Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Old Man Winter is Back

News Flash and Update:



Since Thursday, we've gone from this . . .




To this.

What a difference a day makes
when Old Man Winter makes a visit.
Gives a whole new meaning to "Snow Bunny".







Today marks the first day of Chinese New Year, and despite the fact that it occurs in the midst of winter, it is also known as Spring Festival. Texas has been enjoying spring like weather for the past week, and I had planned a post for "The Year of the Rabbit" today,

BUT . . .

Old Man Winter came knocking at our door.

Suddenly we've gone from 70 to 17.




It's cold and blistery outside,
so come on in and join a different kind of party.


As Andy Warhol would say,
The snowmen are all excited to have their
"15 minutes of fame".


I've set a table for us on the sun porch
where we'll be warm and comfortable.


These cheerful fellows are so happy you have joined us today.


They've actually been patiently waiting
for their turn to be featured on a tablescape.


The cute little salad plates, designed by Williraye Studio, are called "Snowy Smiles". Can you see why I just had to have these? Yes, indeed! These little plates have a black and white check border.


To pull out the red and yellow colors of "Snowy Smilies" I used a yellow dinner plate for one setting and a red one for the other. The Courtly Check chargers mimic the border of the salad plates.


The snowmen thought these colorful glasses
with etched "snowballs" were a good choice,


Along with the "Treble Clef" flatware with its curled shape.


White winter berries ring the napkins which are edged in lace.


The delicate lace designs remind me of
the little snowflakes of the "Snowy Smiles" plates.


I layered various textiles to give the table a cozy feel.


A recent birthday gift, I've been eager to use these vintage tea towels which are large enough to use as table cloths on my small drop leaf table.


Both have fringed ends, and the largest of the two
has rows of red check details at either end.


The other has wonderful textural details and end borders of this red design.
A couple of friends, while shopping at Round Top last fall,
bought these with my birthday in mind.
They know me well ~ I couldn't be more thrilled!


Ironically, the beautiful little hand towels that I pulled into service as napkins were a gift from one of the same friends. Though after many years she's probably long forgotten she gave them to me.


I wanted you to feel warm and cozy, so I pulled in a couple of my French provencal pillows to use as chair cushions.


Layers of rich colors
highlighted with my favorite
black and white checks
warm my heart.


Even the snowmen are happy to be inside today.


So pull up a chair and join me
for a light lunch and a little conversation.


Suppose we talk of the early spring that
Punxsutawney Phil has predicted for this year.


We won't talk of the record snowfall that
has covered much of the country this winter.


Although snow does have its perks!

Please join me this Sunday for the
Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday meme
for "The Year of the Rabbit".

The Snowmen will be joining the following memes.
Please click on the links below to visit.

Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

51 comments:

  1. What a wonderful table! It is so perfect for this freezing cold weather we have been having;)! Love love love the snow men...just darling and as always I adore the use of the MC!

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  2. Your table is perfect for this time of year. All the textures are fabulous against the brisk warm colors of your dishes.. hugs ~lynne~

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  3. You are sending me over the top, Sarah! I adore those dishes, and the flatware is perfect with it (the way it curls reminds me of a snowman's arm... perfect). I love this whole post! Cute as can be.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  4. So beautiful! I adore those black & white checked dishes.

    Stay warm and safe! This weather is not for me ~

    Pat

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  5. What a cheery table!
    I'm going to go and take a picture of my old chairs in the dining room - they have the same face as yours! They scare the grandchildren, but I tell them that it is the face of the North wind blowing.

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  6. Sarah, is Old Man winter carved on your chair...what a unique chair. Those new plates are soooo darling! I can see why you had to have them....such a fun post and fun table. Joni

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  7. What a fun tablescape, Sarah.
    The colours are wonderful, warm and inviting despite Old Man Winter knocking at the door. I can see why even the snowmen couldn't resist coming inside.
    How lovely it would be to sit down with you for a chat today.

