Thanksgiving Tablescape

Today I had fun as I shopped for the last minute items needed for my Thanksgiving tablescape. The funny thing is - we are going to my dad's for Thanksgiving, but I wouldn't dream of not setting the table for special holidays....even if we won't actually eat the meal in our home! I don't worry about saying that here because I bet most of you would totally agree with me. My sister is probably laughing right now though!!


I started with the place mats and napkins that I bought a few years ago. They are a soft muted "greeny-brown" and look perfect for this time of year. Next I added faux wood chargers that I picked up at Walmart. They are so pretty and were so inexpensive! Love it! The dinner plates are my Longaberger everyday dishes. I have them in blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple. For this tablescape I used the green, yellow, orange and red because they just seem to fit with the colors of the season. For a salad plate, I chose inexpensive ones with a leaf motif that I also found at Walmart. They look so pretty together!!

As an aside, I will tell you that I originally wanted to use my Wedgewood Strawberry and Vine dinner plates and add Spode Woodland salad plates. I have wanted to purchase these little beauties for a while. I did "win" two on eBay, but finally decided it was not practical to try to purchase all of them this year. That is when I found the BH & G pieces at Walmart. They are perfect and cost only $20 for all of the salad plates and the chargers. I feel so frugal! Hopefully by next year though I will be able to use the Spode "turkey" plates. :-)

For the past year or two I have used my pheasants and plush pumpkins in my centerpiece. This year, though, I don't have a formal dining room so I decided to do something totally different. I finally decided to use an inexpensive gold tray that I found at Target. Next I added three apothecary jars and filled them with a variety of objects: dried beans and assorted nuts that I purchased at my local grocery store and two colors of silk ribbon. I added a small bow to one of the jars and scattered shimmering leaves around the base of the jars. They are so pretty and added the perfect finishing touch!!

I like the simplicity of the finished table :-)

I love the natural look of the walnuts and pecans in this apothecary jar! Plus, it reminds me of my childhood....we always found these in our stocking on Christmas morning!

As always, thanks for visiting Buttercup Bliss!!

I am linking to the following parties:

Seasonal Sundays @ http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/


Wow Us Wednesdays @ http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/


Inspiration Friday @ http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

Potpourri Party @ http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday @ http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/


Vintage Inspiration Friday @ http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/


Home Sweet Home @ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com

Pumpkins, and Buttons, and Hot Glue - Oh, My!

I have really gotten into Halloween this year which is a little unusual for me.  It was the Halloween issue of BH&G that did it - it was filled with the cutest, easiest ideas!!! 
This weekend I decided to make the Button Pumpkin.  It was a simple and easy project that can be made fairly quickly. 

I didn't have a button collection (apparently lots of people keep spare buttons) so I had to purchase buttons or try to beg them from my friends.  I found a "bag -o-buttons" at Hobby Lobby for less than $5.00 and a nice customer in front of me had an extra coupon that she shared with me!  Yes!  I decided to use a plastic pumpkin because I wanted it to last for more than one year -  they were on sale at Michaels.  I already had ribbon and a hot glue gun so I was set.

I decided to make the large "BOO" pumpkin and then a smaller creamy white one with cream butons I "monogrammed" with our last initial - M.  I think they turned out great - so cute!  I will tell you though that I was not pleased with the first one that I made.... the word was too big or the pumpkin (medium sized) was too small.  Either way, I was not thrilled so I waited overnight and pulled all of the buttons off, purchased a larger pumpkin (thank goodness they were on sale) and tried again! 

This is the inspiration :-)

I used inexpensive plastic pumkins - I ended up using a larger orange one than this -

my first try was a flop! 

First step - sorting the buttons and laying out the word BOO.  Note - my first try was too big.

This is my second try - Much better!! I tried it here first  on the table in the foyer. 

I also made a small cream colored pumpkin with a button "M".

 

I thought the tone on tone was so sweet and simple. 

One more look - this cabinet is built in on either side of the fireplace.

Hmmm - I wasn't sure which spot was best -  in the foyer? or on the console table in front of the window? 

Which place is best?  Decisions, decisions.....

Ok - I moved it back to the black table in the foyer...I may move it around until Halloween!! :-)

This week I am linking to the following parties:

Debbie's Newbie Party at http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Seasonal Sundays @ http://www.thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Amaze Me Mondays @ http://www.dittledattle.blogspot.com/

Tabletop Tuesday @ http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party @ http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Potpourri Party @ http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

Home Sweet Home Party at http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Friday @ www.atthepicketfence.com

Freshman Fridays @ www.homesavvyatoz.com

Tuesday's Treasures Fall Party @ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com

Come and join the fun!! 

Too Cute to Wait til October!

I know, I know, it is only mid September and probably too early to decorate for Halloween, BUT, I saw this idea in the BH & G Halloween issue and I just had to go ahead and try to recreate it now.  It was simply too cute to wait!!!

This was such an easy project!  Here is the inspiration picture:

It was shown as part of a Halloween party dessert table.  I decided to turn it into my early fall centerpiece.

