after the storm

after the storm
Welcome autumn!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

a Christmas soup party...

This is going to be a picture heavy rather than word heavy post. Things are crazy around here and about to get crazier. That's okay though because it means that all the people I love are coming home.

This was inspired by my parents’ wool blanket. They got it the first Christmas after they were married. It was part of my childhood and I have always loved it. I borrowed it for this because I just wanted to get my hands on it again. It still makes me happy to see all that lovely red and green plaid.

Full disclaimer: This soup party did happen but not like this. It ended up being for a birthday so I didn’t make it have such a Christmassy feel. I would have worried about spilling soup on the blanket although it has been through much worse. At the actual soup party, in addition to the tomato soup and posole, we also had albondigas and turkey noodle. We happily ate soup leftovers for a week. We also had rosemary and rustic breads. Birthday cake, of course, for dessert.

Soup tureen and mugs are from years ago. I wish I could find the potter again.




My niece was fascinated with the candles which for the birthday did not include jingle bells. They are so easy – mason jars, Epson salt, tea lights and a bit of twine.




Still too warm but it is fun having a soup party outdoors. As it got dark, the chiminea kept us warm.

Have I mentioned how much I love this blanket?

Please join Susan and the other tablescapers at Between Naps on the Porch.

21 comments:

a quiet life said...

oh how i love this, my idea of a perfect afternoon, outside and well fed! its such a pretty setting too. i have been looking for a blanket for a month with no luck, you have the exact feel of what i wanted, warm and inviting~ great post!

Anonymous said...

Barbara, it's all so beautiful! The Lego snowman was found in the Lego Advent calendar my kids are working on.

Thanks for commenting on my blog!

Becky Sue

Sherry said...

I love the snowman in the first picture. Your soup party sounds wonderful. I love your blanket, it is alway nice to use something like that on a special day. I have a wool blanket my mother in law gave me and you have inspired me to use it in a creative way. The soup tureen and mugs are a reminder to me of some of the pottery we bought several years ago. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful! I love that Pendleton blanket. Perfect setting.

Mary said...

I can see what you love that blanket! Red & green plaid makes me happy too! Love your setting~ we are in the 'teens this week, unusual for us & COLD~ perfect soup weather though :-)

Unknown said...

What a great table! I love the cozy, warm feel of that blanket and all the beautiful warm textures you used for the serving pieces. Those mason jar candles are wonderful, what a great idea. I think you paired the menu with the table perfectly!

Marlis said...

Possession is 9/10th of the law right.. I too love the blanket.. It's quite a treasure. Love your soup bowls and the idea of a soup party is something I will have to try.. thanks for sharing.. as always a treat to pop in!! Merry Christmas.

Alycia Nichols said...

It all looks fabulous, Barbara, and I can definitely see why you'd want to preserve that gorgeous plaid Pendleton blanket!!! Of course, I had to Google "possole" because I had no clue what it was! Sounds tasty!!! Such great Christmas touches all around! I hope everyone enjoyed!!!

xinex said...

I love that blanket too, Barbara. How nice that you are able to do a tablescape outdoors and it is just lovely....Christine

Justine said...

oh I love these photographs, they are all beautiful.

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Barbara,
it is always for me amazing, that half of the world is warm on Christmas time. Amazing to celebrate Christmas outside with a tomato soup. But looks all lovely.
Wish you a Merry Christmas.
Greetings, Johanna

Decor To Adore said...

Your entire tabletop makes me feel very merry and bright!

Seasons greetings to you.

Tricia said...

Barbara, this photo shoot is magazine-ready! I can see the photo with the "Better not pout" sign on the magazine's cover! You attention to detail is just amazing! I especially love the jingle-bell embellished candle jars.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Love your blanket inspiration. It IS fun to get our hands on things that take us back to fond memories of our childhood -- you've given us lots of inspirations to (copy) enjoy!

Marigene said...

Beautiful Pendleton blanket...what a great idea, a soup party. The pottery you have used for the posole is so pretty, love the rust/blue. Was it crafted by Lisa, by any chance?

Anonymous said...

Barbara, I have so enjoyed your tables, your photography, your sense of style. This table is no exception. Happy holidays.

Entertaining Women said...

Wonderful Christmas 'al fresco' soup party. The blanket made me really happy. You might consider having it Fiber Sealed...then any spills would just bead up on it...just a thought. Thanks for sharing your charming deesign & for stopping by my post. I had to giggle...you've been an inspiration to me, too....you've been blogging two months longer that I. We're both neophytes! Merry Christmas! Cherry Kay

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I love the plaid blanket too!! It is perfect for the soup party, the soup mugs, etc! Great idea! It's very pretty too!

Katherine

Blondie's Journal said...

A soup party sounds like a wonderful idea right now {and always!}. The blanket is beautiful and it's nice that it brings back good memories. Love the candles and your pretty pottery.

Thanks always for visiting. Happy Holidays, Barbara!

XO,
Jane

Anonymous said...

Barbara, this looks like it just walked out of a Pottery Barn catalog! You have such an amazing eye and I enjoy seeing your photos. This looks like a fabulous idea for a party.

Brianffds said...
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