Winter came roaring back this week. Cold temps. High winds. And plenty of those frozen crystals that fall from the sky. Though we would like to be seeing daffodils and tulips….it’s still a bit early. With that in mind, I spent this week embracing winter. Inside.
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St. Valentine’s Day will be here soon. But, as much as I enjoy hearts I want Winter to be the lead with St. Valentine taking the supporting role.
Since Christmas, we’ve been enjoying a splash of red with winter white in our sun room. The red snowflakes I suspended from branches and secured in the window have stayed in place. I’m not ready to release them. Not yet.
Recently I shared how I transformed one corner from a Christmas theme to a Valentine theme. We haven’t been eating in the sun room as it gets pretty cold, and we’re saving our pennies by not heating that room. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t set a pretty table and turn on the heat to enjoy a special meal.
This time of year, we enjoy a variety of soups. They warm both body and soul, and it’s a wonderful change from all the salads we treat ourselves to in the warmer months. Here the table is set for a Sunday soup luncheon with my aunt’s Clarice Cliff Royal Staffordshire
Do have special dishes that have special memories associated with them too?
Do you think about the activities you do each day with family and consider the memories in the making?
Are you intentionally creating happy memories to be savored sometime again?
Winter Table and Red Snowflakes
A white table cloth purchased to be a tree skirt at Target a number of years ago is gracing the table. Upside down. Who says that the shiny side has to be up? Haha! This way the snowflakes are more sparkly…just like in nature.
I used a few red snowflakes as coasters under the red water goblets
The round snowball votive holder 
My bold red Longaberger Cracker Basket was the perfect match to the red transferware dishes and the Longaberger paprika napkins and the base for a sweet winter arrangement. It was filled with faux evergreens to which I added some shimmery leaves and pearls and a large dimensional acrylic crystal snowflake. The red snowflake was the cherry on top!
There you have it!
Simple, elegant, and most of all easy. It really doesn’t take much effort to make a simple luncheon for two…Extraordinary!
Why be ordinary when you can be Extraordinary!! That’s my motto.
While the snow gently falls out our window, we’ll be inside where it’s all cute and cozy enjoying our bowl of homemade Chicken Gumbo. Mmmmm good. (I think I see a soup post coming.)
More Extraordinary Tablescape Ideas…
Dishing up Encouragement on Wedgwood China
Imperfectly Perfect Petit Fours for Tea
Who knew that one little room could be so much fun to decorate?
Stay warm & decorate!
Diane
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Oh Diane…..it’s just too precious! I adore the red snowflakes–a simple idea well used.
And I adore that you’re soldiering on during the midst of the storm–literally and figuratively.
We’re celebrating near a foot of that white stuff. It’s made the world around me clean and sparkly and silent once again.
*laughing* I can say that cuz I don’t have to drive in it! 😉
I do have two sets of china gifted to me–sadly, both in boxes, stuck in the storage room and unused. Silly to operate that way–they take turns coming out for special occasions. But as you point out, EVERY day is a special occasion. Perhaps when I become more mobile I can drag them out. The memories are mine–it’d be good to create new ones so there’s a desire TO have them passed on, eh?
Blessings to you and yours……always.
You know me, Mel…simple. These days it’s easier to live that way. And maybe…that’s a lesson for when the journey is less challenging. 😉
I love the term ‘soldiering.’ I never thought about it and me before. Hmm…
A foot of white. Beautiful! If you’re staying home. haha!
Oh I hope you do use your pretty china to create memories. My neighbor tried to give her kids her beautiful things and they didn’t want them. “Too much to dust.” Really…it all goes in a cupboard, no dusting involved. I think you are absolutely right…no memories…no want.
Enjoy looking out at all that beauty. {hugs}
It is all so pretty. I love those dishes…..and the tree and ornaments.
You are so sweet Betty! Thank you!!
Hope your new week is Extraordinary!
Gorgeous table, and I love your sunroom. With any luck we are getting one added this year. I really miss the one I put on my last house. The dishes are just beautiful, and I can see why you treasure them so.
Thank you so much!! The dishes are filled with happy memories.
Best wishes on a sunroom!
The red and white decor is beautiful, it really pops. The red snowflakes are pretty. Lovely tablescape. wishing you a happy week ahead!
Awww thanks Eileen!
Hope your week is Extraordinary!
Something beautiful to look at while you await the warmer temperatures. I love the red and white Royal Staffordshire. You are lucky to have them, with fond memories included.
What is there about red that makes us smile?
