Susan — Page 38

Creating a Planter from a Chair

August 3, 2009 by Susan 75 Comments

Welcome to the 29th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a before pic of this chair I found recently at A Classy Flea, but I was told the seat was in very bad condition and was not salvageable. So...what to do? Turn it into a lovely planter! The seller at A Classy Flea, attached a square wire planter container to the chair. I'm sorry, but I've forgotten where she said she found the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature Tagged With: chair becomes planter, Chair planter, new use for an old chair, Recycle and old chair, Reuse and old chair

The Historic Beaufort House

August 1, 2009 by Susan 75 Comments

A few weeks ago I traveled to Asheville, NC with friends to tour Biltmore. I'll be sharing some pics taken in the gardens around Biltmore in a future post. For this Pink Saturday, I wanted to share The Beaufort House...the lovely, historic, bed and breakfast where we stayed while on our trip. If you find yourself traveling to Asheville, I highly recommend The Beaufort House. Most of the pics you'll … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours

Table Setting with Crocheted Linens

July 31, 2009 by Susan 87 Comments

My Mom crocheted this luncheon set during the period she was awaiting my arrival. Despite many forays into antique shops over the years, I've never seen another one like it. Here's one of the few pictures I have of my Mom and me...it was taken right around the time she would have been completing the luncheon set. Unfortunately, I never got to know my Mom very well. She became sick when I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Duplicate Post, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes

Beach Themed Tablescape

July 30, 2009 by Susan 89 Comments

Welcome to the 49th Tablescape Thursday! For this Tablescape Thursday, I'm taking you to the beach. I rarely used colorful candles in my tablescapes, but I just loved the way this aqua color worked with the color of the candlesticks. Look what came in with the tide. I found this beachy china at Kohl's last summer...they had it in again this past … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Beachy Table Setting, Coastal Themed Tablescape, Summer Table Setting

Tablescaping With Blue Willow

July 23, 2009 by Susan 406 Comments

Welcome to the 48th Tablescape Thursday! Tablescape 1: Dinner by Candlelight, on the Porch... I can't help myself...when it's this nice outside, all my tablescapes end up here on the porch. The trees are all dressed in their best spring-green... I'm using my Churchill Blue Willow this evening... Salad plates are by Gibson...it's part of a large set from Big Lots... White … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Duplicate Post Tagged With: Blue Willow, Floral Table Setting, spring table setting

Front Door Decoration to Welcome Guests

July 22, 2009 by Susan 98 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I shared a sweet metamorphosis that was happening out on my front porch. right down here inside the basket of flowers on my front door. Remember these sweet babies...little house finches newly hatched. Well, I'm happy to report they grew up big and strong and flew the coop to do little birdie things. Some of you guys left comments on that post that had me a bit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: Front Door Basket, Front Door Decoration, Spring Decoration for Front Door

Design a Room You Love

July 20, 2009 by Susan 86 Comments

Welcome to the 27th Metamorphosis Monday! My Metamorphosis Monday post is a little different this week. I don't have an exciting metamorphosis to share; instead, I thought I'd share some ideas or tips I've learned decorating my own home over these many years. These "lessons learned" are responsible for the changes that were made to the rooms in my home, so in some ways this post is indeed all about … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs) Tagged With: Decorating, Decorating Tips, Design, Interior Design, Mixing Prints, Scale

Antiquing and Thrifting, Let’s Go Shopping!

July 18, 2009 by Susan 65 Comments

Recently, I made a trip to one of my favorite haunts...A Classy Flea. I was soo amazed at all the great stuff they have gotten in this spring! Before we head out the door to the Flea, We haven't been on a shopping trip to A Classy Flea in ages! Of course, since it's Pink Saturday, you know I'm going to start out with something that's Pink! Isn't this a darling canopy?! I think any little girl who falls … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods

Lemonade on the Porch

July 16, 2009 by Susan 133 Comments

Welcome to the 47th Tablescape Thursday! I love summer time here in the south. Yeah, I know it's hot, but we can fix that. Some fresh-squeezed, ice cold, lemonade out on the porch, should do the trick. Found this neat beverage dispenser while kicking around inside Old Time Pottery last week. It was only $19.95 and it's HUGE! We need munchies to go with our lemonade...Double … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Recipes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Decks, DG Porches, Entertaining on a Porch, Lemon Ice Cubes, Lemonade Dispensers, Lemonade Server, Party Beverage Server, Screened-in Porch, Summer Beverage Server

Beautiful Topiaries

July 15, 2009 by Susan 70 Comments

A few weeks ago, I spent the weekend in Greenwood, South Carolina attending the Festival of Flowers...a yearly event in Greenwood. You may remember the post I did last Wednesday about Park Seed, which is located in Greenwood. Park Seed also owns Wayside Gardens...and recently, Jackson & Perkins. If you are a gardener, you well know these companies. If you missed that post you may read all about it, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature Tagged With: Greenwood Festival of Flowers, South Carolina Festival of Flowers, Topiaries, Topiary

House Finches Nest in Door Basket

July 13, 2009 by Susan 84 Comments

Welcome to the 26th Metamorphosis Monday! I am also participating this Monday in Price My Space, a blog party hosted by Nesting Place...that post immediately follows this Met Monday post. I have a special metamorphosis going on at my house this week...right here on the front porch. It's a little hard to see from there, so come on over here near the front door. You're getting warmer, just a little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Nature Tagged With: Bird Watching, Birding, house finches, House Finches nesting in door basket

Nature Themed Table Setting

July 9, 2009 by Susan 101 Comments

Welcome to the 46th Tablescape Thursday! The Birds...by William Blake He: Where thou dwellest, in what grove, Tell me Fair One, tell me Love; Where thou thy charming nest dost build, O thou pride of every field! She: Yonder stands a lonely tree, There I live and mourn for thee; Morning drinks my silent tear, And evening winds my sorrow … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday

