Ummph! Martha Stewart Canceled, Again!

As you're running around today preparing for the big day tomorrow, here's a little silliness to give you a giggle.  Unfortunately, the source for this piece is unknown. Stop, take a few deep breaths today and know this:  It doesn't have to be perfect.  It doesn't even have to be edible.  It just has to be about gathering together with the ones we care about and love. Dear Family & Friends, I … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Fold Tutorial

Recently, for Tablescape Thursday, I posted a Thanksgiving tablescape with the little ones in mind.     (Tablescape below can be viewed here:  A Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids) It included a fun turkey napkin fold.   Today I'm sharing a tutorial showing how it's made, in case you would like to incorporate it into your Thanksgiving table this year.     To create your turkey … [Read more...]




Thanksgiving Tablescape for the Kids

Welcome to the 169th Tablescape Thursday! Thanksgiving is only one week away!  Wow, this month has flown by.  For this Tablescape Thursday I put together a tablescape with the little ones in mind.  Do you set up a "kids" table each year for Thanksgiving?  Sometimes I think sitting at the kids table would be more fun than the grown-ups table.   Though this table was created with little ones in … [Read more...]




Decorate with Wreaths Inside

Although Thanksgiving is still two weeks away, I'm already thinking about Christmas.  I have even started decorating a little inside.  I want to start early this year so I can really enjoy the holiday season in full.  There have just been too many years in the past where I felt I had just put the decorations up when it was time to take them back down. One  of my favorite things to decorate inside with at … [Read more...]




Front Porch Decorated for Halloween

Wow, what a fun night! I love, love, love Halloween. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood of trick-or-treating with friends, so Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I decorated the porch pretty simply for Halloween this year. I covered the front door with the "creepy cloth" used as a tablecloth in THIS previous Halloween tablescape.  (You can see the door minus the … [Read more...]




Halloween Table and Mantel…Spooky!

Happy Weekend! Are you making final preparations for all the goblins and ghouls who will soon be knocking on your door? I'll be heading out today to buy candy.  Then I'll be trying hard to not eat it all by Monday!    What's your tactic for not digging into the candy and eating it before Halloween arrives? Some folks purposely buy stuff they don't like, but where's the fun in that? lol My friend, Bonnie, … [Read more...]




Decoupage a Blue and White Pumpkin

  A couple of weeks ago I posted about these wonderful découpaged pumpkins I found in the October issue of Country Living.   That previous post contained a detailed tutorial I created showing how you could découpage a "craft" pumpkin.  You find the full tutorial in this post: Country Living Inspired: Découpage a Pumpkin   You may remember the pattern I chose for my pumpkin … [Read more...]




Linzer Cookies for Halloween

Beautiful and Halloween-festive tablescapes were linked for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to scroll on down and check them all out. How about a little something to put on top of those table settings? A couple of months ago I stopped by a local craft store to check out the Halloween stuff and I came across cookie cutters with a Halloween theme.  They were especially made for making Linzer … [Read more...]




Halloween Tablescape with Mercury Glass Centerpiece

Welcome to the 165th Tablescape Thursday! With only two Thursdays left between now and Halloween, I was itching to create a fun Halloween table setting.   Since this table setting is all about candlelight, I didn't wait for nightfall to light the candles. I came across the large mercury-glass pumpkin candle holders recently in Marshall's and they inspired this table setting.  They were only … [Read more...]




Autumn Comes to the Porch

I've been playing outside today, bringing a little fall to the porch.  During the summer it looks something like this Because the porch is all white (for the most part) it's a blank slate for anything you can dream up.  For the 4th of July, it looked like this. (4th of July porch can be viewed here: Porch Decorated For the 4th of July)   It was time to add a little fall  to the … [Read more...]




Practical Magic

Last October, I posted a movie house tour featuring one of my favorite comedy movies, The Burbs, starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fischer. The Burbs is a fun movie to watch around Halloween time.  It's not scary or gory, just mysterious and funny. (Tour that movie house here: The Burbs.) When I posted about The Burbs, several folks suggested I post a tour of the Victorian house in the movie, Practical … [Read more...]




