Cozy Valentine's Day Tablescape

 

Creating a cozy, layered tablescape felt especially comforting on those bitterly cold days when temperatures dipped into the single digits. The chill outside made me crave warmth in every detail, so I focused on textiles to build that sense of snugness right at the table.

Starting with a soft linen tablecloth as the foundation, I layered a striking black and white wintry runner dotted with snowflakes—sourced from World Market—that added a crisp, seasonal touch without overwhelming the space. Over that, I placed black and cream plaid placemats from a local shop, then topped them with sleek round black placemats for added depth and texture. Each layer seemed to wrap the table in extra coziness, and honestly, it started to make me feel warmer inside before the meal even began. 

 

The plate stack came together effortlessly thanks to Pfaltzgraff's Kenna Red dinnerware. This collection is wonderfully varied—each piece features its own bold red pattern, yet they all harmonize beautifully for a cohesive yet interesting look. The set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and those fun red-and-white polka-dotted mugs that bring a playful element to the setting. I appreciate when the design does the thinking for me; it allows the overall table to feel intentional and polished without endless decision-making.

 

Paired with deep red stemware for richness and affordable champagne flutes that catch the light with subtle sparkle, the table gained a celebratory edge—perfect for toasting with champagne on Valentine's Day.

 

Flatware with red enamel handles complemented the color scheme seamlessly, while simple red napkins tied in loose knots introduced a casual, textured contrast to the more structured elements. 

For a sweet surprise, each place setting included a small bowl holding a Valentine-themed bag of vanilla-flavored marshmallows. They're ideal stirred into hot chocolate on these frigid days, but they're delicious enough to enjoy straight from the bag too—a little treat that adds warmth and whimsy for guests. 

 

At the heart of the centerpiece sits a pair of cherished cut crystal candleholders, a thoughtful first-Christmas gift from the late Mr. O-P picked up at a local antique shop. They hold special meaning and bring a touch of elegance and history to the table.  

In the center, a vibrant red Fiestaware pitcher overflows with flowers that subtly nod toward spring's eventual arrival, bridging the winter chill with a promise of warmer days ahead. Whatever you plan for Valentine's Day, keep it sweet, keep it simple, and embrace a bit of old-fashioned charm—it makes the coldest days feel a little more inviting.

  

Click on the links below for more Valentine table inspiration from my blogging friends:

Panoply - Valentine's Day 2026: Forget Me Not Tablescape

Life and Linda - Hearts, Kisses, and Valentine Wishes

Home Is Where the Boat Is - Heartfelt Table with Snowmen & Cardinals

Hyacinths for the Soul - Whispering Love - Valentine Tablescape Hop

Everyday Living - Forever Is Long Enough

The Cat's Whiskerz - A Valentine's Day Table for the Guys

Red Cottage Chronicles - Setting a Valentine's Table That Feels Like Home

Celebrating Everyday Life - An Italian-Inspired Valentine for Two

My Thrift Store Addiction - Ivy and Roses Valentine Table for Two

Me and My Captain - Love Is Everything, Valentine's Day 2026

Little Yellow Corner Store - A Winter's Valentine's Day Tablescape - The Heart of the Matter

Thrifting Wonderland - Valentine's Day: From the Heart

Corner of Plaid and Paisley - Cottage Rose Valentine's Table

Dinner at Eight - Celebrate with Friends and Flowers on Valentine's Day

Olla-Podrida - Cozy Valentine's Day Tablescape

The Bookish Dilettante - Valentine's Tea in the Library

Pandora's Box - Lunch With My Valentine

Mantel and Table - How to Design a Valentine Table That Feels Luxurious

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This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday 

The Perils of Pattie: My Dance with the Devil

I have recently let you into my world with tales of my refrigerator woes. As a consequence, I thought you might enjoy another episode in the “Perils of Pattie,” when I made the mistake of not finishing a sandwich. It wasn’t what I wanted in the first place, so my interest in finishing it was not strong. Consequently I went into the kitchen to get some plastic wrap to wrap the other half so that I could stick it in the refrigerator and eat it later if the mood for that particular sandwich ever hit. All did not go as planned.

I have survived food poisoning, power outages, family holidays, and the occasional existential crisis, but nothing, I repeat, NOTHING has broken me like this roll of Amazon Basics cling film. Positive reviews be damned; this is the devil!

   All I wanted was to wrap half a sandwich. That’s it. A simple, pathetic human act. Instead, this demonic sheet of disappointment turned my kitchen into a crime scene and my soul into a smoking crater.

Finding the start of the roll is like trying to locate the beginning of time itself. You think you’ve got it—fingernails scraping, breath held—then it rips into three jagged tongues that immediately try to bond with themselves in ways that defy physics and basic decency. Now you have three separate wars happening on the same spool. They never reconcile. They just glare at each other while sticking to the counter, the knife, your elbow, the cat, the concept of hope.