Thank for stopping by and leaving your kind thoughts, Debbie.
Blessings!
How pretty – I love red and white. I’d put my red transferware back in the cupboard after Christmas, but I can see that I’ll have to get it out for next week. Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh absolutely you must get it out! I just know it will put a smile on your face too!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Your tablescape is delightful and I wish I did have china from a family member that would have memories attached.
I like your outlook on life, indeed, why not be extraordinary.
Thank you! I confess to being sentimental about my things. I love when they remind me of someone special.
Wishing you an Extraordinary week!
What a great table. The red snow flakes make me smile too.
Wonderful to have you at Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
Isn’t it the little things that bring joy to life?
Blessings!
What a pretty room and table!
Thank you Laurel!!
Hope your week is extraordinary!
Your table is beautiful! This is my first time to join you and I really enjoyed it. I am a new follower.
I also loved your thought provoking questions. We do try to be very intentional about each day in our home and often enjoy beautiful tables for no occasion at all. My kids love to “play table” with me! I have a set of dishes from my grandparents’ home that really isn’t all that pretty, but is so special to me because of my grandmother that I kept them all! Thank you for a lovely visit here; I look forward to more!
Jessica, you just blessed me greatly! Thank you for your kind, thoughtful, and encouraging words!
I’m so glad your kids love to “play table.” I can only imagine all the wonderful memories being created to be treasured.
Welcome, too!! Hope your week is extraordinary!
Diane, I’m so glad you took the time to share this lovely table at Monday Makeover! Thank you!
My pleasure!! I’m awed that you are already hosting a party. You are off to a great start for a new blogger. 😀
Beautiful table setting for winter! The red and white are so pretty!
Thank you Laurie for stopping by with your cheery thoughts. 😀
What a lovely place! I’m so happy to read that the table setting is really going to be used. I just posted my Valentine table that we didn’t get to use, and I asked my readers if they’re sad to take them down not having been used. I try to fix a meal to go with a table, but often I need to dismantle it because the babies will {happyily} be over and we need a “real” table, or because life dictates otherwise. And I adore the shade of red of your dishes. I’ve never seen red transferware in such a deep red. How lovely that they were your aunt’s and that you hold such precious memories. Yes, we’ve always worked hard at creating memories for our children and now our grandchildren, because we know how important those memories are. Lovely. Thank you for sharing. ~Zuni
You are so kind Zuni! I love making the table pretty as my friends all know…and now I get the pleasure of sharing a “scape” occasionally with my bloggy friends.
Wishing you many more delightful memories in the making!
{hugs}
What a pretty table in a gorgeous room! Love the winter touches in red and white on your table which go perfectly with the Valentine touches on the tree and stand. I’d love to have a bowl of soup with you!
DD
And I wish you could too!! 🙂
Thank you for your sweet words.
May your week by simply extraordinary!
I love your red transferware dishes. And the whole room is so inviting!
Thank you Magali!! I wish you could enjoy it with me.
Your pretty dishes are perfect for Valentine’s Day and for other holidays as well. I love the cozy setting for two there by the window. Soup is a perfect meal for a winter’s day. What kind will you have?
We enjoyed Chicken Gumbo….but today I have freshly simmered broth and I’m trying to decide between butternut squash and a split pea and lentil type soup. I’d better hurry and decide…dinner awaits!!
Thanks for stopping by Lorrie! Hope your week is extraordinary!
Thank you for a lovely post and especially for giving St. Valentine’s his due. It is St. Valentine’s Day not ‘Valentine’s Day. He was a Saint as was St. Patrick and no one calls it Patrick’s Day….thank you for doing the same for dear St. Valentine and Happy St. Valentine’s Day to you. Love your red/white china; a favorite of mine.
With fortitude,
Sylvia Faye
Ah Sylvia…I think it was you who nudged me. 😀
Your red&white dishes are lovely. I get attached to sets of dishes and have many that bring warm memories. Visiting from Brenda’s.
Memories….everything is best when they are attached.
Hope your week is extraordinary!!
Hi, this is absolutely gorgeous! I would love for you to stop by My Dream Canvas It will be great to connect with you.
Thank you so much Anu. 🙂 I did pop over to your lovely site…and left a few words there too.
Blessings!
Your table setting is just charming in your sunporch. I love the red & white transferware from your aunt! I think you got the real treasure with those dishes. I’ve been looking for some of my own, and so far, I have 4 cups and saucers. It’s a start!
Visiting from Tweak it Tuesday.
