Friday, January 15, 2021

Chasing Winter Blues with Forest Greens

Hello, readers! Today I'd like to welcome you inside our home for a peek of how I am chasing away the winter blues...with nature's forest greens. 
I've segued from holiday into winter decor with inspiration found from nature's forest greens, a few new and vintage finds, and a gift received over the holidays. The table is set and waiting for you to join me!
I'm collaborating with some friends today in a Welcome Winter sharing, organized by Cecilia from the blog, My Thrift Store Addiction. If you've just come from Jen's blog, Midwest Life and Style, I'm certain that hailing from Nebraska she knows a thing or two of winter cozy style!
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I'm letting winter linger a little longer inside my home, trying to make peace with the inevitable winter blues from the grays outside. Although all my Christmas decorations are put away, I left my bare tree up just to enjoy the lights. When not in use, the tree is stored in our garage, while all the other Christmas decorations are kept in offsite storage. The fact that it's a tabletop size and stored on premises makes it a good remedy for chasing away winter blues.  
Speaking of winter blues, my New Year tablescape was full of blue and white. While I plan to use more blue and white in my decor closer to spring, currently I'm mostly focusing on colors seen in nature now - greens, creams and browns. 

I was the fortunate recipient of a Lynch Creek Farm New Year centerpiece giveaway in December, from my friend Shirley's Housepitality Designs Monday Morning Blooms blog post.
My centerpiece arrived on December 21 (picture above while Christmas decorations were still in place). Even as of this writing, over three weeks later, it is still alive and looking pretty fabulous on my dining table. I freshen the water and spritz it daily, a chore worth savoring the fragrance of evergreens each time I walk by it. 

Back in September I ordered a set of Forest Deer salad plates from Hobby Lobby. Together, the plates and the centerpiece were the springboard for what I knew would become my winter tablescape and decor after the holidays.
All other table elements were pulled from things I already had. Always one to mix old with new, the vintage brass deer and WV artisan quilted placemats fulfilled my style mix on the table.
Looking toward the fireplace in the great room, holiday poinsettias and other winter greens have replaced my Nutcracker collection. I knew when I purchased the white/chartreuse poinsettias I wanted to extend their use as winter greens, and their color blends exactly as I hoped. 
You can see the Christmas tree lights are reflected in the glass casing of the fireplace in the photo below.
I kept the framed artwork at the fireplace, knowing it would also remain relevant long after Christmas. 
Mr. P. and I walk almost every day. I have been foraging magnolia leaves regularly, and use them throughout my great room space. The other day I also picked some holly branches as a neighbor was having her large trees pruned. I tuck them randomly into small vignettes. Sometimes I put them in water to make them last longer, otherwise I simply collect more as they become dry and brittle.
Keeping winter greens in the condo along with little lights lifts my mood, especially on gray days, not to mention the long nights of winter. You may have also noticed the lighted tree pictured above, an after Christmas purchase. It's my latest addition to little lights, a tabletop tree that's powered by choice of batteries or USB cable. In addition to my forest deer on the table, other creatures are joining my chasing winter blues, including a fox (doorstop), feathered and felted owls, and a small twig bird next to the fireplace poinsettia. 
I'm not sure how long I'll leave the tree in the great room, but for now it satisfies my need for light therapy. I guess it's no surprise to read that winter is not my favorite of seasons, but I think chasing the winter blues with forest greens is good way for me to welcome winter. I hope you're finding ways to do the same. 

I always like to provide a source list of my tablescapes, both as a courtesy to my readers and for my own future reference. My blog is not monetized; I simply buy what I like, and use what I buy. 
Source List for Forest Deer and Winter Greens Tablescape
Tablecloth - April Cornell
Napkins - Target
Chargers - Pier 1
Glassware - Wayfair
Flatware - Horchow
Dinner Plates - Pfaltzgraff
Salad Plates, Napkin rings - Hobby Lobby
Brass deer, Quilted placemats - vintage finds
Centerpiece - Lynch Creek Farms, gifted through Housepitality Designs' Monday Morning Blooms

Tablescapes are one of my go-to creative activities at home, and vintage shopping has been a niche outlet that serves both my creativity at home as well as outside the home. I share booth spaces in a local antique mall with two sisters and resell much of what I find in estate sales, antique shops, and auctions. If you're not already a regular reader, I hope you'll take a minute and see my menu header for topics I like to share. If you're so inclined, I hope you'll return!

