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March 4, 2012 By Shirley

Waiting for Spring..

So we are “in-between”..”in-between the cold weather and the sudden eruption of Spring”….

…We all are guilty of saying, “I wish Spring would get here already!”…

……..OR, are we wishing our lives away and “not living in the moment”?…

So for today, I shall patiently wait for the FULL eruption of Spring, and just enjoy the flowers on the plates!

Oh..today, I FINALLY, TOOK THE CAMERA OUT OF THE BOX…

Oh yes, the much awaited D7000 that has been in the box for more months than I want to admit.

So we took a trip to Wolf/Ritz Camera yesterday and got all the little things I needed to get started..

AND..signed up for a “one on one” class. The Hubs thought that was the best thing to do (he knows me well)..

Hope you enjoy my “waiting for Spring” table…

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My first pics with the new camera….

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The place setting is Noritake Summer Estate..I obtained it from my friend who was changing out her everyday china. Her home had a French Country flair previously, and now more Tuscan..So I was the happy recipient of her dishes..pretty great, huh?

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Aren’t these dishes the cutest?
I bought these napkins many years ago..It was a find with my initials..hand cross-stitched on linen…

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I am practicing on close ups….

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I think I can really see a difference in the photography…but have a ways to go..

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Another close up..

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The centerpiece container was an Avon (yes, as in Avon calling…) purchase well over 20 years ago…

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So that’s my simple table that wants to transition to Spring…

AND..How did I do on my new adventures of photography?…let me know..I can take it…

I am joining the following parties:

A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday
At the Picket Fence Inspiration Friday
Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday
Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday
From My Front Porch to Yours
Ivy and Elephants What’s It Wednesday
Katherine’s Corner Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop Party
My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday
Serendipity and Spice Manic Mondays
The Charm of Home Home Sweet Home
The Style Sisters Centerpiece Wednesday
The Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays
Under the Table and Dreaming Sunday Showcase Party



Sunday Showcase Party


Serendipity and Spice Manic Monday





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Treasure Hunt Thursday



Thursday Favorites Blog Hop

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“My entry to At The Picket Fence’s Inspiration Friday sponsored by Appliances Online and the Beko Fridge Freezers”.

French Country Cottage

My Romantic Home

Common Ground Vintage Inspiration Friday

The Charm of Home

Filed Under: Uncategorized 48 Comments

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Next Post: Announcing the Egg-xellent Spring Party and My Very First Giveaway… »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lauren says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    Your table is just lovely — like something out of a magazine! I must admit, I go out every day and check the progress of the flowers — Spring just can’t come soon enough!

    Reply
  2. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    March 4, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Pretty table, Shirley! Those dishes are perfect for Spring ~ great pattern! Your pictures look good, but do YOU see a difference. I know I noticed a difference right away when I went from using my point and shoot camera to my DSLR.

    Reply
  3. Marlene says

    March 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    Your tablescape is beautiful. What a wonderful reminder that spring is almost here. Thank you for sharing your fantastic pictures. God Bless, Markene

    Reply
  4. btc1951Betsy says

    March 4, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    Kathryn Crisp Greeley has nothing on you! Your “waiting for spring” tablescape is beautiful — as are your photos. They were even before the new camera.

    Reply
  5. Conspicuous Style says

    March 4, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    I can DEFINITELY see the difference…those photos look totally professional! I’m so happy for you!
    Stacy

    Reply
  6. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:11 am

    Such a pretty table, Shirley! I love all of the natural elements mixed in. I think your photography is wonderful. Congrats on finally getting your camera out of the box!

    Reply
  7. lulu says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:18 am

    Hey, it looks like you did some pretty good work with that camera. It just takes practice, something I’m still doing. Are your one-to-one classes for the camera or Apple?

    Reply
  8. Kathleen says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:40 am

    As the old saying goes, “A watched pot never boils!”. So i will take that approach with Spring. It will get here in its own time, I will wait patiently!
    Love your inherited dishes, so pretty!
    You did great on the table and the pics! I have a Canon Rebel T2i that I am trying to learn. Lessons would be wonderful!

    Reply
  9. Linda Miller says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Another beautiful tablescape, Shirley. I think we are all waiting for spring and we definitely got a little tease here yesterday. It was an absolutely gorgeous day with temps in the low 60’s. Congrats on finally getting the camera out of the box…next step classes and moving out of auto to manual with lots and lots of practice. Have fun with it.