Festival of Flowers: Historic Home and Garden Tour

July 8, 2009 by Susan 75 Comments

This post is picture intensive, but light on wording...so enjoy! I've been traveling a good bit this summer, so I'm sharing some pics from one of those trips. This post has something in it for everyone...gardening, a tablescape and even an historic home tour! How many of you gardeners out there have heard of Park Seed? Yep, I see all those heads nodding! If you garden, you know Park Seed. Did you know … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Historic Homes, Home Tours, In the Garden, Nature Tagged With: A Bed in the Garden, Home and Garden Tour, Making a flower bed from a real bed, South Carolina Festival of Flowers

Tea in Bed

July 2, 2009 by Susan 125 Comments

Welcome to the 45th Tablescape Thursday! It's Tablescape Thursday and I positively love this day! Thursdays are filled to overflowing with links to some of the most delicious eye candy to be found anywhere across the Blogasphere! Today, you are my guest. And, I'm so glad you are here! How was your journey? I know you must be tired after such a long drive. I have your room all ready. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), My Nest, Tablescape Thursday, Tea Party Tablescapes Tagged With: Blue and White Room, Blue Willow Dishware, guest room, Monogrammed Napkin Rings, Tablescape Thursday, Tea setting

How to Make a Lamp from a Treasured Collectible

June 29, 2009 by Susan 65 Comments

Welcome to the 24th Metamorphosis Monday! You may remember the Metamorphosis Monday post several months ago where I posted about a sweet doggie I found while out antiquing. When I found him, I thought he would be the perfect size for something I had in mind. I had the idea of having him made into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating Tagged With: Create a Lamp from a Piece You Love, Make a Lamp from a Ceramic Piece, Metamorphosis Monday

Springtime Table Setting

June 25, 2009 by Susan 94 Comments

Welcome to the 44th Tablescape Thursday! Summer is here and I'm thinking sunshine and blue skies... The sunflowers remind me of sunshine, while the blue and white gingham napkins have me dreaming of blue skies with white fluffy clouds. It's hotter than blazes here in Hotlanta.! So let's cool things down with lots of crisp, cool white...white chargers, white china, white candles, white … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Blue & White Table Setting, Blue & White Tablescape, Blue and White, Table Setting on a Budget

Welcome to My Town

June 24, 2009 by Susan 109 Comments

A few weekends ago, a friend and I drove the short distance to the town square. We walked all around looking at some of the historic homes up close...you know, the ones we tend to whiz by in our car each day. I wasn't able to get to a street that had some of my favs, but here are a few that caught my eye this day. This one was still all decked out from Memorial Day...perfect since July 4th is just around … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: Historic Homes, Southern Towns, Walking Tour

Four-Season Porch: Sunroom and Screened-in Porch

June 21, 2009 by Susan 86 Comments

Welcome to the 23rd Metamorphosis Monday! One of the best parts about blogging, if not the best part, is making new friends. Sometimes, after several weeks or months of chatting via e-mail, we actually get to meet face to face. Other times, we just meet heart to heart. Selena is one such friend...though, we've never met in person, our hearts have surely met. That's because we both share a tremendous … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Porches Tagged With: 4-Season Porch, All Season Porch, DG Porches, Four-Season Room, Glass inserts for screened porch, Removable Windows, Screen Inserts, Screened-in Porch, Sunroom

Tablescaping in Blue and White

June 19, 2009 by Susan 49 Comments

Welcome to the 7th Tablescape Thursday! I don't know what it is about a crisp, white, linen tablecloth and napkins...but I love 'em, especially with a blue and white tablescape. Magnolias and wisteria...sooo romantic. A couple of years ago, I begin to collect salt cellars to use in my table settings. It just seems like such a simple, yet wonderful way to spoil your dinner guest. It eliminates … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: Blue and White, Blue and White Table Settings, Blue and White Tablescapes

Tablescape for the 4th of July

June 18, 2009 by Susan 133 Comments

Welcome to the 43rd Tablescape Thursday! Independence Day is just around the corner. What better way to celebrate this Tablescape Thursday than a celebration in red, white and blue! The porch is the perfect spot for a celebration...especially the kind that involves cooking on the grill... I've been working on a patriotic themed tablescape in my head for weeks now...couldn't quite pull it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: 4th of July Centerpiece, 4th of July decoration, 4th of July Decorations, 4th of July Table Settings, 4th of July Tablescapes, Decorate for Independence Day, Patriotic Centerpiece, Patriotic Table Decoration, Patriotic Table Settings, Red White and Blue Decoration and Centerpiece

Sweet Potato Chips Snack or Appetizer

June 12, 2009 by Susan 33 Comments

Looking for an appetizer or snack that's a little different...not the same old avocado dip or chips and salsa? If you like sweet potatoes...and maybe even if you think you don't like sweet potatoes, here's a great Paula Deen recipe you just might want to try. It's called Sweet Potato Chips and I found it in her cookbook, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook. When I had friends over … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Appetizer, Party Foods, Paula Deen, Snack Food, Sweet Potato Chips, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook

A Garden Table Setting

June 11, 2009 by Susan 113 Comments

Welcome to the 42nd Tablescape Thursday! The Faerie Ball...by Susan Settje I dream a dream of faerie queens and kings... In forest glade where I know faeries dwell. The full moon dancing as the zephyr sings... ...through cedar boughs and round the wishing well. Oh romance sweet, a brave and noble knight... ...to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Dinner for Two, Romantic Table Setting

Vintage Orchard by Syracuse China

June 4, 2009 by Susan 122 Comments

Welcome to the 41st Tablescape Thursday! The breezes on the porch are filled with the sweet "lemonade" scent of magnolias...I love this time of year. Our table is filled with crystal, sterling, floral china, touches of lace and magnolias...all lit with soft, romantic candlelight. This vintage china was made right here in America by the Syracuse China Company. The pattern is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Dinner for Two, Magnolia Blossoms, Romantic Dinner, Syracuse Orchard Dishware, Vintage Dishware

