9 Romantic Tablescapes for Valentines

Posted on 01/26/202101/05/2021 by Kim @ CoziNest

Romantic Tablescape

What is romance to you? Is it snuggling by the fire? Hiking through nature with the person of your dreams? Or is it the definition given by Merriam-Webster?

“A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.”

I am a “romantic” at heart and love all things related to adventure, imagination and just about anything that creates an escape from the everyday routines of life. So, when approached by Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate to join a group of extremely talented ladies in this tablescape bloghop, I was quick to “hop” on board. It is an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this group of bloggers.

In addition, I decided to add a few tablescapes from across the web to share ideas for using vintage and antique pieces. Let me know your thoughts.

Preparing the Table

A dear friend of the family cleaned out some of her china recently and gave me several pieces from her collection. It’s a double honor today, to use some of her treasures.

The floral salad plate is part of her Lenox, Pinafore pattern. It’s such a delicate pattern of pinks and greens, I thought it perfect for a romantic tablescape.

The depression glass bell was a gift from my sweet sister. I found the crystal and brass votives at a local flea market. Pulling it all together for a romantic dinner with my hubby, was the most fun of all. Yes, it’s a bit fru-fru for a man, but he loves me regardless!

A Feeling of Excitement

Nothing more fitting to scatter across the table than a few SweetTarts. My daughter and I LOVE them! It was a challenge to arrange them on the table without eating them.

My mother-in-love gifted these champagne flutes to us one Christmas. They are pink stemmed from the Breast Cancer Awareness Shop for a Cure.

Scattered hearts also represent our families that live in different places all over the country.

A Little Mystery

As the sun begins to set, I plug in the lights beneath the table for a little extra ambiance.

The French chairs are his and her antiques. How fun that he has his chair with elevated arms and I have mine… with more relaxed arms. It’s like the chair has been pulled out for me by more than one gentleman….my man and the creator of this chair from generations ago.

A couple of gifts for the man who is the absolute love of my life. He is a server, provider, giver and wonderful father. I am blessed to be his wife.

Light the candles…

The cupcakes for the cupcake stands are on the way…

Romantic Tablescapes from Across the Web

You can find vases like these in antique malls, like Southern Antiques & Accents ;), thrift stores or big box stores. If you run across crystal or glass candlesticks pick them up. Then if you find discarded votives or pendant lights, glue them together for a custom look on your table.

Look for a beautiful old lantern like this and add red or white candles with flower petals. Set your table with white dishes, add red and crystal glassware for a quick and sweet table.

What a simple centerpiece! Fill a large bowl with red ornaments, beads and heart garland, a hurricane glass and candle.

This centerpiece would be super easy to make with a floral foam cone and a whole bunch of Dollar Tree roses. Check your local antique mall for red glasses, vintage tablecloth and runner.

The tablecloth, dishes and rose bouquets on the table are striking. Look for square vases at antique malls or thrift stores, purchase red twine, a Quick Water Floral Kit and a faux rose bouquet to make your own centerpieces.

This whole centerpiece could be purchased from the Dollar Tree or a thrift store. So pretty!

I saved these two examples for last because they are my absolute favorite. I am in love with the rose balls. These could be scaled down for a dinner for two or used for a wedding reception in any color.

Ready for a nice evening at home. If only the weather would cooperate! Snuggling by the fire is my favorite.

For more inspiration for your romantic tablescape, visit these talented and adventurous bloggers.

Monday

From My Carolina Home | | Everyday Living | Home is Where the Boat Is

Tuesday

Life and Linda | My Kentucky Living | Living With Thanksgiving | CoziNest

Wednesday

Belle Bleu Interiors | Rosemary and Thyme | Dining Delight | Fjolla’s Table |Bluesky Kitchen

Thursday

Panoply | Celebrate & Decorate | Sweet Sensations | The Painted Apron

3 Surprising Personal Things That Changed My Life

Posted on 11/30/202011/23/2020 by Kim @ CoziNest

Something a Bit Personal

I was recently challenged to a 21 day “All About Me” social media incentive. I was instructed to write something personal about myself daily. The purpose is to introduce myself to my customers and allow them to get to know me a bit more personally. Well, no worries, I’m not going to write 300-700 words about myself daily for the next 3 weeks. I’m pretty sure there aren’t that many interesting words about me out there.

I don’t think I could read 21 days straight about Princess Diana or HRH Grace Kelly (both of whom I obsess over.) So, seeing as how I’m not a princess, I’m not going to splash myself across your inbox for the next 21 days. What I will do is write a little about myself once a week in hopes that I will learn something new about you in the comments. My challenge to you, dearest friend, is for you to share something similar about yourself
in each post. I’m going to share 3 things today that I believe have shaped me into the person I am today I’ve challenged myself to dig deep and not to casually list 3 people who made a difference.

