Christmas Tree Shopping Tips, Hanging Wreaths on Windows & A New Addition to the Bedroom

A few years back, the Christmas tree I had been using for many years lost a big section of lights. I spent hours and hours over several days trying everything to get the lights working, replacing fuses, using a little handheld device to try and detect which light or lights were not working, all to no avail. Since the tree was pretty old, I guess the lighting has just deteriorated over the years. Realizing I … [Read more...]




How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Great for the Kids or the Grown-up Table

Welcome to the 633rd Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! I should probably be sharing a Thanksgiving table this week since Thanksgiving is just two weeks away, but I've been itching to play with some new "glasses" I purchased recently. The good thing about sharing this table now is if you love the glasses, they should still be available since I just … [Read more...]




My October Favorites Including Christmas Gifts for Family & Friends

I've been doing a fair amount of Christmas shopping for family over the last few weeks. Today I had planned to share some of my Christmas finds when I realized I had never done a favorites post for the month of October. So this post is a little of both--my favorites from October and some of the Christmas gifts I've purchased for friends and family. This awesome storage pouch definitely makes the … [Read more...]




Planning Ahead for Christmas: Wreaths on Windows, Snack Center for Delivery Personnel & Lots of Holiday Inspiration

Welcome to the 613th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! When my son was small, I worked in his elementary school library as a Media Parapro for five years. Unfortunately, I pretty much stayed sick with a cold or virus the entire five years since I spent my days interacting with young children all day long--handling the books they checked out and returned, reading to … [Read more...]




11 Beautiful Advent Calendars for Grown-Ups, Including One Just for the Guys

Every year around Christmastime, my son and daughter-in-law give my grandsons a chocolate Advent Calendar. They may forget to do a lot of things during the day, but they never forget to ask to open another little door on the calendar. lol Did you know there are Advent Calendars out there for the grown-ups? I don't know how I've missed it all these years but I just discovered this when I got an email from … [Read more...]




Finally, They are Back in Stock, I Just Ordered Three New Ones Today

I've been meaning to create this post for months but I couldn't because all the puzzles in the whole world were sold out the minute it appeared we were all going to be staying home a lot. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but barely. Honestly, 500, 750, and 1000 piece puzzles (my faves) were as scarce as toilet paper for months and months! I guess a lot of folks love puzzles as much as I do! I was … [Read more...]




Birthday Celebration in a Blue and Gold Peacock Theme

Welcome to the 593rd Tablescape Thursday! Hope your week is going great! Can you believe January is almost behind us?! I can't believe how fast the days go by! Kinda scary, isn't it? Just before Christmas, I received some wonderful pictures of a beautiful table Warren created for two special family member's birthdays. Warren said, "This “Peacock” tablescape, set in celebration of our daughter and her … [Read more...]




A Snowy, Winter Themed Tablescape in Tartan

Welcome to the 592nd Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I mentioned in a post that I had purchased several tartan tablecloths while they were on sale. One of the tablecloths I purchased was a 70-inch round tablecloth to use on my breakfast table. In that same post, I pondered how this previously shared Christmas table setting would have looked atop a tartan tablecloth. (See this previous table in this … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Wintry Tablescape in Navy, White and Gold

Have you ever thought about creating an "After Christmas" table? Darlene, a lovely BNOTP reader has had this table in mind for many years and this year she made it come true. Darlene said, "Wanted to show you my "after Christmas table." For several years I have wanted to do one, but this year I made it happen.  I was in our Big Lots prior to Christmas and saw beautiful table linens in navy blue with gold … [Read more...]




A Whimsical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Table Setting

Welcome to the 590th Tablescape Thursday! I have such a treat for you today, especially if you're still a kid at heart, as I am. Recently Elena shared the most adorable table she put together for her Christmas gathering with family. I know Christmas has passed but this table was just way too adorable to wait another whole year to share. Feel free to bookmark this post or pin these photos to Pinterest if … [Read more...]




A Candy Cane Table Setting for Christmas and the Winter Holidays

Welcome to the 589th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst: Did you know you could have BNOTP post notifications delivered right to your Inbox? If you would like to know when a new post is available here at Between Naps On The Porch, subscribe for email updates here: Subscribe for Free E-Mail Updates. Christmas is past but I couldn't resist sharing this wonderful table Warren put together during the holidays. … [Read more...]




