~Making a Monogrammed Platter~

Hello Everyone!! Hope you had a great weekend!! 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have REALLY enjoyed spending some time browsing the shops on Etsy.  There are so many cute things out there; and the options are literally, endless! Last week, we had a couple of rainy, cool days that were perfect for working on little projects.

While browsing the shops on Etsy, for a wood carved monogram, I found this 8" monogram, from The Sawdust Shack, that would be perfect for a small project that I had in mind. Our monogram was carved and shipped the same day that I ordered it! Talk about speedy service!

via The Sawdust Shack

I recently changed the color palette for our outdoor space from warm, bold colors...to creamy whites and soft pastels. That meant that some of the accessories, in the covered back porch area, would need to be switched out...or painted. I had this large red platter, on top of the armoire, that houses our tv outside. 

I decided to spray paint the platter white; and paint our new monogram black. (Forgot to take pics...I was so anxious to get on it!!) Because the platter had a lacquered finish, I gave it a coat of white Rustoleum primer first; and then I spray painted it with Rustoleum "Painter's Touch Ultra Cover 2x Coverage". The monogram was attached to the plate, using some E6000 clear epoxy that I had in my stash; and I let it dry overnight.

The next morning, it was ready to go! I love how it turned out and it was such an easy thing to do!

I'll show you the entire porch space, once the flowers bloom out a little bit more. It is always my favorite spot in the Spring!

I also purchased this cute tea towel from Sweet Magnolia's Farm.

via Sweet Magnolia's Farm

I had the option of switching out the natural color ruffle, for an all white ruffle; and it added the perfect amount of whimsey to my kitchen! 

A batch of tea cakes, hydrangeas, fresh mint from the garden, and  "Sweet Tea and Jesus"...what every Southern girl needs! Lol!

Well, that's it for today! Thanks so much for stopping by; and, as always, Happy Decorating!

Linking to:
StoneGable-Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits 
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
Common Ground-Be Inspired
Imparting Grace-Grace At Home
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
The Shady Porch-Rock N Share Wednesday
DIY by Design-Swing Into Spring
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Our Home Away From Home-Tuesdays At Our Home
Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life-Inspire Me Tuesday
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
Homemaker On A Dime-Creative Bloggers Party Hop
Dwellings-Amaze Me Monday
One MoreTime-Share It One More Time
Three Mango Seeds-It's Party Time
Life On Lakeshore Drive-Bouquet of Talent Party
The Tablescaper-Seasonal Sundays
It's Overflowing-Share Your Creativity

~Spring Has Sprung~

Hi Everyone! I am so happy to finally have some consistent Spring temps. While it has been really breezy, the weather has been really nice. I wanted to get out and start my flower pots this past weekend; but I can't settle on a color scheme. Between Pinterest and my gardening magazines, I'm not sure what I want to do! (Does that happen to you, too?) I hope to get all of the pots done this week. Anyway, as I walking around out back, I noticed that the rose bushes have started to bloom. I couldn't resist snipping a few; and sprucing up the tray on the coffee table.

Pink is one of my favorite colors; and the roses smell wonderful! The color also looks great with the magazine covers and the pastel wrappers in the candy dish! 

Well, once the coffee table had been 'fluffed', the mantel felt a little dark to me; and needed a little boost. I didn't want to go out and buy anything; so, I used some items that I already had.

I flanked both ends of the mantel with a pair of topiaries, that I took from the kitchen window. They provide great height and fill the niche perfectly. I also brought in a garden finial, that I think I used last Spring. I added lemons to my trusty harlequin jar, for a pop of color, and added two little white birds. The centerpiece consists of my all-time, favorite flowers...white hydrangeas.

I've enjoyed adding some pops of color and fresh flowers to our decor. It really makes everything feel fresh and renewed! The sunlight flooding into the room wakes everything up!

There's nothing like shopping your own home and gardens, to add a few touches of Spring to your home! I love free decor!

Well, that's it for today! Hopefully, I'll have some outdoor photos for you soon. I hope you're having some fun decorating for Spring!

Linking to:
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
Life On Lakeshore Drive-Bouquet of Talent Party
The Tablescaper-Seasonal Sundays
It's Overflowing-Share Your Creativity
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating-Flaunt It Friday
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Common Ground-Be Inspired
Imparting Grace-Grace at Home
From My Front Porch to Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday
Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
The Style Sisters-Centerpiece Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
DIY by Design-Swing Into Spring
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Three Mango Seeds-It's Party Time
One More Time Events-Share It One More Time
Our Home Away From Home-Tuesdays At Our Home
Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life-Inspire Me Tuesday
Dwellings-The Heart of your Home-Amaze Me Monday

Adding Spring Accents to the Breakfast Table

Happy Friday, everyone! Do you have exciting plans for the weekend? I finally got around to setting our Spring breakfast table. Since our home is heavily Tuscan-influenced with rich, warm tones...bright pastels just really don't work. So, for Spring, I try to stick with more muted pastels and neutral tones.  Essentially, the table is very simple. I used our everyday linens, dinnerware, crystal and silver, with the addition of a few seasonal pieces.

