Debutante Camellias in a Springtime Tablescape

March 24, 2011 by 83 Comments

Welcome to the 135th Tablescape Thursday! It was such a gorgeous day here...70's and breezy. I decided to set this week's tablescape in the breakfast room. My camellia bush has almost finished blooming. Amazingly the blooms are much deeper and richer in color now than they were a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it's the warm weather we've been having for the past two weeks. I couldn't resist … [Read more...]

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Backyard Paradise

March 23, 2011 by 29 Comments

Y'all, Phyllis from Around the Househas been holding out on us! I've got the goods on her now, though. Phyllis spends her days blogging in a beautiful paradise and it's right in her own backyard. Come along for a little garden tour...and try to not be as jealous as I am! ;) What a gorgeous way to use a fountain! Let's go for a stroll in her lush garden. This waterfall must sound … [Read more...]

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Candlelier Silhouetted Against a Blue Hour Sky

March 22, 2011 by 25 Comments

From time to time I've shared this deck that's located to the left of the screened-in porch. This deck area is underneath a pergola and has a large candlelier hanging above. I really love this outdoor fixture. I bought it right after I added the porch and decks HERE a few years ago. It came from a store (Smith & Hawken) that has unfortunately gone out of business. You can still buy some of their … [Read more...]

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Repairing Damaged Walls from Wallpaper Removal

March 21, 2011 by 25 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the wonderful links for yesterday's Met Monday, I thought I would share some of the progress I made in the office, today. I covered everything up.   I put "you-know-who" on the screened-in porch so he wouldn't be breathing in all the sanding I'd be doing. He wasn't too thrilled about Mom staying inside while he was out, but he eventually found a big puddle of … [Read more...]

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Spring Sprucing on the Porch

March 21, 2011 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 113th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was fabulous! I had plans to start working on the walls in the office, sanding and patching, sanding and more patching. But Mr. Max had other plans. I couldn't get him to abandon his perch on the desk and I don't think sanding while he's in the room would be such a great idea. Tomorrow, I'll try again and I may have to just lock him … [Read more...]

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St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting with Shamrock Plates

March 18, 2011 by 30 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the beautiful tablescapes posted for this week's Tablescape Thursday, I have one more fun table to share before this holiday slips away for another year. My friend, Bonnie sent these wonderful pics of a table she created for dinner with some good friends. Don't you love her beautiful breakfast room?! Love those dragonfly chairs! Let's get a closer look at the … [Read more...]

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A St. Patrick’s Day Tea Out On the Porch

March 17, 2011 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 134th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! I hope your day was fabulous and full of lots of bright, beautiful sunshine. Spring is springing up all over my yard. My daffodils are up and they are just beautiful. Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to share a little teascape I created a couple of years ago with daffodils from my yard. Hope you enjoy! St. Patrick's Day … [Read more...]

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Under the Tuscan Sun: Bramasole

March 14, 2011 by 84 Comments

Under the Tuscan Sun Movie House Tour:  Tour Bramasole After a wonderful day out playing in the sunshine and searching for a "steal-your-heart" tole chandelier, I came home and pulled out one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun, for a little inspiration. I remembered a scene with a lovely antique, tole chandelier. As I watched the movie, I realized this whole movie is really a huge "Before … [Read more...]

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Best Online Coupon Websites, Tips for Cutting Costs and Saving Money

March 13, 2011 by 17 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the fabulous tablescapes linked for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share some money saving tips for putting food on those tables, plus a whole lot more. I love to save money--who doesn't, right? I guess you sort of figured that out since I refused to pay someone to remove my impossible wallpaper, recently. Then there's all those posts about searching down … [Read more...]

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Mixing China Patterns in a Table Setting

March 10, 2011 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 133rd Tablescape Thursday! It was dark and stormy all day today. Late in the day the rain finally let up and I was able to cut some flowers from the garden. Since it was such a gloomy day, I decided to make my own sunshine. My Delight and Thy Delight by Robert Bridges, a British poet and poet laureate from 1913 to 1930 My delight and thy delight Walking, like two angels … [Read more...]

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Sleeping with a Mouse

March 8, 2011 by 105 Comments

Before my recent office move, my blogging headquarters used to be in the dressing room that's just off the master bedroom. Max kitty, my furry shadow, used to lie in my lap whenever he could squeeze his way in. Can I tell you--it's not easy blogging with a 15 lb cat in your lap. :) So, normally I would pull the bench you see in front of the dresser over beside my chair and he would happily curl up with … [Read more...]

