Monday, September 7, 2020

Birds and Branches--The Stark Tranquility of the Approaching Fall

Bird nests have long been emptied and trees have delicately dropped their bright colorful leaves.  Crispness lingers in the air and dazzling ice crystals form on the bare branches.  Late Fall has now settled in and silently awaits the onset of the first fallen snow.

Can you still see nature's beauty in the Fall season when there are no longer bold and vivid colored trees but exposed, barren branches instead?  Can you still be awed by trees that are empty and void of their vibrant colors of green, orange, yellow and burgundy?  As the cool autumn wind begins to whirl across the landscape, any remaining withered foliage on the twisted branches surrenders their grip to join the rustling piles of parched leaves blanketed below. Birds, such as chickadees and nuthatches dance and flutter and spend time looking for food as the environment around them dramatically changes.  As everything lays barren, the desolate countryside seems to convey a time to retreat into rest and nestle into the stillness and quietness of late Fall's slumber.

My Fall tablescape this week was inspired by the kind of changes one sees at the tail end of the season.  Although, during much of this time, any appreciation for late Fall's craftsmanship is missed since most everyone is focused on the plans and preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  Some how the simplicity and artistry of the sparse Fall surroundings are overlooked or dismissed for the events which lie ahead.

Nevertheless, I hope I was able to capture some of the charm and admiration for this extraordinary peaceful time of quietude.  Come join me as we celebrate the change of season to Fall and participate in this week's Fall Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by Chloe Crabtree of Celebrate and Decorate.  Beginning Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, you will be able to enjoy and browse a variety of beautiful Fall tablescapes designed by other tablescapers (see their blog links below).  

Gone are the leaves from my favorite tree, a Japanese Maple, with its stunning burgundy leaves in the front of the porch.








Gone is its bright red colored leaves which are always beautiful when they stand in sharp contrast to the lush green grass of summer or the tranquil baby blue color of the clear, cloudless sky.




As more and more trees unveil their transparent form, a sense of calm and serenity begins to emerge.  The stark surroundings symbolize the humble solitude and contentment that the late season brings.  Hopefully, it is exemplified in this Birds and Branches tablescape.




A centerpiece made of bare, iced branches in a clear vase reflects the see through groves of late Fall trees without their bright, bold leaves.  




Empty nests on each plate signifies the fact that the baby birds from Spring have left their early home.

 





















These empty nests perched in twig holders make a lovely decor statement for the table.  They remain empty for this tablescape to symbolize the sparseness of the very end of the season, but they can hold a tea candle (preferably a battery tea light), acorns, potpourri, candy or cut-up cinnamon sticks.  














Grapevine pumpkins adorn each place setting and add even more to the Fall theme.












Here I use a tea candle in the nest and its twig holder, but it may be safer to use a faux movable flame tea candle instead.




As a last minute tip, you may want to cut a small piece of bubble wrap and float it in a cylinder candle holder filled with twigs and topped with a tea light as a "floating" candle. I couldn't get to the store to purchase a box of floating candles, so this works well as a substitute.  Each cylinder is wrapped with the twig garland that weaves down the center of the table.








































Fall can no longer linger on and the first snow fall has arrived. Fall is quietly exiting and it is time to enter into a relaxing slumber. 




Now lets unwind and visit the many other exquisite Fall tablescapes:




20 comments:

  1. Can I begin with how envious I am of your cooler weather? With "feels like" temperatures hitting 107 last week, I am SO ready for fall! Your table and your message is so perfect! I can just imagine the birds lighting upon the bare branches this time of year as they visit the feeders provided by gentle friends. Thank you so much for joining us once again!

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  2. With a business named after the coziness our home "nests", I am simply in love with your table! The natural elements including nests and branches with a tablecloth filled with birds make a perfect Fall table. The pine cone plates are a nice compliment. Love all the colors, too.

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  3. What a charming table! I love your fall hues and textures--pinning! Happy to be joining for the hop today! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

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  4. It looks like it really is fall where you are. Your bird table fits in so well with the trees. You really tied in the outdoor colors so well. What a beautiful colorful table. Thanks for being in the hop.