A Special Christmas Tea Party with a Scumptious Tea Party Menu

Welcome to the 570th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year (almost) to you! I had planned to share a lamp switcheroo today but things have been so busy with the holidays, the kids out of school and weekend activities, I never got a chance to take photos in their room. I will do that soon and share how the new lamp looks with their holiday bedding.   The new lamp turned out to be not that … [Read more...]




Christmas in Green–So Elegant!

Welcome to the 588th Tablescape Thursday! This year Norma, a dear BNOTP reader who lives in a beautiful area of France, decided to do something a bit different for Christmas. She chose an elegant, more subdued color palette for her Christmas table and Christmas decor, decorating in green with touches of gold and silver. The result was gorgeous!   Sooo pretty! Green is my favorite color so … [Read more...]




Delight the Little Ones with a Christmas Bedroom Makeover

Welcome to the 569th Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas and the most happiest of holidays to you! Today I'm sharing a fun, whimsical makeover I semi-completed for my grandsons' bedroom recently. I say semi-completed because the artwork I ordered to go above their beds wasn't the quality I expected and had to be returned. I've also ordered a different lamp and will share how it looks once it … [Read more...]




3 Christmas Tables & A Snowy Christmas Cottage

Welcome to the 587th Tablescape Thursday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you! Since Christmas is just a week away, for this week's Tablescape Thursday I'm sharing three of my fave Christmas tables from the past. This would be a fun table to re-create for my grandsons one day. If you have a collection of small lit houses, consider using them as your centerpiece for your holiday table. (Click the … [Read more...]




A Woodland Nature-Themed Table for Christmas

Welcome to the 586th Tablescape Thursday! Merry Christmas! We're in the breakfast room for this week's Tablescape Thursday!   Such a gorgeous day out with lots of sunshine coming in through the windows.   I'm still crazy-in-love with the pheasant I picked up a few weeks just before Thanksgiving. I love that he's not a soup tureen, but instead, a vase that can be used to … [Read more...]




A Christmas Makeover in the Making

Welcome to the 567th Metamorphosis Monday! Pssst: If you're joining Met Monday today, please mention the Met Monday party and link back to it in your blog post so those who are participating today will have a chance to receive visits from your readers. Blog parties, including Met Monday, only work when everyone joining the party shares a link to the party in their post. Thanks so much to those who always … [Read more...]




November Faves, Greenery for the Mantel, Winter Bedding & Great Stocking Stuffers

Happy Weekend to you! Do you have some Christmas shopping planned today? I think I'm going to visit my nearby Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn today just to see what's all on sale. I LOVE shopping in both stores this time of year. Before I get into my November favorites, just wanted to share a quick photo of the greenery I used on the mantel this year. I was so busy getting ready for family to arrive for … [Read more...]




The Christmas Train

Welcome to the 585th Tablescape Thursday! Everywhere I look, there are reminders of how special Thanksgiving was this year. The last time my son, daughter-in-love and grandchildren were here for Thanksgiving, one grandson was still just a twinkle in his parent's eyes and the one that was here was very small, too small to really understand where he was or what was going on. This time was so different, … [Read more...]




23 Ideas for Decorating for Christmas + A Delicious Punch for Holiday Parties

Here they are, all in one post, my favorite ways to get ready for the Christmas holidays! I hope you find this helpful as you decorate, craft, cook and prepare for the holidays! You may want to bookmark this post for future reference if you see something you would love to make or do as Christmas draws closer. Also, please feel free to pin any of the images to Pinterest if you find that helpful for … [Read more...]




How I’m Hanging the Christmas Stockings From the Mantel This Year & More

If you saw my house right now, you would think I was one brick shy of a full load. Lol, maybe I am! I get started on one project, like decorating a tree, and about 1/3 of the way in, I get bored. I stop, start vacuuming or go grocery shopping or start cleaning the screened porch. A few hours later, I'm back working on the tree. There's so much that I want to do and have completed before family arrives, I … [Read more...]




Decorating for the Holidays & Ironing the Wreath Ribbons

Welcome to the 564th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Are you busy getting ready for visiting family and Thanksgiving? Since I do have family coming for Thanksgiving this year, I've divided my "To-Do" list into two basic parts: Decorating and Cleaning. I spent the latter part of last week and the weekend working on some of the decorating. I hope to finish that in the next two-three days, … [Read more...]