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Best Wallpaper Remover

March 7, 2011 by 76 Comments

Welcome to the 111th Metamorphosis Monday! Guess what this is.   It's the last of the wallpaper!   The evil wallpaper is GONE, GONE, GONE!   Thanks to this stuff...Safe and Simple. You'll find their website HERE, and in case you're wondering, I'm not being compensated in any way for recommending this product.  I'm just sharing the good stuff, when and where I … [Read more...]

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Sailboat Napkin Fold

March 6, 2011 by 22 Comments

This napkin fold is a great fold to create with a striped napkin but it will work with any pattern. I used a 20" square, blue and white striped napkin for this tutorial. Hope you enjoy this fun fold. It's a great one for summertime dining. Here's a second way to display this fold for a completely different look: You could even tuck a little surprise … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Camellias

March 5, 2011 by 51 Comments

My camellia bush was positively covered in buds before the week-long winter storm hit in January. It made me sad to see them all ruined. This past week we had some warmer than normal temps and once again the camellia is covered in buds...some just beginning to open. Camellias look as if they should have a scent, but they do not...or at least the camellias I've seen do not. They come in quite an array … [Read more...]

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Shop Vintage and Save, Part II

March 4, 2011 by 35 Comments

While we continue enjoying all the great tablescapes posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, come along for the rest of a recent outing to A Classy Flea. An Empire secretary from the early 1800's: $1,200 A cute cottage server: $149. This would make a great sofa desk or a hall table, wouldn't it? Old Wicker Chair: $25. I can never resist vintage wicker. Antique Mantel: … [Read more...]

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How to Create Beautiful Table Settings on a Budget

March 3, 2011 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 132nd Tablescape Thursday! I've always been drawn to pattern and color so when I was a young bride-to-be, I chose Lenox Temperware in the pattern, Fancy Free for my everyday china. It was and is indestructible. I think it would last through a nuclear war.     For our formal china we chose Noritake, Colburn. I don't think too many folks are choosing a "formal" pattern … [Read more...]

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Shop Vintage and Save $$$

March 2, 2011 by 53 Comments

Though, I've finally found wallpaper remover that actually works to remove wallpaper (YAY!) I've been taking a little break this past week. Instead of stripping wallpaper, I've been indulging in the fun part of building a home office...the furnishing/decorating. I don't buy a lot of furniture these days, but starting a room from scratch has had me doing my part to boost the economy. I normally prefer old or … [Read more...]

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Porch Hutch from Fall to Spring

February 28, 2011 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 10th Metamorphosis Monday! I gave myself a break this week from working on my home office. Instead, I've been playing out on the screened-in porch. I couldn't resist since it's been in the 60's all this past week and actually hit 75 degrees here today! I know this warm weather isn't going to last, but I had to play a little since it was so pretty. I decided to make a few changes to the … [Read more...]

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You’re Invited to a Tea Party!

February 27, 2011 by 24 Comments

Recently, I received some delightful pictures of a tea held by Meg, a reader of BNOTP. Meg was originally born in England but now lives in Canada. She wrote to me and said, "I recently gave a British afternoon tea for six friends, including cream horns for which I bought the molds from England last year." Meg told me the she went with a teacup theme and the cloth napkins were held by wooden teapots. Love … [Read more...]

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A Dovecote in the Garden

February 25, 2011 by 32 Comments

A Dovecote in the Garden Landscape Recently, I posted about a kind soul who came to my "rescue." That post contained lots of photos of the large dovecote in my perennial garden that runs along my driveway. I received several e-mails from readers asking for more information about this bird house and where I found it. My interest in a dovecote for my garden came from years of going on garden tours. Often, … [Read more...]

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Sunshine Yellow for Spring

February 24, 2011 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 131st Tablescape Thursday! It's been a rare February day...actually a rare February week. With temps in the 60's here all week long, I've been craving spring and a tablescape full of sunshine. I just shopped the house for a centerpiece. Actually, I couldn't make up my mind which centerpiece to use, so I used two. :) The sunflowers normally live on the trunk/coffee table in … [Read more...]

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Affordable Buffalo Check Curtains

February 23, 2011 by 29 Comments

Lately, I've had curtains/draperies on the brain. Once the walls are all finished in my home office, I'm toying with the idea of adding some simple curtain panels on either side of the double window. If you don't sew or if you just don't have the time to make your own draperies, one of the most reasonably priced stores with great "stuff" online is Country Curtains. Don't let the name fool ya, they carry … [Read more...]

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Pottery Barn Bedford Office Renovation

February 21, 2011 by 89 Comments

Welcome to the 109th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? It's been unbelievably gorgeous weather here in Georgia. I should have been out working in the yard but instead I've been inside working on the office. Office Changes: There have been a lot changes in the office this week. I'm working on removing the rest of the wallpaper a little at the time. My arms get tired from scraping so I've … [Read more...]

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The Best Wallpaper Remover, Ever!

