In our home, breakfast on the weekends is never a formal, sit-down affair; in fact most of the time my husband and I are parked in front of the TV (me still in my pajamas) with our coffee and cereal. Very casual and easy and relaxing. With my mom here for a visit, I thought I would dial it up just a bit and set a pretty breakfast table with some of my blue and white dishes, many of which were once hers. I wanted to make it more of an occasion to be enjoyed and lingered over, but still keep it casual and easy, in line with our weekend breakfast tradition.
.....along with simple breakfast fare such as granola and fruit. Taking this approach makes it easy to throw together something that feels special with a minimum amount of fuss and effort.
The only food preparation required was for the brown soda bread, which I had made previously (click here for my post on brown soda bread and the recipe). This is a very quick, easy bread to make since it isn't a yeast bread. However, there are plenty of good breakfast-type breads and pastries available in grocery stores if you don't want to be bothered with any cooking at all.
My formula for a quick and easy sit-down breakfast is to use what I have on hand in terms of dishes, serving ware, napkins...
and roses from my garden.....
.....along with simple breakfast fare such as granola and fruit. Taking this approach makes it easy to throw together something that feels special with a minimum amount of fuss and effort.
Tablescapes that are lovely to the eye and a joy to experience are ones that engage most if not all the senses. Flowers and food contribute as much to the pretty effect of the design as do the dishes and other decorative elements.
The vibrant reds of the berries....
.....contrast beautifully with the blue and white bowls and dishes, as well as the fresh greens of the floral arrangements and grapes.
I've heard the advice many times to use non-scented flowers and candles at meals, but I can't say that I have ever found that the scent of flowers (or candles) detracts in any way from my enjoyment of a meal.
In this case, the gorgeous scent of the Evelyn roses, stock, and jasmine only complemented our breakfast meal.
In this case, the gorgeous scent of the Evelyn roses, stock, and jasmine only complemented our breakfast meal.
The only food preparation required was for the brown soda bread, which I had made previously (click here for my post on brown soda bread and the recipe). This is a very quick, easy bread to make since it isn't a yeast bread. However, there are plenty of good breakfast-type breads and pastries available in grocery stores if you don't want to be bothered with any cooking at all.
My favorite store-bought jam is 'Bonne Maman', which comes in a jar pretty enough to fit right in with my table design. All it needed was a pretty silver spoon, a pretty plate, a few luscious berries, and it was ready to go.
Much of my blue and white pieces were given to me by my mom, who loves blue and white plates. These blue Furnival Denmark dishes are actually her dishes that she gave to me when she downsized and sold her house.
The blue Furnival covered vegetable dish I bought as a gift for my mom during a long-ago trip to England-- something for her to add to her collection at the time. I ended up inheriting this piece as well when she downsized. The pretty floral pattern on these plates is simple and uncomplicated; perfect for a casual breakfast.
...and mixes well with other blue and white patterns.
Thanks for stopping by!
Linking up with the following:
Best of the Weekend Party at Little Miss Celebration
The Scoop #163 at Stone Gable Blog
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
at Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style #6 at No Minimalist Here
Tweak It Tuesday #134 at Cozy Little House
That DIY Party at DIY Show Off
Your Turn to Shine Link Party #24 at Anderson + Grant
at French Country Cottage
Idea Box -Thursday Link Party #3 at Mila's Little Things
at My Romantic Home
Tablescape Thursday at BNOTP
Linking up with the following:
Best of the Weekend Party at Little Miss Celebration
The Scoop #163 at Stone Gable Blog
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
at Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style #6 at No Minimalist Here
Tweak It Tuesday #134 at Cozy Little House
That DIY Party at DIY Show Off
Your Turn to Shine Link Party #24 at Anderson + Grant
at French Country Cottage
Idea Box -Thursday Link Party #3 at Mila's Little Things
at My Romantic Home
Tablescape Thursday at BNOTP
Your table is lovely. Blue and white is one of my favorite color combinations. The Furnival dishes are delightful. I've always loved the Bonne Maman jam jars, too, and think they're charming as part of table decoration. I'm crushing over your silverware. Love that pattern. And the Paris pate container holding your flowers is divine. Love it all! ~ Nancy
ReplyThanks Nancy! I found the silverware at an antique mall a few years ago and haven't been able to find any more since then. I keep looking though... I suppose I could always look them up on replacements.com.
This is a lovely table setting. I like the little touch of lavender in the napkin!
ReplyThank you Angelina!
so fresh and lovely, the blue/whtie color scheme is wonderufl! thanks for joining in on SYS!
ReplyThank you Debra!
This is a beautiful table! I always love blue and white -so classic! Thanks for linking up with Best Of The Weekend!
ReplyHi Melissa, just letting you know that I'll be featuring your pretty table at Best of the Weekend tomorrow night at 8pm! We'd love you come back and link up again!
ReplyAmy, thanks so much for featuring me on Best of the Weekend! I'll definitely be coming back and linking up again-- Melissa