Aww thanks Vickie! I feel pretty blessed. And you…you have what’s needed for tea. Now you just need to invite 3 friends to join you! 😀
What a charming and eye opening room…just beautiful and oh so inviting~
Mary, you just made me smile. 🙂 Thank you!!
So pretty and perfect for Valentines day.
I’m having a Valentine Link Party at Homa Style and would love you to come over and link up. {The party ends today}
The link is
http://homastyle.com/wp/2013/01/30/valentine-link-party/
You are so sweet! Thank you Jeanette!
Just realized you linked up your stunning Valentine window and frame. But please add your red tablescape!
Diane, What a lovely tablescape with such a beautiful backdrop! It rarely snows here and I think it is so beautiful. Your home is so pretty and bright. Who wouldn’t want to sit down to that beautiful table!
We found you at Carolyn’s Homework and have joined your lovely blog. We would love it if you visited us and joined us back!
Have a beautiful day!
Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens nest
Oh Carolyn…you are so sweet! Thank you!! I love looking out the window here. We are so blessed to have the house set up a little higher and away from our neighbors so that we have a great view. I’m blessed. Thank you for coming by…and for your invitation which I will accept! 😀
This is so lovely and elegant. Love the branch over hanging the table with snowflakes. 🙂
http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/
I’m so glad you noticed those hanging snowflakes. It was something so out of the ordinary for me to do and it just made my heart glad.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Your red table is so beautiful that it’s worth eating in a cool room – although the wintry scene outside frames the warmth of the red decor nicely. You’ve got me thinking that I can use the pretty snowflake tablecloth I got for Christmas with my red tablescape this week… 🙂
Yay! I love it when we inspire each other’s creativity!!
Thank you too Jennie, for your kind words!
Hope your week is Extraordinary!
Beautiful, how easy to switch from a Christmas theme to one for Valentine’s Day. Love the red and white dishes and the red goblet. Gorgeous table.
Judy, I’m in a rough spot on my journey right now and it has forced me to see things differently…this is just one little outcome. Thanks for loving it as much as me. [hugs]
That is the prettiest little sunroom! I love the table and chairs and all the red and white decor. Just gorgeous!
Thanks Melanie!
Hope your day is Extraordinary!
Gorgeous post and gorgeous dishes, Diane! I love the red and white! I do have china with special memories attached to it. I love them and the one who gifted me with most of them. Thanks for sharing your lovely post and have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Sandi
Oh Sandi…how special to have such treasures.
Thank you for your kind words.
May your day be extraordinary!
Hey girl! Totally pinned this! Gorgeous!
Thanks Kelly!!! 😀
More beautiful red and white! I love it all. It’s a perfect table setting for this time of year!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Katie…I’m loving it too!! Something about red and white that evokes a happy feeling.
Hope your week is extraordinary!
Oh what a great post and your tablescape is soooooooooooooooo pretty. I love the red and white in this room and seeing the snow outside, how lovely is that. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
You are so sweet Marty!! I am blessed.
Thank you for hugging me with your words.
beautiful! I love how elegant it all is and the colors you chose. Thanks for sharing at Tasteful Tuesdays this week! Do you sew or know someone who does? I have a fabulous pattern sale (18 patterns for under $25) and giveaway going on right now.http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/02/sew-fab-e-pattern-sale-and-giveaway.html
Thank you Emily!! 😀
That red transferware is awesome!!! What a beautiful room… and what a view you have!
So glad I stopped by; your red snowflake coasters are a brilliant idea.
You are so kind! We’ve lived here just over a year and I marvel at the view every day.
Thanks for coming by Maureen. Wishing you a week full of extraordinary days!
I’m just swooning over your pretty dishes! I LOVE red transferware so very much. You’ve set such a pretty table to enjoy the dishes.
Awww Kitty…you so sweet. They make my heart sing too!!
Hope your week has been Extraordinary!
Looks perfect for Valentines. Love the snowflakes.
And who says we have to use hearts? Red snowflakes it will be!!! [laughing]
Thanks!! Hope your day is extraordinary!
Thank you Diane for sharing your beautiful tablescape with my HOME party. Love it!
Blessings,
Sandi
Thank you for hosting such a sweet party! I love it and your blog!!
I adore red transferware in every season, all year round!! Red and white is great C’mas time, like what you did and now Valentine’s, like you share with us here. Just gorgeous! Hugs,
FABBY
Something about red and white that makes us smile.
Thanks for your sweet comments, Fabby! [hugs]
This is so nice! I just love that red and white toile! Such an inviting table! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week! =D
Awww thanks!!