    Reply
  10. Jordan@the2seasons says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    This is so pretty. I love the color and style of the place mats. Ahh Spring I just got back from 90 degree weather and now we are getting lake effect snow here in Upstate NY. I am ready for spring!

    Reply
  11. MarLaney @ Our Marvelous Clan says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    Wow! Great pictures and great table setting! Love your Noritake set, mine is from the 70’s and not as cute as yours. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Lori says

    March 5, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    I love your tablescape. And aren’t you the lucky gal to have received such beautiful dinnerware?! I do have the same place mats, I just need everything else!! Oh, just want to say that I discovered your wonderful blog through Under The Table and Dreaming. TFS!

    Reply
  13. Shari @ Turnstyle Vogue says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    Hi Shirley!

    Thank you for your kind comment at Turnstyle Vogue.

    I just wanted to let you know, in case you have not been informed by anyone, that your comments come through with a no-reply blogger email address, which means people cannot directly reply to your comments/emails. That obviously keeps you from being able to communicate with many bloggers out there. I have a post with instructions on how to fix this. The link to it is in the upper left corner of my blog page…”note to readers”..

    Please take a moment to fix your profile settings so more people can communicate with you 🙂

    Your tablescape is lovely!

    Shari
    Turnstyle Vogue

    Reply
  14. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:33 pm

    Oh your table is stunning. I love it. So beautiful. I love the natural elements in the orbs and the pineapple candleholders are beautiful. Your china pattern is so pretty. It definitely looks like spring. Beautifully done. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  15. Aledia says

    March 6, 2012 at 1:48 am

    Love those dishes!! Your centerpiece is very lovely as well.

    Have a wonderful night!

    Aledia

    Reply
  16. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    March 6, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Your photos are amazing! Beautiful tablescape.

    I hope you’ll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a $50 Kirklands gift card.

    Reply
  17. Maysem says

    March 6, 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Your tablescapes are always stunning!! You have such a knack for photography! I can’t wait to get my first SLR…soon!

    Reply
  18. serendipityandspice says

    March 6, 2012 at 11:13 pm

    Such a beautiful tablescape! Thanks for linking up.

    Reply
  19. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    March 7, 2012 at 2:13 am

    How pretty — what a joy it must be to the the recepient of such pretty dishes! I love how you’ve put such a lovely and charming table together.

    Reply
  20. The style Sisters says

    March 7, 2012 at 3:36 am

    Shirley! This is beautiful those dishes are so fun…how fun to get them from a friend….I bet she is sad she gave them away now! Your photos look very professional…way to go! Thanks for linking up to centerpiece wednesday!
    Karin

    Reply
  21. Alison says

    March 7, 2012 at 4:04 am

    Such a gorgeous table setting, Shirley!
    I am not good at setting the perfect table
    and so I TRULY appreciate it when I see
    a great one… like this!

    Well done!
    xox
    A

    Reply
  22. Debra @ Bungalow says

    March 7, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    Wow, that is one beautiful table. It has so many lovely elements and I would love to sit there and dine!

    Come on over to my giveaway from cutting edge stencils.
    I’m now on wordpress! Spread the word and help me celebrate! Hope you have a great day!

    Reply
  23. Cindy says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:45 am

    So Pretty! I love your dishes and the beautiful centerpiece that you have.
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  24. Mary Alice Patterson says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:56 am

    Your pictures are so good of your beautiful spring table. Great job!!
    Mary Alice

    Reply
  25. Linda A. Young says

    March 8, 2012 at 3:45 am

    Your table looks very pretty , I really like those cheerful dishes! The sage green placemats, cool nature ball thingies and centerpiece say “nature,organic signs of spring”. Beautiful photos!
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Pamela says

    March 8, 2012 at 4:24 am

    Sooo pretty and makes me feel so behind on my spring decorating. Thanx for coming to the party!

    Reply
  27. MariaElena says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Stunning table! I love the dishes!

    Reply
  28. Amy says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Shirley,

    Beautiful pic’s! I noticed right away the Old Country Roses pattern in the background. I’ve got several teacups in the line. Love them. I’m Blog Hopping today through Ruby for Women. Come Visit me sometime. What type of new camera did you get?

