Friday, March 18, 2022

Early Spring at Home

Since it's almost spring (and friends tell me it already is meteorological spring -- I wish they'd tell that to the weather here -- we bounce from high to low) I figured it was time to spring up the house.


This will hold till I bring up Easter things -- probably around the first of April, since Easter is so late this year.


A couple of bunnies are making an early appearance.


And my Vintage by Crystal girls for spring are out and ready to make me smile.


Two bunches of tulips and a vintage Hall Crocus bean pot make for a cheery arrangement.


The Crocus pattern is one of my favorites and I've been collecting it for years. Soon I'll bring up the dinnerware -- always fun for spring. Over the years I've gathered quite a collection of serving pieces and teapots as well, which always make me happy to use. 


I'm not ready to decorate for Easter-proper but I really needed to take charge of those cookbooks that no longer have a shelf. So I decided on a French-themed mantel to take me to Easter. Wally Parshall's wonderful pair of Paris photos made for a lovely backdrop.


As I struggle to find places for those displaced cookbooks, I decided to put some of the French ones here. I really should add Julia's but I was running out of space on the mantel!


Those wonderful Quimper plates beside them are courtesy of the wonderful Sarah and I thank her in my heart every time I see them!


Adding to the French theme are several framed images from my chromolithography collection. All of these have come from my friend in Paris, Jerry, who is marvelous at finding wonderful things!


One day I will do a post on them. 


The detail work on these advertising cards used in France to sell chocolate or soaps, among other things, is so beautiful!


And what is a Paris theme without an Eiffel Tower, anyway?


I used two. Because -- well, I couldn't help myself!


I haven't done much in the living room yet, but the cotton balls, a map of my up-north lake and a springy photo of my favorite guys serves us well for now!

And, I finally found sunflowers. 


In these still cold days, they remind me of the struggles of the Ukrainian people -- and of beautiful late summer days, which will come again.


Finally, here's a link to one of my favorite go-to recipes -- my riff on Ina Garten's No-Stir Pea Risotto. I amp it up by adding in sauteed shrimp at the end, when adding the butter, parmesan cheese, remaining stock, wine and peas. It's the simplest thing ever -- just put four cups of chicken stock in a Dutch oven with a cup and a half of arborio rice and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. When done, add the remaining ingredients, stir for several minutes till creamy and serve. You can amp this up with shrimp, as I did, or asparagus or mushrooms and who knows what else. Easiest go-to recipe ever for company because you don't have to tend to it -- you can prep your last-minute ingredients beforehand and enjoy time with friends until the last few minutes when it's time to stir them in. 


I served it with a salad and roasted tomatoes. It would look prettier on my Fiesta plates -- this is just too white! But you get the idea. 


Happy Almost-Spring!

Sharing with:   Pink Saturday    /   Love Your Creativity   /   All About Home   /  Tuesday Turn About   /   Share Your Style  

59 comments:

Pam Richardson said...

Good morning, Jeanie. I had the most wonderful shrimp and crawfish risotto with snow peas on Wednesday at a favorite Italian restaurant. I love your French inspired mantel refresh and the fabulous Quimper plates. Wishing you a lovely weekend!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The cotton balls are neat and of course I love the sunflowers. You have so many pretty things around your house. I would just love to spend time there...oh with you too! heehee! Enjoy your day. I know I have some cute Spring things I could get out to decorate! You've inspired me!

R's Rue said...

I love all the flowers. Thank you for a dose of spring.

NanaDiana said...

It is looking like Spring at your house! We had 2 to 4" of snow coming here today. I am SOOO ready for Spring. While I love the change of seasons I would gladly skip winter. I think my heart is in Florida and I would love to go back there-but, like others, my family is all here.

Those little girls are adorable and I love your mantel. Happy Friday. xo Diana

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Love all those dishes, the crocus pattern and the wonderful Provence inspired Quimper rooster. I have one of those Eiffel towers too! Have you seen the French Market cookbook by Joanne Harris, or Around My French Table by Dorie Greenspan? You might need both for your collection.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

You should have worked in a department store where you got to decorate for all the holidays, not that you don't get to do it up proper in your home but you love doing it so much it would have been fun for you to have a budget and free rein to do it on a much larger scale.

Divers and Sundry said...

Such pretty Spring decorations! Bunnies are perfect for the season :) and tulips, of course.

NGS said...

I had never heard of a no-stir risotto recipe. We used to make one that we had stir over the stovetop for ages, but now we make one in the Instant Pot. I will have to look into this no-stir one because it would be nice to make it in the oven and have fewer dishes to do!

gigi-hawaii said...

The risotto looks great! I have never tasted this version. I like your French theme on your mantel.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

There are now snowdrops in the backyard, cardinals are singing and other migrants arriving almost by the day. That's sign enough of spring for me.

Bill said...

Spring has made an entrance to your house. Nice decorations and nice displaying. You earn an A+. :)

Julierose said...

what wonderful decorating you've done!! Spring has certainly sprung at your home;))
I adore those little bunnies--I am on the lookout for some bunnies to start a collection for some spring goodies--that and I need to make some spring-ey runners...enjoy your weekend...hugs, Julierose

Valerie-Jael said...

