Tuesday, January 22, 2013

A Cold Winter Day, 1.13

First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
****************************************************************************

Out here on the prairie, cold winter days have been few and far between this winter, and snow has been only a memory of years past.  This past week we've flirted with 60ยบ temperatures, but several weeks ago, winter did make a brief appearance.  That day, while thinking of times spent in Aspen and Vail, I decided that the laid back style of Colorado mountain living would direct my contribution to Cuisine Kathleen's Snow-Ice-Winter Challenge.  My friend Kathy was bringing take-out for lunch...a selection of hearty soups and a bottle of wine...my kind of party!

You already knew that we'd be dining at the games table in the living room. 

 The Williams-Sonoma Stewart Plaid Tablecloth, an eBay purchase set just the right tone.

 This was one of my 30 minute tables...I grabbed what was close and easy to get on the table.  The green napkins had been recently laundered and ironed, and I hadn't even put them away after storing all the Christmas decorations.

 I seated Kathy on the left, with a view of the crackling fireplace...perfect for a cold winter day.

I was tempted to figure out how to build a small fire in the humongus antique copper chaffing dish.  Probably better suited for the back porch, so I chose to be conservative...and safe.


Flanking the copper chaffing dish are a terra cotta wine brick... 
and my tried and true Antique Barley Twist candlesticks.  Today, I inserted the pegged, quilted votive cups that belonged to our dear Nana.
  
The Wedgwood Queens Plain Dinner Plate is 11 1/8", and it works well as a charger with many smaller dinner plates.  I bought these through Replacements, and they are actually quite reasonable at $9.99 each. Tip:  Always check Replacements before you buy dishes on eBay.  Sometimes the reasonable shipping prices at Replacements make them very competitive with eBay sellers, especially if you are ordering multiples of an item.

To continue the color story of the Stewart Plaid, I chose the small ruby flash dinner plate, picked up at few at a time at estate sales over the past few years. 

Topping the stack is the Churchill Pink Willow Soup Mug, found at Tuesday Morning.  The Towle Antique Bead stainless flatware is our everyday pattern.  I've had the Green Colony goblets for many years, and the unmarked Black Amethyst Goblets were an eBay find.

No time to make hot bread, but I've always said that there's nothing better than a crisp fresh Premium Saltine Cracker with soft, creamy butter.  I adore this little  Copeland Spode Tower Pink split dish.  It originally belonged to my mother-in-love.

The Williams-Sonoma Green Pitcher was a hostess gift for a wedding shower that I hosted a number of years ago.  It's a great piece. 

 I'm all set and ready for Kathy to walk through the front door.

Let me know if you're traveling my way.  I'd love to spend an afternoon at the table getting to know you better.  This will be your seat!

Wednesday is the 44th edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "LET'S DISH".  I look forward to seeing all the interpretations of her Snow-Ice-Winter Challenge!  I'm excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable forTUTORIALS, TIPS, & TIDBITS.  Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!  
                                                                
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme, Tablescape Thursday.  I'll be linking my post to "BETWEEN NAPS ON THE PORCH."   Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

I always enjoy January for the expectations that it doesn't bring each year.  How about you?  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts (even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy), I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous memeSEASONAL SUNDAYS.  Hope to see you there! 

  
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions""  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!             


Entertaining Women
Entertaining Women

Hello, I'm Cherry Kay I was 40 before I realized that I am an artist. I love to paint, work in clay, rubber stamping, design tablescapes, entertain, and share ideas. I'm an interior designer wanna-be...no credentials, but lots of experience.

26 comments:

  1. Not a very cold winter here either, but I pulled out a warm and cozy tartan throw for my table. We were thinking alike. ;-)
    I always like your tables by a cozy fire, and the stack with it's red and white warms my heart. Thanks for sharing. Wish I were sitting across the table chatting. ~ Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your plaid tablecloth and you have such a wonderful view of the fireplace!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this room!! Table looks so cozy and I especially like the little split dish!

    I had someone from OK order a teapot - she found me thru your blog! THX!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love that tablecloth! It's going to be a perfect piece for so many tables. You pulled it together so nicely and quickly too! The copper chafing dish is wonderful. This is certainly my kind of meal! Stay warm, be happy.. xo marlis

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful room! I'd love to sit at any setting in there! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love your plaid tablecloth and lovely wooden barley twist candlesticks. I love your table viewing the cozy fireplace and the ambience you have created. How perfect the napkins worked here.

