Valentine’s Day Gift or Craft Centerpiece

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




A Valentine’s Day Table Setting with a Sweet Centerpiece

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




Surprise Your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day

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




Valentine’s Day Breakfast

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




The Money Pit

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




Glamorous New Year’s Eve Table Setting

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




A Christmas Tablescape and a Candlelit Tree

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




Colonial Williamsburg Apple Tree Tutorial

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




Christmas Table Setting with Apple Tree Centerpiece

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




Christmas Tree Illuminated with Real Candles

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




A Feather Christmas Tree in the Guest Room

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




The Holiday

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




Twelve Days of Christmas Table Setting

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




German Christmas Pyramids

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




Christmastime at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion

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




Christmas Home Tour: Tour A Beautiful Folk Victorian

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




A Christmas Story

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




Christmas Table Setting with Topiary Centerpiece

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




Christmas Historic Home Tour…More Photos

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




Decorate Your Porch for Christmas

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




Decorating Mailboxes, Fences and Porches for Christmas

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




Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Churches

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




Hunt-Themed Christmas Mantel

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




Home Alone

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




A Tablescape of Thanksgiving

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




Pottery Barn Inspired Garland Tutorial-Make Your Own!

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




Pottery Barn Christmas Garland Knock-off

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




15 Minute Holiday Centerpiece

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




Natural Greenery Christmas Mantel in Southern Living Idea House

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




Create Your Own Ice Bucket or Wine Chiller

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




Yummy Cranberry Trifle for Your Christmas Holiday Party

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




Champagne Punch Great For Christmas or New Year’s Party

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




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

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




Pre-Christmas Preparations

My upstairs family room, "Before" And, now...Yikes! Scary, isn't it? Don't worry...I'm not getting out the Christmas decorations, just yet. Well, actually I am getting them out...but just to sort through them. It's time to get rid of some stuff that I just don't use anymore. I'm ready for a few new things this year. See those little storage doors... Halloween is on the … [Read more...]




Pumpkin Carving Tips and Templates

Do you ever see intricately carved pumpkins and wonder how they did that? Well, it turns out, the trick is using a tool like you see on the left and not like you see on the right... So, where do you get those teeny little saw cutting tools? I found mine many years ago at Williams-Sonoma. I think this kit was around $20, which seemed like a lot at the time...but it was totally worth it. You can … [Read more...]




Napkin Folding Tutorial: The Flower Basket

As you continue enjoying all the wonderful tablescapes linked for Tablescape Thursday, I thought I'd share another fun napkin fold. This one is called, The Flower Basket. It really helps if you use a napkin that is as square as possible. None of mine were perfectly square...but this one was pretty close. This fold looks especially pretty with a lace edged napkin. Happy Folding! :) Your finished … [Read more...]




Decorating for Halloween

Welcome to the 92nd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I mentioned on Facebook that I'd love to see your fall and Halloween decor. Three BNOTP readers sent some fun pics showing the metamorphosis of their homes for the season. Pinky shared her front porch all falled up. Love the scarecrow! Beautiful wreath! Perfect for fall! Marian who lives in Lousiana knows just how to … [Read more...]




The Burbs

The Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher Since Halloween is just two weeks away, I thought I'd share a hilarious movie that's got that Halloween spirit without being too scary. The 'Burbs, starring, Tom Hanks, is a comedy and super funny! I pulled it out and watched it again this past weekend and I couldn't get over how young Tom Hanks looked...then I realized the movie is from 1989! Ha! No wonder … [Read more...]




Halloween Tablescape: Dining in the Killer Cafe

Welcome to the 112th Tablescape Thursday! We've had the most amazing weather here alllll week. Last year's Halloween tablescape was indoors, but this year I'm still playing out on the porch. With candles lit... The napkins looked way too plain so I stopped by Hancock Fabrics and purchased some black tulle. It was on sale for .99 cents a yard. I only needed a yard to create sleeves or … [Read more...]




Decorating for Halloween, Mice on a Staircase

Welcome to the 91st Metamorphosis Monday! I don't know if you've noticed, but there seems to be a mice/rat infestation going on around Blogland.   I bought these a few weeks ago but just had a chance this weekend to open them up and play today. My staircase has gone through an interesting metamorphosis.   With the light in the entry on...   Here's how the … [Read more...]




A Halloween House…Spooky!

Here's something for fun as you continue enjoying all the great posts linked for yesterday's Met Monday. A friend and I went on an historic home tour in Atlanta on Sunday. We came across this house all decked out for Halloween... Let's take a closer look... Hilarious! My favorite part is the boarded up windows! I saw some giant spiders when I was in Pier 1 the other day. Wonder if that's where … [Read more...]