    Amy

    Reply
  29. Cynthia says

    March 8, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    What a happy gift from your friend. Love the table. Great job.

    Reply
  30. Elaine says

    March 8, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    You should feel good about getting that camera out of the box. My Nikon made it from the box to a camera bag, and sits there unused since I received it for Christmas. I have no idea what I’m waiting for! Your photos look great and the personal class is a great idea. This is such a pretty table and your dining room is the perfect backdrop. Those dishes are wonderful and I think your centerpiece is fresh and fun!

    Elaine
    Creating Wonderful Spaces

    Reply
  31. Danielle @ Royalegacy says

    March 8, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    That’s so lovely! I love checking out your table designs.

    Reply
  32. Evelyn says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    What a beautiful table!! And yes, the photography was amazing. I must get myself a better camera! I found you on Katherines Corner Blog Hop and I am glad I did. I am now following you and would love a follow back.

    My Turn (for us)

    http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/

    Thanks ever so much, I enjoyed the visit.

    Reply
  33. Tanya@TakeSix says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:03 am

    Sweet, sweet dishes, and I LOVE your placemats!

    Reply
  34. pricelessyona says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:57 am

    I like the pops of green in this set-up. That’s my favorite color!

    Stopping by from Katherines Favorite Things Thursday.

    Reply
  35. Linda says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:02 am

    Your photos are light and clear and you will have so much fun with your new camera! i recently got the 5100d, but yours is supposed to be wonderful. Your table setting is so pretty and so is that old Avon centerpiece! Linda

    Reply
  36. Cloches & Lavender says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    Very pretty I love just love the pineapple candle holders.

    Reply
  37. Jo Ann says

    March 10, 2012 at 4:09 am

    How delightful! Would go right with out beautiful weather today! When do we eat?

    Reply
  38. Mary says

    March 10, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    How wonderful to receive those bouquet of dishes! They are so cheery with the yellow striped border and flowers! Your photography looks great~ you have a wonderful camera! I have a D60 🙂

    Reply
  39. Marie Arden Pink Living says

    March 10, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    What a fresh looking table I love the floral arrangement the container is lovely.

    Reply
  40. The Tablescaper says

    March 10, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    This is such a gorgeous table. I love the mix of elements. Wonderful to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    – The Tablescaper

    Reply
  41. Patti says

    March 11, 2012 at 1:51 am

    I’d not mind waiting for spring at a pretty table like yours! Ang you pics are beautiful.
    Thanks for linking!
    Hugs,
    Patti

    Reply
  42. Mimi says

    March 11, 2012 at 3:48 am

    Your tablescape certainly feels like spring. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  43. Katherines Corner says

    March 11, 2012 at 3:35 am

    Your table is absolutely gorgeous. I love that you have an Avon piece in it too. I sell Avon on line after all, giggle. Thank you for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo P.S. I posted the new giveaway at Katherines Corner today 🙂

    Reply
  44. Alycia Nichols says

    March 11, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    Bravo! The photos look great! Hooray for you taking a one-on-one class to better acquaint yourself with the camera, too. There are so many ins and outs to them, and that’s the best way to get where you want to be a lot faster. I still just have a little point and shoot deal that I make the best of, but look forward to the day when I get the nerve to run with the big girls! 🙂 Your Avon centerpiece looks great! I had no idea they sold things like that! And the dishes…beautiful! What a nice friend to hand them over to you!!!

    Reply
    • shirley@housepitalitydesigns says

      March 11, 2012 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks Alycia…actually, just the container that holds the arrangement is Avon..it is porcelain dated 1981…

      Shirley

      Reply
  45. Patti says

    March 13, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Thanks so much for linking your gorgeous spring table. It is a feature this week at WIW. Come on by and grab a button!
    Hugs,
    Patti

    Reply
  46. Sharon ت says

    March 16, 2012 at 5:55 am

    It goes without saying that the tablescape is beautiful! I’m so excited that you got your camera out and started using it! Great photos.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

    Reply
  47. Stevie (@Garden_Therapy) says

    March 16, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    beautiful! I’m happy to say that it feels like spring is here already in my area. yippee!

    Reply

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About Me

Hi I’m Shirley and I am here to share my love of classic interiors, french country style, my passion for flowers and making our home, The Hickory Cottage, a warm and hospitable home for family and friends.

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