what a lovely eve'n

we invited some long time family friends over for dinner.

somehow it was just the inspiration i needed for clearing the

last of the christmas hanger~on~ers i hadn't put away yet.

it also inspired me to try a new recipe i have been wanting

to make...pistachio poppy bread.

it turned out to be yummy and very delicious.

my hubby made a raspberry crumble cake.

sometimes i am resistant to bringing out the next seasons

decor because i love looking and remembering all the

memories made in the last season but it is february...time

to move on from christmas.

nandina berries in a hobnob pale pink vase set in a wooden pedestal

bowl with marble red hearts made the centerpiece on the dining room table.

a vintage square cloth laid diagonal with frames in hot pink, white and black placed flat

with various things that remind me of love...like hearts, flowers, birds, butterflies, & candles.

my oldest daughter rachel and her family were there too.

with help from most everyone we had a lovely meal and

lots of good conversation.

the kids had their own table with candy hearts candle,

gingham heart doilies and hearts, flowers, and button confetti.

it's always great when you have good friends over and you

can just relax and eat and laugh and talk.

we were celebrating the beauty of family and friends.

i haven't been able to throw away a couple of

my lovely white pumpkins from thanksgiving...so i

dressed them up with hearts and a ribbon.

february is definitely the month for all things to do with LOVE.

happy february, happy valentine's, happy love month.