This birch branch winter woodland tablescape just might be my most favorite table setting ever. What is it about natural elements that make my heart sing? This winter we've been having fun decorating with birch branches. You may have seen some of it here and here and here. We had a few longer birch branches that hadn't been used over Christmas, so I thought creating a birch branch winter woodland tablescape would be fun. Actually, creating a centerpiece of the branches for the table would set the stage and theme. Birch branches are perfect for winter … [Read more...]
It seems like the whole country is in a deep freeze. I rarely watch TV so I miss the hype regarding major storms, but I've been seeing the term "polar vortex" in status updates on Facebook and elsewhere. My husband had an appointment to meet someone a few hours away and it was cancelled because of the cold temps in Indiana. Here in Michigan it was minus 17 degrees last night and today I don't think we got above minus 3 degrees. It's cold. And that vortex brought in plenty of snow. Seeing all that beautiful frosting on the trees, the porch, and cars made me want to make snow ice … [Read more...]
Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving? Usually, we gather with friends and family we rarely see and enjoy those foods we only eat at Thanksgiving. If I'm hosting the meal, I put almost as much effort into creating a beautiful Thanksgiving Tablescape as I do the meal. I have to admit, for me, it isn't all about the food. Though I have shared a few recipes that would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. My Far East Celery is crunchy and light and makes a perfect accompaniment to turkey and stuffing. Or a true fall dish that you can enjoy as a salad or … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Many of us are thinking about how to set a beautiful and bountiful table. As I was dreaming about table decor, I remembered that this past New Year's table would be perfect for Thanksgiving. Actually...it's probably even more appropriate when you look at the elements of the table. Plus, mixing gold and silver in home decor is gaining in popularity right now. So...why not think about mixing gold and silver for Thanksgiving to create a truly elegant table setting? The key elements were leaves and nuts and pine … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 28 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. When I embarked on this #31Days series, and chose Hospitality as one of the weekly topics, I had plans for all kinds of things hospitality-minded. But, as I began writing, I had an 'Ah Ha' moment. I needed that 'Ah Ha' moment and so did some readers. But....that totally turned my plans all upside down. (You can … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 21 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. When was the last time you invited someone to your home? Is the question causing you to feel a little defensive? Maybe that's okay. Why? Because hospitality is not about comfort. Yup. I said it. If you're a good cook....people will enjoy your comfort food. If you're a great home … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 14 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. When I first decided on this series and came up with the topics for each day I was especially excited about today's topic: Be...Hospitable. This is a topic that sings in my heart. Yet, I have struggled each week to share something meaningful with you. It would be so helpful if you and I could sit down … [Read more...]
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. 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. There's nothing like creating... a cozy and warm homespun table setting in the fall. My menu is generally … [Read more...]
Welcome to Day 7 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. When you read the words Be Hospitable do you cringe? Are you thinking.... "I already have too many things to do, I can hardly keep my house together let alone have decent meals for the family, and I'm running constantly, when do I have time to be hospitable?" In this series about 31 … [Read more...]
What is it about the colors of fall that make my heart sing? Rusty oranges. I think they just might have been my dad's favorite. Golden yellows. Rudbeckia and Goldenrod are two of my favorites. I couldn't believe there were still Rudbeckia, often known as black-eyed Susans, still blooming in the garden. Greens. The backdrop for making the colors of fall even more dramatic. Taupe and every shade of brown. Who doesn't like acorns and pinecones. Table for four, … [Read more...]
I'd love for you to Pin or share this image on Facebook or Instagram. One thing I find myself doing more this time of year is cooking. I'm sure it's because of the plentiful harvest of some of my favorite fruits and vegetables. Now, I confess, I'm more of an eat-to-live gal, than a live-to-eat gal. I'm totally in awe of those of you who are wonderful and creative cooks. But, having said that, I can cook. And yes, it even tastes pretty good. [wink] These days I'm enjoying some new recipes assembled by my friend who not only loves to cook, but is a terrific cook. When she … [Read more...]
Autumn has unofficially arrived! Each morning I get up in the dark and sit with my chair facing the window to the East, drinking my Chai, and drinking in the quiet and HIS "still small voice." The nearby fields are coloring golden and heavy with dew as that first light magnifies in each tiny droplet. What a contrast from last Fall in the mountains of Pennsylvania where the day begins shrouded in fog. I am seizing the beauty around me in this new season of my life....and the year. One of the things about Fall Nesting is the aromas. I love it when my husband comes home and says, … [Read more...]
As the days get shorter, we hang on to every breath of summer's sweet breezes. There's the "one last time" at the beach day. Or, if you live in the mountains, the desert, or in America's heartland, all of that may be just a dream. But, it doesn't stop us from creating our own little breath of fresh air and wind and waves....even on our supper table. Our own casual coastal tablescape....ah! Today, I used my everyday, Longaberger Classic Blue dinner plates and Woven Traditions Cereal Bowls. No...we won't be having cereal for supper. These generously sized bowls are perfect … [Read more...]
There's nothing like a day at the beach. Living at least five hours from the beach, I decided to bring the beach to the mountains of Pennsylvania. At least to my dining area. Will you join me for a beachy brunch? The table is simply set with my Longaberger dinnerware and crystal goblets, and my vintage silverplate that we use everyday. We're having the yummiest blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. Creamers sitting on saucers are perfect for serving the syrup. And cute too. An old vintage low bowl with a sea green interior is … [Read more...]
For summer gatherings I always enjoy lighter fare. Foods that are delicious, high in flavor, and refreshing. On the Fourth of July, we were invited to enjoy a meal with some friends. It's always good to hang out with good friends and catch up on all the latest. When one of those friends is a great cook, it makes that gathering even more special. I love walking into a home where we're expected for dinner and seeing a few beautifully presented appetizers and beverages. It makes me feel wanted and anticipated. Some people are so good at that. Me? I need to improve in the appetizer department. But, I … [Read more...]
Usually, this time of year I am up to my eyeballs creating fantastic spaces for kids. I would hardly have time to notice the beauty of creation around me. But, this year....I am having so much fun picking blossoms, creating fun tablescapes, and enjoying springtime. I love how the pink detail on the plates comes alive with the pink crabapple blossoms. Just for fun, I put together a centerpiece for the table using book pages and my vintage Ball Mason jars. The jars usually take residence on the shelves in my laundry room. They are so happy in their … [Read more...]
“Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared.” Jesse Browner Have you noticed when you gather for a meal with friends, the food always tastes better? Eaten alone, food is nutritious...it feeds the body, not the soul. But, eaten in community, it is a communion, where body and soul are fed. That's the point of hospitality. It's a shared table. It might mean taking what you have prepared and offering it to someone in need. Or it might entail opening your home. It's the sharing … [Read more...]
