Beautiful Screened Porch, Deck And Pergola Addition

August 26, 2014 by 38 Comments

Recently, I received a lovely comment from Maryanne who reads Between Naps On The Porch. She shared that she had loved the porch I added to my home a few years ago so much, she added one like it to her home last year. My ears perked up, I absolutely love hearing from folks who have added porches to their home. I asked Maryanne if she could share some photos so I could share them with you. She did and … [Read more...]

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A Closet Makeover Marathon

August 25, 2014 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 291st Metamorphosis Monday! A couple of years ago, I opened up a big ole fat can of worms. Have you ever purchased something because it was a great price or maybe it was on sale, then before you knew it, it ended up costing you a lot more than you had planned? I'm not sure if the project I'm sharing today is one you would want to undertake or if it's more of a cautionary tale. ;) I am … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Closets & Pantries, DIY Organization and Storage, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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In The BNOTP Library: Coming Home

August 22, 2014 by 8 Comments

For as long as I can remember, I've said to anyone who would listen, I'd love to live in an old house one day. I love the architecture and sometimes quirky personalities of older homes. I especially love their anything-but-cookie-cutter design. One friend used to always say to me, "Don't buy an old home, build one!" She would remind me if I built a new-old house, I could get all the features I wanted and … [Read more...]

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A Summer Dinner Party On The Porch

August 21, 2014 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 310th Tablescape Thursday! This past weekend I had a little cookout with some friends. After setting the table, I snapped a few hurried pics. Normally when I'm having friends over for a dinner party or cookout, I'll set the table the night before. This time I was so indecisive about what direction to go with the table, I waited until the last-minute to put it together. One part of me … [Read more...]

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Tour The Studio Apartment Where Frances Parkinson Keyes Wrote Her Novels

August 20, 2014 by 31 Comments

Yesterday we toured the Beauregard-Keyes home, the home American author Frances Parkinson Keyes purchased and restored with the help of architect, Sam Wilson. (To see a full tour of this home, check out yesterday's post here: Tour The Beauregard-Keyes Home )   During the restoration process, Mrs. Keyes lived in a little studio apartment on the property behind the home.   I was … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: More Literary Houses

August 20, 2014 by 5 Comments

If you've come across this post randomly and would like to be notified of new "In The BNOTP Library" posts, please subscribe via the gray subscribe box at the end of this post. I couldn't share the book, Literary Houses with you without sharing the sequel Rosalind Ashe wrote the following year. The illustrations are just as beautiful, maybe even more so. And I know you're going to love the homes she … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Literary Houses

August 19, 2014 by 11 Comments

If you've come across this post randomly and would like to be notified of new "In The BNOTP Library" posts, please subscribe via the gray subscribe box at the end of this post. Today, I'm sharing a very different book from my library. When I found out about the premise behind this book, I could not wait to get my hands on it. The whole concept intrigued and excited me! Have you ever read a novel that … [Read more...]

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Tour The Beauregard Keyes House & Garden, New Orleans Louisiana

August 19, 2014 by 40 Comments

Back in May I traveled to New Orleans where I met up with my friend, Linda and we had the most amazing week touring some of the beautiful old historic homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. One of the homes we toured was the Beauregard-Keys home located at 1113 Chartres Street in New Orleans. The Beauregard-Keys home was built in 1826 by architect Francois Correjolles for Joseph Le Carpentier, a wealthy … [Read more...]

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Electrical Cord Covers Hide Metal Swing Chains

August 18, 2014 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 290th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was relaxing and fun! I had some friends over for a little cookout on the porch and we had great time together. Speaking of the porch, recently I had it freshened up with a new coat of paint. It had been over 6 years since it was last painted. After the porch was painted, I noticed the covers on the swing were looking pretty … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: William Yeoward on Entertaining

August 17, 2014 by 7 Comments

Thanks so much to everyone who subscribed to receive email updates when a new "In The BNOTP Library" post is available to read at Between Naps On The Porch. This is the first BNOTP Library post that is being sent out via email to just those readers who subscribed for those updates. If you've come across this post randomly while visiting BNOTP and would like to be notified when I post about a favorite … [Read more...]

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Dining On The Summer Porch

August 14, 2014 by 82 Comments

Welcome to the 309th Tablescape Thursday! Little Announcement: Before we dive into Tablescape Thursday, I wanted to give an update on the Between Naps On The Porch group tablescaping boards recently created at Pinterest. Thanks to everyone who joined the boards. The tables that are being pinned are stunning! Love seeing them all! If you requested an invite to one of the boards but haven't received it, … [Read more...]

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Tour the Beautiful 2014 Southern Living Idea House in Bluffton, South Carolina

August 12, 2014 by 43 Comments

Did you try to access BNOTP today and found yourself staring at a blank page? I awoke this morning, sat down to create a post and discovered that was not going to happen. Apparently Comcast was experiencing some kind of major routing/networking issues and it effected many sites nationwide. My host, Liquid Web, was effected by the outage and from what I read online, the outage impacted several network … [Read more...]

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Overcoming Winter Kill And My Own Personal Version Of Crop Circles

August 11, 2014 by 104 Comments

Welcome to the 289th Metamorphosis Monday! So, remember when that awful ice storm hit Georgia this past winter and paralyzed all of metro Atlanta? It was in the news for days since so many folks were stranded on the interstates and roads, unable to get home for several days.   That ice storm did this to my "just-sodded-last-summer" front yard. I shared these pics on the blog in May of this … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: William Yeoward At Home

August 9, 2014 by 6 Comments

It's been a few days since I shared a book from my library. I'm still working on the logistics of setting up a separate "subscribe or sign-up" for the BNOTP Library posts. So, look for that soon. I'll make a big announcement on the blog and try to remember to mention it several times so if you enjoy the decor, gardening and entertaining book-post-reviews, you'll still receive those when they are published … [Read more...]

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Cool Off This Summer With Iced Coffee Popsicles

August 8, 2014 by 13 Comments

It's here! August, the hottest month of the year has arrived and when you live in the south, you're always looking for a way to stay cool. I'm not much of a hot coffee drinker but I do love iced coffee. It's perfect when I start feeling that afternoon lull that always seems to hit around 3:oo each afternoon. I don't have time for a nap so I head downstairs for something cold and refreshing to perk me … [Read more...]

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Nautical Table Setting With David Carter Brown Driftwood Dishware

August 7, 2014 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 308th Tablescape Thursday! I'm taking you out on the porch this week for a nautical, beachy-themed table setting.   This table setting was inspired by some adorable salad plates I spotted recently on eBay while searching for something else. Does that ever happen to you...you visit eBay looking for one thing and find something else you love?   I wasn't sure … [Read more...]

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How Much Does It Cost To Build A Front Porch

August 6, 2014 by 108 Comments

When I first moved into my home over twenty years ago, it did not have a front porch. It looked very much like all the other homes in my neighborhood. In the early 80's when the homes in my neighborhood were all being built, porches were just not important to builders. I guess they thought no one really cared about them anymore. Over the years as I welcomed friends and family into my home, I began to … [Read more...]

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A Christmas Story Movie House, Part IV: The Upstairs

August 5, 2014 by 31 Comments

We're headed upstairs today, touring all the rooms upstairs in the home featured in the movie, A Christmas Story, including Ralphie and Randy's bedroom and the bathroom where one of the funniest scenes in the movie took place. During my visit to Cleveland, Ohio to tour the home, I also visited the A Christmas Story Museum, as well as the gift shop across the street. The pictures I took inside those two … [Read more...]

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A Christmas Story House, Part III: The Living Room

August 4, 2014 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 288th Metamorphosis Monday! Bob Clark, the Director and a co-writer of the movie, A Christmas Story, had trouble finding funding for this now iconic Christmas movie when he first set out to make it. He had an extensive history of making horror films so none of the production companies felt comfortable funding him in the making of a comedy/family oriented movie. His next movie was Porky's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,

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In The BNOTP Library: French Influences

August 3, 2014 by 12 Comments

It's been a few days since I shared a book from my Decor*Gardening*Entertaining library. I've been working on something and it should be ready real soon. I know some Between Naps On The Porch readers enjoy getting an email when a new post is up at BNOTP but I'm guessing not everyone who reads BNTOP may be interested in the book review posts. I haven't had any complaints but just to make sure you aren't … [Read more...]

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Alice In Wonderland Birthday Celebration With A Cheshire Cat Piñata

July 31, 2014 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 307th Tablescape Thursday! Our Pinterest Tablescaping Group Boards Thanks so much for the wonderful response to the post I sent out late yesterday evening about the new group boards I'm creating on Pinterest. So far we have over 135 members! Whooo Hooo! Those are going to be some amazing boards and I can't wait to see what you'll be pinning! The invites will be going out today and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

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Pin With Me! Join My Tablescape Group Boards!

