Planning a Last-Minute 4th of July Table-Celebration, So Many Wonderful Finds!

Welcome to the 770th Tablescape Thursday! It has been a crazy week around here. The plumber has been here checking to see if I can move my washer connections to another wall in the laundry room for a possible future laundry room renovation, and he's coming back today for a follow-up. The roof cleaning company is also coming back today to touch up a few places that didn't come clean when they were here … [Read more...]




Celebrating the 4th of July with a Patriotic Table Setting! Happy Independence Day!

Welcome to the 718th Tablescape Thursday! I haven't had a chance yet to thank you for all the wonderful suggestions left on my June 24th post. They were all incredibly helpful. I will do a follow-up post very soon because I think I may have figured out what was causing the issues I've been having--more on that real soon. But I just wanted to say Thank You and let you know how much I appreciated each and … [Read more...]




8 Patriotic Table Settings for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 717th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Summer! I can't believe how fast spring went by. I just realized Independence Day is less than two weeks away! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing some festive, fun ways to celebrate this year. I hope you find these tables helpful as you plan for your 4th of July celebrations. Click the title of each post below to see more of that … [Read more...]




Nautical-Themed Table Setting with Patriotic Vibes

Welcome to the 668th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! Yesterday was super busy so by the time I was able to set a table for this week, it was already late evening. When I started taking photos, I was happy to see the Blue Hour had arrived. Do you see it there peeking through the treetops? (Read more about the Blue Hour in this previous post: The Secret … [Read more...]




A Picnic on the Porch for the 4th of July, Complete with Ants ;)

Welcome to the 666th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! It was pretty hot and humid out on the porch yesterday, so I waited until later in the day to set this table. Then a big storm came along so it got quite dark. It looked like it was 8:00 pm when it was really closer to 5:00! So it may look a bit dark out in some of the pictures in this … [Read more...]




Patriotic Inspiration for Your 4th of July Celebration–Love the Bandana Tablecloth!

The 4th of July is just a few days away! Do you have any special plans for this year? Sheri, a lovely BNOTP reader, shared the awesome table she has created for her upcoming Independence Day celebration with me and I love it!   Sheri said, "I decked out our dining room in Patriotic decor for the Fourth of July. Usually, I go from Spring to Patriotic decor in Mid-May and keep it until Fall … [Read more...]




5 Ideas, Crafts and Recipes for Your Memorial Day Weekend

The 4th of July is just over a month away. I was thinking today, this would be a great time to work on some patriotic crafts because they could be used for Memorial Day this upcoming weekend and you would be all set for our 4th of July celebrations a month from now. One of the most fun projects I've ever completed was this wood flag. It was easy to make and actually a lot of fun!   You'll … [Read more...]




Patriotic Table Settings and No-Sew Crafts for Your Memorial Day

Welcome to the 659th Tablescape Thursday, a blog party sharing beautiful table settings for all occasions! I was looking forward to sharing a table this week but yesterday I came down with a horrible stomach virus, complete with really bad muscle aches and pains. I rarely get a stomach virus so have no idea what brought that on. I never like the taste of most drinks that are supposed to replace … [Read more...]




A Patriotic Tea Party with American Grown Tea from the Charleston Tea Garden

Welcome to the 617th Tablescape Thursday! Recently, Deonna, a BNOTP reader, hosted a wonderful patriotic tea in her home. Deonna loves American history so her beautiful Liberty Blue is a favorite, especially around patriotic holidays like we just celebrated recently.   Is this not stunning?! Wow!   I love this pattern, so perfect for a 4th of July celebration or tea … [Read more...]




6 Patriotic Tables for Independence Day

Welcome to the 615th Tablescape Thursday! With Independence Day just two days away, I'm sharing some festive red, white and blue inspiration for your upcoming 4th of July celebrations. Cue the fireworks! Click the title of each post below to see more of that particular table setting. Happy 4th of July to you! Patriotic Table for Two   4th of July Table with a Patriotic … [Read more...]




Chasing Away the Gloom with a Festive 4th of July Celebration

Welcome to the 614th Tablescape Thursday! I've had this 4th fo July table setting planned for a few weeks and during that time, I never imagined setting it on such a raining, dark day. The floods came last night as I set this table and it got super dark, very fast. This morning was not much different. Hopefully, I'll be able to add some sunnier photos to this post later on today.   A … [Read more...]