February 19, 2011 by 35 Comments

Life just got better... ...because of this. Safe and Simple is the best wallpaper remover, ever. Hands down! This is the stuff professional wallpaper removers use, and they use it because it actually works! Why it isn't in every Home Depot and Lowe's in the world, I do not know. So, while Mr. Max does this... I'm doing this...   Several folks have asked for the web … [Read more...]

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Knights in Shining Armor…They Do Still Exist

February 18, 2011 by 52 Comments

The ground had been covered with snow and ice for four long days. At last it had melted...just enough for her to leave her home for a quick trip out. Upon returning, as she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a little fluff of orange feathers protruding from one of the entrances to the dove cote, the same cavity where the bluebirds had nested every year for the past three years. The thought came to … [Read more...]

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Your Beautiful Tablescapes

February 17, 2011 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the130th Tablescape Thursday! This week I'm sharing some of your beautiful tablescapes for Tablescape Thursday. Andrea: Betty: Dianna: Bill: Cherry Kay: Christine: Laura: Ginger: Jewel: Linda: Lori: Lynne: Marlis: Meredith: Pat: Phyllis: Pinky: Rena: Sara: Tammy: … [Read more...]

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A New Addition to the Office and Antiquing at the Queen of Hearts

February 15, 2011 by 67 Comments

Wow! So much amazing creativity and talent in Blogland! Have you checked out all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for yesterday's Met Monday? You amaze me each and every week with the projects you take on in your own homes and the beauty you create for your families and the ones you love. Thanks so much for sharing your talents and most of all, thanks for showing us how we can do it, too! I'm … [Read more...]

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Pottery Barn Bedford Home Office Update

February 14, 2011 by 76 Comments

Welcome to the 108th Metamorphosis Monday! "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans." Isn't that how the saying goes? This certainly wasn't how I planned it when I noodled out the creation of a home office. If you look at the list on my sidebar, "Strip off wallpaper" was much, much higher on the list than "Move furniture into office" and "Move computer, printer, etc...to office." But … [Read more...]

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A Love Story for Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2011 by 106 Comments

The most fabulous benefit of having a blog is all the wonderful folks it brings into your life. I have truly met some of the nicest Dearhearts over the past two years. Recently, I was chatting with Phyllis and she shared a little about her wonderful parents and their life together. It's the most perfect love story and with Valentine's Day only a few days away, I knew I had to share it with you. Phyllis … [Read more...]

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Pottery Barn Bedford Office Progress

February 7, 2011 by 71 Comments

Welcome to the 107th Metamorphosis Monday! How has your weekend been going? We had a rare, gorgeous February day...it even got into the 60's. I spent the day inside, once again attacking the wallpaper in the soon-to-be-office. But before I take you there, since the report isn't very good, here are a couple of inspiration pics to remind us what the goal is. Inspiration pic #1: The baskets for the open … [Read more...]

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Valentine’s Day Gift or Craft Centerpiece

February 4, 2011 by 48 Comments

The Valentine's Day table setting I posted for TT this week had a yummy centerpiece that is also great to make and give as a cute gift. This centerpiece was created in colors of red, pink and silver for Valentine's Day, but you can create the same centerpiece/gift with candy bars in pastel colors for Easter or Mother's Day or for a birthday gift. This also makes a great end-of-year gift for a favorite … [Read more...]

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A Valentine’s Day Table Setting with a Sweet Centerpiece

February 2, 2011 by 74 Comments

Welcome to the 128th Tablescape Thursday! Today I'm sharing a Valentine's Day tablescape with a fun, tasty centerpiece. I've posted the tutorial showing how it's made Ice Cream Candy-Car Sundae.  This sweet treat makes a great Valentine's Day or birthday gift. You'll love how easy and inexpensive it is to make. Also, you'll find a tutorial for the napkin fold I used in this tablescape here: Pocket Napkin … [Read more...]

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

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Surprise Your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day

February 1, 2011 by 19 Comments

Pssst, over here. Shhh, I have to whisper, so your Valentine Sweetheart doesn't hear. Guess what! It's the neatest thing! If you put all your valentine cards in a big envelope and send them to the Postmaster in the tiny town of Valentine, Texas, she will stamp them all with a big RED stamp that says: VALENTINE, TEXAS! Imagine your Valentine's face when they see that special postmark...I just totally … [Read more...]

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Removing Wallpaper with Wagner

January 31, 2011 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 106th Metamorphosis Monday! Meet my new best friend, Wagner. He's a little finicky but for the most part he and I are getting along okay.   He tends to drool a little and runs out of water sooner than he is supposed to...but that's okay. He gives me an excuse to take a little break every half hour. With Wagner, I can pull off strips of wallpaper this … [Read more...]

