Not too long ago, Dr. Big saw a rooster plate at the antique mall and asked if there was any way to incorporate his love of poultry farming into our design scheme.
Well, I wasn't sure how the cream-and-red buffalo plaid would work with the beige walls or the upholstery--and I couldn't repaint or reupholster anything. Too, the loveseat (which Mister needs to hop onto the bed) and the chairs were decidedly terracotta. I don't like things to match too perfectly, but I didn't want a mismash. And I am famous for putting together epic mismashes.
I ordered a few pillows. Better to be safe than sorry, right? When they arrived, I saw at once that the toile/check fabrics didn't have a touch of gold. And I had those huge pieces. Oh, where is Mr. Faudree at a time like this! His rooms look so polished and cozy, a place to curl up with a book. To make my room Faudreeish, wouldn't I have to reupholster the sofa or slipcover it? And the headboard...we love how comfortable it is...but wouldn't a wooden bed work better?
"No!" said Dr. Big. "I just wanted you to add some chickens!"
I was determinded to make this beloved buffalo plaid work--and work with what I had.
When I put everything into place, the rugs (which have plenty of gold) seemed to anchor the fabrics, providing a calming backdrop for the striped draperies, plaid, and toile.
Next, I glued red/gold trim to the headboard and ottoman. (Actually, it's pinned, too, but just till the glue dries.) I didn't use a glue gun; I used Singer's Fabric Glue. It worked, too, but if you try this, just make sure you have pins to hold everything in place for about 24 hours).
Last week's pillow with trim and costume jewelry.
One end of the sitting room opens to the terrace, where we have a view of real roosters.
It's a rainy night tonight, but we can watch The Pacific and turn on the fireplace, can't we, Dr. Big?
"Yep," he said.
"Well?" I asked. "Do you like it, honey?"
He grinned and looked around. "Yep."
I'm linking to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.
To win a $50 Williams-Sonoma gift card, visit Gollum's Houzz Interview. The deadline is Sunday, April 4, at 5pm EST.
Just when the forsythias started to bud, cold, damp weather returned. I hope it was prettier, and warmer, in your neck of the woods.
"What do you think?" I asked Dr. Big.
"It's different," he said. When he saw my face fall, he quickly added, "I'm sure it's real stylish to have flowers growing out the top of a cake. Awww, it's pretty."
I asked if he wanted to be my FF tester. He thought a minute and said. "Well, what I really want is soup, babe. Then cake."
It's a deal, Big Guy.
While the Campbell's heated, I garnished deli muffins with culinary lavender and (prolly not edible) flowers from yesterday's tablescape. Martha Stewart, I ain't, but we do get fed.
A sunflower symbolizes that it will eventually be warm (maybe the Endless Summer is coming?).
Are these muffins or Easter bonnets?
Lemon poppy seed muffins or a meadow after a spring rain?
No doubt about this one--dried lavender sprinkled on praline-pecan muffins.
Lavender butter adds a subtle layer of flavor for tea breads, and it's simple to prepare.
A light touch is recommended with dried lavender, as it can be bitter. In fact, you might want to start with 1/2 teaspoon of lavender, work it into the butter, and see if you need more. 1 T is for a large tub of butter.
It goes without saying that if you are buying lavender make sure it has never been treated with pesticides and can be used for culinary purposes.
I have a small lavender garden in the backyard, and I'm looking forward to making shortbread and other goodies.
I'm joining Cindy at her beautiful blog, My Romantic Home for Show and Tell.
I'm linking to Jan's Second Tea Party at Bellacasa to celebreate all things tea related. I love her pot!
I am also joining Tootsie at Fertilizer Friday. If you want to learn about gardening, this is THE place to go. Without Tootsie's advice, all my knockout roses would be six feet under!
If you are participating in this week's Foodie Friday, Mr. Linky awaits your recipe. Be sure to check out the details for the Food Photography Contest, which ends April 2nd at midnight. I'd said in the instructions to enter one photo, but enter as many as you want. Sometimes it's too hard to decide on one, and all of us foodies will love more pictures. Just be sure to earmark the photos as submissions so I will know.
The prize is a Cuisinart Sorbet/Ice Cream machine. Finally, the Treble Clef give-away has been extended to Saturday. The winner will be announced Tuesday, March 30th.
Maybe by then, Spring will really be here!
I have been craving warmth and sunlight, and the only way I'm able to do it is through tablescaping. Since we're having soup and sandwiches this afternoon, I decided to pull out bright orange dishes--what could be better than the zinnia dishes and my English tea set?
The tea set has darling little pieces. Each one resembles a thatched cottage. UPDATE: Rose from Second Hand Rose, who lives in the UK, has identified the tea set as Burlington Ware (made in England). Thank you so much, Rose! 
My much-loved bunny tureen (Fitz & Floyd) and much-used faux paper whites were called into action for a centerpiece.
The old green glassware looks so pretty when the sun decides to shine.
As I was loading the photos, it struck me--I forgot to add napkins. Gollum dear, get a handle on things!
The Le Creuset give-away on Facebook ends April 1st.
Look for more contests and games as DBG celebrates two years of blogging in April.
You have until April 2nd at midnight to enter the Food Photography Contest. The prize is a Cuisinart Sorbet/Ice Cream machine.
For other door prizes, such as the KitchenAid mixer, the information can be found a million places on the sidebar.
