Star Quality For a Valentine Table

It's the week of Valentine's.

I'm glad you've stopped by for a touch of February inspiration.

This post is about an amazing winter star for your garden along

with inspiration for an easy meal and a simple 

table for your special valentine.

~ White By The Gate ~

I planted this camellia japonica years ago, 

and I selected it specifically for its double white blooms.

Camellias are considered the rose of winter

in southern gardens.  The dark green glossy foliage 

is a beautiful contrast to the pure white.

This winter stalworth produces continuous displays 
of perfectly formed pure white flowers.

 This has to be one of the most perfectly

formed pure white flowers I've ever seen.

~ White By The Gate ~

I've added several to our garden and plan to include
more in a new garden area we have planned for the future.

Our bushes are full of buds and blooms, so

I've been cutting them to bring into the house.

  The stems are short, and a shallow container works best.
Our Courtly Check gravy boat is a perfect choice.

This pretty pink camellia is 
from a friend's garden.

Pink Camellias

This time of year, my friend's camellia trees 

offer up a cheerful pink treat for cold winter days.

These lush pink petals were the

stars of a tablescape some years ago,
 and I share as inspiration for a Valentine's meal.

Pink paired with 
my favorite Courtly Check
is perfect for a Valentine's table.

More fresh flowers filled a small 
Courtly Check flower pot.

The arrangement complimented the 

pink stars of the evening.

Crisp White Linen

Layers of Shiny Black, 

Courtly Check, and a Ruffled Woven Mat

Antique Ivory Salt and Pepper

Tasty Daube a la Provençal Made with Lamb

You'll find the recipe here at Dean and Deluca.

Fresh Spinach with Citrus, 
Beets, Red Onions, and Olives

Tri-colored Roasted New Potatoes

Pink, Purple, and Cream

A Tower of Corn Muffins

This all made a delicious winter meal and
likely one your valentine would appreciate.

The simple black and white isn't too girly for the man in your life,
and the touch of pink adds a a delightful feminine touch.

Hope you have camellias 

blooming in your garden this winter.

Definitely Star Quality

Joining

Dishing It and Digging It @ Life and Linda  Mosaic Monday @ Letting Go of the Bay Leaf

You're the Star @ Electric Red Barn Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House Celebrate Your Story @ Chasing Quiantness

 Keep in Touch @ Let's Add Sprinkles Over the Moon @ Marilyn's Treats The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life Share Your Style @ Vintage Nest Vintage Charm @ My Thrift Store Addiction, Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage 

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Where in the World?

Rabbit, Rabbit!

February1st, and it's cold outside!

Miss Merri Mac and I love to travel and enjoy being a part of

the Traveling Tote group of ladies.

As much fun as it is to travel with our totes,

they are not always practical for some excursions.

When Debbie @ Mountain Breaths traveled to Italy in the fall

and couldn't take Miss Aurora, she cleverly took a traveling mug. 

We all thought it would be fun to do the same 
and have a bit of a guessing game.

 Miss Merri Mac and I also took an international trip last fall.
If you are regular reader of my blog, 
you likely already know our destination.

One of my Courtly Check mugs tagged along.
It was an overnight flight with dinner, so after dinner,
I pulled out my travel mug for coffee with dessert.

Chocolate sundaes are the perfect tonic to help one sleep.

Shortly before landing, breakfast was served.

The hostess had washed my mug and
delivered it with hot tea on my breakfast tray.
She was fascinated with my Courtly Check mug

and intended to place an order for a set of her own.

Hot tea with a tasty mini cinnamon roll

was the perfect morning wake up!

The evenings of my trip always included the best 
cappuccinos ever and a variety of rich desserts.

Outdoor markets were part of our days' activities, and food
vendors offered wonderful options to fuel our energy.
Orangina, anyone?

Evenings often consisted of light meals.

Any guesses where we traveled?

If you guessed France, 
you would be correct!

You can read all about the trip here.

 Much of the US is in the grips of the Polar Vortex.
Texas may not be in the extremes of low temps, 
but all the same, you'll find me staying indoors by a cozy fire.

No travel plans here!

Just a trip to and from the kitchen to retrieve

a hearty cup of cheese soup and a healthy salad

with apples, pecans and goat cheese.

You'll find me snuggled in by a cozy fire at home.

Wing your way on over to the other travelers linked below.

They are sure to have much more exciting times to share.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch

 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box

Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader

Cherry Kay and Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women  

Don't miss the March 1st post in the next 
Traveling Totes Series.
Check out the fun spring giveaway below
that is part of our March post.

Also joining

Dishing It and Digging It @ Life and Linda  Mosaic Monday @ Letting Go of the Bay Leaf
You're the Star @ Electric Red Barn Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House Celebrate Your Story @ Chasing Quiantness
 Keep in Touch @ Let's Add Sprinkles Over the Moon @ Marilyn's Treats The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life Share Your Style @ Vintage Nest Vintage Charm @ My Thrift Store Addiction, Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage 
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound