Beach Themed Table Setting for This Special Tablescape Thursday

July 5, 2012 by 76 Comments

Welcome to the 200th Tablescape Thursday!  Can you believe it?  It's our 200th Tablescape Party!  Wow! Did you know, in the beginning it was called Tablescape Tuesday?  My friend, Shelia (Note Songs) made a wonderful button that we still use today, only it says "Thursday" now instead of Tuesday. After about 20+ weeks of blogging, Metamorphosis Monday got underway and I moved our tablescape party … [Read more...]

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Decorate Your Deck for Summer Parties and Cookouts

July 4, 2012 by 22 Comments

Happy 4th of July! Do you have any big plans for today? I'll be celebrating this evening with friends atop the Sundial in Atlanta.  Whooo, Hooo!  Really looking forward to seeing the fireworks from there!  Have you ever spent the 4th dining inside the Sundial?  Where's the highest spot from which you've ever viewed fireworks?  Any recommendations for a great fireworks show or is the best show going to … [Read more...]

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A Dramatic Porch Renovation

July 2, 2012 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 180th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  I hope you came through this scorcher of a weekend okay.  The temps reached 108 in Atlanta!  Going outside felt just like stepping into an oven. Let's distract ourselves from this unbelievably hot weather with a wonderful porch renovation.  Michael, author of several books including  A Teeny Bit of Trouble, blogs at Rattlebridge Farm.  When not … [Read more...]

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Monitor Shopping & an Interview with The Home Depot

June 29, 2012 by 36 Comments

I'm out running around today, shopping for two new monitors to replace the ones I currently have in my office.   I love having dual monitors, but I didn't realize just how poor quality/resolution they were until I purchased an iPad recently.  My iPad puts them to shame. Not only are they way too short/squatty, they are just too small in general.  They are 18" monitors, which sounded pretty big when I … [Read more...]

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4th of July Table Setting

June 28, 2012 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 199th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings! Hope your week is going great.   Look what I found on my front porch today.  A package!  I wonder what could be inside? Oh, there's a little note.  Let's take a closer look and see what it says.  The note says, "Enjoy!" and it's signed, Mary.   Any guesses what might be inside?   I'll give you a big hint.  Tucked inside this … [Read more...]

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Dining Room Venetian Glass Mirror

June 25, 2012 by 78 Comments

Welcome to the 179th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  I have a small Before and After to share this week.  A few years ago,  around Christmastime, I hung a glittery wreath atop the Venetian glass mirror in my dining room. (Click for Christmas table setting.) I liked the look so much I left it there year 'round. (Click for Thanksgiving table setting)  But lately the wreath has begun to look a … [Read more...]

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The Charming Town of Cape May

June 24, 2012 by 37 Comments

I love it when readers email pictures of projects they've made, before and afters and wonderful home tours!  Michele visits the wonderful town of Cape May, NJ each summer and she recently shared a few pics with me from a recent trip.   Oh, how I'd love to see this town in person and go inside these cute shops!  My bucket list gets longer and longer. Beautiful gardens and charming … [Read more...]

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A Patriotic Celebration

June 21, 2012 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 198th Tablescape Thursday!  Hope your week is going great!  It's 12:25 AM Thursday morn as I write this.  I am a bit late finishing up my tablescape post for this week because I've been hanging with my blog friends at Haven.  We all went out to dinner this evening after the kick off of the Haven Conference and I just got home around 11:30. So, that means the pictures I'm sharing this week … [Read more...]

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Sunroom and Candlelit Patio in Gotland, Sweden

June 19, 2012 by 7 Comments

I love when readers share their wonderful pictures with me.  Recently, I opened my e-mail to find a deslightful surprise awaiting.  Linn, who blogs at The Home Project, shared  beautiful pictures of her Mom's sunroom and patio area. Linn said, "I'm currently visiting my mom who lives at Gotland, which is the largest island off the mainland in Sweden. She lives in a beyond-charming house a bit on the … [Read more...]

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Easy 4th of July Centerpiece Table Decoration

June 15, 2012 by 30 Comments

Yesterday was flag day and that started me thinking about another patriotic holiday just a couple weeks away.  Last year I created this table setting for the 4th of July.     The centerpiece was so much fun to make.  I never got around to sharing just how I made it last year.   If you're looking for a festive, easy-to-make centerpiece or table decoration for an upcoming … [Read more...]

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A Garden Table Setting

June 14, 2012 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the  197th Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we're flying off to Switzerland to dine with Cornelia in her beautiful garden.   Cornelia created this table a few weeks ago for a special occasion.  Cornelia wrote, "Today we celebrate Ascension in Switzerland." "I created a tablescape, a fresco using mostly China from the German Manufactory Nymphenburg.  This is the view … [Read more...]

