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 Setting for Fall

It's that time of year again.  I am seriously mourning the end of summer.  The cooler temps are welcome, and I know fall is a favorite time of year for some folks.  Although I am happy to see the temps drop a bit, I will miss the bbq's, the beach time, and a busy social calendar.  

And, of course, how could I talk about fall without mentioning the upcoming election.  Don't worry, I will not preach about this candidate or that, as I believe my opinion will not sway anyone at this point.  All I can say is this:  let's all remember the golden rule whoever wins.  Good manners and kindness will go a long way in making this country great again and I believe that it begins with each and every one of us, the people of the good ole US of A.  So carry on your table conversations, but do so with kindness and consideration for others in mind.  A great debate leads to great ideas, but hatred and violence lead us down a path that will lead to nowhere fast.  

So today, here is a comforting tablescape, designed with a transition from end of summer to fall in mind!

A fall garland entertwined with candles and mini pumpkins are used as a centerpiece.  Grapevine gives texture and visual interest.

Place settings are from Pottery Barn a few years back.  

Adding other elements into your fall garland, such as this hydrangea, give a full, rich look

By using a brown dinner plate, the white salad plate and soup tureen become the stars of the show.

This tablescape is pretty simple and quick to set.

Amber colored stems add to the feeling of fall.

The candles add a glow which envoke a feeling of warmth on a chilly, rainy evening.

The soup is on, so let's all come to the table.

Welcome, fall!  Good-bye summer!  We will see you again soon.  

Thanks for stopping by!  

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!

Halloween Tablescape and Decor

The sun is out today and it is a much-welcome change from the rain we have had for the last five days.  I did a little bit of Halloween and fall decorating that I thought I would share.  So without further ado, welcome!

Fall wreaths are challenging on my door, because most of the colors do not show up very well.  I brought in some reds and bright oranges which helped.

The crow and spider add a touch of whimsy...

A black and silver skull arrangement and mercury glass pumpkins welcome guests in the foyer.

The dining room table gets a new runner from Marshalls and

 a couple of new pumpkins from Pier 1.

I can't always take this decorating stuff too seriously, so when I saw these legs with fishnet hose and leopard shoes, I just knew they were coming home with me.  

Don't know if you can see it, but there's a grapevine wreath behind the legs.  The Bad Witch sign sits on top of a little pumpkin.  I added tiny rice lights.  To the left, is my collection of spirits, and to the right is another mercury glass pumpkin on a silver tray.  The battery-operated lights in the silver candlesticks flicker with an orange glow.

A jack-o-lantern is added to a silver bud vase on the server.

A few touches of fall are added to the chest in the dining room.

Flying bats grace the powder room along with

fun fingertip towels.

A scary Halloween tree sits on the island.  It was the only place that was large enough to accomodate it!

 This was a fun project to make.  I used a branch from a tree in the yard spray painted black,

 and I added skulls, spiders, flying bats,

a large sparkly spider web (Michaels), crows, and lots of hanging moss.  

My friend, James, is serving up lots of eyeballs.

A few fun items on a little tray sit on the kitchen counter.

A fall arrangement along with Pottery Barn pumpkins are displayed on the cocktail table.

The mantle is simple in design with just a couple of white pumpkins added to books and tall candleholders, with an pumpkin garland draped over.

I found these cute pillows at a gift shop.

A little haunted house sits on my wet bar with a few scary creatures stirring about.

This witchy woman is the featured attraction on the table.

She is ready for trick or treating!

Starting with a lacy runner from Home Goods, I then used a silver bride's basket full of gourds, pumpkins, and leaves for the centerpiece, and used an orange and grapevine pumpkins to balance the taller pieces.

I found these cute witch bowls at an estate sale, but I'm pretty sure they were originally from Home Goods or TJ Maxx.

I believe these black goblets came from Macy's.

No need to polish the silver for Halloween, I'll wait and do that for Christmas!!

What's Halloween without candy corn??

Happy Halloween!!