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Tuesday, January 6, 2009

A CANDLELIGHT DINNER IN THE SNOW


I love Tuesdays, because I get to go see all the wonderful tablescapes sponsored by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Before you start looking at my tablescape, I've got a little "splainin" to do. I did this tablescape on the table in front of our sofa in the family room. It is a high/low table. It is normally a coffee table, but when we have an overflow of guests for dinner (which is quite often), I can raise it up to dining height. When I got home from work today, I got my table all set up and took a picture. Then my dear husband came home, ate dinner, and sat in his recliner to watch t.v. He wanted the table lowered, so that he could see the t.v. better. I removed the stemware to prevent the possibility of knocking it over when I lowered the table. When he finally removed himself from his recliner, I went back to take some more pictures. Of course, I forgot to replace the stemware. That's why most of my pictures do not show the stemware. Okay, now that you've read through this long explanation (or did you just skip over it), you can go look at my little submission to Tablescape Tuesday.

Today in Arkansas, we had a snow flake! Well, maybe there were a few, but I only saw one. Snow does not come to Arkansas often, so I decided to celebrate with a snowflake tablescape.






When it gets this cold in Arkansas, we start our meal with a cup of soup.



The china I am using is Wedgewood's Winter Festival, which I bought at a tag sale three years ago.

Since I just put my Christmas decor away, I still remembered where a box of snowflake ornaments was in the holiday closet. A month from now, I will not know where anything is in that closet! I used a piece of wired ribbon to tie a snowflake ornament to each napkin.



This strange-looking candle holder really looks better IRL. The flickering candle inside the ball causes snowflake patterns to dance around the room when the lights are off.





These little cocktail glasses were a yard sale purchase. I thought the etching on them looked like ice or snow, so I added a little more candlelight by putting candles in them.




Maybe I just had snow on my mind (after all, I did see a flake today), but even the Battenburg tablecloth reminds me of snowflakes.





And finally, the candlelit table. (I forgot to replace the soup cup before I took this candlelight picture--I guess seeing a snowflake made me forgetful? Hey, I know it's my age!-I'm just searching for an excuse.) I wish I could show you the snow flake patterns on the ceiling, but I couldn't get a picture of it.



Be sure to go to Susan's blog (here), and she will direct you to some beautiful tablescapes.






Vanna at Delusions of Grandeur, Kathy at Empty Nester, Susan at A Southern Daydreamer, and Kristen at Kristen's Designs presented me with this very special award. It is special because it is all about blogging friendships. I know we all say this all of the time, but I have to say it again. I never expected to find such wonderful friends in Blogland. I have the feeling that we are a little community of very special and caring people, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this amazing community. This award comes with this quote:




"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors.This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."




If you haven't visited Vanna's, Kathy's, Susan's blogs, and Kristen's blog, you are missing some great blogs, so please go here to visit Vanna and go here to visit Kathy, and here to visit Susan, and here to visit Kristen.



Thank you Vanna, Kathy, Susan, and Kristen for giving me this very special award. Everyone who visits my blog has become such a good friend, I would like to ask you to please take this award back to your blog if you have not yet received it. I again apologize that I am not good at making decisions about passing along an award.

Thank you so much for coming by to visit me. laurie

85 comments:

Coloradolady said...

What a beautiful table. Very romantic looking I might add.

We had ice here, no snow today. We do not see much snow in Texas either.

I am already in the mood for spring.

Four Paws and Co said...

I love snowflakes & your tablescape totally rocks! What an amazing find with your dishes. They're beautiful! My DH would have loved to have a table like yours, but unfortunately for him they weren't popular when we bought ours. Great post & I loved your splainin'! ☺ Diane

ps congrats on the award!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I really love your tablescape! It has that sparkly winter feel to it. I can share snow with anyone who would like, we have 30" on the ground and it looks like a winter wonderland! Cindy in cold and blustery Wisc.

Anonymous said...

Laurie, another gorgeous post! You have the most beautiful dishes, these may be my favorites, I don't know, they are all so beautiful! It rained here, today, and we need it! We don't gert much snow here, either, but I think we have flurries forcasted for Thurs, and Hubby is excited! I love the table that goes up and down, very fuctional. Love Ya! Connie

Unknown said...