In the original, I couldn't quite determine what was adorning the apothocary jar.  I trimmed mine with a double layer of grosgrain ribbon that I hot -glued together.  What can I say?  I am indecisive and couldn't choose between black or orange.  When in doubt - go for both!  Then I added pumpkins and black cats that I already had on hand in my scrapbook supplies.

I thought it needed a little "something" to finish the project so I added a black "berry" wreath.  I picked this up at Rite-Aid for $5.00.  It was originally yellow and orange, but that was quickly fixed with a little can of black spray paint.

I think it is just too cute! 

Hmmm... I know there is a lot of pictures - I just couldn't stop!

Don't want to spend the money on jelly beans?  Try Candy Corn.  I may use them next year because three pounds of jelly beans is not cheap :-)

This week I am linking to the following parties:

Debbie's Magazine Copy Cat Party @ http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/


Show and Tell Wednesdays at http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/

Open House Party Thursdays at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Tuesday's Treasures @ http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

Keep it Simple Party @ http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/

Seasonal Sundays @ www.thetablescaper.blogspot.com

Wickedly Creative Halloween Ideas Party @ http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/

http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/


Ultimate Halloween Linky Party @ http://www.theletter4.blogspot.com/


Falling for Crafts Challenge @ http://www.oneartmama.blogspot.com/

(Debbie, I got so excited about your party I made two entries.  Hope that is ok.  You had me inspired!!!)

Magazine Copy Cat Project!

One of my favorite bloggers, Debbie, of Debbie-Doos Blogging and Blabbing, is having a Magazine Copy Cat Party.  When she first mentioned this  party I was so excited.  My mind started thinking of all the clippings that I have saved from year's past..... What would I do??? Well, right off, I had to tell myself "Lisa, we are talking a small project - not a total room redo"!  Anyway, I finally settled on a hanging basket door decoration that I saw in a spring issue of Southern Living a year or two ago.  Obviously, because it is now fall, this will not be a literal interpretation - more of a variation of the project.  I am really pleased with the finished product.  I hope you like it! 

The overall cost was minimal  - the basket and ribbon were both bargains at Michael's.  The floral stems were on sale half-price at Hobby Lobby.  I had to purchase floral foam because this was the first time I had ever actually arranged silk flowers.  I didn't have a game plan - I just started "poking" and rearranging until I got the look I wanted. 

This is my inspiration :-)  I loved the simple design of the flowers hanging from the satin ribbon. 

OK - I am not good at remembering to take pictures while I am actually doing the project.  Just picture floral stems everywhere and me working with wire cutters. 

 

The finished project - It is hanging on the French doors leading to our screened porch. 

I think the fall colors look so pretty with the stained wood doors.

 

One final look at my Magazine Copy Cat Project.  This was a lot of fun.  I look forward to adding more pictures to my idea file and completing more "copy cat" projects in the future! 

As always, thanks for visiting!  

This week I am linking to the following: 

Debbie's Magazine Copy Cat Party @ http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Wow Us Wednesdays at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Open House Party Thursdays at http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Friday @ www.atthepicketfence.com

Frugal Friday @ www.shabbynest.blogspot.com

Amaze Me Mondays @ http://www.dittledattle.blogspot.com/

 Door Decor Fall Linky Party @ http://www.southernhospitalityblog.com/



Come join in the fun!!!

Easter Tree

Today I am sharing my Easter tree - I think it is just too cute!!!   A few years ago I fell in love with Radko ornaments.  I first began buying Christmas ornaments, but then I discovered that Radko made Easter ornaments.  Well I have to tell you I adore Easter and everything about it!  The sweet pastel colors of Easter just make me smile!  The first year I bought a few ornaments and borrowed a metal tree from a friend.  It was nice, but not quite right.  Last year, I found a pink tree at Walmart during Christmas.  Boy was I excited!  I put it in the closet and waited anxiously for the Easter season so I could put up my darling tree.  You will not believe it, but the day after I put up my special tree, a pipe broke in Seth's bathroom and our house flooded!  We ended up staying in a hotel for 12 weeks while our house was repaired.  I came "home" one day (home at this point was the Homewood Suites) and discoverd that Jon had gone by our house and picked up my little tree and brought it to our "suite"!  How sweet is that?  It brought a little bit of home and the wonderful Easter season to our hotel room. 

This year I was delighted to put the Easter tree in it's rightful place.  I think it is just perfect for this joyful time of year! 

I love these little bunnies that I found this year at Hobby Lobby.  As I walked around with them, another customer told me about the grass.  I hurried over and picked some up right then.  It was just the touch I needed.  I also picked up the pink and green ribbon to dress up the bunnies. 

I think the faces on the bunnies are so sweet!

I wasn't sure what to put under the tree.  I finally purchased a half of a yard of pink gingham from Walmart and topped it with a small Longaberger basket filled with pastel Easter eggs. 

This ornament is called "Chocolate Charlie". 

I love these ornaments!!! 