Celebrate the 4th of July: 5 Decor Ideas, 5 DIY Crafts & 5 Patriotic Table Settings

Welcome to the 543rd Metamorphosis Monday! The 4th of July is just a little more than a week away! Wow, summer is passing way too quickly for my liking! Do you have any special plans for your 4th of July celebration? For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I'm sharing a round-up of some fun and easy ways to get ready for this festive, patriotic holiday. (Note: Click the title name of each post below … [Read more...]




A Memorial Day Table Setting with a Beach-Nautical Theme

Welcome to the 557th Tablescape Thursday! With Memorial Day weekend almost here, it's time for a patriotic table to honor those who have so valiantly served in our armed forces. As I did last year with a 4th of July table, I decided to give this table a beach/nautical vibe.   Do you have any special plans for this holiday weekend? Are you heading to the beach, planning a Memorial Day … [Read more...]




A Living Room Table: Great for Reading, Working or a Casual Dinner

Welcome to the 511th Tablescape Thursday! Marie always sets several tables when entertaining for the holidays. One of my favorite tables in her home is the one she usually sets in her living area in case additional seats are needed. This room is nice and large, so it easily accommodates a large table for reading, working or dining.   Since this table is also used for other activities … [Read more...]




Festive Table Setting for a 4th of July Patriotic Celebration

Welcome to the 510th Tablescape Thursday! It's always a big celebration at Marie's for the 4th of July! She had several tables set and ready for friends and family when we met up last week.   I love these Uncle Sam hats! They make such a fun statement on any table or in any centerpiece or decor. Marie found those in Pier 1 a few years back.   A mix of tall, glass candle … [Read more...]




Tour this Beautiful Victorian Home Decorated for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 492nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! It's the start of a brand new week, looking forward to sharing it with you! On Saturday I shared a few photos of how Marie's beautiful Victorian home is decorated in celebration of this year's Independence Day.   Let's go in and see how she decorated inside!   The family room was very festive! I bet the mantle is so … [Read more...]




Decorate a Porch for the 4th of July!

Happy Weekend! Hope you are having a wonderful one! Recently, my friend, Marie, and I got together for a lunch date.  Marie has her home beautifully decorated for the Independence Day.   Pictures just never do Marie's home justice, everything is so much prettier and grander in person.   I loved the red, white and blue bunting running down the entire length of the … [Read more...]




A Beach-Themed Table Setting for the 4th of July: Happy Independence Day!

Welcome to the 509th Tablescape Thursday! It's officially summer and the 4th of July celebrations are almost upon us!   We've been getting some heavy storms every afternoon so please excuse the "moody" background. It was only around 4:00 when I took these photos but it almost looks like it's getting dark out.   Whenever I use a tall centerpiece I always get questions, so … [Read more...]




A Red, White & Blue Patriotic Table Setting in Honor of Memorial Day

Welcome to the 504th Tablescape Thursday! We've been getting some really heavy storms here each day, so I decided to place my table inside this week. I've put together a patriotic setting in honor of Memorial Day, but this setting would also work great for the 4th of July or any other patriotic occasion or holiday.   This setting is all about the Red, White and Blue as we celebrate our … [Read more...]




Home-Made Salsa Recipe: Delicious & Easy to Make

Welcome to the 481st Metamorphosis Monday! I have a yummy treat for you for this week's Met Monday! My friend, Linda, a native Texan, makes a fabulous salsa that's always a big hit with all of her friends and family. Whenever there's a get-together in the works, she always gets requests to bring her delicious salsa. Recently when Linda made it for a party, she took some photos of the process so I … [Read more...]




One Dish, Many Celebrations

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...]




Sunflower Centerpiece for a 4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 458th Tablescape Thursday! We've been having the most beautiful weather lately, perfect for setting a table out on the porch.   Today's table is all about sunflowers, well--the 4th of July AND sunflowers! :)   I always love using Sakura Warren Kimble flag dinnerware for 4th of July tablescapes. Really it's good for any time of the year but it's especially fun … [Read more...]