First of all, there have been 3 writings that taught me to get comfortable within my own skin.

The Holy Bible
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnage
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The Holy Bible

As a child, I remember feeling a bit scared of God. There were all these rules and punishments and do’s and don’ts. These instructions gave me the impression that God is like a wicked piano teacher just waiting to slap your knuckles when you missed one note. Then I had an encounter with God in my 30’s that changed my life forever.

Through Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries I learned to study the Bible inductively. I learned to read it for myself, study the text meaning in its original Hebrew or Greek and to ask the 5 w’s and an h with each chapter of each book. I’ve learned how to mark my Bible in a way that in one glance I can know who said what about a particular subject. I’ve learned to make lists and to ask questions.

I believe this method of study helped me in other areas of my life as well. I don’t have to accept things as being true just because someone else said it is true. I can do my own research into any topic. I have discovered that you learn more by listening than talking and that includes listening to the Almighty God of the universe. Keeping an ear open, being watchful and studious is key to having a relationship with God. Meditation on the Word has led to some pretty incredible revelations throughout my life.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Dale Carnage wrote a best selling book in 1936 that still influences people over 80 years later. The one thing I gleaned from this incredible book was to be genuine. If you fake an interest in people they will know and it will reflect in their actions toward you.

The royal road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most.

I remember reading in this book, that a person will remember you much longer if you engage them in personal conversation about themselves than if you talk only about yourself. Here’s my version of an example he used.

A Personal Interest vs. Boring Conversation

A man went to a dinner party and on the way home grumbled to his wife that his dinner partner was a complete bore. “Oh really?” she asked. “Who was he?”

Her husband barked, “Oh I don’t know! Some guy who sells vacuum cleaner belts or something.”

“Well, is he married, does he have children, what are his hobbies?“ his wife prodded. He answered, “I don’t know. He was so boring he didn’t tell me anything about himself.”

His wife then asked a question he wasn’t expecting. “So, what did you tell him about yourself?” He thought for a minute and replied, “He knows where I went to college, what my first job was, how I asked you to marry me and where we vacation every summer,” he said beaming. “I was interesting.”

His wife then said, “Perhaps he thought you were in the radio business.”

Perplexed he ask, “What are you talking about?”

Smiling, she said “Radio is a one-way street. There’s the announcer and the listeners. Could you have been an announcer and he was simply a listener?” He stomped upstairs to mull this over.

This example is a great way to point out that those who talk only of themselves are likely to find the conversation boring, unless they are a narcissist 😉. Those who are genuinely interested in another person enjoy hearing about their life.

If this same example were flipped, the man wouldn’t have thought his dinner partner was boring Let’s say vacuum belt salesman walked up and shook his hand, saying, “You look like a man with an interesting life. Where did you go to college” The conversation then drifted into family and then hobbies all while the vacuum belt salesman kept asking questions. The man still talked about himself, but by answering questions from someone genuinely interested in him, he went home with a completely different attitude. He couldn’t wait to tell his wife about this great guy who was his dinner partner that evening. He knows nothing about the other guy, but because he was interested in him, he was fascinating.

I learned in this book to be genuine in my quest to get to know others. Make conversations personal.

Little Women and their Personal Effect on Me

I’ve often thought that the title of this book is misleading. There was nothing little about the women of this timeless story. Marmie is the mother I tried to imitate as I raised my own children She recognized and encouraged the gifts of each of her girls. She encouraged Meg in her gifts of cooking and caring for a household. Jo was given space and quiet to write, Amy traveled to pursue her artistic abilities and sweet Beth received the gift of a piano to cheer her family while she was here on earth. I learned from this story that our differences enrich our lives. We all have gifts and talents that bring purpose and intention to our everyday living.

There are many writers who influence my life. Emily Barnes and her books about hospitality, Ann Morrow Lindenberg encourages women to find some solitude to rejuvenate their energy to care for those around them. Kay Arthur with Precept Ministries, Beth Moore, Stormie Omartian and Priscilla Shirer are women of faith who inspire me to live for Christ.

None of these women are “little” in their effect on my life. I pray that somehow I can have a positive impact on some lives like they have mine. Is there a special person who had great personal influence in your life? Share in the comments. I’d love to hear about those who influence your life.

