Happy Monday sweet friends. I hope you all are enjoying the long holiday weekend! Many of you received snow, we only received a cold rain. It is a good day to stay inside and enjoy my snickerdoodle coffee.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
It is Monday Morning Blooms with my friends Lidy, Mary, and Shirley!
Our common theme for this edition of Monday Morning Blooms is January Blues. Many people, including my husband, say their least favorite month is January. I don’t have a least favorite month. Once all of the Christmas decor is put away and my house gets a thorough cleaning, January is the perfect time to just be still.
The beautiful images and links for Mary, Shirley, and Lidy are at the bottom of this post.
The Sunshine Cottage provides the perfect place for me to play with blue and white dishes! However, I must admit that January presents quite the challenge to find “pretty” flowers. After visiting grocery stores and finding no flowers, I realized that I would have to go with plan B. A dear friend had given me a beautiful cyclamen for my birthday back in October and I thought it would be perfect. I had not watered it properly since Christmas, it looked a little tired…no problem it always perked up after a drink. I placed it in the blue and white bowl, watered it, and covered it with preserved moss. By the next afternoon, it was puny and more than tired! Enter plan C. I had seen a pretty kalanchoe at a grocery store. It was my last resort. Renaissance Man (now retired) was at the gym and I texted him to please run by and pick it up on his way home. As you can see, plan C worked. I added a few pine cones and some dried orange slices that worked well with the orange blooms and called it finished. Why the long story? As we all know, things don’t always go as planned and sometimes we just have to go with it and it is ok. I am still learning not to sweat the small stuff!
January is a perfect bird watching month! The cardinals love our Lady Banks rose arbor and I enjoy watching them from my kitchen window. I remembered a set of four bird salad plates that were packed away and thought they would would look great with the blue and white. Have you noticed every color looks great with blue and white? Two of the bird plates were placed on easels and two were stacked on top of Spode Blue Room, “Traditions Series”, dinner plates. I have the complete set of six plates that I regularly enjoy using.
Navy place mats and denim napkins were added for more January blues! A Spode “traditions” plate was placed on the riser.
The blue and white miniature tea set was a long-ago gift from a dear friend! EM has first dibs on it.
I love the Cardinal plate best of all. The plates called “winter fauna” depict vibrant birds and pine branches against a white background. They were sold by Pottery Barn and are no longer available.
The bamboo shade prevents an unwelcome glare on the vignette plus adds texture and color. Noritake dark blue (midnight) “sweet swirl” glasses and twig flatware complete the two place settings.
For a different look, I removed the place settings and added two of my favorite books on the subject of blue and white!
From the editors of Victoria, “Living With Blue & White” introduces readers to myriad possibilities for enfolding this timeless palette into one’s home and lifestyle.
In “A Passion For Blue & White” the dazzling homes of legendary style-maker, Carolyne Roehm, showcases her favorite color combination.
If you love blue and white, I recommend adding these two books to your collection.
Joining the blue and white display are dried pussy willow stems placed in a vase and a tall candle stand!
The blue and white vignette will stay in the cottage for a few days before I transition into Valentines!
As always, Mary, Shirley, and Lidy have created beauty for you to enjoy. Be sure to visit them!
Mary ~ Home Is Where The Boat Is
Shirley ~ Housepitality Designs
Lidy ~ FrenchGardenHouse
Thank you so much for your visit and gracious comments. I leave you with this quote:
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam! I love your pretty blue and white vignette and table in the Sunshine Cottage. Your kalanchoe is beautiful paired with your preserved orange slices, moss and pine cones in your pretty blue and white bowl! Your ‘Winter Fauna’ plates are some of my favorites too and love how you mixed them with your Spode blue and white. What a sweet miniature tea set that EM has dibs on . 🙂 As always, it’s a treat to join you for some flower therapy, especially on a cold, winter morning. Happy Monday ♥
Thank you, Mary. I am enjoying bright sunshine today and it makes the cold bearable. Happy Tuesday!
The orange with the blue is perfect
Thank you, Gail!
Pam….your Plan C is fabulous!….I love how you added the dried oranges and pine cones to the kalanchoe…such a most beautiful winter arrangement!…definitely will beat the January Blues!…Oh how I love it when you post in your Sunshine Cottage….your tablescape presentation is inspiring….love those Winter Fauna plates…great choice to celebrate the beautiful birds of winter!….I have the same miniature tea set! I found it in an antique/gift shop about 40 years ago (when I was 2 years old!)….It is in my secretary now and now you have inspired me to bring it out!….Kudos to Mr. RM to save the day and congrats on his retirement!….Enjoy our retirement days together!….Again, thank you for taking us into the Sunshine Cottage today and putting a smile on our faces!….Always so happy to join you for some great flower inspiration! 🌷
Thanks so much, Shirley. I am glad we share the little tea set. I look forward to our bloom Mondays!