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House Lust

January 29, 2011 by 45 Comments

The War of the Wallpaper continues and at the suggestion of many readers, I'm giving fabric softener a try. If this doesn't work, I'm heading over to either Lowes or The Home Depot tomorrow to purchase a wallpaper steamer. I will not surrender...victory will be mine! Hear that, wallpaper!!! See that baseball wallpaper behind the fabric softener. That's in my son's bathroom and it's adorable paper...but I … [Read more...]

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Installing Hard Wood Floors: Final

January 28, 2011 by 19 Comments

With the sanding complete... It was time to evaluate the stain. The wood I always have installed is white oak (not red oak) so I can get a nice amber or yellow sunshine color. Last time a mix of equal parts Natural and Puritan Pine stain worked well to get the color I like. (These are Minwax colors, I believe.) This is the view standing in the hallway looking into the room. The Natural and PP combo is … [Read more...]

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Installing Hard Wood Floors: Part 3

January 28, 2011 by 6 Comments

Floor is in... Closet is done, too. Sanding has begun. If you missed them, you can view Part 1, HERE and Part 2, HERE. Several folks have emailed and asked what company I am using for my flooring. I love A.L. Thomas out of Buford, GA. (678-546-6970) They have installed/finished flooring in my home before and always do a wonderful job. Plus, they have been in business 65 years! Wow! … [Read more...]

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Installing Hard Wood Floors: Part 2

January 28, 2011 by 11 Comments

Things are moving quickly. If you missed Part 1, you can see it HERE.   … [Read more...]

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Installing Hardwood Floors: Part 1

January 28, 2011 by 9 Comments

Come along for the journey. Here's the room this morning. This was my son's baseball-themed bedroom and I removed all the furniture recently to create a home office since he's all grown up and has flown the nest. Bye-bye old carpet... Wish blogs had sound and smell-a-vision. Imagine the sound of saws, air compressors and the smell of fresh wood. Sounds and smells like … [Read more...]

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Wallpaper H-E Double Hockey Sticks

January 28, 2011 by 43 Comments

When you die, if you've been bad...instead of going to heaven, I believe they send you to a room covered in wallpaper where the walls were never primed or sized. Then, you spend an eternity removing wallpaper, one micro-shred at the time...because an eternity is exactly how long it's going to take. :( When the first product I bought didn't work AT. ALL., I returned to the big warehouse store and armed … [Read more...]

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Valentine’s Day Breakfast

January 27, 2011 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 127th Tablescape Thursday! A few months ago, I came across flavored chocolate "coffee spoons" at Marshalls. The flavors are: Hazelnut, Mocha, Mint, Irish Cream, French Vanilla and Amaretto. On a trip to Trader Joes I decided to try their gingerbread. Do these not sound like the perfect winter "comfort" foods? They also sound like the perfect ingredients for a Valentine's Day … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Breakfast Tablescapes, My Nest, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday 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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Pottery Barn Bedford Home Office Renovation

January 24, 2011 by 82 Comments

Welcome to the 105th Metamorphosis Monday! I hope your weekend has been fun and relaxing! I've made a bit of headway in the "bedroom to home office" project I've been working on. Last Met Monday, I left you with my son's old bedroom looking like this (see photo below.) I had worked about 6-7 hours straight taking apart his whole bedroom...you can see the "Before" in THIS post. Stop by that "Before" post … [Read more...]

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Growing Orchids

January 21, 2011 by 42 Comments

My sweet son sent me this beautiful orchid for my birthday last week. The enclosed card said he thought I would enjoy having it near my computer during the day while I work. He knows me well. I've never had much luck keeping orchids alive. All you fabulous orchid growers out there...anything special I should know? I'm a little worried about it being inside a container that doesn't have a drainage … [Read more...]

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Buying China at Auction

January 20, 2011 by 44 Comments

Welcome to the 126th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your help yesterday with attempting to identify the large bird who stopped by my backyard for a visit. Most folks thought he might be a Red-tailed Hawk, others thought he could be a Red-shouldered Hawk and another reader suggested he might be an immature Bald Eagle. I was surprised to see some of the images online for the immature … [Read more...]

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Building a Home Office

January 17, 2011 by 100 Comments

Welcome to the 104th Metamorphosis Monday! Last week in THIS post, I shared a lot of pics of my son's old room and my plans to turn it into a home office. This is a bittersweet metamorphosis, because though I do need a place to work, I am having trouble letting go of this room.         I also shared some rooms that are acting as my inspiration for the office … [Read more...]

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The Money Pit

January 15, 2011 by 39 Comments

What do you do when you've been snowed in for 4 days straight?  Watch your favorite movies!  One of my favorite movies that never fails to make me laugh is The Money Pit starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. Do you sometimes feel like something is always falling apart or needing a repair in your home? I promise you'll be kissing the floors of your Home, Sweet Home after a viewing of The Money Pit. … [Read more...]

