Freezing Temperature Tablescape with Sled Dogs, Seals and Bears “Oh My!!”

The below freezing temperatures at Christmas this year (2022) caused beautiful icicles on the dock, but not the “White Christmas” that many children wanted. Our neighborhood’s water main break added challenges to our celebration, and made it necessary to use lake water to flush our toilets. Even when the main was fixed, we faced a boil water notice for a few days. These challenges inspired reflections on the “Big Texas Freeze” of February 2021 when over 4.5 million people were without power for extended lengths of time.

Today, as I reflected on both the Christmas freeze this year and the February 2021 freeze, I thought it would be fun to share my “Big Freeze” Tablescape. I was certainly not expecting a “Big Freeze” after moving to Texas from Ohio in 1989. As I settled in here, I quickly became used to the many 70 degree days in January and February. However, when the “Big Freeze” did arrive, it felt more like the Ohio winters I knew as a child.

When faced with multiple days of no power, freezing temperatures and at times limited social media, internet and cell phones, I decided to make a new tablescape to add some variety to our “stay home” days. This was the first “winter but not Christmas” table that I have done in Texas, as traditionally here, winter decorations disappear shortly after Christmas. For many Texans, winter tables seem out of place in our often 70 degree January days. But in 2021 a winter themed table in February seemed very fitting.

Dapper Animals

I decided to use my Winter Dapper Animal plates from West Elm as my dinnerware. With the freezing temperatures, winter bears seemed to fit right in and their warm coats reminded us of our apparel inside the house.

Our beloved Buddy was glad to get the extra warmth of the fireplace, as were my husband and I.

The Dapper Animal Bear plates were part of a set of Holiday Dapper Animal plates that I had purchased in January. I decided to use just the bear plates from this set as I wanted to use my North American Bear collection on the table too.

The Vanderbear family by North American Bear Co.

Muffy, of the North American Bear Family were something I started collecting in about 7th grade. In the beginning, I collected just “Muffy” – the smallest bear and youngest of the “Vanderbear” family, and her rabbit friend “Hoppy”. At that time, I often looked longingly at the bigger Vanderbear bears in the stores, but they were way out of my price range. Recently, I saw some of the bigger bears on eBay, and between their lower second hand price, and my change in income from what I earned babysitting as a 7th grader, I decided that I “owed” it to myself to get the family of bears, and a selection of outfits. I remembered that I had a set of outfits for the bears called “The Adirondack Collection – All Spruced up” that utilized a lot of Buffalo plaid. I thought these outfits would look great on the bears on the table as they coordinated so well with the dapper animal plates.

I wanted to use all the bears in the Vanderbear family on this table, and to have them doing different winter activities. The Mom, and Dad, “Alice” and “Cornelius” are doing some fishing in a boat from Homegoods while “Muffy”- the youngest in the Vanderbear family, is using snowshoes to trek thru the snow with her dog “Lulu”, best friend “Hoppy” and a pet seal. Twins “Fuzzy” and “Floppy” are riding in the dog sled that is pulled by a momma husky, while her pups ride in the sled or run along the side of it.

Siberian Huskies

Huskies are not a part of the Vanderbear collection but they seem to fit in well with it. I especially enjoyed putting the huskies in this tablescape because my only grandpuppy is a husky. She is our first husky in the family and we enjoy her greatly. She was truly the only one in our family who enjoyed the snow and cold temperatures during the big freeze. Being born and bred in the hot and humid south, this was her first experience with snow, so I’m guessing the love of snow, is instinctual for Huskies. She looked very shocked to find snow on the ground at her house, and the pictures our son shared had us in stitches. However, her expression when seeing the snow come down from the sky was even more priceless-a mixture of amazement and thankfulness. I have to share her precious pictures with you so you will see why it seemed important to have huskies in the tablescape.

The Plate Stack

The plate stack for this tablescape contains a charger that is black with a gold rim, with a red Kate Spade Rutherford Red Circle dinner plate on top of it, and then, the West Elm Holiday Dapper Animal bear plate on the very top. A Kate Spade bowl sits to the left of the plate stack. Wine glasses are vintage Ruby Red “golf ball” style from Morgantown Glassworks of West Virginia (1899-1971). The linens were Buffalo plaid to continue the theme.

There is more information on each tablescape item in the “Tablescape Details and Origins” section at the end of this post.

I hope you enjoyed our “Big Freeze” table. I’d love to know more about the tablescapes in your part of the world. Do your tables and decorations follow the weather, seasons and holidays? or are they more about favorite things? Please message me with any descriptions or pictures of the ones you have done.

Scenes during the “Big Texas Freeze”

Although the temperatures inside and outside of the house were often freezing, the scenery was gorgeous!!! The wind, water, mist, snow, and icicles created an unusual and amazing lake view.

Table Details and Origins

North American Bear items including the Vanderbears- Muffy, Fluffy, Fuzzy, Cornelius and Alice; Hoppy the rabbit, the seal,  Lulu (white dog) are retired and usually available on eBay, Etsy, or Amazon; where you can also find their outfits, and accessories. For the ones used here try searching “North American Bear All Spruced up- the Adirondack Collection” and for the seal, search “Muffy of the North” 

Dog Sled and dog pulling sled – these are actually “American Girl” items – often available on eBay, or Etsy. 

West Elm Dapper Animal plate – Holiday collection – bear, originally from West Elm, but now available on the secondary market at eBay, Etsy, etc. 

Buffalo Check aka Buffalo plaid placemats red/black are available at Amazon.

Buffalo Check aka Buffalo plaid napkins available at Amazon. 

Boat– Available occasionally at Homegoods.

Dinner Plate and Soup Bowls in “Kate Spade – Rutherford Red Circle by Lenox” – originally from Homegoods, now available at eBay, Etsy, etc. 

Black Charger Plates with Gold Edge-These are likely from Pier 1, but similar ones can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Amazon.

Wine Goblets “Morgantown Glass-Golf ball Pattern” in Ruby Red-often available at eBay, Etsy, etc. 

Napkin Rings originally from Sonoma Lodge (moose, bear,  duck) now available at eBay, Etsy, etc. 

Sled dogs from Amazon (note: Amazon classifies some of these as “wolves” and some as “huskies”) 

Flatware – “Community by Onieda – Marquette” pattern is currently available at Amazon. 

Buffalo Plaid Ornaments –  from Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon. 

Tabletop tree  in various colors is currently available from Amazon. 

Butter dish by “Nora Fleming” in discontinued dot pattern.  Canoe “mini” on butter dish is a discontinued “mini” and unfortunately very hard to find.  For Similar items see the Nora Fleming Website, your local retailer, eBay, and Etsy. 

Link Parties 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party !

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building.

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!!

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations!

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes.

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects.

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list.

Masterpieces of my Life hosts the “Home Imagined Link Party” on Tuesday every other week. This is a relatively new link party for me to attend, and I am really enjoying it the many home projects and decor ideas found here!

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods.

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities.

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas!

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects.

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared.

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor.

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building.

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family!

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here.

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party.

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters”and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph!

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas.

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links).

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group.

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts.

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc.

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations.

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions.

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

I hope you will enjoy visiting these wonderful bloggers on the above websites as much as I do!

I hope you will enjoy visiting these wonderful bloggers on the above websites as much as I do!

Posts I Hope You Will Like

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Comments

Is snow a common occurrence for you? Do you often do table settings for a winter (but not Christmas) table? Do you often have “snow days”? I value your comments and would love to hear from you!!! I also would love to hear about your winter adventures and winter table settings. If you have time, please scroll down to the bottom of the post to comment. THANKS SO MUCH!! and THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!!!