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  8. Hi Sarah,
    you really know how to combine nice things to bring them to their best. All is warm, cozy and inviting, just as I love it at this cold time.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  9. Sarah~ The weather outside may be frightful but your snowman table brought me snowy smiles! Love your checked border salad plates that are perfect with your courtly check chargers. All your layers definitely keep everything cozy & warm :-)

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  10. This is uch a fun table, Sarah. From the cute dishes to your collection of little snowmen! I love how you have used your tea towels, too. Very sweet!

    XO,
    Jane

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  11. Personally I think Mother Nature is in Menopause and Old Man Winter doesn't like it, but your snowmen sure look happy! :) I love snowmen and think your table looks beautiful!

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  12. What a fun whimsical table Sarah! Lovin' your snowman plates! Yes, I'd love to visit and talk about a nice early spring:@)

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  13. Beautiful and fun tablescape for the weather we are having. Stay Warm. ~~Sherry~~

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  14. Your snowmen are so cute. I love the red and gold dinnerware, and, of course, the Courtly Check!

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  15. Very cute! Do you remember in Home Comapnion the fireplace all decked out in snowmen? I'll never forget that:)

    This reminds me of it!

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  16. Your snowmen feel right at home here in Texas don't they!!! Love the guys, they are soo darling. And your plates are perfect in all aspects. that checked edge would have sold me right away. Darling table.. stay warm

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  17. Of course you had to have those plates! They are wonderful with the MC. I love the color combo, so different for a snowman table. And you have such a wonderful collection of frosty men!
    You put that together beautifully, love the flatware. I keep admiring it when I see it at HG, and stop myself!
    Hope you get back to your warm temps. 40 would be nice here, maybe melt all the ice!!

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  18. Those plates would be at my house too! They are just darling. Love all the layers and your attention to detail, Thanks for sharing and get warm soon!

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  19. Yep, it's still winter, isn't it?! I love all of your snowmen, and I've still got one little one outside, along with all of the Valentine decorations. Hopefully you'll have a nice warm up, just in time for the Super Bowl. Go Packers!

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  20. I love your table! and as for one who is excited that it is actually 14 above today, I have to laugh at your poor little snowmen not wanting to go out in the 17 degree weather. What I wouldn't give for a 70 degree day! Maybe in May. alas!
    have fun with your winter and if you want more I will send you some of ours :)

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  21. Hi Sarah,
    Your table looks delightful, I am sure the snowmen wanted a last hurrah, before being packed away:-) Love your new tea towels:-)
    Thanks for letting me know about the Valentine Party, I linked up :-)
    Have a great snow day, stay warm;-)
    Bella

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  22. sooooooooooo lovely!!!! yes, it's below zero here....but spring will eventually come. :)

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  23. What a delightful table! Yes, I can see why you HAD to add those wonderful snowmen plates to your collection! The checked borders really put them into the Must-Have category! I love all these colors!

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  24. This settings is absolutely gorgeous.
    It reminded me with all my snowmen which now resting till the end of the year.

    Have a great w/end ahead, Lady.

    hugs &Y blessings,
    /chie

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  25. Sarah, I absolutely adore your post this week! Now I understand your black and white checkered plates comments..a chess table would be awesome using your plates and/or lovely chargers! I want to see that table when you get it done!

    I spent many years in Texas and know what a shock this weather must be to you, but I'm sure your snowmen are totally enjoying this weather! Stay warm and thanks for stopping by The Howell Blessings!

    Mindy

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  26. I'm joining you today and what a delightful table you have set. I LOVE being in the presence of your little snowy gents and LOVE the dishes that match your courtly check "Gems"! Ahhh!!! How pretty the French Provencal pillows on your chairs are! "You KNOW My favorites here HAVE to be the textiles!!!(Oh and of course the courtly check).BUT #1 is of course, "You, our Sweet Hostess"!!! Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  27. Sarah, your table looks wonderful...a winter delight. I love those vintage tea towels....
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  28. Sarah, I love your table setting. It is sleeting and raining here. We had spring weather last weekend and it has gone down hill since. Love the fabric of those pillows that you are using as cushions.

