My Sweet Little Valentine. . .

Retirement and finally having time to spend together 
has certainly made a new twist in how "Mr. Ed" and I 
will celebrate Valentine's Day  2013!

I met "Mr. Ed" when I was 13!
We are High School Sweethearts. . .
but this Valentine's Day On Crooked Creek
is all about celebrating the love of our family!

Together, we've created a Valentine centerpiece
with heirlooms and memorabilia from the 1950's ~ 1970's!


Once the Christmas decor was put away,
I wanted to utilize my cloches 
that are stored in the upper level Guest Room closet.


Because my largest cloche is really tall,
I knew I would need to fill the space 
from the tabletop to the bottom of the cloche.

As my eyes glanced across the numerous hues
and titles from my collection, they landed upon  
A Key To A Happy Heart by Chet Stein.

On the same shelf was The Locket by Richard Paul Evans.
Books, cloches, hearts, keys, lockets. . .
everything needed to make 
My Sweet Little Valentine tablescape!

I began with the books,
then I added a sweet white handkerchief  with red hearts
belonging to my beloved Mother~in~law. 
The silver embossed locket, a gift from my MoMa,
holds photos of "Mr. Ed" , our son as a toddler and I.

Three skeleton keys tied with two hues of ribbon
represents the bonding of "Mr. Ed's" family and mine
which ultimately resulted in the making of our own family! 

"Mr. Ed's" Aunt Elinor Stein 
is the dear lady in the photograph beneath the cloche.
Chet Stein, author of A Key To A Happy Heart,
is her husband.

Beneath the smaller cloche 
is a miniature heart made from vintage lace
and embroidery stitches on brown velvet!
The gold locket is a gift from my late neighbor
which holds a photo of "Mr. Ed". . .my sweet little Valentine!

Not wanting to distract from the family heirloom centerpiece,
the place settings are composed of simple elements.
Vintage Johnson Brothers China from England
in creamy ivory serves for our dinner plate. 
It is topped with our ivory reticulated salad plates for romantic ambiance. Each place setting holds a silverplated heart tied with a sheer white bow featuring embossed French words of love. 

Soft, muted floral napkins are drawn together 
by dragonfly wrought iron napkin rings.

Once again, 
I've used my beloved Mother~in~laws
silver flatware for our heirloom table setting.

My favorite vintage rose etched stemware
mimics the floral theme from the place mats and napkins. 

My sweet little valentine's completed place setting. . .

and

                                                                              a place setting for me!

Incorporating two table cloths,
I've created soft layering and draping,
for a more dramatic and romantic appearance.

 A square, vintage ecru linen table cloth
with detailed scallops gives the illusion of ruffles!
Beneath is a creamy ivory,
rose embossed damask tablecloth!

Brown velvet lumbar pillows
with sheer ribbon rosettes,
combined with ivory seat cushions,
make for more comfortable seating 
with our farmhouse dining chairs.

On Crooked Creek,
celebrating the love of family with an heirloom tablescape 
for My Sweet Little Valentine!

Until next time. . .

On Crooked Creek will be joining 

Susan @ Between Naps OnThe Porch for

Tablescape Thursday. . .

www.betweennapsonthporch.net

AND. . .

www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for

a Winter Cloche Part @ Table Top Tuesday! 

AND. . .

www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com

Mary @ Little Red House for

Thursday's Inspirations!

Be sure to visit

for you’ll come away

filled with amazing inspirations

for use in your own home décor!