I escalated. Butter knife. Paring knife. Serrated bread knife. Nothing. This stuff laughs at steel. Eventually I retreated to my studio, retrieved my X-Acto #11 blade (the one I use for craft projects, not war crimes), and began performing literal surgery on the roll—carving a trench like I was trying to free a fossil. A small piece peeled free. Victory? No. The liberated fragment instantly balled itself into a sticky tumor that attached to every surface it touched like a cling-film facehugger.

At one point I had four separate torn sheets orbiting me like angry ghosts. I uttered expletives I wasn’t even aware that I knew.

In the end, and against my better judgment, I wrapped the sandwich in aluminum foil. Do not buy this product. Do not gift it to your worst enemy—they don’t deserve this level of evil. Redirect your money to literally any other brand. Generic store brand from a gas station? Better. The stuff they wrap corpses in? Probably more cooperative.

This is not plastic wrap. This is a war crime in a cardboard sleeve.

Save your sanity. 
Save your sandwiches. 
Save yourself.

I mean it! 

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Rich Slow Cooker Beef Stew

 

When the cold snap hits, nothing beats a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew. Last weekend, I simmered a big pot in the slow cooker, paired it with freshly baked focaccia, and it was pure comfort.

Like many, I love potatoes in stew… but not in the stew. They always turn mealy and mushy. My solution? Keep the potatoes out of the pot and serve the rich, flavorful stew over a perfectly baked potato instead. The contrast of tender beef and veggies with that fluffy, hot potato is unexpectedly delicious and satisfying.Rich Slow Cooker Beef Stew

4 strips thick-sliced bacon
2 lbs. stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (16-oz.) bag baby carrots
1 large Melissa’s organic yellow onion, diced
4-6 large crimini mushrooms, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 c. beef broth
4 T. tomato paste
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 t. dried thyme
2 t. dried rosemary
2 t. smoked paprika
2 t. espresso powder
1 t. caraway seeds
1 t. Montreal Steak Seasoning
2 bay leaves
¼ c. flour (for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste

 Fry bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat; drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.

Season beef with copious amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add beef to the skillet in which you cooked the bacon and cook until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef to a 6-qt slow cooker and top with the crumbled bacon. In the same pan, sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until onions are translucent. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire to deglaze the pan, and then pour into slow cooker on top of the beef and bacon.

Add potatoes, carrots, onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Stir in thyme, rosemary, paprika, espresso powder, caraway seeds, steak seasoning, and bay leaves until well combined; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup stew broth. Stir in flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until thickened.

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

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Crunchy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Celery

Who says healthy snacks have to be boring? This Crunchy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Celery is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy bacon and a satisfying crunch from fresh celery. They're easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and a sneaky way to enjoy some veggies. Whether you're prepping for game day, a party platter, or just an after-school treat, this no-cook appetizer (aside from the bacon) is a total winner!

 Celery might seem like it's mostly water (about 95%!), but don't underestimate it—this humble veggie is loaded with good stuff. It's a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, plus important minerals like potassium, folate, and magnesium. These nutrients support everything from a strong immune system and healthy bones to better digestion and heart health. That's why celery makes an excellent snack choice for all ages, from kids to adults. The natural crunch and mild flavor pair perfectly with richer fillings, turning a simple vegetable into something irresistible.

And here's the best part: these stuffed celery bites are super kid-friendly! The creamy cheese and crispy bacon make them fun and tasty, so it's an awesome way to sneak more vegetables into your children's diet without any fuss. Kids love the "boat" shape and the familiar flavors of cheese and bacon—it's like ants on a log, but upgraded!

Plus, this recipe is incredibly convenient. You can make the filling ahead of time (up to a day in advance) and stuff the celery just before serving. That makes it ideal for parties, potlucks, or Super Bowl spreads—no last-minute stress, and they hold up well in the fridge. Low-carb, gluten-free, and crowd-pleasing? Yes, please!

This recipe serves about 8-10 as an appetizer (makes 32 pieces). It's straightforward with minimal prep!Crunchy Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Celery

 8 large celery stalks

1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature

2 T. sour cream

½ lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 T. dry ranch seasoning mix

⅛ t. garlic powder

⅛ t. freshly ground black pepper

2 green onions, thinly sliced

 Wash and dry 8 large celery stalks. Cut them into fourths, set aside.

 Place the cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and green onions into a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until thoroughly blended.

Use a butter knife or small spoon to generously fill each celery piece with the cheese mixture. Pile it high for extra indulgence!

Arrange on a platter and enjoy right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips: For easier handling at parties, chill the stuffed celery for 30 minutes before serving—it helps the filling set. You can also garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of cheddar for a pretty presentation.

These bites are addictive—the salty bacon, tangy cheddar, and cool crunch of celery create the ultimate flavor combo. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

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The Coziest Coffee Cocktail: Creamy Espresso Martini

There's something undeniably cozy about a cocktail that combines the bold kick of espresso with smooth, creamy liqueurs—especially during the colder months. This Creamy Espresso Martini is like an Espresso Martini's richer, warmer cousin. With equal parts freshly brewed espresso, vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys, it comes together in seconds and truly warms you from the inside out. One sip, and you'll feel that comforting coffee buzz mixed with velvety sweetness. It's dangerously delicious!