Two Fun Sleeping-Bed Ideas for Visiting Children During the Holidays

I have the strangest problem right now: in a house with two guest bedrooms, I am lacking the type of guest sleeping quarters that I really need. How can that be? I have a guest room with a full-size bed.   And I have an upstairs family room with a queen-size sofa-sleeper which sleeps great per my son and daughter-in-law. In fact, when they are here visiting, they always prefer it over the … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Table Setting Idea, Featuring Spode Woodland & Pheasant, Magnolia, Nandina Centerpiece

Welcome to the 582nd Tablescape Thursday! This is the table I'll be setting up for Thanksgiving this year. My grandsons, ages 3 and 5 will be here for Thanksgiving but won't be here for Christmas, so I want to do something fun for them.   They've never really watched the movie, Christmas Vacation, since they aren't quite old enough. They could probably watch it if we skipped past some of … [Read more...]




A Surprise Thank-you That Touched My Heart

Last January, after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season had died down and life was starting to return to normal, I was working in my office one day when the RING app on my phone went off indicating movement on my front porch. I checked my phone and saw a man place a folded, white piece of paper on one of the porch benches. Aftward, he walked back to his car that was parked on the street and drove … [Read more...]




Some Cozy Winter Updates That Would Also Make Great Gifts for Christmas

Welcome to the 562nd Metamorphosis Monday! I've been visiting with my grandchildren for the last two weeks but will be heading back home soon. On this trip, I brought up the chest-of-drawers from son's old bedroom visible below the top bunk in this old photo.   The chest ended up in one of the dormer windows of my grandsons' bedroom, replacing the train table that had been there. I would … [Read more...]




An Autumn Fireplace & A Realistic-Looking Artificial Christmas Tree

My daughter-in-law, Nancy, has the fireplace all decorated for autumn. In the evening the flameless candles glowing in the fireplace are sooo pretty, much cozier and inviting than photos can really show. For many years the chief decoration in front of the fireplace was a baby gate, but with the youngest now 3 years old, the baby gate is no longer needed.   I asked Nancy where she found the … [Read more...]




2 Beautiful Christmas Table Settings: Elegant in Silver, Festive in Red

Welcome to the 534th Tablescape Thursday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope you are having a special time visiting with family and friends! We're all still in a holiday state of mind here as the new year approaches. Over this past week, I received wonderful photos of beautiful Christmas table settings from two lovely BNOTP readers. Norma set an elegant Christmas table in shades of white and … [Read more...]




The Big Present Puzzle & Making It All Fit

Thanks so much for sharing in the comments on yesterday's post how you keep track of recipes you find online that interest you and that you may want to make some day. I learned so many new things from you and I'm impressed with the systems you have devised for keeping up with recipes! One of the reasons I asked that question is because I was contemplating adding a recipe Plugin to BNOTP that would let … [Read more...]




5 Christmas Recipes That Will Having Them Coming Back for 2nd’s and 3rd’s

Welcome to the 533rd Tablescape Thursday! A Question For You So I've been wondering, what's your favorite way to keep up with a recipe you find online and would possibly like to make one day? Do you pin the recipe post to Pinterest? Or, do you have a recipe file on your computer where you just bookmark the post or website? Or, do you print it out right then and there? What is your favorite way … [Read more...]




A Wreath Switcheroo: Staying With a Natural Green Wreath From Now On

Welcome to the 516th Metamorphosis Monday! A week or two ago I shared how the porch was decorated for Christmas. You may remember I wasn't thrilled with how this ornament wreath looked against my red door. I'm using it elsewhere, it looks great out on the screened porch.   So, here's how the porch looks now.   I was a little worried at first about the performance of … [Read more...]




Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages, I Want Some of These!

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. This will be my last gift idea post and this one is geared toward the little ones who steal our hearts every day. I will continue to add gift ideas to this post as I've been doing with the other gift posts I've put together, so be sure to check back if you're still looking … [Read more...]




Favorite Gift Ideas for the Men in Our Life

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Recently, I shared a few gift ideas that would make great stocking stuffers. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Stocking Stuffers They'll Love on Christmas Day.   A few days later I shared suggestions for the ladies in your life. That post can be … [Read more...]




The Star Was Too Big, But at Least the Presents are Wrapped

Christmas is just 11 days away! Wow, this month is flying by! I have the presents all wrapped, but I'm doing something a little different this year. I don't think I'm going to add bows to the presents, well at least not right now. If I do, they will all get crushed when I pack them into my SUV to head north for Christmas. Maybe once I arrive, I'll add some bows then. That sounds like a good … [Read more...]