That is really one darling room. The tablesetting is so pretty. I would choose the memory laden dishes you have (which are just stunning) over the high dollar ones any day! This table turned out just fabulous. Great tablecloth and votive… xo marlis
You are so kind, Marlis! Thank you for your sweet words.
Wishing you an Extraordinary day!!
[hugs]
Hi, Diane! I do believe this is my first visit to your blog. I’m visiting from Cuisine Kathleen’s “Let’s Dish!”. I read your “About Me” section over on the sidebar in its entirety. I love to know a little about the people whose work I’m admiring. You’re really keeping it real which is a terrific thing. It takes a lot to bare your soul and secrets. If people don’t like you for it, then perhaps that’s God’s way of protecting you from someone who would ultimately bring you hurt. I’m from the line of thinking that you do yourself much more harm than good if you only put the “good” stuff out there. How else will people know where you’re coming from? Anyhoooooooo…..I like your take on Winter Meets Valentine’s Day. Very pretty! The red & white are colors that are sustainable all year round! I really like the branch you put in your window with the snowflakes! Very cool!!! Your dishes are not only pretty but full of memories. Those are the BEST kind!!! Nice to “meet” you. Stay warm in the renewed winter temps and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
It’s a pleasure to ‘meet’ you, too, Alycia! Thank you for taking the time to come and visit. I only wish it could have been in person and we might have enjoyed a nice cuppa at one of our pretty tables. You made my day, today!! {hugs}
I love your Aunt Clarice’s dishes. They are perfect for a mid-winter table. Joni
Thanks Joni! I think they’re perfect anytime… 🙂
Pretty place to enjoy a meal! I just love the red and white theme whether it is a winter tablescape or a Valentine’s tablescape and decor. Soup is great for this time during the winter but here we are having warm afternoons so salads have been on the menu. We will see cold again and then soups and pizza. Have a great romantic dinner!
Pam
Awww Pam…you’re so sweet!!
Thank you!!
what a lovely post, love the red staffordshire. You know you mention that your cousin got the good dishes and hers is worth more, may not be so. Good china at auction is way down, but staffordshire is still up there, so you got the prettier set and maybe worth more. It looks in good shape too, considering it was used every day. Thank you for sharing. God Bless…
Hmmm. I guess that just goes to prove that memories really do how the most value. 😀
Thanks for stopping by and you kind words.
Your red tablescape is lovely! I LOVE it all but the red glasses are perfect!!!
Haha! Those glasses were so inexpensive a few years ago at Wegman’s…my supermarket when I lived north.
Thanks!!
I’m in love your dishes!!! I’ve never seen more beautiful red dishes, ever! Your room is romantic and beautiful and the winter view really sets the cozy scene nicely! You have a very charming blog. 🙂
Blessings,
Leslie
You are so sweet Leslie. Though I have others…I find every excuse I can to use my red and white transferware. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to stop by.
May your days be Extraordinary!
Your tablescape is very pretty!
You are so sweet, Dee! Thank you!
This is my first visit…hope you come over and visit me. Beautiful table…I have that china pattern in purple or at least it looks like the Tonquin pattern…in fact I was thinking of using it for a Valentine’s table this year! Your little breakfast room is adorable.
Ahhh…similar. This pattern is Clarice Cliff by Royal Staffordshire. You should use your purple for Valentines…how pretty it would be.
Thanks for coming by and for your kind words. 😀
Hello Diane! Your sunroom is just beautiful, and though it might be cool or cold, it looks so warm and inviting! The dishes are just gorgeous! I love those reds..and the red glasses and the snowflakes are still just charming especially since it’s still snowing where you are!!! I’m delighted to have you come by and join my party again! So nice to see you!
Blessings,
Doni
Thank you Doni! Yes…we still have snow. But, it will be disappearing quickly as the temps go above freezing tomorrow. That means that the room will be warmer when the sun is out…Yay! And I might actually get to spend more time there. Thank you so much for your sweet and thoughtful remarks.
May your days be Extraordinary!
your dishes are just beautiful….and that little room with the snow outside..love it..
Mona
Awww…thanks, Mona! I’m thinking you might not have snow?
How beautiful! I love the pop of reds. Such a cheerful color and romantic. Your red transferware are gorgeous!…Christine
Thank you, Christine! It makes me smile every time I pass by the sun room.
Thanks for popping by!
Hope your days are extraordinary!
I love red and white and this makes me happy to just look at your pics. It was in the 70’s here this week so I get to use my porch, lol.