Toasting the Happy Couple with Waterford Champagne Flutes

Posted on 01/05/201901/19/2019 by Kim @ CoziNest

Whether toasting the happy couple with a Champagne Coupe, Flute or stemless glass, when she says yes, it’s time to sip and salute. There is no shortage of glass styles in which to pour your bubbly; you have choices from plastic to Waterford. On our baby girl’s proposal night, we opted for Waterford. Join me as I share a very important night from the rim of a crystal flute.

Toasting the Happy Couple

Our small family gathered around to celebrate the beginning of another adventure. Josh got down on one knee earlier in the day. Amy said yes.

With the goal of making this night one to embrace and remember, a traditional proposal in a favorite Italian restaurant got things off to a sweet start. The world’s finest crystal, Waterford offered a smooth transition from girlfriend to fiancé. The cocktail menu was simple. We toasted the couple with a favorite sparkling wine; Le Marca Prosecco from Italy. Perfect finalé to a perfect night.

They rushed home to share the news with us, as well as a few family members who were waiting to hear how he did it.

We all gushed over her very beautiful and unique “salt and pepper” diamond. It is so Amy. Not like any engagement rings you’ll see on any other fingers. Great job, Josh!

The whole room was bubbling with excitement, so the two fathers prepared to salute their children. A toast to their future happiness.

Waterford, a Celestial Part of the Future

They opened their first gift.

By the look on their faces, I think they were pleased with the flutes. These very special glasses are to be used on every wedding occasion from here until January 11, 2020. After opening, my niece took them to rinse out before the toast, and chanted, “I will guard these with my life. Guard these with me life. Guard these with my life!” all the way to the kitchen. Precious gems for a special couple. A gift that will be part of many celebrations to come.

Raise your glass along with us, as we celebrate Josh and Amy.

“To the happy couple. May your ups be more than your downs and may your love for each other grow daily. To the moon and back!!!”

Hear. Hear!

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through them to make a purchase, CoziNest will earn a commission. Keep in mind that these companies and their products are chosen because of their quality or my personal experience and not because of the commission received from purchases. Thank you so much for reading. My goal is to provide you with the best recommendations possible.

Please forgive photo quality. Taken with an older phone.

A Stone Tablet Says Call Your Mother

Posted on 01/22/201801/20/2019 by Kim @ CoziNest

It is Written on a Stone Tablet: Call Your Mother

In the first place, during the age of instant contact through texting, email, snapchat and other social media, do you ever wonder why it takes Johnny so long to respond to Mom’s texts? Or for Suzi Q to reply to Dad’s email? And why do neither answer their phone? How do we address this issue of lack of communication in the fastest period of response known to mankind?

Moms across the planet unit to try to solve this issue. So far, we have one idea. We considered sending a stone tablet with the words “CALL YOUR MOTHER” chiseled on it to those young adults whose auto-reply is Thou Shalt Not Communicate. I mean if the message looks as if it’s from God the Father, do you think it might make a difference? Oh well, never-mind; the shipping might cause the death of a cart-steadier and hearing that ringtone is just not worth anyone’s death.

J. K. Simmons Pleads

Additionally, this has affected parents of the rich and famous. Way back in January of another age, J. K. Simmons in his Best Supporting Actor Oscar speech pleaded with kids across the globe to “Call, don’t text. Don’t email,” your parents. I would love to know how that turned out for him. I know he got a resounding round of applause for that plea.

Here are my ten commandments to share with your young creations:

I am your mother. I brought you into this world, I can take you out. After your prayers, God wants you to call me.
Thou shalt not make any graven image – stop with the selfies and go see your parents in person.
Next, Thou shalt not take the name of your father in vain. He can write you out of our will.
Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy… By…
Honoring your parents with a phone call.
Thou shalt not kill the hopes of parents longing to hear your voice.
Don’t forget, Thou shalt not commit adultery by choosing the world over our relationship.
Thou shalt not steal the investment that was sown into your life from the day you were born.
Thou shalt not lie about how busy you are. Someday you won’t be too busy to order flowers for a funeral.
Thou shalt not covet the parents of other kids who don’t care how often they hear from their kids.

Finally, to my kiddos: don’t take this personally. It’s meant for all muted children of the world.

Sitting at Her Father’s Table

Posted on 12/13/201701/20/2019 by Kim @ CoziNest

Telling Stories from Her Father’s Table

Some stories tell themselves. This is one of those. My niece, Emily recently said yes to a young man that our family loves. His name is Bubba. He is the man that we know God chose for her.

Emily was raised in a Christian home. Her mother is my sister, who also married the man that we all know God chose for her. Emily’s parents are loved by many across the southeast. And this story is an example why. Here is the engagement story in her daddy’s own words.