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Starfish Napkin Fold

June 12, 2012 by 17 Comments

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a table setting with a beach/coastal feel.   That table setting also included a fun, easy-to-make starfish napkin fold.  Here are the super easy steps to creating this fun napkin fold.   Lay your napkin out on a flat surface, with it turned on the diagonal.   Fold the top corner down until it meets the lower … [Read more...]

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A Shell Wreath for the Summer Porch

June 11, 2012 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 177th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!   I'm excited to share a small change on the porch for this Metamorphosis Monday.  Recently, while shopping in HomeGoods I came across a wreath I have been hoping to make for a couple of years now.   It all started when I saw this shell wreath online a couple of summers ago.   I really wanted to make one since I have lots of nice, big … [Read more...]

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A Beautiful Mosaic Planter for the Front Porch

June 8, 2012 by 38 Comments

Moving a blog is a lot like moving in real life.  Do you remember the last time you moved?  You know it's going to be a big job but you really don't know how big until you are in the thick of it.  And while in the midst of it, you probably think to yourself, "I'll never do this again."  Once you're all settled in your new home, you're happy you did it.  I'm not quite to the happy stage, but I'm getting … [Read more...]

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A Beach Themed Table Setting

June 7, 2012 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 196th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I embellished a candle holder with aqua-colored seashells.  It  provided the inspiration for this week's table setting.   We've had the most wonderful spring here in Georgia.  Lots of mild days with occasional rains.  Has it been nice where you live, too?  I wish every spring was like this one.   Soft, cool aquas are perfect for a … [Read more...]

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Almost Normal…An Update

June 6, 2012 by 36 Comments

Greetings!  How is your week going?  It's 1:45 AM as I write this.  That may provide a hint as to how my week has gone.   I can't figure out where the days go but they are flying by as I continue "unpacking" and getting things settled at BNOTP's new home.  I've had a table set all week and can't find time to photograph it during daylight hours.   I'm determined to get some pics tomorrow.  I'm looking … [Read more...]

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A Secret Garden Tablescape

May 28, 2012 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 195th Tablescape Thursday! Wow, what a week!  This is turning out to be one of the busiest and most exciting weeks I've had in a while.  My son and his sweetheart were here last night.  We're all in wedding mode since the big day is just 4 days away.  After dinner out we came back home and stayed up late into the night talking.  I miss them terribly and love it when they are here … [Read more...]

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City Life to Country Life in a Victorian Farmhouse

May 28, 2012 by 75 Comments

Welcome to the 175th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I'm excited today to introduce you to Karianne who blogs at the beautiful blog, Thistlewood Farms.  A while back KariAnne and her family went through a big metamorphosis and her story is inspiring, as well as beautiful.  Enjoy! Hello, Between Naps On the Porch readers!  I am so excited to be visiting here … [Read more...]

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IKEA Expedit: Sneaking a Peek Inside

May 22, 2012 by 23 Comments

So many wonderful Before and Afters were shared for yesterday's Met Monday!  I haven't made my way through all of them yet, but I the ones I have visited were fabulous! Yesterday I shared an update in the office...new buffalo check curtains.  Thanks so much for all your wonderful, much appreciated  comments on that post!  You made my day! IKEA Expedit: Today I thought I'd take you into the office … [Read more...]

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Buffalo Check Curtains for the Office

May 21, 2012 by 105 Comments

Welcome to the 174th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was great!  I'm really excited about a change I made recently here in the office.  Did you guess what it was from the hint I left a few days ago? Not long after I moved into this house twenty+ years ago, I purchased plantation shutters for all the windows.  In hindsight, that was one of the best purchases I've ever made for my … [Read more...]

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File Sorter for the Office: Tools for Organization

May 18, 2012 by 22 Comments

Recently, I asked your advice in choosing which size file organizer to use here in the office.  Thanks so much to everyone who voted in the poll running on that previous post. You may remember from that post, a day or two after buying this 2-file organizer below, I stopped by another Marshalls... ...and found the same organizer in a taller version.  With three slots, this one offered even more … [Read more...]

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Dining on the Daylight Train

May 17, 2012 by 27 Comments

Welcome to the 194th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings my tablescape loving friends!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing some of the wonderful settings linked for last's weeks party.  Each time I do this, it is always so hard choosing which ones to feature because they are all so wonderful!  This week was no different.   Here's a small sampling of just some of the beautiful tablescapes I … [Read more...]

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The Secret to Clean, Shiny Windows: Fish Foam Giveaway

May 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Update:  Winners Announced: Thanks to all who entered the Fish Foam Giveaway.  Using the InLinkz Random Number Generator, it selected the following winners: Congrats to Edith, Doreen and Jeanie A.!  Please send your full name/address to me at betweennapsontheporchatgmaildotcom and I'll forward that on to Fish Foam so they can get your product out to you.   Thanks for Fish Foam for a great … [Read more...]

