Christmas Shopping This Weekend & Taking Advantage of the Best Sales

November 10, 2018 by 31 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



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

November 5, 2018 by 36 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



Thinking Ahead to Christmas: Colonial Williamsburg Style Door Idea

October 22, 2018 by 31 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Crafts & Sewing Tagged With: , , , , ,



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

July 21, 2018 by 46 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: , , ,



Banana Bread: Delicious with Some Surprise Ingredients

April 30, 2018 by 38 Comments

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

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



Going to Miss the Cozy Tartan Plaids of Winter

March 1, 2018 by 40 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,



Nature-Themed Woodland Makeover for a Beautiful Paneled Study

January 15, 2018 by 38 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor



A Peppermint-Candy Fantasy Table & Kitchen

January 11, 2018 by 40 Comments

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

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



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

January 4, 2018 by 35 Comments

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

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



Mixing Plaids and Tartans for a Festive Holiday Table

December 28, 2017 by 23 Comments

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

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



Christmas in Cologne, Germany

December 24, 2017 by 38 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Germany, Travel Tagged With: , , ,



Christmas in Heaven

December 21, 2017 by 39 Comments

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

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



A Whimsically Decorated, Fantasy Porch for Christmas

December 18, 2017 by 63 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



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

December 15, 2017 by 52 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , ,



Woodland Christmas Table Setting with Magnolia Centerpiece

December 14, 2017 by 40 Comments

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

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



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

December 12, 2017 by 68 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Germany, Travel Tagged With: , , , , ,



Winter Wonderland

December 8, 2017 by 80 Comments

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

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



A Christmas Table Setting for Cat Lovers

December 7, 2017 by 79 Comments

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

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



Making Progress and Visiting Bluebirds

December 6, 2017 by 44 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home



First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

December 5, 2017 by 51 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire



Christmas Decorating & Gift Wrapping Update

December 4, 2017 by 49 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Answering Your Questions & A Christmas Home Tour

December 3, 2017 by 26 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , , ,



12 Days of Christmas Holiday Table Setting

November 30, 2017 by 93 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday



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

November 27, 2017 by 22 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



One Dish, Many Celebrations

November 23, 2017 by 27 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Halloween Table Settings, Independence Day Table Settings, New Year's Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, The Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Table Settings Tagged With: , , ,



A Decorated Tree & Whimsical, Fun Gift Wrapping Idea

November 20, 2017 by 65 Comments

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

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



My Favorite Christmas Decoration of All

November 18, 2017 by 29 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home



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

November 16, 2017 by 37 Comments

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

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



It Was Worth the Hunt, Love This Christmas Tree!

November 15, 2017 by 126 Comments

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

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



25 Ideas & Tips for Decorating & Preparing for the Holidays

November 14, 2017 by 25 Comments

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

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



10 Unique Gift Ideas and An Awesome Sale!

November 11, 2017 by 32 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Table Settings, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , ,



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

November 9, 2017 by 103 Comments

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

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



This Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Isn’t What I Expected

November 7, 2017 by 236 Comments

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

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



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

November 1, 2017 by 40 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, DIY Organization and Storage Tagged With: , , ,



Noritake Xavier Gold: Perfect for an Autumn or Holiday Table

October 26, 2017 by 78 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Fall Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes



17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party

June 1, 2017 by 76 Comments

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

Filed Under: Academy Awards Tablescapes, Beachy Tablescapes, Birthday Tablescapes, Breakfast Tablescapes, Children's Tablescapes, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Mardi Gras Table Settings, Mardi Gras Tablescapes, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Shower Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday, Tea Party Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

January 5, 2017 by 36 Comments

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

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



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

December 29, 2016 by 29 Comments

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

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



A Holiday Table for Metamorphosis Monday

December 26, 2016 by 27 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes



How Santa Prepares for the Big Night, Christmas Eve

December 23, 2016 by 24 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home



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

December 22, 2016 by 28 Comments

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

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



A Christmas Fantasy Home Tour

December 21, 2016 by 45 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours



A Little Porch Decorating to Celebrate the Holidays

December 17, 2016 by 85 Comments

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

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks



Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas and Tips, Plus, 2 Stylish Gift Ideas

December 15, 2016 by 45 Comments

Welcome to the 430th Tablescape Thursday! Amazing the healing effects of sleep, I feel so much better this evening as I type this after sleeping about 12 hours last night. I think I'm on the winning side of my cold virus now. Thanks for all your tips and advice in yesterday's post. I'm eyeing THIS after reading some of the comments. It sounds like it would be helpful for dealing with allergies and … [Read more...]