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  5. Marsha, you've set the tone and table beautifully with your prose and props! I really admire the beauty you've assembled in the birds on branches, the centerpiece branches, empty nests, and even the choice of color for the salads, stems and napkins. The sunlight coming in through the window on the place setting is also very striking, and lends a real appreciation to that time in fall where we generally just move along with all the hubbub of the pending holidays. I think this year may be a little different - after all, if we don't notice the small things, we may easily fatigue with the pandemic at hand. I personally love getting out each and every day, walking, noticing the little things. Your table is a gentle reminder for those who otherwise might be speeding along. Happy September, it's a pleasure to be in your company.

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  6. Oh the beauty of that table in the candlelight! I'm smitten! I love the birds and the symbolism of the empty nests and bare branches. Not only are you creative and thoughtful, your photographs are wonderful! :) So nice to be hopping with you!

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  7. Your bird table is lovely. The nests add a nice touch. I love adding natural elements to any table. Lots of texture added. The candlelight is so romantic. always a pleasure to join you.

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  8. Marsha, I love how you always set the mood with your lovely words. The natural elements of nests and branches sitting atop the bird tablecloth is perfect for the end of autumn, my favorite season. I have several Japanese maples and I love the red of their leaves. Happy Fall!

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  9. So much to love about your table! The beautiful red leaves made the perfect inspiration for the red in your table. I adore the rich fall colors and those precious nests! Great hopping with you again!
    Shelley

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  10. Marsha, Imlove how you trslated those beautiful red trees in your yard to your wonderful table. I love all the natural elements of branches, twigs and birds nests. Your bird tablecloth is a great background for the story your table told. Very pretty!! I hope you have a wonderful fall season. IT is always a pleasure to hop with you.🌻🍂🍁

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  11. Marsha, you have literally brought the cozy feeling of autumn to your table. I absolutely adore those little birds elevated in the branches. So cute! Your tablecloth is the perfect backdrop! I have mini Japanese red maples and I will clip a few branches to bring indoors before they loose their leaves for the winter. They add such a pop of color. So glad to be sharing in the blog hop with you this week!

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  12. Love it and especially the birdie tablecloth, Wow! Really cool job and conveying the end of fall--even though it has not started here ;-).

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  13. I love your sweet birds and colorful tablecloth Marsha! Your table does evoke the feeling of peaceful nesting. Our trees don’t begin to lose their leaves until the beginning of November so I’m embracing fall when others are thinking about decking the halls with boughs of holly. :) So happy to join you at the table and hop with you again ♥

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  14. Marsha, I love your tablecloth with all kinds of birds.Your description of fall approaching had me spellbound. The twigs and branches have lovely texture and I can imagine the birds flying from one branch to another. I enjoy watching the birds and am amazed they actually take turns in the bird bath or at the bird feeder. It is so sweet to watch.Your setting is a lovely backdrop for your story.
    Nice to blog hop again with you.

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  15. Marsha, first I must say that opening picture with the Japanese Maple is stunning. The contrast of the blue sky and red leaves is breathtaking. Your table is so beautiful with all of the wonderful natural elements and pops of red you have incorporated. Take care, and happy fall!

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  16. Absolutely beautiful! I LOVE your tablecloth and you've highlighted it perfectly with your plates and all the other complements.
    What a treat it would be to be enjoying a meal at this table.
    Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  17. Your table is beautiful and I absolutely love the nests and the tablecloth. Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ's.

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  18. Your tablecloth is beautiful and I love the design on the dinner plates. The glow from the candles creates and cozy ambiance, one that makes you want to linger. Have a wonderful week!

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  19. Marsha, I love your bird's and branches tablescape! The twig candle holder is my favorite accent. It's so unique! Thanks for sharing at Celebrate Your Story! Link Party. You've been featured this week :)

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  20. What an artsy tablescape! Love the bare branches as they convey the late season you are portraying! The tablecloth is lovely! Thank goodness we really aren’t that far along in the season!

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