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Seashell Crafts for Your Nautical Beach House Decor

May 15, 2012 by 25 Comments

I'm convinced seashells are just about the most fun, least expensive decorating accessory you'll ever find for the summer house. Recently, I was shopping in Marshalls and came across this glass container for just $5.99.  I loved the natural woven design surrounding it, especially its nice, aged "drift-wood" look. I had some inexpensive shells from Big Lots ($3) and decided to embellish it just a bit. … [Read more...]

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Historic Tyson-Stedham Home Restoration

May 14, 2012 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 173rd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!   Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Several folks have been asking over the past few months for an update on the restoration process of the historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia.   If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember this old home was in pretty bad shape when Dustin, of Van de Fleet Designs and Restoration, first began … [Read more...]

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A Mother’s Day Table Setting

May 10, 2012 by 90 Comments

Welcome to the 193rd Tablescape Thursday! This Sunday is Mother's Day.  In honor of this special occasion, I've put together a table setting using  very special table "linens."  My Mom crocheted this luncheon set back in 1956 while she awaited my arrival.   Here's a photo of my Mom (and me) around the time she would have completed this set. Unfortunately, I never really got to know my Mom very … [Read more...]

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Springtime Means Porch Time: Answers to Your Most FAQs

May 9, 2012 by 49 Comments

Now that spring has arrived and I'm using and posting more about the porch and decks, I've been getting a good many questions about the porch lately regarding its construction and furniture, so today I'm posting some of the most frequently asked questions along with three new pics of the porch during construction.   Hope you find this information helpful...here goes.   Q. What size is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks

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Kimberly Queen: The Shed-free Fern

May 8, 2012 by 41 Comments

Thanks so much for all your input yesterday!  So far, the tall file organizer seems to be leading in the voting.  You all made so many great points about the pros/cons for both the short and the tall.   It is tempting to keep them both as so many folks suggested. This week I've been working on spiffying up the porch a bit more for spring and summer.  I just discovered a plant I didn't know about before … [Read more...]

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Storage and Organization for the Office

May 7, 2012 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 172nd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings this fine springtime day!  Hope your Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby weekend was fabulous!  Last week for Metamorphosis Monday, I shared a wee Before and After in my office/craft room.  I removed the TV I never watched from behind the lamp and added a great little file organizer. Here's a close up of the organizer.  You know how sometimes you buy … [Read more...]

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Dining on the Balcony, Table Setting with Lomonosov Porcelain

May 3, 2012 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 192nd Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, we'll be dining on my friend, Cornelia's beautiful balcony in Switzerland. The view is wonderful from here! Cornelia, please tell us all about the china you've chosen for this beautiful table setting here on the balcony.  Cornelia shared, "The theme is mainly based on the predominating porcelain, the Russian Lomonosov … [Read more...]

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Decorating for the Summer House

May 2, 2012 by 42 Comments

A little beach themed vignette...   It's time to celebrate summer!   A shell-adorned hat to protect your peaches and cream complexion...   A few books to inspire your summertime decor:  Cottages by the Sea...The Handmade Homes of Carmel, Second Home...Finding Your Place in the Fun and Victoria At Home with White...Celebrating the Intimate Home.   A guide to … [Read more...]

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Office Updates & Shell Charger Progress

April 30, 2012 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 171st Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  How was your weekend?  What did you work on this weekend?  Do anything fun? I have a couple of small little updates to share this week for Metamorphosis Monday.  I decided to remove the TV from the office since I found I only turned it on a couple of times a month.   You can see it in this older photo to the right of the wallpaper organizer, … [Read more...]

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Historic Home Tour: An 1880 Victorian Mansion, Beautiful & Bright

April 28, 2012 by 31 Comments

I subscribe to several "old house" websites featuring information about historic homes available for purchase.  Though I doubt I'll ever own an historic home, I do love to tour them pretty much every chance I get.  I drool over their large windows, deep moldings, high ceilings and rich history.  If there's a ghost story attached, it's all the better. But this post isn't about ghosts, instead it's a tour … [Read more...]

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Easter Table Setting with Floral Centerpiece

April 26, 2012 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 191st Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so  much for all the wonderful comments left on yesterday's post.   I so appreciate each and every one.  Your encouragement is giving me the perseverance I need to finish the project. I know Easter has long since past but I'm still not quite done with bunnies. This time the bunnies are in a springtime breakfast table setting. Lately, I've been … [Read more...]

