No tricks, even though it is April 1st. I’ve never been very good at pranks.
Easter is on my mind. I’m not hosting Easter this year {Thank you, Sarah and Kevin} I still enjoy putting out a few Spring/Easter decorations.
I set my table using my grandmother’s china…it reminds me of my grandma, and the violets are such a pretty representation of spring. The runner was made for me, and the fabric seems like it was made to go with these dishes. {Thank you, Gretchen}
With two granddaughters in our family, my thoughts have gone to Beatrix Potter and her cast of wonderful rabbits. When our sons were very young I collected, obviously more for me than for them, many of the Beatrix Potter Royal Doulton figures from her stories, as well as a complete set of her books. I would pick them up when I could find them at thrift stores or used bookstores. I eventually collected the entire set, although the final 4 needed are the new white cardboard covers rather than the little green books with slip covers, that I love.
The concrete planter is made to look moss-covered. I planted sweet pea, violas and lobelia to create the center piece. I move the planter to our atrium during the day to keep it happy, and provide a little sunshine. It lasts several weeks and then I plant the plants in my yard. Dual purposing, always good, right? 🙂
The little silver bell is Peter Rabbit and has the sweetest ring. {Thank you, Debbie}
Last year we had Easter at our house and I put together this 3-tiered tray of goodies for family…
This year’s version of the little rabbit tags can be found HERE.
The little galvanized cups holding the violas are from Trader Joe’s. They held something else a few years ago and I saved them, glad I did! 🙂
Happy Easter, my friends. I hope you have wonderful plans to be with family and friends. May the sun be shining on you wherever you are.
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
Karen! Good morning to you! I am so happy to have found your post on my blog roll this morning! I am very delighted to see your ideas here. I just finished (or thought I did) with my simple Easter decorations yesterday, since I am on spring break this week. But I was wondering what other fun decoration I could put out in my great room, and NOW YOU GAVE ME THE IDEA! PETER RABBIT! I have the very same beautiful figurines. I love that you also put out the little mini books on the table – and your grandmother’s violet plates are so beautiful. I am not one for a lot of pattern on plates, but yours are perfect, so delicate for spring time. Everything about you table is extremely inspiring for me. And the little bunster on the chair at the end – what a sweet surprise.
Be well, and may the sun always shine on you! Anita
Karen B. said:
Happy Easter, Anita! The season has been very warm here in SoCal, but with the warmth has come bursts of new blooms! I love this time of year. Enjoy your spring break and your Easter, my friend. It’s always so nice to hear from you. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 3:02 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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msshe said:
I love your Beatrix Potter. Peter Rabbit stories were loved by my preschool daughter. We wore out the book, and a few years ago I gave her a new book. I will forward your post to her! Happy Easter Karen! Sheila
Sheila E http://www.mykentuckyliving.blogspot.com
apologies for weird words from auto complete …Sent from my iPad
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Karen B. said:
Sheila, My boys were tolerant of her stories, knowing mommy loved them so. Now I have granddaughters and Liv loves all of the Beatrix Potter stories. Enjoy your Easter, I hope spring is showing off her glory in KY. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 3:05 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Kelly - Talk of the House said:
Oh my gosh have we been on the same wavelength or what! I have been perusing all the Beatrix Potter things out there for Easter because I had so much of it with our boys when they were young. Have you seen the cute little wheelbarrow cupcake holders? They are out of stock everywhere I have looked. No grandkids here or children either for Easter so I have finally gone in a different direction for our table, but yours is PRECIOUS! Love it. It is just perfect from the plates to the runner to the figurines to the books. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Easter.
Karen B. said:
Kelly, Now I want to search for the cupcake holders. Where were they before they were out of stock. If I find them I could get you some too! 🙂 Enjoy your Easter, I hope you have this week off from school. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 3:21 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
I too loved Peter Rabbit! (But not Mr. McGregor.) My books have about disintegrated! Your table setting really echos the illustrations which I LOVE for the color/style. The planter especially is perfect!!!
Happy Easter!!
