ic Kathe With an E: Forget-Me-Not

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Forget-Me-Not

One of my father's favorite things was birds and birdhouses.  Late last Fall he began asking for unfinished birdhouses so that he could decorate them.  He used paint pens to color them and also hot glued craft items to them. He said it helped to forget about the pain, even if just for a little while. My cousins would also bring him  bird related items including faux birds.  Even staff members starting keeping their eye out for things they could bring to him.

When we cleared out dad's room I brought the birds and houses home with me.  I intend to clear coat the houses and put them out in my garden this Spring. 
With dad's love of birds in mind I put this table together in his memory.
I started with a yellow table cloth and a green, yellow and white crochet piece from Mr. B's mother.

For each place setting I used a green charger, a large plate from Ikea, a thrifted plate with flowers and another small salad plate, also thrifted, that has bird houses on it.

The dinner plate is from J&G Meakin and the pattern is named, Forget-Me-Not, so perfect for this table.
I used dad's decorated bird houses on the table as well as some of his bird collection as well as some of our own. You see, Mr. B & I also collect birds.

I took all of the remaining flowers from the arrangements we had received when dad passed and put them into a large vase. 

Three of the place settings have a green wine goblet from Dollar Tree and a water goblet.  Dad's place, at the head of the table, has a water goblet and a large beer mug.  Dad was not a wine drinker.  Give him a cheap cold beer any day :)

 





I think dad would have liked sitting at this table. I think he would be pleased to see that his art is being showcased.  I imagine him sitting back, enjoying a cheap cold beer, watching all of the birds as they surround him with their songs.

48 comments:

  1. Oh, Kathe, that was a very "tweet" post. Your Dad would be so pleased. His birdhouses are so bright, colorful, and cheerful!

    Your table setting is darling. Great job! Love the bird collection, too. Susan

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  2. Kathe,
    I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I'm sure he would be very happy with your setting.

    I love your dishes and all the little birds perched here and there.

    Hope you have a wonderful week!

    (hugs)
    Aledia

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  3. This was such a sweet table and holds so many wonderful memories of you Dad. My Dad was a beer drinker also! Hugs, Linda

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  4. Well, what can I say? This is such a special table. Everything on it speaks of you love for your Dad. Makes my heart sing.

    Love the top most salad/dessert plate. I've seen them before, but can't remember where. I think I almost ordered a set once upon a time.

    OA

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  5. What a great tribute to your Dad! You did a beautiful job! You are so talented.

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  6. This one pulled at my heart. I have been very hit and miss from blog visiting. I just scrolled down to see the Warrior post that I had missed. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad.

    What a beautiful, beautiful thing to do. The table would be lovely for any reason, but the story makes it twice so.

    My grandmother was making a tablecloth for me called "Forget-Me-Not" when she passed away. It looked a lot like those dishes. You have a treasure with them and will very probably think of your dad every time you use them now. How special.

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  7. So sorry about the loss of your Dad. Love your bird tablescape. Such a sweet tribute to your Dad's love of birdhouses.

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  8. Oh such a pretty tablescape. Your birdhouse dishes are just the cutest. Love it all. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, marty

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  9. What a lovely tribute to your dad and his bird house passion. So glad it brought him comfort! And there's nothing wrong with a cold beer man. I married one!

    :)

    Linda

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  10. What a darling table setting in honor of your Dad. I have a set of the bird house dishes you showed. I use them for my summmer dishes. Thanks for sharing.
    Nancy

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  11. Oh I adore the yellow and green doily!

    I hope you'll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a $50 Kirklands gift card.

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  12. Kathe, I'm so sorry about the loss of your Dad, but what a beautiful tribute you made in his honor!!

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  13. Beautiful table scape in your dads honor!!

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  14. Hi Kathe, Nice to meet you. What a sweet table setting in honor of your dad. I'm sure he would have loved it! Glad he got some comfort from his birdhouses.

    Debbie

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  15. I love this, what a wonderful thing to be able to remember your dad like this. Love the bird houses and the birds - just beautiful. I found your link at Cozy Home Scenes, and I'm glad I visited - this post is so heartwarming. Thanks for sharing. Hugs ~ Mary

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  16. What a sweet outdoors/spring/bird theme tablescape. It just brings a big smile to my face!

    And what a sweet remembrance for a loved one. That makes it all the more sweeter.

    Hugs.

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  17. I love the pretty birds! WOW! Just lovely on the table! ♥

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  18. It sounds like your dad was a very special man. What a lovely tribute! The birdhouses are so cheerful, and the flock of feathered friends make for a very sweet table. Love it, Kathe.

