Nature Inspired New Years Day Tablescape
OK, I'll go ahead and tell you. I'm not much of a planner. My mother will start setting up the table for a gathering two months ahead and then work on it for weeks. My younger sister plans every moment to perfection, nothing left to chance, and could be an event planner you could count on. My older sister is enviously laid back but will start planning at least a week ahead. I'm more of the decide what you are doing at the last minute kind of girl. When my mother asks a pre question about what I am doing for or bringing to an upcoming family gathering I have been know to tell her that I will not even begin to think about it for at least two more days. (Which is usually a few days before the gathering but I never disappoint.)
In typical fashion I decided New Year's Eve that I would go ahead and cook a big traditional New Years meal and any of my family who was available would be welcome. Surely they don't have plans. In hip fashion I texted my girls and in traditional fashion I called my mom to invite. My oldest daughter and my beautiful grandchildren were already committed. Bummer. My younger daughter could come but my son-in-law would be in a deer stand or the woods somewhere. My mom was available and of course my Sweet Thing was excited about a real meal. Yea!
Since I had an intimate group of four I realized that I could pull a charming tablescape together and we could eat in the kitchen. The pictures are the results of my very last minute pull together.
On the Menu: pork chops, greens, black eyed peas with chow chow, carrot coins, a little corn dip, and sweet tea. Yum!
I created a centerpiece with a resin deer and then I borrowed a few things from the nature craft item box we made after our walk the other day. Of course I will be putting them back. The bark, pinecones and lichen worked nicely. I didn't want it to be too fussy. I repeated the pinecones at each place setting on top of the napkin.
I used a red and white color scheme and paired it with rustic materials. Layering elements makes it more interesting. I started with a twig placemat. On top of that I placed a red and white checkerboard placemat with snowflakes. I just love this forged iron flatware. I have used it for many occasions. I topped that with hand painted red and white leaf like plates. I know mixing patterns can be challenging but I suggest you just play around with it. You would be surprised what works. Just have fun with it.
This color scheme is great for winter gathering and brightening those short days of winter. As you put away those Christmas decorations think red and hold back a few things that would speak to winter wonderlands. Add some red mittens and little white skates or a snowman or two. I'm hoping a few snow days and hot chocolate with peppermint are in my future.
Red and White Winter Tablescape
I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. - Marianne
All photographs are property of Living With Color Designs.