July 30, 2014 by 31 Comments

Are you a Pinterest fan? Yep, me too! I've been noticing lately, folks are already pinning ideas for Fall, Halloween and even Christmas! It's never too early to start planning and dreaming, is it? Pin Beautiful Tables With Me! Do you create beautiful table settings OR just love pinning them on Pinterest for future inspiration? I thought it would be fun to create a few group boards where we could pin … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Perfect Porches by Paula S. Wallace

July 29, 2014 by 7 Comments

After seeing all those fabulous porches earlier this morning in our tour of a wonderful lake home and guest cottage on The Ford Plantation, I knew just the book to share with you this evening. I figure with a blog titled Between Naps on the Porch, it's  my solemn duty to sample and road test all the available porch books to be found! :)   In the BNOTP Library: Perfect Porches: Designing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Porches

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Screened-in Porch Freshened Up With Paint

July 28, 2014 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 287th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope you had an awesome summer weekend! I was fretting a bit over mine, wondering how I would be getting a post ready for Met Monday since I dropped my computer off for repairs early on Friday and when last I checked on Saturday, they still haven't gotten around to working on it. I was 4th in line, now 2nd, so hopefully they will be repairing it … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Nicky Haslam’s Folly De Grandeur

July 25, 2014 by 9 Comments

My main computer, the one where I store all my photos, is at the computer doctor getting worked on. It feels like I'm missing my right arm. Hopefully I will have it back in the next day or two. In the meantime, I thought I'd share a beautiful book from my decor library. If you're new to this series I started a while back, you'll find all the books I've shared on the topics of Decorating, Gardening and … [Read more...]

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Inside The Kitchen of “A Christmas Story” Movie House

July 24, 2014 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 306th Tablescape Thursday! A visit to the 19th-century Victorian home used in all the exterior scenes of the movie, A Christmas Story, is an interactive one. As we stepped inside the front door for the tour, our guide immediately invited us to have a seat in the living room. Whaaat? That's not something you normally get to do while touring a home! I knew right then this wasn't going to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , ,

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Tour A Christmas Story Movie House: The House & Neighborhood

July 23, 2014 by 31 Comments

Recently I took a trip to Ohio to visit family and while there I decided to do something I've been wanting to do for ages. I hopped in the car one morning and struck out for Cleveland to tour the home featured in the movie, A Christmas Story.   This wonderful old Victorian home located at 3159 W. 11th Street in Cleveland Ohio, was used for all the exterior shots of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,

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In the BNOTP Library: Perfect English Cottage

July 22, 2014 by 11 Comments

Having just featured a book depicting lots of wonderful rooms decorated in English style, I couldn't resist sharing another one of my favorite English design books. You may remember when I featured the book, Perfect English by Ros Byam Shaw. Last summer I was excited to discover she has also written a book on cottage design.   In the BNOTP Library: Perfect English Cottage Author: Ros Byam … [Read more...]

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Where Am I?

July 22, 2014 by 80 Comments

I'm traveling today, headed back home. I can't wait to share pictures of where I've been the last few days. This photo is a big hint! Can you guess? :) Update: Check out THIS POST to see where I was when this picture was taken. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun

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A Garden Update

July 21, 2014 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 286th Metamorphosis Monday! We've been having spring-like weather all this week, crazy weather for the middle of July. The cooler temps have been a nice respite from the heat. The garden I put in around the mailbox several months ago has been thriving in the milder temps.   I thought for this Met Monday I'd share a how's it changed over the past six weeks. Here's how it … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: English Decoration

July 19, 2014 by 14 Comments

I love English design! Long before I even knew what "style" or "look" fell under the moniker of English Design, I accidentally decorated my living room in an English/Hunt vibe. I decorated that room just buying what I loved, never thinking about a particular style or design.   It was actually a dearheart on Rate My Space (remember that site) who awoke me to the idea that my living room had … [Read more...]

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Rosedown Plantation: In The Butler’s Pantry

July 17, 2014 by 107 Comments

Welcome to the 305th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst: My content area is wider now here at the blog... so horizontal photos are going to look a lot bigger/better. Yipee!  But, I have a question for you about the size of the vertical pictures. You'll find that question part way down in the post. Please leave a comment answering the question regarding the size of the vertical pics you'll see in this post. Let me … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: The Birding Life

July 16, 2014 by 3 Comments

This morning's post about the lovely bluebirds who visit my feeder for mealworms reminded me of a book I've been wanting to share for a while. Remember when I shared the book, Living With Dogs by Laurence Sheehan? A short time later I shared another one of his great books, The Gardener's Life. I've quickly become a Sheehan fan and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that his books are not only about … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Bluebirds Gathering Mealworms For Their Babies

July 16, 2014 by 56 Comments

Bluebirds, love them so much! Each year they nest several times in the dovecote in my perennial garden.   I'm not sure now if it's the same pair returning or if maybe their children are coming back here to nest.   Even though a woodpecker put a big hole in the dovecote this past winter, they still nested in the dovecote once more. I started to take it down to try to repair it … [Read more...]