Dave:

Bubba asked me to meet him halfway between Tennessee and Alabama for coffee. I expected the meeting was for him to ask for Emily’s hand in marriage. During our conversation he mentioned that it would take place at my mom’s house near the river. He wanted to have a table outdoors that held flowers, a Bible with her new name, Emily Hoffman on it, with the ring on top. I asked if it was okay if I built the table. It was my desire for them to have something special to remember the occasion and something they could use in their home. The table was perfect because family meals and fellowship have been lost. Hopefully this would give them a place to enjoy each other’s company while eating a home-cooked meal or takeout.

How to Build a Table

I wasn’t sure of the style, but I knew Emily likes simple, functional things, and the farmhouse table we have in our family dining room. So I decided to go that route.

I ordered 6 – 2 x 6 x 8 Ponderosa Redwood boards, 4 Large table legs and got started.

First, I cut the 2 x 6 boards in half. Next, I took my Kreg pocket drill and drilled holes on the underside of the boards. I then attached all the boards together, put the end pieces on and sanded the top to make it smooth.

For the base, I used 2 x 4 x 6 material and built the frame between the legs. I also drilled the frame with my Kreg pocket drill so I could secure the top later.

Final touches – I stained the top with Minwax Espresso and coated it with water based poly. It’s important to sand between the finish coats which was 3.

Last step was to write the scripture I chose for them which was Proverbs 3:3-4, which is written beneath the table top.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Ready to Pop the Question

The table was placed near the river. Roses placed on top with the Holy Bible and the engagement ring.

The sweetest thing that stood out to me about this whole story is this… Every time Emily places her feet beneath this table, she will be sitting at her father’s table. A man who taught her throughout her life exactly what it means to break bread at her FATHER’S table. May GOD bless this union as HE has blessed our family with such godly men.

CONGRATULATIONS EMILY & BUBBA!

Give Thanks for Family in Your Centerpiece

Posted on 11/22/201701/20/2019 by Kim @ CoziNest

Give Thanks for Family on Thanksgiving

I was privileged to be invited to join this lovely Thanksgiving Tablescape Tour today. Katie from Katherine’s Corner is hosting and she is one talented lady! She designed my header a few years back and continues to help me out whenever I have a question. Thank you, Katie, for including me!

I know you will enjoy this tour. Feel free to pin or share any of the tablescapes you love! My post is about loving and accepting our family, just like Ruth and Naomi.

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In the book of Ruth in The Holy Bible, Naomi told Ruth to return to her people after her son died. Ruth refused. She then said something to her mother-in-law that I also had read at my wedding.

Give Thanks for Family

Ruth loved her mother-in-law. Naomi loved her daughter-in-law and only encouraged her to return to her people because she thought that was the best choice for Ruth. But, Ruth refused to leave. Something or someone was pulling her heart toward Bethlehem. The result was that Ruth, a Moabite woman who was not from Israel or a Jew, became part of the lineage of Christ, our Savior. Here we learn a lesson in what it means to love our family. We may not all be “cut from the same cloth” so-to-speak, but each and every one of us matter. Setting a table for Thanksgiving is a way to portray the unity we all desire. Mine this year, centers around the “Tree of Life,” a sculpture we picked up during a recent cruise.

The Tree of Life

This sculpture by Alfred Gockel, has become a treasure in our home. It was meant to be centerstage in a garden, but I loved it so much that I had to place it on my dining room table. Especially for Thanksgiving. I mixed it with gold, glass and a touch of silk to combine metals and textures. I wanted to portray how easy we could all live together, if we accept each other as we are… creatures, made in the image of God.

I’ve also mixed everyday dinnerware, (Johnson Brothers, Blue Willow) with Lenox Fine China. I added gold-rimmed cups and saucers with Pier 1 glass goblets and gold-leafed wine glasses.

Mixing Textures

I think they all live beautifully together, don’t you?

Even my kitty, Scarlett, (who is a member of the family) approves.

Paws for Thanksgiving

Love from high above the scene.

Glass pumpkins add color and texture.

Draping a rust napkin within each place setting ties all the colors together.

Some colors aren’t what I would normally pair together, but I thought it all blended together beautifully. Just like the Moabite woman who blended beautifully into the lineage of Christ. After all, our greatest gift is HIS life. He died on a tree and conquered death, so that we might all live with HIM in paradise. I think paradise can begin in our grateful hearts. Another sweet way to portray thankfulness is by writing a note. Perhaps to the person who first introduced you to Christ?

Give thanks for your family.

Please click on the photo below to tour all the other beautiful tables.

Sharing with: Celebrate and Decorate