I really like that snowball candle. And your china. I did the table before hubby got home. But I have not told him yet that i broke his wine glass. ugh. mishelle

Anonymous said...

Laurie-girl, this is sooooo pretty n' warm n' inviting~~~ PERFECT on a night w/ even just "ONE SNOWFLAKE", Sweetie! (Grins!)~~~ LOVVVVE how the light from the candle flickers little lights all around the space~~~ tres romantique!!! (And it's not even "Saturday nite"! Smiles!)~~~ What a find on the china, & those glasses DOOOO look fab... they really DO look like they're "iced up".... beautiful! Big hugs n' thanks for sharing, Linda (P.S. You 'splain well... I thought you were toooo cute!!!)~~~ XO

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Very nice! Oooooh..the last picture in candlelight is so pretty! Makes me think of a romantic dinner and dancing!

kymber said...

Laurie,
Your tablescape is beautiful! I love the snowflake napkin rings. What a great idea!

Great post as always!
Blessings,
Kymber

Kat said...

Beautiful table, love the snowflake theme. We don't see much snow here in Texas either, and honestly this is as close as I like to see it lol. I love the idea of the table that has an adjustable height, what a great idea. Lovely post as always, hugs, Kathy

Knittings Nice! said...

What a wonderful tablescape....this is so English....with the Wedgewood etc...such a shame they are going into receivership unless a buyer can be found. Everythiung is so delicate.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! I married a man from Arkansas and he would flip out if he came in and found this. You must have got a real catch =)

Envoy-ette said...

The gold snowflake on the napkin just finishes the look, and the candle/shot glasses are precious! What a find!

Anonymous said...

I love your snowflake tablescape! The china is gorgeous! The candlelit photo, WOW!

When we watched the weather last night, they showed a winter "storm" path cutting across Arkansas and coming in our direction. It's cloudy and cold here, at the lake, but no snow yet. Snow is so beautiful on the lake, we're looking forward to it.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Laurie...I love your tablescape! You are so creative! I love the way you added the snowflakes to the napkins and used the glasses as votive holders! Those plates are gorgeous! Now you have me wishing for snow, too!...Debbie

Helen said...

Your table is just beautiful and my favorite is the photo of candlelight .... perfect!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a gorgeous table! I love your snowflakeness! The centerpiece is divine and those dishes! Wish I could get that lucky! You're one of the best tablescapers, Laurie,
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I love your tablescape. I have always adored snowflakes. I especially love the snowflake centerpiece. It creats such a beautiful glow. And I love that you used snowflake ornaments as napkin rings. Great job!!
Hugs, Terrie

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Love the wedgewood! And the mirrored centerpiece w/ cakestand (you'll be seeing me copy that ;o) ).

I keep my snowflake stuff & pine branches packed separately from my other Christmas decor & keep the box easily accessible.

Tardevil said...

Congrats on your award! Your table and china are beautiful! My favorite things about it are the star ornaments, the star "ball" centerpiece, the dishes and the votives. I didn't know you had a job. I don't know how you keep such a good blog & work too!

Kathleen Ellis said...

LOVE your table...the dinnerware is lovely, can't believe you found it at a tag sale!
Every detail is perfect!
:-)

Terri Steffes said...

I loved your tablescape! I love, too, how you described "snow" in Arkansas, which is funny to me since Springfield (MO) can get 12 inches in a hurry!

Thanks for coming to visit me at Lakewood Manor. Hope you visit again!

Unknown said...

That is a very cool candle holder...I bet the pattern on the ceiling is just lovely! What a great type of table to have at your disposal! Very pretty!

Glenda said...

I adore the way you have mirrored your centerpiece. It really makes a statement. The candle holder is beautiful and cast gorgeous patterns, and I love your napkin treatment. The open work of your table covering looks wonderful with your china and stemware.
Marvelous tablescape!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie, I loved all your 'splainin. Hee, hee the things we do to tablescape. The snowflake table is wonderful and sparkly. I really like your yard sale cocktail glasses!! The centerpiece is great too!! Have a great week...

SmilingSally said...

What beautiful dinnerware that is! I love the globe candleholder too.

