#eastertable

Weekend Meanderings-Mark D Sikes for Anthro, Liberty Sheets, a California Playlist and more..

April 15, 2022 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share some good things that have come to our attention this week! I hope your week has been good. Here’s what’s been filling my head..

I’ve been working on my Easter table for our brunch and finally got my flowers. Now I have to iron the napkins and arrange the bowl of flowers that I just plopped in the center. I snapped a pic as it is now to share.

Since it’s just four of us this year with my oldest and my dad, we are having fun and making Hawaiian pancakes, a fruit salad and a few other simple things for our late morning brunch. I have been craving coconut pancakes that we had in Hawaii, so for a change we are giving that a go. Maybe we’ll take a walk after or play a game. I want things to be relaxed and fun, and I’m not stressing myself about any of it.

I used my mom’s vintage Spode dishes, this tablecloth, my Anthro pink champagne coupes (thank you Ani), and gold flatware (this beautiful set is what I’m going to upgrade to), and an assortment of vases and pitchers with rattan. I can’t remember where I got my bunny!

My dear grandma Jody always made a labor intensive Easter coconut bunny cake, from my generation to my boys. Grandma loved Easter and brunch and we always had a very special hunt at her house. She liked us all dressed up in our Easter best.. I love this photo of her with her kids, my dad, uncle and auntie at Easter in the 1950’s, and this with my sons when they were small.

I’ll be thinking of my mom and grandma so much this weekend.

Mark D. Sikes for Anthropologie

I’ve been waiting every week for the Mark D. Sikes collection for Anthropologie to arrive. I had seen a few pieces of it trickle into my local store, but I was awaiting the full collection to drop to share it on here and it’s quite lovely. If you are a fan of Mark, his ‘Beautiful’ books and the color blue, you won’t be disappointed. Mark named the collection after his darling dog Poppy.

My picks of all the pretty offerings ..

blue floral runner/floral dishes/ lamp/ dining chair/ modular chair/blue floral plates/blue ottoman.

A few things I also like that were added to the collection after I made this collage are this blanket, which would be fantastic at the end of a bed or over a couch to curl up with at night, the napkins and rings, and stemless wine glasses .

Much more than I can share in this spot, see the whole Mark D. Sikes collection here. If you are unfamiliar with Mark, his latest book, More Beautiful is a good one. I also love his Instagram account. He’s a true gentleman and has old school taste and class.

Liberty London x J.Crew Home Collaboration

I’m a huge fan of Liberty of London the exclusive and historic London department store and textile maker. Liberty has been making their own printed fabrics since the 1800’s and their florals are especially famous. My first Liberty purchase was a set of sheets and they are still the nicest ones I own, so I was excited to see this Liberty home collaboration with J. Crew. Now we can get their beautiful sheets and fabrics without traveling to London.

I am sort of disappointed they do not carry the sheets in California King, but I am going to go with a King Duvet and make it work. I just can’t decide which print to choose. There are also tablecloths and placemats, and napkins . All the collection here, which will no doubt go fast.

White Jeans for Spring

Speaking of J. Crew, I had the chance to run to the mall this week and thought I’d try all the J. Crew white jeans on and see if any work. To me this was this jean was the winner, not too tight, perfect thickness of fabric and a mid rise at 9′ inches and hits just above the ankle. They did not have my size in Petite so I just ordered a pair and will report back. Love the raw edge and the demi-boot shape of these.. They also have this in a light blue wash. Note that this jean runs small, so size up if you’re between sizes.

What’s on your California Playlist?

DO you listen to Forum on KQED? This week they had a great show about the California soundtrack. It’s a fun episode with people calling in and giving their personal stories of how a song became special to them or marked a certain time in their lives and you can listen here. On the show they also shared that the New York Time’s crowdsourced list of the songs that represent living in the Golden State here. Once I began looking Spotify had many labeled NYTimes California Playlist, but this is the original and it’s up to 200 songs!

As a native Californian, so many California songs touch me. The top ones are ‘California Dreaming’ by the Mammas and Papas, ‘San Francisco, (Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair)’ by Scott McKenzie, and ‘Lights’ by Journey and all the Beach Boy songs. I would love to hear what yours are!

What to watch- First Ladies

Next up on my watch list is this new series from Showtime, First Ladies. Starring Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt, this anthology series goes deeper into their lives and struggles. You can watch the trailer below. Looking forward to knowing more about three amazing American women.

Well that’s my meandering for this week now please pop over and see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you…

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend, and a good Easter, Passover or Ramadan if you celebrate.

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed the last Weekend Meanderings, on pretty pillows, some cool slides for summer, walking the golden Gate Bridge and more you can catch that post here. I also posted my monthly Signature Style blog this week on what to wear to a wedding here.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Weekend Meanderings – Spring Table Ideas, Hawaii Travel Essentials and More..

April 1, 2022 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share some good things that have come to our attention this week! I hope yours has been good. Here’s what’s been on my brain..

