TARTAN & FROLIC VALENTINE'S DAY TABLESCAPE

A Winter Valentine's Day Tablescape

While thinking about a Valentine's Day tablescape I decided to set a table with a casual and cozy feel. With our chilly days I knew the Juliska Winter Frolic would be perfect mixed with my gold band Tartan plates from Williams Sonoma.  I love the winter scenes from Frolic, I use or display this set from December through February. Red and white works for Christmas and Valentine's Day and is always a favorite here. 

    

Setting the table in the breakfast area of the kitchen keeps it casual, using just a few hearts and valentines to decorate the table. I am using the WS tartan runner that matches the plates and for the centerpiece I filled my octagon shaped blue and white porcelain container with the miniature daffodils, Narcissus Tete-a-Tete I picked up at Trader Joe's, they are so sensibly priced there. After I enjoy them inside I will put them in the garage to dry and plant later.  Yellow and blue, always a winning combination, especially in February and the daffodil just happens to be my favorite flower. I have them scattered throughout my beds and they are up and should be blooming soon. 

Napkins are stitched with a pine branch with berries, TJ Maxx

Tartan napkin rings from Williams Sonoma

Candle holders auction, made in Portugal 

Serving platter and bowl

Simply beautiful

 Kitchen vignettes

Frosty Ferns in Tartan lunchbox

Wishing you a sweet and happy Valentine's Day

Thank you for your visit. I love to hear from you so I hope you leave a comment so I will know you stopped by…..

Linking

Happy Your Gonna Love It

JULISKA WINTER FROLIC AND CHILI

Chili on the menu for a cold winter's day!

After all the festive holiday decorations are put away everything looks a  little bare so I love using my Juliska Winter Frolic for its beautiful patterns and the red and while color. I think it is perfect to use Christmas through Valentine's Day. I enjoy setting the buffet in the dinning room for coffee, hot chocolate and dessert but today I am serving up bowls of piping hot chili. With just the two of us, I am using trays to enjoy eating in the family room. I have been using the platter as a centerpiece on the table adding a glittering white grapevine wreath. Sitting on the platter is a Jay Strongwater bird (a birthday gift from my sister), a beautiful dark red with lots of sparkle, y'all know how I love sparkle and glitter! The dessert plates have four different scenes, you can see them here in a post I did last year for Valentine's Day. 

Chili will warm you to your toes!

Solid white dinner plate.

Dessert plates.

Bowls dotted with snowflakes.

Such a pretty place setting.

Chili recipe ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Large onion, diced

1 Medium bell pepper, diced

2 Small red and yellow peppers, diced

2 Tablespoons chili powder, or to taste

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

2 Pounds ground or cubed sirloin

1 (28 ounce) carton beef broth 

1 (28 ounce) can finely chopped or crushed tomatoes

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans

2 Tablespoons chopped parsley, fresh or dried

Water as needed for desired thickness

And my surprise ingredients for extra flavor? 

1 Large or 2 medium diced green tomatoes

1 Cup salsa verde

Toppings

 Sour cream

Grated cheese

Finely chopped scallions

This is the recipe I use most often when I make chili. It makes a lot with leftovers for lunch for a day or two and it only gets better in the frig! This recipe is mild, not hot, I don't like hot but if you do just add whatever you like. I love that it is easy and I try to keep it healthy by using low or no salt products. Salt and pepper to taste.

Brown meat in oil, add chili and cumin. Stir to coat.

Add diced peppers, onion and green tomato(s).

Add beef broth and cook on low until vegetables are soft. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa verde, black beans and parsley. Stir and mix well. Simmer for twenty minutes and serve with toppings as desired. I sometimes serve this over rice or with a grilled cheese sandwich. Delicious!

I love chili, perfect for a quick meal on a cold day. Do you make chili often? I hope you will leave a comment so I will know you stopped by. 
Burrr, it's cold outside!

Linking

Amaze Me Monday
Metamorphosis Monday
Mosaic Monday
Make It Pretty Monday
Inspire Me Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesdays
What's It Wednesday
Home and Garden Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Feathered Nest Friday
Home Sweet Home