The Silver Comet Trail

June 3, 2009 by Susan 72 Comments

The web site for The Silver Comet Trail describes it this way: Imagine gliding along on your bike through the north Georgia countryside, crossing a 500-foot-long trestle over a rushing river below, winding between rock cliffs and weaving among tall stately pines. Imagine doing this without having to worry about cars and trucks. Now imagine doing this for 60 miles on one trail! No, that's not a dream, it's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature Tagged With: Biking, Rails to Trails, Rails to Trails Bike Path, Silver Comet Trail, The Silver Comet Trail

Tablescaping With Lenox, Butler’s Pantry Gourmet

May 27, 2009 by Susan 93 Comments

Welcome to the 40th Tablescape Thursday! Wow, can you believe it...this is our 40th week for Tablescaping! THANK-YOU, dear friends, for participating during these past 40 weeks and making Tablescape Thursday such a fun event! I'm looking forward to many, many more! This has been an exciting day for Between Naps on the Porch. Julia at Hooked on Houses is featuring the porch of BNOTP on her blog today! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Lenox Butler's Pantry Gourmet, Spiderwort in a Floral Centerpiece, Spring Summer Table Settings, Tablescape Thursday

Adding Molding to the Dining Room

May 25, 2009 by Susan 59 Comments

Welcome to the 19th Metamorphosis Monday! Back in January, I posted about some changes/renovations I had just finished in my dining room. I received a good many comments and quickly realized that everyone really enjoys seeing a good Before and After. That post ended up being the catalyst for that start of our blog party, Metamorphosis Monday, so I thought I'd share it again for this Met Monday. This … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dining Room Makeover, Picture Molding

A Photo Tour of the Porch and Decks…

May 24, 2009 by Susan 123 Comments

I've been doing some fluffing on the porch today...even got out the froggy fountain. Thought I'd share some some of the little details. So just make yourself at home. Deck with pergola... Lit up at night... More details back on the porch... Here's your tea. It's so nice out...why … [Read more...]

Filed Under: My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck and Porch Additions, Decks, Frog Fountain, Porch Books, Porch Dining, Porch Furniture, Porch Swing, Screened-in Porch, Screened-in Porches, Wicker Furniture

Tables Setting with Beautiful Wedgwood

May 21, 2009 by Susan 113 Comments

Welcome to the 39th Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday. The table is ready and the candles are lit... I've layered lots of creamy white textures, one on top of the other. I found the dinner plates and bowls at Home Goods. I pulled our color scheme (green and purple) from these special Wedgwood salad plates. They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Porch Dining, Rosenthal Stemware, Summer Table Setting, Tablescape Thursday, Wedgwood, Wedgwood Etruiria

Living Room Makeover

May 18, 2009 by Susan 83 Comments

Welcome to The 18th Metamorphosis Monday! I have a wonderful Before and After to share with you this week. A while back I shared several pics of this beautiful dining room belonging to Brian, a wonderfully talented Interior Designer, whose design business is Brian Joseph Atmospheres. Recently, Brian completed a new design project where he dramatically transformed several rooms in an historic … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After Tagged With: Before and Afters, Traditional Decorating, Using Bright Colors in Rooms

Frozen in Time…

May 16, 2009 by Susan 59 Comments

Many, years ago, when my son was around 8 years old, I painted a very amateurish mural on one whole wall in his room. The mural is around 13 feet wide by 8 feet tall. He always loved baseball and played it Spring and Fall from 2nd grade all the way through high school. Over the years, I never got around to painting over the mural, and my son never seemed to mind. So, though he is all grown … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Son's), Home Tours, My Nest Tagged With: Baseball Mural, Baseball Themed Bedroom, Child's Bedroom

Old Bound Newspapers Become End Table

May 11, 2009 by Susan 84 Comments

Welcome to the 17th Metamorphosis Monday! Many, many years ago, The Macon Telegraph and News decided to dispose of all the old copies of their past publications/newspapers. Apparently, news organizations used to keep copies of their old papers by binding them into large "books." Each bound volume, shown below, had about three months worth of newspapers. I had six of these large books stored for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, Home Tours, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: bound newspapers, Make a table from Vintage Bound Newspapers

Women’s Spring Luncheon

May 9, 2009 by Susan 41 Comments

Recently I was chatting via e-mail with my friend, Toni. She shared two wonderful pics of a beautiful tablescape she created for a Women's Spring Luncheon held at her church. You'll notice it has lots of that wonderful color, pink...perfect for this Pink Saturday! Toni used several darling birdhouses to create her lovely centerpiece. Toni told me, "As you can tell, I love birds and birdhouses. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: Women's Spring Luncheon Table Setting

Tablescaping with Blue Willow

May 7, 2009 by Susan 92 Comments

Welcome to the 37th Tablescape Thursday! I can't help myself...when it's this nice outside, all my tablescapes end up here on the porch. The trees are all dressed in their best spring-green... I'm using my Churchill Blue Willow this evening... Salad plates are by Gibson...it's part of a large set from Big Lots... White chargers are from Horchow online...Neiman Marcus had them, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday

Deck Transformation, Winter to Spring

May 5, 2009 by Susan 70 Comments

Since most everyone who visits Between Naps on the Porch has seen my two porches, I thought I'd share a different area today. There are decks off either side of my screened-in porch and one of those decks has a cozy little corner over near the grill. It's the perfect spot to sit if you want to be near the grill while you are cooking out. This is the winter view...pretty blah. And here's the summer … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck Makeover for Spring

