My dear readers….I want to share a tablescape I put together last year…. because it is getting close to Cinco de Mayo… and that always takes me back to New Mexico.
So let’s revisit this post and tablescape.
I love the Land of Enchantment, otherwise known as New Mexico, and after living there for several years, it will always be in my heart.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love Southwest Florida.
But…..
There is something about the Southwest high mountain dessert where our ranch was located in New Mexico (which means Nuevo Mexico in Spanish),
…. that every now and then,
…well, it calls to me.
It is like the Call of the Wild. You know, like the howling wolf?
Let me give you a bit of Mountain background….
Rocky Hills Ranch, our ranch, you know I name everything, was/is located (7500 feet elevation) deep in the mountain chain of the Manzano Mountains, (which means apple tree in Spanish),
…..which is a continuation of the Sandia Mountains, (which means watermelon in Spanish),
…..which is a continuation of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains, (which means Blood of Christ in Spanish),
…..which is a continuation of the Rocky Mountains, (which means montañas Rocosas in Spanish),
…..which is a continuation of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Whew! Did you get all that?
Collectively these make up the Rocky Mountains, a mountain system that stretches from Northern British Columbia through central New Mexico, which is part of the great mountain system known as the North American Cordillera. (Actually, This cordillera extends from Alaska to the southern border of Mexico.)
Ok, now that we have established this mountain chain, let us move on to my love of the state of New Mexico.
I have shared many recipes and pictures and stories on this blog… from this most mis-understood state.
Some people think is is NOT a part of the United States, while others think it is all barren desert.
Not true.
The New Mexican landscape ranges from wide, rose-colored deserts to broken mesas to high, snow-capped peaks and heavily forested mountain wildernesses which cover a significant portion of the state!
Now, let’s talk tablescapes, particularly a Southwest tablescape.
I found these salad plates and my heart and mind went immediately back to New Mexico.
Naturally, my decor when living in New Mexico was definitely Southwest, from Pueblo Indian rugs to rustic hand made tables situated near the wonderful stone fireplace!
Luckily, I still have a few Southwest pieces like this piece of driftwood that I found on the Ranch while chasing after stray cattle.
The cactus napkin rings I picked up at Home Goods and the chippy ivory chargers I have had for years. I like putting a white dinner plate on the charger for interest in the white colors.
I already had the water glasses rimmed in cobalt blue and have used them in Cinco de Mayo tablescapes before.
The flatware has brown wood handles and the napkins are a blue patchwork that I feel goes very well with the theme.
The stemmed goblets are called medallion and have just the right shade of blue to go with the water glasses.
I placed votive candles and various cactus around the burlap table runner which adds to that rustic Southwest feel.
My dinner menu was simple. Enchiladas Casserole, pica de gallo with shredded lettuce, cheese and tomatoes.
Recipes can be found under the main dishes category on this blog.
If you would like to see other posts on New Mexico…just type in New Mexico in the search field.
Have a great day and many blessings my dear readers.
lauraingallsgunn says
What an absolutely enchanting tablescape. I had the joy of visiting New Mexico a few years ago (Santa Fe and Taos). You have indeed captured it beautifully. I am overjoyed that you recieved your apron. Thank you so very much for your purchase. It allows me to continue to volunteer to children studying the books. May you have a wonderful week of lovely weather!
Sandy Park says
Kari, thanks for explaining New Mexico to everyone, it’s not an easy description. I live in Ruidoso, NM on a mountain top (Sacreamento Mountain range) in the middle of a desert (1 hour from White Sands). Try and put your mind around that one. Thanks for the SW tablescape – they are far and few between.
Kari says
Sandy, I do love New Mexico and all the food I learned how to make while living there. We still have relatives there in Moriarty, Edgewood, Rio Rancho and other areas in and around Albuquerque. I am also very familiar with Ruidoso as my brother in law raced horses there for years. There is nothing like green chilis roasting in the Fall….it makes my mouth water just thinking of it. Thank you for your comments…we share a common bond.
Chloe Crabtree says
Nice to see one of your tablescapes! It was such a pleasure to meet you at Haven!!
Kari says
Thanks Chloe…You are one amazing, talented lady!
Ross says
Hi honey, it looks really lovely. Love the cactus plates.
I’m amazed at how many locations you and your Captain can dine at without even leaving the house! It must be like living on a cruise ship😁.
Hugs from across the pond x
Kari says
You are so right my friend….and eating at home is a lot healthier these days! Speaking of cruising, Are you getting ready to go cruising or dancing again?
Luv ya XXX