IT'S FEBRUARY, COLD AND SNOWY

We had three to four inches of snow today, and it took me a couple hours to remove it with my snow blower.  By the time I finished, everything was turning to slush, much like a margarita.  

Back in the house, warmed up and relaxed, I began to think about a photo I found on Pinterest of a red and green fringed tartan plaid tablecloth on a rustic table accented with three more layers of coordinating fringed toppers.  The top layer was a matching napkin which brought it all together.  I found the same tablecloth on ebay.  An April Cornell tartan plaid tablecloth edged with a beautiful knotted fringe that was no longer available in the retail market, so the seller was asking a premium for it but, nowhere to be found were matching napkins or even napkins that would blend.  Reds and greens are tricky, and in this grouping, they need to match.  Also, each item requires a fringe which adds a rich texture and interest to the grouping.  The sequence of layers was as follows:  The tartan plaid tablecloth over the table, with a green topper next, then a red topper, and the matching tartan plaid napkin on top. 

Because I was unable to find the April Cornell brand, I set out to find available color-coordinated red tartan plaid and solid-colored linens with fringe. Creating a collage is the first phase in most of my projects and provides me with a visual of my design idea(s).  I purchased these items because they worked nicely in the photo. The placement sequence is slightly different because I omitted the solid red topper and added a white-fringed napkin.

The Collage

When the items arrived I spent about an hour detangling the fringe on the table square because it had been laundered by the seller.  The process of reviving the fringe involved combing each tassel with a fork and then a comb.  Following that, I re-combed the fringe while steaming it. After restoring the fringe, I ironed the fabric to give the cloth a crisp look.  The second phase was placing the linens on the table and reassessing how they looked as a group. In the collage, I used the seller's photos, and colors may appear different on a computer screen from physically seeing them with your eyes. I was pleased that the reds and greens coordinated nicely; however, the white napkin (actually off-white) didn't work, so I eliminated it.  I will also add pine and cedar floral picks and/or garland, which will happen next holiday season.  Here's the final red tartan, layered table covering:

Red Tartan Plaid Table Linens

I may use the red tartan under a bar setup.  I have a collection of hammered steel barware sans pitcher and more glassware than is legal.  I may get the matching pitcher as a birthday present this year to complete the collection.

Hammered Stainless Steel Barware

When I find a design that inspires me, I enjoy recreating it with my personal touches.  It's much easier and usually less expensive to gather and design seasonal decor in the off-season.  Now I have something pretty to use this fall and winter (after Thanksgiving) that will get me in the spirit.