HYACINTHS FOR THE SOUL

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Snowy Smiles

Let's Dish

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!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

A New Year ~ 2014

Black-eyed Peas

January 1st

New Year's Day 2014

The champagne is chilled.

Black-eyed peas

are on the stove cooking.

We are dressed and ready

to share the day with friends.

Black-eyed peas on New Year's Day

is a southern tradition that dates

back to the Civil War.

It's believed they will bring

luck and prosperity for the new year.

We'll start with chips, salsa,

and fresh made guacamole.

A simple table is set to

celebrate the beginning of a new year.

No need for a centerpiece as the

food will be the star of this table.

Casual Settings

Napkins of a Provencal Print

Ringed with

Bands of Pewter

A Favorite

Pewter Tureen

Whimsical Salad Bowl

Paired with Complementary

Pewter Salad Servers

Black-eyed Peas and

a Healthy Mixed Green Salad

Black-eyed Peas for the Coins

Greens for Paper Money

Cornbread for Gold

Perfect Meal for a

Lucky 2014

Dad's Black-eyed Peas with Ham Hocks

1 and 1/2 cups black-eyed peas

2 smoked ham hocks

Some salt port, diced

1 small can tomatoes

1 can Rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies
(I now use 2 cans since they are smaller.)

1 medium onion, sliced

Pepper to taste

Wash and cover peas with water. boil fast for 10-15 minutes. Let stand 30 minutes. Do not stir so that peas don't break. Add water if necessary. Add meat and simmer until tender. Add other ingredients and simmer until it tastes done. Remove bones. cut meat off the ham hocks and add back into soup. Serve with green salad and cornbread.

Joining
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen

Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen

Be Inspired @ Common Ground

Open House @ No Minimalist Here

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House

Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper