1/16/2011

A Winter's Day in the Dining Room...


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Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!
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My...ohhh my...here we are in the middle of January and deep in the "throes
 of winter"! I believe even all my dear friends in the south can sympathize with
 all the snow and cold temps that you have been experiencing as of late!
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It is usually about this time of the year that I begin to long for Spring,
 however we still have a few months to go before we see any spring-like
 weather here in colorful Colorado. As winter begins to really settle in, I
often find myself spending the days curled up in my big ol' oversized leather
 chair with a hot cup of coffee and a few of my favorite interior design publications
 to help pass time on a long , winter's day. Of course, we know what thumbing
 through the pages of a good design book does! Hehe!
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After getting all the Christmas put away...and a good, deep clean
 accomplished...I'm ready to do a little winter nesting at my place. With
 a clean, fresh slate...I decided to focus attention in my little french country
 dining room. The buffet is bare...the table needs a centerpiece...etc, etc.!
 Sooo...I have been a busy little bee! I wanted to share with you what I have
 done in my dining room. I hope that you enjoy!
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"A Winter's Day in the Dining Room"
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The buffet in my french country dining room.
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Okay, I must admit...that I decorated my "winter" dining room with just
 a touch...a little hope...that spring will COME! Hehe!
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The decor is still layered, with warm colors...appropriate for winter but
 I added just a few touches of spring here and there.
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I am using a color palette of deep reds, olive greens, white
and just a touch of silver.
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I brought a few of my decorative masonary pieces out of storage...like
 my white, chippy garden cherub (on the right), two tall candleholders, and
 a large decorative orb (on the left). I am also using a few cast iron pieces for this
 "wintery" vignette...a decorative bird cage, a couple of sweet little birds, and a
 little cherub. The silver pieces; mercury glass finials, tall mercury glass candle
 goblets, mercury glass orbs, and silver candleholders...are "leftovers" from
 my Christmas decor...but I think that the silver is ohhh, sooo pretty for
 a winter's decor!
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A white, decorative iron bird cage sits center stage in my buffet's vignette.
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 I filled the bird cage with a garland of vining greenery...a white bird is so
 sweetly nestled amongst the greenery inside the bird cage. I topped the bird cage
 with a pretty cream colored tassel! Gotta love a pretty tassel!
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You can see that the pretty greenery vines trail across the buffet.
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 I enjoy using greenery in my vignettes...it brings a fresh and full
 element to the scene.
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I did mention "layers"...this gives a warm, cozy feel that we seem
 to long for during the long winter months!
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A close up view of the tall, white masonary candleholders, silver
 candlesticks, mercury glass finials, and the tall mercury glass candle goblets.
 I used bright white candles in all the candleholders...so pretty!
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I really liked how this photo caught the reflection in the mirror
 of the opposite wall in my dining room!
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 You can see the shelf above the window...lined with a few of my
 white ironstone pitchers. Ohhh...and you can see my chandelier in the
 reflection as well! The chandelier crystals are sparkly...catching the sunlight
 from the window. I had a nice sunshiny day to photograph...yay!
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Since Valentines Day is just around the corner, I thought that
 adding my chippy, masonary garden cherub to the vignette would be nice.
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 He stands a stately 18" tall and is very heavy. I found him at Hobby Lobby
 during their "end of the garden season" sale. If I remember correctly, he was
 only $4.00...such a great bargain and it was love at first sight! Hehe!
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This sweet cherub is holding a beautiful silver satin ribbon with a
 decorative key in his hand! Ahhh...love IS the key...don't you agree?
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Ahhh...such a sweet cherub!!! The way he is holding his hand to
 his mouth...almost looks as though he is blowing you a little kiss!
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"Love is the master key which opens the gates of happiness."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
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And...on the left side of the buffet...we have another sweet little cherub!
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 This little guy is made of cast iron and is quite heavy as well. Another
 treasure find from Hobby Lobby...on sale! In this photo, you can see the large
 decorative orb that sits on a pedestal...I love the pretty scrolled designs that
 are etched into the orb!
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A "Winter's Day" dining room table centerpiece!
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A table runner done in a pretty patchwork design of deep reds,
 toasty browns, and bronzy colored golds...sets the foundation for
 the table centerpiece.
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Four silver candleholders with white candles, a jeweled mercury
 glass orb, and a faux potted plant sit atop an oval silver serving tray...
serves as the primary focus for this centerpiece.
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To each side of the silver tray, you will see decorative mercury glass
 finials and mercury glass candle goblets. I just added a couple of jeweled
 mercury glass orbs to the candle goblets (quite by accident but liked how it
 looked...hehe!) On the left side of the centerpiece I added a silver beaded
 tassel garland...just kind of wound it up and then place a jeweled
 orb on top!
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Since I had used several decorative masonary pieces on the buffet...
I added the old, distressed looking planter to the table centerpiece...
to carry the theme from the buffet to the table.
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A finial that looks like a branch with a bird sitting at the top was
 added to the chippy looking planter...again, carrying the theme of the
 birds over to the table top. I wove a faux ivy vine up and around the
 bird/branch finial for some needed greenery.
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Just a close up photo so that you could see the sweet little bird finial.
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I love using silver in my winter decor and always leave a bit
 of my Christmas decor out to carry through the winter months.
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 I found these pretty mercury glass finials at Hobby Lobby (I love, love,
 LOVE Hobby Lobby...hehe!) They were all on sale at their after Christmas sale!
 I never pay full price at Hobby Lobby! I just wait till the "end of the season"
 sales...patience is a virtue! Hehe!
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I love this old, chippy looking planter! Love that frenchy
 looking design on the front...ahhhh!
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Well my friends...there you have it!
A winter's decor in the dining room!
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I am joining these fabulous parties...
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Saturday Nite Special...hosted by Donna over at Funky Junk Interiors.
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Thank you, Susan, Marty, and Donna...for hosting these fabulous parties for us!
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Well my friends...thank you so much for coming by today! Please leave
 me a comment and let me know that you were here...I would love to visit with you!
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Warmest Winter Wishes!