Karen B. said:
Mr. McGregor was mean, but I guess his garden was his pride and joy and when the bunnies ate the fruits of his labor he wanted to kill them. How could you harbor hatred towards a little bunny with a blue jacket?! 🙂 Happy Easter to you and yours. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 6:37 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
Oh, Karen! Your table is a breath of Springtime! Just gorgeous! What a blessing to have (and use!) your grandmother’s violet china. I noticed the special table runner right away. I just love Beatrix Potter, too! It was such fun to introduce her books to my young students each year. Rabbit! Rabbit! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, I think it’s such a testament to Beatrix Potter that after so many years, her work is still treasured. I would love to own one of her water color paintings. Enjoy your Easter, I hope the weather is kind. xo. Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 6:57 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Karen, your table is so pretty! I love the runner with the china- what a wonderful idea. It’s just enchanting. You’ve inspired me. I have my Grandma’s violet teacup- I need to include it in a vignette similar to your tray.
Have a wonderful Easter with your family! (I imagine Sarah sets a pretty Easter table, too!)
Karen B. said:
Vicki, Thank you! Yes, Sarah has a good friend that creates the most amazing floral arrangements and Sarah always has her friend make something for us. It will be fun to bring a bit of food and let the kids take care of the rest! 🙂 The violet pattern is so sweet and my grandma was old school, never used the china except on “stately” occasions, so it’s in perfect condition. Your grandmother’s teacup would make a wonderful item to have out for the season. Happy Easter, my friend! xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 8:40 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Is there anything more charming than Peter Rabbit and his company of fellow rabbits? I recall my daughter’s first bowl and mug, a gift from my mother in England to her grand-daughter, decorated with Peter Rabbit and his friends. I still have them (thank goodness they were not broken with use), and cherish them.
Adore your planter and love the fact that you can then plant everything in it in the garden.
Have a wonderful Easter!
Karen B. said:
CD, I too have both of our son’s Beatrix Potter bowls, cups and plates. My granddaughter and I recently had a tea party using them! BP’s art and stories are timeless, aren’t they? Happy Easter to your and yours. xo, karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 4:34 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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debra @ 5th and state said:
how absolutely charming karen! i too adore beatrix potter, but as your fellow anglophile, of course!! lucky family i can see the care and attention to detail
a very happy easter to you and yours
xo
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, So true, what don’t we love about England and all things english?! I hope you will be enjoying a relaxing weekend with loved ones. Your travel schedule as been rigorous…fun but rigorous. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 6:19 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Karen, I love your grandmother’s dishes … so spring-like and fresh. I fell in love with the adorable illustrations in Beatrix Potter’s books. They’re some of my earliest book memories. We don’t do any thing special for Easter, other than bake a ham … but you’ve inspired me to make a pretty centerpiece for spring! –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, On the whole ham issue…there’s a chain of stores here in California called Honey Baked Ham. They have wonderful hams that have a candy-like glaze. My office gives each of us a gift card to Honey Baked every Christmas…I like ham once a year so we are always happy to bring the ham for Easter, no matter who hosts. Enjoy your feast and I hope you get some sunshine to welcome the day. xo, Karen
On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 9:20 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Rebecca said:
Absolutely loved your table…just went to a lecture by the author of a book on Beatrix Potter’s garden…it was wonderful and I highly recommend getting the book. The illustrations are delightful. I am in FL right now and have wonderful weather but your post reminded me of WI where I live in the summer and even though Easter is usually on the cold side it is such a harbinger of spring and gives you such hope of bright sunny days.