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Shell Chargers for Summer Dining: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

April 24, 2012 by 120 Comments

n March, right after I purchased cupcake stands from Pottery Barn for this Easter table setting,  out of curiosity I typed "Pottery Barn chargers" into the search engine on eBay.   This auction for shell chargers popped up.   Wow!  Shell chargers!  Not great for Easter but perfect for summer dining on the porch.  Unfortunately, the bidding quickly escalated way beyond the amount I would have been … [Read more...]

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White Wicker for the Traditional Sunroom

April 23, 2012 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 170th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I shared a few posts highlighting my quest for a ceramic, garden seat for my screened-in porch.   A few days later I was "chatting" via email with Marlene, and she shared some photos of her fabulous sun room that just happens to be sporting two lovely garden seats.  When I saw her pictures, I was so busy admiring her beautiful sun room, I almost forgot … [Read more...]

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A Garden Seat for the Porch

April 21, 2012 by 24 Comments

When I last left you I had purchased this cute little garden seat for the screened-in porch.  That was the plan.   Well, you know what they say about "best laid plans."   Once I brought it upstairs...   And tried it out as a little side table for this reading corner in the guest room, I didn't want to take it away. I really, really liked how it looked here.   So … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , ,

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Table Setting with Spode, Chinese Rose

April 19, 2012 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 190th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're stopping by Cornelia's beautiful home in Switzerland.  Recently, Cornelia prepared a wonderful table setting to share with friends and family for Good Friday. Cornelia said, "I set the table with Spode’s Chinese Rose.  Chinese Rose is the most popular and long-lived of all Spode patterns, and is derived … [Read more...]

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Fun Random Things Worth Sharing

April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Several folks commented how great the garden stool I purchased recently looked in the guest room.  Thanks!  I do love it here, but I was mainly trying to find one for the screened in porch. So, I'm thinking a second seat might be in order.  I tripped over these online at Ballard Designs and they are super expensive...$269 each!  Crazy pricing. I think the vine design/color would look great here on the … [Read more...]

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Garden Seat, So Versatile for the Home or Garden

April 17, 2012 by 33 Comments

As the years pass things wear out, my ideas for a room in my home may change, or I find something better for a space than what's currently there.  Does that happen in your home, too?  It gives us an opportunity to "freshen up" and revive our rooms, giving them new life. A while back, just for fun, I created a "wish list" board at Pinterest.   It's a virtual pin board where I can store a picture or idea … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: ,

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A Beautiful Front Porch Renovation

April 16, 2012 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 169th Metamorphosis Monday! Michael blogs at the wonderful blog, Rattlebridge Farm, and recently she bought a new home.  She's currently in the middle of several renovations, both inside and out.  For this Metamorphosis Monday I'm excited to share the front porch transformation that's underway. This is how the exterior of Michael's home looked when she first purchased it.  She … [Read more...]

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Antiquing and Thrifting for the Weekend

April 14, 2012 by 1 Comment

It's been ages since we took an antiquing/thrifting trip.  I've gotten several emails/comments asking for another trip, so let's go!   Let's start with A Classy Flea, one of my fave haunts for great deals. (Click any photo to enlarge, click the back arrow to return to the post.) Just outside the front door I saw a fun, beachy sign.  I could so do with a beach trip about right now.  How about you? Not … [Read more...]

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A Whimsical Wedding Themed Table Setting

April 12, 2012 by

Winners of A Teeny Bit of Trouble Giveaway: Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway!  I first ran the InLinkz Random Number Generator, to choose one winner for the $100 Amazon Gift Card.  The generator chose #226, Sally.  Congrats, Sally!  Please e-mail me at betweennapsontheporchatgmaildotcom. I ran the Generator once again asking that it select 6 winners, the winners who would be receiving of a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Shower Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion

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Make Marshmallow Flowers for Cupcakes: A Tutorial

April 11, 2012 by 21 Comments

Last week's Tablescape Thursday included yummy cupcakes. Here's a wider view of the tablescape...   The cupcakes were decorated with little flowers in celebration of spring.   Today, I though I'd share how I made the little flowers.  It's soooo easy, you're gonna love this! To begin, take a hand full of miniature marshmallows and cut them in half on the diagonal.  It's … [Read more...]