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



24 Books I’d Love to Find Under the Tree on Christmas Day

December 13, 2016 by 26 Comments

I'm a bit under the weather right now with a nasty cold virus. You never realize how wonderful the ability to breathe through your nose is until it's gone. I think what I really need most right now is to get into bed and stay there for a while...like 9-10 hours would work. lol I hope you are staying well! Wash your hands a lot! Glad I got sick now and not two weeks from now! 24 Books I'd Love to Find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas



‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, A Visit from St. Nicholas

December 12, 2016 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 411th Metamorphosis Monday! Light Repair Tip, In Case It's Helpful: You know how you hear about those people who are always causing electrical things to break? I'm starting to think I'm one of them. Seriously! Last year, the tree I normally use here in the living room had an entire string of lights go out. I spent many, many hours trying to fix it, including using one of the light … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Bringing Home the Tree: Christmas Table Setting

December 8, 2016 by 96 Comments

Welcome to the 429th Tablescape Thursday!   After bringing home a tree in the back of their red truck last week for the living room, Mrs. Deer realized she still needed a tree for their screened porch.   For this trip to the tree farm, Mr. Deer decided to drive his new wagon that he had just gotten for Christmas.   This week's table is a cozy one for two, hope … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tables for Two, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,



The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, 2016

December 5, 2016 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 410th Metamorphosis Monday! Was hoping to share my front porch decorated for Christmas, but we've been getting some much-needed rain the last few days, so couldn't snap any photos. So for this Met Monday, we'll go on a Christmas Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia to see how others are decorating and transforming their homes for the holidays. This home reminded me a lot of the cottages you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , , , , ,



Found! Adorable Red Christmas Truck & Station Wagon with Tree & Wreath

December 3, 2016 by 50 Comments

What a crazy day yesterday, can you believe that on December 2nd, 23 days before Christmas, there's no garland to be found in any of the Home Depots or Lowe's garden centers near my home! It's all sold out except for a couple of strands that were all withered looking and dry. After visiting three stores without any luck (one Lowe's and two Home Depots) I decided to try Pike Nursery, the same place I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home



Bringing Home the Christmas Tree

December 1, 2016 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 428th Tablescape Thursday! It rained all day yesterday so I had to wait until this morning to take photos. The early morning light was just starting to stream in through the windows. I'll try to add some brighter photos to this post later today.     Brown rattan chargers are available here: Rattan Chargers Their rich brown color adds a woodsy feel to this table … [Read more...]

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



Shopping for the Best & Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree

November 28, 2016 by 106 Comments

Welcome to the 409th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm having a tree dilemma this year. This is the tree that I normally set up in my living room.   And this is the tree I usually set up in my kitchen. Both trees were purchased many years ago in a Home Depot Expo during a big sale they had going on Black Friday. They have served me well for around 10 years now, but the last couple of years they … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire Tagged With: , , ,



Snowflake Sweaters and A Conversation With My Son

November 26, 2016 by 21 Comments

Conversation with my son via phone today: Me: Hey, I want to run something by you. I have some really neat things I'm considering buying you for Christmas, but I want to see what you think. Son: (Laughs) Ooookay. Me: So, you know how L.L. Bean is famous for their duck boots, well they finally seem to be caught up with their production and for once they are actually available during the wintertime! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire



21 Gift Ideas for The “Hard-to-Buy-For” Folks On Your Holiday List

November 19, 2016 by 21 Comments

Hope you're having an awesome weekend! I'm recovering from planting 80 bulbs and three small flats of violas. lol Feeling much better today. Looking forward to sharing some updates for Met Monday, tomorrow! Recently I shared some of my favorite gift ideas that were under or near the $25 range. If you missed that post, you'll find it her: 22 Gifts That Won't Break Your Holiday Budget. As promised in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas Holiday Home, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, Inspire



