I love preparing for Easter.  Aside from the beauty in the meaning of the holiday itself, it is a time to celebrate spring..and the new bounty that comes with it!  We can put away the darker colors and bring out the lighter earthy flare…with greens and pinks…and all the colors of the new season.

Mrs. D has created yet another stunning table top.  Her table  appointments are with Irish crystal, rabbit pottery plates from Portugal, a Baroque rabbit pottery pedestal, white porcelain napkin rings and place settings of antique silver with a  bone handled fish set for the salmon.  The pink and white napkin are unique dish towels.  She has mixed the various rabbits on her table with both iron and paper mache…and don't you love the two white quail?  I think I remember those from her table as a kid..I'll have to ask her.

The quail remind me of our childhood….a favorite site to behold were the new quail families that would travel through our woods….our yards…and our streets.  The mother and father always leading the way with a trail of babies following closely behind…and in single file….they were always in a line as they scampered to where they were headed.  Ah..if only my children would be so obedient!

This table has inspired me to make another trip to the flea market in Firenze…to see if there are any more plates or goodies that I can use to decorate our table.  The hardest part of being here is not having all of our "things" for holiday decor…I love a festive home and I guess I've just been presented with a challenge…how do you decorate when you have nothing? My first start will be with the flea market and with nature…both in my price range!  I will keep you posted on how I do…

I love the leaf on her napkin….so simple and elegant!  And…don't forget your oil and vinegar!  Although I love our bottles, this would be a great setting for a cruet or two…

And now for my FAVORITE……

I love eggs at easter time…especially when they are natural…Mrs. D has taken real goose eggs and dyed them in onion skins and vinegar dip…creating an amazing natural design.  The eggs are wrapped in old stockings…spring leaves and ferns were stuffed inside the stocking as well…and then it was soaked in an onion bath for about 30 minutes. 

This is also an Italian tradition….dying eggs within a bath of red onion skins and vinegar…simply add onion skins and some vinegar to a pot of your eggs and water and bring to a boil…boil for about 20 minutes and it will turn them a natural red and brown…natural color. 

So if you haven't started already….get to it…pull out the boxes….take a walk and gather natural bounty for props…create a house that is filled with the anticipation of spring…and all that it may bring!!