Flower Cubes For a Summer Party

May 3, 2009 by Susan 48 Comments

Summer is waning and fall is just around the corner. I can feel it the air when I'm out on the porch during these late summer evenings. Before long, at least here in the south, gardeners will be pouring into the nurseries in search of pansies for their annual beds. Pansies enjoy the cooler weather and if planted in early fall, they will put down good roots that will carry them through the colder temps we … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Recipes, Easter Table Settings, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature, Recipes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Recipes, Valentine's Day Table Settings Tagged With: Dianthus and Lavender, Make Flower Ice Cubes

A Garden Party Table Setting

April 30, 2009 by Susan 175 Comments

Welcome to the 36th Tablescape Thursday! Let's have a Garden Party out on the porch! Come on over and have a seat...so glad you're here. Garfield says, "Life is short, eat dessert first." I like the way he thinks! We're having Oreo Dirt Cheesecake, complete with yummy worms. I lit the candles in our little greenhouse. I know it's not dark out yet, but … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Recipes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Blue Hour, Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbage Plates, Chargers, Dirt Cheesecake Desserts, Garden Party Tablescapes, Garden Party Themed Table Settings, Garden Party Themed Tablescapes, Greenhouse Centerpiece, Oreo Dirt Cheesecake, Oreo Dirt Cheesecake Dessert, Recipe for Oreo Dirt Cheesecake

Elegant Tablescape in a Beautiful Dining Room

April 23, 2009 by Susan 84 Comments

Welcome to the 35th Tablescape Thursday! This is a very special Tablescape Thursday here at Between Naps on the Porch! I am sooo excited to share not only a beautiful tablescape with you today, but also an beautiful dining room. My good friend, Pinky, recently shared a photo of the table her son, Brian, created for their Easter dinner...it took my breath away! Brian is a talented Interior Designer and I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday

Bonus Room Makeover: From Bonus Room to Family Room and Spill Over Space for Guests

April 20, 2009 by Susan 63 Comments

Welcome to the 14th Metamorphosis Monday! Update: Sorry about the darkness of some of the photos in this post. I plead ignorance since these were taken during my early blogging days before I learned to take better photos. :) For this Metamorphosis Monday, we're going for another ride in the time machine, back again to 1991, just before we actually purchased and moved into our house. This time our time … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Bonus Room Makeover, Family Room with Swedish Danish Antiques, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs)

Easter or Spring Table Setting

April 16, 2009 by Susan 102 Comments

Welcome to the 34th Tablescape Thursday! It is sooo pretty out today...why don't we have dinner out on the porch? We'll just keep our table simple with a little daisy arrangement and a few sweet bunnies. I'm a little excited today because I have some new china to share in this tablescape and it's has two of my fave colors in it: pink and green. I've always loved hot pink, and paired with green, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Easter table setting, Easter Tablescape, Emma's Garland, Kim Parker, Kim Parker Emma's Garland, spring table setting, Table Setting in Green and Pink

A Kitchen Renovation

April 13, 2009 by Susan 90 Comments

Welcome to the the 13th Metamorphosis Monday! Time for another Metamorphosis Monday! I can't wait to see all the Before and Afters posted for this Met Monday...you'll find all the links at the end of this post. Hold on tight...we're going for another ride this week in my time machine. Did you take your Dramamine...you know this thing goes pretty fast. I'm setting the dial for 1991...destination: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest Tagged With: counter depth refrigerator, glass-front cabinets, Granite Counters, hardwood flooring, Kitchen renovation, Kitchen Renovation Before and After, Painted Cabinets, Replace wood kitchen cabinet doors with glass, tiled backsplash

Easter Table Setting with Egg Tree Centerpiece

April 9, 2009 by Susan 126 Comments

The 33rd Tablescape Thursday! A little Easter tablescape... Closed the shutters a bit...so we could enjoy the candlelight. Happy Easter! :-) China is Ma Maison, designed by Dario Farrucci for Tabletops...bought it last summer at Home Goods...love that store! A view of the dinner plate... Chargers are from Neiman Marcus or Horchow...forgot which. I saw them again recently … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Easter Table Setting Tablescape with Egg Tree Centerpiece, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Egg Tree for Easter

Building a Dish Closet

April 6, 2009 by Susan 130 Comments

Welcome to the 12th Metamorphosis Monday...where it's all about "Before and Afters." I decided this weekend to tackle a project I've been putting off...the redo of a 35" x 24" coat closet in my kitchen/breakfast room. The previous owner of my home had a shell niche installed in the foyer/entry (Click to visit entry), where others houses in my neighborhood frequently have a coat closet. Then they took a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Organization and Storage, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest

Romantic Dinner for Two on the Porch

April 2, 2009 by Susan 103 Comments

Welcome to the 32nd Tablescape Thursday! Here in north Georgia, the leaves are beginning to pop out on many of the smaller trees. But the really big ones...like those in my backyard, are a little slower to rise from their long winter's nap and don their spring-green wardrobe. Leaves or no leaves, the warmer temps have me craving dinner out on the porch. You may recognize the daisy centerpiece, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Bird Dishware, Candlelight Dining

Make a Lamp from Something You Love

March 30, 2009 by Susan 77 Comments

Welcome to the 11th Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago I was out antiquing and I came across this cute doggie. Ummm, the wheels started turning, and I thought he just might be the perfect size to... ...have made into a lamp. I'd been shopping for a small lamp to go on this table in my family room for some time. The room had/has a bit of a hunt/canine theme going on, so this little guy fit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: Design a Custom Lamp, Make a Custom Lamp, Make a Lamp from a Ceramic Piece

Easter Tablescape

March 26, 2009 by Susan 125 Comments

Welcome to the 31st Tablescape Thursday! Easter is just around the corner so I've been playing in the dishes again... :-) It was a gorgeous day, the afternoon I put this tablescape together. I had the all the doors to the porch thrown open, and if you click on this pic, you'll see the sheers on the porch billowing in and out in the breezes. Oh, how I love such a day as this! The only thing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Holiday Home, Tablescape Thursday

