Spring is in the air, can you feel it? Yesterday was the first weekend day of the year we spent almost entirely outside, from repairing a fence in the backyard and cleaning up leaves to hours in the park watching Bixby play, it was delightful. I am dreaming of planting a small vegetable and herb garden, preparing our yard for chickens, planting roses in the front yard, and fixing some refreshing iced teas and spring cocktails.
Lucky for me, just as I was really beginning to pine for a bit of spring inspiration, the new issue of Sweet Paul was released! Hooray! There is so much to love in here, as usual. I’ve just chosen a few of my favorites to highlight here and tempt you, so you will go read the entire thing from cover to cover. I spied a lot of blue in the issue, from palest robin’s egg to deep cobalt, and I love it. Above you can see lace-printed dyed eggs (I so want to try this!), sun prints hung as decoration on a glass door, a sweet spring tabletop, and a collection of blue stamps as art.
An indigo runner looks fresh on a white dining table, especially when paired with an assortment of vintage glass bottles in blue, aqua, and pale pink, and filled with cottage garden flowers. I adore this idea in general for flowers because it is so easy: no arranging needed, simply plunk one to three stems in each of a collection of bud vases, group them in one spot, et voila! Simple and gorgeous.
Of course the spring inspired dishes look scrumptious as well, from yummy ways with eggs to sandwiches perfect for toting to the park, and party-worthy tarts and treats. Looking at tables all decked out for celebration makes me so happy. : ) Are you planning any parties this spring? I think even if you are not, why not go ahead and spruce up your table a bit anyway? I think it is a lovely idea to put a bit of extra effort into it from time to time, even when it is for your family or even yourself. A fresh tablecloth or pretty napkins and a few flowers cut from the garden or on a walk are really all you need. I love using found containers like pretty vintage tea tins, tomato cans with pretty labels, tea cups, egg cups, and small pitchers all work beautifully. Get creative and look around your home, you might be surprised at what you have laying around that would be perfect for your spring table!
Oh, and see that garland above? It’s made from paper straws! Genius. I would love to hear your ideas and wishes for spring. What’s on your project list? Where are you dying to go? Do? See? Create? Happy planning! xo Laura
(all images for Sweet Paul, with photography by Alexandra Grablewski, Ellen Silverman, Meg Smith, and Colin Cooke)
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I love these blues — they make me happy.