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Wake Up the Porch & Decks for Spring

April 9, 2012 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 168th Metamorphosis Monday! Preparing the Porch and Decks for Spring: Cleaning and Planting At the start of this past winter, I decided to try something new.  Instead of tossing the big geranium that lives all summer on the porch, and the three smaller ones visible behind this summer table setting below, I tucked them all away in my garage for the winter. Amazingly, they lived.  They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Easter Spring Table Setting with Tulip Centerpiece

April 5, 2012 by 71 Comments

Welcome to the 188th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring and welcome to Tablescape Thursday, a party where we celebrate our love for entertaining and creating pretty table settings for our friends and loved ones.  A beautiful table setting is really just an expression of caring and love for those who'll gather there. Tulips make such a wonderful centerpiece for a spring or Easter table … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , ,

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Double Bowl Hurricane Floral Centerpiece: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

April 3, 2012 by 49 Comments

I've been using a lot of fresh flowers in table settings lately.  Once those cold winter months are behind us, it's such a joy to bring fresh flowers into our homes.  One of my favorite flowers is the tulip.  It's almost impossible to think of spring and not think of beautiful tulips. Tulips are a wonderful flower to give or receive for a birthday or for Mother's Day.  I've been the happy recipient of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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Decorate Your Door for Easter

April 2, 2012 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 167 Metamorphosis Monday! I have a fun, crafty metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday.   I don't have "before" pics but they would simply be the supplies you would buy to create this adorable bunny for your spring door.   I know that looks like a Christmas tree out on the porch.  It was a tree in an urn with dragonfly lights.   I had it out there for a while but eventually removed it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Spring Easter Table Setting with Daffodil and Moss Centerpiece

March 29, 2012 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 187th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here in Georgia.  This has been such a wonderful spring!  As I looked through the photos for this post, I noticed the background is changing with each week's table setting here on the porch.  It's getting green and woolly out there...love this time of year!   For this Tablescape Thursday, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Make Heart-Shaped Sugar Cubes for Parties: A Tutorial

March 28, 2012 by 50 Comments

Recently while reading a Country Living magazine, I came across the cutest heart-shaped sugar cubes.  The magazine shared where they could be ordered but I decided to try making my own.  I thought they would be fun for parties, especially tea parties or to offer guests with coffee after dinner. Instead of white cubes as shown in the article, I decided to color mine.  Since it's so close to Easter, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Recipes, Tablescapes Occasion, Tea Party Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Recipes, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

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Beautiful Curbside Transformations on a Budget

March 26, 2012 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 166th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a fabulous weekend!  I spent most of mine indoors with brief forays onto the porch.  The pollen has been crazy here but we got a little rain two days in a row which seems to have helped calm down the attack of the yellow stuff. This week, for Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing three amazing exterior transformations.  If you are living … [Read more...]

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Spring Easter Table Setting with Wisteria Centepiece

March 22, 2012 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 186th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  Hope your week is going great.  Spring is in full swing here; everything is blooming up a storm!  For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I did something I've always wanted to do in a table setting.   I've always wanted to use Wisteria in a centerpiece.  It's just so beautiful and fragrant and it grows wild here in the south.   Each spring … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Porch Fever

March 21, 2012 by 40 Comments

Springtime = Porch Fever, and I have the cure. Just one question...screened-in or open today?  You decide.  Oh, and could you pass me a lemon for my sweet tea?  Just feel those breezes! Source This is one of my very favorite houses in Grant Park in Atlanta.  It has multiple porches...as in porches on ALL. FOUR. SIDES!  Love!  There are three porches just on the front of the home...enough to make this … [Read more...]

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Scents: Do You Have a Favorite?

March 20, 2012 by 100 Comments

A few weeks ago I posted about "20+ Things I Can't Live Without"  I've gotten so many great emails (and comments) about that post, I think they'll be a "Part II" coming up in the future.  At the end of that post I asked for your favorite "can't-live-without" products.  The comments were awesome!  I'm still going back periodically to reread them, trying out the fab ideas/products you mentioned, as well as … [Read more...]

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You Made That from What?

March 19, 2012 by 55 Comments

Welcome  to the 165th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing some neat little transformations you can make right at home.   I was inspired by this wood tray I saw in a local Ballard Designs Outlet recently on a shopping trip. Come a bit closer and take a look.  Not the greatest pics since they were taken with my camera phone and it's dark inside Ballard Designs...but I think … [Read more...]

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My Image Inspiration: What Inspires You?

March 16, 2012 by 28 Comments

A few weeks ago I shared My Colortopia, a fun site created by Glidden Paint to help take the scary guesswork out of choosing a paint color.  Using the tool, My Life, My Colors, you answered 7 fun questions to reveal colors you would enjoy having in your home. Often when we freshen up a space in our home with new paint, we'll have an item that's serving as our inspiration.  It could be a particular … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes

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A St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting on the Porch

March 15, 2012 by 79 Comments

Welcome to the 185th Tablescape Thursday! Spring officially arrives on March 20th, but it's already here in Georgia.  The temps have been in the upper 70's; they even went above 80° today. It was so beautiful out the day I captured these pics.  I'm looking forward to seeing green leaves filling out the trees real soon.  I don't think it will be long now.   The sheers were dancing in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: St. Patrick's Day Holiday Home, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Shopping IKEA and Ballard Designs

March 14, 2012 by 49 Comments

Recently I took a shopping trip to IKEA in Atlanta and to the Ballard Design Outlet in Alpharetta.  Today, I'm taking you along with me.  These stores are very different.  It's hard to believe IKEA was here for several years before I ever visited.  I had this idea in my head that it was all super modern furniture...far from the truth.  IKEA carries a lot more than just furniture. I can see why folks plan … [Read more...]