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The Lost Dreams & Ghosts of Longwood Plantation

July 15, 2014 by 59 Comments

No matter how much you hear about Longwood Plantation before you actually visit for a tour, nothing can really prepare you for what you find inside. This six-story, 30,000 square foot mansion was designed by Samuel Sloan, a well-known architect from Philadelphia for cotton baron Haller Nutt and his wife, Julia. Construction on Longwood began in 1859. It came to an abrupt halt in 1861 when word reached … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Nell Hill’s, Rooms We Love

July 15, 2014 by 16 Comments

I'll be back a little later today to share a home I think you will find intriguing, fascinating and haunting. At least, that's the effect it had on me when I toured it in Natchez, Mississippi a few weeks ago. In the meantime, I'm sharing a book I purchased recently that I'm so enjoying! It's by Mary Carol Garrity so of course, you know it's going to be good! I've never been disappointed in one of her … [Read more...]

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How To Repair A Large Hole In Sheetrock Or Drywall

July 14, 2014 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 285th Metamorphosis Monday! Last December I shared the story behind a mystery alcove located just outside my master bedroom doors. That previous post can be found here: If These Walls Could Talk: A Mystery Alcove. I've always been glad this little alcove was here because it has been the perfect spot for a chest that was once was a changing table for my son when he was a baby. When I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, Closets & Pantries, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest Tagged With: , , ,

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In The BNOTP Library: Porch Perfect

July 11, 2014 by 7 Comments

Since I have all things "porch" on the brain right now (check out this morning's post for more details) I thought it was time to share another porch book. I can never, ever have too many porch books! I look for the bargains on Amazon and my wee porch library grows each year. In the BNOTP Library: Porch Perfect Author: Barbara B. Buchholz Hardcover: 144 pages Book Size: 10.2 x 10.1 x … [Read more...]

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Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

July 11, 2014 by 63 Comments

That woman you see, the one walking around muttering and looking distracted...yeah, that's me. I know it has to get worse before it gets better but I still don't especially like it. The porch that normally looks like this...   ...currently looks like this. I just keep reminding myself, chaos is a sign progress is being made. The porch has weathered well for the past six years despite being … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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2 Beautiful Garden Table Settings

July 10, 2014 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 304th Tablescape Thursday! I've had sooo much fun reading all of your answers to the style questions yesterday. I have a whole list of books I want to check out now and for some reason I am seriously craving chocolate! I can't imagine why! ;)  I also want to visit every single place you named in your answers for question #10. If you didn't get a chance to read the comments on yesterdays … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Martha’s Entertaining

July 9, 2014 by 10 Comments

I almost forgot to share a book from my decor library this evening. Painters are coming tomorrow to get started on pressure washing the house, decks and porch, all in preparation of painting them (the porch and decks) as well as repairing some damage done to the chimney by a mischievous woodpecker. I've been outside this evening, removing string lighting and other stuff that will be in the way when work … [Read more...]

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What’s Your Style? Take The Quiz!

July 9, 2014 by 70 Comments

Recently, I came across a blog called, Nautical by Nature, written by Kate. On her "About" page, Kate has a fun style quiz. I loved reading her responses so I thought it would be fun if we took the quiz, too. I added four questions of my own about books, movies, plays, etc...  to the quiz. The questions I added have an asterisk in front of them. All the others were on the original quiz. You'll find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

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In The BNOTP Library: Getaways

July 8, 2014 by 8 Comments

This morning we toured the resort-like home of model and entertainer, Heidi Klum in this post: Tour Heidi Klum's Beautiful Home With To-Die-For Views & Gardens  Ummm, what book from my decor library could I possibly share to follow that dreamy paradise?  I could think of only one.   In the BNOTP Library: Getaways: Carefree Retreats for All Seasons Author: Chris Casson Madden Hardcover: … [Read more...]

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A Beautiful, Enchanting Spring Garden

July 7, 2014 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 284th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a typical Before and After to share today, but I do have a beautiful spring garden metamorphosis. I toured several gardens the weekend of Mother's Day and the one I'm sharing today was completely enchanting. Even the house had that fairy tale feel.   The window boxes across the front were overflowing with beautiful … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Nathan Turner’s American Style

July 4, 2014 by 6 Comments

Happy 4th of July weekend! How about a book filled with a little red, white and blue and some "American style" decorating, west coast style.   Are you a Nathan Turner fan? I rarely watch TV so wasn't familiar with his work until I came across this book last year. You'll find an eclectic mix of rooms in this book, lots of fresh ideas for decorting your home. Hope you enjoy checking it out this … [Read more...]