An Autumn Basket for the Front Door

Welcome to the 89th Metamorphosis Monday! I need your help today...I can't see the forest for the trees, so tell me what you think. I have a pretty fall wreath I sometimes place on my door...but this year I thought I'd try a basket instead. Here's how my front door has looked all summer. Nice, but time to put this look away and welcome in the fall season... I found this large basket … [Read more...]




Three Tablescapes: Baby Shower, Beachy & Thanksgiving

Hi Everyone! Hope your week was fabulous! Any great plans for the weekend? I hope wherever you live...the weather is as awesome there as it is here. A few months back, I was blessed to receive some delightful pics of tablescapes created by three readers of BNOTP. I thought I'd share their wonderful tables today...along with the info they sent about how they were inspired to create them. Kathy from … [Read more...]




Tablescape Thursday: Celebrating 100 Table Settings

Welcome to the 100th Tablescape Thursday! Light the fireworks, sound the horns, throw the confetti..it's time for a celebration!  Whooo, hooo! Tablescape Thursday is officially 100 today!   Can you believe we have been tablescaping for 100 weeks?! Wow! I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!  Thank You with all my heart for sharing your love for the art of the table every week here … [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...]




Romantic Table for Two on the Deck

Welcome the 91st Tablescape Thursday! She Walks in Beauty Like the Night by Lord Byron She walks in beauty, like the night   Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the … [Read more...]




Make a Greenhouse from Old Windows for Holiday Displays

Remember back around Christmas time when I took you shopping at the Queen of Hearts in Alpharetta, Georgia? C'mon...sure you do. Remember, you kept begging on the drive over to stop by the Dairy Queen to get a milkshake and I told you that we had to hurry and get to the Queen of Hearts before all the good stuff was gone. Ahhh, now you remember! Well, while we were there, we saw this: Yep, it's … [Read more...]




Easter Tablescape with Daffodil & Camellia Centerpiece

Welcome to the 85th Tablescape Thursday! Easter is behind us for another year, but I thought I'd share one of the tablescapes I did this year.   Centerpiece is just a basket I've had for years...filled to overflowing with the last of the spring camillas and daffodils. I layered pretty salad plates I received as a gift this past Christmas with cabbage plates from HomeGoods. … [Read more...]




Candlelight Easter Table Setting

Welcome to the 84th Tablescape Thursday! Tonight I'm delighted to share a beautiful Easter tablescape created by my good friend, Pinky who blogs at Designs by Pinky. The candles are all lit...come right on in and have a seat... Pinky created a centerpiece using beautiful faux tulips. She elevated them using a lovely cake plate...great idea for when you would like a little height in your … [Read more...]




Easter Tablescape with Bunny Centerpiece

Welcome to the 83rd Tablescape Thursday! I have two tablescapes going at the moment...one in the breakfast room and one out on the porch. They aren't quite ready for prime time, so tonight I thought I'd share a Spring tablescape I put together around this time last year. Spring/Easter Tablescape, 2009: Easter is just around the corner.  It was a gorgeous day the afternoon I put this tablescape … [Read more...]




Renovating on a Miniature Scale

Welcome to the 59th Metamorphosis Monday! Metamorphosis Monday: I know you're going to be shocked, but I've been thinking about moving. Yes, you read that right.  Your eyes have not deceived you. You see, I found this old house and you know how I love old homes. It's a great house, just a bit smaller than my current home. Problem is, it's a real fixer-upper. we're talking fodder for Met Monday posts … [Read more...]




St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

Welcome to the 78th Tablescape Thursday! If I show you a St. Patrick's Day tablescape now, will it make spring come faster? I wish.  I couldn't make up my mind which napkin rings to use, so I used four different kinds. The frilly ribbon one is actually a hair tie from Big Lots. They only had two hair ties, so I used one as a napkin ring and took the other one apart, and used the ribbons and various parts to … [Read more...]




Make Heart-Shaped Cakes for Valentine’s Day

I've received several comments and e-mails asking about the cake recipe I used to make the little heart shaped cakes featured in last week's Tablescape Thursday.  They were made with a cake recipe given to me by my mother-in-law many years ago. It's a basic cake recipe called a 1234 Cake, and it's the same recipe I use when I make a coconut cake each year at Christmastime.  You'll find a printable version … [Read more...]




Romantic Valentine’s Day Tablescape

Welcome to the 76th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst, come over here a sec. Shhh, have to whisper, so your Valentine Sweetheart doesn't hear. Guess what I just found out?! It's the neatest thing! If you put all your Valentines in a big envelope and send them to the Postmaster in the tiny town of Valentine, Texas, she will stamp them all with a big RED stamp that says: VALENTINE, TEXAS! Imagine your Valentine's … [Read more...]