Well, the Sunshine Cottage delivers on this cold and blustery morning for me, Pam! We have about 6″ of very heavy snow atop a thin layer of ice this morning, amd I’m dreading getting bundled up to go out with Mr P and attempt to remove some of it off of transplanted bushes and our paths. Your kalanchoe among all the blue & white, along with the orange slices really makes a bright statement. I love the shade down too, it’s very complementary to the orange/blue! Of course, the place settings always draw me in. I love those bird plates. While I’m with RM on liking January the least, I must agree with you that it’s perfect for bird-watching.A very pleasant MMB!
Thank you, Rita. We have sunshine on this Tuesday, and I am loving it!
This is lovely, Pam! I don’t know what it is about blue — it seems to be the best of neutrals and goes with just about anything. The blue and yellow/oranges with your plant; the reds of summer blues; soft browns and aquas; blue-and-white — it’s so versatile. I’m loving the china and the brightness of your space. What a fun little haven in which to enjoy decorating and playing! Indeed, it’s the grown up playhouse and I just love seeing every detail you do!
Thanks so much, Jeanie!
Oh Pam…what a “pick-me-up” to see your beautiful blue and white setting this morning as I sip my hot tea in my blue tea cup. AND the lovely bird plates….all my family and friends know what a bird watching fan I have always been, so much so…. I have been gifted many bird books over the years to add to my collection. Thank you for your talents of presenting such a pretty table in the Sunshine Cottage. Love Love Love it!
Hugs and Blessings my dear friend.
Kari
I am glad to know you are also a bird watcher. They truly are
fascinating. Thank you my friend and have a wonderful week!
I love blue and white and I have one of those books! Your cottage looks wonderful decorated in January Blues.
Thanks so much, Penny. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Good morning Pam, your charming blue and white vignette is just what I needed with my coffee this morning! I love peaches and corals with blue&white (along with just about every other color!). Carolyne Roehm’s book is one of my favorites too. We put out extra birdseed in big clay saucers for the birds yesterday under the porch overhang…so many beautiful cardinals visited us in the snow, along with one pesky squirrel! I personally love January – the house seems clean and fresh, and I just enjoy being cozy without a lot of obligations.
Thank you, Roxanne. Is your snow melting, yet? I totally agree about January.
No January blues in the Sunshine Cottage Pam, just January beautifuls!
I love the way you styled your Plan C plant, and the bird plates are wonderful. My favorite thing is the miniature tea set, so adorable! I hope you can stay warm and cozy this week 🥶
Jenna
Thanks so much, Jenna. It was a cold start to the day, but the sun is shining!!
I love the idea of the kalanchoe plant. I bought one years back and was pleasantly surprised with how long it lasted. Love your blue and white vignette. Gives my inspiration!
Thank you, Liz. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam, Your arrangement is lovely. Love the color with the blue and white. January is a tough month for me as it’s usually so cold and dreary. The cheery colors help so much with lightening the mood. I love the bamboo shade backdrop. Your Sunshine Cottage is always so pretty and welcoming. Thanks for brightening my day! Enjoy your week! Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. I hope you have sunshine today♥️
Love your blues and whites Pam. Just fabulous. Have a beautiful start to the new week. xoxo
Thanks so much, Kris. Happy week to you!
Good morning, Pam. I love the blue and white – my favorite. And does Spode make anything that is not gorgeous? I don’t think so. This post is so cherry on our cold and snowy morning. We have about 8 inches so far and it is still snowing.
Thanks for letting us enjoy your cottage, it is always so warm and welcoming! Have a beautiful week, sweet friend.
Thank you, Sandra! I hope your Tuesday is warm and cozy.
Good morning, Pam. What a beautiful share of blue and white. I smile at the miniature set. I have pieces of one left from my childhood, that was actually a gift from my dad to my mom. It has a sweet story. Your vignette inspires. I’m pinning it! Happy Monday!
Oh, and I’m a fan of January. It’s my birthday month and a favorite month for me! I get to celebrate snowmen!
Happy birthday month, Sarah! Thank you for sharing a sweet story of your miniature set.
Pam, your January blues vignette is so beautiful. These plates from Pottery Barn are really special. Every single photo is so delightful. Thank you for this beautiful post.
Thank you, Dianne!
So beautiful Pam! I love your pretty kalanchoes with the moss and the dried orange slice in your bowl. Your Sunshine Cottage is serving up plenty of inspiring beauty today! The blue and white Spode is stunning. I bought my Spode in red & white, but if I had any more room…that blue and white would be next! xo Lidy
Thank you, Lidy! I love the red and white Spode, but I am trying not to buy and dishware.