Découpage a Pumpkin

There is sooo much inspiration to be found in Blogland these days, the cover of a magazine has to REALLY grab me to convince me to buy the magazine.   The October issue of Country Living did just that. I loved the toile covered pumpkin on the cover. I glanced inside and saw there were directions with the "how to."  I couldn't wait to give it a try.   Another pumpkin inside was decorated using … [Read more...]




Decorate Your Pumpkin with Ribbon for Halloween

Welcome to the  142nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? I've had a busy one. Saturday, I drove down to Macon, Georgia and attended a class for "extreme couponing" with my sister and niece. I watch so little TV, I didn't even know what extreme couponing was. It was really interesting. If you have a good size family, I can see how the savings could really add up. I'll share some of what I learned … [Read more...]




Halloween Decorating & Party Ideas

I haven't decorated my front porch for Halloween, yet, so I decided to go through some of the pics I have stored on my computer for a little inspiration.  These are definitely some of my faves! We decorate our front doors with garland for Christmas...why not do the same for fall?  I absolutely love this leafy garland!  I so want to make this!  Notice the scary "curtains" on the door.  Those would be easy … [Read more...]




Warming Up on the Porch

Welcome the the 163rd Tablescape Thursday! Cool fall nights are perfect for hot chocolate out on the porch. Where would you like to sit?   How about on the swing?  There's a soft, warm blanket to keep you warm and a great book awaits.   The late afternoon sun is so wonderful streaming in across the porch.     The evening breeze carries the … [Read more...]




A Fall Mantel for the Family Room

While we're enjoying all the wonderful "before and afters" from yesterday's Met Monday, I thought I'd share another little metamorphosis I've been working on this week in my family room.  (Update: This living room looks very different now. See the changes in these two posts: Reforming My Faux Ways and Velvet Drapes for an English Country Living Room)   BEFORE: The coffee table looks so bare … [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...]




A Good Year

Welcome to the 159th Tablescape Thursday! A Good Year, Starring Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard Tablescape Thursday: A few months ago I had the opportunity to see the movie A Good Year starring Russell Crowe as Max Skinner and Marion Cotillard, as Fanny Chenal.  A Good Year is a British romantic comedy based on a book by Peter Mayle.  He also wrote, A Year in Provence .   A Good Year has been … [Read more...]




Green Card

Take a Tour of the Beautiful, Historic Apartment in the movie, Green Card While putting together a recent post listing a whole bunch of my fave decorating and design books, I came across my copy of The Conservatory Book by Peter Marston.  This book is filled with pictures of beautiful greenhouses. The book reminded me of another beautiful greenhouse, the one in one of my favorite movies, Green … [Read more...]




Napkin Fold Tutorial: The Butterfly

  Recently, I created a table setting with a butterfly napkin fold. (You can view this tablescape in detail here: Romantic Table Setting for Two.)   I used this same napkin fold again for this table setting which can be viewed in full here: Romantic Candlelight Table Setting.   This fold is super easy to create.  I think it looks especially nice when created with a napkin that … [Read more...]




Romantic Candlelight Table Setting

Welcome to the 157th Tablescape Thursday! You may feel like Bill Murray in the movie, Groundhog Day as you view the following tablescape.  In last week's Tablescape Thursday post, I mentioned I had created a tablescape on the porch and it somehow mysteriously moved itself right out on to the deck, turning into this romantic table setting. Since the original table on the porch was still set, I … [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...]




Romantic Table Setting for Two

Welcome to the 156th Tablescape Thursday! Tomorrow, August 18th, Between Naps on the Porch turns 3 years old.  The last three years have flown by so very quickly.  Thank you for visiting and being here every day.  I appreciate so much that you share your time with me! Let's have dinner on the deck tonight.  It feels so nice out. I'll pour the wine...you just sit and enjoy. So romantic, dining … [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...]