Anonymous said...

Laurie,you are getting better and better,This is your best so far,I think.It's lovely.And--------congratulations on the award.You well deserve it...Ann

Carol said...

Your table is gorgeous Laurie! I love the fact that snow is the theme. I'm longing for a beautiful snow before winter ends here in Oklahoma.
Hugs,
Carol

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Laurie ...very pretty as always..and girl I loved what you did with the glasses and candles..love the china you are good Laurie..and girl if you want snow you have to come to Sunny Calif for that..
and you are so right about the world of blogging friends you meet..I just love doing this even if half the time I still have not a clue what to post about..hope you have a great day dear friend...hugs and smiles Gloria

Unknown said...

I love love love your centerpiece! The table is beautiful.
So romantic!

~Really Rainey

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Absolutely lovely, but of course!
You had me going for IRL!! I am a bit slow...but I figured it out! I bet they do look great IRL!

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Your table is gorgeous. My favorite part is the candle cups! Michelle

Stacey said...

That china is beautiful and what a brilliant idea to do a snow theme!

Charlene said...

Snowflakes seem to be the theme for today. I know what you mean... when you see a flake (not often here in Texas) you have to honor it! Thanks for sharing. And I did like the little glasses from the yard sale with the candles in them.

Kathysue said...

Laurie, Your table just glistens like snow in the moonlight.I love the snowflake candle holder and I never thought of battenburg looking like a snow flake but you are right it does.Beautiful, thankyou for sharing,Kathysue

Ginger said...

Hi Laurie:
Your table is beautiful and very inviting.
We had a lot of snowflakes yesterday and I wish I could share some with you...I am getting tired of them. Bring on Spring!!!

Kathleen said...

How beautiful! And I have never seen that china pattern!
What a lucky find..
Happy 2009!

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Laurie,
How lovely were the first words I said out loud to myself.
I LOVE your dishes! Gorgeous design. Everything just glistens and glows.
Wonderful TT post.
~Melissa ;)

Linda Q said...

Very pretty table Laurie, just right for a winter day or evening.
Nice!
Linda

Lynette said...

Laurie, as always your tablescape is beautiful and congrats on your award!!

Kristen said...

Ohhh the candle holder snowflake ball is soooo cool!!
You find the neatest things!
Thanks for sharing your snowflake table

Salmagundi said...

That is a beautiful centerpiece with the snowflake candle - also, I love those cocktail glasses. I think they were destined to become votive holders! Enjoy your flake - we got 5 inches!!! Sally

Lady Katherine said...

How romantic the snowflakes makes your table with hubby! Except for the TV lol Love those dishes! Adore the table cloth! So very lovely! You work?... Wow you are super woman to have all your wonderful Christmas things put away!

Deb said...

Hi Laurie! Love your winter tablescape! The glasses with candles are so beautiful! Who notice that anything was left out! Congrats on the award too! Deb

Lisa (aka) French said...

This is truly beautiful;) Love the Wedgwood!! Love it all!! What a joy to see this one;) French

Dawn Marie said...

what a great theme! I had to lol at your comment about 1 snowflake--lol

YOU would die here! we have mountains of snow and ice everywhere. I have clothes on the deck that i took off when i got out of the hot tub during a mild night about 4 nights ago--they are frozen in position and cant be moved! hey-great idea for a picture tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

Laurie you have created such an enchanted scene. I adore the icy candle holders, so romantic, such a wonderful tale you weave. My heart was truly lifted with this wintery vision. Visiting here has become a special part of my day. Love, Cindy

nikkicrumpet said...

What a pretty wintery table! I love the round candle holder...it's very unique and looks gorgeous all lit up!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Laurie, this is like a fairy tale--so soft and magical. How much fun it would be to be at this table.

xinex said...

I love, love, love your tablescape, Laurie! I love everything on it, the plates are gorgeous, the glasses are fabulous, that candle is scrumptious, the tablecloth adds a little Victorianism in it (I made up that word...lol) and I love the glitzy feeling. It's been so warm here so it's nice to see something cold. I am off to go another town and state with 2 girlfriends to go shopping. Have a good day!..Christine

Rue said...

