Welcome to Day 10 of 31 Extraordinary Days to Be…  Or…simply: Be…
Together, we will learn to Be… to live fully and beautifully in our “skin”
and in our homes and beyond.  If you missed The Introduction or you’d like
to follow the entire series, you can find each post listed here.

  31 Extraordinary Days to Be... AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

We woke up to our first frost this morning.  Clear, cool, and crisp. When autumn comes, we’re ready for cuddly sweaters and evenings at home. And hearty meals at the table.

 

Day 10 :: Be Creative ~ Cozy and Warm Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There’s nothing like creating…

a cozy and warm homespun table setting in the fall.

My menu is generally pretty simple and fairly repetitious.  I’m okay with it, and I’m grateful my husband is too. The kitchen isn’t my passion or my creative station.  But, my table, that’s another story.  That’s where I like to be creative.

We’ve been talking about being rather than doing in this #31Days series.  And so, I’m sure that some of you groan when you see another table setting.  You might be thinking, “How in the world can I put that together when it’s already a challenge to get the food on the table.”

We already have so much to do.  Many of us think that we are failing because we can NOT do it all.

Guess what?  We can’t.  And we’re NOT failing.

We may wish our homes looked like the magazines, but we need to be realistic.  I talked about finding contentment on Day 1 in the series.  You can read about it here.

 

Fresh Green & Brown Oak Leaves :: Sweater Pumpkins :: Day 10 of #31Days:: Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There are some parts of our home life that benefit from attention and creativity.  One area is the table. We need to elevate our family time at the table.  Make it a time to be screen free (no TV/phones, etc.).  Wherever you are in life, whether you eat alone, or in groups of two, four, or fourteen, let me encourage you to practice your creativity at the table.

If you love words…play word games at the table as you eat.  If you love gardening or nature….bring it in and grace your table with nature’s beauty.  If you are artsy….create something for each person’s table setting.  If you love to cook…let your creativity go in the kitchen.  What are your passions?  Bring them to the table.

 

Homespun Sweater Pumpkins :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Be Creative ~ Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This time at the table is a time for you to love on your family from your heart.  It’s a place of a safety and coziness and nurture for everyone ’round that table. It’s a place for listening and encouragement. And it’s a place where we get nourishment…physical, spiritual, emotional, mental.  And if the family makes it a priority, it’s one of the few times everyone is together.

My goal here is not to pressure you to do more, my goal is to encourage you to use this time when your family gathers to love on them and to express that creativity you may not be exercising.  This isn’t about performance….it’s about being who you are created to be and using that vehicle to make the table a place of memories in the making.

 

Dollar Store Table Setting :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This homespun table setting is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a delicious  and hearty supper of earthy pasta with family and friends.

It also is a place for me to express my creativity.

You might remember my birthday gift that inspired an early fall tablescape. Well, my friend, loved her Dollar Tree dinner plates.  And so much so, that she stopped by the Dollar General and picked up some placemats for $2 each.  They really help to create the warmth and basis for our homespun table setting.  (With the dollar green water goblets…that just four dollars per table setting!)

 

Cozy Fall Table :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

If you think that she stopped with the placemats and said, “It is good.”  You were wrong. My creative friend had an idea to create these cute little felt pockets for holding the silverware.  Aren’t they wonderful? You might say Shelly is an artist with a needle and thread.  Each silverware pocket was hand stitched.   She even made a pattern for the little leaves and cut each tiny leaf out before decoratively stitching them to the pocket.  I love those little leaves and buttons!

 

Felt Silverware Pocket :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Homespun Table Setting AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Those little green oak leaves on the pockets were the inspiration for my table decor.  That and the sweater pumpkins I’ve been seeing all over blogland. I was so blessed to have found a wonderful cable-knit sweater at the thrift store for just $3.99.  And in just the color tone I was hoping to find.  The cable knit sweater pumpkins…were so fun and easy to make.  I still have some sweater left!  You never know…there just might be more pumpkins upcoming. And maybe a tutorial too.

