Baby, It's Cold Outside!

This post was originally created in 2013,
but considering the frigid temps that are gripping
many of us this first week of January, 
I'm taking the liberty to share it again.
I hope it will warm your spirits!
A special request of my readers,
I'm in search of more tartan dinner plates I used on this table.
They are Target's 2010 Classic Tidings.  
Please let me know if you have any you want to part with.

It's not snowing, but we are having a cold, grey January here.  

I wanted to set a cozy table to warm my spirits.

A friend traveled to Scotland this past summer, and knowing how I love all things tartan, she returned home with this wonderful wool tartan throw just for me.  For some reason it looks pink in this close up, but you can see on the table, it is actually a true red.  Just as a tartan should be! It's warm and cozy and a perfect table topper for a winter day.

The snowmen here at HFTS 
cozied up just for the occasion.

Several of my snowmen are the work 
of US artist Natalie Silitch from Annapolis.

This cute guy was a gift enclosed 
with my latest order from Timeless Charm Gifts.
Wouldn't these be cute used as place card holders?

Tartan and paisley have always been at the top of my list.

I especially like tartan dishes and 

love to mix the various tartans together.  

Just take a look at last year's 

Tartan Parade to see what I mean.

Occasionally I like to throw in some paisley too.

Snowy Smiles plates by Williraye Studio

are another little "pick me up" for winter days.

Who wouldn't begin to feel better 

just looking at their cute faces?

And did you notice, 

their black and white checked borders?
They were the stars of another winter tablescape here.

Vintage Mother of Pearl flatware 

reminds me of snowy days.

A touch of polka dots and green stems made from 

French wine bottles seem to fit right in.

Layers of Tartan, Paisley, 

and Black and White Checks

Oak Leaves and Acorns

I'm beginning to feel happier already!

What about you?

Don't pack away the snowmen 

with the Christmas decorations.  

Snowmen like to stay out to play all winter.  

I had already created my winter tablescape in this post before ironically being treated to a birthday lunch that featured this incredible winter wonderland centerpiece.  Much to my delight, this darling winter scene went home with me as a birthday gift.  I'm eager to feature this winter scene in a tablescape of my own sometime soon.

Joining

Dishing It and Digging It @ Life and Linda  Mosaic Monday @ Normandy Life
Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Show and Share @ Coastal Charm Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern StyleTablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the PorchShare Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome LifeShare Your Style @ Vintage NestVintage Charm @ My Thrift Store Addiction, Foodie Friday and Everything Else @ Rattlebridge Farm Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Snowy Smiles

The arctic blast also hit Texas this week,

 though nothing like in the midwest and northeast.

It's cold and blistery outside,

so come on in and warm up by the fire.

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.

Salad plates, designed by Williraye Studio, 

are called "Snowy Smiles". 

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 snowpeople 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.

These are actually vintage tea towels 

which are large enough to use as 

 tablecloths 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.

The napkins are actually 

beautiful little hand towels.

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 snowpeople 
are happy to be inside today.

So pull up a chair and join me

for a light lunch and a little conversation.

We can talk about 
your plans for the new year.

Perhaps you have a few garden tips to share, 
a fun new project in the works, 
or travel plans to some fabulous destination.

I'm eager to hear all your news!