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Own a Prop from Your Favorite Movie

January 14, 2011 by 23 Comments

Many years ago, I was out antiquing and came across a somewhat ordinary looking secretary. I had one day hoped to buy a secretary for our house, so it caught my eye. It wasn't quite what I'd had in mind but what really grabbed my attention was the label attached to the sales ticket stating it had been used in the movie, Bull Durham. I was intrigued. Though, Bull Durham wasn't necessarily a favorite … [Read more...]

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Glamorous New Year’s Eve Table Setting

January 13, 2011 by 40 Comments

Welcome to the 125th Tablescape Thursday! This evening I'm excited to share a tablescape from my friend, Bonnie. Bonnie created a wonderful table setting for New Year's Eve recently. It's sparkly and festive and perfect for celebrating the start of a new year. As you can see, Bonnie had a little 4 footed help with preparing the table. I always love seeing what Bonnie's done with her hutch for the … [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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How Many Place Settings Should I Buy?

January 12, 2011 by 45 Comments

I receive a good many emails each week from the wonderful readers of BNOTP and one question I get over and over again is: How do you decide how many place settings to buy of a particular china? Here's just three of the e-mails I've received on this topic: 1. "Whenever I see a dish sets (usually come in set for 4/box). I am not sure if I should just buy the 4 (in 1 box) or buy 2 boxes. Is hard to find set … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Fall Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes

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Snowbound

January 11, 2011 by 56 Comments

Snow so high I couldn't even open the screened doors to go out on the decks to take pics...so these were taken through the screens. Before: After: Decorating by Mother Nature... Before: After: The swing cushion has never even gotten wet when we've had tornado rains. It was a blooming blizzard, y'all! Before: After: Before: After: Don't worry … [Read more...]

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Creation of a Home Office, Sewing, Craft Room

January 10, 2011 by 86 Comments

Welcome to the 103rd Metamorphosis Monday! It's freezing here in Georgia and it's about to get worse. The weather man is predicting freezing rain, sleet and snow up to 5 inches. So if you don't see me online tomorrow, you'll know it's because I am without power. Really hope that doesn't happen. Four months ago I gave my notice at work and left the field I had been working in for 8 years to work … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Son's), Before & After, My Nest, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With:

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A Sign?

January 9, 2011 by 63 Comments

My Day: Meet friend for lunch. Shop with friend for office furniture in largest Pottery Barn in the United States. Say bye to friend. Head to Pottery Barn near home to drool over office furniture some more. Bump into more friends in Pottery Barn. Have fun visit. Leave Pottery Barn. Drive by TCBY on the way home. Go through drive-thru and order low-fat yogurt cone. Spot "Fudge Brownie Sundae" on … [Read more...]

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The Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: Tour the Outdoor "Rooms"

January 8, 2011 by 29 Comments

Hi Everyone! Hope your weekend is off to a great start! I mentioned in my last post that I'm getting ready to take my son's old room apart and turn it into an office space for me. It's an emotional renovation and will be difficult in the beginning, but once all the furniture is out of the room and safely stored, the hardest part will be over. When he graduated from high school and went off to UGA, … [Read more...]

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Moss Garden Table Setting

January 6, 2011 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 124th Tablescape Thursday! Hi Everyone! Hope your week is going great! Recently, for our Blogging Bloopers 2010 Party, I shared some of the gaffes I've made this past year, including a tablescape that didn't quite turn out the way I had planned. Since I let that cat out the infamous bag by sharing a few pics, I thought I'd share the rest of the info about how I put that table together, … [Read more...]

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Abercorn Place: Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia

January 4, 2011 by 30 Comments

While we continue enjoying Jennifer's wonderful kitchen renovation and all the fabulous "Before and Afters" linked for yesterday's Met Monday, lets take a little tour of some more of the rooms in Abercorn Place, this year's Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. I've been sharing the rooms in this 4 story home over the last few weeks and today we're touring three rooms: the Living Room, the … [Read more...]

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Beautiful Kitchen Renovation

January 2, 2011 by 71 Comments

Welcome to the 102nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy 2011! It's the start of a brand new year. I have so enjoyed viewing all your 2010 Blogging Bloopers! Your posts had me laughing and nodding my head thinking, Yep, I've done that before. :) I'm starting our new year off with a post that's sure to inspire! Recently, I asked Jennifer Grey with The Old Painted Cottage if she would share one of the amazing … [Read more...]