    Your tablescapes are always special.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is just so homey and cozy! I especially love that plaid tablecloth and those gorgeous candleholders! Thanks for sharing this on Let's Dish! Have a great rest of your week! =D

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love that plaid tablecloth! I'd love to sit at that lovely table ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your tablescape makes me feel like I am in a lodge,Cherry Kay, very cozy. Love the plaid tablecloth...Christine

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a warm, inviting table you've created, Cherry Kay. That's a great tip to check Replacements before eBay. I'd love to take a seat at your cozy table!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love it when those 30-minute "grab and go" tables come together so well. Yours certainly did! The green goblets really caught my eye tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I for one am very glad you opted NOT to build a fire in that chafing dish. I would hate to see your beautiful home go up in flames!!! It's good that you know how to curb your creative enthusiasm! Not doing so has led to a couple of mini disasters around here! :-) The way you had everything set really did remind me of a swanky ski lodge where "snow bunnies" could enjoy a warm meal by the fire. The wind is whipping around outside now, and we'll wake up to single digit temps with below zero wind chills. Ugh! Stay warm, and have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Warm & Cozy & very Welcoming...that is what I'm thinking when I look over this winter tablescape.
    Very pretty green goblets with the plaid tablecloth. You always find the best buys, Cherry Kay.

    Stay warm & think SPRING!
    fondly,
    Rett

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a warm and cozy table. Red and green are so good together. Visiting from Kathleen's Let's Dish. xo

    ReplyDelete
  15. Its a nice change to see a Winter Table done in warm colours instead of the usual white and silver! How cozy and inviting your place looks!

    DD

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, that IS a spectacular chafing dish! I love the cozy table you quickly put together for an impromptu lunch with a friend, and I always enjoy reading the story behind all the pretty elements. Good tip about Replacements vs. eBay!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The table is lovely and is in such a lovely setting. I felt like I was there to have a ski weekend. Those willow mugs are just beautiful. The tablecloth makes such a statement in the whole room. It makes me want to cuddle up with the mug by the fireplace.

    Wish I was hovering around 60's. My niece just complained about 78 in Texas. I told her I would swap homes. We are stuck in the teens here!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love the tartan tablecloth...and green stemware.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well, this is the kinda weather I have, around my neck o da woods..just great. Sometimes cold enough for the fire place, but no biggie, either. Your table is so inviting and cozy. I love all your selection of china, my fave kind, mixed and matched! The plaid tablecloth is lovely...it's one of my resolutions this year is to make myself some plaids, in the Scottish type, like yours! Lovely, as always. Wish I was having soup with you in your beautiful table too! Big hugs,
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a wonderfully cozy table. And the plaid tablecloth is so wintery. Lovely tables cape. peggy from PA

    ReplyDelete
  21. We get cold one day and hot the next. The red and white just perfect for a cozy tablescape in front of the fireplace. Love the plaid. Beautiful tablescape!

    Hugs,
    Emily
    The French Hutch

    ReplyDelete
  22. You had all the ingredients for a perfect luncheon - the setting, the friend and the take-out!
    You've made a lovely, cosy atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A 30 minute table...that is a quick one for you I bet, but it is just as appealing as any other. Your copper chafing dish is magnificent. Was that a special find?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gorgeous! Yesterday was Robert Burn's birthday and your tartan was the perfect touch! I love that chafing dish. Pink tower is my everyday china and that split dish made me envious! How special that it is a family piece!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love that tartan plaid. I am part Scottish (Cameron, not Stuart) and I love all things plaid!That Pink Tower dinnerware is wonderful and the split dish is so unique. Beautiful table, as always!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Looks so cozy, even if you aren't having a freezing week like we are!
    Love that tablecloth! There was one in clearance at the WS outlet the other day. I picked it up, but even with my 20 off discount it was too pricey for me, but I love it!
    Thanks for linking to the WINTER challenge at Let's Dish!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for spending your time to leave a comment. I read each and every one of your generous thoughts. They encourage me in so many ways.

Follow Me on Instagram