First Day Results for My Little Impromptu Snack Bar

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...]




Christmas Decorating & Gift Wrapping Update

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...]




Answering Your Questions & A Christmas Home Tour

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...]




12 Days of Christmas Holiday Table Setting

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...]




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

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...]




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...]




A Decorated Tree & Whimsical, Fun Gift Wrapping Idea

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...]




My Favorite Christmas Decoration of All

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...]




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

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...]




It Was Worth the Hunt, Love This Christmas Tree!

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...]




25 Ideas & Tips for Decorating & Preparing for the Holidays

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...]




10 Unique Gift Ideas and An Awesome Sale!

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...]




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

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...]




This Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Isn’t What I Expected

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...]




3 Wonderful Halloween Tables & Tips for Creating a Spooky Mist with Dry Ice

Welcome to the 475th Tablescape Thursday! Over the last few days I've received some wonderful photos from BNOTP readers, sharing the amazing tables they put together for Halloween this year. Norma's Spooky but Elegant Halloween Table Norma created an elegant black and white table with beautiful silver accents.   Notice how she used simple, white dinnerware. If you've got a basic set … [Read more...]




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

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...]




Noritake Xavier Gold: Perfect for an Autumn or Holiday Table

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...]




3 Halloween Table Settings & A Halloween Craft

Welcome to the 473rd Tablescape Thursday! Things are still a bit crazy around here with furniture still piled into the breakfast room and the deck furniture piled onto the porch. Fortunately, they are coming today to put everything back onto the deck now that it's dry. Looking forward to getting everything back to normal! Update: Sorry this post is going up a bit late...painters arrived while I was … [Read more...]




A Visit to Marie’s on All Hallows’ Eve

I'm working on a little project inside one of the closets in my bedroom, and as usual, I've run into a little snag. It wouldn't be one of my projects without at least one complication popping up involving a need for a mere 1/4 inch. It's always those little quarter inches that get me! lol Looking forward to sharing this little update soon.   In the meantime, let's go visit my friend, Marie! … [Read more...]




Blue Willow & Floral Pumpkin Centerpiece for an Autumn Table

Welcome to the 472nd Tablescape Thursday! We've decided to skip fall and winter here in Georgia this year. As you can see, the trees are still green and leafy in my back yard, and yesterday was in the 80's. Today we'll reach 85! I'm really not complaining, though. I love summer and love the heat. I wonder when fall arrives, if it will just hit all at once and all the leaves will change and fall off the … [Read more...]




3 Whimsical Halloween Table Settings

Welcome to the 471st Tablescape Thursday! I attended a fun Low-Country Boil at Marie's earlier in the week. Marie often hosts gatherings for civic organizations in the community. This event was being held for the YMCA. The weather was perfect for the evening, I never even needed a sweater. We had the usual you would expect for a low-country boil: shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes and sausage. Dessert … [Read more...]




A Special Delivery

This is turning into a busy week. My main desktop computer was rebuilt and got a brand new hard drive. I picked it up yesterday and it's wicked fast! So happy to have that done and to have my computer back! I'll be getting a quote this week on having part of my backyard fence rebuilt and the hall/basement staircase door is being replaced again on Friday. The deck cleaning, staining, and rail painting is … [Read more...]




Forty Shades of Green

Welcome to the 465th Tablescape Thursday! I took the new tablescaping storage for a spin yesterday, and I have to say, it definitely made putting a table together for Tablescape Thursday a lot easier with everything so accessible. If you missed that previous storage post, you'll find it here: Tablescaping Storage.   With an upcoming trip to Ireland just a few days away, I couldn't resist … [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...]




Carnivale Blue & a $500 Shopping Spree Giveaway!

Welcome to the 456th Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch for this week's party! It's been pretty humid here lately, lots of afternoon rain storms, but I don't mind. I love the hot weather, even those really humid days. I'm super excited about this week's Tablescape Thursday because it includes a wonderful shopping spree, a chance for you to put some new dishes in your cupboard! As you know, I … [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...]




Marie’s Fanciful Spring Decor & Beautiful Butterfly Earrings

When I visited my friend, Marie's beautiful home a few days before Easter, her home was decorated in the most wonderful, fanciful way for spring. Though I've posted a couple of times sharing her spring decor, I wasn't able to share everything. I could not let you miss out on her darling bunny tails and egg garland! At the end of this post, I'm sharing a few items that I ordered and arrived today. I love … [Read more...]




Dancing Into Spring, Bunny Style!