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How To Make A Tote Bag Centerpiece

July 4, 2014 by 21 Comments

Yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, I created a fun centerpiece using a freebie nautical tote I received recently with another purchase.   Today I thought I'd share how it's created in case you have a tote or bag you would like to incorporate into a centerpiece for a table or for any other decorative purpose. Depending on the type bag you use and what you decide to tuck inside, this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Independence Day Crafts, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,

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4th of July Nautical-Themed Table Setting

July 3, 2014 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 303rd Tablescape Thursday! The 4th of July is tomorrow! Got any big plans? Hope you have the day off and will be spending it relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I put together a 4th of July tablescape with a nautical bent.   Inspiration for a table setting can come from the most unlikely places. After not buying any new … [Read more...]

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Choosing The Right Furniture For A Room

July 2, 2014 by 47 Comments

When I moved into my current home around 23 years ago, I knew almost nothing about decorating or furnishing a home. When first moving into a home, it can feel overwhelming and even a little intimidating trying to decide how to decorate all those empty or half-empty rooms. The room that challenged me and perhaps taught me the most about decorating was my family room. I had never bought furniture for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating

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In The BNOTP Library: At Home in Nantucket

July 1, 2014 by 11 Comments

After touring a wonderful waterside home with an island feel this morning, what better book to share from my library than one about another popular island rich in history and beautiful homes: Nantucket. I've never been to Nantucket but this book has made me want to visit there more than ever.   In the BNOTP Library: At Home in Nantucket Author: Lisa McGee Hardcover: 204 pages Book size: … [Read more...]

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Pickiest Lamp Person In The World

June 30, 2014 by 109 Comments

Welcome to the 283rd Metamorphosis Monday! I love lamps, but I guess you kind of knew that when you saw this picture of my screened-in porch. I mean, who has a porch added to the back of their home and doesn't have a single overhead light installed? In the immortal words of Jim Carrey in the movie, Liar, Liar, "It was meeeeee! " ;)   I do love lamp lighting in a room because it's gentle on … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: A Field Guide To American Houses

June 27, 2014 by 8 Comments

I used to get so frustrated when I'd see a house and couldn't figure out its architectural style or design. Some homes are pretty obvious, I can spot a Greek Revival a mile away and I bet you can, too. But some are a blend of architectural styles and can be difficult to pin down. This is one of those books you'll find yourself using again and again. I keep mine about two feet from me here on my desk. … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: China And Glass

June 26, 2014 by 2 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the beautiful table settings posted for today's Tablescape Thursday, HERE, I'm sharing a book from my library that's a dish lover's dream. Even though it's been four years now, I remember the day this book arrived. I had a feeling I would like it since I have other books by this author and love those, but I was positively elated as I flipped through it and realized how … [Read more...]

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Please, No Talking To The Lifeguard

June 26, 2014 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 302nd Tablescape Thursday! Just imagine we are on holiday. We're chilling at the beach and the hibiscus are in bloom.   The table is set and the wine has been poured.   I have 4-5 small tablecloths I like to use on this little table here on the deck, but none are in colors that work well with this week's table setting. After walking around the house for a … [Read more...]

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Stepmom

June 25, 2014 by 41 Comments

It's been ages since we toured a well-loved movie house. In the past when I've posted a movie house tour, you guys always make some great suggestions and requests for future tours. One tour that's oft been requested is a tour of the beautiful Victorian house in the movie, Stepmom. The house in the movie is completely amazing!   The movie stars some great actors. Susan Sarandon plays mom, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Movie House Tours, Movie Houses

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In The BNOTP Library: Classic Greenwich Style

June 24, 2014 by 4 Comments

You would laugh at me if you saw me getting ready to write a "BNOTP Library" post. I get up from my desk, walk over to the bookshelves here in the office and start pulling books off the shelf--one after the other, agonizing over which of my children is my favorite today. Okay, well at least that's how it seems when I'm going through the process. You would think I'm preparing to write the last "In The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Inspire

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A Vicious Intruder In The Garden

June 23, 2014 by 97 Comments

Welcome to the 282nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was great although part of it involved dealing with a vicious intruder in the garden. You may remember this view from last summer, it's the walkway that leads to my front porch.   Notice the clump of bushes off to right. Three of those are spiraea a friend gave me many years ago. They have pink flowers each … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Home Sweet Home: A Journey Through Mary’s Dream Home

June 21, 2014 by 23 Comments

Did you know Mary Engelbreit wrote a book where she shared her storybook home and gardens? I was late in learning this, her book had already been out a few years. I've always liked her whimsical, spirit-lifting art and I enjoyed her magazine when it was available, but I had no idea what to expect when I ordered the book she wrote sharing her own home. After it arrived, I loved it so much I immediately … [Read more...]