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IKEA PJÄS Basket Closet Additions

March 12, 2012 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 164th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a fabulous weekend!  Last Friday I met a friend for lunch in Atlanta.  We lunched in a restaurant by the name of Osteria del Figo.  I think most folks just call it, Figo Pasta.  After lunch I headed over to IKEA.  You may remember after my last visit to IKEA, the closet went from looking like this... ...to looking like this. … [Read more...]

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IKEA Expedit Hack: How I Made It Work

March 9, 2012 by 50 Comments

A few days ago I pulled a Houdini in the renovation of the office closet. Here's a view of the "Before" and "After" below. You can view this closet renovation project here: IKEA Expedit for Closet Storage. The Houdini part was getting an IKEA Expedit shelving unit, which measures 58 5/8 inches wide, into in a closet that is only about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wider than the Expedit itself. The closet … [Read more...]

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IKEA Expedit Closet Makeover

March 5, 2012 by 106 Comments

Welcome to the 163rd Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I wrote about how on a recent visit to the Atlanta IKEA with a friend, I repeatedly decided and un-decided to buy an Expedit shelving unit.  I really wanted to buy one for my office closet but there was one big problem. The Expedit measures 58 5/8 inches wide and my closet measures 57 1/2 inches wide and 47 1/2 inches deep.  With the … [Read more...]

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Academy Awards Table Setting

March 1, 2012 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 183rd Tablescape Thursday! Each year my friend, Bonnie creates the most wonderful table setting for the evening of the Academy Awards.  I can hardly wait to see what she is going to do each year! This year Bonnie placed her tablescape where the action was...on the front row.  You don't mind rubbing elbows with Meryl and George, do you? I love the "theater lighting."   Such a … [Read more...]

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Decorate Bottles with Shells for Summer Beach Themed Decor

February 29, 2012 by 28 Comments

Yesterday, we went spring shopping in some of my fave haunts in THIS post.  On our shopping trip, we spied these cuties at Big Lots.  I could so see these in a summertime tablescape.  Actually, they would look great almost anywhere.  Imagine three lined up across a kitchen window sill with the sun lighting them up from behind.  Add them to a pretty spring/summer vignette on an entry table.  Or, tuck some … [Read more...]

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The Matterhorn, Switzerland in Winter

February 27, 2012 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 162nd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope you had a wonderful weekend! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I have an outdoor "Before and After."  Cornelia, who lives in Switzerland and sometimes shares a lovely tablescape for Tablescape Thursday, recently shared some amazing photos with me.  They are of the mountain cabin she and her husband own in Switzerland.  Cornelia told me during … [Read more...]

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Springtime Table with a Daffodil Centerpiece

February 23, 2012 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 182nd Tablescape Thursday! It was another warm day today so the pull of the porch won out again. All this warm weather we're having has me thinking spring.  This table setting would work well as an Easter tablescape with its springtime colors. The breezes stirred the sheers on the porch as I photographed this setting.  I couldn't resist snapping a pic through the wind swept … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,

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Porches for Sleeping

February 22, 2012 by 24 Comments

From time to time I visit a section of the Atlanta Journal & Constitution called "Private Quarters."  They highlight homes of all types and give mini tours.  Recently this home was featured.  You can see the full tour HERE.  My favorite "room" shown in the tour was the porch.  I know that comes as no surprise since I have a thing for porches. This little piece of heaven especially caught my eye. … [Read more...]

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Getting Organized: Label it!

February 21, 2012 by 28 Comments

I've been busy the last few days organizing and cleaning out some of the closets around my home.  I've finally corralled most of my holiday centerpieces into one closet where I can find them when I need them.  I do so love having everything neatly organized.  It's such a great feeling when you can immediately put your hand on something you need, when you need it. Recently, I posted about 20 Things I … [Read more...]

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Photography Tips for Better Blog Photos

February 17, 2012 by 68 Comments

One of these days I'm going to write a post and title it: The 10 Things I Wish I Had Known When I First Began Blogging."  If I ever write that post, "master the manual setting on my camera" will be at the very top of the list.   In fact, it will probably be #1 on that list.  As proof, let me give you exhibit A, this picture of my guest room below. Not only did I share this photo of my guest room, this … [Read more...]