Welcome to the 449th Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Marie's beautiful home recently, the table in her living/family room was set for spring. This table is occasionally used by the family, but it primarily serves as a another area for dining when additional seating is needed.   I oohed and aahed over these adorable plates. They are so pretty! I love the sweet bunnies face and the soft … [Read more...]




Whimsical Ideas for Spring Tablescapes

Welcome to the 448th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Spring! My friend, Marie, had a big family gathering this year for Easter. She decorated and set her tables well in advance, but with my trip to Morocco, we could never find a good date to get together for photos. Just before I left to travel out of state to see family for Easter, I was able to stop by Marie's home to take photos, but unfortunately she … [Read more...]




The Easter Bunny Spills His Egg-Hiding Secrets

Welcome to the 447th Tablescape Thursday! Happy springtime! I spent much of Tuesday and part of Wednesday cleaning the porch and readying it for spring-summer. The porch is officially open for business! :) Yeah, summer!   Everything needed a good washing including the swing-chain-covers. The covers are washed and sitting on the swing waiting to be re-hung. The swing looks so naked without … [Read more...]




Hopping Into Spring with a Beautiful Spring-Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 446th Tablescape Thursday! I really wanted to set a table on the porch this week but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. We had severe thunderstorms and lightening the entire day. We've really had some horrendous weather over the last few weeks. So I'm putting off sharing my spring-Easter until next week, but I have a wonderful treat for you for this week's Tablescape … [Read more...]




A Festive St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting

Welcome to the 443rd Tablescape Thursday! Gina put together the most wonderful tablescape for friends and family for St. Patrick's Day! Oh, how I would love to be dining here!   Gina found the cute shamrock plates at Lillian Vernon several years ago. I've seen similar plates in HomeGoods and Marshalls around this time of year, so that's another good place to look for … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Table Setting to Honor a Special Life

Welcome to the 441st Tablescape Thursday! Elena  planned a special Valentine's Day table this year. She wanted it to be extra special for her family, especially since her sister Anna would be attending. Anna had a heart transplant in January 2000 and during the past year she had been very sick.   Unfortunately, Anna didn't have the opportunity to attend this special dinner in person, … [Read more...]




Bunny Hopping Into Spring

Welcome to 440th Tablescape Thursday! We've always had a soft spot in our hearts around here for cats and bunnies. When my son was very small, we had a sweet bunny named Phineas.   Phineas was a much-loved bunny and even enjoyed cuddling with our hamster, Ralph, nearby.   So when I stumble across a cute bunny bowl, I can rarely resist. A few weeks ago I shared this adorable … [Read more...]




Beautiful Valentine’s Day Table Settings & A Clever Idea for Candle Storage

Welcome to the 439th Tablescape Thursday! Last week I used the very latest version of InLinkz for Metamorphosis Monday and Tablescape Thursday. For most folks, it worked fine, but I've heard from 4-5 readers who were unable to see the party links. Until we can figure out what's causing that issue, I've gone back to using the old version of InLinkz for today. If you were having an issue seeing the … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Decorations: Decorate the Porch, Front Door and a Valentine’s Day Tree

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day was absolutely grand! The weather here continues to be amazingly beautiful. I'm sure Mother Nature is going to wake up at any moment and realize that while she was napping, spring snuck in. Until she does, we will continue to enjoy these 60 and 70 degree, sun-filled days. Even the birds in my backyard were chirping up a storm today. They seem as excited about these … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table with Vintage Copeland Spode, Tower

Welcome to the 438th Tablescape Thursday! Please Note: I'm using the latest version of InLinkz for today's Tablescape Thursday party. If you have trouble seeing the links (or the button to link up to the party) please check to make sure you are using the latest version of your browser. You may have trouble seeing the links or linking up if your browser is an older version. Thanks so much for all your … [Read more...]




Spring Table Setting Ideas…Hurry Up Spring!

Welcome to the 437th Tablescape Thursday! I'm so sorry Tablescape Thursday is late going up. I thought today was Wednesday, I kid you not! I think my mix up started with having a doctor's appointment yesterday (just a check up, nothing serious) and for some reason I had it in my head all last week that the appointment was on Tuesday of this week. So this morning when I awoke, I was thinking it was … [Read more...]




Blue and White Table Setting for a Special New Year’s Eve Dinner

Welcome to the 435th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I received an email from Gina saying, "Some friends gathered at our house for the annual New Year's dinner and the blue and white china was used.  It's was a fun time in that we discussed what we learned and (won't do again) and what we expect to accomplish for 2017." What a fun dinner that must have been. I would love to have heard what everyone … [Read more...]




Can’t Wait Another Whole Year To Share This!

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...]




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

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...]




