most, though! A few years back my mom gave me some to plant from her yard (which are thriving), and the leaves come up pretty as you please each year but no blossoms. I'll just enjoy yours until mine decide to cooperate one day, ha!

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  38. Your table is so lovely and the peonies are just gorgeous! How sweet of your little neighbor girls to bring you these bouquets! Thank you so much for popping in to see me and your kind comments.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  39. What a stunning table. Our peonies are still tightly budded up. This is such a beautiful variety. My parents had a huge row of all kinds of colors. I don't have the property they do but I get to enjoy a few blooms every year. Your china couldn't be more perfect with the beautiful blooms. What lovely girls to share with you.

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  40. Such a beautiful table. Your china is fabulous with it's pink color and pattern. Love the peonies. I would love to have some in my yard. What a pleasure to be able to sit at this elegant table and take in all of the beauty.

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  41. Oh my such gorgeousness, Michele! The dishes as beautiful as the peonies. What a fantastic color. What a fabulous neighbor! It would take my breath away to sit down to a table like this. Truly inspiring.

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  42. Hi Michele,
    Your table is gorgeous and, Oh those peonies!! Breathtaking! My friend, I want to thank you for your sweet message on my blog post. You are the best, Michele - I truly mean that! I'm amazed at your kindness and offers to help - and for someone you've never even met in person! I'm feeling very positive this is all going to work out just fine, but keep me in your prayers! As for the pilar cyst you had - from what I've learned, they often do go away on their own, so don't worry about it, ok? Mine was very rare...especially rare for it to be cancerous. I'll keep in touch and will be stopping by your blog. Hugs and love to you, Cindy

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  43. Beautiful peonies - I saw some in bloom just today - and your tablescape is gorgeous. I don't blame you for loving that china pattern, so delicate and so pretty! Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  44. You set a gorgeous table. And what sweet neighbors. The peonies are just stunning. I am waiting for mine to bloom any ay now. But the vintage china is blew me away. What a delicate and pretty pattern.

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  45. Michele-What a gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous post! It is just beautiful! xo Diana

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  46. What a gorgeous set of china, sugar!!! Yes, it is truly beautiful. The peonies are lovely. Ours are a pretty pink and we only have one plant. Trying to get Love Bunny to get a couple more for the front but that's just more he has to take care of. Yes, it is a lovely post and thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate it and love when I get emails from readers.
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  47. Michele,
    Exquisite Peony tablescape, dear one!!!
    A true treasure are your wonderful neighbors...
    I adore that they share their flowers with you,
    but even more that they are teaching their daughters
    the meaning of friendships!!!
    Your china is so beautiful!!!
    Thank you for sharing this lovely Peony inspired tea!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  48. What a gorgeous tablescape! My daughter has begun collection pink glass an I love it. So pretty. Love the peonies as well. Gorgeous!

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  49. Gorgeous, I also have a few varieties of peonies growing and they will be popping open any day now and I can't wait!

    Your table is just perfect, it has such a serene and romantic effect...Love it!

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  50. Only one word fits this table. Gorgeous!!

    Jocelyn @ http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  51. Michele, your tablescape is just breathtaking; it is so soft and tranquil. Your china is so beautiful, I just love it, I remember you using it before and I fell for it them. The peonies are a sweet gift from the girls and would make me want to bring out your Bavarian china. Can't say enough how much I love your tablescape. I'm working on a post with fuchsia peonies but I love your soft pink the best.

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  52. This is simply breathtaking! I do love Peonies and would LOVE to have more - love the soft pink of this tablescape. I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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  53. Your peonies are so delicately enchanting. Your table is beautiful with lovely lovely china. I can see why you are so fond of it.

    I would like to know of a variety that would bloom without much cold weather. Alabama and especially south Alabama does not have enough cold weather to grow peonies but I love them and wish I could.

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Thank you, friend, for taking the time to comment! I read each and every one of them. Your thoughts are appreciated!