Feather Your Nest **** by Mary Carol Garrity
I’m joining Jain with my Edible Book Review at Food for Thought, a delicious blog for readers with an appetite for the written word.
Since this week’s letter assignment is N in Mrs. Matlock’s class, I’m Feathering My Nest for Alphabe-Thursday and joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday~
“Home decorating guru Mary Carol Garrity compares her techniques for transforming her own 130-year-old Greek revival fixer-upper to that of a bird building its nest- carefully selecting and layering all components twig by twig. In Nell Hill’s Feather Your Nest: It’s All in the Details, each chapter focuses on nest-building basics for different areas of the home, from common spaces like foyers to private spaces like bedrooms. Garrity empowers readers to feather their own nests by developing a sense of personal style, emphasizing minor touches that make a major difference.”
Twig by Twig guidelines and inspiration for adding layers & creating cozy vignettes that are a visual feast~
I spent a little time feathering my nest on my porch this past weekend~
Williamsburg Aviary by Wedgwood~ a plate given to me by my sister and a cup & saucer, a consignment store find~ I would love to feather my nest with a few more plates or pieces this year :-)
A bird wine bottle caddy was a Home Goods purchase several years ago~
Twig by Twig elements for a cozy nook on my porch include plenty of pillows, a throw, easy access to some books & usually a dog on my lap :-)
I filled a bird accented urn with greenery, artichokes & pheasant feathers for more nest feathering. . .
Food for Thought led me to the kitchen to play with cheese & pesto. . . thyme sprigs surround the cheese to resemble a nest~
Pesto Goat Cheese courtesy Southern Living, recipe here
Flour tortillas + the magic of cookie cutters + the oven = bird shaped crackers :-)
I hope you can join the fun this year, as I co-host Food for Thought with Jain here, Feb. 1st.
You’re invited to nosh your way thru a novel, munch upon a memoir, take a bite out of a biography, digest the pages of a decorating book, or feast upon a favorite cookbook. . .sharing an edible passage or food-inspiration from your book~
Rate your book & link it to Amazon:
***** EXCELLENT!
**** good read
*** average read
** so-so
* just skip it~
For Food for Thought inspiration & a fun format to follow for your edible review, check out a few of my favorite reviews of Jain’s:
Rosewater and Soda Bread, Tomato Rhapsody, The Illustrated Olive Farm, The Lost Cyclist, & A Year on Ladybug Farm
In celebration of my one year blogging anniversary, I am giving away a $25 Home Goods gift card to feather your nest along with a $25 Amazon gift card for happy reading to one winner.
To enter, leave a comment on this post for one chance to win; a second comment for another chance telling me your favorite book or book on your nightstand you’re reading now. A winner will be chosen by random number generator on Feb. 2nd.
This giveaway is now closed.
Thanks for your visit & to my hostesses:
-
Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday~
-
Little Red House for Mosaic Monday~
-
A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday~
-
French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday~
Lord have mercy…you do this SO well, Mary!! I just love the idea of the thyme around the cheese to represent a nest & those cute little tortilla crackers…what creativity! Such a lovely spot you’ve made to sit & read & have a bit of tea. Love your throw, too!! Beautiful colors & textures.
Back to say I’m reading Comfort Me With Apples at the moment. I think Jain did a review of it recently. That’s the problem with Food For Thought. All these GREAT recommendations that I now want to read after hearing you gals talk about them PLUS the ones my book club has selected …I just don’t have enough hours in the day!!!!!! I may have to give up sleeping. LOL
I am totally in awe of the ‘cheese’ bird’s nest & bird ‘crackers’. It is so beautiful you might not want to eat it! I bet we could manage it, though. Thanks for such a cheery entry on such an iced in day. Here’s looking forward to spring, may it come very soon….A
Thank you for the invitation to join you with the Food for Thought meme. Your photos are incredible! You are so talented. You’ve definitely give me Food for Thought!
I am currently reading Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks as part of a Nicholas Sparks challenge hosted by The Book Vixen. Also on my currently reading list is The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
Oops, I overlooked that. I am currently reading Nicholas Sparks’ Nights in Rodanthe as well as Kathryn Stockett’s The Help.