A Little More Spring Fluffing…

March 25, 2009 by Susan 51 Comments

When I posted this pic of my front door, I received several comments and e-mails asking where I bought the white basket and the daisy flowers.The basket came from a little antique shop on the Marietta Square in Marietta, Georgia, called Willow Antiques, Too. When there is another decoration or wreath on the front door, like now...I move the basket of daisies to one of the doors off of my screened-in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Renovation of the Entry Foyer

March 23, 2009 by Susan 91 Comments

Welcome to the 10th Metamorphosis Monday! Ok, hold on to your seats. We're going for another ride this week in my time machine...back once more to the year 1991. Yep, I've been at it again, playing with that ancient VHS tape that shows the interior of my home before we ever made an offer and bought it. I paused the tape, took some pics and this week I'm sharing a "before" glimpse of the Entry to my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Entry/Foyer, My Nest Tagged With: Entry Renovation, Foyer Makeover

A Little Secret To Delight Your Dinner Guests

March 21, 2009 by Susan 61 Comments

If you're like me, you rarely iron these days. I tend to iron a lot more in the spring/summer months since that's when I'm wearing a lot of cotton and linen clothing. It's perfect for those hot, balmy days and evenings here in the south. When it comes to ironing my tablecloths and napkins, I have a little secret I thought I'd share with you today. Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but I love to use scented linen … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Napkin Folding Tutorials Tagged With: Linen Water, Scented Linen Water, Scented Napkins

Fiesta Tablescape

March 19, 2009 by Susan 81 Comments

Welcome to the 30th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, I was “chatting” via e-mail with my friend, BJ, who lives in Austin, Texas...you may remember her as RMSHGTV on Rate My Space. BJ doesn't have a blog, but she enjoys seeing the great Tablescape Thursday posts each week. Recently, BJ mentioned she would be hosting a a big birthday bash for two special family members, her brother, Joe Allen and her niece, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birthday Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion Tagged With: Fiesta Birthday Party, Garden Party Tablescapes

Spring Fluffing…Just Getting Started…

March 18, 2009 by Susan 54 Comments

I haven't done a lot of fluffing for spring just yet, but I did change the basket of flowers on my front door for a bit of fun! Come on up on the porch for a little closer view... Some spring time silliness! Found this wreath at Pier 1 right around Easter, two years ago... I'm getting sooo excited...you can really see spring popping out all over here in Georgia! Happy Spring Fluffing! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home Tagged With: Decorating for Easter, Easter Craft, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Wreath, Egg Wreath

A Princess and the Pea Master Bedroom

March 16, 2009 by Susan 121 Comments

Welcome to the 9th Metamorphosis Monday! When I first entered the foyer of this home, 18 years ago, it was pretty obvious why it had been on the market for over a year. The carpet throughout was a burnt orange color and the interior had not been painted in 8 years. On our second walk through, we videotaped many of the rooms so we could remember it as we shopped for a new house. Please bear … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Before & After, My Nest Tagged With: highboy, Master Bedroom Makeover, Moire bedskirt, Plaid, Plaid Moire for the Bedroom, secretary, Traditional Master Bedroom

A Master Bedroom and Dressing Room…

March 14, 2009 by Susan 56 Comments

A Tease... See you for "the reveal" on Sunday evening at 9:00 PM, when Mr. Linky goes up for Metamorphosis Monday. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Master Bedroom Makeover

St. Patrick’s Day Tea Party

March 12, 2009 by Susan 124 Comments

Welcome to the 29th Tablescape Thursday! St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner...let's celebrate with some tea out on the porch! And of course, we must have green tea, since we are celebrating St. Paddy's Day. (The green tole tray was a wedding gift 30 years ago.) I picked fresh flowers from the garden.. Ahhh...their sweet, sweet fragrance is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Nature, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, St. Patrick's Day Holiday Home, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Tablescapes Occasion, Tea Party Tablescapes Tagged With: St. Patrick's Day, St. Patrick's Day Table Setting, St. Patrick's Day Tea, Tablescape Thursday

For the Love of Art…Meet My Friend Annie and Artist, May Cao…

March 10, 2009 by Susan 42 Comments

Last September, three weeks after I first began blogging, I posted about a friend of mine, Annie and a talented artist by the name of May Cao. Recently, Annie told me May's work is now available in a local studio called, Two Doors Art Studio and Gallery, located in Roswell, Georgia. I've repeated the post below but have also added additional information at the end about an upcoming "Artist Reception" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspire

A Beautiful Mary Frances Purse

March 7, 2009 by Susan 80 Comments

Today, I thought I'd share a little Mary Frances handbag I bought a few years ago. It's the only Mary Frances bag I own. I always carry a small purse because I don't like the weight of a heavier one. This Mary Frances bag is my favorite for an evening out. You can dress it up or down. It looks great with an evening dress or with jeans...I've carried it with both. Front view...I love all the little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: Mary Frances, Mary Frances Bag, Mary Frances Handbag, Mary Frances Purse

Tablescaping with Blue Willow

March 5, 2009 by Susan 108 Comments

Welcome to the 28th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I was asked where I get my inspiration for the tablescapes I put together. I've gotten this question before and truthfully, I'm not sure I have a good answer...the reason being because my inspiration comes from a different source almost every time. If you have participated in Tablescape Thursday a few times, you probably know what I'm talking … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Blue and White Table Setting, Blue Willow Dishware, Vegetable Beef Soup, Yellow Tulip Centerpiece