I first discovered this gem on Inside the Rustic Kitchen, and it's become my go-to for after-dinner drinks, holiday gatherings, or just a fancy night in. The best part? It's ridiculously easy to remember—equal parts of everything. No complicated measurements needed.

 Creamy Espresso Martini

(Serves 1)

 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso (strong is key!)

1 oz. vodka

1 oz. Kahlúa coffee liqueur

1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream

Ice

3 coffee beans, for garnish (optional, but so elegant)

Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.

 Pour in the hot espresso, followed by the vodka, Kahlúa, and Baileys.

 Secure the lid and shake vigorously—the harder you shake, the frothier the foam on top!

 Strain into a beautiful, chilled coupe glass, like I did.

 Garnish with three coffee beans floating on top for that classic barista touch.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Espresso Martini

 Strong espresso is non-negotiable—it balances the sweetness and gives real coffee depth.

 Want it sweeter? Swap regular vodka for vanilla vodka. Instant upgrade!

 Serve it right after shaking while the foam is at its peak.

 This one's best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily double or triple for a crowd.

 If you're a fan of coffee cocktails, this one hits all the right notes: rich, creamy, slightly bitter, and oh-so-satisfying. It really does warm you from the inside out—perfect for cozy evenings. Cheers!

(Recipe adapted from insidetherustickitchen.com) 

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Refrigerator Roulette, Round Two

Image by ChatGPT.

So… it would appear when Best Buy tells you they’re going to make a delivery between 1 PM and 5 PM what that really means is 6 PM. That also means that they’re going to try to swap out your current brand new but dented refrigerator with one that is slightly newer, but dented even more enthusiastically. At which point, we were no longer discussing appliances; we were discussing principles.

 Suffice it to say that I am NOT happy. I have now spent days living with a refrigerator that is technically functional but spiritually unsettling. It is nearly empty because I don’t want to load it with groceries only to empty it again for the next swap. Everything that didn’t seem worth hauling upstairs lives in the basement refrigerator, which means I spend my day running stairs like I’m training for something. What, I’m not sure. Survival, perhaps.

 Customer service insulted me by offering me a $200 discount. I barked with laughter. I told them $1000 or nothing, asking how they would feel about buying a brand new car and th​en settling for one with dents. So, yes, we are doing this again, but not until March 14 (!!!) when one of this type becomes available. This does mean that I will be filling up the refrigerator and freezer, and have an even bigger job emptying it for the next swap, on what will undoubtedly be too warm a day to take advantage of the deck. Another day blocked off. Another round of waiting. Another opportunity to reflect on how precious time actually is, especially when you are, as I delicately put it, hurtling toward the grave and not interested in wasting entire days on refrigerator roulette.

 There was, however, one small victory. I insisted that they hook up the water line, something the previous delivery person had neglected to do. I now have cold water, crushed ice, and cubed ice. I will absolutely be needing all three, especially when paired with the gin and vermouth that I’ll no doubt be downing while waiting for the next round.

You probably think that this is the end of the story. Of course not! Life clearly enjoys a good plot twist. Last time the swap took over an hour. I didn’t want food sitting on the counter that long, so I boxed everything up—four trips because I can’t carry much at once—and set it all out on the deck.

Wouldn’t you know it: on the one night I decide to turn my back deck into temporary cold storage… it snowed.

I stood there watching fat flakes land on my milk, my leftovers, and my rapidly diminishing patience. The universe has impeccable comedic timing.

March 14th can’t come soon enough. Or maybe it can. I’m not sure I have the emotional bandwidth for another episode.

Until then, if anyone needs me, I’ll be on the deck with a martini, a bag of frozen peas, and the kind of quiet rage that only comes from spending an entire day waiting for someone else’s incompetence.

To the powers that be at Best Buy and KitchenAid: this is inexcusable. A refrigerator should keep food cold, not inspire endurance training, weather-based improvisation, and cocktail consumption. 

Image by ChatGPT.

 Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have ice to use.

Val McDermid’s Winter Made Me Fall Back in Love with the Season, a Review

 

Val McDermid’s Winter caught me at exactly the right moment. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with the season: as a child I adored it, as a working adult I tolerated it, and now, creeping toward what the poets politely call “the winter of life,” I mostly dread it. Yet somehow this slim, illustrated volume turned the gloom around for me. Reading it felt less like opening a book and more like settling down for a long, fireside chat with an old friend who happens to love the very things I’ve started to resent—the iron-cold air, the early dark, the whole damp Scottish midwinter package.

McDermid writes with the ease of someone talking across a kitchen table, drifting between memories of childhood sledging in Fife...

 To read the rest of the review, go to my sister blog, Book'em here.

 You can (and you MUST!) get a copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

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