Even though we are not of Irish decent, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, because it is the birthday of my daughter, Julianna and my mother, Julia. That, in itself, is a good reason to set a St. Patrick’s Day Table. However, who is St. Patrick and why is this holiday celebrated around the world?

A Little History

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish observe this day as a religious holiday and have so for over 1,000 years.

St. Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. 

Mixing Old and New

For this year’s St. Patrick’s Day table, I am using this fun piece of contemporary fabric from my friend, Anne. I couple it with my antique English china, Fondeville Ambassador Ware 6762. The rich shades of green, gold, pink, blue and yellow make these gold-rim plates one of my favorites.

To me, this is the essence of collected chic~mixing bold patterns with elegant tableware.

Stacking the antique china on the simple brushed gold chargers enhances the gold in the pattern. Adding the crackled gold rim clear salad plate from Leslie Roy does not diminish the platter floral design. Similar chargers can be found here. These chargers are so affordable and I use them frequently.

Of course, I love my Wallace silver/gold bee patterned flatware (see link here) which seems to go with just about any place setting I create.

Made in Waterford, Ireland, the Waterford crystal Marquis water goblets and Lismore wine glasses are in keeping with the Irish theme. Gold trim napkins softly fold and find a home inside the wine glass. See similar napkins here.

Making it Festive

With a fun and festive holiday like St. Patrick’s Day, it is easy for the table decor to become kitschy or juvenile. Trying to keep the table elegant, but fun, I add gold shamrocks to the tablecloth. Since I bought these several years ago, you could use gold coins instead.

Each place settings get a light up shamrock necklace for a little whimsy. See similar necklace here.

The Centerpiece

Brass candlesticks from West Elm brighten up the table. Set up in our family and surrounded by windows, the table changes color as the day progresses.

The centerpiece is a vintage Westmoreland oval footed milk glass bowl with hydrangeas, peonies and green glitter shamrocks. It is the perfect size for this round table.

Will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? My daughter will be 24 years old and my mother, if alive, would be celebrating her 91st. Time marches on, doesn’t it?

Wishing you all a happy Tuesday. We are having unusually warm weather (in the high 80s), but the temperatures are to drop back down into the low 60s this week. My poor garden is so confused.

Just a reminder that any words that are italicized bring you to the source. If it is a product on Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase something through my website, I receive a small (very small!) stipend, which doesn’t affect the price you pay at all. My goal is to make sourcing the items easy for you. Thank you for your continued support.

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday #650

What a week of strange weather all around our country! Sometimes I feel a bit guilty sharing beautiful sunny photos of Phoenix. However, when others are under snow and in cold temperatures, I am hoping my photos are uplifting and a reminder that Spring will eventually arrive. Another Saturday Meanderings is here where we talk about new and exciting things this week.

Pizza from Italy

Italy is one of our favorite places to visit and there is nothing better than eating pizza there. Often we found a cobblestone alley restaurant serving wine and food, loving the ambiance of this country.

Did you know you can actually order pizza from Napoli, Italy? From the website of Talia di Napoli, “We’re bringing authentic neapolitan pizza straight to your door. Each one is all-natural and completely handmade in the heart of Southern Italy.”

The pizzas currently come in an 8 pack and you can select the type you like. My order consists of 4 Margherita and 4 Primavera pizzas. They are very well packed and frozen when they arrive. And you get 10% off on your first order. Price-wise they are less than our local pizza shop.

We tried one for lunch this week and you can definitely taste the wood-fired flavor. I believe I over-cooked mine a bit and next time, I would add additional toppings. But all in all, it is so fun to get a pizza directly from Italy, where we have so many fond travel memories.

For more information on Talia di Napoli, click here.

Local Farmer’s Market Find

Since COVID, I have not been going to the Farmers Market as often. Right down the street, the Uptown Farmers Market is really one of the best. And it is so well run, especially during COVID.

Since I am in an apron many hours a day, I did treat myself to a new one. One of the market’s vendors, Aprons by Lee, has a wonderful selection. Lee loves fabrics and hand makes each apron. The pockets are lined and she will make custom aprons too.

Aren’t these cute? One for me and one for my dog-loving daughter.

Dreaming about a Vacation

Has anyone taken a river cruise? Highly recommended by my friends, Sam and Melody, I am investigating a potential Christmas Markets river cruise at the end of this year. It is a cruise down the Danube and stops in places like Vienna and Budapest. Prices seem fairly reasonable right now. Hopeful that travel will open up later this year, I may just take the leap!

