~Grandma's Table~

A couple of days ago, I shared with you the new dining room table that I found on Craigslist. I purchased it to ensure that my grandmother's Duncan-Phyfe table maintains its mint condition. For many years, it has served as our formal dining table; and I've always been concerned about maintaining its beauty and durability, when we entertain. Today, I want to show you a little snippet of what I did with my grandmother's table, once we moved it from the dining room. It has found a new home in a corner of our formal living room. I'm in the process of revamping things; so, I'm not ready to show you the entire space, just yet.

I dropped the leaves on the table...

Isn't the woodgrain pretty?

Then, I scrunched up a large throw to cover the surface; and brought in my collection of crystal rose bowls from all over the house. I added a votive to each one and let the sparkle begin! The shimmer is especially pretty at night; and adds such a warm ambience. I also added a picture frame from the Etsy shop, of 'Kristen's Creations' and a small bronze finial. 

I think this table will be fun to decorate for the holidays!

So, the best part is that I spent NO money! I just shopped my home!
Once the living room changes are complete, I will be back to show you!

Thanks for stopping by today; and have a great weekend!

Linking to:
Kristen's Creations-Share Your Creations
Imparting Grace-Grace at Home
Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
The Dedicated House-Make It Pretty Monday
Curb Alert-Friday Block Party

~Craigslist Rocks!~

 Well, the tweaking continues. Every year, around this time, I get the urge to change things up a bit. I've wanted a new dining room table for some time now. The table that we currently have belonged to my grandmother; and it is in excellent condition, even though it is over 50 years old! I can remember her lovingly polishing it on Saturday mornings. It has been carefully maintained through the years; and I love it dearly. So, the thought of getting rid of it is not an option! I've had it with me for about 25 years now; and each time we entertain, I quiver at the thought of anything happening to it. It is so delicate!

(It's the table in my header photo)

The table is a rich, cherry wood, Duncan-Phyfe with drop leaf ends and brass claw feet. It also came with a center leaf to extend it for larger gatherings. A true classic! 

Since, I just wanted a table (no chairs necessary), I decided to check Craigslist yesterday, on a whim. I had never used it before; but, I've seen some wonderful finds on some of the blogs that I follow. BINGO!! I found exactly what I was looking for!! The seller had 4 dining tables for sale; and this particular beauty caught my eye!!

The detail sealed the deal for me!! Aren't the carvings pretty?

The heft and weight of this table is pretty substantial and unheard of at this price!!

So, what was the magic price??

$100!!!!

I think that was a true steal!!!

Lesson learned???

Start with Craigslist!!!

My grandmother's table has found a happy new spot in the house; and I will be back to share it with you in another post.

Thanks so much for coming by today! 

Happy Thrifting!

Linking to:
Coastal Charm-NiftyThrifty Tuesday
Southern Hospitality-Thrifty Treasures
Curb Alert-Friday Block Party
The Thrifty Groove-Thrifty Things Friday
House of Grace-Twice Owned Tuesday
From My Front Porch To Yours-Treasure Hunt Thursday

~A Late Summer Tablescape~ and The Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner!

Happy Monday, Everyone!! As we approach the final weeks of summer, I realized that I hadn't done a tablescape in quite some time. I thought today would be the perfect time to have a little fun and play with my new dishes! 

While out shopping the other day, I stopped in one of my favorite stores, Cost Plus World Market. Many of their tabletop items are currently on sale. I have had my eye on these rattan chargers and knew that it was the perfect time to purchase! These will work beautifully on my tables in the months to come. I also wanted to do a mix of patterns in the dinnerware.

I layered it with a basic white dinner plate. I love the swirls in the border of this one from Mikasa...

On top of this one, I layered a rustic, scalloped edge plate in a creamy yellow...

I love the rusty distressing in the details.

Next, I layered a plate that I also found at World Market. I think this one really picks up the tones that are going to carry me into Fall.  In case you don't remember, I brought the blues into my 
Fall mantel decor.

I love the blues, greens, reds, and golds together!!
There are so many different ways I can use these for Fall.

The dinnerware layers beautifully...

For a simple centerpiece, I filled a bronze bowl with red and green artichokes...

The colors pick up the tones of the dinnerware...

I added a mix of gold water goblets, green wine stems, and crystal flutes...

I love a mix of elements on a table!!

A simple artichoke tops each placesetting.

Crystal votive holders add sparkle...

Large candlesticks anchor the table at each end.

And that's my tablescape for this week!

On a different note, the winner of the 
Shabby Apple $50 Gift Card is...


DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...







HONEY of 2805!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, HONEY!!!

Please check your email for further instructions.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter!!!
I hope you're savoring these last days of summer!
Thanks for stopping by; and have a great day!!
Happy Decorating!!

Linking to:
The Tablescaper-Summer's End Seasonal Sundays
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday
2805: Potpourri Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
Between Naps on the Porch-Tablescape Thursday
Imparting Grace-Grace at Home
Kristen's Creations-Share Your Creations
The Style Sisters-Centerpiece Wednesday
Southern Lovely-Show and Share
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
One More Time-Share it One More Time
Debbiedoo's-Newbie with a Twist Party
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday

I Won! Autumn Cottage Magazine via Cozy Home Scenes!

