Warming Up For Winter. . .

Warming up with vibrant hues of
cranberries, oranges, golds, khaki, and sage for winter. We have been facing frigid temperatures even for the prairie this Season . Many days have had single digit and night time we have been minus double digits! B~r~r. . .now that's cold!

My dear hubby, "Mr. Ed" works for K. D. O. T. and this Season is the Night Supervisor for the metro ~ area of Wichita. While most of us are tucked away all snug in our beds, "Mr. Ed" is working 12 ~ 14 hour shifts in these frigid temperatures. So . . . I'm using warm vibrant hues to give the optical illusion of warmth to our home On Crooked Creek.

The underlying layer is a rectangular plaid tablecloth found during our Annual Trout Fishing Trip to Bennett Spring State Park this Fall. A great bargain find for only $8.00 which also included a 54" table runner! A generous cut of 52" X 90" gives a beautiful drape on two sides. I removed two chairs to the lower level to increase the intimate feel of our dining area.

Simply stated layering continues with my orange scalloped place mats. Dainty gold, khaki, and sage floral patterned nosegays are scattered generously throughout the quilted top. White dinner plates are being used as chargers, followed by my favorite sage dinner plates and topped with a white embossed salad. The finishing touch is a single faux pear.

Matching cloth napkins are fanned to expose the underlying paisley side with those same vibrant hues and held in place with warm brown wooden napkin rings. Everyday Oneida beaded stainless steel flatware graces each place setting. Clear bubble stemware for water goblets and white floral vases hold faux Columbines to complete the cozy settings.

To continue with simplistic dining, I chose an heirloom cream colored McCoy bowl filled with faux golden pears. Layered atop an I. Godinger & Co. cream color salad with scalloped and fretwork edging gives the resemblance of a still life painting.  Keeping the centerpiece low allows for free flowing conversation.

While we are experiencing yet another expected 10 ~ 13 inches of snow on the prairie, "Mr. Ed" is attending to much deserved sleep. For now . . . he's warm, safe and resting. In a few short hours, Ill have to wake him to face the forces of Mother Nature. After our evening meal at 6 o'clock, he'll dress hurriedly into numerous layers to protect him from the cold, fill his thermoses, and head off into the darkness to plow the metro highways and interstates. Truly, a dedicated, Highway Man!

All the while, I'll be snug at home On Crooked Creek keeping the home fires burning and saying a prayer for his safety and for those who must face the elements of the Season. Another prayer that all of you in blog land will be safe and warming up for winter. . .

Until next time. . .

www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

On Crooked Creek is joining our hostess Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch  for Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to stop by and see all the lovely tables the blog land ladies have prepared for your viewing pleasure!