 

Sweater Pumpkins :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Homespun Table Setting

 

When we plan to be creative, we make room in our schedule for little things like creating a cozy and warm homespun table setting .  We might not have time to make full course meals, but setting a pretty table is a great way to practice creativity.  It’s something that can be done every few weeks and the centerpiece or tablescape can even rotate between family members.

My friends have heard me say “it’s all about the presentation.”  This statement isn’t meant to place added pressure on you, but to encourage you to make that breakfast, lunch, or supper more significant….something that no one wants to miss.   When everything looks wonderful, the food, no matter how humble, always tastes better. You might not have the time nor the interest in crafting sweater pumpkins or silverware pockets for the table.  But, why not look for an interesting bowl or basket and fill it with fresh apples for an edible centerpiece?  It’s easy to gather fall leaves or cut a branch or two for a vase or low bowl…or just randomly lay leaves or acorns or flowers or pine cones on the table.

 

Create Memories Around the Table :: Day 10 of #31Days :: Homespun Table Setting :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There are many more ways to make a cozy and warm homespun table setting for fall.  Be creative!  The family might linger longer and create never-to-be-forgotten memories at the table because of it.

Day 10 Challenge:  How important is your dinner/supper time to your family?  Elevate the importance of family time together around the table.  Be creative from your heart to encourage conversation, memory making, and a more enjoyable meal time.


If you have some creative ideas for the table…please share them here or on Facebook.  

 

Thank you for stopping by today.

I appreciate you and your thoughtful comments make my day.

Be Creative…

Diane

Please consider visiting each day during this #31Day series.

All the posts in the series will be added to this page each day of October.
If you would like to receive more inspiration in your email inbox, subscribe now.
What a wonderful adventure this will be as we journey together to Be…

Comments

  1. What directions did u use for your pumpkins? They are beautiful.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much!!
      I didn’t use any directions, Cookie. I just cut and gathered and a few other little things until my sweater looked like a pumpkin, or two or three.
      A tutorial must be added to my to-do list for sure. 😉

  2. Kathy says

    Lovely table and fabulous post. Sometimes in the rush of things, we forget the importance of enjoyable family time. Beautifully done!

    • Diane says

      I think they call it the “tyranny of the urgent.” We all succumb unless we plan differently. 😉
      Thanks for your kind words, Kathy!
      [hugs]

  3. Yes, please, a tutorial on those cute sweater pumpkins! Love those!

  4. HA my BLOG name is Homespun and I love these Homespun placemats….those little felt silverware holders are so darn cute. I think that young children would get a kick out of them especially if their name was on them too…I might do something like this for when the grands, etc are over for dinner. Adorable! 🙂 Your pumpkins and table setting are just wonderful / I loved this post 🙂

  5. i’m nuts about cableknit, so you had me even before i glimpsed those felt pockets! so charming.

    thanks for sharing, and hope you’ll pop over when you have a second!

    smiles.

    michele

    http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Michelle!! Cable knit has always made my heart been faster, too!
      Thanks for popping by and taking time to leave your sweet words!:)
      ~Diane

  6. Family time at the dinner table is so important! Creating great memories and connecting to each other. Love the pumpkins and a tutorial would be great! Thanks for linking this post to TTF!

    • Diane says

      It really is a good time over food.
      Thanks for you kind words about the pumpkins. Now to get to work on the tut! 😉
      Blessings!

  7. Gwen says

    Once all kids moved out we went to eating the way my husband liked: sitting on couch eating. I never did it that way.
    I like placemats. My kids learned their states and presidents and geography and even how to set the table from placemats! Nightly meals at the table allowed kids to share. I miss that now.
    We used to have a special plate that matched our dishes. We would sometimes put our napkins on the center of the plates so we could hide Special Plate. We’d go around the table and each say something special about each person. My kids have even done it for Wedding gifts but they keep the pen writing YOU ARE SPECIAL TODAY on the rim!! Safety!!!