A Holiday Table for Metamorphosis Monday

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...]




How Santa Prepares for the Big Night, Christmas Eve

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...]




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

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...]




A Christmas Fantasy Home Tour

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...]




A Little Porch Decorating to Celebrate the Holidays

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...]




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

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...]




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

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...]




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

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...]




Bringing Home the Tree: Christmas Table Setting

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...]




The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, 2016

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...]




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

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...]




Bringing Home the Christmas Tree

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...]




Shopping for the Best & Most Realistic Artificial Christmas Tree

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...]




Snowflake Sweaters and A Conversation With My Son

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...]




Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the 427th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Though I'm not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I put together a table setting to share using the acorn soup tureens I just recently purchased .   I started out with the idea of creating a woodland centerpiece using deer, but it just didn't feel right leaving Mr. Turkey out of the picture. I only get to use … [Read more...]




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

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...]




A Beautiful Fall Thanksgiving Feast with a Sassy Turkey Centerpiece

Welcome to the 426th Tablescape Thursday! This Thanksgiving Gina, who reads BNOTP, will be hosting not one, but two Thanksgiving feasts! She shared photos with me recently of the table she created for her first dinner and it is stunning! Look at all those darling acorn tureens! Love the little green pumpkins perched atop the tall candlesticks...so cute!   There are so many wonderful … [Read more...]




13 Favorite Ways to Get Ready for the Holidays

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...]




An Enchanting, Magical, Interactive Experience

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...]




22 Gifts That Won’t Break Your Holiday Budget

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...]




7 Tables of Thanksgiving

Welcome to the 425th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! This month is flying by, but then the holidays always do. For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing seven past Thanksgiving table settings. Hope they will provide a bit of inspiration for your Thanksgiving this year. Will you be cooking this year or traveling to be with family?   Click on any title or … [Read more...]




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

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...]




5 Delightful Ways To Get Ready For Christmas

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...]




The Last Halloween Table of the Season

Welcome to the 423rd Tablescape Thursday! I'm squeezing in one more Halloween table setting before Halloween is gone for another year. I thought I'd be putting this week's table inside until I realized it was going to be 78° outside today. So we're back out on the porch for this week's Tablescape Thursday.   I had a black and white table setting in mind, but somewhere along the way I … [Read more...]




Visit Marie’s Victorian Home Decorated and Lit for Halloween

It's almost that time! Do you have your candy ready for all the ghosts and goblins who'll soon be visiting your home? My friend, Marie has decorated her home for Halloween and it's over-the-top awesome! I've featured her home in the past decorated for Halloween and this year she's added a lot of new things to her exterior decorations. If you want to trick or treat here, you must first get past the big, … [Read more...]




Halloween in Pumpkin Hollow: Whimsical Table Setting

Welcome to the 422nd Tablescape Thursday! The leaves in my yard are changing color and both they and the acorns are falling like crazy right now. The oak tree in my front yard must have a special vendetta against my home. It's hurling acorns day and night at my bedroom windows and the metal roof of the front porch. Who knew autumn could be so violent. And noisy! lol Despite the falling leaves, the … [Read more...]




Tour the William Root House In Mourning, Oldest Home in the City of Marietta

Recently a friend and I visited the William Root House Museum & Garden. The Root House was almost demolished back in the 1980s because it had fallen into terrible disrepair. Fortunately, some savvy folks realized it was the oldest known home in the city of Marietta and preservation efforts got underway just in time. In 1989, the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society acquired the home and it was moved … [Read more...]




Decorate Your Porch for the Autumn Season

Welcome to the 402nd Metamorphosis Monday! Linda has a beautiful 3-season porch that I've shared before here at BNOTP. It's so much fun seeing how she decorates it for the seasons and holidays. When we last visited Linda, her porch was all set for summer, decorated in a wonderful navy and white nautical theme. (See that post here: Nautical Decor & Tablescape)   With the arrival of … [Read more...]




Halloween Table with MacKenzie-Childs Inspired Dishware

Welcome to the 420th Tablescape Thursday! The cooler days have me in the mood for a Halloween table this week. I have a friend visiting and she and I had fun putting this one together.   It all started with some whimsical black and white dinner plates I spotted in HomeGoods earlier in the week.   They reminded me so much of MacKenzie-Childs dishware, but the price was a lot … [Read more...]




Decorate Your Porch for Autumn & Halloween

Welcome to the 401st Metamorphosis Monday! How was your first weekend of October? When the calendar says "October" I guess there's no denying fall is here. Everything is still lush and green here in Georgia but I know that's about to change. Blog Update This weekend I had a big update come across for my blog. After the update had completed, the slider that's normally at the top of the blog was … [Read more...]