4th of July Crafts, Recipes, Table Settings and Decorating Ideas

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, I know a bunch of us are in full swing getting ready for cook-outs and celebrations. There are tons of crafts, recipes, table settings and decorating ideas here at BNOTP just a few clicks away, but sometimes it can be a bit tricky knowing where to find them. I came up with an idea today that I hope you'll find helpful. So here's what I did: I took screen captures … [Read more...]




17 Charger Plate Ideas for Your Next Dinner Party

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...]




A Patriotic Porch & A Refreshing Drink for Summer Gatherings

Welcome to the 435th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Mine was busy, but fun! This weekend I finally took time to reattach the covers over the swing chains.   I had taken them off this spring to wash once the pollen attack was over, and had just never gotten around to putting them back on. It requires climbing a tall step ladder which always yields … [Read more...]




Where Did You Get That Flatware?

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...]




Celebrate Independence Day With a Nautical-Themed Table Setting, Plus An Amazing Find

Welcome to the 405th Tablescape Thursday! I have to start off this week's Tablescape Thursday with an incredible find. You know this nautical, sailboat flatware you've seen me use so often in table settings?   I just found it available this morning for $26.99 for a 20-piece set!!! I know I paid way more than that when I purchased it several years ago. I think I paid $99. I've never seen it … [Read more...]




A Patriotic Table For Two

Welcome to the 363rd  Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all your great suggestions yesterday! Appreciate those so much! With Labor Day weekend upon us, I had fun putting a patriotic tablescape together out on the deck.   The whole time I was working on this table, the tree-form hydrangea on this end of the deck kept poking me in the head. :) Taking a photo behind the hydrangea … [Read more...]




4th of July Nautical Table Setting

Welcome to the 355th Tablescape Thursday! So, remember that table setting I didn't get to post last week because a big storm came along and put an end to any thoughts of taking pictures for the day?   It's a week late, but better late than never, right?   I ended up setting this table with two different centerpieces.   The first centerpiece was a flag and … [Read more...]




Celebrating the Red, White and Blue

Welcome to the 354th Tablescape Thursday! Late yesterday afternoon, as I was just finishing my table for today, a big storm blew in. I quickly grabbed the food I had already placed on the table, along with a few other items I thought would get wet or blow away and made a hasty retreat inside. It stayed almost this dark out for the rest of the evening, even after the worst of the storm had passed. We … [Read more...]




5 Tabletop Crafts & Recipes for Independence Day

Welcome to the 352nd Tablescape Thursday! I'm working on a table I'll be sharing next week. With the 4th of July just a couple of weeks away, here are a few fun crafts, centerpieces and recipes you can make for your upcoming 4th of July table. Some of the centerpieces would work on a sideboard or buffet, too. Click on the TITLE to access each tabletop craft, tutorial or recipe below. Make a … [Read more...]




Watermelon Mojitos For A Summer Party

Welcome to the 351st Tablescape Thursday! I was out of town until Monday evening and since I wasn't able to create a table setting, for this week's Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share something I made last week while visiting my son and dil. It's at least table related, a yummy summertime drink I came across at Pottery Barn that can be made as an adult beverage with rum, or minus the rum for a … [Read more...]




Patriotic Table Setting For Memorial Day & 4th of July

Welcome to the 345th Tablescape Thursday! One of my favorite tablescapes for summertime dining on the porch is one celebrating our patriotic holidays. Over the next few months we have three coming up: Memorial Day in May, Flag Day in June and Independence Day in July. Time to break out the red, white and blue!   It was a beautiful day as I played out on the porch. Love seeing the trees … [Read more...]




How To Make A Tote Bag Centerpiece

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




4th of July Nautical-Themed Table Setting

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




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

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




Emergency Substitutions for Common Ingredients

There's nothing more stressful when preparing a big holiday dinner than running out of a key ingredient, especially when there's no time to run back to the store. Here's a list I compiled of popular substitutions for some of the more common ingredients we sometimes run low on. Hope this helps your cooking go a bit smoother this holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving! Image from … [Read more...]