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A Christmas Tablescape and a Candlelit Tree

December 30, 2010 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 123rd Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! I hope your week has been going great. I haven't even started to think about taking down all the decorations...not looking forward to that job. Before we say goodbye to Christmas completely, I'm excited to share Cornelia's tree all aglow with real candlelight in her home in Switzerland a few days ago. You may recall from THIS post, … [Read more...]

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Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Tutorial

December 27, 2010 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 101st Metamorphosis Monday! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope your holidays have been wonderful! Recently, I created a Colonial Williamsburg style, apple tree centerpiece for our Christmas dinner table setting. See that table setting here: Christmas Tablescape with Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Centerpiece   I've had several requests in the past for a tutorial … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: ,

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Snow in Georgia

December 26, 2010 by 40 Comments

It happens every Christmas. As it comes time to say goodbye to my son and his sweetie, I get those post-holiday blues. Does that happen to you or are you lucky enough to have your children/family living near by? I've lived in Georgia pretty much my whole life. We've had snow before Christmas and after Christmas, but this is the first white Christmas I can recall. It actually snowed on Christmas … [Read more...]

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Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: Bedrooms and Baths

December 24, 2010 by 39 Comments

Merry Christmas, Eve! While we continue enjoying all the beautiful tablescapes posted for Tablescape Thursday, here are a few more rooms in the Southern Living Idea House I toured several weeks ago. This was the Master Bedroom. The colors were really soft and soothing...very warm. I was really curious about how the lamps were mounted above the bed...so I spread the fabric apart to see. Here's the best … [Read more...]

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Christmas Table Setting with Apple Tree Centerpiece

December 23, 2010 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the  122nd Tablescape Thursday! Christmas is almost upon us. My son and his sweetie arrived today and we haven't stopped talking, yet.  So much catching up to do.  I know you are just as busy at your home, so I'm keeping the pics to a minimum this evening. Tonight's tablescape is one of the tablesettings we'll enjoy over the next few days. The centerpiece is Colonial Williamsburg inspired and … [Read more...]

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Rosehill Cottage from "The Holiday" Movie Comes to Life Once More

December 22, 2010 by 27 Comments

Hi Everyone! Are you busy, busy, busy preparing for the holidays? Are you making grocery lists, doing last minute shopping and wrapping gifts? I hope you are having fun and enjoying these last minute preparations for family and friends. Recently, I took you on a tour of wonderful Rosehill Cottage in the movie, The Holiday. If you missed it, you'll find it HERE. This is a view of Rosehill Cottage … [Read more...]

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Christmas Tree Illuminated with Real Candles

December 20, 2010 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 100th Metamorphosis Monday! Wow! Can you believe it's the 100th Metamorphosis Monday?! Thanks so much for coming along on this fun journey with me week after week. Can't wait to see what the next 100 Met Mondays will bring. Metamorphosis Monday: Christmas in Switzerland Each year Cornelia and her family head out into the beautiful forest of Switzerland along with a forester. They … [Read more...]

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A Feather Christmas Tree in the Guest Room

December 19, 2010 by 46 Comments

I took a few pics this evening of the little tree I always place in the guest room at Christmastime. It's a feather tree I found at Michael's one year. I love having the tree already lit for my guests (family) when they enter the room. It's a little surprise that I hope feels warm and welcoming. All the lights are off in this pic and only the tree is lit. It looks like it's on fire, doesn't … [Read more...]

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The Holiday

December 17, 2010 by 113 Comments

It's Friday! How about another fun movie house tour? This weekend I'm taking you on a tour of my second favorite Christmas movie house, Rosehill Cottage from the movie, The Holiday. The home in Home Alone will always be my first "movie house" love. ;) The Holiday, hit the theaters in 2006. Did you see it? I am a total sucker for romantic comedies but it was the cottage in the movie that completely stole my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Movie House Tours, Movie Houses, Storybook Cottages, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Twelve Days of Christmas Table Setting

December 16, 2010 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 121st Tablescape Thursday! Happy Tablescape Thursday! It's been sooo interesting today reading all the comments left on the Horchow tablescape. Please remember, Tablescape Thursday is NOT about rules. It's about having fun and creating pretty tablesettings that add to the enjoyment of dining with friends and family. I do "generally" go by the suggested "rules" for setting a table. But, I'm … [Read more...]

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German Christmas Pyramids

December 14, 2010 by 14 Comments

German Christmas Pyramids: Have you ever seen those tall, multi-tiered Christmas pieces with the little figures on each level? Often there are candles surrounding them and and they spin around and around. I've seen them over the years and knew they were usually made in Germany...but that was about the extent of what I knew. It turns out they are actually called German Christmas Pyramids. Cornelia who … [Read more...]

