Do You Need a Bit of Easter Inspiration?
Last week we had to make a trip to Nashville for an appointment which was a perfect chance to head to Franklin, TN. A favorite spot for inspiration. My favorite spice shop is there. Several favorite shops for everything from paper goods to books to home furnishings. I was on the hunt for a bit of Easter inspiration this trip.
I know we are all different; but, for me, shopping opens up my creativity. I don’t always have to buy to have a “look”. Simply by surrounding myself with an environment, sparks begin to fly. Are you like that, too?
We hadn’t even gotten into the shopping area yet, and,
Inspiration struck.
There on the doors of a beautiful little church were dogwood wreaths. Four of them on four doors. If you have followed me long, you will know that I also write a monthly article for the Vue magazine…and those doors spoke to me of an article I was writing. Out of the car, camera snapping, and I was a happy girl.
We moved on to my very favorite spice shop, Savory Spice, whose spices I have used in so many recipes I have shared here like the Cheese Roll or the Sweet Potato Chili. So, I loaded up with more of my favorites and found a few more to inspire me. I immediately knew in my head how I wanted to use one of the new lime salts. Can’t wait!
The next stop had to be the Iron Gate for so much Easter inspiration. I’m telling you! That building and it’s contents can cause my head to go into overdrive.
This bunny stole my heart!
Oh, my goodness…and then there was the tablescape….
And beds…lots of beds…but this one spoke beauty and comfort…
Hydrangea are an absolute favorite. These were tucked into the best bowl. Pure happiness!
Now, if you have followed me long, you know that I am a book lover. I found one of my favorite books in a little shop in Franklin that I have shared with you…”What Do You Do With An Idea?” by the same author I shared on the “How Do You Handle A Problem?” post. Today, there was lots more book inspiration.
At the Iron Gate, there were signed copies of Anne Neilson’s “Angels” book with Kathie Lee Gifford’s forward. You can shop online with the Iron Gate. How fun?
Then, I rounded the corner through the doorway that always leads to happiness! You see, if you haven’t been to the Iron Gate or Franklin, this amazing building has a connecting doorway that takes you to my NEXT FAVORITE place on the planet!
Hester & Cook.
I have NEVER been in this store that I haven’t left with something in my hand and inspiration in my heart. Believe me! Today was no disappointment. As I entered, there was a birthday celebration set up. Now with lots of little girls in my world celebrating birthdays soon, I was smitten. How cute is that crown?
Perhaps…not just Easter here…but, how cute is that? But talk about Easter inspiration….
I hit gold here!
Who knew Peeps could get even cuter? or Peter Cottontail? or paper supplies? I had to have that purple check roll of paper for my Easter Brunch…some adorable paper plates! My husband knew I was literally down the bunny hole. Pun intended!
How’s the Easter inspiration going?
And that book thing? It happened again.
Right there at checkout. A stack of books on the counter…new ones by Kobi Yamada. My heart stopped. I picked a new one up…and read it out loud to my husband and the shop owner who wasn’t as familiar with his books. A marvelous conversation and a birthday gift beautifully wrapped and two more books joined my shopping bag. A new review is in the plan!!
You have to stop in if you are in Franklin. You can order online or call them in Franklin… Hester & Cook.
Can I tell you that more Easter inspiration hit with other friends?
This is one of my very favorite Easter tablescapes from my friend, Renae, at PeacockRidgeFarm. Isn’t it lovely? Please follow her inspiration and see all that she has planned for her Easter gathering. I’m swooning at her talent!
I have another friend, Elizabeth, who ALWAYS inspires me. No less with her Easter posts! And I can’t just share one! She created the cutest Easter candy gifts and modge podge Easter eggs that are so amazing!! Pine Cones and Acorns always inspires me!
My heart is happy and full as I plan for an Easter brunch in a couple of weeks. My gardens are being cleaned out. Forsythia is blooming. Daffodils are waving. Peonies are popping up. Yard work has begun.
And, again, for your shopping pleasure here are some of the books I have shared with you today. Perfect for Easter. Perfect for gifting! (As an Amazon affiliate, the blog may be supported with your purchase, at no extra cost to you! See my Disclosure Policy here.)
Happy First Day of Spring, friends!!!
26 Comments
Renae
Thank you so much. What a lovely post. Happy Spring, my friend.
Blessings to you.