    • Diane says

      I bet you do wish those memorable mealtimes with the kiddos. We fell into the dinner in front of the TV a few years ago. And then one day I said…’enough!’ We wouldn’t dream of returning there.
      I love having a “special” plate. I’ve purchased some over the years for gifts….but never enjoyed one. 🙂
      Blessings, my friend! 🙂

  8. Linda says

    Loved this post Diane. I too would like a tutorial on the pumpkins and felt pockets. I’ve accumulated some wool pieces so could use those. I remember my grandmother always doing a centerpiece when we went for Sunday dinner just candlesticks and then she “shopped” the house and yard to add little pieces. All 5 of us “grands” loved looking at all the little pieces. She never bought anything for them; just created a little vignette and it is still a memory 50 years later!

    • Diane says

      What a lovely memory of meals with your grandmother, Linda. That is truly special. 🙂
      It will be a little while before I can post the tutorials….but I will get to work on them. 🙂 Thanks for the nudge.
      Blessings!

  9. Looks wonderful! Those pocket are adorable.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Jennifer!!!
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!

  10. Mel says

    How do you DO that–just pick up a sweater and voile’……punkins! LOL I’m afraid what mine would turn out to look like–yours, however…..Ohmygosh……they’re just cuter than cute. And I love that your friend got involved and ran with it. How cute are those little pockets with the buttons and leaves. I LOVE buttons and have the jars to prove it. *laughing* She did an awesome job and they’re perfect for the season and the setting. Feel free to have tutorials on both items. LOL Wouldn’t want ya running out of things to share with us! 😉

    And……. Gotta tell ya……it’s been livingroom eating for me for 6 weeks–mostly out of necessity cuz of the silly leg. But a couple days ago I told himself that we really needed to go back to the table. I missed our conversations….I missed the play and banter…….and I missed being able to just sit and look at him while he dribble food. ROFL TRUE…..and I did miss it.
    We’re back at the table which makes me hugely happy. And I’m thinking I now wanna DO something to make that nicer (besides make him a matching bib….LOL). I’m gonna dream on that one a bit and conspire to make it happen. Cuz……. So thank you. We DO make cool memories and have the most wonderful moments at that table……..

    And NO–I am NOT a spammer. LOL I forget to check that box every single time… Sheeeeeeshhh.

    • Diane says

      Well…if you’d have seen my “first” attempt. Ha! I guess I needed a tutorial…but I figured it out and I got the look I wanted…for the most part. I just wish my pumpkin stems (dried from last year) weren’t all packed away in the deep recesses of that storage locker two states away. :-/
      I love that you are at the table again. 6 weeks…that’s a long time. I’m glad to hear that you two are back to making all sorts of cool memories again. I can only imagine. Maybe I should be a spider on the wall. 😉
      Yeah…I know you’re not a spam bot… Sorry. ;(

  11. Jen says

    Such a beautiful table setting. Please post a tutorial on those pumpkins! I love them!

    • Diane says

      I will work at doing that, Jen. Thanks for the encouragement to do so.
      And thanks for your kind words!!
      Blessings!

  12. Cindy says

    I love your sweater pumpkins!!! Some of the nicest I’ve ever seen. They look so warm and inviting.
    Cindy

    • Diane says

      That is truly the nicest thing you could say, Cindy. 🙂 Thank you soooo much!
      Hope your day has been extraordinary!
      ~Diane

  13. Well said! I totally agree. I LOVE the sweater pumpkins and utensil holders. They look like something I would like to make by the fire in the evenings. Thanks for the great post! *hugs*

    • Diane says

      I truly appreciate your words, Michele. 🙂 Sitting by the fire sounds so wonderfully cozy.
      Blessings!!
      ~Diane

  14. Holly says

    Those pumpkins are to die for! So cute! We found you from That DIY party. Pinning! Thanks for sharing!

    • Diane says

      Holly…just just put the biggest smile on my face 😀 Thank you!!!!!!

  15. Lulu says

    Now if I just had a cable knit sweater, I’d be off and running with this project. I’m crazy about the pumpkins as well as your other touches.

    • Diane says

      Haha!! It sounds like you need to hit your local thrift shop. 🙂
      Thank you so much, Lulu!!

  16. I love your sweater pumpkins. So cute and creative!

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Bonnie!!
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!

