It is very cold in Wisconsin this morning with current temperatures of -5 degrees F with the windchill. As I think of the the months ahead and Valentine's Day that is fast approaching, I always seem to think of seeing snow through the holiday and for quite some time thereafter. As a result, as I prepare ideas for Valentine's Day, it most often includes elements of winter in my tablescape designs and home decor since winter is still in full swing in this part of the Midwest. Snow and cold temperatures are part of living in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin which lasts well into April.
Of course, it may mean that when I design any of the tablescapes for February, it usually includes warm and cozy elements like that of dressing for winter warmth, such as red and green wool plaid or real or faux fur. Furthermore, in the month of February, the abundance of pine sprigs, pinecones, ice, snow and snowflakes surrounds us daily and compels our need for comfort and protection against the harsh elements throughout the entire season. These decor items are used as well.
It maybe is a challenge to merge the warmth and love of Valentine's Day with winter pieces and, if you first think about it, it may be quite a contrast. However, pairing warm wool plaid fabric in a form of a throw or blanket used to cozy up with and stay toasty is just like the fiery and fuzzy feelings of falling in love.
The same can be said about the use of snow, ice and fresh scented pine as design elements in a Valentine's tablescape. When you think about falling in love often it may mean an acute awareness of heightened senses. A sharpened sense of smell, taste and touch seem to be more noticeable when there is a serious interest or an attraction. The same can be said about using various decor elements which can provoke one or all of the senses too. So using a fluffy fur runner in a tablesetting awakens the sense of touch with a delicate softness and provides layers to the table like those layers needed to dress and combat icy winds. The sweet, woodsy scent of fresh pine can also spark the sense of smell with a pleasurable earthy scent.
In any event, it is easy to see how the use of various elements can incite and arouse the same array of senses like that of finding one's true love. Isn't that a part of celebrating the romance of Valentine's Day?
I hope you will enjoy this winter's Valentine's Day tablescape. Included in this post are links from many more stylists who put together their creative and insightful Valentine's tablescapes for this year's celebrated blog hop hosted by Rita from Panoply.
Let's start with the rich, romantic red plaid tablescape at The Little Yellow Corner Store as a reminder that even though it will soon be Valentine's Day, it is winter for yet another month or two or three.
A small reminder of Valentine's Day is a note on a wood heart which sends a simple message of love to those invited to the table.
Crystal ice trees sends a shiver through my body. Time to put on more layers of clothing.
Even a matching swag with ice crystals and little plaid bows on loopy hearts dress up the door like that of the table.
Some rag balls done up with plaid in a quilted pattern can be used as fillers in a bowl or basket for any table decor. They could even be used as Christmas ornaments for a tree and would make unique gifts for friends during the Christmas holiday. It certainly conveys a homey and welcoming feeling, don't you think?
If you wish to give these quilted balls a try, just visit the following website that I pinned from Pinterest: https://itssocorinney.com/quilted-star-christmas-ornament/.
There is some thing very welcoming and homey about a mixture of cozy red and green plaid/tartan in the salad plates, cups and napkins too.
Of course, I saved the best for last.......Now let's join all of the other designers in celebrating Valentine's Day and take pleasure in viewing all of their beautiful tablescapes. The links are as follows, but remember they become active starting Tuesday, January 25, 2022:
Good Morning Marsha! Brrrrr….it’s cold in your neck of the woods! I’m mad for plaid anytime of year and love seeing it paired with hearts for Valentine’s Day! Your centerpiece is so festive, I have the same sparkling snowflake picks and love using them for winter. Adorable quilted ball ornaments too! As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you. Happy Tuesday and Stay Warm ♥
ReplyDeleteI love your take on a wintery Valentine theme (it's been vary cold here in central NY, too). Did you make your "rag balls"? They certainly should be named something else because they are a work of art! I know I would enjoy being a guest at this table!! Have a Happy Valentines Day!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, your winter Valentine is lovely. I love the red. Tartan is such a wonderful pattern and you have embraced it beautifully. The sparkle snowflake picks are so pretty, The quilted ornaments are wonderful and fit right in. Your centerpiece is gorgeous. So many lovely details. I would love to be your guest. Always a pleasure to join you.
ReplyDeleteMarsha, your descriptions of falling in love and the feelings, the senses....are so perfectly stated! Your table unfolds and delivers on all those points - the ice, the fur, the pine. I can sense it all! Winter most definitely will be with us for at least another month, so the wool plaids are also perfectly suited. Besides, I love plaid anytime! I'm crushing on those loop hearts on the door beneath the icy pine swag, they look so pretty on the door against the snowy outdoors. And those quilted ball ornaments are a perfect complement too. I have some with Christmas fabric for my tree, but those are even more useful beyond Christmas! A lovely sentiment for this winter holiday, sure to warm the hearts of all the lucky guests. Thank you for sharing and being a part of the group this time. Your sister would've loved this. You did her proud. Sending you lots of love.
