Thursday, January 21, 2021

Snowdrifts on a Plaid Table

We've had several beautiful winter days this week. Gorgeous blue skies, brisk winds and (relatively) cold temps. Absolutely heavenly! All that I'm missing is a sparkling blanket of snow! While there's only a slim chance of that, I can dream. 

And I can build a tablescape featuring drifts of snow down the center.

  
I started with a table runner in a clear red plaid. I love to use plaids in winter, because they tend to be in a heavier weight fabric that signals warm and cozy. Just what I need on a cold winter's day!


The 'snow' is piled in thick drifts, just like the ones that surrounded my house in Ohio. The snow doesn't completely cover the ground, letting branches decked in berries peek out.
 

Repeating the woodland feel, I used rattan chargers underneath plates featuring birds of winter. The plate rims are decorated with holly leaves, pine needles, mistletoe and berries laced with red ribbons. While the newest collection features cardinals, I have the luncheon plates which showcase different birds.

Downy Woodpecker

White-breasted Nuthatch

Two hurricanes holding greenery, frosted pine cones and silvery snow crystals instead of candles bring height to the table. 


In size, the luncheon plates fall between salad plates and dinner plates, perfect for sandwiches and a hearty salad. Or decadent desserts!

House Finch
 
 I love the detail in each of the center bird portraits. Each bird is readily identifiable.

Eastern Bluebird

Although there will only be three or perhaps four of us, I've set the table for six because I liked using the runner as a stand-in for placemats at either end of the table. I have simply folded the napkins to better display their beautiful pattern.


Small berry picks were tucked under the plates to continue the pretty red of the berry sprays in the snowdrifts. 
 
The crystal stemware feels substantial in the hand and I like the bold, modern cut pattern. I was lucky to find a set of five in an antique mall, then searched successfully for three more on eBay.


Plaids are not meant just for the holidays — they're perfect for brightening any winter get-together. 


I couldn't resist adding these cheeky little birds to the snow. Made of sisal or something similar, they suggest the texture of feathers. The faux berries remind me of those found on the hollies and nandinas in my garden.


This one shows the bird happily harvesting berries!

Cedar Waxwing

This way I get to enjoy the look of snow without having to shovel any!


I don't know whether this was meant to be a Black-capped Chickadee or a Carolina Chickadee. They have slight differences in size and markings, but primarily differ by geographic range, generally northern vs. southern. Since the table is set in Georgia, I've decided this must be a Carolina Chickadee!

Chickadee

I like the blend of ice and snow on top of the warmth of the red plaid. It's bright, cheery and cozy! 




Fingers crossed that I'll see some real snow yet!




Table resources
Plates | Lenox 'Winter Greetings'
Crystal stemware | Towle 'Tiara'
Linens | Sur la Table




   
 
   
   



20 comments:

  1. WOW,WOW AND WOW!Unique plates,just wonderful!!!Beautiful table!

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    1. Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Hoping you're having a wonderful January. Hugs

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  2. So cute Sandra and I love your faux snow! The bird plates are so pretty and I love the cardinal and the berry branches poking out of the snow down your table. The red really warms things up and makes your table cozy and inviting!
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! I loved how everything came together so readily.

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  3. Absolutely gorgeous Sandra! Such a perfect setting for winter and for Valentine's Day also and so unique! I would like some snow out here too but have only had a dusting so far. I never thought to add some to a tablescape though! You always have the best ideas! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Aw, thanks, Denise! I firmly believe in celebrating all the seasons. Winter brings its own colors and themes that are fun to explore. Happy Friday!

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  4. Lovely. You had me at plaid & birds. beautiful table.

    XO- MaryJo

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    1. Thank you! If it's birds you like come again because I've got a thing for birds on the table!

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  5. Sandra, this is so beautiful! I love the plaid runner and your centerpiece and you know I love those plates! Thanks for explaining about the size. I have a set of those and I've always wondered if they were supposed to be large dessert plates or if they were a luncheon plate. I think you're exactly right about them being luncheon size because they are probably too big to be for dessert, although the way I like dessert, maybe not. ;)

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    1. Aw, thanks, Susan! This table was so much fun to put together! The luncheon plate can definitely be for dessert, on those days when nothing else will do, lol.
      And thank you for all the inspiration you've been giving me every week since I first found your blog.

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    1. Glad you liked it, Joanne! Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. The plates are beautiful and the snowdrifts just set the feel of winter so well. Thanks for sharing. Let us know if you do get some snow after all. #HomeMattersParty

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    1. I really love the plates. While I have my fingers crossed that we'll get the real thing, I can at least enjoy the indoor variety!

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  8. Sandra,
    Love your table. Congratulations, you are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/01/thursday-favorite-things-party_28.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

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  9. Sandra, your bird plates are absolutely charming! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! Pinning!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! The plates are even prettier in person.

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  10. I love your plates, Sandra! I have the dessert plates in the set which have red cardinals and nuthatches, I think, on them. The ribbons are so pretty with the birds, too!! Anyway, I am late getting back over but I happily featured your pretty table at last week's Share Your Style #291. <3

    Hope you get your snow soon! We may get some here in Denton this next week with the Arctic blast coming down from Canada.

    Hugs,
    Barb :)

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    1. Thank you, Barb! I have these plates, teacups, saucers and bowls. I just love the pattern! Thanks again for featuring my table.
      I'd love to get snow, but alas all we've had was cold rain mixed with sleet. Yuck!

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