  17. Tammy says

    Very pretty fall table setting. Love the sweater pumpkins.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Tammy!! It is such a simple setting, yet makes me smile every time we sit down there.
      Wishing you an Extraordinary week!!
      ~Diane

  18. Hi, I love the way your table setting looks and the white pumpkins. It is really beautiful. I saw it on kathe with an e.
    Julie

    • Diane says

      Julie, if you could see my face. 😀 I’m wearing the biggest smile thanks to you.
      Blessings!!

  19. Beautiful table setting! I’m hosting a pillow cover giveaway that you should enter! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/10/pillow-covers-giveaway.html

  20. I love, love, love the leaves and your sweater pumpkins. Gorgeous. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    • Diane says

      I know using green leaves is a little different…but it was so refreshing to me. Thanks for you popping by!!
      [hugs]

  21. Jan says

    Visiting from the Cozy Little House link party. You put together a beautiful table setting. When I started looking through the link party, your entry caught my eye right away — you said you’ve seen the sweater pumpkins all over the internet, but yours are the first I’ve laid eyes on and I was drawn like a magnet! I LOVE them. So clever, and so cozy looking. Did you use the arms? I’ve no idea how to make them, but I have a ratty old gold cable knit sweater taking up space in a drawer, and it would work beautifully to make me some of those stuffed sweater pumpkins. What a wonderful idea!

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet, Jan… Thank you!! I actually used the arms for two vases and the top of the arm for the pumpkin that’s leaning on it’s side. I’m planning on putting together a tutorial. Life is sometimes a little too busy…especially with deciding to write a #31Days series and not having anything ahead of the game. I’m managing day by day. Hopefully in the next few days I’ll be able to get some projects completed that are in the process. I’ll try to e-mail you when I get it done. If not…check back or remind me.
      Hope your week is truly Extraordinary!!
      ~Diane

  22. I’ve been saving a lovely cable sweater with a moth hole in it to make a pillow. Now I can see that my procrastination has led me to this day — cable knit pumpkins. What a wonderful post and beautiful table!

    • Diane says

      How fun is that, Jennie!!! Sometimes it pays to wait!! 🙂
      Thanks so much for your kind words. 🙂
      Hope your day is Extraordinary!!
      ~Diane

  23. lisa says

    Gorgeous table! I absolutely love those sweater pumpkins and they really caught my eye!

  24. Sandi says

    Such a pretty autumnal table setting. Love the sweater pumpkins! A very inspirational post, Diane. Thanks for sharing at my HOME.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks, Sandi! Sweaters and pumpkins…what could be more quintessentially fall?
      Hope your week is extraordinary!!
      ~Diane

  25. Sarah says

    Pretty fall table. I love the look of the sweater pumpkins!

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Sarah! The longer they’re been on my table the more I like them too. I guess that’s what happens with a cozy sweater…yes?
      Blessings!!

  26. Sarah says

    The table is such an important place for our family, I love the time we get to share around it. You are so right that it should look warm and inviting to foster all that good stuff we do around it. Thanks for sharing your table, I love those pumpkins.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Sarah!! Glad your table is a special place for your family.
      Blessings!

  27. Doni says

    Those are just totally adorable little pumpkins all wrapped up in a snuggly sweater!! And then with the colors of the leaves and dinnerware, little pockets for the utensils…how cute can you get? Love it all! Thanks so much for sharing your pretty settings with us for the party!!
    Blessings,
    Doni

    • Diane says

      Awwww…Doni….your words were the warmest hug. 🙂 Thank you so much!
      [hugs]
      ~Diane

  28. Carol says

    Love those cozy pumpkins. Just wanted to let you know I’m featuring this when my link party opens up tonight! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    • Diane says

      Pinch me!! Thank you for this wonderful blessing!!
      [hugs]

  29. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    Oh my goodness, those pumpkins are darling! And I love the idea of the felt silverware pockets too!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Sharon! Just the coziness we need for this cooler weather. 😉

  30. Linda says

    Oh, I love these pumpkins. I’ve been searching tag sales for these big bulky sweaters. Terrific. Linda

    • Diane says

      I hope you find some sweaters…I got mine at the thrift shop for $3.99. Pretty good deal consider I made 4 pumpkins and two vase sleeves. 🙂

  31. Bev says

    Sweet table…love those flatware pockets.

