Thanksgiving Table Settings

This detail was added to an inexpensive white plate with a stencil and ceramic paint.  Personally- I love that silverware!  (from HGTV)

I love table settings that remind us of why we are there.  The black and white family photos on this table are exactly that.  I also like the creative name place, a pear.  (Country Living)

Martha Stewart always has great ideas.  I love this "pom-pom tom"  So cute for the "kids' table."  You can see how to make it here. 

Parent's Magazine had this kid's table.  I can see it as a project the older kids could even do themselves. 

On a table, or a mantle, pumpkins can make great candle holders.  My mom likes to hollow pumpkins and use them as flower vases as well.  (photo from Real Simple)

I like it when the taller items in table decor are sticky see-through things that don't obstruct your view of the person across the table.  Have you ever set a beautiful table, only to have a guest remove your centerpiece and say, "let's get this out of the way."  (photo from bhg.com)

Bhg also had this beautiful idea

To make these bright orbs, cut a lid and remove the seeds and pulp. Using a drill or nail, make holes just wide enough for the flower stems to poke through and insert the flowers.

Set a pretty table and it won't matter how well the food turned out.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas!

Oh, Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Photos from Country Living

Thanksgiving Table Settings

I have bad news. Well- it's bad for me... the super awesome turkey I ordered for my mantle is out of stock. What is the lesson? You can't wait until after Halloween to start thinking about Thanksgiving. I really am a little embarrassed to admit this to all of you. I should know better. So- here I am- still sporting my witch on the mantle...

I did the same thing with boots last year. I waited until the weather was actually cold before I started shopping for them- then I thought I would wait for a sale because I thought they were so expensive. Needless to say- I ended the season with no new boots. Get going on Christmas right now!

So- even though I should have done this post two months ago- here we go- Thanksgiving decorations! I love to set tables. Last year my friend invited me over for the Fourth of July- and instead of volunteering to bring potato salad- like a normal person- I asked if I could set the tables. I'm an odd duck- I know. I would do that more often- except that it's a little embarrassing- and harder to do when not at my own home. I am a little bummed that I never seem to have Thanksgiving at my house. Of course- I am happy that I don't have to cook all day. I can do the Run to Feed the Hungry- make some rolls and a pie and show up. I really don't want to make the turkey- too much pressure- I just want to set the table. I decided that this year I am going to set the table- even though I am not hosting. We can eat at it to celebrate Black Friday the next day. Black Friday is a day to celebrate!

I wish I had room in my kitchen for more dishes. Do any of you have Thanksgiving dishes? Christmas dishes? One day- I am going to shell out and get these fabulous dishes. You can get some amazing holiday linens and make the perfect setting.

Do any of you out there hollow out squash for your soups or dips? Make your own flower arrangements?

Send in your photos- we'd love to see your beautiful tables. What about the kids' tables? Any great ideas for the kids' table?

Do you purchase produce for the exclusive purpose of using it as a decoration? Food can be beautiful.

I am a sucker for real napkins. So much so- that I am even considering sewing some new ones. If someone could just thread that darn bobbin for me... I can get some great combination of Amy Butler prints and make a whole table around some terrific napkins! I don't always like the selections I find at department stores- I'd like them to coordinate with my other decor- which is hard to find in pre-made napkins unless I use a solid- and I like patterns... Even finding some good red ones for Christmas- I want some that are the right shade of red for my house- not a bright Christmas red. It can be hard to be me...
Do you set the table with the turkey carved or whole? I know they are so beautiful whole- but when it's time to eat- it's time to eat!

Share with us- how do you like to set the table?

Photos from Country Living, Traditional Home, and Martha Stewart.

Easter Time Already?

Do you decorate for Easter? If you plan on getting any new Easter decorations- now is the time. I thought I'd give you a few ideas. I love the bright pink plate added to the white above- as well as the ribbons. Start with some good white basics- and then a little Easter goes a long way.

A ceramic bunny, fresh flowers, and a homemade garland. I like the use of the velum.

If you have a modern interior- use more modern looking decorations- a more provincial or traditional interior- be consistent. These top four photos have been from Family Circle.

Nothing says spring like fresh flowers.

The lace eggs above, as well as the next five photos came from Martha Stewart- so you can get instructions from her site on how to pull it off .

I don't have the patience of a "Martha Stewart" type decorator- maybe when the kids are older. Something like this would be a fun project for "girl's night."

The monochromatic look is so sophisticated. I went all green on my Christmas tree a few years ago- it was great- but my family revolted. They all wanted to see some red...

Those little bunny silhouettes are fabulous. So simple- but so great.

I really liked these votives- what a great addition to the Easter table!

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers. (along with peonies :)

The photo above, and the two below it are from Country Living.

Do you have great handwriting like this? I wish I did.

OK- so I know this one has nothing to do with decorating- I just liked that chick. :)

For those of you that don't have the time or desire to make your own decorations- I thought I'd show you a few from one of my favorite sources- K& K. I'll start with a couple of wreaths.

They have a whole line of fake chocolate decorations- lots of chocolate bunnies to choose from, and this great chocolate wreath.

Stacked boxes, wood lettering, and charming resin rabbits.

They also have great faux flowers and a lot of cute signs.

Their moss collection is wonderful. They have a couple of oversized pieces that I especially like.

Hey- Happy Easter! I know it is still February- but it really is the time to prepare. What else is there to do the second half of February anyway?