Karen B. said:
Rebecca, I will definitely look up that book. I’ve always been taken by BP’s story and finally purchased the Rene Zellweger movie. WI must be beautiful in the summer, lots of green I’d imagine. Enjoy your weekend, thank you for stopping by and Happy Easter to your and yours. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 2, 2015 at 7:35 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Loved your table setting! Your Grandmother’s dishes look so fresh and seasonal. What a wonderful way to remember her! You’ve inspired me to dig out all of my own Beatrix Potter books and figurines and set up an Easter vignette. I remember how much you and I loved everything by Beatrix Potter when we were young mothers and obviously, we still do. I think it’s a wonderful legacy to pass on to our own children and grandchildren
Karen B. said:
Linda, I remember thinking the Beatrix Potter was more for me than the boys, but now I’m happy I did buy the items I have. Enjoy your Easter, my friend! xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 2, 2015 at 11:09 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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leslieharrisakagwenmoss said:
Karen your grandmother’s china is so lovely. And such a wonderful family heirloom, you’re so lucky to have this reminder of her. I especially love how you styled your table to show off the unique pattern…How nice to be guest on Easter this year and to have two sweet little granddaughters to enjoy. I sure miss those Easter egg hunts 🙂
xo
Leslie
Karen B. said:
There is a joy in children that is contagious. Have a wonderful weekend, the weather is supposed to be lovely. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 2, 2015 at 12:19 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sue said:
Karen, A beautiful ‘salute’ to spring and Easter. Your grandgirls will enjoy the decor so much as they get older. Happy Easter!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Sue. Happy Easter to you and your lovely family. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 2, 2015 at 5:10 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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kristywharvey said:
What a beautiful Easter table! I love that you’re using your grandmother’s china. It is so springy. The violets are so delicate and pretty. Purple is one of my favorite colors. Happy Easter to you and your family!! xo Kristy
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Kristy, Have a wonderful Easter with your family. I hope little Will finds lots of eggs this Sunday. xo, Karen
On Thu, Apr 2, 2015 at 7:26 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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trouverlesoleil said:
Karen, that last photo;) …….so cute! Your table is so pretty and I like the Beatrix Potter pieces. When I was pregnant with my son (26 years ago..) I created a Beatrix Potter nursery for him. I still have the quilt I had made ~ albeit ripped a bit, it’s still darling. Enjoy the time with your family this weekend and Happy Easter. xxleslie
Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
that should be Pretty Petals (leslie)
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I confess, I was thrown when I saw your old blog site name. Pretty Petals is a wonderful name and I’ve really enjoyed your new focus. xo, Karen
On Fri, Apr 3, 2015 at 8:43 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karen B. said:
Leslie, Thank you so much. I wish I had saved the two Beatrix Potter stuffed animals our sons had. There is only so much room for such fun treasures! 🙂 Have a very enjoyable Easter! xo, Karen
On Fri, Apr 3, 2015 at 8:43 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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karena said:
Karen your Easter theme is so darn adorable. I used to always give Beatrix Potter baby dinner sets as shower gifts. You have everything just perfect! Happy Easter to you and yours!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Ellipsis: Dual Vision
Karen B. said:
Karena, Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy a wonderful Easter, I’ve so enjoyed your site and appreciate your visits to mine. xo, Karen
On Fri, Apr 3, 2015 at 8:47 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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mydesignchic said:
Isn’t Beatrix Potter the best?! Just love the idea of incorporating her decor into the Easter table. Your china is so pretty and special since it was your grandmothers. Wishing you all a Happy Easter!!
Karen B. said:
I just love her, she’s timeless and her personal story is so wonderful. Have a joyous Easter with your darling family. xo, Karen
On Sat, Apr 4, 2015 at 5:19 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Allison Watts said:
Happy Easter Karen! Thanks fro stopping by my blog (Heirloom Philosophy)! Your Easter table was beautiful! You should plan a visit to Round Top. It was really a lot of fun! XO, Allison
Karen B. said:
Allison,
I’ve checked several blog posts on the various vendors they visited and seemed to find something I’d like at almost everyone! Could be financially dangerous. 🙂 Still, I have family in Austin and I hear it’s not a terrible car ride to Round Top.
Karen
Gretchen said:
I carefully boxed up my BP music boxes, figurines and books when the kids got too old for them. The hope was that my future grandchildren would enjoy them as much as their parents had. Still waiting…….
It would probably be a good idea to use them myself at Easter like you did! Your table setting is gorgeous. Beatrice Potter would feel right at home if she came for tea!
Karen B. said:
Your day will come, my friend. I had nearly forgotten where I had stored mine! xo, Karen
On Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 8:35 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karin said:
I absolutely adore your grandmother’s violet china! I have been wanting to collect just a few dessert plates in a violet pattern, but some of them are so fussy. This one is just perfect! Could you tell what the name of the pattern and manufacturer are?
Karen B. said:
Hi Karin,
This pattern has a small logo on the bottom of each piece. It has a little leaf pattern over the top of these letters: R C, below that it says MADE IN JAPAN. I believe my grandmother received the set from a family friend a long time ago. I grew up living next door to her and my grandfather. I do not remember her ever using the set. (more reason to use what we enjoy, not save it for only special occasions) 🙂
Thank you for stopping by. Should you want me to send you a picture that shows a close up of the pattern and the logo, just let me know. Good luck with your search.
Karen