Easter Breakfast Table Setting with Royal Copenhagen, Musselmalet

Welcome to the 152nd Tablescape Thursday! Earlier in the spring, Cornelia had a ladies breakfast in her beautiful home in Switzerland.   It was near Easter and she created a gorgeous table setting for the event. Cornelia said, "I had an Invitation this morning.   I invited 5 ladies for breakfast and had a Royal Copenhagen, Musselmalet tablescape. " "The Musselmalet is also known as Blue … [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...]




Father of the Bride

Tour the Home in the Movie, Father of the Bride Recently, we took a tour of some beautiful neighborhoods and homes in the south. This house, located not far from my home, was included in that tour. Each time I drive by it, I'm always reminded of a famous movie home we all know and love. Do you know the one I'm thinking about? Yep, it's this one! Recognize it? It's the house from the movie, Father of … [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...]




Something’s Gotta Give

Recently, I took a little vacation to Savannah, Georgia. It was a wonderful trip and when I returned home that weekend, I couldn't wait to pull out one of my favorite "beach house" movies, Something's Gotta Give.  Do you remember this amazing living room from that movie house?   Come along and let's take a tour of the whole house...it's an amazing movie house! Somethings Gotta Give is … [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...]




Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: Touring Mercer House I've just recently returned from a few days in the port city, Savannah and my trip had me thinking about the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The movie was based on the book of the same title written by author, John Berendt. I've visited this beautiful Georgia city several times over the years, including back in June 1995, the … [Read more...]




A Lovely Easter Tablescape

Marilyn recently shared pictures of a wonderful Easter tablescape and they were just too lovely to keep to myself another whole year before sharing them with you. Marilyn created this a beautiful table setting for her family and it is completely delightful! Love this view of the table! China is Old Country Roses by Royal Albert...so elegant! Marilyn even created a bunny rabbit … [Read more...]




Bunny Rabbit Napkin Fold: Great for Easter or a Springtime Tablescape

While we continue enjoying all the beautiful tablescapes posted for yesterday's Tablescape Thursday, here's a tutorial for the bunny napkin fold I used in this tablescape:  Easter Tablescape with Daisy Centerpiece and Bunny Napkin Fold.   All you need is a little ribbon and some small pom poms from the craft store and you'll be all set for Easter dinner.     This fold … [Read more...]




The Easter Bunny’s Magic Compass

Welcome to the 139th Tablescape Thursday! With Easter only a few days away, I couldn't resist bringing out all the bunnies for a little Easter table setting. It was a beautiful day here and I almost put this table out on the porch but it ended up here in the breakfast room, instead.     Chrysanthemums make for a great springtime centerpiece.   I tucked a sweet … [Read more...]




Spring and Easter Inspiration for Your Decor

While we continue enjoying all the wonderful tablescapes linked for yesterdays Tablescape Thursday, I wanted to share a little spring and Easter decorating my friend, Cornelia has been doing. Cornelia lives in Switzerland and loves to collect exquisite pieces to decorate with for the seasons and holidays. I love how she used branches to display her collection of beautiful ornaments and Easter decor. … [Read more...]




St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting with Shamrock Plates

While we continue enjoying all the beautiful tablescapes posted for this week's Tablescape Thursday, I have one more fun table to share before this holiday slips away for another year. My friend, Bonnie sent these wonderful pics of a table she created for dinner with some good friends. Don't you love her beautiful breakfast room?! Love those dragonfly chairs! Let's get a closer look at the … [Read more...]




A Love Story for Valentine’s Day

The most fabulous benefit of having a blog is all the wonderful folks it brings into your life. I have truly met some of the nicest Dearhearts over the past two years. Recently, I was chatting with Phyllis and she shared a little about her wonderful parents and their life together. It's the most perfect love story and with Valentine's Day only a few days away, I knew I had to share it with you. Phyllis … [Read more...]




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...]