I knew there was a reason why I was holding out from doing a bird theme for previous parties... The first weekend in April, my hubby and I had a wonderful mini-vacation on the Oregon Coast. We enjoyed so much untouched nature while walking barefoot on sandy beaches, soaking up the sunshine, drawing in the sand, beach-combing, relaxing with dear friends and eating very well! We spotted a wild herd of elk, many pairs of bald eagles, an osprey nest, a wild bobcat, seals and many other aquatic animals. We even got to kayak a bit. As a souvenir we took home these gorgeous branches from our host's property... they had the most lovely sponge-like moss. These branches became a very economical and sentimental centerpiece for our Easter Dinner...
I placed the branches in various glass cubes with white gravel to support them, and added some lovely feather birds that I picked up at the Dollar Tree store ($8 for 16 pcs!). The aqua blue table runner is just some lightweight dress fabric that I had previously found at a thrift store. Luckily it was long enough to cover the entire set of tables that sat all 15 of us!
I loved how easy and effortless these centerpieces turned out to be! It doesn't take much to make a statement when these little bird friends are smiling at you and your guests!
Chirp, chirp... A little birdy told me to pull out my white vases for
the display shelves! (The pink and purple blooms are Hyacinth from
our garden.)
Here's the view from the other side of the table...
Say hello to my little friends...
For party favors I found these yummy jelly beans (the size of small grapes), that looked like speckled bird eggs. I looked everywhere for small birdnests that would fit my budget but to no avail. Finally, I broke down and made my own. Using wrapped brown wire (found in the floral section at the craft store), I wound it around my hand 4 times, cut a square of brown wax paper, placed the jelly beans in the center, tucked brown tulle around them and scrunched the package into the nest. The brown ribbon held it all together.
We had a lovely dinner and lively conversation... After dinner we were greeted with a full rainbow! It was so big and so close that I couldn't get it all in the photo! Now if only I could find that pot of gold!
How beautiful! :)
Posted by: Carlene | Apr 14, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Those mossy sticks ARE so cool. And the colorful birds look so pretty on them.
Posted by: Chris@Celebrations At Home | Apr 14, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Love your bird theme and the beautiful nests.
Posted by: Asianmommy | Apr 14, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I'm so jealous of your branches!! Gorgeousness! The nests are so cute, can't believe you just whipped those together.
Posted by: Annette | Apr 14, 2009 at 03:25 PM
POt of Gold is in your dining room!As usual, you rock!
So you know after every holiday I rush to your posts to see what fabulous things you think up to entertain in your home right?
Those are my favorite moss branches, I can't think of their name, at the flower market they cost a pretty penny so I am happy you got to take home such a lovely souvenir and how perfect they are with your theme!
~Bree
Posted by: bree | Apr 15, 2009 at 10:51 PM
The most beautiful Easter table I have seen. Amazing and inspiring! How cool!
Posted by: Sugar and Spice Event Design | Apr 18, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Joanna, You talented girl! This is sooo gorgeous & you have a beautiful home!!! I love the center piece and the darling nests you hand made. It's truly gorgeous!
Posted by: Vineeta | Apr 22, 2009 at 02:23 AM
Wow. Were you able to buy all those items in less than $10? Where in Oregon did you find 'em? I'm quite tight with my budget as well. Though, I applied for another cash advance before I receive my paycheck next week. I'm hoping to find crafty materials for my next little project with my 13 year-old daughter. The nest looked real and cute, btw.
- Sofia Britts
Posted by: payday loan | Feb 14, 2011 at 01:27 AM