50 comments:

Pam @ Frippery said...

Warm and beautiful!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love all your birds, Chari! I was looking for a picture easel in a drawer and came across a couple of mine, but told them they had to wait a little longer to come out! : ) I am eager to do more Spring-like decor myself. I always feel a little stumped at this time of year, but I've been playing around with some things.

Blondie's Journal said...

I love what you have done with your buffet and table! The large cherub caught my eye right away. Oh, what a bargain you got on him!! I love your birdcage, too, I have a brown one I want to spray paint when it is warm outside. I would love to do a few vignettes with it. And finally, I love your tip about having greenery...I think that is what I am missing on my mantel...it looks just a bit bate so I am taking your advice on layering and greenery!! Have a great evening Chari! :-)

XO,
Jane

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Chari, You have created two more beautiful vignettes. You have such a talent for putting together gorgeous displays. I am lovin the cherub.
xo,
Sherry

Cathy said...

Love your table & buffet.

On Crooked Creek said...

Chari,
My what an elegant buffet! I adore the birds, cherubs, orbs, and silver accents always give a luminous shine to the accessories!
Just this morning, I wrote down the design elements for my entry hall Valentine's Day display. Birds, hydrangea, red table scarf, bird house,. . .you see we ARE kindred spirits! Thank you for your continued inspirational posts!
Fondly,
Pat

Terri Steffes said...

Totally loving the silver and white against your walls. BEAUTIFUL!

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Very pretty Chari! Love the table and the sideboard. Everything has such a clean and wintery feel with the white and silver!

Hugs, Diann :)

Unknown said...

Oh I love all your displays! They look so rich and lovely!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Love getting to see your winter tablescape, Chari! I like the colors and elements, both. Love the big cherub. That sets the mood for the whole tablescape.

I'm ready for spring, too, though I missed Christmas completely due to whatever it is I had/have. So I don't mind winter lasting a few more weeks/months.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Nita Stacy said...

What beautiful winter decorating! So pretty.

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Beautiful vignette...and I love the furniture, so unique!

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

Fabulous! I would be honored to have you add it to my blog party

Amaze Me Monday Blog Party

Sonny G said...

Chari, you always make beautiful vignettes and these are no exception. You just have the TOUCH~!

Susie @ Step inside my home said...

Hi Chari, Your buffet and dining room table are lovely! You have mixed so many different elements and they all work so nicely together! Beautiful job! ~Susie

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Really like what you did with your mantel. I can also see some of my necklaces hanging on the cherub.
You really did a great job!
Have a great week.
Glenda

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful arrangements. I love how you pull everything together by using similar and coordinating colors for the diverse items.

Anonymous said...

Gosh.. such a gorgeous dining area... I love all the little curios.. specially the little birdie.. aaawww!!

K&B by the Sea said...

I love all your orbs - the decorative orb with the scrollwork is so pretty, and gotta love the sparkle of the mercury orbs! The silver candlesticks and finials are beautiful too :-)

lvroftiques said...

Very pretty Chari! I love that sweet little cherub with the key! Vanna

Creative Mind said...

Hey i am not in love with your decorations....dont be feel sad....i want to say i am in love with your whole ideas & rooms...i need a visit...hmmmmm...that will be so smart to have a look at all these gorgeous stuff...very nice...

Theresa said...

Lovely, as always, there in your beautiful dining room! Love the birdcage and the table is simply gorgeous! The use of the pretty silvers perfect! Have a blessed day dear Chari! HUGS!

