Winter Table

This week's theme for Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish party is "Snow - Ice - Winter," and I wanted to play along.  However, snow and ice are rarities here in central Texas, and the day I set this table the temperature hit 73 degrees!  Nevertheless, winter brought to mind bare branches, absence of color, and shiny, reflective surfaces, so I tried to include those elements.

I began with an ecru tablecloth, layered with twig placemats.

I chose to use my Lenox Windsong, with its pale pattern and platinum trim, along with my Lenox Moonspun crystal and silver goblets, all of which were wedding gifts (now 40 years ago -- I'm vintage!).

 I'm using the cream soups in the placesetting, as winter menus at our house often feature soup.

Mercury glass, crystal, and silver add shine and reflection to the table.

I added my favorite napkin ring bud vases with a sprig of rosemary from the garden for a bit of nature.  

For the centerpiece, some (faux) pussy willow branches "planted" in coffee beans, add a bit more nature to the table.

Since the days are short in winter, the table needed plenty of candlelight.  I used mercury glass vases for larger votive candles and little "jeweled" tea light holders, a gift from one of my sisters, for each placesetting. 

The view toward the entryway:

The full table:

I like the juxtaposition of the twigs with the silver and china, but I miss the color that flowers add!  Oh, well -- spring will soon be here! 

Here's a candlelight view:

Thank you for visiting my table this week!