Showing posts with label red and white. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red and white. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

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!

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Made With Love





Life is uncertain, eat dessert first!




The week of Valentine's I had a 

group of girlfriends over for a casual dinner.




These little crowned birdies were my table inspiration 

and the take home party favors for my girlfriends.




Red tea towels in a crown motif,  

purchased at World Market several years ago, 

made the perfect choice for napkins.




But it was these new bowls 

that were the crowning touch.




I spied these Queens Made With Love bowls on 

an email blast from Tuesday Morning.

I promptly ordered them, 

only to find my order canceled the following day.



Not to be deterred, 

I enlisted the help of a friend 

(she's known to be my personal shopper) 

to track them down in Dallas.

I knew they would coordinate perfectly with

the Queens Rooster plates we've had for several years.




They are called Queens Made With Love.

Do you see the crown at the top of the heart?


~ MADE IN ENGLAND ~ 

They remind me of Emma Bridgwater's work.





An ivy heart topiary nestled into one of my 

white tureens was the centerpiece.




Twisted heart garland gave a nod to 

Valentine's Day.




While glitter crowns at the base gave 

a nod to the sweet crowned birdies.




I found the glitter crowns last fall 

while shopping Rachel Ashwell's shop at

The Prairie in Round Top.




I knew they would be the 

perfect touch for something.





I floated a garland of 

pink and red hearts around the base.




~ Dinner for Six ~




Cheese and Fruit to Start




With Valley Lahvosh Heart Crackers




Heart Healthy Meal

~ Salmon on a Salad ~




~ Sweet Ending ~




I've a reputation for serving heart 

shaped decorated cookies for Valentine's Day.




But I've been out of town and had limited time.

So I opted to make brownies and cut them into hearts.





~ Fresh Berries and Cream ~

With a Side of Heart Brownie!

~ Made With Love ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chargers ~ Ambiance Vintage Garden
Dinner Plates ~ Queens Rooster
Bowls ~ Queens Made With Love
Heart Plates ~ Mesa International
Heart On The Side Cutter ~ World Market

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