21 Delicious Party Drinks for the Holiday Season

It will soon be party time! Even if you're not having a big party this year, chances are you will have family and friends stopping in during the holidays. Treat them to a special drink that's as pretty as it is tasty! I spent several hours yesterday searching for the yummiest and most beautiful party drinks I could find. I'm pretty excited about this list, I think it will be my go-to spot for holiday … [Read more...]




How To Create a Watermelon Flower-Garden Centerpiece

  Each summer I like to create a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece. I missed last year but I couldn't let this summer get away without trying a new one. They are just so much fun to do! (You'll find the table setting below here: Summer Table Setting with Carved Flower Garden Watermelon Centerpiece) Two summers ago I carved this whale centerpiece. You'll find the tutorial for … [Read more...]




101 Things You Can Do With Old Jeans, No.3: Denim Napkin Rings

Okay, I'm joking with that post title, but they're probably 101 things you could make or create with old jeans! If you're new to reading BNOTP, recently I cleaned out my closet and found three pairs of old jeans that were out of style and had magically shrunk while hanging in the closet. How DOES that happen?! Since the jeans weren't in the greatest shape, I decided to repurpose them for a fun … [Read more...]




4th of July Table Setting: Beautiful and Budget Friendly

Welcome to the 252nd Tablescape Thursday! When Sandi sent me pictures of the table she set for a small 4th of July gathering, I knew I had to share it with you.  I often get emails from BNOTP readers asking for tips on setting tables that are budget friendly, yet beautiful. One great way to stretch that tablescaping budget is to mix pieces or sets you already own or when you're out … [Read more...]




Make a Party Banner: Pottery Barn Inspired

9Welcome to the 232nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your 4th of July weekend? I hope it was fabulous! We had a rainy one here in Georgia. The sun came out for a few minutes but unfortunately, it didn't last long. If you've been reading BNOTP this past week, you know I pulled out some old, worn and out of style jeans from my closet and found another use for them.   I recycled the back … [Read more...]




Dining on the Porch for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 251st Tablescape Thursday! Happy 4th of July! With the constant rain we've been having, it was super dark out on the porch all day yesterday. So, I waited until this morn to take some pics of this 4th of July tablescape.   This morning it was still dark and gloomy out, not exactly the sunny weather we normally have in July. That just means we have to create our own … [Read more...]




Patriotic Punch for the 4th of July

It's monsoon season again here in Georgia. Doesn't Mother Nature know tomorrow is the 4th of July and celebrations are planned? Rain or no rain, the festivities will go on and we will enjoy every minute, even if the sunshine is in liquid form. Speaking of liquids, today I'm sharing an easy to make, red, white and blue patriotic punch. It's perfect for a 4th of July celebration, especially for the kiddos. … [Read more...]




A New Use for Your Old Jeans

I'm trying to keep myself busy these days, it's part of the way I've been coping with Max's passing.  I've been clearing out closets and I came across these old jeans that are very much out of style and ahem, a little too small.  Do you have jeans in your closet like that? A little light bulb went off, something I've been wanting to do in a tablescape for a while.   I cut the back pockets off … [Read more...]




4th of July Table for Children

Welcome to the 250th Tablescape Thursday! Marie always sets the cutest children's table for each holiday or event. The one she created for her 6 grandchildren for this year's 4th of July is a delight!   The table has a "star" theme with red and white polka dot star salad plates and blue and white striped salad plates.   An overhead view...   This was the same table Marie … [Read more...]




4th of July Decorating Ideas: Decorate a Tree

While we continue to enjoy all the beautiful table settings posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the other decorations Marie has up for the 4th of July.  Marie's home is always a wonderful flurry of activity.  With 4 children and 6 grandchildren, there's always something fun going on. The day Marie and I last got together, she had a big group of children in … [Read more...]




Stars & Stripes Patriotic 4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 249th Tablescape Thursday! I'm excited to share another wonderful 4th of July table setting created by my friend, Marie. Marie always sets wonderful tablescapes for each holiday and this fabulous  patriotic setting is in her breakfast area. Marie found this fun dishware on eBay.  So festive for a 4th of July celebration! I've seen the flatware available on sale at Horchow but I found … [Read more...]