A Christmas Vacation Table Setting with Dept. 56 Lit Houses

Welcome to the 533rd Tablescape Thursday! This has been such an interesting, busy week. Yesterday I was awakened at 4:15 in the morning by a trembling bed. Having experienced two earthquakes during the last 10 or so years, I was pretty sure we were having another one. A quick check of Twitter confirmed it. I rarely visit Twitter but it's a great place to go if you're wondering if an earthquake has just … [Read more...]




Gifts Any Woman Would Love, Even The Picky Ones!

Update: If you have trouble seeing the links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Recently, I shared a few items that I thought would be much-appreciated stocking stuffers this year. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Stocking Stuffers They'll Love on Christmas Day. Today I thought I'd share a few goodies that I think would make wonderful … [Read more...]




16 Ideas for Celebrating Christmas and the Holiday season

Welcome to the 515th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Did you attend any holiday home tours? We had one here but it was just too rainy and cold, so I stayed in and wrapped presents. I got a lot done, but still have so many more to wrap. It's really been an enjoyable task since I've been watching documentaries on the life of Jane Austen on my iPad while wrapping. I should be watching Christmas … [Read more...]




Stocking Stuffers They’ll Love on Christmas Day

Update: If you have trouble seeing links below, please exit out of the post and load it again to see if that corrects the problem. Happy Weekend! How is your Christmas shopping going? I've finished mine now, just waiting for a few additional items to arrive. Today and tomorrow will be gift-wrapping day and it's gonna take a while since I tend to go a little crazy buying gifts at Christmastime. If … [Read more...]




12 Days of Christmas Table Setting with a Guest Appearance by One of the 6 Geese

Welcome to the 532nd Tablescape Thursday! Today I'm wishing I had a table that seated 12. I'd love to share all 12 place settings of this pattern with you for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   I had planned to place this table in the breakfast room, but at the last minute I decided to set it here in the dining room.   I took these photos late, late last night. Picture … [Read more...]




If You’re Feeling Behind Right Now, Hope This Makes You Feel Better

If you're feeling behind right now, know that you're not alone. I feel a little like that guy on the old Ed Sullivan show (dating myself here) who is up on stage spinning 20 dinner plates at one time. I think that's the way my brain works best, though. I'll start a Christmas decorating project, get 2/3rds of the way in, starting feeling a bit bored and start another one. Last night, determined to get the … [Read more...]




Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland: Bigger and Better Second Time Around

Welcome to the 514th Metamorphosis Monday! I had hoped to do an update on the installation of the Ring Doorbell today, but I need one more part to fix an issue it's having. Hopefully, the part I've ordered will arrive this week, then I'll be able to complete that final post. So watch for that coming up real soon.   Pottery Barn Inspired Christmas Garland Gets an Update Many, many years ago … [Read more...]




Create a Little Snack Center, A Small Thank-you to Our Delivery Men & Women

My day had a not-so-great start. I awoke, turned on my computer and it began making an odd whirring sound. I think the fan in the CPU tower has gone out. Again. ~~~sigh~~~  It shut down by itself and made a terrible "siren" sound when I attempted to restart it. So I'll be packing a lunch (because it takes that long to get there and back!) and driving to the other side of Atlanta today to leave it for … [Read more...]




Plaid Everything! Yes, Please!

Welcome to the 531st Tablescape Thursday! Just before I left to fly north for Thanksgiving, I stopped into Pottery Barn to scope out all their Christmas dinnerware. They always have such fun holiday dinnerware. I love seeing it all and it really gets me excited for the holidays. Since Thanksgiving was just a few days away, they no longer had Thanksgiving dinnerware on display. I just noticed today, … [Read more...]




Finally Doing It–I’m Adding a Security Camera to My Front Porch

I've been thinking about adding a security camera to my front porch for a long, long time. Fortunately, I've never had a package or anything go missing from my porch, but a camera could come in handy for that, as well. The main reason I've been wishing to add a camera is in hopes of avoiding unnecessary interruptions. So often when I'm working in the office or somewhere in the house, I'll hear the doorbell … [Read more...]




A Family Christmas Mantel & The Best Cyber Monday Shopping Finds

Welcome to the 513th Metamorphosis Monday! My sweet daughter-in-law, Nancy, has been sick the past few days with a yucky cold, but this weekend she was feeling much better and started pulling out the Christmas decorations. It was so much fun seeing my grandson's reactions to the trees, lights and pretty decorations. There were a lot of Ooohhs and Ahhhs and WOWs! One of the areas that saw a makeover … [Read more...]