A special thanks to Cecilia for inviting me to share my winter welcome with you. I hope you'll continue this mini blog hop and visit CoCo at The Crowned Goat next. The links are conveniently listed below that will take you right to the other stylists' blogs. 
Panoply (you are here!)
Does winter typically leave you wanting to hibernate (regardless of the pandemic pretty much making us do that!), or do you jump into projects? Your comments are always welcome. Thank you for your visit, and stay safe!



45 comments:

  1. What a wonderful and beautiful way to chase away the winter blues Rita. I love your soothing palette and pretty table details you’ve chosen to embrace winter. Your deer plates are the perfect choice and pair beautifully with your LCF centerpiece. I’ve been watering and misting mine as well and gave it a little makeover for January. It’s so nice to extend the twinkle season and enjoy the lights on the tree while it’s cold and gray outside. Happy Friday to you ♥

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  2. Rita, Like you I kept up a bare tree, lights, and greenery for comfort during the winter months. In some ways, the pandemic has made it seem like a year of winter. I adore your lovely deer plates and pinned your pretty place setting! White poinsettias are my favorite, too! Sending thoughts for a blessed winter to you, Friend!

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    1. Thanks for sharing your pretty tablescape at Vintage Charm!

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  3. Rita, your greens feel so refreshing this time of year! I love how you decorated your table with those beautiful deer plates and wintery touches. Now more than ever, it's important to feel warm and cozy at home. Your home definitely reflects that feeling! Great to hop with you again and enjoy your weekend!
    Shelley

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  4. Lovely, Rita! Green is my favorite color, and your gorgeous table is so inviting. Adorable plates and those glasses are reminiscent of a depression glass pattern.

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  5. What a gorgeous tablescape to chase away those winter blues! I love all of your details especially those magnolia leaves! I wish we had some to pick up during our walks. Happy Winter my friend!

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  6. Rita the greens look so beautiful. I love that tablescape too to chase away the winter blahs. I do that too! xoxo

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    1. Hey, we do what we need to do to get through it, don't we?!

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  7. Now this is the way to chase away those winter blues! I love especially love those greens, my favorite color. Thank you for the inspiration Rita!

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  8. I love the deer plates and all of the greens that you used on your table. I think it is smart to leave an undecorated tree out for winter. The lights are so pleasant and have to give your condo a cozy feel on long winter nights.

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  9. Rita, this is all so pretty! You certainly know how to style a stunning tablescape! The deer plates are perfect and your greenery is a great addition.

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  10. I love your woodland plates, Rita, and I'm absolutely drooling over your green silverware! Is it vintage? Love how your decor is focused on nature's colors right now. Your home looks cozy and welcoming, indeed!

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  11. I absolutely love this!! Your deer on the table are perfect for your deer plates!! PS I'm super jealous that you get to forge for MAGNOLIA LEAVES!!! That beautiful tree doesn't grow up here in Ohio haha Have a great weekend friend!

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    1. Oh, wow, I honestly didn't realize magnolia wouldn't do well in OH. You must be fairly far north!

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  12. I'm one of those that love winter, and all the coziness that comes with it. You have so many gorgeous touches with the greens and lighting. LOVE the deer themed tablescape and elegant/woodsy elements! Have a wonderful cozy weekend!

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  13. Beautiful table Rita! Just beautiful. I'm sorry to hear that WInter isn't a fav. I totally get it. I'd rather be outside too!You are definitely handling it with the right spirit though. Your table and home look gorgeous! Your Hobby Lobby Deer Platee are giving me withdrawals as I haven't bought a new set of dishes in almost 4 years....I've been giving stuff away tho...LOL Thanks for the cheery light on a day where we're getting snow.