Front Porch Addition

March 2, 2009 by Susan 126 Comments

Welcome to the 7th Metamorphosis Monday! For many years I carried around a page I'd torn from an old issue of Southern Homes Magazine. The page showed a picture of a front porch I really, really liked. Periodically, I pulled it out, gazed lovingly upon it, then carefully tucked it back into my "someday" notebook. "Someday" finally arrived in October 2007 and construction began on the front porch. My front … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Adding a Front Porch, Front Porch Addition, Gainesway Farms, Herringbone Brick Pattern for Porch Floor, Porch with Columns

Strawberry Cheese Ring Appetizer

February 27, 2009 by Susan 73 Comments

Today, I'm sharing a yummy appetizer I've made several times and it is always a big hit. It's super easy and fast...can't beat that! The recipe comes from Paula Deen's cookbook, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook. Love this cookbook! It's filled with lots of good Southern cooking. I've also linked to one more of her yummy recipes at the very end of this post...Sweet Potato … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Recipes, Independence Day Holiday Home, Independence Day Recipes, New Year's Recipes, Recipes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Appetizer, Cheese Appetizer, Cheese Appetzier, Party Recipes, Paula Deen, Recipe, Strawberry Cheese Ring, Strawberry Cheese Ring Appetizer

Fireside Dining in the Library with Spode Woodland

February 26, 2009 by Susan 93 Comments

Welcome to the 27th Tablescape Thursday! When I came across this room in a magazine, the thing that really caught my eye stopping me dead in my tracks, was the gorgeous tablecloth. It was just so over-the-top and impractical, which of course, was exactly why I loved it! I started pricing lace tablecloths online and quickly realized I would not be buying one any time soon--some were over $1,000! A … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Occasion, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes

Creating a Perennial Garden

February 23, 2009 by Susan 113 Comments

Welcome to the 6th Metamorphosis Monday! My Metamorphosis for this Met Monday is a perennial garden I "built" many years ago. I want to apologize in advance for the quality of these pics. They were taken many years ago, long before I'd ever heard of this thing called blogging. Plus, I had to take pictures of pictures to show you this transformation...but I think you will still be able to appreciate the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature Tagged With: Creating a perennial garden, Designing and Creating a Sun-Loving Perennial Flower Bed, Perennial Garden, Sun-loving Perennials

Questions…Do You Have Questions?

February 21, 2009 by Susan 30 Comments

Do you have a question for me? I often have this nagging feeling that I've missed answering a question someone has asked. One day when I was surfing Blogland, I noticed another blogger had a "Question Day"...so to speak. So here's your chance! :-) Do you have a question for me? Would you like to know where I purchased something you have seen on my blog? Are you curious what I do all day that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Popcorn Party & Game Night with Trivial Pursuit

February 19, 2009 by Susan 91 Comments

Welcome to the 26th Tablescape Thursday! It's game night, grab a Coke and come join in. In pursuit of some fun, I'm hoping you won't think it too trivial if I share this little tablescape, and a little tale of a night I'll never forget. Many, many years ago, when my DH was a Captain in the U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), we were invited to dinner at the home of one … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Game Night, Party Setting, Trivial Pursuit

Hiding Metal Swing Chains

February 16, 2009 by Susan 71 Comments

Welcome to the 5th Metamorphosis Monday! Of all the transformations I've ever made in my home, the one I'm about to share may be the easiest and least expensive for the largest impact or improvement. While my screened-in porch was under construction, I searched high and low online and locally for a white, outdoor wicker, swing. I finally found one I loved online at Wicker Paradise. When it arrived, it … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Duplicate Post Tagged With: Another use for electrical cord covers, Cord Covers, Cover Metal Swing Chains, Hide Swing Chains, Porch Swings

Valentine’s Tablescape

February 12, 2009 by Susan 106 Comments

Welcome to the 25th Tablescape Thursday! Last week I posted a Valentine's tablescape that was fairly traditional...with lots of that bold color, RED. You can view that post by clicking HERE. This week's table is all about the color, PINK, and I'm going for silly and whimsical. I pulled my inspiration from this little dish I found on sale right after Valentine's Day last year at Kohls. Do you see … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Duplicate Post, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Apothecary jar table centerpiece, International Glenwood, message hearts for Valentine's Day, pink table setting, Valentine's Day Tablescape

A Kitchen Renovation

February 9, 2009 by Susan 95 Comments

Wecome to the 4th Metamorphosis Monday! Welcome to my modest kitchen renovation. Okay, if you have a weak stomach, you might want to look away at this point. This was my kitchen before renovation...dark and dreary. This is the only "before" pic I have to share...but it really tells the story of what the kitchen looked like prior to renovation. You can't see it in this photo, but the genuine … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest Tagged With: Adding Glass inserts to wood cabinets, counter depth refrigerator, Double oven fits in space of single oven, Kitchen renovation, Painted Cabinets

Herend, Rothschild Bird…My New Obsession

February 7, 2009 by Susan 94 Comments

So, there I was, on yet another historic home tour, minding my own business when Herend's, Rothschild Bird bit me in the nether regions! It all started out innocently enough. We (me and two friends) had made the trek to Newnan, Georgia for what The Georgia Trust calls a "Ramble." And ramble we did...in and out of some of the most beautiful historic homes and buildings you've ever seen, not to mention a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Nature Tagged With: Herend, Rothschild Bird, Story behind Rothschild Bird China

Valentine’s Day Table Setting with Yummy Heart Cakes

February 5, 2009 by Susan 122 Comments

Welcome to the 24th Tablescape Thursday! Ok, I know it's really the first Tablescape Thursday...but I didn't want to start the count over just because our tablescaping day moved two days down the week. I'll be sharing a Valentine's Tablescape today and I'd love to know where you think it looks best...the breakfast room or the dining room. I put together a little Valentine's table to share today. I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Romantic Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes Tagged With: Heart-shaped cakes, Romantic Valentine's Day Table Settings, Romantic Valentine's Day Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Tablescape, Valentine's Day Tablescapes