A Patriotic Porch for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 229th Metamorphosis Monday! When we last visited Marie's beautiful Victorian home, it was decorated for Easter. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Decorating for Easter A few months before Easter, the porch was decorated with red garland and big red hearts for Valentine's Day.  It was still cold weather and the trees were all bare. Spring is here, actually almost summer … [Read more...]




Table Setting Ideas for a 4th of July Party

Welcome to the 248th Tablescape Thursday! Yesterday I got together for lunch and a little antiquing with my friend, Marie. As the wife of a former Georgia Governor, patriotic holidays like Memorial Day and the 4th of July are important occasions.  Their home was decorated beautifully and I'll be sharing the decorations in an upcoming post. Today, I'm sharing two of the table settings Marie created for … [Read more...]




Three Summer Tablescapes: Patriotic and Nautical Inspired

Welcome to the 245th Tablescape Thursday! There's a Pottery Barn store just a couple miles from my home.  Dangerous, right? A few days ago while out running errands, I stopped in to see what's new for summer. I didn't buy anything, just window shopped that day.  They had three really cute tables set up so I had to snap some cell phone pics for you.  Their displays are always so creative! Are you … [Read more...]




How to Age, Antique or Distress Furniture, Signs or a Wood Flag

Welcome to the 186th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I was chatting via e-mail with Nancy,  a talented DIY reader of BNOTP.  Nancy was inspired by a tutorial I posted a while back detailing how I made a wooden flag for Independence Day. I had been inspired by this one in the Pottery Barn catalog.   Since I had a big cookout planned for the 4th, the flag was the finishing touch for my patriotic … [Read more...]




Make Your Own Beverage Tags: A Ballard Designs Knock-Off

Recently, I received an "End of Season" Ballard Designs catalog in the mail.  Excuse me, but would someone please tell Ballard Designs to not rush my summer.  It's just mid July and here in the south summer lasts at least until the end of September, sometimes well into October. Max and I curled up in the green and white chair here in the office and had fun oohing and ahhing from one page to the next.  So … [Read more...]




A Magical 4th of July with Good Friends

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments yesterday.  I'm so looking forward to another 200 Tablescape Thursdays! Lately I've been sticking near home a lot.  I'm determined to get all the posts at BNOTP categorized, tagged and labeled so I can make the switch to the new system to alleviate the issue some readers are having accessing posts via the category links.   So every free second when I'm not … [Read more...]




Decorate Your Deck for Summer Parties and Cookouts

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




4th of July Table Setting

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




A Patriotic Celebration

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




Easy 4th of July Centerpiece Table Decoration

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




Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Welcome to the 154th Metamorphosis Monday! I'm sharing an edible "Before and After" for this Metamorphosis Monday. This past Christmas I decided to shake things up a bit.  I made the traditional Coconut Cake and Ambrosia (recipe for Coconut Cake HERE) but I decided to make a pie, too. Years ago, I used to make a Lemon Meringue pie using a recipe from an old Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe … [Read more...]




Carved Watermelon Whale Centerpiece

Carved Watermelon Party Centerpiece This past Tablescape Thursday, I shared a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece.   (View that tablescape here: Summer Tablescape with Carved Watermelon Centerpiece)   For a party many years ago, I cut the top off a watermelon and hollowed it out to hold fruit.   That was cute, but I've always wanted to try my hand at carving one … [Read more...]




How to Sew a Pillow with Piping: Easy Tutorial

There are so many ways to make a pillow...just about as many ways as you can possibly dream up.  You can make them from napkins, decorate them with cute buttons, applique them...the possibilities are endless. When I decided to make two pillows for the swing, as part of my 4th of July makeover of the porch, I wanted to use the same pillow inserts that were already in the existing pillows.  That way, I … [Read more...]




Displaying and Decorating with China for the Seasons and Holidays

Welcome to the 154th Tablescape Thursday! Jeanne  blogs at  Selep Imaging.  Jeanne has a wonderful hutch she changes out with each holiday or season.   I was so impressed with her lovely china collection and the creative way she displays it, I couldn't resist sharing it for Tablescape Thursday. As you scroll down, notice how Jeanne mixes so many different patterns beautifully.  There's a wonderful … [Read more...]