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The French Quarter Home of General L. Kemper and Leila Williams

June 20, 2014 by 57 Comments

In early May, I spent a week in Louisiana and Mississippi touring beautiful historic homes with my friend, Linda. Almost all of those homes allowed photography, except for two. One home Linda and I toured was the home of General L. Kemper and Leila Williams, located at 712 Toulouse Street in the heart of the French Quarter. This historic 1889, 2-story townhouse is actually hidden from street view. The … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Tabletops

June 19, 2014 by 9 Comments

While we continue enjoying the beautiful table settings linked for today's Tablescape Thursday, I wanted to share an absolutely wonderful book that's all about creating beautiful tables. It's also by one of my favorite authors, Barbara Milo Ohrbach, an author of a previous book I've shared from my library. If you love creating beautiful tablescapes and table centerpieces for everyday or for special … [Read more...]

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A Formal Dinner Party in New Orleans, Kemper & Leila Williams Style

June 19, 2014 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 301st Tablescape Thursday! When I was in New Orleans the early part of May, one of the homes I toured with my friend, Linda, was the home of Kemper and Leila Williams. Their home, located in the French Quarter at 712 Toulouse Street is actually behind another home, the Merieult House at 533 Royal Street. The Merieult House (shown below) serves as the entrance to several buildings, … [Read more...]

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6 Patriotic Wreaths You Can Make For the 4th of July

June 18, 2014 by 24 Comments

Email Delivery of Post Updates: Pssst: I just switched to a paid service for delivery of the  BNOTP e-mail updates and RSS feed. Apologize if you accidentally receive two e-mails for the same post during this transition moving from one service to another. 6 Patriotic Wreaths You Can Make For the 4th of July For the past couple of weeks I've been featuring some absolutely adorable patriotic wreath … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Sentimental Living From the Porch

June 17, 2014 by 11 Comments

Sharing another one of my favorite porch books today. This one is chock full of wonderful ideas for decorating and entertaining on the porch. I noticed tonight that I purchased it from Amazon in December 2007. That's exactly when I was knee-deep in the middle of adding a screened-in porch and front porch to my home.   In the BNOTP Library: Sentimental Living From The Porch: four seasons of … [Read more...]

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Bird Houses Add Beauty & Design To The Garden

June 17, 2014 by 20 Comments

How about a little garden tour? This is another one of the gardens we saw while on the Atlanta Botanical's Gardens for Connoisseurs tour on Mother's Day weekend. This garden featured some beautiful Lazy Hill birdhouses and bird feeders. I love their feeders and houses, they add so much beauty and interest to the garden.   Beautiful rhododendron...   Lots of pretty … [Read more...]

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Keep Bats & Critters From Entering Attics With Screening

June 16, 2014 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 281st Metamorphosis Monday! Guess where we are? We're in the attic. Hot up here, isn't it? Well, it is June, ya know. See that brown thing over there? Know what it is? Yup! It's a bat.   About a week ago I went up to the attic to check on something and that's when I spied Mr. Bat. When I first saw him hanging there under the small gable window in my attic, I thought … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: The Painted Home by Dena

June 15, 2014 by 10 Comments

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend! Recently I shared the book, Essentially Lilly by Lilly Pulitzer. It's perfect for summer reading with its bright cheerful colors. It reminds me so much of another book I came across in a home decor store. I glanced through it, loved it, then came home and bought it on Amazon where I found it for a lot less.   In the BNOTP Library: The … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: The Garden Room

June 13, 2014 by 4 Comments

I love gardening books but my most favorite gardening books of all are the ones that combine gardening with interior design. The book I'm sharing today does this beautifully. It features the garden rooms of some of my fave designers, including Bunny Williams.   In the BNOTP Library: The Garden Room: Bringing Nature Indoors Author: Timothy Mawson Hardcover: 176 pages Book size: 10.5 x 8 x … [Read more...]

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A Playhouse Adds Whimsy to the Garden

June 13, 2014 by 29 Comments

A few weeks ago, I spent two days, back-to-back on garden tours. It was truly a whirlwind weekend of gardens! Some were grand, spanning five acres like the garden I shared recently in this post:  A Breathtaking Garden From The Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour Other were more the size you would expect to find in most backyards. It was a wonderful mix of gardens and if there's one thing I've learned over the … [Read more...]