My Favorite Black Friday Sales

I don't think I've ever been more excited for a Black Friday than I am today. The sales are pretty much the best you'll find throughout the year, and I love that I can stay at home in my PJs and still take advantage of all the best deals! Noritake is having their BIGGEST sale of the year with everything sitewide at 30-50% off!   These beautiful Christmas accent plates are on sale 30% off. … [Read more...]




Hanging Wreaths & My Favorite Tartan Flannel Sheets Are On Sale

Have you completed your autumn decorations? I didn't really decorate a lot this year since I was out of the country for most of October, then under the weather with a nasty cold/virus for 10+ days of November. About the only decorating I did prior to leaving for Egypt was to hang a fall wreath on my front door. (See more of this wreath in this previous post: Autumn Wreath for the Front … [Read more...]




Christmas Shopping This Weekend & Taking Advantage of the Best Sales

During the day on Tuesday, my lights went out three times. They weren't out long, just long enough to get all the clocks in the house flashing away. Later that night as I was getting into bed, they went out and stayed out for good. I have no idea what was going on with the power in our neighborhood that day but when I looked out the window, I could see the whole street was out. I never felt panicked … [Read more...]




As Requested: Instructions & Resources to Make a Beautiful Colonial Williamsburg Fruit Fan for Christmas

Welcome to the 510th Metamorphosis Monday! I awoke this morning around 4:00 am. I would say I'm still on Egypt time but I was doing this even when I was in Egypt. I wonder if that's why I got sick, not getting enough sleep. I don't know what's up with my body wanting to wake up so ridiculously early every day, but I wish it would stop. I'm still sick but feeling better each day. Thankfully, the fever … [Read more...]




Thinking Ahead to Christmas: Colonial Williamsburg Style Door Idea

Welcome to the 508th Metamorphosis Monday! I had an interesting start to my morning! I awoke around 4 am Egypt time and was laying in bed thinking about my Met Monday post when the power went out. I noticed it immediately because the A/C stopped and everything went very dark. It's a weird feeling to be on the top (5th) floor of a hotel and have all the power go out. Fortunately, I knew where my phone … [Read more...]




A Tie for My Son, Summer Sandals & Starting My Christmas Shopping Now

Remember that time I was so obsessed with this polka dot shirt, I had to order it twice? I still love that shirt and wear it a lot, so I'm glad I have two despite the fact it tried its best to run on me. lol Pssst: If you've ever had a problem with colors bleeding in the wash, check out this previous post:  How Color Catcher Saved My Favorite Shirt.   I have a fave shirt for summer this year, … [Read more...]




Banana Bread: Delicious with Some Surprise Ingredients

Welcome to 483rd Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so, so much for all the kinds words left in the comments of Thursday's post! I was traveling all day on Thursday and was out of town over the weekend, so I haven't had a chance to personally reply to everyone, but I'll be working on that throughout the week. I am so blessed by all the lovely dearhearts who stop in each day and want you to know I never … [Read more...]




Going to Miss the Cozy Tartan Plaids of Winter

Welcome to the 492nd Tablescape Thursday! A few week's back I posted a winter woodland table for Tablescape Thursday.   Shortly after posting that table, Elinda shared photos of a recent woodland table she had put together. Though spring has arrived early here in Georgia (everything is blooming up a storm now!) I had to share this delightful cozy woodland table. Recognize the deer in … [Read more...]




Nature-Themed Woodland Makeover for a Beautiful Paneled Study

Welcome to the 468th Metamorphosis Monday! The last few days I've been away visiting family. A week or so ago, I wasn't sure I'd be able to make this trip since I was still quite sick. But the antibiotic worked so well, I was fine to make the drive to see family and celebrate a late Christmas with my grandchildren since we weren't able to be together at Christmastime. The weather turned snowy so I … [Read more...]




A Peppermint-Candy Fantasy Table & Kitchen

Welcome to the 485th Tablescape Thursday! Before I left for Germany, I visited with my friend Marie and took photos of the beautiful tables she had created for family and friends. Marie had all her tables set for an upcoming Christmas dinner party. Marie hosts a lot of events in her home throughout the year, so it's always so much fun to see her decorations. I was afraid I wouldn't get the chance to … [Read more...]




Green, White, Silver and Crystal for an Elegant Table Setting

Welcome to the 484th Tablescape Thursday! Just before I left for the Christmas Markets trip to Germany, I visited with my friend Marie and snapped some photos of her beautiful Christmas tables. The dining room has the perfect spot for a Christmas tree.   For her main dining table, Marie created a stunningly elegant table setting. Notice the greenery around the very top of the chandelier. I … [Read more...]




