The Softer Side of Autumn

Fall is my favorite season and I really DO miss the east coast this time of year.  This weekend there was a chill in the air, I broke out my LL Bean boots and cords, let Ina's chicken chili simmer all day on the stove, bought my first hot chocolate of the season and snuggled with my little ones on movie night in front of the fire.

When it comes to 'seasonal' decorating, less is more (in my opinion).  Often times, fall decorating is overdone.  This year, I'm attracted to a soft pale orange, white pumpkins, and touches of green.

Impromptu Pre-Thanksgiving Table Setting

This year we are traveling to Michigan for Thanksgiving and therefore, we won't be hosting dinner.  But, last Sunday, we had friends over for a rather last minute pre-Thanksgiving dinner.  It was fairly spur of the moment, but the table seemed to come together minutes before they arrived.

Everything I used I already had.  I scoured my fabric stash and used a yard of this outdoor/indoor fabric as the tablecloth.  It provided the perfect neutral backdrop.  I was particularly excited to use my Home Goods turkey plates that I purchased this past summer for about $3 each.

I also was happy to break out my pewter Match candlestick holders for the first time since we've moved into this house!  I didn't spend anytime on the centerpiece.  I would've loved to have spent more time, but there wasn't any.  A quick run to TJs for some winterberries always saves the day!  I plopped them in my vintage ironstone pitcher.

So, while this is a poor substitute for a full blow Thanksgiving spread, it was a fun and casual pre-Thanksgiving dinner with friends!  Sometimes, those last minute get togethers are the best.  Despite it not being the official Thanksgiving dinner, it made us realize how thankful we are.

I wish all of you a very Happy and safe Thanksgiving!  

God Bless!

Kate Spade-y Inspired Tabletop

I am loving everything about this chic tabletop!  The colors (pink, gray and gold) really inspire me and if I had the space to design a nursery for my little E, this picture would be one of the top contenders.

via

In the meantime, I am using the tablecloth and striped runner as inspiration for the baby quilt my mother in law will make for E.  I am excited!  I found the perfect fabric - here and here.

Surprise Party & Sneak Peek

This weekend my husband threw me a surprise birthday party (brunch) that he has been planning since this past April!  I was completely and utterly surprised because honestly, my birthday is the last thing on my mind these days.  But, it was the sweetest thing and I am completely humbled by all his effort, and the distances friends and family traveled to make the event.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of pictures (as it was yesterday) and am waiting for friends to email me, but my blogger friend Casey, from Loft and Cottage was there and it was so fantastic to see her and her boyfriend, Michael!  So, I have this picture of us (from her post this morning)!!

Thanks Casey!! Doesn't she look so cute?

My husband did all the planning, made the invites, flowers and vases (he scoured etsy and got inspired) with input from his sister.  I told him he should consider a career change and go into event planning. :)

Yes, I'm turning 40 next month (two days after this baby is suppose to arrive!)

In other news, here is a sneak peek of our newly renovated bathroom.  I should have final pictures to post by the end of the week.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!!  Happy Monday!

Spring Fever

If you haven't heard of Party Resources, you're missing out.  Kate has a wonderful blog which is all about entertaining and all the beautiful details that really make an event so special.

Today, you can find me over at Party Resources guest blogging!  

Happy Thanksgiving

To all, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Last night, knee deep, in chopped fennel, carrots, parsnips, etc. I would occasionally glance over at this

and it would make me smile.  I was planning on using this elsewhere in the house, but when my husband heard me 'stressing' out last night, he brought it in the kitchen and placed it on the counter!  He's the best.  I also finished my thanksgiving tablescape (flower arrangement and all)!

Lastly, I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by and reading my blog!!  Every time each one of you leaves a comment, it makes my day and I'm just thankful that I have found a passion, a supportive group of readers and an outlet in which to enjoy it all!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Modern Baby Shower

This past Sunday I threw a baby (twin girls) shower for one of my dearest friends in Boston.  I had so much fun planning this shower for such an amazing friend.  It turned out to be such a beautiful day!  

Above is the invitation for the shower.  I worked with a designer from Minted to reflect the 'twins' concept.  The colors for the shower were fuschia, poppy, chartreuse and turquoise.  

I hand made a mobile using an 18"inch embroidery hoop and colored card stock using the colors above.  I saw this mobile here and knew I had to replicate it.  

I loved how it turned out!  So summery and fresh.  I took the same circle theme and incorporated it into the favors.  Simple craft paper boxes with chartreuse ribbon and pinkish dots.  

The mom to be's sister made all the wonderful food.  She is an executive producer at Cooks Illustrated and got all her recipes from here .  Check out the spread!

Here is a picture of the gifts and the 'book basket'.  Each guest brought their favorite childhood book, personalized with a bookplate (I used these) and placed them inside the book.  I cut out animal silhouettes (found here) from colored card stock and strung them on a ribbon using tiny wooden clothes pins.  

 We bought a bouquet of flowers and separated them into tiny vases and placed them around the house.

The mom to be opening her gifts.  She's glowing!

She received these adorable eco-friendly wooden animal toys from the Land of Nod .

And, finally, to top it all off, I got to drive home and see my little stinker waiting for me at the door!  It made me so happy! Wow! What a great way to end such a wonderful day!