Tablescape Photos

My neighbor’s granddaughter is in town for a few months and she is helping me with some aspects of the blog. We did spend a few hours one afternoon, playing with different table settings. I cannot wait to show all of them to you, but here is a preview.

The soft blue Indian block tablecloth is again, from my friend, Darviny from @dayswithdarviny. Red Swiss polka dot paper placemat is from Hester & Cook. I am trying to step out of my comfort zone and do something other than a white tablecloth. The dishes are vintage Brown Westhead and Moore Cauldon bowls from England and a gift from my friend, Sandy.

Computer Glasses

Lately I notice my eyes seem to get tired, especially after a long day on the computer. This week and a visit to my eye doctor, we discussed getting computer glasses to relieve eye strain.

Since I do wear one contact lens in my left eye for seeing up close and one lens in my right eye for seeing far away, I did order new computer glasses. The prescription will change in only one eye so I can do up close work on the computer, and be tinted for blue light protection.

Not inexpensive, but we only have two eyes and it is important to care for them. Once I receive the new glasses I will let you know if they improve my eye strain.

Spring Will Come

No matter what is happening in our crazy world, nature is a constant reminder that life goes on. Here are some photos of things that are reminders that Spring will come~it does every year.

A Big Heart

My middle child, our daughter, Julianna is an animal lover. Even as a little girl, she rescued birds that fell out of their nests and I remember finding a a pigeon residing in her room. Sigh.

As an adult, in addition to working full time, she fosters rescue dogs. This young woman has a gift. She will get a dog who is scared, unwanted, or abandoned, and then provide them structure, shelter, food and love. Within a short period of time, it is amazing how these dogs transform.

Her latest foster, Peaches, is one of a kind. We are hoping our neighbors adopt her as I am growing rather attached to this sweetie.

Blog Updates

I have been working on a re-design to the blog website, but naturally having technical difficulties. In order to fix them, I may be down for a few days some time in the future. But hopefully I will be able to give you a heads up beforehand.

Again, I cannot thank you enough for all the support, kind words, recommendations, recipes and thoughtfulness you have shared with me. It always warms my heart to hear your stories of something that inspired you from my blog.

With that, I wish you the best of weekends. It will be a gardening one for me as it is time to plant the Spring beds.

Be safe, be warm and most of all, be healthy!

So happy you are here with me today to see the Valentine Dinner Party Ideas, Part 2 blog post. If you missed Part 1 yesterday, you can view it here. There is so much that goes into this party, it would be overwhelming to do it in one post, so I hope you enjoy the rest of it today.

The Table

Setting a beautiful table is something I love to do. It sends a message to our guests that they are important to us and that this evening is special. Whether you like Valentine’s Day or not, we think this is the perfect holiday to gather with those we cherish. So why not make a spectacular table?

For the last Valentine dinner party, I did not use a tablecloth. This year, though, I am drawn to the colorful Indian block prints. One of my Instagram friends, Darviny @dayswithdarviny, sources this beautiful fabric. I sent her pictures of my china and she gave me pink options to choose.

My husband made the raised 12″ x 6′ long center shelf (see post here). This focal point is the perfect place to stage all the flowers. Using individual vessels of different heights and sizes, I made the centerpiece out of an abundant display of roses, tulips, hyacinths (which smell heavenly), hydrangeas, snapdragons, and eucalyptus.

This year I ordered the flowers from Torchio Nursery in San Francisco. Instead of going to 3 or 4 locations to find a nice array, this nursery sends out a weekly list of what is available and then ships them to me.

Adding tapers and votive candles, the centerpiece is complete.

This year, I also hung heart-shaped garlands – some purchased, some homemade (see post here) – from the ceiling using clear Command hooks. The white heart garland came from the shop at Whitfill Nursery, and the 3-dimensional heart garland came from LaMia Casa on Etsy here.

Since this is a Valentine celebration, I decide my Royal Doulton Romance Collection china is most appropriate. Napkins are pink linen, found on sale at Pottery Barn. I also opt for Wallace Napoleon Bee Gold accent flatware, which can be found here. Very affordable brushed gold chargers (link here.) The printed menu cards are at each place setting.

Typically we have rattan chairs around the table. However, in attempts to make it more elegant and comfortable, we bring out upholstered white wing and Parson chairs.

The Day of the Event

The table is set; gifts are in place at the table and the caterers arrive. Now it is time to get ready. Unfortunately I tend to leave outfit selection to the last minute. The black taffeta skirt (from Ann Taylor) I decide to wear is many years old. It seems that the zipper doesn’t quite make it to the top without a great deal of not breathing. The dreaded thickening of the waist after menopause…ugh!