Haha! 70’s…oh that sounds so nice. We just had a heat wave today…41 degrees it topped out at!!
Thanks for stopping by Kim! 😀
Diane, your table is beautiful! Oh, I want some dishes just like that for my kitchen. They are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week. Thrilled to have you share with us. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Hugs
Kathy
Thank you Kathy! I have admired those dishes my entire life and am now blessed to have them along with their special memories.
Blessings!!
Loved your special Valentine’s room and table. I love the richness of red in the winter time, and this is such
a warm and rich looking table. Just beautiful and screams Valentines day!
Very very pretty, Bet yall are really enjoying it.
Blessings for a Lovely Valentine’s Day hon,
Nellie
We ARE enjoying it, Nellie! Thank you for seeing it the way we do. 😀
Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!!
What a lovely table setting! Great idea to keep the red things from Christmas. Looks terrific! Thanks for sharing this at Rustic Restorations Weekend!
Thanks Tammy!! 🙂
Show and Tell Saturday is LIVE at Sassy Little Lady! I’d love to have you come join the party!
http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-3
Kathie
Thanks for the invitation Kathie!!
Diane I love the dishes. I do have some sentimental attachments to some of my dishes. I have a dessert set from my Mother. She received it as a weeding gift in 1960.xo P.S. thank you for sharing at the hop
You have a treasure then, Katie! What a special blessing. I hope you’re creating special memories with them too.
OMGoodness! Your table is beautiful!! Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thank you Kathryn!!!
Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!
It is so lovely…I love that it can be wintery or for Valentines. Red is my favorite!
Thank you Holly!! It makes me smile too! 😀
Hope your weekend is extraordinary!
Hi lovely lady.
I love your transformed one corner from Christmas theme to your Valentine this was a wonderful Idea for your Beautiful sunroom. Your tablescape for two is also so sweet knowing your hubby and you can take some time together for a great lunch.. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
XXOO Diane
You are so sweet, Diane!! Thank you!
Blessings to you to for a lovely Valentine’s Day, too!!
Everything looks so pretty and those dishes are gorgeous! The perfect place to enjoy the snowfall outside. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Jenn 🙂
Thanks Jenn! On a cold day, it’s the best way to enjoy to snow. 🙂
Hope your week is extraordinary!
so beautiful. Love the read
Thank you Rose!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Hi Diane,
Your beautiful table was featured at A Humble Creation this week! Thanks for sharing it with us.
What a delightful surprise Jessica!
Thank you!!
The setting is truly magical! Love it!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality last week!!!
You are so sweet Christine. I felt like I just got a big hug!!
Your tablescape is gorgeous – LOVE the dishes – the scenery is wonderful – just add a portable heater and you’re set! I love creating memories as often as possible – wonderful post – I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Awww thanks, Kathy! The room actually has electric baseboard heat that we can switch on…and do on occasion. You should see it tonight with the snow falling. Gorgeous…just like a movie set.
I just found your blog from a link with red and white dishes:^) We use the transferware “Memory Lane” for everyday and you are right they are a wonderful memory maker from MY aunt who gifted them to me!!! We will be using them tonight for our Valentine dinner, and will also be using red goblets for our iced tea!!
Thank you for sharing your lovely table and I hope you have had a great Valentines Day.
Blessings,
J
I’m not familiar with ‘Memory Lane’ I’ll have to look it up.
Thank you for sharing your sweet memories and I love that tonight you will be using them to make even more!
Happy Valentine’s Day Jay!
Those dishes are beautiful! Isn’t it amazing how “everyday dishes” have changed throughout the years? I love how they used to be so detailed and ornate. Hope you’re having a fabulous day!
~Abby =)
I know….they are the so beautiful and I’ve been so very blessed. 🙂
Your room is so lovely Diane. I love the red dishes of your Aunt’s, and that basket is goregeous filled with all the pretties. Thank you for sharing at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a lovely weekend! ~Deborah
Thanks Deborah! I have been blessed with some lovely things. Now I’m looking forward to using them all again. Hopefully soon!
Blessings!!
What a great idea. I love Christmas decorations and never thought about using them to do a Valentines day decoration and have a special meal…It is summer here in Australia in Feb but why not have an excuse to use those Christmas decorations again.
Thanks for posting this in the blog hop.
Handmade at Warratahstree
I love that you are inspired to add the decorations even though it’s summer where you are. 🙂
If you do….have fun with it and know…you are Extraordinary, Tracy!!!
Thanks for popping by….hope your weekend is extraordinary!