Hi Laurie :)

Men seem to always get in the way when we're trying to take pictures don't they?? LOL

Your tablescape is really lovely and I love the globe in the middle!

rue

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

I am late to visiting tablescapes this week.. yours is GORGEOUS!!!! Looks like we were on the same page with the snowflakes!

I see you already have received it but...

Stop by my blog..I have left you a little something at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/01/moi.html

Bo said...

Hi Laurie...the first thing my eye landed on was that snowflake candleholder thing-a-ma-jig...it is wonderful & I'll bet it is really something at night. Your china is gorgeous...no matter what the menu...a hotdog would taste even better served on it...;-) Bo

Donna said...

Your table is beautiful, Laurie!! I love the snowflakes - and I'm excited for you that you got some real ones!! Schools were closed in our town today due to an ice storm.. I'm afraid we get too many of them! ha ha.. Thank you for the very kind comment you left on my post about losing our three fur babies this past year. It was actually over a six month period that we lost them... Enjoy your snow!!!... Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

JudyBug said...

Gorgeous! So many things I love. I really like the mug for the cup of soup. I always think soup bowls and I LOVE this idea. The glasses/candleholders are just beautiful. Now I wish I could see some snow!

Tomarie said...

Laurie,
What an enchanting tablescape! I love the "night" shot! I want to steal your candle! LOL How cool it must be seeing it flicker against your walls and ceiling! Love what you did with the gold snowflakes too! :-) L~

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Laurie, I love your tablescape! What a great idea to use the snowflakes, and I love the dishes. You did a great job! Hope your week is going well. Kristen

imjacobsmom said...

What a beautiful table! I love the snowflake theme. I had to chuckle about your husband wanting you to move the stemware so he could see the TV. My Dad has "his" chair in my family room and he hates it when I stand something on the coffee table that interferes with his TV viewing....LOL Anyway, back to your beautiful design. I am going to borrow your snowflake idea for the napkin ring it looks cute! I bet that candle holder is very pretty when it is reflecting. ~ Robyn

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Laurie...this tablescape is gorgeous! I love the little snowflakes tied to the napkins and your Wedgwood china is sooooo pretty. I've never seen that pattern...lust, lust! :-) The candleholder is amazing...what a lovely centerpiece! Everything was perfect...even the "snowflake" tablecloth! This was a delightful post...thanks so much for putting it together this TT! Love ya,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie,

One of these days I'm going to join you for a tablescape Tuesday! I wish I could join you for dinner! Soup sounds good. It's cold and raining here in Maryland.

Take care!

Gail

Designs on 47th Street said...

Laurie your table looks like a winter wonderland. Very perfect for early January. You do have the touch, don't you know??

Belinda said...

What an enchanting table setting! I love everything, and I'm crazy aout your Wedgwood plates and little cocktail glasses. I keep wanting to join in the fun with Tablescape Tuesdays...I've gotta stop procrastinating, lol! :-)

Elizabeth said...

Hi Laurie! Thanks for visiting my blog and for adding me to your list. Hopefully I'll get the hang of blogging soon. Please feel free to share any advice. I always welcome it. I appreciate your comments. It's so nice to meet you.

playsdolls said...

Your tablescape is so beautiful,the snowflakes are wonderful.Here in Mississippi we do not get to see snow often either and any chance to see a snowflake is a great gift.I really love the snowflake ball with the candle it is ao pretty.

playsdolls said...

Your tablescape is so beautiful,the snowflakes are wonderful.Here in Mississippi we do not get to see snow often either and any chance to see a snowflake is a great gift.I really love the snowflake ball with the candle it is ao pretty.

The Muse said...

you have whisked me away to a land of magic...
i am sitting in the snow, with glittering starlight...and dancing snowflakes! the centerpiece sets the magical mood for me :) ooo!

artis1111 said...

Everthing is just beautiful! Love the candle . I will hace a cup of tea [please!. Kathy

Melissa Miller said...

Thanks Laurie...You gave me the word naked...HEHE!

I'm going to check out your other blog tonight...when did you make this one? Very cool.