13 Favorite Ways to Get Ready for the Holidays

November 15, 2016 by 23 Comments

Here they are, all in one post: 13 of my favorite ways to get ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! Hope you find this helpful as you decorate, craft, cook and prepare for the holidays! Click on the BLUE title below to access that post for more details. Follow Between Naps On The Porch on Instagram for more of my holiday posts: BNOTP on Instagram Turkey Napkin … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home



An Enchanting, Magical, Interactive Experience

November 14, 2016 by 64 Comments

Welcome to the 407th Metamorphosis Monday! I have the most beautiful, fun and enchanting thing to share with you today. It's not exactly a metamorphosis but in a way it is because after I "play" with it, I feel so relaxed. If you're not already in the mood for Christmas, it will definitely put you in the mood! This weekend, my friend, Sheila, shared the cutest thing I've seen in a while! Have you ever … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Inspire Tagged With: , , , ,



22 Gifts That Won’t Break Your Holiday Budget

November 12, 2016 by 59 Comments

The title of this post started out as, 22 Gifts Under $25, but along the way I kept remembering some pretty great items I wanted to include that were slightly over the $25 mark. So I gave up trying to keep every gift in this list under that set amount, but many of the gifts highlighted below are under that price or close.   If time allows, I'll try to put together two more "Gift Giving Ideas" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Christmas Pillow Crazy & Shopping at T.J. Maxx Online!

November 1, 2016 by 46 Comments

Hi! My name is Susan, and I think I have a Christmas pillow problem. ;) Just in case you suffer with this affliction, as well, I thought I'd share my collection and a few of the new ones I just picked up this year. This year is turning into a fabulous year for us Christmas pillow lovers because they are everywhere and they are delightful!   Starting with those I've collected over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods Tagged With: ,



5 Delightful Ways To Get Ready For Christmas

October 28, 2016 by 47 Comments

1.  Snowflake Swizzle Stirrers I came across these "Swizzle Stick Ice Molds" in Williams-Sonoma recently and bought one set to try them out.   Here's how they looked once frozen...cute!   They would be great for serving a mixed drink, or really any drink for the holiday season. I tried them out in some cranberry juice. No, I don't have my Fa La La plate out yet, just … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Inspire



Two Beautiful Table Settings & A Brilliant Storage Idea for Napkin Rings

September 15, 2016 by 27 Comments

Welcome to the 417th Tablescape Thursday! A while back I shared some bins I had purchased as a possible solution for storing my napkin rings. I ended up returning the bins, they were just too large and took up way too much space for napkin ring storage. Candace who reads BNOTP sent me a photo sharing how she stores her napkin rings and I think it is such a clever idea! She uses a slacks or pants … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes



Where Did You Get That Flatware?

July 21, 2016 by 54 Comments

Welcome to the 409th Tablescape Thursday! I've been out of town visiting with family for the last five days and just got back late yesterday evening. Since I wasn't home to create a tablescape, I thought it might be fun to put together a post all about flatware. Flatware is to a table setting what jewelry or shoes are to an outfit. The right flatware can be the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Children's Tablescapes, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Fall Tablescapes, Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Independence Day Table Settings, Independence Day Tablescapes, Mardi Gras Tablescapes, New Year's Table Settings, New Year's Tablescapes, Romantic Tablescapes, Safari Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, St. Patrick's Day Table Settings, St. Patrick's Day Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Thanksgiving Table Settings, Thanksgiving Tablescapes, Valentine's Day Table Settings, Valentine's Day Tablescapes, Winter Tablescapes



A Snowy Winter Table Setting

January 14, 2016 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 382nd Tablescape Thursday! We're celebrating winter with a snowy winter tablescape for Tablescape Thursday.   It was a cold but sunshine-filled day yesterday when I created this table setting in my breakfast room.   For the centerpiece, I used the little tree I had previously used for our Hot Cocoa Bar on the porch. (See more of the Hot Cocoa Bar in this post: … [Read more...]

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



The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

January 4, 2016 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 362nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year! How were your holidays? I hope you were able to spend them with those you love most. I was away for a while, visiting my son, dil and grandson. It was wonderful seeing them! Unfortunately, the trip back home was an adventure, and not in a good way. I'll share that story very soon, complete with pictures, because there are lots of lessons to be … [Read more...]