Mixing Plaids and Tartans for a Festive Holiday Table

Welcome to the 483rd Tablescape Thursday! Recently Martha had friends over for "Dinner and Dominos." Doesn't that sound like fun! I haven't played Dominos in so long, I'm not sure I remember how.   Like so many of us, Martha loves tartans and plaids. I think they are so festive and not just for Christmas. They add so much color and happiness to any room, creating a perfect winter … [Read more...]




Christmas in Cologne, Germany

Welcome to the 465th Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas! Since Met Monday falls on Christmas Day this year, I'm putting this post up a bit early. I guess my Before and After this week is a travel one since I'm spending Christmas in a way I've never done before: floating down the Rhine River stopping every so often to visit the Christmas Markets and historic sites we find along the way. The … [Read more...]




Christmas in Heaven

Welcome to the 482nd Tablescape Thursday! Elena always creates the most magical table settings. Earlier this year she experienced a tremendous loss when her sister, Anna, passed away at the age of 62. This Christmas will be the first Christmas since Anna's passing. Elena shared some photos with me of the beautiful table she created for Christmas this year. Elena said, "My idea of a different kind of … [Read more...]




A Whimsically Decorated, Fantasy Porch for Christmas

Welcome to the 464th Metamorphosis Monday! I'll be leaving soon to visit the Christmas Markets in The Netherlands, Germany and France. I plan to post some while I'm away provided the ship has WiFi that will let me upload photos to a post. The biggest issue I've found when traveling in the past is that it seems everyone on the ship tries to access the wi-fi at once, which pretty much brings it to a crawl. … [Read more...]




Last Minute Christmas Deals & The Coat I’ll Be Wearing In Germany for Christmas

A lot of stores are having last minute sales with free shipping for the holiday season. Here are a few that caught my eye. Sundance is offering 20% off this weekend, along with free shipping. I'm eyeing this beautiful cardigan here: Cardigan.   Frye has a great sale going on, 25% off with the code: CHILLY at Checkout. So if you've been lusting after a pair of Frye shoes or boots, this is a … [Read more...]




Woodland Christmas Table Setting with Magnolia Centerpiece

Welcome to the 481st Tablescape Thursday! Remember that crazy snow storm we had recently...   ...the one that left an epic 8 inches of snow in my yard?   The magnolia tree in my front yard lost more branches than I've ever seen it lose during a snow or ice storm. Once the storm was over, I found branches laying on the ground all the way around the tree. There were so many in … [Read more...]




A Christmas Markets Trip Along the Rhine & Soup to Warm You On This Cold Day

I had a big decision to make today. So what did I do? I procrastinated and started cutting up vegetables, instead.   This is the best vegetable beef soup! It smells so insanely good while cooking...makes the whole house smell that way, too.  It's made from a recipe I found in an old Southern Living magazine, if I'm remembering correctly. I always change the recipe a bit by adding some stew … [Read more...]




Winter Wonderland

Snow: some people love it. Some, not so much. I'm afraid I fall into the "not-so-much" category. Wish I could send it all to my son, dil and grandchildren...they love this cold, white stuff.   It snowed off and on all throughout the day.   Earlier in the day I came out long enough to get the snow off the boxwood shrubs and to snap a few pics.   Notice the … [Read more...]




A Christmas Table Setting for Cat Lovers

Welcome to the 480th Tablescape Thursday! We're back in the breakfast room for this week's Tablescape Thursday, only there's no sunshine today. It was a rainy, dreary day out, so I decided to make my own sunshine inside. My centerpiece is a bit tall for this spot, so had to slide the table over slightly due to the chandelier.   If you are a cat lover, you're going to love the dishware … [Read more...]




Making Progress and Visiting Bluebirds

Happy Days! I'm sooo much better! Yesterday was the turning point. I'm way behind on my decorating from being sick for the last ten days, but I got a tremendous amount done today. I purchased a wreath, hung garland around the door, added more ornaments to the tree, wrapped all the presents except two, set a table for Tablescape Thursday, photographed it and had a repairman out to make a few minor repairs. … [Read more...]




First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

A few days ago in THIS post, I shared this really neat idea I saw on Instagram, a way to say "thanks" during the holiday season to those hard-working folks who deliver packages to our door so frequently during this time of year. I'm not sure who started this idea, but I think it may have been Linette at the Instagram account shown below. I order a lot of items online to avoid getting out into the Atlanta … [Read more...]