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Screened Canopy Room For Summer Dining and Entertaining

June 12, 2014 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 300th Tablescape Thursday! Wow! Three-hundred Tablescape Thursdays! For 300 weeks, a little over 5-3/4 years, we've been meeting here each week to share our love for creating beautiful tables for our family and friends.  Thank you so much for sharing your talents and creativity. It's an honor to host Tablescape Thursday each week and I've loved every moment! How fitting on this, our … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Entertaining

June 10, 2014 by 19 Comments

When I sat down to write this BNOTP library post, I couldn't remember exactly when I had purchased the book I'm sharing this evening. I looked it up on Amazon and it was on February 19th of this year. Seeing that made me smile because it made perfect sense. I was undoubtedly looking for some relief from the cold, drab days of winter, a reminder that summer would be here again in all its vibrant beauty. … [Read more...]

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I Broke The Number One Rule Of Container Gardening

June 9, 2014 by 82 Comments

Welcome to the 280th Metamorphosis Monday! I never did much "container" gardening until I added on a screened-in porch.  My old deck was hotter than the hinges of...well, you know. The west sun beat down upon it every single afternoon making it impossible to sit out there. Forget sitting, you couldn't even walk barefoot out there without risking 3rd degree burns on your feet!  And then there was the … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Relaxing On The Porch

June 7, 2014 by 21 Comments

I've been gone all day today, doing a little clothes/shoe shopping, something I rarely do. This warm weather has put me in the mood to update my summer wardrobe. I'm in love with Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts this summer. I didn't buy any today but it was fun looking at all the styles. I've just discovered Jack Rogers sandals. Did you know Jackie O wore Jack Rogers sandals? I didn't know that until … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: P. Allen Smith’s Living In The Garden Home

June 6, 2014 by 5 Comments

After taking you along on a wonderful garden tour this morning in this post: Breathtaking Garden From The Gardens For Connoisseurs Tour, I thought I'd share another one of my fave gardening books. I have quite a few gardening books but when I was going through them, trying to choose one to share, I kept going back to a book by one of my favorite gardeners, P. Allen Smith. This is the 3rd one of his … [Read more...]

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A Breathtaking Garden From The “Gardens for Connoisseurs” Tour

June 6, 2014 by 26 Comments

This year on Mother's Day weekend, a friend and I went on a garden tour that we've been going on together for years: the Atlanta Botanical Garden's, Gardens for Connoisseurs tour. It's always an amazing tour with around 12 gardens and some are absolutely spectacular! During all the years I've been attending this tour, I've been through some absolutely amazing gardens, some belonging to folks whose names … [Read more...]

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Moonlight & Magnolias, Romantic Table Setting for Two

June 5, 2014 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 299th Tablescape Thursday! The magnolia trees are in bloom here in Georgia, I love their sweet "lemonade" scent.   It was warm out, but not too warm for a tablescape for two on the deck.   I cut a few magnolia blossoms for our centerpiece and tucked them down inside a white pitcher.   Rarely do I find two magnolia blossoms really close together … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Cottages By The Sea

June 4, 2014 by 6 Comments

After our Carmel cottage tour this morning, I had to share a book I purchased about the area several years ago. If you love Carmel, this is definitely a book you'll want in your library. In addition to photos inside many of the homes, it really goes back into the history of the area, so it's an interesting read.   In the BNOTP Library: Cottages by the Sea, The Handmade Homes of Carmel, … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Feather Your Nest

June 3, 2014 by 24 Comments

A few times a year, Mary Carol Garrity, the owner of Nell Hill's, a well-known home furnishings store, opens up her 130 year-old Greek Revival home for tours. One of those times is always around Christmas. Her home is absolutely beautiful any time of year, but at Christmastime, it's over-the-top amazing! I've noticed a few other bloggers posting tours on their blogs after attending one of her home tours … [Read more...]

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Tour Beautiful Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

June 3, 2014 by 51 Comments

You can't visit Louisiana without a trip to iconic Oak Alley. It's the plantation home that so frequently appears in magazines and almost any advertisement for Louisiana tourism. You may also recognize it from having appeared in a number of movies, music videos and other productions. It's this view! Oak Alley's famous "alley of oaks" captures your heart and draws you toward the beautiful, Greek Revival … [Read more...]

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How To Keep Squirrels Away From Flowers & A Hungry Visitor

May 31, 2014 by 61 Comments

I am cautiously optimistic I've found the cure for keeping the pesky squirrels living in my backyard out of my flowers here on the deck. This may even save my hibiscus from being denuded as it has been in past years.   The last two years I've been putting Knock-out Roses in the tall urns under the pergola but after two years of having them prick my shoulders and arms with their thorns as I … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Mario Buatta, Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration

May 30, 2014 by 8 Comments

I discovered the designer, Mario Buatta, kind of late in life but loved his work as soon as I saw it. I immediately Googled to find a book by him and couldn't believe there were none! What?!!  I was beyond excited when I read someone finally convinced him to do a book. Of course, when you're an Interior Designer for 50 years and never write a single book, when you do, it's a whopper! A 432 page … [Read more...]