Lots of wonderful decorations! I would be surprised if you didn't decorate the house! Hugs, Valerie

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Spring is looking very pretty at your house with the Paris touches. I love the vase your sunflowers are in. I have made that risotto recipe and it is sure easier than the regular way!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oooh, the Ina dish sounds awesome. Anything that requires very little active time is great for me as meal times can be pretty crazy around our house! I would also add shrimp to the dish, too. It pairs so well w/ the other flavors.

The weather has been really nice here this week - in the 40-50s. It will be a nice weekend and then a bit cooler next week, but highs are still in the 40s so not bad all in all. I'm ready for 60s and such, though! We lost a lot of snow, but still have a covering in our yard since we are on the south side of the block so don't get quite as much sun. The houses across the street pretty much have no snow! I'm envious! But things are moving in the right direction. It was nice to be able to go outside after dinner one night this week. Paul went scooting and loved scooting through EVERY SINGLE PUDDLE.

I love your seasonal decor and that your mantel is France-themed!!

Red Rose Alley said...

The Spring touches around your house are charming, Jeanie. I especially like the painting of the girl from France. Your lantern is one of the most unique lanterns I've seen. I had a really nice one, but with the move, I left it behind. I like how you added the Eiffel and candle in yours. So pretty. The risotto dish looks delicious. Your bunny collection is cute. And pictures of the grandchildren always make our homes so special. I look forward to seeing more of your Easter decor, Jeanie. Your house is so charming, and I love to see how others decorate for each season. : )

A happy weekend to you.

~Sheri

Linda P said...

I like the French theme you've chosen for your Springtime decorating. It's comforting to be surrounded by treasured items and special photos.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Happy Spring!
Your decorations are always a treat to see.

William Kendall said...

Lovely decorations!

Prims By The Water said...

The boys are so darn cute! Looking good in the neighborhood. Your neighborhood anyway!!! Janice

anno said...

I love the crocus-patterned dishes, and the sunflowers you found. Darling little girls, too. Mostly, I'm a little stunned that you have multiple sets of dishes, enough for seasonal changes. Someday, you must take us behind the scene and explain how you've collected & stored all of these items over the years!

Happy Friday! Hope you have a great weekend!

Anvilcloud said...

I am sure it’s meteorological spring at some latitudes, but I don’t think so here. Darn it all. Mind you, I am sure we have meteorological autumn and winter BEFORE astronomical. We have it hard, No?

acorn hollow said...

You are a head of things. I love the spring in Paris feel you having. I have not pulled out my things, yet I am still slowly getting the dust of winter out
Cathy

My name is Erika. said...

Great idea to make a Paris themed mantel. It's very original and makes a nice spring idea before Easter. I like your bunnies. I put my bunnies out. They are more spring bunnies than Easter bunnies, so it's OK. Anything to make the house feel like spring since mother nature doesn't always cooperate. And you asked if I went to King Arthur Flour for my class, and yes I did. Today we made British meat pies. It was fun. Have a great weekend. hugs-Erika

Linda Sue said...

spring is a rumor that I have been hearing from chirping birds in the morning! Announcement cheep cheep chirp chirp- though the weather is still cold and the sky is still dark.

Your house is my favorite shop!

Elderberry-Rob said...

You have some lovely Spring and French themed things to brighten up your home, I am feeling the joys of Spring too - I feel a need to clean windows and floors and bring in lots of flowers :)

Iris Flavia said...

Oh, yes, your home promises Spring! Here sunny, but still cold. Yet, the birds are singing!
I think my Perth to you is Paris, loved but too far away to reach in these crazy times, especially.

Love the sunflower vase with the flowers. Oh, I did not dare to turn on the news today...

Cute last pic 🧡

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
The tulips are so pretty and I love the pottery. The shrimp and pea risotto sounds and looks delicious. Your Spring decorations are lovely, cute bunnies.
I think Spring has spring here, we are seeing some signs and Daffodils.
Have a happy weekend!

Mae Travels said...

Hi Jeanie — I’m glad you have the book about Monet’s garden. My quirky memory brings up that the first time I “met” you was when you left a comment on my blog about some images I posted that I had scanned from that book!

best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Joanne Huffman said...

What the heck is meteorological spring?

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jenaie, I love your spring touches! This is how I started, right after Valentine's Day. It seems to be more prompted by the first hints of the weather turning than the calendar for the region. Love your Hall Crocus pattern! The French mantel is awesome, with the chromolithos, Sarah's Quimper and the cookbooks. Everything looks so bright and cheerful!

La Table De Nana said...

I spotted those cuties💙💙If you are like we are even in their teens those cute pics will still be out💙Cute decorations..and estill my heart the sunflowers

Rita said...

That crocus bean pot is so dang cute! Love it!
Happy almost spring. :)

Sandra Cox said...

