Cairn Cottage: February 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016

"I've Got the Blues" Tea Tablesettings

The past few weeks of February have been quite rough for this cottage gal!

Between family issues and unpredictable weather conditions, my inner clock/self have been beyond catty-womper...(it doesn't help that I continue to suffer from peri-menopausal symptoms and have for going on 15 years now. Been to several doctors and they all say I just have to wait it out!)

I have been attempting to keep up with putting out different decor/tablesettings for each season. Now that Valentine's Day is past, I usually bring out some of my favorite blue and white teaware/china. I recently purchased a new teapot and some teacups, so I thought I would share them, as well. Below are a few vignettes and my dining room tablescape with the "BLUE" theme, which goes well with my mood, lately...yes, I've got those winter blues!!

An old trunk that belonged to my grandmother sits in my 4-season porch. My hubby recently brought home this sad plant that a co-worker almost threw out, in hopes of reviving it. I placed a teapot(a gift from my mother years ago) and a matching cup/saucer I found at a flea market here. They set atop several of my favorite books I like to just flip through when I need a break in my day.

Another porch window view is the backdrop to this vignette.

Some of my "Holland windmill" themed teawares are on display, as well as the floral teapot that I found at Hobby Lobby years ago.

This little milk pitcher fit perfectly on top of my seahorse candleholder...a unique way to display this piece.

My dining room tablescape.

The teapot below (a chintz design) was a recent find at an antique shop.

I also purchased two teacups/saucers with this beautiful floral design.

Since I only got two of the floral cups, I displayed a few of my older blue and white cups/saucers, too.

The blue and white large and small vases held some pretty spring flowers. My "tea for one" stackable cup and teapot are also an older, but much loved piece of china.(Perfect for a small cup of tea for me on those days I'm home alone.)

Now, I'd like to say I own the teawares below and put these vignettes together, but, alas, they belong to other bloggers. I just had to share them with you, as well. Blue and white china are some of my favorite colors and styles!!

I hope I am able to enjoy brighter days ahead!
Spring is officially less than 24 days away! Now, of course, that doesn't garantee that the weather will follow suite. But, I am praying the nice weather will be here soon. Till then, may you have a blessed day!!

Ann

“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace”

Spanish Proverb

Linking over to these blog parties:

The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Inspiration Monday Party @ I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Inspire Me Monday @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

The Inspiration Board Link Party @ Homework

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tuesdays With a Twist @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Be Inspired Party @ Elizabeth & Co

Clever Chicks Blog Hop @ The Chicken Chick

Show and Share @ Coastal Charm
Thursday Favorite Things (Katherine's Corner)
live laugh {linky} Thursday (live laugh rowe)

A Bouquet of Talent @ Line on Lakeshore Drive

Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Wake Up Wednesday @ Sew Crafty Angel

A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market

Freedom Friday @ My Turn for Us
Flaunt It Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring
Creativity Unleashed @ Shaken Together Life

Creative Collection Link Party @ Classy Clutter, and Blooming Homestead

Monday, February 1, 2016

"Owl" Always Be Your Valentine: Italian Style

Valentine's Day is a few weeks away, but I've already got my tablescape set to the theme of love...as we celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary this past weekend!!

I know it may sound goofy, but I started out with the theme of owls(I love owls) for my table. The centerpiece was a couple of owls -or lovebirds - sitting together, surrounded by chocolate hearts and a candle.

More hearts and a lace tablecloth also were a part of the setting.

The paper plates and napkins were just so adorable and matched the other table decor.

I put out some past Valentine's Day mugs we had sitting around to partake of some tea or coffee with our meal. I recently purchased the heart-covered teapot at T.J. Maxx. (Thought is was too adorable to pass up!)

My hubby also had gotten a sweet bouquet of flowers for me on this special day.

When the shades were drawn and candles were lit, it become a romantic dinner for two!

Now, my hubby and I had discussed going out for our anniversary dinner, but due to the cold weather and not wanting to spend extra money at this time, we decided to eat in. Years ago, we would have different culture/foreign themed dinners. One we hadn't done before was the Italian theme. After discussing how we could make a romantic themed evening out of this, my hubby purchased some Italian wine.

I had never tried an international wine before.

Cheers!!

We also decided to go all out and make our own homemade pizza!

It was SO delicious! The photo above was prior to baking. The photo below(a bit fuzzy) was after baking.

For dessert - Gelato in two flavors: Southern Butter Pecan and Roman Raspberry. Yummy!!!

After the wonderful, romantic meal, we watched the romantic comedy "Letters to Juliet". Both hubby and I liked it a lot, especially since there were no raunchy sex scenes - Just a decent romance story. And it went well with our "Italian" theme, as the movie took place in Italy. (I would love to visit beautifulItaly some day!)

What a perfect evening it was!!
Simple, yet fun!!
As Valentine's Day approaches, I will continue to leave this tablesetting display up to keep that romantic atmosphere alive!!
Hope you all are able to enjoy your Valentine's Day with those you love, whether they are family, friends, or your significant other!!