Good morning, everyone! I was so excited when Shannon at 

Cozy Home Scenes emailed me, last night, to let me know that I had won the Autumn Cottage Magazine from her awesome giveaway!

via Cozy Home Scenes

I had been stalking thumbing through the pages of this magazine, each and every time I would go to the store. In all honesty, I almost bought it yesterday, before the winner was announced! 

(So glad I held off!!)

Look at these gorgeous images!!

via Cozy Home Scenes

I love Fall; and I can't wait to get my copy in the mail! If you need some inspiration for the upcoming Fall season, this magazine does not disapppoint. You should definitely pick up a copy!

Thanks, Shannon, for the opportunity to win this beautiful magazine!!

Have a Great Weekend!

Transitional 'Rustic Luxe' Mantel

I wanted to wait a bit longer to start my Fall decor; but, the mantel was begging for a change. When decorating for any season, I always start with the mantel. It usually sets the tone for everything else. As we're hovering between late Summer and early Fall, I decided to play with a few options; and this one stole my heart!

After I did a bit of tweaking around the house, my color palette, for the upcoming Fall season, started to come together. I moved these turqouise fleur de lis pieces from the dining room to the mantel; and that sealed the deal!

(This is where I started playing around with all the shades of blue...lol!)

 This year, I've decided to mix various shades of blue with the rustic colors of fall. Wanting to embrace a 'rustic luxe' style, I had a vision of shimmery blue pumpkins on the mantel and found these little beauties, on sale, at Michaels. 

Since the pumpkins were metallic silver, it was the perfect base for the paint that I wanted to brush on top. I used "Dark Patina", in the Dazzling Metallics collection.  It is by DecorArt craft paints, purchased at Michaels.

Freshly painted and shimmery blue!

I added to the mix, two peacock candles (on sale at Hobby Lobby), on bronze candlesticks...

A couple of peacock feathered balls for 
color and texture (from Michaels)...

And peacock feather stems to my existing arrangement, spilling with artichokes and pomegranates.

I also added these "rustic luxe" pumpkins that I found at Hobby Lobby, and a few small accent pumpkins.

Here is the completed look!

Even with all of the pumpkins, the mantel doesn't "scream" Fall just yet. I think the blue calms everything down; but, it feels cozy and inviting, especially in the evenings. Votive candles add just enough additional shimmer and warmth, at night, without using the fireplace.

As we get closer to Fall, I will be back to show you the Fall accents for the rest of my home...and even a few small tweaks to my Fall mantel.

Well, that's it for today! I hope you have found some transitional inspiration for your Fall decor. 

Thanks so much for stopping by; and have a great day!

Linking to:
The Polohouse-Favorites on the First
One More Time-Fall Mood Board
The Dedicated House-Make it Pretty Monday
Be Colorful-Motivated Monday
Under the Table and Dreaming-Sunday Showcase Party
My 1929 Charmer: Sunday's Best
You're Talking too Much-Meet Me Monday
Debbiedoo's Newbie With a Twist
The Tablescaper-Seasonal Sundays
My Romantic Home-Show and Tell Friday
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating-Flaunt It Friday
2805:Potpourri Friday
French Country Cottage-Feathered Nest Friday
At The Picket Fence-Inspiration Friday
The Charm of Home-Home Sweet Home
Imparting Grace-Grace at Home
Katherine's Corner-Thursday Favorite Things
Kristen's Creations-Share Your Creations
StoneGable: Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits
Ivy and Elephants-What's It Wednesday
Southern Lovely-Show and Share
Savvy Southern Style-Wow Us Wednesday
A Stroll Thru Life-Table Top Tuesday
DIY by Design-Sizzle Into Summer

It Was So Nice...I Had To Do It Twice! All New Shabby Apple Giveaway!!

When the great folks at Shabby Apple contacted me to do another giveaway, I was more than excited! It was so much fun the last time, that I'd love to do it again!

"Cockeyed Optimist" via Shabby Apple

If you've visited the Shabby Apple website, you know that they offer a vast assortment of dresses...

"Mauna Kea" via Shabby Apple

Skirts...

"Francine via Shabby Apple"

Blouses...

"Panorama Blouse" via Shabby Apple

Jewelry and Accessories...

"Dark Secrets of Wonderland" via Shabby Apple

Swim and Fitness...

"Amalfi" via Shabby Apple

Maternity and Kids...

"Neapolitan" via Shabby Apple

"Boho" via Shabby Apple

And even arts, crafts, and bath and body products!!

"Pamper Yourself Gift Pack" via Shabby Apple

There really is something for everyone!!

This time, the grand prize is a $50 gift card to use toward the purchase of any item on their website!

There are three ways to enter, with each being mandatory:

1) Be a follower of "Embellishments by SLR"...and leave a comment letting me know.

2) "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook...and leave a comment letting me know that, as well.

3) Visit the Shabby Apple website; and let me know which item is your favorite!

That's 3 entries per person!!

Additionally, Shabby Apple is graciously offering all of my readers a 10% discount on your purchases for the next 30 days, through 9/20/2012. Simply enter code 'embellishments10off'.

This contest will run through 8:00p.m., Monday, August 27, 2012. The winner will be announced by Tuesday, August 28, 2012, via the Random Number Generator. All entrants must have a U.S.A. mailing address, to qualify.

That's it! I hope you are excited to have the chance to win something amazing for yourself. With fall just around the corner, it's a great time to treat yourself to something new!

Thanks so much for stopping by; and Good Luck to Everyone!!