Lynn
Beautiful post. You painted a beautiful picture in your story and your actual photos are amazing!
I’ve heard about Franklin TN and now I have to go!
Tina
Leslie, what a fun trip and thank you for taking me along through your blog! I cannot wait to check out Kobi Yamada and absolutely must have the Peter Rabbit paper plates. I love how inspired you can be just by “visiting” items and not necessarily having to purchase them all. Window shopping is the best! Thanks for sharing the non-edible Peeps…now I can get my Peeps fix without any calories.
Leslie J Watkins
I’m so glad you joined me for the journey! It was so fun! And thankful that you found things you loved. If you are ever in Franklin…I’ll meet you there! Happy weekend!
Debbie Neel
Leslie, I love stories that take you along and paint a visual picture and did just that. Thanks, Debbie
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Debbie. I’m so glad you came along with me! I’m loving your Easter inspiration, too, friend!
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Lynn. It’s always a great trip to Franklin. I didn’t begin to go to my usual spots. There are the BEST antique places there. If you go, I need to go with you! Happy weekend!
elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Leslie, thank you for taking me along on your advenure. I see so many things in your photos that I think I need. I LOVE that little bunny, it is adorable. As for the peepspiraion, oh my goodness so many cute things. My mom loves peeps and over the years I have found on or two things that I send to her at Easter.
Thank you for including me in your post, you my friend are my inspiration, your enthuasium and spirit are inspiring.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Leslie J Watkins
It was such a joy sharing your creativity today! and wasn’t that a fun trip? I think I will have to do more. After a year at home, it was an amazing feeling to venture out, if masked! Happy weekend!
Kim Waldorf
So many pretty items in this post! My mother’s family is from Tennessee. Go Vols! Nothing more beautiful than a Dogwood tree, so I love those wreaths! Thanks for sharing all this inspiration!
Regina @Saved From Salvage
Leslie,
I have cousins in Franklin, cutest town ever. And I know that spice shop well! I’ve never been in the spring so I loved going along on your journey. Beautifully written.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Regina! My BFF lives there, too. Isn’t that the BEST spice shop ever?! I restocked old favorites and always find new ones. I’m so glad you enjoyed the journey. It certainly was a wonderful one. A year of being in makes the world more amazing!
Vickie Ramey
I think shopping with you in Franklin would be an entirely different experience than shopping with Tony! Wish you were here to help me with a “tablescape” for Easter. BTW never heard the term “tablescape” before–you’re teaching me lots of things!
Leslie J Watkins
You know I love shopping! Gary was with me for this trip…but, he is never as excited as I am to soak it all in! And Tablescapes! Oh, sweet sister! Let’s facetime and I’ll help you get that Easter table ready! Just wish I had my feet under your table or yours under mine! Love you!
Marie
I also love to browse for inspiration. Looking at the displalys is so fun for me. Thanks for sharing all the Easter items that caught your eye.
Leslie J Watkins
Wasn’t it fun? I think with a year away from just being able to “shop”, I was more happy to peruse those sweet shops and see their holdings more than ever. Have a great week!
Carol Karl
What a lovely post – lots of great ideas.
Leslie J Watkins
Thank you, Carol. It was soooo much fun!
Paula@SweetPea
What a fun day you had! I love a day of shopping to get ideas and inspiration. Franklin looks to be a place that I would really enjoy visiting. I also enjoyed Elizabeth’s ideas.
Leslie J Watkins
It was an amazing day! I think getting out after a year made it even more magical! You would love Franklin. There is sooooo many more great places of inspiration to share. Be watching because I think another day in May may occur.
Scarlett
Love your blog and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Franklin! It’s one of my favorite places. I always tell my Florida born husband, if we ever move away from Florida…Franklin here we come! Not sure he’ll ever leave the ocean but we visit Franklin as much as possible.
So many great shops & restaurants & history there Their yearly feastivals are the best!
Leslie J Watkins
I know, right?!! But, oh, my! The ocean would be really hard to leave. I can never get enough of it!
Cindy Rust
Dogwoods are my all-time favorite! We had 11 naturally growing dogwoods at our previous home. Our current home only has one and I planted it. Thanks for the Easter inspiration!
Leslie J Watkins
Cindy, our dogwoods are budding now and in a few weeks will be in full bloom. I’ll be sharing those lighted homes and trails one day in April. Be watching for it!
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