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

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...]




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 Spring Table Setting for the Little Ones

Welcome to the 394th Tablescape Thursday! For Easter each year, my friend, Marie, always sets the cutest table for her six grandchildren. This year's table was especially adorable because there were already some very soft and colorful guests seated in each chair around the table. :)   You can find these online at the Peeps website. Just Google for Plush Peeps and it's the first thing that … [Read more...]




A Springtime Table with Cabbage Plates & Floral Egg Centerpiece

Welcome to the 393rd Tablescape Thursday! When I visited Marie a couple of weeks ago, she had set several tables in her home in anticipation of the large family gathering she would be having for Easter. This table was set in her dining room near a tree Marie decorates for all the holidays and seasons. (View the tree HERE.)   Marie used Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage plates and topped those off … [Read more...]




A Visit to Marie’s Beautiful Home for Easter

Welcome to the 374th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a wonderful spring weekend! I'm putting Monday's post up a bit early since I'll be away from my computer tomorrow for much of the day. Recently when I visited with my friend, Marie, I so enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful decorations she had put up for spring and Easter. Her mantel was decorated with a egg garland in the colors of spring: … [Read more...]




Marie’s Beautiful Spring Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 392nd Tablescape Thursday! This past Monday I spent a fun day shopping and lunching with my friend, Marie. If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you know Marie decorates her beautiful Victorian home for all the holidays and seasons. I couldn't wait to see what she had done this year for spring! Marie creates whimsical vignettes throughout her home for her six grandchildren to enjoy. … [Read more...]




Spring Easter Table Setting With Spode Emma’s Garland & Bunny Centerpiece

Welcome to the 391st Tablescape Thursday! We're out on the porch this week for Tablescape Thursday. The weather has been so nice, running in the mid 70's every day, so I couldn't resist putting a table outside. Has spring arrived early in your area, too?   I've put together a table that will work for an Easter or springtime gathering.   This is the first time I've used the … [Read more...]




St. Patrick’s Day Table with 4-Leaf Clover & Shamrock Dishes

Welcome to the 389th Tablescape Thursday! I was so hoping to put a table out on the porch this week since we've been having warmer weather, but it turned cold again the day I set this table, so we're back in the breakfast room for this week. I pulled out my favorite centerpiece for this St. Patrick's Day table.   This friendly little leprechaun only comes out to play during the month of … [Read more...]




8 Festive Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Welcome to the 388th Tablescape Thursday! St. Patrick's Day is just a few weeks away so today I'm sharing a few St. Paddy's Day tablescapes along with some other fun ideas and inspiration for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Click any of the titles below to see a table, hutch, recipe or napkin fold in more detail. St. Patrick's Day Spring Table   St. Patrick's Day Table With … [Read more...]




Found: Not One, But 3 Bunnies with Baskets!

Each time I set a table and use Mr. Bunny in the centerpiece, I get lots of emails and comments from folks asking where I found him. He was designed by artist, Marjolein Bastin and I found him several years ago in a small gift shop in Marietta, Georgia called The Whimsical Nest. I've heard from several readers who have called the shop and were told that they no longer carry him. I think they only had him … [Read more...]




Spring and Easter Table Setting Ideas

Welcome to the 386th Tablescape Thursday! Thanks so much for all the lovely congrats and well-wishes you left on yesterday's post. These are the moments that really matter in life and I love being able to share them with you, dear Friends! ♥ Last Tablescape Thursday, I shared a Valentine's Day themed table. On Friday we went on a field trip to Pottery Barn to see all the wonderful tables they … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Table Setting with Vintage Copeland Spode Tower

Welcome to the 385th Tablescape Thursday! With Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks away, I'm sharing a fun Valentine's Day table setting today. Valentine's Day is normally a romantic celebration for two, but I couldn't resist putting together a whimsical setting for the holiday.   Mr. Bunny is back and he brought us some goodies! He has acted as the centerpiece in many previous … [Read more...]




Ideas for Valentine’s Day Tables

Welcome to the 384th Tablescape Thursday! Valentine's Day is just a couple of weeks away. Here's a little inspiration for making it a special day. ♥ Click on and the title below to access that post for more information! ♥ Make Heart Shaped Cakes with this Recipe   Make Music-Covered Hearts for Valentine's Day   Valentine's Day Table with a Heart-Tree … [Read more...]




A Snowy Winter Table Setting

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...]




The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

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...]




Christmas Table: Lenox Holiday Tartan & Fitz & Floyd Centerpiece

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...]