Mary, you do know how to “feather your nest”. I want to curl up in that comfy chair and indulge in both a good book and some of those birdie treats. How clever to make your own “bird” crackers and the nest of cheese eggs. You are full of creative inspiration. This makes a beautiful invitation for the new year of FFT. I’m looking forward to participating as often as time allows. Thank you to both you and Jain for keeping FFT alive. It’s a favorite for sure!
~ Sarah
oh i needed this, another dose of WOW! where did you find your nest pillow, that could not be more perfect for you! your entire scene is fantastic, i adore blue and brown, the blanket, dishes, cloche, wine carrier, oh you so know how to live pretty! the cup with the egg, be still my heart… and your arrangement is just perfection.
knock me over with one of your little feathers too, your cheese nest is exquisite… i have made that before, BUT NOT WITH TORTILLA BIRDS!!! oh life is in the details for sure and i am feeling very very mundane right now… oh you are still having a blast!
and congrats on your year of good service to us all, you are so sweet sharing the finest shopping around too on your giveaway!
thanks for all the links to my blog too, but i bow to the master…
birds of a feather flock together, i am so happy you are blogging~
Another gorgeous post, featuring one of my MCG faborites.
Such a clever way you’ve chosen to feather your nest! Love all the little details and have to agree with others’ comments on the goat cheese net and the bird ‘crackers’…Lovely touch!
The whole thing makes me want to start looking around to see what I can find to feather my own little nest…
The book on my mind at the moment is Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (another North Carolinian!) I started it yesterday evening after dinner and I didn’t put it down until 1:34 am when I finished it…savoring every morsel of this magical book!
Can’t wait to pick up something else written by her!
The perfect book review for a chilly and icy day. We are all trying to feather our nests. Two snow storms in 3 weeks, a rare occurrence in our area.
I have perused this book many times, enjoying it more each time. Love love the cheese nest and eggs and the Thyme sprigs take it to that place that many do not go. The bird crackers are joining the Thyme sprigs in that place. Jain is so right , details, details and more details. And I know no other that does it better than yourself. The blogging world is that much richer for you being a part of it this past year. Santa brought me that fabulous NEST pillow too! Carolyn
Well, of course I would like to be entered into your give away.
So I will share with you that I am currently reading ” Loving Frank”, a fictional account of a love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect, and Mamah Cheney. This is Nancy Horan’s first novel and she gives us a compelling story of intellectual, as well as, emotional attachment.
So I have been in my Nest for several days now, having read Dorthea Benton Frank’s” Sullivan’s Island” first and now Loving Frank. Carolyn
Hi Mary, I am new at this blogging land , but I have been visiting your blog/ should I say ” nest”/ for quite some time…and have been incredibly inspired. This post is wonderful ; like a bird gathering bits and pieces to fashion a warm nest , you created a delight for our eyes and our hearts…Aren’t we all birds ?…
I wish you unstoppable flying !
I would like to participate in your give away . I am a big book-lover and the book that I am reading , actually, I am finishing is Lisa Genova’s ”Still Alice”; a touching story about a fifty years old psychology professor at Harvard , who was diagnosed with early -onset Alzheimer ‘s disease…
Love this post. What delightful pictures and ideas. I am so impressed by the edible birds nest and cute crackers. Am bookmarking this post to refer to later when I have guests over. Her book sounds intriguing. Your pictures are great!
I am reading Gardening Mercies by Laurie Ostby Kehler. Some of the other books mentioned in other comments are inspiring. Please enter me in your lovely giveaway. Thank you for a great post!
Mary..Everything is pretty..but I love the cheese nest and birds the most I think..well ok..the plates.. the pillow..etc:)
Love, love, love the edible bird nest and crackers. I always have extra thyme is my garden, so I plan to make a nest! I have the same adorable “NEST” pillow. I am enjoying Fairyopolis by Cicely Mary Barker. I spotted it at the library, and wanted something fun to read on a work night.
A marvellous, creative post. Such a beautiful scene, and relaxing mood of emotions and colours. A fantastic idea with your bird crackers and cheese nest..too delicate! Wanting just a little inspiration of yours to start blogging again.!I also love your floral display with feathers, just beautiful and a talking piece added to any table. Such a joy to read your blog! xx
My latest read is “Italian Food Safari” by Maeve O’Meara and Guy Grossi…a delicious celebration of the Italian kitchen…maybe a wonderful starting book to join in the fun of FFT! xx
You never cease to amaze me Mary! I love the idea of the little bird shaped crackers and the cheese nest!!! Absolutely LOVE it…I must give it a try! Stunning nesting techniques…I feel relaxed just visiting over here!!