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Christmastime at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion

December 13, 2010 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 99th Metamorphosis Monday! Hi Everyone! It's been snowing off and on all day here in Georgia. Nothing serious, though...just a few flurries. It's really pretty to watch...from inside! I don't have a "metamorphosis" to share today in my own home, so I'm taking you into the heart of Buckhead for a little tour of some of the rooms in the Georgia Governor's Mansion all decked out for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,

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Christmas Home Tour: Tour A Beautiful Folk Victorian

December 11, 2010 by 51 Comments

Last weekend a group of friends and I attended a local tour of historic homes all decked out for the Christmas season. I shared some pics from that tour recently and today I'm taking you back inside to show you all the delightful details I wasn't able to capture before! Thank you to Tracey and Scott for letting me take you on a tour of their beautiful home decorated for Christmas. A little … [Read more...]

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A Christmas Story

December 10, 2010 by 56 Comments

An Iconic Christmas Movie: Update: The following tour is a tour of the movie with pictures taken from the movie itself. In July 2014 I had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, Ohio where I toured the actual home featured in the movie. I created four posts sharing this Victorian home in detail, including the exterior, the neighborhood and the interior of the home which has been fully restored back to its … [Read more...]

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Christmas Table Setting with Topiary Centerpiece

December 9, 2010 by 78 Comments

Welcome to the 120th Tablescape Thursday!   Tonight I am sharing another Christmas tablescape. I played around with two centerpieces, one with a Baldwin Brass Lantern and Candlesticks and another with fresh Rosemary topiaries and the BB lantern. Both centerpieces have Russian Nesting Dolls that I've collected over the years. Let me know which centerpiece you liked best...I couldn't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Christmas Historic Home Tour…More Photos

December 7, 2010 by 20 Comments

Wow! I've been having the best time visiting all the gorgeous homes decked out for the holidays! While we continue visiting the 483 Deck the Halls links for yesterday's Metamorphosis Monday, I thought I'd share a few more of the pics I took on a recent Christmas Historic Home Tour I attended. Love this bed/swing on the front porch of this home... I loved the lanterns on the front … [Read more...]

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Decorate Your Porch for Christmas

December 6, 2010 by 109 Comments

Welcome to our Deck the Halls party and the 98th Metamorphosis Monday! I can't wait to see all the wonderful holiday decorating you've been doing in your home! A couple of weeks ago, I shared a Pottery Barn hack where I made and decorated my porch columns in garland very much like the PB ornament garland, but for less than half the price. (You can read that post HERE and you'll find the tutorial to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,

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Decorating Mailboxes, Fences and Porches for Christmas

December 5, 2010 by 46 Comments

I'm sharing a few pics from the tour I went on today. I wasn't able to take pics in most of the homes, but a couple of homes did allow some photography. Please excuse angles and some less-than-focused pics. I had to take pics quickly as people were moving constantly all around the rooms and into and out of my shots. I have too many pics to show in one post...but here's a few...just for fun. :) I WANT … [Read more...]

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Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Churches

December 2, 2010 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 119th Tablescape Thursday! Part of the fun of Christmas is seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Tonight, you and I get to be a kid again. How about a snowball fight...or a ride in a sleigh?   This table setting features several of the pretty Dept. 56 churches.   I grouped them all around a Christmas tree. This table wouldn't be especially practical … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

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Southern Living Idea House, Kitchen and Dining Room Tour

November 30, 2010 by 46 Comments

Sooo many great Before and Afters linked for yesterday's Met Monday. After you finish reading this post, you'll want to scroll on down to check out all the links! :) Thanks to everyone who linked up yesterday. You are what make MM such a fun party each week! Southern Living Idea House in Senoia Georgia: A few weeks ago, I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. I took quite a few … [Read more...]

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Hunt-Themed Christmas Mantel

November 29, 2010 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 97th Metamorphosis Monday! Christmastime is such an easy time to find a Before and After to post with all the holiday decorating we have going on in our homes. This week I'm sharing some changes I made to my mantel in the family room today. Here's a Before pic I took earlier today: I usually wait and decorate the mantel a bit closer to Christmas using scraps from a local tree lot … [Read more...]

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Home Alone

November 27, 2010 by 107 Comments

Tour the Home in the Movie, Home Alone Have you ever thought about the psychology that goes into making a movie...the little things that influence us without us even knowing it? Of course, there's the brief product placement that flashes by, but I'm thinking more about the movie sets and how they are designed and decorated to make us think or feel a particular way while watching the movie. I grew up in … [Read more...]

