Apron Strings and April Cornell Giveaway

An Apron Inspired Breakfast And A Giveaway

I am so very excited to announce the first giveaway at StoneGable! The oh-so-generous and creative people at April Cornell sent me exquisite linens to share with you! And I went shopping at my very favorite local shop, The Olde Millhouse Shoppe, and came home with some wonderful and whimsical buys to give away too!

 This  April Cornell Rise and Shine waffle weave tea towel is complimented by the beautiful Anna Black fabric border. It is masterfully embellished with bird appliques and embroidery. So pretty!!!! I can just picture it in your kitchen- inspiring!

The lovely floral pattern in these Russian Chintz oven mitts by April Cornell will make a fashion statement in your kitchen! I am so tickled to have them as part of my first giveaway!

I love that April Cornell uses such divine patterns and colors to bring an upscale look and feel to the table and kitchen! To see the full line of gorgeous April Cornell textiles and more go to http://www.aprilcornell.com/.

The winner of this giveaway can carry all their new treasures in this birch market basket. I think it would make a nice summer purse, picnic basket or even a basket to gather flowers!  A pink geranium in a crackled green pot is waiting for a new home! To contine the bird theme a small domed trellis with a bird finial, a fluffy nest and a box of colored eggs will be included. All these wonderful items were selected for you from The Olde Millhouse Shoppe. To visit the The Olde Millhouse Shoppe on line, go to http://www.oldemillhouse.com/.

How To Enter StoneGable's First Giveaway:

Each way you enter gives you 1 chance!

*Leave a comment on this post

* Become a follower or let me know you are a follower

*Go to April Cornell (click HERE) and let me know your favorite textile pattern

*Include this giveaway in a post on your blog with a link back to this post

The giveaway will end, Tuesday June 8, 2010 at midnight EST.

The giveaway WINNER will be announced Wednnesday, June 9, 2010.

I hope you will join in and celebrate my first giveaway!

 Apron Inspired Trayscape

StoneGable was bustling this weekend.  A long weekend filled with guests, picnics (the thunderstorms chased us inside) and activities. I think my home loves the laughter and the clamor that comes when all my rooms are occupied!

If you would come to StoneGable I would probably meet you at the door in my apron and usher you inside with a big hug.

I love wearing aprons. I have ones for the kitchen and the garden. Aprons that have belonged to my grandmother and mother are treasured but used posessions.  Aprons, to me, are a homemaker's uniform!

One of the most beautiful aprons I have was given to me by the kind people at April Cornell. Can you imagine my thrill when I opened a recent package from them and found this Periwinkle Russian Chintz apron  inside!

Aprons have  very utiltiarian uses. Obviously, they keep our clothing clean and free from the messier signs of homemaking. But who says they can't be a fashion statement too!

A very favorite breakfast at StoneGable is a scrumptious breakfast strawberry shortcake (recipewill be posted Thursday evening). Taking it out of the oven sends heavenly sweet  scents of vanilla wafting through the kitchen.  

Isn't this apron and  the matching oven mitts just gorgeous? Notice the buttons on the adjustable neck strap. It is this kind of detailing that makes me love this apron! Easy to adjust and to take on and off!

Aprons can be called into service in the garden too! The last of the peonies were gathered up into this summery apron just before a huge thunderstorm! Notice the wonderful quality of the fabric and the pretty design. Can you tell I am smitten with this apron!

This week's mini trayscape was inspired by my darling apron and the LOVELY appliqued and  embroidered  April Cornell tea towel. In this trayscape I am focusing on giving  you some creative ideas and special touches you can do for your guests!

Serving individual breakfasts on white wicker serving trays is such a fun way to greet each overnight guest.  The light blue April Cornell tea towel lines the bottom of the tray and spills over the edge with the "Rise And Shine" message. A perfect wake up call!

Strawberry shortcake in a soft celadon green bowl is accompanied by lots of fresh in season strawberries and blueberries! Don't forget a little splash of milk.

 

The blue floral plates compliment the beautiful Anna Black border around the tea towel. And a larger plate matches the bowl.

I think the Strawberry Shortcake taste better when eaten with the Napoleon Bee spoon.

Coffee is served in my new passion to collect~ rice china cups! Can you see the little rice shaped translucent areas in the cup? Look very carefully.

Guest will find a tiny April Cornell notecard that mimics the sentiment on the towel to "Rise And Shine" with a sweet note and  the days activities handwritten inside. It is just a little something extra that makes guests feel so pampered and cared for.

This yummy breakfast with all its pretty linens is not going to a guest this morning. It is quiet at StoneGable. This breakfast belongs to me. I will savor it as I savor the memories of a happy weekend with friends and family!

I am participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch. Susan, our most faithful and creative hostess is featuring a guest Tablescape from our European friend, Cornelia. Please go for a visit. You will be graced with so many wonderfu ideas! Click HERE to join in the fun!