Hummingbird Tablescape for Fall and Spring

Today is my first day as a blogger, and I am excited to reach this milestone! 

I wanted to start my website off with a tablescape.  Considering that the hummingbird’s stop in the Houston area is the longest in the fall, I decided to share my hummingbird table with you.  But first… about our hummingbird experiences… 

I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland Ohio and don’t remember seeing any hummingbirds there, but at my Aunt and Uncle’s house in the country (Galion, Ohio) I was fascinated to meet hummingbirds for the very first time “up close and personal” at my Aunt’s feeders.

I didn’t get my own hummingbird feeder until my husband and I moved to Texas in 1989 and we greatly enjoyed welcoming our first hummingbird guests.  Though we didn’t have many, and they didn’t stay long,  the ones we had were very appreciated.  Later, when we bought the lake house, we were surprised to find that the Lake Hummingbird visitors in the fall are usually 10X-15X more than we had in the city. (For more about the lake house see “about me”). Some years our hummingbirds drain our 6 feeders in 2 days, and when we were living here part time we would come up an extra time midweek just to refill those feeders.

The picture shows the feeders which we set next to the garden for the convenience of the hummingbirds and next to the dining room window at the lake, for the convenience of the bird watching humans. (Many thanks to Mary of  Home is Where the Boat Is   for info on the ant moats and the hummingbird Nectar Defender that we use in our feeders) 

I just checked one of the hummingbird sighting websites for Houston, and the hummingbirds have been spotted in the area on the 21^st of this month (August) so it’s time for us to fill the feeders.  (You can get more information on Houston hummingbird migration, and the hummingbirds favorite flowers at the Buchanan’s Plants website.  If you have pets, you may want to cross check that list with the toxic and non-toxic plant list on apsca’s website before you add hummingbird friendly plants.

The Hummingbird pictured above (alone on the feeder) is a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It is the one we most often see here. One season we thought we had two different kinds, but after research we realized the colors were different on the male and female, and “ours” were really all the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Our research included the Cornell lab article on Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.

Thinking on all this, I remembered my hummingbird table, that I did in their honor, but on the table at the “city” house (because that house has more room for the fragile serving pieces).  I’d like to share that tablescape with you. 

I can’t remember which item sparked the direction of the tablescape, whether it was the salad plates or the napkin rings, but they are both Fitz and Floyd and I found them on Ebay. Because I wanted 12 plates and 12 napkin rings, it took me about a year to find all 12.    This collection was manufactured in 1991 and is sometimes called the Hummingbird and Hibiscus pattern.  

I knew I didn’t have space for a whole set of Hummingbird dishes nor did I think I would be able to find the dinner plates, so I was very happy to realize that these plates went well with my Bordallo Pinheiro plates and with the gold flatware we received as wedding gifts.   The hummingbird pictured on the plate is the “Ruby Throated Hummingbird”  which is the one we see almost exclusively at the lake, although there are two other kinds in our area.  This made the plates very special to me.  When I was able to find the napkin rings, and a few other pieces that match, I was ecstatic. 

I love the delicate candle holders that show the Hibiscus in full bloom, while the napkin rings show the Hibiscus bud. 

The sugar dish and creamer are the complimentary Hibiscus pattern, and the candy dish has both the hibiscus and the hummingbird.

It’s funny looking back, I was so enamored by the detail on the vases when I received them, that I never even thought to add live or silk flowers to them.  I think I will try that the next time I set this tablescape. 

One last picture of the Hummingbirds to show that rare moment when the hummingbirds are filling every eating spot on the feeder instead of bypassing an empty spot to chase another hummingbird away from “his” spot.  

Addendum:  When I wrote this yesterday the Hummingbirds had not yet arrived.  However, one buzzed the picture window this morning as if to say “where’s our nectar!” so I quickly mixed up a batch.  I’m starting by filling two of our feeders only until I see how much action we have.  It’s still hot here – going up to 91 degrees today, so I don’t want to make too much and have it spoil.  From the time I hung the feeders, till the arrival of the hummingbird was about 15 min.  I’m guessing they are very hungry!  

Addendum: May 24, 2023

The Hummingbirds have been here for about 2-3 weeks this Spring. This was a record high for Spring – we had approximately 6. With 3 seeming to stay on for quite a while. Our big numbers of hummingbirds are in the fall – usually about 40, but likely into the 100’s some years (its very hard to count them as they are constantly moving!). In the fall they remain for 4-6 weeks, while in the Spring we have only small numbers of 3-6 hummingbirds and they are here for just a quick stop over – often only one week. This year we have had a few more than usual, and after 3 weeks, we still have one remaining. It has been fun to have the added viewing time!

 

In This Post

To see “Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy” please continue scrolling. Below these, you will find the “Table Details and Origins” section (where to buy tablescape items, etc.) and 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 summer tables, traveling to Florida, Flamingos, Tablescaping or anything else you would like to share. Thanks so much for “stopping by”!!”

Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy

If you enjoyed this Tablescape & Animals Post, I hope you will enjoy the following:

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

Frolicking Fitz and Floyd Bunnies Fill our Easter Tablescape with Fun and Flowers

Peter Rabbit Happily Hops into our Easter Tablescape

St. Patrick’s Day has “Gone to the Dogs” for a “Doggone Good” Celebration!

Freezing Temperature Tablescape with Sled Dogs, Seals and Bears “Oh My!!”

Whimsical Water Animals Tablescape Celebrates Summer at the Seashore

If you enjoyed the views of the lake with this hummingbird post, you may enjoy the following sunset posts

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake – April 15, 2023

Sunset on the Lake – April 2, 2023

Table Details and Origins

Salad plates, Serving Pieces and Napkin Rings – Fitz and Floyd “Hummingbird” or “Hummingbird and Hibiscus pattern 403” Japan 1991 -eBay -try searching “Fitz Floyd hummingbird”, “Fitz Floyd hummingbird napkin rings”, and “FF hummingbird” if interested.  I avoid the “&” or “and” so as to not confuse the search engine.  

Hummingbird Napkin Rings – I don’t often include links to things on eBay as they often sell before any of my website visitors get a chance to check out the link. However, there are two sets of the hummingbird napkin rings (like the ones in this post) on eBay today (Nov. 14,2023), and they seem to be in good condition, so, as these are rare, I am going to include them in case you are interested. (I do not know either seller, nor do I receive any incentives from eBay – so the below are just “in case you are interested links”

Fitz & Floyd Hummingbird Hand Painted Napkin Ring Holders SET of 6 with stickers -eBay

4 Pcs. Vintage Fitz & Floyd Hummingbird ~ Hibiscus Napkin Rings ~ Signed Japan – eBay

Dinner plate – Bordallo Pinheiro “Geranium” – https://us.bordallopinheiro.com as of the post date, this is a current pattern for Bordallo Pinheiro

Charger- Bordallo Pinheiro- “Lemon Leaf” a retired pattern – eBay. – To get a similar look, try the Bordallo Pinheiro “Geranium Charger” see link above

2^nd charger– pink glass- Pier 1 

Glasses – Waterford “Marquis”  Macy’s and Dillards

Pink Tablecloth and Napkins – eBay 

Gold Flatware – Oneida Community Golden Affection – discontinued pattern sometimes available on eBay

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 Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

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. 

Masterpieces of my Life hosts the “Home Imagined Link Party” on Tuesday every other week. This is a relatively new link party for me to attend, and I am really enjoying it the many home projects and decor ideas found here! 

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. 

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!

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. 

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!

I hope you will enjoy visiting these wonderful bloggers on the above websites as much as I do!