Spring Table Ideas

Have you been thinking about Spring tables and gathering? Easter and Passover are on the same weekend this year and I am trying to plan my Easter brunch table setting ahead of time for once. I’m usually rummaging for my bunnies and tablecloths the day before… How old am I? I am still attempting to adult better at my age!

The last two years, we have been in the yard, but I think we can safely be inside with our small family, so in an effort to better adult, I just bought this lovely tablecloth from a great site called Furbish. They have many fun choices in tablecloths, and the quality is very good. How cute is this print for summer alfresco dinners as well?

I am still playing around with the mix of napkins and plates and thinking along the lines of soft pink and spring green colors using my mom’s pink Spode dishes she bought for Easter many years ago at Horchow. I will be thinking of her when I use them. I may add another one plate on top or green napkins.

They also have napkins and placemats in the same fabric. Check out Furbish for darling home things and spring table items! I love their whole site. Right now they have a 20% off all tabletop with code SPRINGREADY.

Also on my radar for Easter- the new gingham tablecloths from Serena & Lily. I love the baby blue and spring green colors. In case you missed them they are lovely. When I was a girl one Easter in the 70’s, I had a long pink gingham dress and I will always associate gingham with springtime!

Two years ago, at Easter, I used a vintage fabric remnant of my grandmother’s for the table with eggs, tulips and moss for the centerpiece.

I’m noodling the centerpiece, but loving the look right now of massed glasses or containers of flowers and plants..

Sue Bond and her tablescapes

The most gorgeous and inspiring tablescapes can be found on South African designer Sue Bond’s account. I found her through Cindy Hattersley, who had a great post here about her. Sue just moved to London and her house and tables are stunning. There really isn’t anyone comparable who has such fantastic style. More is more with Sue and it works. This is her Mother’s Day table in the U.K., but I think it could work for spring and Easter in a similar version of sorts.

You could do white vessels and vases, many small daisies or greens in pots. I love her bunny too and all the shades of green. It’s a lovely mix, not perfectly matched and how beautiful it is! Follow Sue’s gorgeous account and homes on her Instagram.

We just got back from a quick four night trip to the Big Island of Hawaii to celebrate Max’s 55th birthday. We really are so lucky to be so close in California and we arrived at 9:30 a.m. on a Friday after leaving here around 7:30 a.m. ,and the days there felt really long. It was just the right size getaway for two. We did a lot of reading, relaxing and just soaking up all the beauty there. I am still so thrilled with the flowers, the scents, and the amazing birds and nature every time we go.

I wrote more about what to pack for a trip to Hawaii last year when we did a larger family trip here, but on this kind of small jaunt, you just need some good basics- swimsuits, a couple of coverups, a hat a few sundresses and you’re set!

My essentials for short Hawaii trip..

Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 sunscreen for the face is my new thing! This is all you need on an island getaway. I just gather my hair into a bun and wear just sunscreen most days. The aesthetician who did my facial in Hawaii, said she loves it for the glow, no white pallor and good ingredients.

Kai eau de Perfume, a cult classic and created to evoke the scent of creator Gaye Staza’s childhood in Hawaii, it has a tropical and gardenia scent and I love it for a trip there.

I ended up getting in this swimsuit from J. Crew, in Safari and is now on sale for $69 -(I’m tempted to get the peach too.) This suit is beautifully made and holds you in, but still looks sleek.

This BloqUV Sunblanket is something I use so much! It can be a pareo or laid it over my legs while I’m under an umbrella, or wrapped around my neck and shoulders when the sun gets too much. It has a cooling feeling and the SPF 50 blocks 98% of the UVA/UVB rays. I go nowhere in the sun without this. It folds up very small and can always be in your handbag too. There’s an array of colors to chose from.

Last year I bought a black Banana Republic hat that I have worn everywhere and now they have a new version. These hats are so nice and don’t crush with travel.

My little woven Pot du Miel from Claire V. is my favorite for nights out and I bring a strap if I want to take it on a day of exploring. It’s back in stock and this cutie comes in a couple new colors. It’s the perfect spring/summer evening bag and travel buddy. I pack my hat in my carry-on upside down and put this guy in the crown and stuff it with socks and small things, so they both keep their shapes.

A long white gauzy dress is a perfect item for coverup and evenings too. I like the new longer coverups and I noticed so many younger women are opting for long versions and larger hats too. I can’t find the same white one I have, but this J. Crew one is close and comes with a slip, or wear it without the slip and it’s a coverup- and it’s 50% off with code SPRING.

Eberjay has the prettiest nighties and one of these would be comfy and easy to pack and perfect for a warm destination.

Right before I left I was excited to get a mani/pedi for the trip in Ole Caliente from Essie! A fresh manicure was so nice after rarely getting them in the past couple years.