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Valentine’s Day Table Setting: Candlelit and Romantic

February 16, 2012 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 181st Tablescape Thursday! It was another gorgeous day here...is this really February?  Since the temps reached 67 degrees today, I headed for the porch for this Tablescape Thursday. I know Valentine's Day is behind us now, but I had to squeeze in one more Valentine's Day table setting before we say good-bye to that holiday for another year.  I had envisioned this tablescape with red … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Eye Candy for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2012 by 85 Comments

Happy Valentine's Day!  Did you get a chance to visit the wonderful Before and Afters posted for yesterday's Met Monday?  I was once again blown away by all the wonderful talent and creativity in Blogland! I started to name today's post, "Hijacked" because this post started out with one topic and it kind of morphed into something else.  You'll see what I mean in a sec. If you've been reading BNOTP for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Photography, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,

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Decorating for Valentine’s Day

February 13, 2012 by 71 Comments

Welcome to the 160th Metamorphosis Monday! Valentine's Day is tomorrow.  I love that holiday.  How can you not love a day that's all about chocolate, romance and ♥ LOVE! ♥ It makes me smile when I remember bringing Valentine's Day cards to school.   If I close my eyes, I can still see all the colorful construction-paper folders we made and decorated.  They were strung along the wall where they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor, My Nest, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Tablescapes Occasion, Tea Party Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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Make Music-Covered Hearts for Valentine’s Day: A Tutorial

February 10, 2012 by 39 Comments

Yesterday for our Tablescape Thursday, I shared a Valentine's Day table setting with a sweet, romantic easy-to-make centerpiece.  I had been plotting thinking for some time about creating a willowy little "tree" with the River Birch branches I'm always picking up from my front yard. I decided to decorate my little birch tree with hearts so I checked several places online.  During my search I came … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

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Table Setting with Music & Mercury-Glass Heart Tree

February 9, 2012 by 107 Comments

Welcome to the 180th Tablescape Thursday! Valentine's Day is just a few days away.   Did you forward your Valentine's Day cards to the Valentine, Texas Post Master to have them postmarked with their famous stamp?  Such a cute idea!   We've been having spring-like weather for weeks here in Georgia.  Even the daffodils are in full bloom.  The porch was calling, begging me to come out and play.   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Crafts, Valentine's Day Decor, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Yummy Iced Coffee Recipe

February 8, 2012 by 37 Comments

I'm not a big coffee drinker, which is too bad now that I think about it.  It sure would have come in handy back in my college days when I had to occasionally pull an all-nighter to finish writing a paper. When I do drink coffee, it's always iced coffee.  Actually, when I make iced coffee, it's end up being more like a milkshake that happens to be coffee flavored.  I adore milk and can easily go through … [Read more...]

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10 Fabulous Before and Afters

February 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Welcome to the 159th Metamorphosis Monday! I was so inspired by the wonderful tutorials, renovations and "Before and Afters" linked up for last week's Metamorphosis Monday, I decided to highlight some of my faves for this Met Monday. Pssst:  There's a fun little metamorphosis at the end of this post...one I captured with my camera phone in a parking lot recently.  It made me laugh out loud when I saw … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

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20+ Products I Can’t Live Without

February 3, 2012 by 117 Comments

I've been working on this post in my head for months.  Every time I do or use something here in my home that I love or can't do without,  I have thought about this post.  It isn't written to endorse any particular brand, although that's invariably going to happen just because sometimes it's a particular brand that does the job just the way I want it done.  If I really prefer that brand, I'll mention it in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Inspire

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Dining in the Conservatory

February 2, 2012 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 179th Tablescape Thursday! Greetings!  For this Tablescape Thursday, we've been invited to dine in the Conservatory.   Doesn't that sound wonderful?   Hope you have your passport handy because we'll be traveling to Switzerland this evening for dinner in Cornelia's beautiful home. Come on in...Cornelia has everything ready. Notice the gorgeous inlay around the apron of the … [Read more...]

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Clearing Out the Computer Graveyard

January 31, 2012 by 42 Comments

What do you do with your old computer when you purchase a new one?  When I began working from home and decided to purchase a workhorse "desktop" computer, my still functioning laptop became the downstairs/kitchen/screened-in porch computer.  It's a handy place to quickly check e-mail, moderate blog comments or pull up the latest movie releases before heading out the door on a Friday night. Back in the … [Read more...]

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9 Tips for Better Blog Photos

January 28, 2012 by 102 Comments

Over the past year I've gotten a lot of emails/comments asking if I would share some information about taking photographs for blogs.  I've been a bit reluctant to write this post because I'm totally an amateur in every sense of the word when it comes to the subject of photography.  But I'm happy to share what I have learned.  Just please keep in mind, I'm still learning, too. I'm writing this post as if … [Read more...]