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  14. Good morning Rita and happy Saturday. It is a gray and cold day, but your post has brightened the morning. What a great idea to leave your Christmas tree with just the twinkling lights that certainly chase away the winter blues. The LCF centerpiece still looks wonderful. The HL deer salad plates and the vintage brass deer are perfect for a winter setting. I would love to visit with you at your charming table and enjoy the view from your home. Thanks so much for a delightful post.

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  15. Rita this winter tablescape is amazing! I love, love, love your place settings, your fabulous centerpiece and all your deer too. They're fabulous and such a beautiful way to welcome the winter season. Thanks so much for all the inspiration! Hugs and happy weekend, CoCo

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  16. Rita, this is just lovely. I like keeping a festive, winter feeling after the holidays and you aced this one! The deer are wonderful and I love those plates. The greens work so well. Smart move with the creamy poinsettias. I need to remember that for next year. I love seeing Jenna's pillow (I'm pretty sure!) and your owl and darling fox, too. Aren't the lights cheery? I can't be without them in winter! A lovely haven!

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  17. Rita, I think I like to relax and hibernate. Especially this winter I have been forced to sit with my extreme case of plantar fasciitis.
    Your table is uplifting and soothing at the same time. Those deer plates are perfect for your table and how great it was you had the brass deer. Again, seeing your chargers from Pier 1, I am regretting not getting those. Thanks for your resource list. It really helps.
    I love the way your mind works. It is fun to see how you think.
    How nice the LCF centerpiece has lasted and still giving that wonderful scent of fresh greens. You have chased the winter blues away in such a classy and creative way. Very enjoyable post.

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  18. Your table is gorgeous Rita! It is elegant, yet so peaceful and serene...I felt comforted and cozy the whole time I was reading and looking! I loved seeing the Winter Moon pillow and painting, one of my favorites :) I am enjoying winter decor in my home too, it's been really cold in Alabama, so I am keeping cozy with indoor winter scenes. How lucky to win that beautiful centerpiece and it has lasted so long! I love decorating with magnolia and holly, beautiful bounty from nature!
    Jenna

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  19. Rita, you are so creative and the winter greens add such a beautiful touch to your table setting. You certainly know how to add a welcoming touch to your home!

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  20. Rita, your table is lovely and I do love your new salad plates. We have a magnolia tree or two scattered around this area, but not many. It is a little too cold for them to thrive.
    We have snow this morning and I imagine you do also. Your blog was a gift on a gray WV day. Stay well, have a great weekend.

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  21. Rita your home looks so cozy and pretty for winter. The deer salad plates are just tooooo cute. I love those. I might have to check out my Hobby Lobby and see if I can find them. Great way to feel cozy and bright during these winter days. Have a great weekend. xoxo Kris

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  22. Rita, your "beat the winter blues" tablescape is perfect and the calming effect I needed this morning. When life is normal (and I can't remember how many years ago that was! LOL) I love to segue from Christmas to winter decor until sometime in February. I felt a strong urge to do that this year, but I knew it wasn't practical with the kitchen renovation beginning. So with snow falling outside my windows, the "tracked snow" you see all over my floors this morning is actually dust from yesterday's demo—and it's waiting for me to tackle it. Your classy tablescape was the perfect creative boost I needed to help me do that; a reminder that the sooner I get this house renovated, the sooner I can enjoy seasonal decorating again! Thanks for the encouragement this morning!

    Besides the overall calming, elegant effect of your tablescape, the napkin graphic and stunning plates were the first pieces to catch my eye. Gorgeous!

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  23. Rita, Your home is so inviting and cozy. Love your winter decor. Your pretty pillows and tablescape are just lovely. Using the greenery and woodland animals just make you feel like you're visiting a beautiful winter wonderland and you stay warm at the same time. I call that a win! Your tabletop tree is the perfect size for enjoying. Using the mini lights throughout the room really is a great idea. Thanks for sharing your winter decor with us. Enjoy your day! Clara ❤️

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    1. Thank you, Clara. I like your thinking - my thought process exactly!