Christmas Decorating & Gift Wrapping Update

Welcome to the 462nd Metamorphosis Monday! In a previous post here at BNOTP, I shared how I'll be wrapping my Christmas gifts this year. This adorable wrapping paper was my inspiration. (Wrapping paper is available here: Wrapping Paper.) I love this cute design so much, I ended up purchasing four rolls. Each roll comes with a lot of paper, love that!   For my present topper this year, each … [Read more...]




Answering Your Questions & A Christmas Home Tour

Still haven't turned the corner on this cold, or whatever it is. When I talk, I sound like a man, or maybe a frog--or maybe a man with a croaking frog in his pocket. lol It's embarrassing! When I go someplace like the grocery store, or have to call someone on the phone, I sound ridiculous. Oh well, not much I can do about that. Spent much of the day in bed, just sleeping and trying to get over this yucky … [Read more...]




12 Days of Christmas Holiday Table Setting

Welcome to the 479th Tablescape Thursday! I was out of town until late Tuesday night, so didn't get to put a table together until last night. Unfortunately, I was too sick to stay up last night to take photos and create a post. This cold I have is absolutely evil! I'm supposed to go on a Christmas home tour on Saturday, but I'm not sure that will happen. Christmas sure is an inconvenient time to get … [Read more...]




My Favorites for Cyber Monday, Love This Time of Year!

Welcome to the 461st Metamorphosis Monday! I couldn't let Cyber Monday go by without sharing my favorites. Many of these things I already have and love, others are on my wish list. A few of the items I had hoped to share today, sold out overnight, like some amazing boots I've been drooling over at Talbots. So if you see something today that you love, don't wait like I did. The best stuff is going fast! I … [Read more...]




One Dish, Many Celebrations

Welcome to the 478th Tablescape Thursday! Hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends this week. I'm away enjoying visiting with family, so don't have a table to share, but I have something table related that I hope you'll enjoy. Recently I purchased something as a Christmas gift for a family member and loved it so much, I purchased one for myself, as well. You may remember … [Read more...]




A Decorated Tree & Whimsical, Fun Gift Wrapping Idea

Welcome to the 460th Metamorphosis Monday! The tree is decorated, all except for a pretty topper. The star that I've been using is literally falling apart, plus it has always been a pain to position since it's so heavy. I know the tree probably looks rather simply done, compared to the way trees are decorated in magazines these days. I just prefer a simpler look that let's you see more of the tree. It … [Read more...]




My Favorite Christmas Decoration of All

Yesterday I finished decorating the tree and hung all the wreaths up on the windows. Seeing the wreaths on the windows is my favorite Christmas decoration of all. Just love the look of wreaths in windows so much! It will be after Thanksgiving before I'll hang garland since I always like to use fresh garland around the door. I'm looking forward to sharing the porch all decorated for Christmas real … [Read more...]




They’re Back, and They’ve Brought 12 New Friends!

Welcome to the  477th Tablescape Thursday! This past week has been a super busy one, and a tad stressful. It was filled with major updates being made to the blog/site, which thankfully went well, Christmas tree shopping and dentist/doctors appointments. Remind me to never schedule both of those in the same week! Too crazy! Life definitely got in the way of me putting together a new tablescape for this … [Read more...]




It Was Worth the Hunt, Love This Christmas Tree!

Thanks again for all your suggestions on where to look for a great Christmas tree. Over the past week, I have visited Home Depot, Lowe's, Hobby Lobby, Old Time Pottery and a semi-local place (it was an hour away) called M.C. Twinklins. In the end, the tree that stole my heart was the GE Canadian Just Cut Tree with Easy Light Technology. The Easy Light Technology is the new technology where each section … [Read more...]




25 Ideas & Tips for Decorating & Preparing for the Holidays

Today I've pulled together some of my favorite ideas for decorating and entertaining for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. Hope you find this helpful as you decorate, craft, cook and prepare for your festive holiday parties and gatherings. Click on the BLUE title below to access that post for more details. Follow Between Naps On The Porch on Instagram for more of my holiday posts: BNOTP … [Read more...]




10 Unique Gift Ideas and An Awesome Sale!

Yesterday I bought a Christmas tree. It's still in its box in the back of my SUV. I have a couple of more places I want to check before I unbox it and put it up. I like it much better than the Balsam Hill tree I purchased recently, and it was half the price! I'm not sure I'll ever buy another tree without first seeing it in person. Hope to share it with you all decorated real soon. 10 Unique Gift … [Read more...]




Clark Griswold Is At It Again! Get Your Back-up Power Source Ready!