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Children’s Party Table for Movie Night

January 26, 2012 by 84 Comments

Welcome to the 178th Tablescape Thursday! I'm not exactly sure where this tablescape came from.  One minute I was using a gift certificate to purchase napkins for a Valentine's Day table setting, and the next thing I knew, I was off to the movies.  I think the shift may have had something to do with stumbling across these cute popcorn containers for $1 each at Dollar Tree.   For the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birthday Tablescapes, Children's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion Tagged With: , , ,

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Pottery Barn Bedford Office Additions

January 23, 2012 by 133 Comments

Welcome to the 157th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Metamorphosis Monday!  Thank you for all the supportive comments and e-mails I received about changing the start of our Met Monday party to Monday morning and our Tablescape Thursday party to Thursday morning.  You guys are awesome! I'm so excited to share some fun tweaks and additions I've made in the office this week.  (You can follow the full … [Read more...]

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10 Must-Haves on My Winter Survival List

January 17, 2012 by 142 Comments

I love, love, love hot weather.  When I used to work in an office environment, when my fellow office mates thought the temperature was just right, I was cold.  If it felt just right to me in the office, everyone else was roasting.   Cold weather is not my friend. Over the years I've found ways to deal with Old Man Winter.  Today I thought I'd share a few things that are high on the "Susan's Winter … [Read more...]

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Dremel Deserves a Crown

January 16, 2012 by 116 Comments

Welcome to the 156th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings Friends!  I hope you've been having a marvelous weekend!  I have a mini-metamorphosis to share for this Met Monday, but before I letcha see what I've been up to, I want to share a big change Blogger made recently, a change that made this girl very happy. Mini-Metamorphosis: I've been dremeling.  Yep, I'm using that word as a verb today.  You may … [Read more...]

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A Wedding Reception, A Magical Evening

January 12, 2012 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 176th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, my friend Maree, who blogs at  Tales from an OC Cottage, shared some wonderful photographs taken when her nephew, Joe (son of her sister, Bee) and his sweetie, Katie, were married back in November.  The wedding reception was held in the backyard of Maree's sister (Kae's) home.  Maree has posted pictures on her blog in past showing Kae's gorgeous gardens … [Read more...]

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Photography Equipment: What I Use and Love

January 10, 2012 by 53 Comments

Photography:  That's a subject I never had much interest in until I began blogging.  I think there are a lot of bloggers out there who could say that.   Once you begin blogging and/or reading blogs, you become acutely aware of just how important the pictures you post really are, especially if your blog is about design, decorating or any topic where photographs are critical in conveying the topic and meaning … [Read more...]

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Table Numbers for Wedding Reception

January 9, 2012 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 155th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend has been going great!  I have a Before and After to share for this Met Monday that's near and dear to my heart.  My son, Chip, and his sweetie, Nancy, will be getting married in May and they have been busy planning out all the details. I'm always telling Nancy she would be a great blogger and should have an Etsy shop because … [Read more...]

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Reforming My Faux Ways

January 6, 2012 by 117 Comments

I've shared this view of my family room many times.  Many, many, many years ago, when I put this room together, I seriously believed I needed something reallllly big over behind the burgundy wingback to balance the height of the armoire (which houses the TV) on the left.  A nice, tall tree seemed just the answer.  Not only would it provide the height I needed, it would add some much needed "greenery" to the … [Read more...]

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Elegant New Year’s Eve Table Setting

January 5, 2012 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 175th Tablescape Thursday!  Can you believe this is our 175th Tablescape Thursday?  Wow!  That's a lot of fabulous tablescapes when you consider how many are linked here each week.  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you talented ladies and gents who share your amazing eye for detail and beauty.  It's so wonderful to visit your blogs.  The world just melts away for a while as I lose … [Read more...]

Filed Under: New Year's Holiday Home, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Fun Stuff Worth Sharing: Part II

January 4, 2012 by 43 Comments

Sometimes I think these are the most fun posts.  I've accumulated all these tidbits and ideas to share with you, but somehow I just never found the right day or time to do so.  So here they are, all lumped together.  I dare say, there's something in here for everyone. Before Christmas I found this cute little deer door hanger at Lowes for $9.99.  He ended up out here on the porch. I decided to leave … [Read more...]

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Christmas Tree Lit with Real Candles

January 3, 2012 by 43 Comments

I know Christmas is behind us, but I just had to share these wonderful photographs of Cornelia's, gorgeous tree.  Cornelia lives in Switzerland and each year she decorates her tree in a traditional way, using real candles.  Wait until you see the photos of it all aglow in candlelight!  It truly is breathtaking!The decorating process takes Cornelia many hours, usually 15-16.  The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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