A great new show

I have just begun, As We See It, is about Jack, Violet and Harrison, three twenty somethings on the autism spectrum trying to figure out life, jobs and love. It’s funny and uplifting and the three main characters are played by autistic actors which I think lends to the authenticity of this show which has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and can be found on Amazon Prime here.

Well that’s my meandering for this week now please pop over and see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you…

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend, and thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed the last Weekend Meanderings, on melon colors, a Magnolia Home for Target finds, a great blondie recipe and more, you can read the full post here.

Some links may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Spring and Easter Styling Ideas

March 24, 2021 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

Well it certainly doesn’t feel like Easter is just a few weeks away. This week has been chilly and wet here in Northern Cal. I wore my sleeping bag jacket to the grocery store yesterday, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about my Easter table and decorating a bit in the house too.

Right now there are a lot of fun Easter and spring looks everywhere. I add just a few things to the house for spring with natural elements and a couple of whimsical bits or a bunny or basket. This look caught my eye on the Crate & Barrel website. Love the pretty cherry blossom branch. You could forage your yard for these or something in the blossom family.

They also sell these faux branches, which look very realistic and could be good in a glass vase too mixed with some real branches and flowers. I like the fringe napkins and the light grayish blue plates.

At my local Anthropologie I noticed these darling ceramic berry baskets in the kitchen area. Imagine them with dyed eggs and the rest of the year to hold berries or lemons.

They also have these stripe/gingham kitchen towels in sets of three. Perfect Easter tones and they would work also as napkins on a brunch table too! I like the idea of mixing the three different patterns on white or pastel dishes.

Anthro also has this gingham table runner in a tan and citron tone or a orange/pink version. Something about gingham is so appealing to me in spring. I think this would be pretty with many small vases of daffodils.

The addition of nature on your table and it is the easiest and cheapest way to bring spring to your table. We usually use my mom’s vintage pink plates, and I look in the yard, or the grocery to see what inspires me.

This is one of my favorite inspiration photos from an old Juliska ad. The fern and plants in the glass with the moss could be easily replicated with different jars and glasses and fern or small flowers with a the moss. Of course the blue dishes are beautiful and might work for a Passover Seder too. I don’t own any Juliska, but I might start collecting some. Gorgeous.

Etsy is a great place for Easter tablecloths. Hand blocked linens are very popular now and have that feminine look that is perfect for spring and summer tables. I love the tones in this one..

This is also a lovely look..

This is one that can be a tablecloth/pareo/or wrap.. so pretty !

Love this too...

More Easter color tablecloths here and more hand blocked tablecloths here.

More inspo..these cute cupcakes from the Firmdale Hotel website? You could copy this look with little eggs and candy flowers!..

What about Easter clothes? Are you inspired to get something spring-like this year? I am definitely wearing a dress of some kind. When we were small, my grandmother loved Easter and my grandparents would always take us out for dinner and a pair of Easter sandals and those would be our shoes until school started again. I would always ask for a small white purse to match too. Sometimes I would get one if I was lucky. Easter dress used to be a big thing and I still love the tradition.

Maybe you can start with a cute mask to get in the spring feeling? I love this set of three in spring greens from Terrain.

I also just bought more masks from my talented friend MeiLei who gives her proceeds to charity. The quality of her masks is so good and she adds a pretty lining that always contrasts well with the front fabric. You can browse her Instagram account .

These floral slides are just so spring I had to share them…

I’m considering this Tory Burch gingham tunic on sale now. It’s a bit sheer so it would make a good coverup as well as a light dress for summer.

I just spotted this bag on sale at Bloomingdales… Very sweet in linen! I can see using that all spring and summer and especially for trips to the beach.

I’m also kind of obsessed with this Bamboo Ring bag.. It’s nice to have a basket purse with a Easter or spring look.

Tory Burch has this adorable cross-body on her spring event sale now. The lining thrills me!

It seems like longer tired dresses and puff sleeves are big this year. There are a lot of cute versions of what Bloomingdales calls the ‘housedress.’ Really? Is that because we are in our homes now as much as our mothers and grandmothers once were thanks to Covid? It hasn’t been so bad, but most of us are not wearing housedresses! Here’s my picks of the best longer looks..

Here’s a versatile look similar to the one with the yellow bag above by Aqua for Bloomingdales. You can dress this up for Easter Brunch or Passover Seder and also wear it with casual slides and a bag like above for summer. I’d add a fun necklace or whimsical earrings.

Also love the straps of this gingham number by Lucy Paris and can be paired with a jacket or a wrap if it’s a cooler day.

Toile is always a favorite and cute in this blue look. I love the neckline.

A sweet floral on this Aqua floral midi look..

This cutie by Wayf would be closer to a housedress to me, but also good for spring with a cardigan and in summer as a coverup or with flip-flops for everyday.

Another by Lucy in Paris again.. Would you feel like a character in Bridgerton? Something about it is appealing, not sure about on someone of my age.. I’d wrap a soft shawl around this.