Valentine’s Day Tablescape: Be Mine

Welcome to the 75th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever wondered about the origin of those little candy hearts with the cute and sometimes corny messages? Last year, I had some fun putting together a tablescape using them in some creative ways. Since Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, I thought I'd share that tablescape again, along with some interesting facts about this well-loved candy. This … [Read more...]




Winter Table with Swarovski Snowflake & Star Centerpiece

Welcome to the 74th Tablescape Thursday!  I was in the mood to celebrate this season of winter with a winter table setting and one of my favorite Robert Frost poems. Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening By Robert Frost   Whose woods these are I think I know.   His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with … [Read more...]




Snowman Follies

Welcome to the 73rd Tablescape Thursday! It's been unusually cold here in Georgia this winter...we even had a bit of snow.   Snow in Georgia calls for a tablescape with a wintery feel.   Spied these snowman plates at HomeGoods a few months back and couldn't resist. When I had family here for Christmas, we used them for dessert; today they are salad plates in our … [Read more...]




Cozy Fireside Tea

Welcome to the 72nd Tablescape Thursday! Hey, come on in here out of the cold. I'm so excited that you've stopped by! I have a special evening planned for us.   Let's sit over here by the fire. I've made us a nice pot of hot tea. And some yummy snowball cookies. Would you like a chocolate-dipped peppermint stick? I sampled a couple before you got here...you know, just to make sure they … [Read more...]




After-Christmas Shopping

Welcome to the 51st Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a fabulous start to this new year, 2010! You've all given me a great start, filled with lots of smiles and giggles. I've been having soooo much fun reading your comments on Saturday's post, especially the ones where you shared some of your own 2009 bloopers.  That was such a fun post to create and since your responses were equally as fun, I think … [Read more...]




Beautiful Christmas Table Settings

Welcome to the 71st Tablescape Thursday! It's time for Tablescape Thursday and this is our very last TT for the year 2009. Are you looking forward to 2010? I believe 2010 is going to be an awesome year...I just feel it down to my bones. :-) This past Met Monday, I took you on a Christmas Home Tour through Tricia's lovely, historic, Victorian cottage. During the tour, I teased you with a glimpse of her … [Read more...]




Coconut Cake Recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic these days.  Holidays have a way of doing that to us, don't they? As I was looking back through some of my older posts, I came across one written around this time last year and couldn't resist sharing it with you guys again. It's a post about a family tradition that I hope you'll enjoy. But first, I have to share something that had me laughing so hard on Christmas Day, I was … [Read more...]




A Christmas Tour of Homes

Welcome to the 50th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Metamorphosis Monday, I thought I'd take you inside one of the homes I had the privilege of touring this year on the Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour. This charming Victorian cottage-style home with a wrap-around front porch, was built in 1901 and the owner, Tricia, generously allowed me to take a few pics to share with you all. Come see how … [Read more...]




The Ultimate Christmas Ornament Storage

Looking for the ultimate Christmas ornament storage? Over ten years ago, I purchased these two, fabric-covered, ornament storage boxes. I was impressed with their good looks, their sturdy construction and that they come with acid-free archival paper. Here's a view of the inside... I really like how the interior panels adjust to fit the size of the ornament. Their website states: "The … [Read more...]




Christmas Dinner at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion

Welcome to the 70th Tablescape Thursday! Can you believe Christmas is almost here? What do we call today, this day before Christmas eve? Is this Christmas eve, eve? (If you are reading this on Thursday, it is officially, Christmas Eve.) As I write this, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my family for the holiday. I've been grocery shopping and cooking...and thinking about you, the readers of BNOTP. … [Read more...]




Historic Homes Decorated for Christmas

Did you get a chance to visit the wonderful "Before and Afters" posted yesterday for Met Monday? If not, scroll down and check them out once you are done reading today's post. You will come away inspired by all the creative projects and home improvements that are taking place in Blogland! My friend, Bonnie, had the opportunity to go on a wonderful historic home tour recently in Campbell, California. She … [Read more...]




Decorate for a Traditional Christmas

Welcome to the 49th Metamorphosis Monday! Today is the last Metamorphosis Monday before Christmas...so I thought I'd share a few pics of the metamorphosis my home goes through each year around this time. I love wreaths...can you tell? I tend to decorate very traditionally...just love the Christmas reds, greens, and golds. (Warning: This post is picture intensive.) Hope you enjoy! This pic was … [Read more...]