Adding Curtains or Sheers to Your Porch

February 2, 2009 by Susan 60 Comments

Welcome to the 3rd Metamorphosis Monday! Not long after the screened-in porch was completed, I made a simple change that had a large impact on both the appearance and the "feel" of the porch. The total cost for this change was only around $100. Here's a pic of the porch before the change... And here's after...do you see the change? :-) Another before... And … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Screened-in Porch, Sheer curtains for the porch

Seasonal Table Settings

January 27, 2009 by Susan 82 Comments

Welcome to the 23rd Tablescape Tuesday! ANNOUNCEMENT: Tablescape Tuesday will be moving to Thursday, beginning, Thursday, February 5th. That means we will not be tablescaping Tuesday, February 3rd. You will have a couple extra days to get your next tablescape post ready. The poll that was runnning on my sidebar indicates the majority of you are looking forward to this change. I personally would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall Tablescapes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: fall table setting, farmhouse table, Seasonal Table Setting, spring table setting, wall mural

Painting Furniture: A China Hutch Transformation

January 26, 2009 by Susan 103 Comments

When my screened-in porch was nearing completion, I happened across a little hutch for a great price: $95. It was just what I had in mind for storing dishes for dining out on the porch. After getting it home, I got down to work. This was B.B. (Before Blogging) so taking pictures almost didn't happen. Somewhere in the midst of sanding the piece, it dawned on me that it might be nice to take a "before" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: China Cabinet Hutch Makeover, China Storage, Painted Furniture, Painting furniture, Painting Stained Furniture, Porch Furniture

Dreaming of the Outdoors

January 21, 2009 by Susan 62 Comments

Ok, I know it's cold and you don't really want to venture outdoors a whole lot right now. After all, it's still January...or is it? In Blogland it can be summer anytime we want. Just think of Blogland as a magical time machine. Ok, get your garden clogs or tennis shoes on...whatever you like to wear when you're out puttering around in the yard. Let's go see what's blooming in my garden on this Outdoor … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature Tagged With: Gardening, Perennial Garden

Beach Themed Table Setting

January 20, 2009 by Susan 62 Comments

Welcome to the 22nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been under the weather for about 2 weeks with a bad cold that seems to be getting worse instead of better, especially today. So, hope you won't mind, but for this week I thought I'd re-post the first tablescape I ever created for Tablescape Tuesday. It's a Beach themed tablescape and honestly, I think we could all use a little "escape" from the cold right … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Beach Themed Table Setting, Outdoor Dining, Porch

Building a Screened-in Porch

January 19, 2009 by Susan 95 Comments

Welcome to the very first Metamorphosis Monday! When I moved into my home 18 years ago, I knew one day I would want to redo my deck. The previous homeowners had never properly cared for the existing deck, and it was in a sad state. I tried cleaning it with an incredibly strong deck cleaner and "painting" it with a solid color stain for decks, but the solid stain didn't hold up well. It was time to make a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Deck Renovation, DG Porches, Porch Addition, Screened-in Porch

Celebrating the Winter Blues

January 15, 2009 by Susan 88 Comments

A little birdie told me you had the winter blues... So I was thinking...since Old Man Winter is here to stay for while, instead of fighting those winter blues, why don't we just embrace them. Come on over here; I have the perfect spot for you...a comfy blue chair... And a nice, hot cup of tea, served from a Blue Willow teapot... How about a fluffy, soft pillow... With a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, My Nest, Seasonal Decor, Tea Party Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: Blue and White, Blue and White Checked Chair, Blue and white decorating, Blue and White Room, Blue Willow China, Blue Willow Dishware, Charlotte Moss, Crocheted linens, Decorating with Blue and White, guest room, Tea setting, Winter House book

Breakfast in a French Cafe

January 13, 2009 by Susan 85 Comments

Welcome to the 21st Tablescape Tuesday! A Scene from a French Cafe... Speaking in a heavy French accent, you are greeted by your waiter, Jean Claude...who with a grand wave of his right arm, says, "Right this way Madame and Mademoiselle, I have your breakfast all ready and waiting for you. Please excuse this napkin...I mean scarf, the boss is making me wear. She insists I coordinate with the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Breakfast Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: Breakfast table setting, Butler's Pantry Gourmet China, Egg cups, Lenox, Tablescape Thursday, Villeroy & Boch Melina, Villeroy and Boch Melina

Plantation Shutters: Versatile Window Treatment

January 10, 2009 by Susan 113 Comments

My favorite, favorite window treatment has to be the plantation shutter. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of window treatments, too. I love the way drapes soften a room and would love to one day add gorgeous silk taffeta drapes to my dining room. But I'd still want plantation shutters underneath those drapes. Why do I love shutters so much? Well, there are a lot of reasons, one being their … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Kitchen & Breakfast Area, My Nest Tagged With: DG Window Treatments, Important features for Plantation Shutters, Plantation Shutters, Shopping for Plantation Shutters

Welcome to the Porch!

January 7, 2009 by Susan 182 Comments

Today I thought I'd share a little about the porch that is the namesake for this blog, Between Naps on the Porch. First, take a look at the "Before" picture. The deck shown below is what used to be, where the porch is now. It was an original deck that had been added onto by a previous homeowner. Unfortunately, the addition wasn't done properly and many more supports were used underneath than … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: Before and After, Deck Renovation, Porch, Screened-in Porch

Winter Greetings by Lenox

January 6, 2009 by Susan 64 Comments

Welcome to the 20th Tablescape Tuesday! A couple of weeks back I posted this tablescape... You may remember the china I used, Winter Greetings by Lenox. I wanted to share a bit more information about this china for this Tablescape Tuesday. This beautiful wreath and bird design was created for Lenox by wildlife artist, Catherine McClung...click HERE to access her website and see more of her … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Table Setting, Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Centerpiece, Lenox Winter Greetings

The Porch

January 5, 2009 by Susan 55 Comments

Recently, I've had several requests for larger pictures of the "room" this blog is named after...The Porch. Can you believe I've been blogging for 4 months and I've never shared the porch with you, other than a few small pics on my sidebar. Well, it's time to fix that. On Wednesday, I will post a whole slew of porch pics and you will be able to click on them and enlarge them for an even better view. The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Metamorphosis Monday…What do you think?

