Southern Valentine

Submitted by Christi

We have a winner of the Fabulous DonnaDots! The winner is . . . . Sarah at Hyacinths for the Soul! Congrats Sarah! Send me your mailing address and the pattern you would like and I’ll get it to Donna! Hope you all enjoyed Donna’s Fabulous DonnaDots!

The first piece of jewelry my husband ever gave me was a tiny little gold key charm on a chain. He said it was the key to his heart (is that sweet or what?). This year for Valentine’s Day, I set a table with that key in mind.

Valentine Key

Valentine Key

A cozy table in front of the fireplace.

A cozy table in front of the fireplace.

A little candlelight.

A little candlelight.

Our wedding china with cut out hearts.

Our wedding china with cut out hearts.

Romantic layers.

Romantic layers.

Ready to dine with the love of my heart!

Ready to dine with the love of my heart!

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day! Check out all the fabulous tablescapes today at

with Between Naps on the Porch

with Between Naps on the Porch

Today’s Lagniappe:  Savory Coeur a la Creme
A fabulous recipe by Ina Garten that is perfect for Valentine’s Day!

  • 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bottle chutney (recommended: Cross and Blackwell Major Grey’s)
  • Crackers, for serving

Place the cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip until it is firm like whipped cream. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Beat on high speed until the mixture is very thick.

Line a 6-inch coeur a la creme mold or 6-inch sieve with a few layers of cheesecloth, allowing the excess to drape over the sides. Pour the cream mixture into the cheesecloth and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Fold the excess cheesecloth over the top of the cream. Place the mold on a plate or suspend the sieve over a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to serve, unmold the creme upside down onto a plate and pour the chutney over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Serve chilled with crackers.

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9 Responses to “Southern Valentine”

  1. ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~ Says:

    Sweet post. Happy Valentines Day.

  2. Martha Says:

    Oh so pretty and I love the sweet little cut out hearts on your plates — have a happy Valentine’s with your love at this very pretty table!

  3. Yvonne Says:

    We are like minded today. I also set a table for two in front of my fireplace. What a sweet sentiment- using the key to your husband’s heart to decorate this table. So sweet! The red cut out hearts are precious and give a very personal touch.
    Happy Valentine’s Day, Christi
    Yvonne

  4. kayellen Says:

    Pretty~~~Happy Valentine’s day~~have a blessed weekend:)

    Kay Ellen

  5. The Tablescaper Says:

    Happy Valentine’s Day!
    – The Tablescaper

  6. Anita Says:

    Beautiful table!!! I love the china…it looks like Lenox Citation Gold. I got that for my first wedding and left it behind. Now I am wishing I had it…it looks gorgeous!

  7. Joan Says:

    Very romantic especially with the personal touches. Joan @Americana By Candlelight

  8. PATTIE Says:

    Beautiful!! And your husband is a sweetheart! I adore the china-elegant and so easily adaptable
    xoxo Pattie

  9. Barbara Says:

    Very Cute!

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