Welcome to the 476th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the wonderful suggestions yesterday regarding where to shop for a Christmas tree. I am going to check them all out over the next few days. I'll be sure to let you know what tree I end up buying. All this talk of Christmas trees has me dreaming of Christmas. Years ago, we used to collect Department 56 houses. I still have them all, though … [Read more...]




This Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Isn’t What I Expected

Update, December 3, 2019:  I'm adding an update to this post today, two years after I first published this post. I just looked at the 1-star reviews at the Balsam Hill website, and two years later they've still never posted my 1-star review. If you look at the 1-star reviews there, you'll see a big gap between the years/dates of the negative reviews. Since they've never published my review, I am highly … [Read more...]




A Time Saver, A Comfort Addition & A Bit of Whimsy for the Christmas Holidays

Hope you had a fun Halloween evening! I had a lot of Trick or Treaters, as usual. I think it grows every year. I had over 75 last year so I purchased even more candy this year. I lost count, but I think I exceeded last year's numbers. The ones who are trick or treating for the first time are so adorable! Halloween has always been one of my most favorite holidays because I have such good memories of Trick … [Read more...]




Noritake Xavier Gold: Perfect for an Autumn or Holiday Table

Welcome to the 474th Tablescape Thursday! Too cold to create a table setting on the porch this week...   ...or, on the new seating area on the deck.   Since we're inside in the dining room for this week's Tablescape Thursday, it's the perfect time to share a candlelit table with a cozy, autumn feel.   This table wanted to become everything. It wanted to be a … [Read more...]




17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party

Welcome to the 454th Tablescape Thursday! Whenever I set a table for friends or family, I often use a charger plate underneath the dinner plate. I love the way they enhance a setting, adding another pretty layer and providing a base for each place setting. They are also practical as they help catch drips that would otherwise fall on the table or tablecloth. Back in early 2008, before I ever began … [Read more...]




Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

Welcome to the 433rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited my friend, Marie, it was only a few days before Christmas, so I never had a chance to share all the delightful tables she had created for the holiday before Christmas arrived.   One of my favorite tables of Marie's is always the "Kid's Table." I don't know about you, but the kid's table never looked this fabulous when I was growing … [Read more...]




Debbie Mumm’s Twelve Days of Christmas & New Year’s Champagne Punch Recipe

Welcome to the 432nd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Upcoming New Year to you! I've been out-of-state visiting family, just got back late Tuesday evening. I spent yesterday unpacking and running errands, picking up birdseed and suet for the birdies and doing a little grocery shopping. I also managed to squeeze in some clothes shopping, lots of great sales going on right now including THIS one. I picked up a … [Read more...]




A Holiday Table for Metamorphosis Monday

Welcome to the 413th Metamorphosis Monday! Good morning! If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you had a great one! Since I'm spending time with family this week, I don't have a regular "Before and After" to share for this Met Monday, but I thought you would enjoy seeing another one of the beautiful tables Marie created for her Christmas feast this year. Marie puts together several tables for the holiday … [Read more...]




How Santa Prepares for the Big Night, Christmas Eve

When Marie decorates for Christmas, she includes a bit of Christmas in every room. The master bedroom has beautiful green walls and red draperies so it looks especially beautiful at Christmastime.   A pretty tea set is ready for when the mood hits for a spot of tea.   Each room in Marie's home gets its own Christmas tree. The living room and master bedroom are the only rooms … [Read more...]




Beautiful Christmas Table with Lenox Holiday & Whimsical 2016 Biplane Accent Plate

Welcome to the 431st Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm so excited to share the beautiful Christmas table setting Marie has created in her dining room.   The dining room is located under the wonderful children's bedroom we toured yesterday, so it also has the turret space. Such a perfect spot for this gorgeous Christmas tree!   Marie has a lovely … [Read more...]




A Christmas Fantasy Home Tour

I've received a few comments asking if I'd be posting some photos of my friend, Marie's home decorated for Christmas. Marie and I got together recently for some last-minute Christmas shopping and I snapped some of her beautiful home decorated for the holidays.   In this photo from a previous year, you can see how beautiful it looks lit up at night. Today we're going inside the turret seen on … [Read more...]




A Little Porch Decorating to Celebrate the Holidays

Happy Weekend to you! Hard to believe Christmas will be here in just 9 days! I've had the porch decorated for a while now, but just haven't gotten around to sharing photos of how it turned out this year.   Probably the biggest change for this year are the benches I added to the porch this past summer.   I never realized how much I would enjoy having them here. They are the … [Read more...]