January 4, 2009 by Susan 51 Comments

Stand back, I have an idea! Do you see the smoke coming out of my ears? Can you hear the creaking and squeaking of those rusty gears turning in my brain? lol On Friday, I posted about a minor renovation I completed recently in my dining room. I received more comments on that particular post than any other I've done so far. So, that got me thinking, we all seem to really enjoy seeing a "Before" and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After

Adding Picture Molding to the Dining Room

January 2, 2009 by Susan 106 Comments

A couple of months ago, I decided I was tired of my dining room being painted all red, above and below the chair rail. The room isn't overly large, so all that red made the room feel even smaller. This photo below is the only pic I have of how it looked when it was painted all red. I had just decorated the room for a birthday party I was having for a good friend. Once I made the decision to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Dining Room, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Home Tours, My Nest Tagged With: Adding Molding Below a Chairrail, Adding molding to the dining room, Adding Wainscoting to Dining Room, Benjamin Moore Raspberry Truffle Paint, Dining Room Make Over, Dining Room Renovation, Red Dining Room

Williamsburg Apple Tree Centerpiece for Your Christmas Table

December 30, 2008 by Susan 62 Comments

Welcome to the 19th Tablescape Tuesday! When I posted a Christmas tablescape a few weeks ago, I received several questions about how I made the fruit tree centerpiece. Even though Christmas is over, I thought it might be helpful to see how it's made, just in case you would like to make one next year. Honestly, I think this would be beautiful for any occasion, not just Christmas. So for this Tablescape … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Centerpiece, Christmas Decorating, Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Centerpiece

A Champagne Punch Your Guests Will Love

December 26, 2008 by Susan 68 Comments

Whenever I have a Christmas or New Year's Eve party, I always serve this easy-to-make, Champagne punch. This is the recipe but you'll find a printable one at the end of this post. Champagne Holiday Punch Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 2 cups cranberry juice 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1 bottle champagne (Korbel Brut works great) Small … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Champagne Punch, Christmas Party Beverage, Christmas Punch, Christmas Recipe

Christmas Table Setting, Cottage Style

December 23, 2008 by Susan 70 Comments

Welcome to the 18th Tablescape Tuesday! Christmas is only two days away...hard to believe! This is an exciting Tablescape Tuesday for me because two very special ladies, who are also dear friends of mine, have graciously agreed to let me post some of their wonderful holiday tablescapes. You most likely know them from their beautiful postings on Rate My Space...they are Carol, Cedwards55 and Linda, Mom of … [Read more...]

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

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…

December 22, 2008 by Susan 70 Comments

Over the years, I've added a tree here and there, throughout the house. This one is in the family room and it's decorated with just glass-blown ornaments. A few of the ornaments on this tree...you can see the beaded garland that drapes the tree... One of the Christopher Radko ornaments... Since I have kind of a "hunt" theme going on in my judges paneled family room, I decided to carry that theme … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Tree

Mischievous Christmas Mice

December 21, 2008 by Susan 57 Comments

I caught them...in the act! It's Michael's mice! Last night I curled up for a good read of that wonderful Christmas classic by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Sipping on a steaming mug of hot chocolate, with a crackling fire close by, I must have dozed off. I couldn't believe my eyes when I awoke! After stuffing themselves silly with tea and scones all night at Gollum's, these two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Enesco, One Foggy Christmas Eve Ornament

Decorating with Wreaths for Christmas

December 20, 2008 by Susan 67 Comments

I'm not sure what it is about wreaths, but I just love them! I think it's their "wholeness"...the way they feel so complete. The circular shape is said to represent eternity--no beginning and no end. When I first moved into my current home 18 years ago, I continued a tradition I had started at my previous home...that of hanging wreaths outside on the windows at Christmas time. I was the only one in my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Wreaths, Decorating with Wreaths

Decorating the Front Porch for Christmas, 2008

December 18, 2008 by Susan 61 Comments

Today, I'm sharing a bit of my outdoor Christmas decorations. If you come see me, as you pull into the driveway, you'll see the Lazy Hill Dove Cote on your immediate left. Sadly, there are no bluebirds nesting there this time of year. But stay tuned...they just may be back in the spring since they nested in there three times this past spring. If you would like to see some cute pics of the bluebirds feeding … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Decorating, Christmas Holiday Home, DG Porches

Cranberry Trifle

December 18, 2008 by Susan 30 Comments

As promised, here's the recipe for the Cranberry Trifle I made for my neighborhood cookie party. The recipe comes from the current (December 2008) issue of Everyday Food. If you want a copy of the magazine, I found it in the check-out isle at Publix...it's about the size of a Reader's Digest. Cranberry Trifle 2 bags (12 oz each) cranberries, fresh or frozen (I used fresh) 2 1/4 cups granulated … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas Holiday Home, Recipes

Christmas Table Setting with Lenox, Winter Greetings

December 16, 2008 by Susan 86 Comments

Welcome to the 17th Tablescape Tuesday! The table is set for a Christmas feast... China is Winter Greetings by Lenox. The pattern features classically rendered holly branches, mistletoe, chickadees, cardinals, berries, and ribbons. It was designed by artist Catherine McClung who is beloved by collectors for her accurate and vibrant bird portraiture. When I came across this Lenox … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Setting, Christmas Tablescape, Lenox Winter Greetings China, Waterford Araglin

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