Cindy said...

Hello dear Chari,
I love all of it, it is Springy, but still Wintery, too. I love the decorative orbs and the garden cherub holding the key and the quote is perfect. What a lovely room you have created!
Hugs, Cindy

Salmagundi said...

Beautiful, as always! Not much going on around here. Just lounging around and reading. I have done some cleaning and purging, but nothing earth shattering (or bloggable). Hope to get to the city tomorrow - haven't been since before Christmas. Stay warm. Sally

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Chari, this is just stunning. I love the way you mix all kinds of elemnets together and it comes out looking like a magazine cover. This one definitely does. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OMG Chari!
These pictures are stunning!
You rock girlfriend! How do you ever come up with so many wonderful decorating ideas!
I love the mercury, the silver, the birds, the orbs, all just stunning!
I have spent the day kissing on little Miss Addison and just trying to get some energy back.
Don't know why I am so tired!
I have to work some this week and try to get my house in order!
Although Dan had it pretty good when I got home.
Missing you and hoping that your surviving the winter!
It's been cold and snowy here today and I am already missing that Arizona weather!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

Chandy said...

Chari! Hello! I love that dining room of yours! It's so cute and classy. My family room is part red so I love seeing yours. The birds and cherub are darling, too!

Martha said...

Your dining room is beautiful and I love your centerpiece!

Jocelyn said...

What a lovely winter table and display.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

{oc cottage} said...

I always love seeing all your details!

m ^..^

Here On Crow Creek said...

Hi Chari! Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog and yes you are right its a 56 or 57. It was a totaly wreck and still is but he is working really hard to get it looking like a car again.Your dining room is beautiful and I am so jelous. I wished I had a dining room.Lucky girl:)

Luncheons at the Junction said...

What a perfect centerpiece for these long winter months - the mercury glass reminds me of the frosty landscape outside, but your room just radiates warmth - perfection.

Sarah said...

Chari, your vignettes are beautiful. I like the touch of ivy and little birds. Layering always makes everything more interesting. Great job!

Lynn said...

Lovely vignettes Chari! Lovin' the great winter colors and textures:@)

Savannah Granny said...

Can you believe Savannah doesn't have a Hobby Lobby?
We have to drive an hour. Boo Hoo.
Your scapes are beautiful as usual. I love your wintery look. I can just see you curled up. Thinking up new ways to create visions of loveliness. Hugs, dear friend. Ginger

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Well there ya go again sweetie, blowin' everyone else outta the water with your beautiful winter's design.

I'm in~love...that sweet little cherub is quite the find and yes...love is ALWAYS the key!

God bless ya and have a wonderful winter's day!!!

Snowstorm comin'...I'm off to the city to 'stock~up' on supplies!!!

Melissa Miller said...

Chari this all looks gorgeous! I'm not sure I ever realized your buffet had green in it and that looks nice. You really create the lovliest vignettes in blog land.

Happy week sweet friend.
~Melissa :)

Kathleen said...

How romantic! I love your bold color in your dining room, I am so afraid of color as I know it is so expensive to change.
And I am with you, I wait for the sales! The thrill of the hunt!
Thanks for visiting me, you always leave such kind words!

xinex said...

Hi Chari, Your vignettes are wonderful and lovely as usual. You are really a pro when it comes to decorating tables and congrats on your photos and articles being published on a French decor magazine...Christine

Unknown said...

I love your vignette! SO warm and inviting for these winter months. Thanks for sharing it!

Anitra Cameron said...

What a lovely room. Your decorative touch always amazes me, and I'm prone to sitting here imagining that cup of tea or coffee, and the big armchair....

Oh, well. I probably couldn't sit still long enough to really enjoy it anyway, lol!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

This is so beautiful. I love mixing mercury glass and white together. I have all white in my Living room display. I need to show that soon before it all turns to RED!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Chari, this is beautiful! I love the mercury glass and white candles! I LOVE white candles!

Everything is just gorgeous! I love your dining room!!

Stay warm!

Lou Cinda

Picket said...

Hey girl...beautiful eye candy on such a winter day..it is cold and dreary here we are expecting a wintery mix tomorrow which means the stores will be out of bread and milk tonight! lol You stay safe and warm girl...Spring will be here before you know it! Picket

Sandra said...

Very pretty winter vignettes...they have all the elements I love in my displays...light (candles), reflections (mirror or silver, and the greenery. Love it!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Chari,
I love your little cherub! That could be the key to my heart that he is holding! Hope you are well! Linda

Anonymous said...

Chari,
Loving the white and the silver. Perfect for winter! Beautiful detail, as always! Looking good!

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

Certainly is beautiful Chari. I love the little statue!

Nancy

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