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  19. Kathe. This table is one of the best I have seen by you. Why? Because there is so much dog-on LOVE here. I know your dad is loving every little detail on your table, and ready to take a big swig out of his nice big glass. Cheers to that!I love every little detail on your table. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. Been thinking of you!

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  20. Hi Kathe-

    I'm so sorry about the loss of your father, but I'm glad he was able to create these birdhouses for you to enjoy. Using them in your every day life I'm sure would have brought him lots of joy. The fact you use them is a great way to honor him.

    Thank you for joining my party. This is probably just an oversight, but I noticed there was no link back on your post or sidebar for the Your Cozy Home Party. I'd appreciate the link whenever you get a chance. Thanks again for stopping by.

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  21. cute birdhouses and tablescape. loved looking at your pictures.

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  22. How pretty, I love entertaining! I'm a new follower. If you have a minute, please stop by my brand new blog. I'd love to have you follow me, too:) Thanks so much!

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  23. Sweet table,love the birds. So clever. Thanks for sharing.Please come and follow me back ,lost my old blog had to start over,Joann

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  24. Lovely birds, WONDERFUL china :) I wish you would invite me for tea :)

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  25. A very nice way to remember your dad. I am sure he would have been very pleased. My late father-in-law made birdhouses as well. Sorry I did not get to keep one.

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  26. Beautiful table setting - and I'm sure your Dad would have loved it! Such a nice tribute!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  27. What a very special table. What wonderful memories the tangible birdhouses will be of your lovign father. What a beautiful table. Yes, I bet he would have loved it. You are blessed to have the birdhouses indeed!
    Ruth

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  28. What a "Springy" beautiful table. Love the beer stein - your dad sounds like mine. For me it is comforting to have those we've loved and lost to be with us in the things they created and loved.

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  29. Why do you have me sniffling this early in the morning???!!?! Oh, Kathe...this is just the sweetest, most heartfelt, most loving post. Truly beautiful. I am so glad you will be able to keep your Dad's memory going in your garden with the birdhouses. That will be fantastic! You found the perfect dishes to pull off this table, too. "Forget Me Not" could not be more apropos! Love the birdhouse salad plates, too. I'm pretty sure they have cheap, cold beer in heaven and that your Dad raised his mug to this tribute. Good job, baby girl.

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  30. This tablescape is so sweet. Such a special way to honor and remember your father.

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  31. What a great way to honor your dad. The tablescape is so cute. Love the little birds.

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  32. Very touching, Kathe. What a great way to honor your dad, I bet he would have loved sitting there with you!
    Yesterday was the anniversary of my mom's passing, and my birthday. Always bittersweet.

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  33. Great way to honor your dad. Also very spring-inspiring! Thanks for sharing at Things I've Done Thursday! www.bearrabbitbear.com

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  34. What a cute springtime tablescape. Love the birds and birdhouses..what a cute touch :)

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  35. Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks…..have a wonderful weekend:)

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  36. What a lovely way to honor your dad, the birdhouses are charming!

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  37. The table is just darling. Bird houses are my fav. I know your Dad would have been pleased. Thanks for linking!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  38. What a sweet and festive spring table.. and of course what a beautiful way to remember your Dad. Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo party.. can't wait to see what you share next~

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  39. Very festive and Spring-y! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday! I always appreciate your participation!

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  40. So pretty Kathe! I'm sure he would be impressed! Well done!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

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  41. Such a pretty tablescape, and your Dad inspired you. It is a beautiful way to keep Dad with you and at your spring table. Love that you used the birdhouses in your garden, and loving all the birds. A very touching post, one I can relate to since both my parents are gone. Memories are what keeps them alive. Thanks for sharing your and your Dad's reative inspiration over at Sunday's Best.

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  42. Forgot to tell you I am following with Linky!

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  43. What a beautiful way to remember your dad! It is so special. His birdhouses are fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.

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  44. How very wonderful! I have to say this did bring a tear to my eye. I miss my Dad so much - especially this time of the year - he loved being Irish and St. Patrick's day - Your tribute to your dad is beautiful - what treasures for you to keep - thank you for sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  45. What a fun and cute table Kathy! So Spring like which I think we are all ready for!

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  46. awww, what a sweet table setting! :) Puts my paper plates to shame.
    I love spring!
    gail

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  47. Darling. And I'm sure your dad is looking on from heaven & smiling!Thanks so much for sharing this on Fabulous Friday at Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust. Please come back next week!

    Warmly, Michelle

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