April Showers Bring May Flowers!! But Do They Also Bring Ducks with Umbrellas????

Welcome to an “after Easter” April Tablescape!

Planning an “April but Not Easter” Tablescape

As a teacher it was always interesting to try to find Bulletin Boards, Art Projects and Decorations for the month of April after Easter was over. In Ohio, April often includes a snow storm, and sometimes even a “Snow Day” where school is canceled (usually due to the roads being snow covered or iced over). But April more often includes lots of rain, the bulbs coming up in garden, and exceedingly welcome sunny days. As a teacher, my “go to” April decorations included umbrellas and flowers.

Ducks and Bunnies with Umbrellas

So I was very excited last year when Homegoods and Marshalls brought in the FAO Schwarz figurines of bunnies and ducks with umbrellas. These seemed like the perfect start for an April Tablescape. Homegoods brought these figurines back this year, so I added a few to my collection. If you are looking for these, they usually are sold in the 2 months leading up to Easter. In 2022, my first year of collecting the figurines, I also purchased a few on eBay, but in 2023 I was luckily able to add to that collection by being in Homegoods on the right day and time to purchase the figurines at Homegoods prices before they sold out. The figurine collection features many Non-Easter bunnies and ducks (i.e. without Easter Eggs”) as well as some that are definitely Easter related. I used just the non-Easter ones for this table.

“April Showers Bring May Flowers” Tablescape

When I saw these figurines, I immediately wanted to do an “April Showers bring May Flowers” Tablescape. I set about finding things in the house that could be used. I found the flowered cork placemats from Homegoods, a white napkin with yellow lace, a ceramic boots flower vase that had originally housed a candle (from Homegoods), some silk flowers, Daisy Goblets, and other items. I loved the ceramic boot vase, and because they looked so appropriate in a rainy day tablescape, I added a few new ones from Michaels. I filled all the boots with silk flowers in Spring varieties. Surprisingly, I had to search for a large “April Showers Brings May Flowers” sign (which I had thought would be readily available – and wasn’t) but finally found one on eBay. Then I found a few “spring but not Easter” signs for the window sills – at Hobby Lobby.

Featured Plates and the “Plate Stack”

I loved the table but realized it needed a Spring salad plate to pull it all together so I headed to eBay and purchased the discontinued Pottery Barn Hilltop Garden Salad Plates. I added these plates to the top of the plate stack, which already included: the placemat, a square yellow Tommy Bahama Melamine plate, and a Bordallo Pinheiro green “Geranium” dinner plate. The new salad plates have both brown and white bunnies, and also swans and chicks, as well as flowers from the same color palate as that of the flower placemats.

Napkin Rings

The Napkin rings on this table are marked “Pia (Philippines) and my mother-in-law gifted me my first set of this kind of napkin ring in 1989. I still use the 6 pink dogwood ones she purchased that perfectly match our wedding china. At that time I didn’t realize that Pia made many varieties of flower napkin rings, as well as many birds (swan, hummingbird, seagull) and some mammals (such as bunnies, pigs, cats, horses in a fox hunt, etc.) and I have had fun hunting them down on eBay. I love the detail on each napkin ring, which is beautifully different than many napkin rings that are currently produced.

Limoges Swans

Meanwhile Outside the Window

As I was putting together this tablescape-which celebrates Nature-I was surprised to notice the Nature “happenings” right outside the window. One of our local waterfowl was catching a fish and struggling to keep his dinner. I thought you would enjoy see his efforts. By the way, if you or a bird watcher friend happens to know the name of the bird in the video, it would be great if you would message it to me. We are trying to learn the names of the water fowl and other animals in our neighborhood, but this is one we haven’t learned yet. Did you think he lost his dinner in the end, or kept hold of it? I’d love it if you could share your opinion in the Comment section at the very bottom of this post. I wasn’t sure from the video if he ultimately succeeded. After watching his struggle, I appreciate Kroger and HEB grocery pickup even more. It is much easier for us to get our food, than it is for them.

Table Details and Origins

for “April Showers Bring May Flowers!! But Do They Also Bring Ducks with Umbrellas????”

Ceramic Boot Vases – Homegoods and Michaels

Artificial Flowers – Hobby Lobby, Michaels 

Pottery Barn Hilltop Garden Salad Plates – originally from Pottery Barn but they are now discontinued.  I purchased mine from eBay. 

Flower Cork Board Placemats – Homegoods 2020

Bordallo Pinheiro Green Geranium Dinner Plate – https://us.bordallopinheiro.com/sardinheira-dinner-plate-275-green-prd-pt

Tommy Bahama Square Yellow Melamine Dinner Plate or Charger – Homegoods – often available 

Daisy Goblets – Marshalls – 2022

Onieda Marquette flatware – Amazon – current

Pia Flower Napkin Rings – Anthurium, Rose, Wild Rose, Tiger Lilly – from the 1980’s and 1990’s– I purchased mine from eBay and Etsy recently.

Cake Pedestal – Homegoods  around 2019 

Fao Schwarz Duck and Bunny Figurines with Umbrellas– Homegoods – 2022 and 2023

White Napkins with Yellow Lace – Homegoods

Limoges Swans – Antique Store in Huntsville, TX 

Wooden Tulips – Hobby Lobby 2021-2023 

“Happy Spring” signs – Bed, Bath, Beyond 2021-2022″

“April Showers Bring May Flowers” Sign – eBay

In This Post

To see “Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy” please continue scrolling. Below these, you will find a “Link Parties” section. Then, at the very bottom of the post is a place to make comments. I would love to hear your comments about spring and summer tables, Tablescaping or anything else you would like to share. Thanks so much for “stopping by”!!

Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy

Please check out the spring and summer tablescape posts and the sunset post below, if you haven’t yet had a chance to do so.

Hummingbird Tablescape for Fall and Spring

Whimsical Water Animals Tablescape Celebrates Summer at the Seashore

Sunset on the Lake – April 2, 2023

Link Parties 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Comments

Your comments mean the world to me – I’d love it if you could share any comments on this post, the water fowl video, or your “April Showers” or “May Flowers”. BTW, does that saying fit in your area? For us, the saying should really be “March Showers bring April Flowers” I think.

Please know your email is never shared. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit us at the lake!!! I hope you can stop by again soon!!