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



Christmas Table: Lenox Holiday Tartan & Fitz & Floyd Centerpiece

December 31, 2015 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 380th Tablescape Thursday! Elena created a beautiful table setting for her family for this year's Christmas dinner. If you're a fan of the beautiful pieces produced by Fitz and Floyd, you'll love this stunning tablescape.   Elena decorated her sideboard to coordinate with her table, as well.   The highlight of the centerpiece is a wonderful Fitz and Floyd … [Read more...]

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



DIY Hot Cocoa Sign for a Hot Chocolate Bar: A Tutorial

December 25, 2015 by 38 Comments

A couple of days ago I shared a Hot Cocoa bar I created out on my screened porch. The bar area included a sign I made that was inspired by a sign I had seen floating around blogland a few years back. After not having any success locating a similar sign, I decided it was time to head downstairs to my basement workshop and make my own. (Inspiration sign and detail views of the Hot Cocoa Bar can be seen in … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Winter Tablescapes



Toile Christmas Table Setting with Bon Jour Yuletide

December 23, 2015 by 24 Comments

Welcome to the 379th Tablescape Thursday! Recently Gina shared some wonderful photos of her Christmas table setting and I loved it! In her email Gina said, "You posted on your blog a year ago, to take a second look at ornaments that do double duty for other things.  Well I did!  I have used ornaments as napkin rings this year on my Christmas Table."  I immediately recognized the beautiful toile pattern. … [Read more...]

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



Create a Hot Cocoa Bar for Winter Entertaining

December 22, 2015 by 61 Comments

Happy Holidays to you, dear Friends! We're out on the porch today and I know it's a little chilly. Don't worry though, I have just the thing to warm us up. Step right over here and belly up to the bar--the Hot Cocoa Bar, that is. :)   I've been envisioning a Hot Cocoa Bar for years out here on the porch, but I could never quite gather together all the bits and pieces I needed to create it, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Porches, Porches & Decks, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , ,



Decorate the Porch in Tartan for Christmas

December 21, 2015 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 360th Metamorphosis Monday! Last summer I shared Linda's beautiful porch as it looks during the summer in this post: Patio Becomes a Three-Season Porch   In October I shared how it looks during the fall months: Decorate a Porch for Autumn   Linda has transformed it again for the holidays and it's a winter wonderland with lots of great accent pieces pulled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,



I’m Dreaming of a White Feather Christmas

December 17, 2015 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 378th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever tried to take a photo of a cloud or a ghost? That's a kinda how it felt this week as I tried to take pictures of this week's table setting. lol Feather centerpieces can be a challenge! I wish the chandelier didn't hang down in the way, try to imagine this table without it there. I wish I had placed this setting outside on the porch but I wasn't … [Read more...]

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



A Christmas Tree at Last

December 16, 2015 by 58 Comments

Several folks have asked when I was going to share my Christmas tree for this year. Well, I finally called "uncle." Where does that phrase come from anyway? lol   After spending 3 hours one night changing a million fuses, two hours another night examining a million bulbs, and an hour a third night fiddling and fussing, I finally gave up (for this year) on trying to get the lights to work on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Living Room (Downstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,



26 Holiday Gifts They’ll Never Return

December 11, 2015 by 47 Comments

How's your holiday shopping coming along? If you're like me, I usually get it about 95% done but get stuck on those last few gifts. There's always a few folks on my list for whom I struggle finding the right gift. I've put together a list of 26 wonderful gift ideas. The list includes gifts for men, women and children so there's something here for everyone. Many of these are products I currently use and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods



Christmas Dinner in Toyland

December 10, 2015 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 377th Tablescape Thursday! Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year? I have a wee obsession with Christmas dishware. I love how it can be whimsical, playful or just stunningly beautiful! The two patterns I'm using this week (really three if you count the charger) are all about the fun, playful side of Christmas.   This is a table setting that would appeal to both … [Read more...]