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  24. I sighed when I saw your first photo of this post. My favorite are the Forest Deer plates with the green glasses. I absolutely love your pretty tabelscape! Your post has brightened my day!!! Brava, Sweet Friend!

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  25. All so beautiful as usual! I am one that enjoys the long winter days...and I love lights, candles and little lamps here and there. To me it's a cozy time to look out at the yard sleeping and knowing I don't need to go out there. However, we are missing our social life! Loving your tablescape and the green handled silverware is gorgeous. I will look into that company. So nice to hear from you again. Take care!

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  26. I love leaving greenery mixed with candles out for winter. I don't do a lot but it's my first preference. I am alway anxious to get the tree put away because it's big. I need a smaller tree with lights for winter. I need to look for one now while they are on sale. Rita, those Forest dinner plates are perfect, got my attention first thing. Beautiful table setting, love all the detail. Plates, napkins, chargers and mats makes a lovely setting. I've enjoyed doing some of the same while we are all housebound. Happy New Year Rita........

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  27. Your home looks lovely - so inviting! I love that your forage for greenery - me too. While walking in our neighborhood a worker was trimming the tall evergreens and tossing the branches on the ground. I asked if I could take some and he said help yourself...I got enough for 3 nice arrangements. All of your silver accents - and your deer plates - look so nice. Enjoy !

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    1. Thank you, Ann. The idea of foraging makes so much sense, doesn't it? I sometimes tell my neighbors I'm helping them keep their yard clean. :)

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  28. Rita, your home looks lovely. I adore those plates. Darling deer plates. Foraging for greens is such a great idea. A great way to brighten a room with greenery. The tree looks fabulous. A cozy way to brighten one's spirit during the winter months.

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  29. Rita, it's always a treat to peek into your new abode. I like the fresh, modern look with your added touches of warmth. I'm all for leaving the twinkle lights up through winter. Though I did take down the large tree, I've left several smaller table top trees to enjoy the twinkle. Greens, twinkle lights, and snow people pretty much sum up our winter decor. That and a fire burning in the fireplace!
    Your winter tablescape is charming! I've a mix of mostly white dishes and snowmen on our table. I need to get motivated to take some photos to share.
    Happy Birthday to Will!

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  30. Your table looks lovely and a perfect pick-me-up for the winter dreariness. Love that table cloth too. :)

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  31. I absolutely LOVE all the colors you have chosen for this time of year! Your brass deer would have fit right in my post. Love 'em! Everything is beautiful!

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  32. Everything looks warm and wintry welcoming, Rita. The deer on your table are really stunning. I still have a tree up in my bedroom, decorated for Valentine’s Day. All your fresh greenery must brighten your mood, along with your twinkling tree. It’s always nice to take a tour of your home.

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  33. Happy New Year Rita,
    Beautiful and serene with a delightful modern flair. Lovely post to chase away the Winter blues.
    Jemma

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  34. Rita, this is so pretty. Love the centerpiece and the salad plates are beyond cute! Probably just as well we don't have a Hobby Lobby here... Happy Thursday to you!

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  35. Rita, following along on the blog hop trail...
    Love the down shot of the dining room table.
    The deep greens, rich golds and pretty deer plates really stand out.
    wonderful tablespace to chase away the January blues.
    Spring never looked better :)
    RR

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  36. Those deer plates! Rita I love them--and the magnolia leaves. Such a great idea to make little "arrangements" with them. Happy [Belated] New Year friend :)

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  37. Rita, like you I keep up a "tree" with lights during the winter months. I adore your lovely deer plates and they look wonderful with those wooden chargers that we both have. I must confess that I love winter activities, but am looking forward to spring as well.

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  38. There is something so beautiful when pairing blue and green. Perhaps it is the calming affects often provided in the sky, forest and sea. Truly gorgeous!

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  39. I would take winter blues at your beautiful home any day of the week. Have a great week and stay safe!! Xx

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