Summertime Salad: Arugula with a Fresh Berry Dressing

Happens every time. Yep, I'm a rule breaker...a real rebel. ;) (hee, hee)  Okay, technically when you have friends over for dinner or a party, you are NOT supposed to try out a new dish/recipe you've never made before. I guess that's in case it doesn't turn out right or you just don't like it. But, wouldn't ya know, that's when I always get in the mood to experiment and try something different...not … [Read more...]




Make a Pottery Barn Inspired Flag

Welcome to the 129th Metamorphosis Monday!   Whenever the Pottery Barn catalog shows up in my mailbox, I know I'm going to be inspired. There's almost always something in there that grabs my attention and gets those creaky wheels in the brain turning. The challenge is always how to get "the look" without the cost. Recently, I decided to do a complete makeover of my screened-in porch for the 4 … [Read more...]




Patriotic Porch for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 128th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Independence Day weekend! Hope your weekend has been going great! I'm having a little cookout tomorrow so I've been busy with preparations. Did you already have your 4th of July celebration or will you be celebrating tomorrow? I'm excited to share big changes I've made out on the porch over the last week. I've been busting to decorate the porch in a … [Read more...]




You’re a Grand Old Flag: Touring Main Street America

In celebration of Independence Day, I thought we would take little tour of "Main Street America." These beautiful, historic homes all have one thing in common...they are all flying the colors! I love seeing an American flag blowing in the breeze from a wonderful old porch. These homes are from various places in the southeast. Some are in Greenwood and Columbia, South Carolina and Asheville, NC but … [Read more...]




4th of July Napkin Ring Tutorial

  While we continue enjoying all the wonderful tablescapes linked yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, here's a little tutorial for the napkin ring I used in the 4th of July tablescape I shared.   This is a super easy napkin ring to make. It reminds me of beautiful patriotic bunting.   I found this napkin ring craft design online HERE, but I changed it up a bit using a … [Read more...]




4th of July Table Setting

Welcome to the 149th Tablescape Thursday! It won't be long now, Independence Day is just four days away.  Do you have any big plans for your 4th of July celebration?   It was so nice out, I decided to put this tablescape out on the porch.   I used my fave patriotic dishware by Warren Kimble.  The pattern is called, "Colonial."   A red lantern decorated with a … [Read more...]




4th of July Tablescape

While we continue viewing the beautiful tablescapes linked for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, here's some additional inspiration for your Independence Day dinner. Tina, a dear reader of BNOTP, sent along these wonderful photos of a festive table she created for this great holiday! Tina told me, "I really love designing tablescapes. I may have 14 sets of dishes, but I mix them all up for holidays and … [Read more...]




A Patriotic Celebration Table Setting

Welcome to the 147th Tablescape Thursday! A Table Setting for the 4th of July-Independence Day Happy Tablescape Thursday! I've been working on a couple of 4th of July table settings and having the best time! A table setting for Independence Day is so much fun to put together since it's all about celebration and love for our country.   Time to break out the Red, White and Blue! This table … [Read more...]




4th of July Craft or Party Favor

A Flag Day and 4th of July Inspired Craft: Today is Flag Day! With today being Flag Day and the 4th of July just a few weeks away, I thought I'd share a fun little craft/party favor you could create to use as a centerpiece for your 4th of July table or as a gift for your friends. If you are a regular reader of BNOTP, you may remember when I created this milkshake/sundae centerpiece for … [Read more...]




Two 4th of July Table Settings

Welcome to the 99th Tablescape Thursday!   For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm thrilled to be sharing two fabulous, patriotic tablescapes by my talented friend, Bonnie. Bonnie created these amazing table settings recently when she had friends visiting in her home for the 4th of July weekend. Bonnie welcomed her friends with a wonderful outdoor display. I bet they loved this! Ok, quit … [Read more...]




Tablescape for the 4th of July

Welcome to the 96th Tablescape Thursday! Independence Day is just around the corner...time for a little Red, White and Blue!       Martini glasses are from Dollar Tree.   I could just see them filled with fruit, maybe raspberries and blueberries with lots of fluffy whipped cream. Wouldn't that be perfectly patriotic for this tablescape? Flatware is by … [Read more...]




Tablescape for the 4th of July

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...]




Sweet Potato Chips Snack or Appetizer

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...]




Strawberry Cheese Ring Appetizer

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...]