A Guest Halloween Setting

With Halloween approaching, I must confess--I didn't put up my decorations this year.  I know, not like me, but it just seemed to get here before I knew it.  So today, I am showing my cousin's decorations (actually from last year, but don't tell, no one will know the difference) and they look quite cute. 

This cute little cupboard is all decked out for the big night.  When Halloween is over, she merely turns the jack-o-lanterns around so the faces don't show, and they are just pumpkins, which can go on until after Thanksgiving!

 This beautiful fall arrangement sits on her round table in the living room.

The dining room sideboard is decorated with fall leaves, mercury glass pumpkins, and a cute little witch. 

 The centerpiece on the table makes a stunning presentation with lots of gourds, pumpkins, leaves, etc.

 The fireplace mantle is all lit up, with orange, purple, and green lights, a fall garland, and other Halloween decor.  The wreath on the mirror is adorable.

 The mercury glass pumpkin reflects the light, which in part is due to this mirrored tile.  Cute little votives!

 With six grandchildren, she always seems to have great help from one of the girls!

This is a closeup of the arrangement from the dining room.

 A jack-o-lantern dressed up for the occasion.

And lastly, an old vintage book, that was hers when she was a little girl!  Man, that thing must be ancient! (LOL)

Time to peace out.  I'm thinking ahead to Christmas.  Thanks for stopping by!  If you haven't seen my Halloween post, A Ghoulish Setting, click here.

Happy Halloween!!

A Thanksgiving Tablescape

How are your preparations coming along for the holidays?  I am still working on the basics--having my carpets cleaned, some painting done, and dare I say it, cleaning out the garage.  It had gotten so bad that I didn't have room to bring my Christmas decorations down.  I like to use the garage as a sort of staging area--so that I don't trip over boxes lying in the floor.  Usually it is not this cold, so I am bundling up, and going out today to work on my staircase garland.  

In the meantime, I ran across these pictures of Thanksgiving 2013.  Guess I didn't have time to post, so here's a few from last year--in hopes that they will inspire!  

Again, I used my Battenburg lace cloth.  This tablecloth fits my table well with all the leaves in.

I kept the table uncluttered, and used a simple epergne-like bowl which held flowers, greenery, and candles.

The greenery, leland cypress and magnolia, are greens I frequently use for the holidays.

The centerpiece base is silver and the bowl is crystal, with arms extending to hold the candles.

The silver chargers were a Goodwill find, and I frequently use them for formal dinners.

I have been collecting vintage crystal with the gold-plate around the outside.  I find them at estate sales and online auctions.  These I used for iced tea and water.

I don't know the manufacturer of these, but I love the look.

I accessorized the table with silver pumpkins and gourds, and gold pumpkin candles.

My daughter hates it when I use place cards, but I find it's a lot less hectic when people can quickly find their seats. 

I used the kitchen table for desserts.  I also had a couple show up that didn't RSVP, so I had to quickly add two place settings to the kitchen table.  Worked out ok, and I was glad they came.

Since I'm not having a huge crowd this year, I will probably also use the kitchen for serving.  There will just be eight of us this year.  Still a lot to do, so I better get up and get going!  Thanks for your visit, and I hope you and yours have a very special, happy Thanksgiving!