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



Decorating the Chariot for Christmas

December 4, 2015 by 36 Comments

Happy Friday! I'm sooo excited this evening because tomorrow I'll be doing one of the things I most love doing this time of year: I'll be heading out with friends for a nearby Christmas home tour. Each year when we attend this particular tour, we almost always buy their "combo" ticket which includes seeing three homes by daylight and three by candlelight. I love both types of tours but the candlelight … [Read more...]

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



A Red Christmas Door

December 2, 2015 by 66 Comments

Just popping in with a few photos of my front porch progress. I took these photos this evening after dark to give you an idea of how things look at night. The porch doesn't feel complete just yet; it needs a little greenery around the bottom of the urns and a little something else, but it's getting there.   In years past, I've alway hung the garland lower on the door as seen in this photo … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Porches



Looking For Some Christmas Decorating Inspiration

December 1, 2015 by 31 Comments

Greetings to you! How has your day been going? Before we get into today's post, I have a little update: I changed over to a new email service on November 12th, and I'm starting to hear from a few folks who aren't getting their email updates when a new post is up here at the blog. If you haven't been receiving those, please sign up again using the subscribe box at the end of this post. Or, e-mail me at … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours



Squash Casserole Recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Anytime

November 24, 2015 by 18 Comments

Greetings this beautiful fall day! Are you busy preparing for Thanksgiving? I haven't had Thanksgiving here at my home in a while, so I'm excited to have family coming here this year. I picked up a Honey Baked Ham yesterday and bought a fresh turkey today to cook on Thanksgiving Day. I know they'll be lots of left overs but that's fine with me. Who doesn't love leftovers! I always prepare a squash casserole … [Read more...]

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



Tartan Christmas Table Setting, Vintage Style

November 19, 2015 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 374th Tablescape Thursday! Before we get into this week's Tablescape Thursday, I think I have some good news. It appears the Tartan Chargers are back in stock again, at least they are as I'm writing this on Saturday evening. You'll find them here: Tartan Chargers Recently Jeri who reads BNOTP, shared some pictures of a tablescape she created for work. Jeri has the enviable job of … [Read more...]

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



Decking the Halls…and the Beds…and the Sofas

November 17, 2015 by 31 Comments

I've always loved pillows, have them all throughout my house. The last few years I've started collecting Christmas pillow and oh. my. gosh...there are some really cute ones out there. The "Love" pillow I purchased one year after Christmas is actually a Christmas pillow, but I think it's perfect to pull out again in February for Valentine's Day.   The Love pillow is currently on sale with free … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Bedroom (Master), Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Living Room (Downstairs), Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , ,



7 Christmas Porches

November 16, 2015 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 355th Metamorphosis Monday! Ahoy Matey! As  you read this, I'm somewhere out floating in the Caribbean, hopefully NOT in the Bermuda Triangle!!! ;)  I'm off sailing with the The Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott on their "Sailing With The Scotts, Ultimate Design Cruise." I have lots of posts ready for you this week. If I can find a Wifi connection, I'll also share some photos … [Read more...]

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



20 Ways To Make Your Christmas Merry & Bright

November 9, 2015 by 55 Comments

Welcome to the 354th Metamorphosis Monday! Christmas is just 45 days away and I've noticed lots of folks are Pinning and Instagramming Christmas ideas for inspiration. At the top of BNOTP, you'll find a category called, Holiday Home. Under Holiday Home, you'll find a subcategory called, Christmas. Under Christmas you'll find lots of decorating ideas, house tours, crafts, movies, recipes, tablescapes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



A Roasted Pumpkin Soup For Cozy, Fall Dinners

November 6, 2015 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday! Yesterday I shared a fall table setting and my centerpiece for the table was the prettiest little pumpkin casserole from Martha Stewart. (Pumpkin Casserole is currently on sale here: Martha Stewart Pumpkin Casserole)   The pumpkin casserole came with a yummy recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Soup. This soup was very easy to make, the trickiest part was cutting apart the sugar pumpkins. Those … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes Tagged With: , , ,



Tartan Chargers for the Holiday Table

November 3, 2015 by 43 Comments

We dish lovers watch out for each other, have you noticed that? Recently, a reader of BNOTP alerted me that chargers are now available for the tartan dishware pattern I love and use so much in table settings for Christmas. What! How had I missed that? I immediately found them online and ordered eight. (Thanks Chloe for the heads up!) Update: The chargers had sold out but it appears they have restocked … [Read more...]