Nonetheless I wear it. Fortunately, it fits beautifully beneath my dusty rose cashmere sweater (J. Crew), which covers any malfunctions. I slip on heels just before guests arrive.

Cocktail Hour

A few days before the event, I collect all the answers to the guests’ questions and create a “Who Am I” sheet printed on yes, pink card stock. During the cocktail hour on the front porch, each guest is given a drink and the Who Am I sheet.

The goal is to mingle, ask questions and write in the name of the person who provides the answer. Naturally, it is a fun way to spark conversation and get to know other guests on a different level.

We serve champagne and Ruby Red Grapefruit Greyhounds with Rosemary Simple Syrup, both a pretty pink. Recipe is here. One of our guests always brings some fun cocktail additive. This time it is Rose Gold Brew Glitter, an edible glitter that we add to the champagne flutes. Very pretty and festive! Resource it here.

The hors d’oeuvres are individually plated for couples. Our bartender and servers wear masks. After fun games, delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks, we make our way to the back terrace for dinner.

At the Table

Once we are seated at the table, the guests open their gifts. We get to share what we discover during the cocktail hour as the salad is served. This helps keep conversation flowing and stimulates lots of laughter!

The Wine

My husband carefully selects the wine pairings to go with each course. When the wine is being served, we share a thorough description of the wine region, year of harvest, maker and tasting notes.

The wine glasses are mostly vintage pink glass and add to the dinner theme.

Toasts about friendship, love, wisdom and peace are printed on paper ahead of time. Female guests read them to welcome the wine, salad, entree and dessert.

Dinner

By this time, conversation is very lively and the food is delicious. As I look down the table, I see happy faces and beautiful flowers.

After Dinner

After the last course and wine, we continue to play the game of getting to know everyone a bit better. Soon a Waterford crystal biscuit jar filled with questions makes its way around the table. It is a delight to hear stories and shared memories from each couple.

Though a great deal of planning and work go into this evening, it is one of our most favorite events.

Expect the Unexpected

We were watching the weather all week. The temperature predictions kept dropping, saying it might be really chilly. Then, the day of the dinner, the wind picks up. In my mind they seemed to be gale force winds, blowing everything over on the table. The candles will not stay lighted and my beautiful heart shaped garlands become a tangled mess.

But what can you do? The addition of propane heaters are a big help. Blankets and shawls are available for guests. Try and focus on what is important: engaging with your guests and living in the moment.

I hope you enjoy all the details and ideas regarding our Valentine Dinner Party. Even though our party is much smaller this year, we cherish our friendships and time together.

This post shared with Charming Homes & Gardens Link Party 47.

Most of our entertaining is rather casual, but once a year we try to have a formal event that requires a bit more planning. Since the pandemic hit, almost all entertaining here is done outside in the fresh air with a small number of people. Today, I want to share the Valentine Dinner party we had on Saturday night. This post is long, so I am breaking up into two parts. Enjoy Part 1 today; I will continue Part 2 tomorrow. Hopefully you will glean some tips and ideas for when you host your next dinner party.

The Guest List

Even though we would like to extend invitations to a larger group of friends, we know that big gatherings are not smart right now. Since we are having the dinner outside, we reduce the number of guests to 8 (even though the table can comfortably seat 10 or 12). This allows us the chance to spread out a bit and be respectful of social distancing. A few weeks before we send a Save the Date email to make sure our guests are available to attend.

The Invitation

A few blog posts ago, I shared my homemade Valentine note card using watercolor pencils. If you missed this post, click here. The invitation is printed using my computer/printer on pink card stock (found at Michaels). The edges are decoratively cut using Fiskars decorative scissors, hole punched, affixed with ribbons and placed inside the decorative notecards. Date, time, and location are expressed for this event, as well as attire.

We hand-deliver invitations to the guests along with a box of homemade Linzer heart-shaped cookies with jam filling (recipe here from King Arthur).

Determining the Menu

This is one of the few events where I hire a caterer to do the cooking, serving and cleaning. This gives me a chance to really engage with our guests. The accomplished Julie Greder always caters our events and knows what to do…. and with excellence! Beforehand, I do ask each of the guests if they have a food dislike or allergy and design the menu accordingly.

The dinner will be plated and served, but first Julie and I discuss our options on appetizers. She suggests we individually create plates as a precaution.

Next, my husband and I determine the wines that will be paired with each course. Lots of time and research go into selecting the proper vintage and varietal.