As you know, I am huge fan of the seasonal dinnerware at Williams-Sonoma, and this set of four dessert plates stole my heart...

These plates are from their 'Bunny Botanical' collection. Each plate is vintage-inspired and features a different bunny and botanical pattern.

At each place setting, I placed these crystal dessert cups that were a thrift find last year. I think I got 6 of them, for about 59¢ each.

I simply added some green moss that I already had, along with these eggs, also from Williams-Sonoma. They are actually ornaments, with the strings tucked into the moss.

The centerpiece is nothing more than a few hydrangeas and artichokes, with more of the easter egg ornaments tucked in...

The centerpiece sits in a wicker tray, also from Williams-Sonoma; and holds a scattering of eggs, surrounded by a bunny, birds, and a nest that I purchased at Pier One last year.

Finally, I finished everything off with some botanical napkins that I also purchased at Williams-Sonoma last year.  

Each one is accented with some new napkin rings from Pottery Barn. They are antiqued silver, with the "Family and Friends" quote.

Did you detect a theme here? I love using tabletop items from Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn. They are so interchangeable; and often, you can transition the pieces from one season to another, by simply switching out your decorative accessories.

So, that's our Spring breakfast table! I hope you have enjoyed your visit here today. Thanks so much for stopping by; 

and I wish you a "Happy Spring"!

Linking to:
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Common Ground-Be Inspired
Imparting Grace-Grace At Home
Between Naps On The Porch-Tablescape Thursday
Cuisine Kathleen-Let's Dish
No Minimalist Here-Open House Party
From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
DIY by Design-Swing Into Spring 
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
The Blackberry Vine-Tuesday To Do
House on the Way-Twirl and Take a Bow Party
Our Home Away From Home-Tuesdays At Our Home
A Stroll Thru Life-The Scoop
All Things Spring-It's A Spring Thing Party
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
Homemaker on a Dime-Creative Bloggers' Party and Hop
Three Mango Seeds-It's Party Time
One More Time-Share It One More Time
Life On Lakeshore Drive-A Bouquet of Talent
The Tablescaper-Seasonal Sundays

Looking Forward to Spring

Hi Everyone! Wow, I can't believe that it's been over a month since my last post! Time really flies!! I have been busy decorating for others; and the blog has taken a back seat for awhile. Thanks for all of the emails that I received, just checking up on me!

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to Spring. The temps are wonderful this week, with a high of 80 degrees predicted by the weekend. I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest lately, gathering ideas for our outdoor areas...


via Pinterest

Those Pottery Barn images get me every time! I have some gift cards, from the holidays, burning a hole in my pocket; and I've got my eye on some great outdoor accents! I'm also looking forward to revamping the gardens out back. Dear Hubby and I are trying to come up with some new landscaping ideas.


via Pinterest

I also hope to create some new Spring tablescapes. The time is fast approaching when we can enjoy our meals outside, before the sweltering heat of summer comes in...


via Pinterest

So, I hope you'll join me in the weeks to come, as we celebrate Spring around here!  I have lots of ideas swirling around this head of mine...and I can't wait to get busy!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit today. I just wanted to pop in, so that you didn't forget about me!!! I always appreciate your visits and sweet comments! For more Spring decorating ideas, please feel free to join me on Pinterest. 

Thanks so much for stopping by; and Happy Decorating!

~Valentine's Decor via Dollar Tree~

Hello everyone! I was so excited when Debbie announced that she would be doing a 

Dollar Tree Valentine's Party. 

(I love the challenge of doing things on a budget.) I don't really decorate for 
Valentine's Day;
 but, I thought it would be fun to put together a little setting, on the coffee table, near the fireplace.

 

For Christmas, my sweet mother-in-law sent us this wonderful table throw. (She knows me so well!) I thought the deep red brocade fabric, with the gold velvet and rope trim, would be a great romantic starting point for this setting...

This year, instead of red chargers, I used my gold ones, to coordinate with the tablecover. I also used my basic white dinnerware; and I layered it with a scrolled salad plate.

I chose this particular plate because the distressed finish reveals a touch of red underneath...

On top of each setting, I placed a heart-shaped dish of candy from The Dollar Tree.

