The simple pleasures of home shine brighter
when the spirit of God intertwines our hearts
with His gentle Joy.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Calm Dining This Fall. . .

On Crooked Creek will be joining our gracious hostess, Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Never disappointing are all the inspiring tablescapes that blog land ladies have prepared for your viewing pleasure. You're sure to come away with a collection of ideas for use in your own home. Be sure to leave a comment and thank you for visiting today.



Isn't it amazing how quickly the days are passing by and the holidays are rapidly approaching? With the onset of cooler temperatures, comes a hurried time On Crooked Creek. As "Mr. Ed" prepares for long hours on the Kansas highway, my schedule lengthens with holiday sales in the retail world. So these last few days of Autumn are especially important for us to enjoy one another's company.


Having changed out the vivid hues of Autumn, I chose soft colors for Calm Dining This Fall. For the next thirty days or so, I'm savoring every stolen minute with my dear husband. A touch of Romance is the air tonight
On Crooked Creek.


 Red and gold stripe shades have been changed to soft ivory on the overhead chandelier with the addition of hydrangea and twig garland with beaded pearls for accent.



 Champagne and soft russet hydrangea in the French Country half basket replace the former sunflowers.




Removing the ivory tablecloth allows the warm hues of the natural oak wood to enhance the hues in the table runner, place mats and napkins. Burgundy, sage green, gold, khaki, rose, rust and a hint of lavender on a taupe background in muted hues calm our souls.



Taking center stage are candlesticks, votives and a candle lamp to enhance the Romantic allure for the evening. Seating has been reconfigured for intimacy.






Using my golden dinner plates rimmed with brown as chargers adds another dimensional layer to the place setting. Our dinner plate will be the sage green scallop, white embellished leaf salad plate, and a sage green scallop dessert plate.



With cooling evening temperatures, we'll enjoy 'a cup of tea' in the sage green pedestal mugs. Most anytime Raspberry Tea  is a favorite; however, having sampled Cranberry Orange on our Annual Trout Fishing Trip, we have made a seasonal change. The bubble stemware serves as our water glass.



Pears, still my continual favorite faux fruit, I opted for a French Country wire basket filled with passionate pomegranates for the centerpiece. Two red candlesticks continue the 'fire of passion' with taupe ROOT candles. Transparent sage green glass leaf votive holders with heady fig scented candles are placed at each setting.




Instead of using napkin rings, I folded the napkins following a design from Susan, @ Between Naps On The Porch. Featured here is number one Pocket Fold from Susan's Napkin Fold Tutorials. The stripe backing of my napkin folded twice makes a mitered corner, adding interest to the fork placement. This double fold allows for the floral design to be seen at the top and at the bottom of the napkin.



Soft flickering flames coming from the lamp candle will enhance our conversations as we linger over tea. The lilting sounds of Celtic Harp Instrumental Christmas background music  will remind us that our time to linger with one another is time to be cherished.








Until next time. . .

16 comments:

Tricia said...

What a warm and pretty table, Pat! I just got a round table for my breakfast area, and now I want some round placemats like yours! Those striped and floral napkins look great using that napkin fold, and I love the grouping of different types of candles.

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat! What a lovely table you've set. I like seeing the warm look of the wood too. Lovely dishes and accessories. Love that half basket with the hydrangeas! Gorgeous!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful table! I loved this post, Pat!

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hi Pat....
Love the hydrangeas in the basket!
Colors are so soft and muted...
Also love those candel sticks on your table.
A charming scape...very cozy!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Glad to have found you!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Pat, I love how you decorated your chandelier and how you layered your table. It just looks so cute, and the color of those dishes is fabulous. Very pretty tablescape!

Happy Tablescape Thursday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

How special of you to create a romantic tablescape for you and hubby to share and enjoy each other's company while you have time. I never thought of fall offering anything but the vibrant colours everyone thinks of but you've definitely shown the softer side of fall.

DD

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Pat...

How very sweet, my friend! I think it's wonderful that you have set a special table for you and your honey to dine at...and to enjoy one another's company! Ohh...and a beautiful table it is indeed! I love the soft colors...the muted shades...the soft sage green dishes are so pretty! I was really admiring those beautiful quilted placemats...as well as your dinner napkins! Love how you folded them so that the floral pattern was showing on the top...very pretty! Truly a lovely table!!! Ohhh...and your chandelier all dressed up in it's finest fall finery is sooo pretty! I love that! Thank you for sharing your beautiful table with us today!

I also wanted to thank you for stopping by and taking a peek at my autumn table! I really enjoyed your visit and sweet note, my friend! Thank you!!!

Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

PS...enjoy your honey!!!

Alycia Nichols said...

Lovely autumn transformation! The pomegranates really look terrific. They really area fruit of passion and look terrific alongside your candlesticks!

Kathy said...

Hello Pat! I quite understand cherishing precious moments with the one you love! Life is busy and time is fleeting. You've set quite a romantic setting - just love the hydrangeas, pomegranates and your choice of dishes - lovely and inviting,
Kathy

Scribbler said...

Lovely table and lyrical commentary -- almost like poetry.

Sweetladyelaine said...

Very warm and pretty! Thank you for sharing! I love the soft blue dishes. It is important that we make our husbands feel treasured! Thank you for sharing!

bj said...

Oh, my...your table is just beautiful..and I am totally in love with your new white shades. I am going to do that...buy some white ones to replace the black and white toile, just for a change. Your's look so pretty.

Now, I hope you have time for a bubble bath, some good smelling candles and a glass (or two) of a good wine..get a good nights sleep and you'll be ready to lick the world in the morning. :))

Entertaining Women said...

Your dinner a deux was delightful. I know that the time leading up to the holidays must be so special for you. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

Barbara said...

Ahhh, this was so relaxing and lovely to read and see. It is a good time to find these special moments while you can.

Marigene said...

What a warm welcoming table...love the sage plates. The napkins and placemats look so versatile.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Such a lovely and inviting tablescape. I love your mix of dishes and the linens are wonderful. Such pretty colors. The flowers are gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such thoughtful and helpful comments. I really appreciate it. Hugs, Marty