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



Awesome Deal for Preserved Boxwood Wreaths

November 1, 2015 by 58 Comments

I don't normally post on Sundays but I came across a deal this weekend that expires today, so I'm sharing it in a quick post just in case it's helpful in your upcoming holiday decorating. Update added 11-2-15: It looks like they still have the 10% off deal going on, which is great! Tip: If it shows the wreath is out of stock for your store, click in the box that looks like this one below and you'll be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Master), Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Entry/Foyer, My Nest, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , ,



Get Ready for Holiday Entertaining & Dining, Everything Is On Sale!

October 25, 2015 by 54 Comments

Yesterday I ran a quick errand and while I was out, I stopped by Williams-Sonoma to see what was new for the holiday season. Oh my gosh, if you are in need of Autumn, Thanksgiving or Christmas dishware, they have some of the cutest patterns in that I've seen in a long time! I went online to see if I could find any good coupons and I noticed they are having a 20% off any item sale along with free shipping … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Fall Tablescapes, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, Thanksgiving Table Settings



A Forever Coat

February 13, 2015 by 92 Comments

I've never been a serious fashionista, but last summer I began to catch the bug. I had come across a cute fashion blogger named Sarah, who blogs at Classy Girls Wear Pearls.  I subscribed to her blog posts and over the past year while reading her blog, I began to learn about so many clothing brands and stores I'd never heard of before. Finding Sarah's blog has put a bit of a dent in my wallet, but in a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , ,



A Christmas Present For Your Future Self

January 30, 2015 by 76 Comments

Have you ever started a project thinking you could knock it out in a few hours, only to find it took more like a few days? That's how the revamp of my Christmas storage went this year, but now that I'm done, it was totally worth it. My Christmas decorations, except for the Christmas trees, are all stored here in the upstairs family room.   This quirky F.R.O.G. (finished room over the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Organization and Storage, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest Tagged With: , , , ,



Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

January 26, 2015 by 96 Comments

Welcome to the 313th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was restful and fun! I been working the last few days in the upstairs family room.   When I put away all the Christmas decorations this year, I decided it was time to get better organized. Each year when it's time to pull out the Christmas decorations, I dread it. This is why. As you can see, it's jam-packed up under … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Holiday Home, DIY Organization and Storage



Make A Snowman Spice Cake

January 9, 2015 by 59 Comments

Recently while shopping in Williams-Sonoma, I came across a Nordic Ware snowman cake pan. It was on sale, greatly reduced from $39.95 to $10.39 so I couldn't resist trying my hand at making this cute cake. Update: You can still find this pan here: Snowman Cake Pan   The cake ended up being a centerpiece for yesterday's winter table setting seen in this post: Winter Table Setting With Snowman … [Read more...]

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



A Winter Tablescape With Snowman Spice Cake Centerpiece

January 8, 2015 by 94 Comments

Welcome to the 330th Tablescape Thursday! My tablescape today is a winter themed table setting with a very special centerpiece. It's so special that it's practically invisible. What? You don't see it? It's right there--on the pedestal in the center of the table. ;) I knew by the time the centerpiece I planned to use was ready, it would already be getting dark out. Since table settings look so much … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children's Tablescapes, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



Decorating The Porch For Christmas

December 12, 2014 by 77 Comments

One of my favorite places to decorate for Christmas is the front porch. It's the first "room" friends and family see when visiting , and at Christmastime it's so much fun to make it feel extra special and inviting.   When decorating, be it inside or out, I always love a mix of fresh greenery and faux. Fresh greenery gives you the scent while faux gives you the look you want while saving you … [Read more...]

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



Christmas Tablescape With A Fresh Magnolia and Nandina Berry Centerpiece

December 11, 2014 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 326th Tablescape Thursday! How can it be December 11th already? Wow, this month is really flying by! I'm sharing a fun little Christmas table setting this week for Tablescape Thursday.     We're in the breakfast room since it's way too cold out for dining on the porch.   I'm still loving all things plaid so I chose tartan dishware for this week's … [Read more...]

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