Today we're joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for one of our very favorite memes. This is actually the blogland event that inspired Allie to create this blog. Many thanks to Susan for inspiring and encouraging.
It's been COLD in North Carolina. Unusually cold. Not just cool, but run-to-the-mall-and-search-for-a-jacket COLD. Being native New Yorkers, this is not an unusual occurrence for us- after all, it IS January. But this is North Carolina. In the beautiful, WARM South. It's had everyone all be-fuddled. Except me of course. Cold weather is the perfect excuse for a cozy dinner of hearty finger-and-toe warming comfort food. Chili and cornbread? Creamy chowder and dumplings? A hearty stew and biscuits? What will it be?
The stoneware I'm using tonight is special to me. It was a gift from the students in a class I taught. My family had been experiencing a very tough year and, knowing my love of cooking and dishes and entertaining, and my husband's love of the outdoors, they presented me with this set. It has a rustic elegance that's just perfect for a casual dinner with friends
Aren't the colors and images wonderful? Each side of the bowl has a different scene.
I love these candles. The color and texture mimics the peeling bark of winter trees in the Hudson Valley where we had our home in New York.
Isn't he regal? When I came across this wooden deer in A.C. Moore, he just took a graceful leap right into my cart. Who was I to argue?
Aren't they cute? You can't live in North Carolina and not have a beautiful red cardinal somewhere in your home. 
Who could resist that face? This little guy is an honored guest at our winter dinner table.
Waiting for the hot bread. It may be a hot yeast roll, or perhaps a golden, buttered muffin. The bubble glasses add some light and effervescence to this cozy, subdued table
Candlelight makes even the most casual dinner a special experience
The salad plate-a scene reminiscent of Hudson Valley lakes and sing-alongs around the campfire
Ready for all the garnishes and sides. Cheese, croutons, grated onion- it's fun to allow guests to "personalize" to their own taste.
Can't forget the salad
Be sure to visit Between Naps on the Porch. Curl up with a warm drink, a cozy blanket and enjoy the creativity of blogland's best tablescapers. If all goes well this week, we hope to see you all Friday at Designs by Gollum. Please join us for Foodie Friday Allie and Pattie
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A warm and inviting table! So fun and cozy
ReplyDeleteI love those dishes! The whole tablescape reminds me of Vermont (where my daughter is currently at college), with the pine cones and moose. Chili and cornbread sound absolutely perfect!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Your table is warm and cozy. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteOh fun! Nothing like Chili and cornbread for a winter supper. And your rustic cabin dishes are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love your outdoorsy themed table. That deer is awesome, is it wood or metal? Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi!
ReplyDeleteThe deer is wood-I just fell in love with him. Thank you so much
Pattie