Holiday Table Settings by the Readers of BNOTP

Happy Saturday! Are you having a fabulous weekend? Shopping done, or are you still looking for that perfect gift? I'm done (thank goodness) except for a few more gifts for stockings. Several weeks ago, I announced that on Saturdays, during the month of December, I'd love to posts pics of tablescapes created by Non-bloggers who are readers of BNOTP. Well, you guys got busy tablescaping and I've been … [Read more...]




Colonial Williamsburg Table Setting

Welcome to the 69th Tablescape Thursday! Every year, for our Christmas feast, I pull out my trusty "apple tree form" and create my very favorite centerpiece for our Christmas dinner table. Next, I set the table with my much loved Christmas china, Lenox-Winter Greetings. But this year, I've had a little change of plans. You see, I haven't had the heart to remove the Dept. 56 tablescape from my dining … [Read more...]




Decorating for Christmas

Welcome to the 48th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you've had a fabulous weekend! I've been busy finishing my Christmas decorating, inside and out...so, I'm exhausted, but in a good way. So happy to have it all done...now I can just enjoy! For this Met Monday, I'm sharing a metamorphosis that took place on my front porch this weekend. Here's the summer view... Ok, ready for the "After?" Before I … [Read more...]




Christmas Tablesettings by the Readers of BNOTP

A few weeks ago, I mentioned on Saturdays, during the month of December, I would love to post tablescapes created by folks who enjoy tablescaping, but don't happen to have a blog. I'm delighted to say, I received pics of some wonderful tablescapes and I'm excited to share them with you today! Nancy created a beautiful fall tablescape...come on in and have a seat! Beautiful china...such amazing … [Read more...]




A Special Tablescape Filled with Memories

Welcome to the 68th Tablescape Thursday! A Tablescaping Story Once upon a time, long, long ago, a happy, young couple graduated from college...He from lawschool, She from undergraduate. A few days later they celebrated their 1 year wedding anniversary and as summer came to a close, the starry-eyed couple loaded up a U-haul, and along with their sweet kitty, headed off to a far-away land, all alone. He … [Read more...]




A Dept. 56 Christmas Table Setting

Welcome to the 67th Tablescape Thursday! I've had this table setting in my heart for years and this had to be about the most fun I've ever had creating a tablescape.  I was 10 years old all over again, at least for the day. Several BNOTP readers have asked if we dined at this table. We did! I would love to recreate this one again in the future for another Christmas. Hope you … [Read more...]




No Such Thing…

Some people believe in elves! Have you ever heard of such a ridiculous idea?! I mean, everyone knows there is no such thing as an elf! But, if there was such a thing as an elf... They would certainly never be caught baking. What a silly, silly idea.... Elves baking, indeed! Next thing you know, someone will say they make gingerbread houses! Yep...definitely no such … [Read more...]




Make a Greenhouse from Old Discarded Windows

Welcome to the 46th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I've been out of state visiting my son and his sweetie. It was a whirlwind trip and so much fun. My son gave me a tour of the law school he's attending, as well as a tour of the wonderful historic building where he works with a local firm. We did a little shopping on Black Friday and went to see A Christmas Carol on … [Read more...]




Mad About Plaid

Welcome to the 66th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving, this Tablescape Thursday! After posting Thanksgiving tablescapes all week, how about a whimsical Christmas table setting? I took pics in different types of lighting...amazing all the different looks you get by just changing the lighting.   Tilted the shutters closed to enjoy the candlelight a bit.   Love those … [Read more...]




Turkey Day is Almost Here!

Wow! 152 participants in yesterday's Metamorphosis Monday! So many fabulous "Before and Afters!" When you have some spare time this holiday weekend, come back and check them all out. I promise you will come away inspired to tackle that project you've been putting off around your house. You may have noticed a little trend this week here at BNOTP. I wanted these last few days before Thanksgiving to be a … [Read more...]




Decorating for Autumn and a Thanksgiving Tablescape

Welcome to the 45th Metamorphosis Monday!   For this weeks Met Monday, we're going to Bonnie's beautiful home to see how she has transformed her hutch in her breakfast room. When we last saw it around the end of October, it was all decked out for Halloween. Remember this amazing pic? Well, honey, that was so, three weeks ago! Feast your eyes now! Wow...quite a transformation from Halloween...love … [Read more...]




A Beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape

Recently, Babs, a lovely reader of BNOTP, shared a few pics of her beautiful Thanksgiving tablesetting. Babs told me she wanted to set a casual Thanksgiving table with some of her recent purchases from Cracker Barrel. (If you are a follower of BNOTP on Facebook, you already know about the amazing 40% off sale Cracker Barrel recently had on much of their autumn tabletop merchandise.) Feast your eyes on … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Tablescape with Spode, Woodland China

Welcome to the 65th Tablescape Thursday! With Thanksgiving only a week away, I thought I'd share a "hunt themed" Thanksgiving tablescape this evening. This tablescape is similar to the one I did last year, but I've changed quite a few things and added a bit more whimsy.   Let's dim the lights a bit... Acorn tureens from Williams-Sonoma are just right for a hearty Butternut Squash … [Read more...]




Sweet Potato Casserole, Southern Style

With Thanksgiving just 9 days away, I sat down today and started creating my grocery/shopping list. In the past you would have found me rooting through scraps of paper and note cards, trying to pull together all the recipes for those traditional Thanksgiving dishes my family enjoys this time of year. A few years ago, I typed up every single recipe, all pretty and neat. I printed them all out on cute little … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving with Candlelight and a Natural Centerpiece

Welcome to the 64th Tablescape Thursday! Recently I was "chatting" with my friend, Kathysue...we met via Rate My Space and have been friends every since.   Kathysue has created a beautiful tablescape for Thanksgiving and she graciously agreed to let me share some pics of her table setting, as well as her beautiful dining room. I've always loved the striped wall paper in Kathysue's dining room...it's … [Read more...]




Silver-Tiered Centerpiece for Christmas

Welcome to the 63rd Tablescape Thursday! A few months ago, I was shopping in one of my favorite antique/thrift stores, and I came across a pretty multi-tiered, silver server. It was a bit more than I really wanted to spend at $50 and it seemed a bit on the high side for the Flea...but it grabbed hold of me and refused to let me leave without it. I'd been planning on putting together a formal tablescape … [Read more...]




Six Feet Under, Awesome Porches and Bats in the Belfry

Earlier this year, actually around mid-summer, a friend and I had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta, Six Feet Under. They have the BEST fish tacos and their potato chips are beyond yummy.  I think they make them in-house. You may wonder how this restaurant got it's name. Six Feet Under is located directly across the street from this. Yup, it's a cemetery...but not just … [Read more...]




Halloween Tablescape with a Ghostly Centerpiece

Welcome to the 58th Tablescape Thursday! Saturday we took a field trip and toured a most amazing dish room belonging to Bonnie who shares our love for all things dishes. With all that wonderful china, I couldn't wait to see what Bonnie might have in store for Halloween. She actually put together two tablescapes...a "fun" one and one that will rattle your bones. Let's start with the fun one...in … [Read more...]




A Little Decorating for Halloween

Come on in! Welcome...so glad you are here! I've been decorating for Halloween...would you like to see? Stole the plant from the upstairs family room...it balances well with the height of the lamp. Found the scary ghost about 20 years ago in a Hallmark store. I warned you...he is scary! Yikes! When I first took a test pic, I was trying to get a shot with all the lights in the Entry … [Read more...]




Fall Dining on the Porch

Welcome to the 61st Tablescape Thursday! I'm often asked, "How many sets of dishes do you have?!"  Well, I'm letting you in on a big secret tonight. You really don't need that many sets of dishes to create different tablescapes...you just need to be a little creative and change a few of the elements. Let me show you what I mean. Remember this tablescape I posted about 4 weeks ago with my Pier 1 china, … [Read more...]




Halloween Tablescape with a Spider-Web Tablecloth

Welcome to the 60th Tablescape Thursday!  Monday I shared a Halloween tale along with some Fall/Halloween porch decor. Wednesday was a day of Monster Mashing. And tonight... Won't you join me...said the spider to the fly?. Welcome to the Killer Cafe...hope the menu (click for a better view) meets with your approval. (Insert evil laugh) No tablecloth is needed...the spiders have been busy … [Read more...]




Decorating the Porch for Halloween

Welcome to the 39th Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I thought I'd share the transformation my front porch goes through each year around Halloween. Normally it looks something like this...   But, then.................... On a dark and shadowy All Hallows Eve, a ghost, a witch, and a goblin cast long, dark shadows as they glide past the open flame of a lit gas lantern. The … [Read more...]




Beautiful Wheat Centerpiece with Pumpkin Tureens

Welcome to the 59th Tablescape Thursday! Happy Fall, Y'all! Last week I shared a "fall inspired" tablescape out on the porch. This week I'm sharing another "fall" tablescape created by Bonnie, a talented, reader of BNOTP, who shares our love for tablescaping. You may remember the post I did a few weeks ago showing several of Bonnie's beautiful tablescapes. Feast your eyes on Bonnie's gorgeous fall … [Read more...]