As promised, I set a table with the Dogwood centerpiece I showed you a few days ago. I did, however have to cut new branches. Live branches do not tend to last long regardless of how much water they get, but they are worth the effort.
Wanting to keep it natural, I stayed with brown and cream tones. I used my Mikasa “Italian Countryside” dinnerware and flatware along with woven placemats from Crate and Barrel. My mom gave me the American stemware glasses.
The napkins came from Walmart a few years ago and the bamboo napkin rings are from Bed, Bath and Beyond. You have seen those a lot in a lot of different settings.
Since Easter is coming soon, I thought I would share the legend of the Dogwood in case you have not heard it before.
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus’ cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. “Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
“In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.”
The centerpiece was inspired by the English tea pot, and I have paired it with vintage “Brown Drip” cups and saucers.
I probably would have chosen darker placemats, but I wanted to use what I already have and I love the light look of these…
I hope you are inspired to go outside and let nature guide you as you set a beautiful table for your family!
I will be joining Susan for Tablescape Thursday so be sure to go by there for a visit!
Thank so much for stopping by here! Each of you is so special, and to celebrate reaching 300 followers, I’ll be hosting a Mikasa giveaway soon. I love giving away things!!
I’m off to rehearsals so I’ll be visiting later this evening:-)
Anita
This is so beautiful! I like the natural look and the woven placemats add texture. I have heard the legend of the dogwood before but had forgotten it. Thanks for the timely reminder. Blessings, Pamela
Mother Nature herself is rejoicing with this tablescape! You have the magic touch, Anita. I love that Italian Countryside dinnerset and flatware. xo,
Very pretty, Anita. I love dogwoods, one of my favorite trees, and this makes a gorgeous centerpiece. The blossoms look so cute with your toile napkins. Very pretty table.
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Hi Anita,
Your tablescape is so pretty! The dogwood centerpiece is gorgeous, and I love the way you tucked the single flowers in the napkin rings. I am also a fan of Mikasa Italian Countryside, but I can only have so many dishes, so I don't own that pattern. I especially love your napkins — gorgeous colors and fabric. Thanks for reminding us about the legend of the dogwood; that is a beautiful story. Have you ever heard redbuds called Judas trees? My Mom told me years ago that was the type of tree that Judas was said to have hanged himself on. Have you heard this as well? Please stop by to see my tablescape if you have a chance. I FINALLY got another one done.
Take care,
Denise @ Forest Manor
as soon as i seen this i had to hop on over iam so glad you told the legand of the dog wood tree it is a story everyone should know.I love the napkin colors with the natural materials you used.It is a lovely table and a great story to go with it 🙂
What a wonderful table for spring and then Easter! Love the woven placemats, so versatile and good for so many different looks! I have been on the lookout for some, but have not seen any as pretty as these! Thanks for sharing your many talents!
Anita, what a beautiful and and elegant table setting. Thank you for the story of the dogwood tree. I don't remember that particular one. I will have to pass it on to my family. The table top is a quiet beautiful reflection of your love of God's blessings everyday and all around us. The napkins colors are so soft and pretty. I love the wicker placemats. I have been looking for them but only find a few and not enough for a table setting.Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and creativity, hugs…Emelia.
Congratulations on 300+ followers! I love this setting. Those napkins are beautiful..walmart??? wow. and I've always loved Italian Countryside. Your flowers are beautiful as well. I think my mom has those goblets too…lovely!
This is beautiful, Anita! I love how everything corresponds and your eye travels ~ from the flowering branches, to the design on the teapot,to the napkins and napkin rings. The white dishes go so well because they show the flowers off really well.
This is one of my favorite tables of yours! I love the simplicity and the dogwood arrangement is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the story of the dogwood for those who don't know it and those of us who do. The quiet elegance and simplicity of this table is beautiful and lends itself to allow the dogwoods to truly be the centerpiece. thank you for sharing such a lovely table with us.
