A Bold Red and Green Leafy Tropical Tablescape

This Bold Red and Green Leafy Tropical Tablescape is, for me, rather an unusual tablescape to be designing at this time of year, not because it is bold and vibrant, but because it is in stark contrast to what is going on outside our window at the moment.  Of course, living in Wisconsin can mean living with contrast, especially in winter (and often times, it can be an extreme contrast.)  On this very day of writing this article, we may be thinking of warmer days, patches of lush green grass and the beautiful songs of colorful chirping birds, but what we witness instead is subzero temperatures, blowing snow, even higher drifts and still weather which requires more uses for hats, gloves, boots and shovels.  So nothing is more contrasting to this cold, snowy white scene than a bright, bold red and green tropical tablescape in front of windows that look out to a landscape which resembles more of the arctic.

Warm tropical breezes.....soft, soothing sand cushioning one's feet...a cool fruit drink in hand.....the sun remedying one's soul.....oh my.....time to snap out of it......to the present............  There is something beautiful in the pure white snow, baby blue skies and snow covered trees which look like cotton candy on sticks.  Some times it is all about attitude.

The pop of bright red color of the tropical flowers, tapered candles and napkins adds color and energy to the table.  The bold print placemats have a unique color combination of navy, white, green, red and a hint of dark pink.

It is the perfect time to use the palm tree with coconuts napkin rings for the white napkins edged with navy blue rick rack or trimming.

The white and navy "drip" vase was a wonderful find at Hobby Lobby which was recently discounted at ninety percent off.  It was the last one available.  The colors and price together worked well for this tablescape.

I had to incorporate the leaf plates I picked up some time ago.  They always seem to work in tablescapes which need a bit of greenery.

Some how succulents and orchids seemed to be an ideal choice for these little white planters.

Since we are thinking and dreaming tropical....... a serving of fruit is a must.  Some pineapple, mangoes, tangerines, grapes and a sprinkle of sweet coconut.

Light, refreshing and cold.......

Or a  slice of Oatmeal Strawberry Crumble with a strong cup of hot coffee helps to add comfort and relief on a cold and very snowy day.

The bright and refreshing flavor of strawberries really brings a bit of summer to this tasty simple dessert.  The strawberries were picked from a local farm and frozen in small portions.  Nothing tastes more like summer than these sweet and juicy strawberries from a farm.

Here is the recipe for this delicious Oatmeal Strawberry Crumble if you wish to give it a try.

Oatmeal Strawberry Crumble

1/2 C sugar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 C flour
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 C cold butter
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 C fresh strawberries, chopped
1/3 C sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 C instant oatmeal

Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

Place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom and up the sides of a 8x8 glass pan.  (This will help to easily remove it from the pan and cut into pieces.)

In medium bowl, stir together 1/2 C sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.

Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut cold butter into flour mixture until crumbly (pea-size pieces).

In a separate small bowl, beat egg with fork.  Add egg and vanilla to the flour mixture and combine.

Spread half of the mixture onto the parchment paper in the pan and pat evenly.

In another bowl, combine sliced strawberries and 1/3 C sugar and cornstarch.

Spoon strawberry mixture onto the crust.

With remaining flour crumb mixture, add 1/4 C instant oatmeal.  Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top of strawberries.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes at 375 F degrees or until topping is a light golden brown.  Cool and serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or your favorite drizzled icing recipe, if desired.

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Think ahead.......warm weather is on the way.