Everything looks so warm and inviting, and springlike:)
If I lived nearby, I'd be inviting myself over for wine and meals on a regular basis;)
Have a great one.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Hi Jeanie. Such a great post. Love your Quimper Ware, so pretty. And of course, I love your French Mantel. That recipe of Ina's is a treasure. I've not added the shrimp, but I will next time I make it. I have, however, added asparagus at the end and it was great. I have never had it fail.

We are to have nice temperatures this week - hope you are too.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Hi Jeanie. Such a great post. Love your Quimper Ware, so pretty. And of course, I love your French Mantel. That recipe of Ina's is a treasure. I've not added the shrimp, but I will next time I make it. I have, however, added asparagus at the end and it was great. I have never had it fail.

We are to have nice temperatures this week - hope you are too.

Sakuranko said...

Oh so cute

Sandi Magle said...

What a great post, I love your little Spring girl in all her versions. And all your decor, it's a bit hard to think Spring in N. Illinois this time of year, so cold and dreary. But, we really need the rain so I guess we will just have to stand it.

Perky little Spring girl, I may have to make one! Grins, Sandi

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Such collections reflecting your joie de vivre!! Thanks for visiting my little blog, Jeanie. I sent a link to your covid journal post to a friend whose journal reminds me of those pages. She writes and sketches about everyday events and she, like you, has a lot of joie de vivre!

Joyful said...

Everything looks so beautiful for Spring. You've been a busy beaver cleaning and decorating. Well done!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Your spring accents are so cute and I especially like your French themed mantel. Happy spring!

Linda said...

Wonderful spring touches Jeanie. We are all so ready. Love tulips.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thank you for sharing these lovely photographs your home and décor does look very spring-like, I like it :)

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend and have a good week ahead.

All the best Jan

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Happy almost spring to you, Jeanie! It nice to see those first signs, isn't it? I hope to be back in NJ soon and at least catch most of it!

The French Hutch said...

I love how you decorated your mantel with a French theme. Such a lovely collection of books and plates. I have the same Monet book and keep it in my kitchen. You do have such wonderful collections Jeanie! The risotto is a great Ina recipe, looks delicious. Have a wonderful week..........

Bonnie said...

Such a lovely post that warmed my heart. Love your french and spring theme. You have some very special pictures of Paris and lovely Quimper plates. I enjoyed each detail you shared.
Continuing to pray for Ukraine. Beautiful vase and sunflowers!🌻🇺🇦🌻✝️

shoreacres said...

The risotto looks easy enough for me! And there's an abundance of fresh shrimp available, so that would be an obvious add-in for me. I'm so glad you're getting some outdoor spring now; that surely has helped to give rise to your indoor "springing-up" process. Apart from Christmas, I never do any seasonal decorating, but it's always fun to see yours!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I love seeing all of these beautiful French decorations. You've put me in the mood to prep for my upcoming trip (next week!)

thepaintedapron.com said...

Yes, time to bring out the bunnies and all things Spring! I love your little touches here and there and the photo of the boys is adorable! Our first 2 days of Spring have been lovely sunny 70+ degree weather but we're supposed to get violent storms tomorrow as a cold front comes through...fingers crossed no tornadoes 🤞
Jenna

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Everything is so fresh for spring. Love all your tulips!

Carola Bartz said...

You really have spring in your house, and a Paris themed at that! I have spring outside which I love, so I'm more outside these days than inside. Lots of work in the garden - this is an exciting time in the garden. Those two Paris photographs are exquisite. Nice touch with the French cookbooks on the mantle - I love the French market cookbook so much that I will give it to my friend for her birthday. She loves to cook and she's really good at it.

Veronica Lee said...

Love all the pretty things around your house, Jeanie!

Spring has most certainly made its presence in your home.

Happy Tuesday!

Pamela said...

You always have such wonderful decorations.

carol@The Red Painted Cottage said...

Jeanie, I commented the other day but it seems my comment didn’t post, which for some reason sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t. Crazy! Anyway, as sick as I’ve been, I had Mr. Cottage help me to take the winter items down and after I gathered my spring decorations, he brought it all up for me. It was depressing to look at and I had to add spring for a must needed change. My HS girlfriend and her husband sent me the most colorful spring flowers a week ago and they’re still looking super fresh. They really brighten up my day!

Marilyn Miller said...

Love your French mantle. It is just perfect. And sunflowers for Ukraine, now I need some of those too.

crackercrumblife said...

You can never have too many bunnies!! I feel inspired to get mine out now. :)

I love your Paris mantel - and the sunflowers!!

I am also taking note of that risotto recipe - it sounds delicious, and easy which I need some nights. Today is such a rainy day, I wish I had the ingredients on hand to make it tonight. Lol.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

It doesn't matter what the weather is doing outside, Jeanie, because inside your home, spring has definitely arrived. Of course, you needed two Eiffel Towers, doesn't everyone with a Paris theme and adding the cookbooks was a nice touch too. Thanks for the info about Ina Garten's easy risotto which I will prepare as soon as I get the right rice. I will pair it with either shrimp or scallops.

Victoria Zigler said...

What a fun decorating idea to bring in Spring without getting ready for Easter too early.

Katie Mansfield said...

I love the mantel. It's fun to remember France. Your Vintage Girls are adorable.

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