Susan
Your table is so pretty…the dogwood reminds me of my dad…when he retired he gardened everything from tomatos to roses to dogwood trees…the yard was so pretty…he lost like 3 dogwoods and come to find out you're not supposed to plant them by rose bushes…something about transferring diseases or something…anyway there's one that finally survived (away from the roses) and it's still going strong 10 years after he passed away….I love the dogwood legend too and for real thought it was in the bible somewhere but we actually looked and asked around for weeks last year and turned out it was just a legend…beautiful one at that! 🙂 thanks for the great post and my memories that came with it 🙂
Love all things dogwood. My tablescape "April Flowers" features dogwood dishes so I just had to see yours. What a luxury to have dogwoods to cut and bring inside. Your table and home are lovely and inspiring. Thanks for sharing. ~CJ
Your table is so lovely. I enjoy the simplicity and yet it just looks stunning. I think the placemats pick up the same color in the napkins; they are also a nice contrast to your table color.
I am looking forward to warmer weather and the dogwoods blooming in our area. My husband bought me a pink dogwood as a gift one year. I love seeing it bloom. Your centerpiece is great!
Tammy
Love your centerpiece! Your tablescape is beautiful, with such simplicity and elegance at the same token… such pretty placemats. I love dogwood and thank you for sharing about them, I didn't know.
XO
FABBY
Anita, I love that centerpiece. Both the dogwoods and the other lovely pieces on the tray are perfect.
Every single table you do appeals to me. I just love your style. This one is just lovely.
Hi Anita! What a pretty table you've set! You have the knack of setting a wonderful table. Your dishes are so elegant and I lov ethe pretty dogwood.
I miss seeing it.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Anita,
You have a lovely table! Beautiful arrangement.
d
Hi Anita,
When I saw that you'd done a dogwood theme, I rushed right over from BNOTP. It's absolutely beautiful! I love the rich textures; warm, earthy colors; and the clean, simple design. Your photography captures it perfectly — gorgeous!
Warmest regards,
Bill
Such a gorgeous, serene table Anita! The dogwood branches are spectacular-enjoy:@)
I love the dark earthy cups and saucers mixed with your white china. The dogwood centerpiece is gorgeous and makes me homesick for Virginia.
Your table is beautiful.
Anita,
I so enjoyed the dogwood legend…it adds so much meaning to your beautiful table.
Have a lovely Easter!
Becky
Nice, crisp, clean look to your table scape- very appealing with the variety of textures and natural elements you used.
Our dogwoods are in bloom here and have been for at least a month. will clip some branches today and place on our dining table- thanks for the inspiration. Have missed seeing your posts-think we both have been absent for a bit.
Anita, that is gorgeous. Love the napkins. I miss have dogwood trees. Use to have them years ago. I need to plant some this year.
Beautiful table…all is perfect !!!
Thanks, Anita, for your sweet comments. I'm back to wish you a wonderful weekend. May you be mightily blessed! Loved seeing this 'scape again, too. You do such good work!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Just beautiful, Anita! I like the rough-textured placemats with this tablescape. They seem to make the gorgeous dogwood branches even more elegant!
Absolutely gorgeous! I love dogwoods and just got home from Tennessee where they are all blooming. So beautiful and driving through the mountains in North Carolina was breathtaking!
Gorgeous! I love the simplicity of your table, it is very calming.
I have to go cut some of these from our yard too. I love the centerpiece. Too funny, I have those napkins and that same little tea pot Anita..we do have great taste don't we:)
XO
We have an abundance of dogwoods here on the prairie. They are so beautiful. They are such a perfect Easter flower for an Easter tablescape. The whites and darks play well against the lovely light that streams through the French doors. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous design. Cherry Kay
Dear Anita, I've just learnt something new about the dogwood. It moved me. Thanks for sharing this lovely post with us :o) Have a blessed weekend, dear friend.
Hugs
Anita, what a beautiful table! We don't have dogwoods here but I bring in the outside whenever possible. I love the quiet, simple elegance of this table. It is so welcoming. I haven't been around much but had to come see what you were up to. I'm so glad I didn't miss this lovely table!
The dogwoods are so beautiful and I love the moss you added to the vase it's in! I've never heard that story before and what a great one it is! Your table setting is light and organic, love it! Hope you have a beautiful Easter. Liz
i really love this! the napkins are beautiful and i love the nature feel. have a blessed easter!
Simple elegance…I just love the Dogwood centrepiece….always lovely to stop by here.
What a beautiful table.
I'm so happy to see you have a blog!!!! I cross-stitched the dogwood legend for my mother about 30 years ago – she still has it hanging in her home and loves it to this day. It appears I have a lot of posts to check up on!!! Your tables are just gorgeous!!
Dear Anita,
I'm a new friend-follower.
Beautiful decorating.
Best,
Coastal Blue Ocean