ReplyDeleteHello Marsha, what a great table! Love the red plaid theme. With winter still very valid in our parts this makes for a warm and inviting tablescape!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty Marsha, the red plaid is wonderful paired with Valentine things, and it adds a very cozy element to this winter time of year! The rag balls certainly don't look like rags to me, they are fantastic! Love your beautiful red stemware and the crystal trees ❤️ Keep safe and warm up there and I wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, Marsha, Marsha, I and my Scottie dog are 'mad' for your plaid Valentines tablescape! Love how you styled a heartfelt table by mixing plaid tableware and seasonal snowflake decor.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't imagine it being that cold. It has been unusually cold here in Central Alabama, so I appreciate all the plain and snow elements on your table! I think it's very wintry, and red is always a good color to use for Valentine's Day! The quilted ornaments are also fun as are the glittery snowflakes. Stay warm! I hope it warms up a little for y'all!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
XO,
Ricki Jill
Marsha, you made a bright and festive statement during the long winter months with your pretty table. Your use of plaid throughout the table together with the hearts really make a winter impact. And the winter fabric balls are so cute.
ReplyDeleteHope you are keeping warm and cozy this winter!
Rachelle
Marsha, your plaid valentine theme is just darling! Your quilted ornaments are just lovely. Pinned!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, you can never go wrong with plaid! Your fun table makes me smile. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, I feel terrible complaining about a 20 degree day. You have it much worse than I do. I adore plaid, and it goes wonderful with the red hearts of Valentine's Day. Your table is just beautiful, cozy, and inviting. I love your wreath with the loopy hearts. It is always so fun to join you in these hops. Take care, stay warm, and Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun and unique idea to use the tartan plaid for a Valentine winter tablescape! I love the yarn wreaths too!
ReplyDeleteI love, love your tablescape! The incorporation of plaid and wintery items make for such a joyous, festive and unique Valentine's Day! So very pretty!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, I would never have thought of putting Winter plaids and Valentine hearts together in a table setting but it works beautifully. Love the combination of plaid and plain in your table. The Winter elements make the feeling so cozy and warm. I'll take away some great tips. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLynne, Thrifting Wonderland
-5 is ridiculously cold. I think Wisconsin is colder than upstate NY. Your table looks so warm and inviting.
ReplyDeleteYour table is warm and inviting, rather like the hugs we look forward to on Valentine's Day. I love the deep reds in the table and the bright white wooden hearts set on the plaid plates! You didn't say, but I imagine a crackling fire in the background. I miss the snow (we had our first snow of 2 inches in 1,000+ days). We're more likely to have cold rain in February, which chills you more than snow.
ReplyDeleteMarsha, I am a huge fan of tartan plaid. It makes a lovely statement for your Valentine’s table. I love that you used your wintry elements to mix in with the sweetheart day. The centerpiece is perfect and I love your wreath with the loopy hearts. I can’t imagine living in weather that cold, I should never complain about our mornings that are in the 20’s. You have created a beautifully warm and cozy space for Valentine’s Day. It is always a pleasure to blog hop with you!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, you know I love all things plaid! Your winter table included!! Such a warm and inviting table for a winter Valentine’s Day. As I look out my window I see some crazy ice fishermen out there in single digit temperatures and the wind howling, I think I would much rather be enjoying your cozy table!! Snowflakes and hearts just go together in our neck of the woods!! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!XOXO
ReplyDeleteSo pretty Marsha...love love love the red and green plaid, so crisp and clean and yet cozy. With such cold temperatures outside, your tablescape is warm and romantic.
ReplyDeleteKari @ Me and My Captain
Love your table Marsha- the plaid and valentine's theme is perfect - its still winter after all. The paid salad plates are beautiful as is your stemware. And love your fabric balls - they are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and Happy Valentine's Day to you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful centerpiece! I love the contrast of the white with the red. I too associate Valentine's day with winter.
ReplyDeleteMarsha you have captured both the warmth of Valentine's Day and the ice cold season outdoors! Your red glassware is so striking against the fur table runner. I love how you use all the elements of the season in your centrepiece. I am quite partial to plaid myself and love the cozy vibe they add to your table!
ReplyDeleteMarsha, I love how you incorporated the elements of Winter into your Valentine's theme. After all, Valentine's Day is a Winter holiday! The furry table runner, pinecones, snowflakes and crystal trees all speak to the weather outside. Of course, plaid looks great at any time of year. Why put it away after Christmas? It's always fun to hop with you. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteThe plaid definitely combines winter and Valentine's Day very well. Thanks for sharing what you have been up to lately. #HomeMattersParty
ReplyDeleteSo vibrant and pretty, thanks for the wonderful idea...
ReplyDelete