Menus are printed on pink card stock, decorative edges cut. A pretty satin ribbon graces the top.

The Preparation

From designing the table/color theme to extensive yard work, my husband and I spend many hours the week prior to the event making sure everything is in tip-top shape. We plant new flowers, rake the leaves, mow the lawn, wash the windows. In the above photo, I hang heart-shaped garland (both purchased and homemade) over the table from small, clear Command hooks on the ceiling.

A few days before the event, we assess the weather, sun patterns. What will the temperature be? Do we need outdoor heaters? Will we need to provide shawls or blankets? What time is sunset? Will there be enough light?

We also walk the house to determine entrances and exits. Do I need more candles? More ambiance? Where will flowers go? What bathroom will be accessible?

Where will we serve cocktails? What path will our guests take to get from the front porch to the back terrace? How will it all be illuminated?

Gifts for Guests

For this event, we select a gift for each guest that will remind them of this evening. For each woman I choose a piece of jewelry. My dear friend and talented jewelry maker, Tanya Lochridge, sends bracelets that are similar but different: friendship bracelets we can all wear. You can visit her website here.

The men get novelty wine glasses with a funny inscription (source here). Utilizing pink card stock, I make a heart shape, punch a hole, add the guest name and tie the name card to the gift bag. Pretty pink-themed wrapped gifts serve as place cards which is helpful in seating arrangements.

The Homework

Prior to the event, the guests are sent a list of 5 questions to answer. We try to inquire about things that are unknown. Once I compile the answers, I create a game during the cocktail hour where each guests needs to find out whose answer is whose. More on that tomorrow.

That’s a wrap on Part 1 of planning our formal Valentine dinner party. Tomorrow we will cover the table, flowers, place setting, my outfit and the details of the actual event.

Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend and a Monday off.

This post shared with Charming Homes & Gardens Link Party 47

Happy Saturday, my friends! The weather is just beautiful here this week: ~70s during the day and 40s at night. I believe our frost risks may be over so next week will be lots of gardening. Thank you for joining me today for another edition of Saturday Meanderings and all good things this week.

Valentine’s Day ideas

Do you have Valentine’s Day plans? We are planning a very small dinner party~outside, of course. In 1998, we had our first formal sit-down dinner party for this holiday. We have missed a few years over the last 23, but this is one of our favorite events. More pictures next week.

If you like to make special meals, I highly recommend the Heart-Shaped Ravioli recipe. I am making this meal for our college daughter and her roommates. See blog post here.

If you are looking for a quick gift for Valentine’s Day, check out these very pretty and affordable 13 oz. 3-wick candles from Target. Designed by Studio McGee, the quality is excellent and the price even better at $15.00 each. The ribbed glass container has a lovely wooden top with a gold handle. The scent is Mandarin Orange Blossom with notes of jasmine and blonde woods (what are blonde woods?). Other scents are available. If you don’t follow Studio McGee, here is their website. Great ideas for inspiration.

First Blooms

January is a big pruning month here. The roses get whacked down to the ground and the stone fruit trees get a significant haircut. But Mother Nature is so generous and quickly rewards my efforts with these beautiful blooms!

Remember the bulb garden I planted last year? And the mystery of the stolen plants? If not, see post here. Last October I re-planted 50 hyacinths and 100 tulip bulbs. The new growth is just now emerging from the dirt and I am so excited! Maybe I need to post security cameras out there to see who the culprit is….

Being Accountable

In my attempts to be healthier, I do try to exercise frequently. But on those chilly mornings where I am nestled under my down comforter, the last thing I want to do is get out of bed and work up a sweat. My dear friend Barbara and I now text each other when we complete a workout. I can honestly say this is such a motivation: “If Barbara can do this, so can I!” Such a simple way of keeping each other on track. If you need some encouragement to move, link up with a friend.

New Tablecloths

White linen tablecloths are a classic, but sometimes it’s refreshing to branch out. Darviny @dayswithdarviny sent me these two fabulous tablecloths. I love the look of Indian block patterns. Though she doesn’t have an online shop just yet, she has a well-cultivated colorful style. Please make sure to follow her on Instagram.

Making Scones

In making lemon curd and Meyer Lemon Marmalade this week, I obviously need something to spread these luscious lemon toppings. Referring to the book, Dessert University, by Roland Meisnier (the former White House pastry chef), I make dried cherry scones. Some scones tend to taste like baking powder, so I’m a bit picky on scone flavor. But this recipe is truly delicious. I find it a bit odd to use a hard boiled egg, but it goes unnoticed.