Lovely as always…
I have some sweet little wooden birds that sit on the top of the bed in my guest room and my guests always comment on them. The cheese nest is just way too cute…
This looks like a great place to nestle down and read a good book. It is so inviting.
We got seven inches of snow and than ice. The snow was a little dry and didn’t pack well. We did get to go sledding for the first time.
Books and food, such wonderful, comforting companions. You make both so compelling! Thank you for the time and expertise that you share with every new post.
Congratulations on your upcoming co-host! That will be so fun.
I am sending this link to my daughter…she loves all things with birds and blue and brown is her favorite color combination! She is going to squeak with delight when she sees what you’ve done here.
I actually made that cheese nest before…I never thought of using the bird cookie cutters, though. Clever, clever girl.
Thanks for a fun stop on our little journey through Alphabe-Thursday’s Letter “N”.
As always, your post is totally nifty.
A+
I’m currently reading “The Help” and quite enchanted with it.
Just amazing Mary! Love your vignette and the food is art in itself! It’s apparent that you do love this meme! Thanks for the chance at the fun give-away:@)
Oooh! Looks like an interesting book!
Everything looks so inviting and I love the cup, saucer and plate. I would want to collect quite a few more of those also. I am reading a book by Laura Childs at this time called Eggs Benedict Arnold. She has three mystery series that I follow and they all have recipes in them.
This is the prettiest little feathered nest area, but what I am most enchanted with is the rosemary nest and the bird crackers — they are just so amazing. I do have a Garrity book that I love — lots of good ideas in it for gussying up a home. Joni
I just finished two books 1) Matched — which is a YA novel that I really enjoyed and is reviewed on my blog and 2) The Walk by Richard Paul Evans that I also enjoyed. Both of them have sequels that don’t come out until next year, which I really do NOT enjoy! Fun giveaway. Joni
You have done an amazing job on feathering your nest. What a warm and cozy corner, and those brown dishes with the birds, take my breathe away, so pretty. and the dip that looks like a bird nest with birdie crackers, be still my heart…………just love it all!!
Blessings, Nellie
Mary,
Mary Carol Garrity is one of my favorite reads. . .my DH “Mr. Ed” bought this book for me last year for Christmas. It doesn’t sit idle long around our coffee table. I adore your porch decor. (I’m just sure I purchased the matching tablecloth to your dishtowel after Christmas.) Thank you for such lovely photos of your decor elements. The centerpiece is an elegant accessory and enhances the theme perfectly! Layer, by layer, twig by twig. . .I was smitten!
Fondly,
Pat
Oh goodness, your beautiful tables and vignettes are the best review for that book. If I could replicate THAT, I’d buy it in a minute. I love it all. I’m so fond of bird themes, and you have done it so expertly and subtly. My favorite shots are ones where you can see the chair and table and all the goodies.
So beautiful!
I absolutely love the way you feathered your nest! It is just beautiful. The goat cheese pesto sounds fascinating.
The Wedgwood Williamsburg Aviary is a wonderful pattern…hadn’t encountered it before your post. Your vignette definitely reminded me of pleasant times spent sauntering through the Nell Hill Stores in Atchison and Kansas City….one of our favorite girl trips on occasion. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay
I love your blog, you always do such beautiful decorating. I am currently reading “My Life in Paris” by Julia Child, it is a delightful read and I am enjoying it so much.
Please put my name in the hat for the great giveaway. I have been wanting a Nell Hill book and if I won the giveaway that is what I would get.
Thanks for the great giveaway and all the wonderful ideas you share with us.
Mary L
Oh, I would absolutely love a chance to win! Your chairscape is gorgeous. I just wanted to sit there and dream and read, and what an adorable plate. I hope you will join me in a china drawing on my blog where I am going to
let the winner have a piece/pieces of whatever pattern she chooses. I forgot to mention that in the linky, but I hope you will join me, too! Thanks for allowing me this chance and another. I will be sure and leave a second comment with my book info.