I have my eye on a wreath at Target to hang on the mirror behind the Easter tree.  If it gets marked down soon it will be mine!  I am waiting to see if I can get a bargain on it!  If I do, I will update and add a picture with my newest find :-)

This week I am linking to the following blogs:

Wow Us Wednesdays with Kim at http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Sister Saturdays @ http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

Debbie's Newbie Party at http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

Open House Party @ http://www.nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday @ http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://www.justagirlblog.com/

Happy Mardi Gras!

It has been a while since I last posted.  Things have been SO busy - baseball season has started and that means practice three nights a week!  Working full time and commuting each day (50 minutes each way) , along with being a wife and mother keeps me busy.  :-) Add in baseball or soccer and things really get hopping!  Needless to say, we have been having lots of fast food dinners! 

We are blessed to have a short week this week because it is Mardi Gras!  This is huge where we live along the Gulf Coast in Alabama.  Mardi Gras celebrations are held for many weeks prior to Fat Tuesday!  Jon and I were not really "into" Mardi Gras before we moved to the Coast; however, once you move here you just naturally seem to start incorporating Mardi Gras into your family traditions.  King Cake, parades, and balls are all a part of Mardi Gras!  Now, I am not a fan of huge crowds so we don't go to the downtown area for the parades, but we do LOVE King Cake and Jon and I have gone to a ball the past several years.  I love to dress up, and let's face it, I don't often get a chance to put on a long dress, nor does Jon wear a tux that often!  So that is a real treat!  We have also been to the Biker Ball.  Obviously, the dress is extremely casual, but it so much fun!  We also rode in a motorcycle parade one year.  Being in the parade was a blast!!! 

Seth is out of school and I am off work on Monday and Tuesday.  Jon is off as well so we have been enjoying family time.  Jon helped me complete a project today!  I will post on that tomorrow!  It is so nice to have a husband who takes time to help me when I come up with an idea of something I want to try - we both tackled glazing today! 

So, until tomorrow, Happy Mardi Gras!  Let the good times roll!!! 

Watching the "Call Outs" at the ball! 

Introducing The Mystics!

Mardi Gras wreaths on our front doors - I didn't make them,

but I got a great deal on them!!

Let the good times roll!!!

Sweet Christmas Memories

 Seth's first Christmas!! 

So.... this post has nothing to do with houses, decorating, or food or any of the things I thought I would blog about.  This post is devoted completely to my little Christmas angel - Seth.  I have always adored Christmas and have many, many happy Christmas memories from my childhood and throughout my life.  I will confess, however, as I got older, Christmas also brought a certain sadness.  You see, I was a single adult for many years and if you don't know what that feels like at Christmas, well, let me just say, it is a little depressing!  I grew up in a wonderful family, had tons of super friends, a great job, and owned my own home,  but something was lacking - my OWN family.  I handled this really well (well, sorta well) until each year when Christmas rolled around.  This brought with it Christmas cards from near and far from dear friends and their families...... I felt so incredibly left out each year when, once again, I sent out Christmas cards from my DOGS and me!  I realize this may sound goofy, but to me, it was a big deal.  I thought that I was forever more going to send precious cards signed with my name and the names of my furry babies (my first two were Delta and Chloe').  Don't get me wrong, I loved them, but I wanted children!

I won't bore you with the entire story (maybe at a later date, I will share with you the story of Jon and me), but I will tell you that at the ripe old age of 37,  I met my Mr. Right and fell in love!  After a whirlwind romance, we were married. Two years later we were blessed with our little man, Seth.  He is the light of our lives!!!  I truly don't know what life was like before being a wife and mother!  I must have been totally bored!!!

Anyway, Seth is a January baby so he was almost a year old on his first Christmas.  It was so wonderful to experience Christmas through the eyes of my own child. I was SO excited to be able to send a Christmas card to all of my friends and family sharing a picture of our sweet baby.  I still try each year to find just the right picture to include in our family card.  I thought I would share them with you today - Merry Christmas!!!! 

 

Seth's second Christmas!  2004  This would be the last Christmas we had with my precious mother.  She loved Seth and he adored his Granny!

My friends say that this is their favorite card ever!  In the background you will notice the small travel trailer that we lived in after our house was destroyed in Katrina.  We made the best of the situation, however, and put lights on the trailer as well as a blowup Santa and tree in the yard!  :-)

 

We were back in a real house in 2006 for Seth's fourth Christmas!

 

 

What a big boy he is getting to be - Christmas 2007

 

Almost six years old - Christmas 2008 - My baby is growing up! 

 

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth - Christmas 2009

 

This was taken during our Christmas visit with my Mom's family in Oxford, MS.  Seth loves visiting my Aunt Jane and driving the RTV.   This was not our Christmas card, but I know that visiting our extended family will be one of Seth's favorite memories when he is grown up!

 

Seth with Bentley and Clarabel, 2010.  As I have said before, "simple" is the theme of the year at our house so I decided not to fret over the perfect Christmas outfit and instead just sent a snapshot of Seth playing with our puppies.