Oh Pam, everything is absolutely stunning! Your bird plates are perfect for your whole vignette. I am liking the idea of shades for the window… for my she shed. I may look into that. Your bamboo ones are fabulous.
Thank you for a lovely visit… the snickerdoodle coffee was delightful.
Enjoy your Monday!
Nancy, I enjoyed your visit and so glad you liked the coffee. I really like the bamboo shades in the cottage, they add texture and warmth to the white walls!
As you know Pam Blue & White crockery are my all time favourites so this post has me smiling this morning! Thank you sweet friend ❤️
Blessings,
Jennifer
I am so glad you enjoyed, Jennifer 💙
I don’t know if I have a worst or favorite month, but I do know that January would NOT be my favorite. 🙂 You have such lovely photos!
Thank you, Lisa!
Hi Pam! Oh, I do love seeing your pretty blues and whites! You really have a way with putting together a florals an vignettes.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Thanks so much, Shelia!
Wonderful and inspiring vignettes! How many treasures…Such beauty. I do love your gorgeous arrangement with orange and blue.
Thank you dear one!
Pam, I agree with you….everything seems to go with the beloved blue and white collection. You have created such a gorgeous vignette in your Sunshine Cottage. Everything looks just beautiful, and I adore those sweet bird plates. The plant you found looks so pretty and adds the perfect touch to your display. My dear friend, enjoy your week ahead!
Thank you, Shannon for your sweet comments!
Looks so cheerful, love the addition of orange, citrus ripens in Dec and I love to see it splashed about!
Thanks so much, Jain.
Thanks for the lovely vignette of blue and white in the Sunshine cottage. I’m also very fond of blue and white in a room to lift it from its doldrums. And after Christmas lights and red and green my rooms would look depressing if not having a pleasing arrangement of flowers to brighten them. We have such long Winters here and so I leave some of the lights up through Valentines Day. Yes, after taking down the tree and greenery the house has a through cleaning. I love the tiny tea set too. There is one in one of my bedrooms set aside for visiting children. If I haven’t said so I wish you and Butch a Happy and healthy New year!
Thank you so much, Alice. I agree blue and white does lift a room after all of the color from Christmas is removed. Wishing you a beautiful Tuesday!
I have always loved your blue and white dishes! So very pretty. Hoping you are staying warm. Girl, this morning, I sat by the fire with my feet propped up and drank coffee! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. Enjoy your retirement!
Gorgeous blue and white decor. Love your vase with the orange flowers are perfect to brighten everything. Sunshine cottage is so pretty and special. Thanks for sharing your Monday Blooms.
Thank you, Linda!
Lovely vignette of blue and white,Pam! Appropriate for any and all seasons! January is an okay month, but it would be so much better if I could have the snows of Ohio instead of the dreary rains of Georgia.
Thank you, Sandra. It is a cold Friday in NE AL!
Such a pretty post. Love your miniature tea set. It is so sweet.
The bird plates are cheery and perfect for January.
Your blue and white vignette is very attractive. Your styling is always top notch.
I am so behind having been gone so long.
Thanks so much, Bonnie!
Pam, your vignette of blue and white is beautiful and timeless – and you’re right – it goes with everything! The orange with the moss is the perfect pop of color and those bird plates – oh my! I’m kind of with Butch on the January thing (I cannot tell a lie) as its usually our coldest month here with really really low temps. But your bird plates make me look forward to spring – yay – so thank you for that!
Thank you, Kim. I hope you can stay warm in your Canadian winter!
What a lovely way to cheer a cold, dreary day. Your Sunshine Cottage is providing you with a wonderful place to play.
Thanks, Linda. The cottage is a respite!
These blues and their friendly surroundings are a bright light on these gray winter days! If we ever needed colorful flowers, it’s now!
Thank you, Linda. Have a wonderful weekend!
I love the blue and white. It reminds me of my mother-in-law’s dishes. She has quite a collection of beautiful pieces.
Beautiful dishes, photos and staging. I love the little tea set with the other dishes in the back!
So beautiful, sweet friend! You always improvise and come up with something so lovely, in spite of whatever is lacking! God uses you in so many wonderful ways, and your posts are such bright spots to my day. May He continue to bless you.
Thank you for the sweet encouragement, Cheryl!
Just beautiful! I love blue and white, and it’s the perfect antidote to the January blues. Of course, everything you touch is beautiful! 🙂
Thanks so much, Richella!
I enjoyed your post so much. This is just the right blue and white inspiration I’m needing to freshen up a few spots around my home!
Thanks so much, Michelle!
Everything looks beautiful! I’m loving that miniature tea set…it’s so cute! Wishing you a happy joy filled new year!
Thanks so much, Christie! Happy New Year!
Wow, I love the blue and white. It all looks so perfect together. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2024/01/goodies-and-decorating-on-tft.html
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks so much, Bev! I will stop by for sure.