Happy Tablescape Thursday…
XO,
Sheila :-)
I’m baaaaack! ;-)
I am currently reading Churchill’s HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLES. I just finished a biography of him by Gilbert, and it was excellent.
Thanks again and Happy Tab. Thurs!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Simply gorgeous! You really know how to feather a nest.
Amazing!!!!!!!!! Those bird-shaped crackers are genius!!! I will have to try that sometime! Everything looks so inviting!!! I, too, am a fan of Mary Carol’s books. I STILL haven’t made that hour trek to Atchison, though. :-( I will someday. Have a great week!
WOW! Looking at your pics of your feathered porch makes me think I’m reading a page out of one of Mary Carol Garrity’s books! You have matched her style perfectly! Love that NEST pillow, it just “makes” the vignette! And to top that, you made the little eggs in the nest out of real edible food! So clever and yummy looking! You will be a terrific hostess for the party on Feb 1st!
DD
Second comment to tell you I’m re-reading “Southern Lady Gracious Tables” by Phyllis Hoffman and love to dream of “Tablescape-land” after browsing through a few pages before bed!
DD
I am so in love with that bird wine cooler. Great little nest you feathered.
I am sending a 2nd post to tell you I am reading Finding Martha’s Place by Martha Hawkins – very inspirational!!
Wow! I love seeing how books can inspire us to be creative in our own homes :) That must have been quite an interesting read! I love the elements that you combined together to create that space. From the pillow to the Williamsburg Aviary plate and saucer to the food….everything just flows really nicely. Good job! I really love the plate and saucer set you got from your sister. It’s so cute :)
Could snuggle up in that nest anytime! Beautifully done!
Another entry for another chance at your generous giveaway! Oodles of magazines decorate my nightstand…mostly of the Somerset variety.
Thanks!
This is amazing. Love all of it, but particlarly love the herb bird nest. The Nell Hill book is on of my favorites.
– The Tablescaper
Love how you carried the theme through out your post. I enjoyed all your photos.
Beautiful pictures, wow!
~M
Makes me want to fly in, land, and nest for awhile.
=)
What a beautiful post and a great giveaway. Love the nesting theme. Count me in. Peggy from PA
Your nest looks perfect. :) Kind of makes me feel bad about how messy my house is… *goes off to move some furniture*
The book I’m reading now is The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett. I decided to read everything he’s ever written – I’m a big fan, but I never got a chance to read most of his early works. I think this is one New Year’s resolution I’ll actually achieve. :)
WONDERFUL PHOTOS! I makes me want to start redecorating! Don’t mention that to my husband, thought.
Love the bird china pieces. They are something that I would want more of too. Your photos are great. You’ve feathered your nest beautifully.
That is one beautiful porch shot! The nest pillow is my favorite item in the picture…. Would you be so kind as to share where you bought it? It is the perfect accent to such a comfy looking little spot to retreat to….
On my bedside table is a copy of EAT, LOVE, PRAY which was an enjoyable read. I recently rented the movie and was extremely disappointed in it.
You are so next door to us here in Topeka!! We visit at least twice a year. Love the new store at Briarclift. Great to see you sharing on Designs By Gollum.
As for books I’m reading, our book club will discuss Rebecca next week and I’ll be starting Little Bee for next month’s book.
Oh what a pretty little nest you’ve created!
Thanks for everyone’s kind comments…I’m enjoying seeing what everyone is reading :-) My Nesting Pillow came from Pottery Barn this fall~
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/nest-sentiment-lumbar-pillow/?catalogId=7&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=Google%20Base&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base
What a lovely collection! I love it.
I’m having the very first GIVEAWAY on my blog. Please stop by to submit your entry. Good Luck! http://utry.it/2011/01/happy-birthday-to-meand-very-first.html#comments
I love the idea of my home being my nest – and of feathering it until it’s as cosy and soft as I can make it!
On my night table is The Island by Elin Hilderbrand.
And I thought Jain had the market covered on this method of “book reporting!” Apparently NOT! I’m overwhelmed! What intricacy and forethought! I can’t possibly participate on this level, but I do hope to participate this year at some level! I’ve been following Jain’s site…looks like I have two to keep my eyes on now! What a pleasure!
