S'No Two, Too

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.

This evening, as I begin my post for this week's tablescape, the snow has begun falling ever so gently...yet again.  This afternoon I set a Valentine's table for the Garden Friends.  After our weekly Bible study, I planned for us to share a simple lunch of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Spinach Salad, but I think that the 9 - 12 inches of snow that the weathermen are predicting will necessitate another cancellation.  It is a bonus blessing that I shall be able to share my design with my bevy of beautiful blog buddies.  (Do you like alliteration?  I just couldn't resist.)

Because I didn't know how many to expect for lunch, I set the table for six at the game table in the living room.  My handy dandy flip-top table top was a welcome tool, once again.  I decided that I could add additional place settings or even an extra table if necessary.  Today, flexibility needed to be the 'name of the game.'

I knew that I wanted to play with pink and green for today's table, and I was excited to use this green/floral cotton tablecloth.  It's been hanging in my tablecloth closet for quite a while.  I bought it for under $20.00 on eBay, less than it would have cost to buy the fabric and make it myself.  Tip:  I search eBay regularly for special tablecloths.  If I find a good deal on something wonderful, I'll buy it even though I have no idea how I'll use it.  I know that eventually, I'll find the perfect application for it.  This tablecloth is a wonderful illustration of that philosophy.  I usually search for cloths that are 90" to 120".  I find that they are the most adaptable to a variety of needs.

A number of years ago, my life revolved around delivering and retrieving our children from assorted sports practices, and attending multiple games every week.  Much of our entertaining involved suppers and parties for their teams each season...my specialty was "Make Your Own Taco" feasts.  I eventually reached the point that I was determined to have a set of 'girly' dishes because I wanted to entertain my lady friends.  I bought these handmade heart shape dishes at a local gourmet shop.  I don't use them often, anymore; but I still enjoy them, and they are perfect at least once a year for Valentine's celebrations.

For a charger plate, I used a large square Royal Cauldon embossed dinner plate.  These were a gift from my precious friend,Cindy @ http://www.moredesigningwomen.blogspot.com.  The flatware is L'Argent, "Sophia," a Tuesday Morning purchase.  Although I haven't seen them at Tuesday Morning for a number of months, they are still available through Horchow...for the same price.  The napkins were an inexpensive estate sale find...they are a heavy cotton.  I had originally chosen a light pink damask napkin with a geometric border, but they seemed to 'float' off of the table.  I think that the 'weight' of the stronger color is much more effective. 

I created my main floral centerpiece in the base of a Fitz & Floyd "Bunny Tureen,"  that originally belonged to my mother-in-love.  Once again, I liked the strong shade of pink because of the weight that it brought to the tablescape.  Have you noticed how it 'pops' the pink in the stylized tulips on the stoneware?  The flowers, from Sam's, of course, were the ones that I never used for S'NO BLEU TODAY because of last week's blizzard.  They are actually on their last legs, poor things.  I may have a table full of petals by tomorrow morning.

  While poking through an antique store, I found the 'shabby chic' pair of obelisks for $10.00.  I have a vision of entwining ivy in them...at some point...today, they are my source of candlelight.  The pair of small ruby glass tulipieres were $4.00 at the end of an estate sale.  Do you see the small lamb tucked in at the base of the centerpiece?  That is my 'conceit' for the day...it was a Valentine's gift from a long forgotten boyfriend when I was in high school...pure sweetness.

I've obtained so much mileage out of these Pier One pearlized goblets.  They were purchased a number of years ago for $1.00 per stem on deep clearance.  I keep checking, hoping that they'll decide to stock this goblet again.  I'll definitely pick up some extras.

I'm so glad that you could drop by for my luncheon.  It would have been extremely lonely here today without your blessed company at my table.  After lunch, we'll cozy up by the fireplace and have a good visit over a hot cup of tea or coffee.

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 "Tablescape Thursday.  Click  below to hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 9:00 pm on Wednesdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

I'm joining Candy at The Little Round Table for The Colors of Love blog party.  Thank you to Candy and the Dish Divas for sponsoring this event.  Click HERE to check out all the fun for yourself.

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 "Orchid."  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!