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Hello Laurie! haa! First I have to say I was lol at your comment on my..um..bust! Now I know I will not be able to say that word anymore but thanks for stopping by. :) This looks lovely! You have such a beautiful china & glassware collection. Lots of variety to keep it interesting and suit any mood! Where do you store all of this? Don't tell me you have a Bunny Williams type of closet?! Well you are definitely inspiring me to go beyond my everyday stuff and look for something to spark a mood whenever I want to! It always looks amazing. Take care. ~ Laurie

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tablescape! I have never seen that china pattern before but just love it - i.e., snowflakes. The picture with the low light was so pretty!

Teacup Lady (Sandy)

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Hi Laurie, I emailed you...check maybe your spam folder if you don't see it.....~ Laurie

Linda said...

The snowflake tablescape is beautiful. With that said, here in Central NY we got our share and more yesterday of those lovely little flakes. If I could figure out how to send you a box of it, I would! And that is why we needed that chili to warm our bellies!!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Good morning Laurie, thanks for swinging in. Don't you love the faux greenery? Doesn't leave a mess, virtually no care. And it adds life to a vignette or so I think? lol I hope all is well with you and yours..hugs ~lynne~

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

Just checked my blog and read your note...thank you so much for your concern and prayers, Girlfriend!!! They just mean the world to me!!!

I am getting a chance to rest up a bit...it's been so hectic! Keep those prayers coming our way, my friend! Even though Russ has a brother, Dad's entire estate will be left up to us to take care of...it's all so overwhelming! I was just telling Russell, that even though we haven't met "face to face"...I could ask for better friends than you and the girls!!! You are always there...and I take such joy and comfort in that!!! Thank you, Laurie!!!

Well how have you been Sweetie? I just love this beautiful "candle light dinner in the snow" tablescape...it's gorgeous!!! I love your dinnerware and those water goblets are so pretty!!! You're such a talented lady!!!

Thank you again, Sweetie...
Love ya,
Chari

Anonymous said...

The snowflake theme is SO pretty, Laurie. I'm all about snowmen in January, even though our temps average 40 to 60 degrees at this time of year (considered FREEZING by most folks in our town). The candlelit photo is my fav, and I'm sure the shadows on the ceiling are gorgeous :o)

Victoria

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey Laurie...thanks for coming by and seeing some of my manly things..I just love all things to collect that are differ and alway have..hey girl I got a bed pan collection..but there pretty bed pans...hope you have a great week end..hugs and smiles Gloria

DESIGN BY CATHLEEN said...

Your pictures are Great! Love the Green.... and your candle holder...

xoxo,
cathleen

Tardevil said...

Laurie,
Thanks for stopping by. This is still the most awesome tablescape -it gets better every time I see it. Please e-mail me & I will tell you how to stop the page breaks. I tried to click on your yahoo, and I couldn't get over there. If i type the code in a blogger comment, like Amelia did, it just shows a : and adds a page break, so I have to tell you out of blogger for you to see it.

Lana G! said...

Oh so festive! Love it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie, thanks for the visit! You've still got me pining for that beautiful table. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, thanks for swinging in to see the little teacup and lamp. You know how much I love little lamps.. and naturally you got to go into "your" bedroom once again. I hope you're having a super w/k.hugs ~lynne~

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Hello! Are you ill? are you worn out from the holidays? is your computer acting up? Have out of town guests? Been kidnapped by aliens? If you answered NO to these questions - then where's my favorite "Share a Space Saturday"?! I love that segment - but I'll understand that you couldn't get to it ...I'll somehow survive the weekend without it. :)Take care. ~ Laurie

Miss Janice said...

Well, I'm a little late for the "Tablescape Tuesday" party, but I love your "Candelight Dinner in the 'Arkansas' Snow":-) Those plates are so pretty and great for this time of year. Great job! If you have a moment, please stop by my blog. I have a good friend who needs all of our prayers!

Unknown said...

Ooooohhh! Candlelight! Pretty!

~Liz

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

The real magic is when the lights were dimmed to allow the candlelight to shine through. Reflecting the beauty of your tablescape.


Sweet Wishes,
Sara

Anonymous said...

Beautifully decorated 'snowflake' table! I'm in Ontario, Canada and would prefer to see the snowflakes on the table than on the ground.
:-)
- SherylCanadianGirl