There are several books on my nightstand…it all depends what I’m in the mood to read. Sometimes I get into some stuff I’d rather not read just before falling asleep… Right now, I’m reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle in favor of Seeds of Deception and Cleaving. Soiled Doves is also there, and is also distancing Cleaving at the moment. Their story is history too, and I can at least respect them. The Diary of Peter Ginz is a new arrival and will probably slide in behind Seeds of Deception when the time comes.
My favorite read of 2010 was a tie between The Last Chinese Chef and Untangling my Chopsticks.
Great post, adorable bird nest under the cloche. I love the idea of feathering my home like a bird, I will be looking for that book. On my nightstand are The Photographer’s Mind by Michael Freeman and Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie, I have a habit of reading more than one book at a time.
What a gorgeous post!!! So inspiring, full of warmth and welcomeness. How I’d love to have this book. I’ll have to go on a hunt for it. Your man made nest and crackers are too cute and so creative. Your post is a feast for the eyes!
Cindy
Everything is so beautifully put together! What a wonderful and beautiful photographed post.
Gorgeous. Looks so inviting and cosy.
Wow…the decorating, the food, the styling and the photography is gorgeous…I think You have all the bases covered in this post!!! Have a beautiful week and congrats on your anniversary!!!
BTW, I’m reading Broke…by Glenn Beck…
This is such a beautiful post. Love the birds. I want the pillow!!! I must remember Williamsburg Aviary … it is gorgeous. My favorite book … War and Peace!!! Really!!!!
I love your cozy little retreat. The chair is awesome and the bird decor is right up my alley. And the nest and crackers is very creative. A wonderful post and photos.
Your porch setting is adorable. Every little detail has been thought of. I would love to sit out there and read each one of those books all snuggle under the throw. Love the blues and browns together with the old weathered look of the bench.
Oh my, this is just wonderful. I just want to curl up and read and enjoy all the beauty around me. You have created such a magical spot and it is so inviting. I love every single detail. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Omigosh, how BEAUTIFULLY you have feathered your nest! I’m drooling over that lovely bird plate! Now I have to go back and reread all my Nell Hill books. :)
Mary, just flew in to see this gorgeous post yet another time. I can’t get enough of it. I just finished reading RED HOOK ROAD. Plan to share it on the 1st. Started it before my trip and spent most of yesterday curled up under a quilt to finish it. Best way to spend a cold, gray January day. ;-)
Congratulations on your first year. A huge “Thank You” for sharing your amazing talents. How fortunate we all are that you began Home is Where the boat is. I’m looking forward to another year of your style! ~ sarah
Your feathering has tickled me silly, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful vignette.
Fabulicious!!!!! Nothing more needs to be said.
Another absolutely beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing it with us and congratulations on your blog anniversary!
My latest book is Flair by Joe Nye. It is full of beautiful inspiration!
The nest and the thyme and the cheese and the bird crackers!!! Out of Tortillas! OH.MY.WORD! LOVE IT!!!
And your porch is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!
Lou Cinda
Happy one year blogging anniversary, Mary! This was such a beautiful vignette. I love birds and finding decorative items with their motif. Your wine carrier is so unusual and a wonderful piece! Love it!
I always have a few books going at the same time ..right now I’m reading “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, and “The Dog Who Ate the Truffle” by Suzanne Carreiro –it is a memoir of stories and recipes from Umbria, Italy.
Oh, wow!! How amazing your porch is!! LOVE everything about it. And I adore that brown Wedgewood!!
This is terrific, I love the details and the colors, just splendid:)
Your feathering is just gorgeous. I can only imagine sitting it that chair covered with that throw reading a good book…oh, and drinking a cup of coffee. Beautiful…
HOW BEAUTIFUL! I will enjoy following your blog. I love bird decor. Looking at your pictures made me want to run outside and pile all of my pillows on my porch swing. Have mercy it’s pretty! Good job:)
Hi there- my goodness what a beautiful and inspiring post!! I love this! I love the vignette you have created and that darling pillow and I lOVE those tortilla bird crackers!! Fantastic! Can’t wait to try that for my next spring/summer party! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday :)
I would love to be entered in your giveaway too!
I am currently reading several design books- one of which is ‘The French Inspired Home’ by Carolyn Westbrook. LOVE it! Congrats on your bloggiversary and thank you for the opportunity! :)
Would you mind me sharing this post and a link included on my blog? I think my blogging friends would love this idea!
Thank you
mary