Also, I greatly alter the recipe. Instead of making them into quarters, I just shape the dough and use a biscuit cutter. See recipe below and my notes.

Animal photos

Our Maine Coon, Donovan, recently darted outside. Now that he has a taste of the great outdoors, he is very keen on escaping once the back door is open. I love this photo as he has his “hunting” eyes on while he nibbles on the greens.

Meanwhile, Cooper and Sox love staying inside and napping on their comfy blankets.

Have a warm and loving weekend. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!

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Even though we may still have a larger group for a Valentine’s Day dinner, we are ready to remain flexible this year. So, I wanted to create a pretty, festive Valentine dinner table for two. And today, I am part of a Valentine DIY Blog Hop so please read to the bottom to see other Valentine inspired posts.

The Tablecloth

The tablecloth generally sets the mood and this year, I am looking for something a bit different. Fortunately, I own a few lovely 1950s vintage tablecloths with brightly colored roses. It is hard to believe that the color is still so vibrant after nearly 70 years. For this tablecloth and more, check out my Store.

The Setting

Changing up the dinner table location always add a sense of adventure to the meal. Here I chose the corner of the living room where a game table is always set for play. The square table is perfect for the 51″ square tablecloth.

The Place Setting

Since there is a touch of gray in the pattern, the melanin silver chargers are the perfect choice. As you may recall, I did use them at Christmas time and many of you are surprised that these are not real silver. I found this set of 6 chargers on Amazon and they are very affordable. To see the Christmas tablescape, click here.

The Emma stoneware is a standard item at Pottery Barn and can be found here. Since I do not own plain white dishes with a silver rim, the bead along the edge pairs nicely with the vintage embroidered napkin.

Silverware is Oneida Ballad Country Lane and the rose design seems appropriate!

The Bling

The unique heart shaped silver/glass ornaments are a purchase from my trip to Paris in 2010. My friend, Susan and I came upon a Christmas shop and I fell in love with nearly every ornament. Thankfully I had room in my suitcase to bring a few of them home.

The water glass is from Waterford and I just finally replaced the few broken ones from my collection. It literally took years to find them, but persistence and Replacements, LTD saved the day.

My sweet friend, Louise is the reason I own these incredible wine glasses. Found on eBay, these Rogaska Gallia crystal glasses stand 9 1/4″ tall, and feel so good in your hand. Every time I use them, I feel joy. To see these glasses in another table setting, click here.

The Ambiance

What is a romantic table without candles? These candlesticks are my husband’s favorite as he purchased them directly after we toured the Waterford glass factory in Ireland. All the glassware sparkles in the candlelight.

Generally, I love loading a table up with fresh cut flowers. But this time, a simple small bouquet of roses graces the center of the table.

The barley twist chairs are an old antique store find and are part of a set of four. I love the contrast of the dark wood (which is now in style!) with the crisp white/red/green tablecloth on this Valentine dinner table for two.

The menu is still coming together in my head, but since this is the time of year for acquiring fresh citrus (and our orchard is abundant with fruit), I may make lemon pots de creme for dessert. These are so simple to make, delicious, and just the right size after a good meal. Ingredients are easily obtainable too! To get the recipe, click here.

I hope you enjoy my Valentine Dinner table for two. To see last year’s pink Valentine table for two, click here.

So what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday #644 and Sundays on Silverado #26

DIY Valentine Blog Tour

And now onto the Valentine blog hop. Niky from The House on Silverado creates a Farmhouse Valentine Vignette here.

Kirsten from Tribe of Burton has a Boho Valentine decor on her mantel. You can see it here.

Kippi from Kippi at Home makes this sweet Valentine pom pom wreath.

Chas from Chas Crazy Creations makes miraculous things from the Dollar Store. See her Heart Wall Art here.

Sam from Raggedy Bits makes these Stamped Farmhouse Wooden Valentine Block signs here. So cute!

Maria from Simple Nature Decor makes this sweet Valentine tree ~ you can see the tutorial here.

Olivia from OliviaHern.com makes these adorable yarn wrapped hearts.

Leanna from Pretty DIY Home shows how to make this Heart Warming Valentine Craft Heating Pad.

Rebecca from Zucchini Sisters shares a Dollar Tree Valentine’s DIY Puzzle Piece Heart Craft.

Cindy from Cloches and Lavender adds French Valentine decor to her home. See it here.

Thank you for joining us today! As you know, we appreciate all your comments and feedback. Have a safe, healthy and wonderful day!