As most of you already know, I'm a hopeless romantic. This year I had the privilege of the presence of "Mr.Ed's" company for dinner on Valentine's Day. . .so~o~o, I set a Candlelight Table for Two.
The two of us have, truly, been enjoying our new chairs that Santa brought early On Crooked Creek. Most of the time they reside in this position next to the over sized checker game. I surprised "Mr.Ed" with this game for Christmas a few years ago. Our son, talented designing engineer that he is, made this table to hold the game. It is exactly 36" X 36"! EXACTLY!
Miss Maurice, our princess, wasn't at all sure about the idea of invading her "house" on the lower level. Then when I moved all the checkers off. . . well, just saying she wasn't happy would be the understatement of the century!
See that evil glare in her eyes?
Once I removed all the checkers. . .I was ready to proceed. . . with or without Maurice's approval! Because this is such a lovely piece, I added lots of padding to protect the game board.
I used a vintage, scalloped, open fretwork, linen tablecoth in an ecru hue. Originally belonging to my beloved grandmother, paused down to my beloved mother, passed down to me. Oh! the love that was already surrounding "Mr. Ed" and I, at times, began to overwhelm me!
Still wanting to be assured that the game board would be properly protected, (in case of a spill) I layered the tablecloth with a 36" X 36" quilted table topper. This piece was sold in an Antiques Shop as a doll blanket. I adore the hues of sage greens, muted pinks, reds and beiges. It is one of the most versitile and utilitarian pieces used regulary On Crooked Creek.
The table topper was placed on the diagonal as there would be no room to add placemats!
"Mr. Ed" prefers the fleur~de~lis open fretwork plate. . .
. . .while I prefer the lacey open fretwork plate.
I don't know how noticable they photograph, but I've been working on some new napkin folds for an upcoming Fellowship
4 X 4 Dinner Group. The fold I used for this evening is an accordian fold then rolled at the center before placing into the glasses with only a slight fluffing. It gives the optical illusion of a jack~in~the ~pulpit. Breathtaking through the bubble glass stemware!
Completing each place setting are our everyday beaded stainless steel, our sage dinner plates and I. Godinger and Co. salad plates in the softest shade of cream.
The rarity of fresh flowers On Crooked Creek was ignored for this special evening. For tonight is all about romance! What better way to celebrate our Candlelight Table for Two than with a pale pink long stem sweetheart rose reminiscent of the ones used at our wedding?
"Mr. Ed's" favorite candy. . .Pecan Turtles are waiting his arrival On Crooked Creek!
A romantic Candlelight Table for Two
from the Love of My Life's point of view. . .
. . and from My Loving Wife's point of view.
While I lit the candles in the fireplace for suttle ambient lighting during our dining. . ."Mr. Ed" quietly placed my favorite White Chocolate Lindor Truffles on my salad plate! Then, he helped me turn the chairs for dining.
The Menu:
Green Salad
with Cream Mustard Vinaigrette
Chicked Almondine
Chicken Noodles
Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Raspberry Yogurt
Columbian Coffee
Since this was such a special occasion and our dining table so small, I set up my beloved grandmother's tea cart with our coffee and dessert. I don't ever remember Grandmother using this in her dining room. I remember it on her utility porch with pots of African Violets.
I used a vintage Grape Leaf open embrodiery ecru linen table cloth to disguise its utilitarian qualities.
Matching place mats were used on both levels of the tea cart. The bottom shelf housed our water pitcher and served as a place to stack used tableservice. The top held our utilitarian coffee carafe, white embossed cups and saucers, my Mother~in~laws depression saucers for our cake and bowls for the yogurt. I added a faux pot of miniature roses to enhance the flavor of romance to the evening.
We chose to linger in front of the fireplace for the evening. To savor our Valentine's Day spent On Crooked Creek, "Mr. Ed" turned on his reproduction vintage phonograph and enlighten us with one of my favorite vintage LP's ABBA / Arrival. . .and one of his . . .Danny Davis & Willie Nelson with the Nashville Brass.
I shall long remember this Valentine's Day with the Love of My Life On Crooked Creek.
On Crooked Creek will be joining hostess Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Inspirations abound each week as the ladies of blog land share their labors of love from their own home decor with us. Be sure to stop by for a visit.
Until next time. . .
