Urban Jungle Bloggers: Plants and Coffee

Welcome to my post for Urban Jungle Bloggers' February styling challenge! If you haven't come across Urban Jungle Bloggers before, it's a monthly challenge hosted by Judith from JOELIX.com and Igor from Happy Interior Blog. This month's theme is Plants and Coffee. I decided to take inspiration from a cafe that's recently opened in Christchurch called The Lemon Tree Cafe - it's a gorgeous little cafe filled with vintage china, lace, doilies, shabby chic furniture and lots of plants! Before I show you the rest of my styling, let me show you some photos of my inspiration.

I loved the beautiful lace tablecloths and crochet doilies. The tables were covered with a sheet of safety glass, you can imagine what a mess they would get in otherwise! All the tables also had packets of sugar in little cups or jugs, and various sets of novelty salt and pepper shakers. Such a fun touch!

 I especially like the row of plants on the wrought iron table. Old chamber pots make wonderful planters! Also, African violets! I had two leaf cuttings which survived for a while but both eventually died. I really should find some more and try again.

 Back at home I decided to recreate the vintage display. The obvious place to put it was on top of my china cabinet which I've just finished repainting and refurbishing! I've got plenty of doilies at home to choose from (I may be just a touch obsessed with vintage doilies) and I had a vintage rose print to prop up at the back.

 My cyclamens are just gearing up for their winter flowering season. This pink one is the first bloom... looking forward to many months more. The wooden house frame is an op shop find from my mum. I think I'll paint it, just need to decide what colour...

 In the green enamel pot are some cuttings from my goldfish plant. They were getting a bit leggy. I was going to trim them back, but then I thought of making a frame from some wire. Now I love the way they look wrapping around it.

 Here's my silver tray and spoons. They are a bit tarnished and I like them like that. In a nod to the Lemon Tree Cafe I've put out my favourite set of vintage salt and pepper shakers. I think this mug goes quite well too... though it happens to be brand new from Briscoes!

The roses are Sexy Rexy from my garden. They have such a compact and beautiful form.

I wasn't going to buy new houseplants for the purposes of this post, but it's funny the way they just jump into your shopping basket of their own accord isn't it? I really do like this zebra plant - it's bold graphic leaves are such a perfect contrast to the soft and feminine planter. And the funny little succulent is right at home in my teapot.

Well, it's taken long enough to write this post that I really am craving a cup of coffee now. Hope you've enjoyed my vintage display. There are more beautiful stylings to be enjoyed at Urban Jungle Bloggers - make yourself a cuppa and head on over!