Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Romantic Fireside Dinner



Welcome to another great Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. If you haven't visited her beautiful site, please take a peek and feast your eyes on more wonderful tablescapes.
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Article and Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Roehm

It’s cold out, but staying in doesn’t have to mean a mundane evening in front of the tube.

While summer offers the opportunity to eat out on the veranda, under the apple trees or next to the pool, sitting hearthside is winter’s antidote to the long and cold evenings that keep us indoors. One thing I love about setting the table in front of the fire is that it is instantly romantic, no matter the day of the week or whether or not it is Cupid’s holiday. By moving the venue from the dining room to the unexpected spot, you can quickly and easily give your dinner a sophisticated air. It’s the perfect place to dip and munch fondue or savor something more sophisticated like lamb medallions in red wine sauce.

Don’t be deterred if it’s not possible or convenient to move a table in front of the fire. I recently converted a hassock into a table by using a piece of plywood on top. First, I covered the cushion with a towel to protect the upholstery, and then set the plywood on it. (Here it is a good idea to have rounded edges on the plywood to avoid sharp corners.) I then covered the surface with a beautiful Austrian tablecloth and created a lovely tablescape complete with a small centerpiece of fragrant roses framed by candlesticks.

If you really want to set the tone and let your mate know that there’s a special evening in store, send him an invitation to dinner by the fire. Plan ahead and have the invite delivered to his work, or be more impromptu and leave a love note in a prominent spot he’ll see right as he walks through the door. This simple gesture is sure to help create an evening in that won’t soon be forgotten.



29 comments:

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Beautiful and romantic table Kathleen!

Love it!

Susan

Anonymous said...

A perfect Valentine, Kathleen!

Julio Muao said...

Romantic indeed! and warm. Thank you for sharing.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Kathleen! I love your romantic tablescape...so gorggeous! I'm trying to figure out how you did the design in the middle of the table..is it on the tablecloth? So pretty!...Debbie

DEB said...

Love the red and white, with the silver accents.

Anonymous said...

Dear Kathleen! This is so beautiful and romantic! You outdid yourself!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kathleen Ellis said...

Beautiful tablescape...don't you just the being inspired by Carolyne Roehme?!
Happy Valentine's Day!
;-D

santamaker said...

Simple and elegant. Just perfect for a romantic Valentine dinner.

Kathy said...

Kathleen, your tablescape is elegant,romantic and cosy all at the same time, it's beautiful by the fireside. Kathy.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Great tablescape. I love the red and white and the little gifts.

Vanessa Kiki Johanning said...

Oh my Gracious! This is such a great idea!!
...I cant wait till V Day!!!

Hope all is well!
I love reading your blog!

~Vanessa
http:://vjohanning.blogspot.com

Kathleen said...

Beautiful table, Kathleen..
I love Carolyn Roehm....unter

Anonymous said...

How truly beauuuutiful! Thank you for sharing! Warmly, Linda

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Very beautiful tablescape by the fireplace. I have been inspired to try something similar!

SmilingSally said...

I like the idea of sending a note to his work.

Maryrose said...

Lovely, romantic table. Nothing better that dining in front of that wonderful fire. Thanks for sharing. Maryrose

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous...Ann

niartist said...

Beautiful table Kathleen - perfect for Valentines Day. And yes, Somers home in Malibu was destroyed by fires. So sad. I'm not sure that they've re-built yet.

a quiet life said...

love your pics, makes me feel like a flop in the cuteness dept...

Decor To Adore said...

I adore your tablescape!

Cass @ That Old House said...

Beautiful! Love the romantic red and white.

Cass

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

You forgot to provide an idea for getting rid of the kiddos for the evening :)

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

Very romantic! I love it! I'll have to set up a small table in front of the fire sometime. Can't wait!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

You have some great ideas there! Also, about your comment, I am looking forward to posting a dresser hubby refurbished that we found on the side of the road...don't you just love those finds?!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi neighbor ! I added you so that I can come back and read your decorating...Thans for the visit.

~CC Catherine said...

Kathleen, What an elegant and CLASSY red/white tablescape! I love the lush red roses and the wrapped boxes! Love it! ~CC Catherine (Thanks for stopping by my place earlier today and leaving your sweet comments!) :)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

What a romantic table..thanks for the visit today to see the toile tablescape. I enjoyed your visit. I hope to see you again soon. i always love when visitors stop by.. hugs ~lynne~

Fifi Flowers said...

Beautiful... and the flowers are lovely!

Terri Steffes said...

Totally lovely. I think you made your objective today!