Then, to each setting, I added champagne flutes that I already had and a couple of fun, red, whimsical table accents, also from The Dollar Tree.

While I was gathering these items, I came across these sweet birds that I bought last Spring. I decided to add them to the mix.

I finished off the setting with gold flatware, red rose petals, and clear votive holders. Instead of red roses, I purchased one bouquet of white hydrangeas, pulled the heads off, and placed them around the table.

Total spent = $8.00!!

Here is a breakdown:

Two heart shaped bowls w/candy- $2

One bag of red rose petals- $1

One bunch of white hydrangeas- $1

Four clear votive holders-$4

(I already had everything else on the table.)

So, for very little money, visit your local Dollar Tree and create a romantic setting for Valentine's Day!!

I hope you've enjoyed your visit today!!

Happy Decorating!!

I'll be linking to:
Coastal Charm-Nifty Thrufty Tuesday
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday
The Dedicated House-Make it Pretty Monday
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
It's So Very Cheri
Cupcakes and Crinoline
Setting for Four
Three Mango Seeds-It's Party Time
One More Time-Share It One More Tine
Life on Lakeshore Drive-Bouquet of Talent
The Tablescaper-Seasonal Sundays
My Crazy Beautiful Life-Strut Your Stuff Social Hop
Debbiedoo's Dollar Tree Valentine's Party
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating- Flaunt It Friday
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Common Ground-Be Inspired
Imparting Grace-Grace at Home
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
Cuisine Kathleen-Let's Dish
StoneGable-Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits
House on the Way-Twirl and Take a Bow Party
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
DIY by Design-Winter Blues Wednesday
From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday

~Resolutions to Live Beautifully in 2013!~

Happy New Year, Everyone!! 

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!! We had a wonderful surprise on Christmas Day...SNOW!! We have not had a White Christmas in many, many years. While many of you get this on a regular basis, it is always a treat in this part of the South. How perfect to enjoy dinner, in the dining room, surrounded by a beautiful, wintry scene! It was picture perfect! 

I wish I had taken pictures of the house; but, I was busy with Christmas dinner. 

It really was a beautiful sight!

Well, the decorations have all been packed away; and I have been looking at things I'd like to tweak. We're still pretty happy with our home; so, we don't anticipate a lot of 'major' projects. However, we have made a couple of resolutions for ourselves.

Resolution One:

"Use Our Stuff"... in 2013!!

What does that mean??

Have you noticed that we tend to keep the "good stuff" put away for company or entertaining? We have decided that there will be no more "everyday dinnerware" and "formal dinnerware"! We are using it all...EVERYDAY! The silver is staying out...

via Pinterest

the crystal is staying out...

Waterford Crystal via Macy's.com

We are using all of the "good" flatware sets... 

via Visionists

And china...

via Pinterest

No more saving the "good stuff" for company!

In fact, we're already using it...we're enjoying it...and we're going to add more!! LOL!!

Resolution Two:

We Will Entertain More!!

Isn't it sad that we only see some of our friends, during the holiday season? Our lives get so busy that we only get together for holiday parties? Well, since we're going to be using the "good stuff" anyway, we might as well invite others over to enjoy it with us! So, you will probably be seeing more tablescapes here in 2013!

via Romancing The Home blog

Aside from that, I will still be sharing my decor, thrift finds, and anything else that might be of interest to you. Also, feel free to join me on Pinterest! The link can be found on the top, right side of my blog. I spend quite a bit of time there, these days.

What about you? Have you made any resolutions for 2013?

I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting today! I wish you all a beautifully blessed 2013!!

Linking to:
Common Ground-Be Inspired Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things
Imparting Grace-Grace At Home

~We Wish You A Merry Christmas!!~

Well, our halls are all decked; and we're settled in for the holidays! 

In my last post, I promised to share my entry table.

I kept the table decor very simple this year. A wreath was placed on the mirror; and crystal rose bowls, with votives, provide ambient light in the evening. It's such a warm welcome for our guests, with the tree just ahead, in the family room.

The tabletop is a great place to leave small gifts, so I keep some surface space open for those.

At this point, I am going to take some time away and just enjoy my family. The time flies so fast; and I am more than ready to just sit back and enjoy it all!

I'll still pop in to see what all of you are up to...I just won't be posting for awhile. I love seeing all of your holiday decor!

So, from our family to yours...We wish you a very Merry Christmas! May your homes be filled with peace, love, and joy this holiday season!

Linking to:
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday
Under The Table and Dreaming-Sunday Showcase Party
Life on Lakeshore Drive-Bouquet of Talent
Imparting Grace-Grace At Home
DIY by Design-Winter Blues Party