Halloween 2014

The weather is brisk and fall-like, the leaves are falling and turning their brilliant colors, and the days are shorter.  Then why do I still feel like I'm in summer mode?  Guess I just don't want to give it up.  But, time waits for no man (or woman) and it's here whether I like it or not.  I have had some Halloween decor up since late September, and I even thought about having a Halloween party, but just can't get in the mood. Most of the decor is the same as last year, but I did add a few things, which I will show you below:

I bought three of these little posable creatures from Party City.  They were very affordable and were a great size for decoration.  Same mantle decor as last year, with my cute little lady added, as well as orange lights.

Another view, with the orange lights on.

Here is another, colors went great in my dining room.  I changed up my Halloween tree a bit and put it in a silver vase.

Here is the third creature, trying to get out of the shower.

I added a few pumpkins, a cute witch shoe, and owl candelabra on the range mantle.

My jack-o-lantern sits in the urn on the table outside.

Moving back into the dining room, I used a small witch's hat as the focal point for this arrangement.

A closer look...

My dining room tablescape--I found this big pumpkin at Marshall's and tried to find another but didn't have any luck.  I think I got the witch at Marshall's as well, but can't really remember.

I used my silver goblets, (and didn't polish them) as well as some very old silver flatware.

The napkin rings also hold a placecard.

Smaller pumpkins were purchased at Pier 1.

I bought glittery purple candles, but the color was off, so I didn't use them on the table.  Instead, these black ones are battery-operated with a timer, and they flicker and look sorta old.  

On the server, I added a small bud vase with purple roses.

The candles are awesome, but color wasn't right...

But they worked ok over here, sorry for the blurred picture.

Happy Halloween!

A Lake View Setting for Fall

Fall days in Virginia can be the best time of the year to be outside.  Without the humidity we often experience in summer, and the mild temperatures, it is pleasant and enjoyable.  So we were off to spend an evening at our lake property right outside of Blackstone, Virginia, in Nottoway County.  

Just an hour from our home, we were excited to have some close friends join us for dinner and conversation. Photo courtesy of Bill Fischer

The road leading to the lake is cut right through a soybean field, which, I believe, is ready for harvesting.  Photo courtesy of Bill Fischer

We have had quite a bit of work done this summer, and now it is an enjoyable retreat with a beautiful view of the lake.  Before we had the patios built, I set up a table in the same spot.  See it here.

We often joke that we put the cart before the horse, because there is no house or cabin on this property, only a camper.  But to have a working bathroom and electricity is a beautiful thing.

Using the upper patio as our dining area, I set the table simply with a floral runner and a pumpkin centerpiece.

Using an artificial garland as a base, I added fresh greenery and nandina berries.  I curved the garland around the centerpiece and added taper candles.

Adding extra flowers, berries, and greenery to an artificial garland really makes it full and lush.

The napkins and runner have a white base, with the orange and green leaves which are so appropriate this time of the year. 

I felt like I had hit the jackpot when I found these dishes a few years ago at a TJ Maxx store in South Carolina.  I like the fact that they are white, but with the colors of fall.  

For my centerpiece, I started with a white pumpkin from Michaels and carved out a hole in the top for oasis. Then I added alstromeria, berries, and fresh greenery from my back yard.

I tried to use the oasis on the top of the pumpkin by attaching it to the stem per pinterest tutorial, but it didn't work so well for me.  It was easy to cut open the top and add the oasis.

With limited storage here, I have to plan ahead and cart all my accoutrements from home.

With all the trees, it always seems to be a breeze here.  After setting up, we had a little time to relax

and enjoy the view with a cocktail.

All ready for the guests to arrive!

I use these pumpkin plates quite frequently in the fall for salad, appetizers, or dessert!

This is the upper patio taken from the lakeside.  The steps that were added look like stone, but are actually a man-made product.  We chose these because they were level and still had a great look.

The landscapers we used also help us at home.  They were so excited to do this job, and it shows in the quality of work that was done.

After our guests arrived, we began to prepare dinner.  Nothing like steaks on a wood fire!  Photo courtesy of Bill Fischer

While the steaks were cooking in the firepit, we were also preparing grilled chicken, corn and asparagus on the green egg.  (sorry for the grainy picture, used my phone)

A view of the area from above.  Photo courtesy of Bill Fischer

Candles are lit!

Even though the lighting for pictures wasn't great, here are a few taken in the evening.  Enjoy!

Thanks for visiting, hope you enjoyed your visit.  For more on the evening and my friend Bill's Chinook experiences, visit his blog, http://chinookconcourse.tumblr.com/