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A Tablescape of Thanksgiving

November 25, 2010 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 118th Tablescape Thursday! This post is dedicated to you...the readers of BNOTP. I was so touched by all the expressions of thanksgiving you left on Mikasa's Facebook wall, I decided to let you write today's Thanksgiving post. I am thankful for each day with my husband of 42 years, time spent with our children and 6 grandchildren. As well as my Mom who will be 89 this year. We are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,

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Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

November 23, 2010 by 102 Comments

For Metamorphosis Monday, I shared this wonderful photo from a Pottery Barn Catalog and a little info about how I was inspired to re-create a similar look for my front porch for less than half the price of the PB Garland. As promised, I'm back today with a tutorial on everything you need to know to make this ornament-covered garland for your home. Before we get started, let me torture you with a couple … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,

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Pottery Barn Christmas Garland Knock-off

November 22, 2010 by 153 Comments

Welcome to the 96th Metamorphosis Monday! Today has been a crazy day! It started with me cutting a deep 1 inch gash through the underside of my wrist while trying to open a can of kitty food. Please, if you ever start peeling back the metal lid on cat food or any can with a pull tab, and it gets stuck, don't decide to pull even harder. Trust me on this! Just stop and use a can opener. When the lid … [Read more...]

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Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia

November 21, 2010 by 27 Comments

Sharing a few more pics I took while touring the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia: The staircase going down to the terrace level was painted. I have a back stairway in my home where I'd so love to do this type treatment. This pic below came from the Southern Living online site. Check out the cool use of the space under the stairs! Love it! The family room was downstairs on the … [Read more...]

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15 Minute Holiday Centerpiece

November 19, 2010 by 58 Comments

Beautiful Christmas Centerpiece or Table Decoration, Ready in 15 Minutes: To get you in the mood for a little holiday decorating, I'm sharing a super easy and inexpensive decorating idea. In fact, this is so simple and easy to do, you could create it the day of your holiday party or family gathering in just 15 minutes using a few items available at the grocery store and from your yard. Ya gotta love … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Natural Greenery Christmas Mantel in Southern Living Idea House

November 16, 2010 by 56 Comments

Recently a friend and I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. Senoia is a very small town about an hours drive from Atlanta. We were allowed to take pics inside since the home had already been published. :) I took a bunch of pics but I wasn't able to get full views of many rooms because there were always a gazillion people around. I have too many pics to share them all in one post … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, Nature, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,

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Create Your Own Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller

November 14, 2010 by 93 Comments

Welcome to the 95th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: If you like this ice chiller but don't want to make one from scratch like I did, you'll find similar ones available for purchase here: Ice Chiller. Also, here: Ice Chiller Recently, I received a catalog in the mail and it showed a picture of a silver ice bucket that could be used to make a diy ice chiller. I was tempted to order it until I realized the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Recipes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,

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Slaying the Top 10 Reasons For Not Hosting a Holiday Party

November 14, 2010 by 9 Comments

As our Party Planning Week comes to a close, I thought we'd take a look at our Top 10 Reasons for not Hosting a Holiday Party again. Hopefully, I've given you a few ideas/tips that will help slay some of those reasons. :) (I've included links back to many of this week's posts that have included weapons you can use against those objections.)1. I work full-time...no way I have time to host a party.The secret … [Read more...]

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Yummy Cranberry Trifle for Your Christmas Holiday Party

November 12, 2010 by 50 Comments

Earlier today I posted the recipe for the Champagne Punch I always make when I have a Christmas Party. A couple of folks e-mailed and asked for the trifle recipe, too...so here ya go.   The recipe comes from the December 2008 issue of Everyday Food.   Cranberry Trifle 2 bags (12 oz each) cranberries, fresh or frozen (I used fresh) 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar 2 Tablespoons … [Read more...]

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Champagne Punch Great For Christmas or New Year’s Party

November 12, 2010 by 69 Comments

Several folks have asked for the punch recipe I mentioned in our last Party Planning post. I'm happy to share it.   You'll find a printable version of this recipe at the bottom of this post.   The Recipe: Champagne Holiday Punch Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1 bottle champagne (Korbel Brut works … [Read more...]

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Party Planning

November 11, 2010 by 73 Comments

Welcome to the 116th Tablescape Thursday! Party Planning Week: It's Party Planning Week here at BNOTP. So far this week: Monday we talked about the many ways available for sending out your party invitations . Tuesday was all about preparing and readying our home for the big day. And on Wednesday, I shared a fun gift-exchange game guests always love. Today is all about centerpieces and how to arrange the … [Read more...]

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Party Planning: An Ornament or Gift Exchange Game Your Guests Will Love

November 10, 2010 by 26 Comments

Ornament/Gift Exchange Game: I'll be honest with you, I normally don't like games at parties because they always take so long and I'd much rather just stuff my face and visit with my friends. But this game is different. It's a super-fast game, literally.  It's over in about 3-5 minutes and it leaves folks laughing. It really is a lot of fun! Here's how it works: In the invitation, I always ask folks … [Read more...]

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