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Dining in Beautiful San Francisco Plantation, Garyville, Louisiana

May 29, 2014 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 298th Tablescape Thursday! While on vacation in Louisiana and Mississippi a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour San Francisco Plantation in Garyville, Louisiana. Linda and I were really lucky because the day we toured it was the absolute last day it would be open for the whole summer. San Francisco is going through a restoration all this summer and will reopen for tours on … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: P. Allen Smith’s Container Gardens

May 28, 2014 by 12 Comments

I love container gardening during the summer months because it let's you grow your fave flowers where you can really see and enjoy them, right on your porch, patio, balcony or deck. After this morning's post filled with lots of container gardening, I thought I'd share a book I've had for a while on this subject. It's another one by one of my favorite authors...can you guess who?   In the … [Read more...]

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Tree Form Tardiva Hydrangea Adds Privacy and Screening To The Deck

May 28, 2014 by 62 Comments

Every year I spruce up the deck a bit for the spring/summer season. I've delayed this year because I've been getting estimates for having the porch and decks pressure washed and painted and it didn't make sense to buy plants and fill up all the pots if they were all going to have to be moved, come painting time. Once plans for a Memorial Day cookout got underway, I threw caution to the wind and started … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Southern Cocktails

May 27, 2014 by 17 Comments

After Linda and I finished touring Stanton Hall in Natchez, Mississippi a few weeks ago, we headed for the gift shop. Almost all the homes we toured had gift shops and visiting those was so much fun because so many of the items in the shops were home and entertaining related. Several of the gift shops had a nice selection of books. I loved looking at the titles and jotted down bunches I wanted to … [Read more...]

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Refreshing Sangria, Perfect Beverage For A Summer Party

May 27, 2014 by 29 Comments

I LOVED all the stories you shared in the comments of yesterday's post. They were awesome and some had me laughing! Thanks so much for those! Yesterday I shared some pics of a yummy party beverage I made on Sunday for a porch party with friends. Today I'm sharing the recipe, including a printable copy below. Note: The Sangria looks a little darker in this picture than it does once it's served because just … [Read more...]

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After The Party

May 26, 2014 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 278th Metamorphosis Monday! It's 4:00 on a Sunday afternoon. Three friends will be arriving for a cookout in one hour. Everything is ready. Somehow the party faeries have all conspired in my favor and I'm actually running ahead of schedule. There may even be time for a few minutes on the porch alone before the guests arrive. I open the refrigerator to pour myself a cold drink and OMG, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part II

May 23, 2014 by 18 Comments

Earlier this week we toured the downstairs rooms in Greenwood Plantation, a plantation home located in St. Francisville Louisiana. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part I. You may want to read that post first and then come back to this one. You'll find a link to this post at the end of that first post about Greenwood. Greenwood saw a … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Southern Lady Gracious Tables

May 22, 2014 by 17 Comments

While we continue visiting and enjoying all the wonderful tables linked for Tablescape Thursday today, here's a great book from my library, filled with lots of inspiration for setting beautiful tables.  You may recognize the author, Phyllis Hoffman; she's the President of Hoffman Media which produces so many great lifestyle magazines including Southern Lady, The Cottage Journal, Tea Time, Bliss … [Read more...]

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Celebrate Spring With A Beach Themed Table Setting For Two

May 22, 2014 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 297th Tablescape Thursday! It's been a while since I created a setting for two and a really long time since I put together a tablescape on this little oval table here on the porch.   You may remember the lantern from a previous beach themed table setting here: Beachy Tablescape With Lighthouse Lantern   Glassware for this table setting is from Pier 1. It's … [Read more...]

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Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part I

May 20, 2014 by 33 Comments

Greenwood Plantation, A Greek Revival Home in St. Francisville, Louisiana Greenwood Plantation, a Greek Revival home in St. Francisville, Louisiana, was one of my favorite homes of all the homes my friend, Linda and I toured on our trip to Louisiana. Greenwood is located in West Feliciana Parish which is about an hour's drive north of Baton Rouge.   In 1960, something terrible happened to … [Read more...]

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Lewis’s Woodpecker & Rose-Breasted Grosbeak In A Spring Garden

May 19, 2014 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 277th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently my friend, Bonnie, who lives in the beautiful state of Oregon, shared a few pics with me via e-mail of the wonderful view from her deck. I don't have any "Before" winter pics to share but the "After" is stunning! Is this not gorgeous?! Spring has sprung in the state of Oregon and it's absolutely beautiful! The wisteria running along the fence in … [Read more...]

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