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  29. Just perfect my friend..O loved the sweet lace butterflies in the white napkins..All your china and flatware is beautiful Sarah..You always set the best and finest table girl..Hope you have a GREAT weekend my friend...hugs and smiles Gloria

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  30. What a beautiful table! Who could resist those smiling snowmen? They are just perfectly charming. I love the way you layered the dinnerware. This table is just right for the season.

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  31. I love your snowmen Sarah! What a great idea... I always put mine away with the Christmas decorations. I am going to take them back out!
    Best wishes

    Jeanne xx

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  32. Ahh...you sure know how to set a table! Those little snowmen are delightful...perfect for warming one's heart!
    Thanks for visiting too!
    Shel

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  33. Wonderful "snowy" table, Sarah!

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  34. Sarah, this is just as cute as it can be! I love snowmen, and we've got some snow to build one today! How ya liking this weather?
    Brenda

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  35. Your tablescape is fabulous, so perfect for the season. Your linens are stunning and your snowmen and snowmen dishes are just wonderful. Love this. Hugs, Marty

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  36. Sweet snowmen. They deserve their 15 minutes! I love that flatware. I would love to get some like that sometime!!

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  37. Dear Fiend,

    I love, love, love your tablescape! Love the snowmen! and of course the CC plates! The snowman plates are just to cute!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Warm ugs,
    Linda

    ps.. I am having a giveaway!!!

    http://myshabbyrosecottage.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentine-give-way.html

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  38. Old man winter just doesn't want to give up does he? You table is sweet and so appropriate!

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  39. It is crazy Sarah! At least you have things to cheer you up in your home and keep you busy. That is a really cute table setting. You know I just have a thing for snowmen:) X0 Have a good weekend.

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  40. What a colorful and cheerful tablesetting for this winter! I have been watching the weather - it didn't get that cold here - but so much rain I feel we live in a swamp!
    Spring 44 days! :)
    Hopefully the ground hogs were right!
    Have a great weekend,
    kathy

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  41. What a beautiful tablescape... but my favorite is the Before and After Bunny~ I have a rabbit fur I could loan him!

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  42. WOW! Snow deep! ;-)

    XO,

    S. (my keys are sticking and it's the 'a' key most times and the shift key!)

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  43. Hi Sarah~ Oh goodness the strange weather that has been going on!! Love your snowman table-your snowmen, your linens and your dishes are all so darling!! Stay warm and dry at your lovely table~ Thanks for sharing this at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  44. A wonderful winter table! I just love the white linen towel (I think you said it was a hand towel) with the crochet edges. All of those linens are wonderful.

    Such a cute table!

    Nancy

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  45. Oh, I forgot to say that I love the
    Old Man Winter face on the chair. We have a fireplace mantle we used to carry with a similar face and I always referred to it as Old Man Winter.

    Nancy

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  46. Sarah, what a delightful table! Those snowmen plates are perfect with your wonderful chargers. Of course, I love all of your happy snowmen, and your linens are all beautiful, and especially wonderful because they were gifts from friends. I also love your bunny in the snow. He's so cute. I hope Phil is right about the early spring! laurie

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  47. Your little snowmen plates are perfect with the MC chargers...love the green/red/gold which is a little unusual with snowmen. The linens really complement the dishes. You have such a good eye putting a table together.
    Wishing you a wonderful week, Sarah.

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  48. Sarah,
    Whimsy and whiteness! Lovely little post for the Season. Your snowmen plates are too cute! Thanks for such an uplifting post today!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  49. Your whimsically wonderful tablescape almost makes me wish that the snow would stay a bit longer...oh wait...we're expecting another 9 inches on Tuesday evening. Yikes! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  50. What a festive tablescape, Sarah! Love the snowmen...and such pretty tablecloths! Out General Beauregard Lee predicted an eary spring, too, and he has only been wrong once! I think I'm almost ready for it! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  51. Brrrrrr! But what a charming table to warm up your soul :)
    Loving it, Sarah

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