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Bev!!
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!
      ~Diane

  32. Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic project on The Inspiration Board at homework. I featured you today! Have a great weekend.

    carolyn
    homework &
    DETAILS

    • Diane says

      Carolyn…I am truly honored!! Thank you sooo much!! [hugs]

  33. Love your table setting ! Those pumpkins look stunning ! And those flatware pockets are brilliant idea !
    best,
    Marlin

    • Diane says

      Marlin…that is just the nicest thing to say. 🙂 Thank you!!!!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  34. Kathy says

    Family time at the dinner table is one of my favorite times – especially when the setting is as lovely as yours,
    So delighted you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      Now that just is the nicest thing you could say. Thank you Kathy!!! 🙂

  35. Wow those pumpkins are great. What a nice cozy table setting you’ve created! Your friend sure did a nice job on the flatware holders! Love the leaves and placemats!

    • Diane says

      You are right…my friend is amazing with her sewing and handwork. 🙂
      Thanks for popping over, Liz and leaving your kind thoughts!
      Blessings!!!

  36. Amazing pumpkins.

    – The Tablescaper

    • Diane says

      Awww….that’s so nice of you to say that! Thank you sweet friend!! 🙂

  37. Diane, this is just beautiful! What a perfectly lovely table–so warm and inviting. (Well, I guess it has to be warm, since the pumpkins are wearing their sweaters!)

    Thank you for joining the Grace at Home party! I featured you this week! 🙂

    • Diane says

      You just put a big smile on my face Richella!! I can’t help but chuckle at your remark. 🙂
      Thank you for your kindness in stopping by and featuring my table setting. I am truly blessed!
      [hugs]
      ~Diane

  38. I love this cozy table and those sweater pumpkins are adorable. It’s been pretty nippy here in Mid-Michigan and I do believed we had a few snow showers yesterday. All the more reason that this table warms my heart.

    • Diane says

      Oh Sandra…I might not be too far from you….we got a few of those nasty flakes yesterday too. Hope they got their fill and we won’t see anymore until Christmas. 😉 Thanks for your sweet remarks. [hugs]

  39. I love the simplicity of your table, Diane…and those sweater pumpkins!
    Have a wonderful week…

    • Diane says

      Marigene…you are so sweet and kind.
      Thank you!!!

  40. What a gorgeous fall tablescape! I can’t decide between the sweater pumpkins and the cute silverware holders for my favorite part, so I’ll go with both! Have a wonderful week!

    ~Abby =)

    • Diane says

      Awwww…you are so sweet!!
      Thanks for stopping by Abby!

  41. Hi, Diane! Yes, I agree…it’s all about the presentation, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a Broadway production every time! Much of the beauty of this tablescape is its simplicity. It’s not overdone, it’s not over the top, it’s not unattainable. It’s simple, to the point, pretty. There are times when simple is better (more often than not, I think!), and this is a perfect example of how to achieve it…AND without spending a ton of dough!

    You and Shelly both have your share of talents, and they came together nicely for this table. I love the little pockets for the flatware! So cute! And your sweater pumpkins are just as darling as they can be. I can’t sew, and craft projects are certainly not in my wheelhouse, so I commend you both! We all have our strengths, don’t we? 🙂

    Thanks for sharing, and have a relaxing weekend!

  42. lovely! i really like the silverware holder

    • Diane says

      Thanks Carrie!
      All the best for an extraordinary weekend!

Trackbacks

  1. […] Day 10 ~ Be…Creative :: Cozy and Warm Homespun Table Setting […]

  2. […] you remember the sweater pumpkins I made for my table?  (You can check out that post here.)  I didn’t need the sleeves of the sweater for the pumpkins, so I thought I’d cover […]

  3. […] Fall Tables  ::  An Extraordinary Day […]

  4. […] love it.  In the meantime… you can check out my past Thanksgiving tablescapes: here & here & here & […]

  5. […] Cozy & Warm Homespun Table Setting […]

  6. […] beautiful table setting by An Extraordinary Day. I love these hand stitched felt  utensil holders. They’re perfect for a cozy fall or […]

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.