REFINED RUSTIC by KATHLEEN

Good Morning Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Our middle daughter flew in for a visit so we had a busy and relaxing few days!

In today's blog I'm featuring a style that I've been admiring for quite some time. I love the idea of combining natural elements of the outdoors with the elegance of colorful rich fabrics and shiny crystal pieces. There are so many interpretations and names for this style in today's media, but since I've never been one to be a follower, I prefer to call my vision, Refined Rustic.

My photo shoot actually took place near my side yard where my husband stacks our firewood! In years past I've always wanted the wood stacked out the line of sight from the house. But, with the trends of weddings and parties being held in rustic barns and beautiful meadows, I thought why not take advantage of my yard by incorporating the wood and lawn into my first Fall 2014 photo shoot as my backdrop. 

I scoured my entertainment closet and grabbed the perfect piece of decorator fabric. The colors in the fabric are brilliant Autumn shades of red, gold and green, perfect for my tablescape base to build from. Underneath this layer (the actual foundation) is a burlap tablecloth.

Rustic chargers topped with a gold leaf patterned plate, golden linen colored salad plate, and red linen napkin with beaded napkin ring, complete the place setting.

I chose a coppery gold candelabra draped with crystal teardrops and whimsy crystal beaded strands for the center of the table, which added just the right sparkle. Adding more crystal by placing Waterford goblets at each placesetting took the sparkle to a new level! Scattering fall colored leaves and apples around the centerpiece gives the entire table a comfortable fall feel.

It's that time of year when our thoughts begin to turn to Fall and our decor. What do you think of my Refined Rustic tablescape? Can you see yourself setting your table this fall with a little woodsy/natural feel and the sparkle of crystal?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. See you on Wednesday!

Kathleen

***Thanks for stopping by and sharing your day with us! 

SUCCULENTS IN THE DINING ROOM FOR SPRING!

I can't believe it's Monday! I'm not sure where the weekend went. I flew to Florida yesterday and am spending the week here. Our oldest daughter will be with me for a few days, so we will be busy!

I have been noticing a really big trend lately toward succulent plants. They are everywhere! I asked my husband if he liked them and he said, "yes." I thought maybe we should get on the bandwagon and decorate a bit with them. Of course, they also are great outside.

It was time for the Dining Room table to be brought into the Spring fold, so I thought this would be the perfect place to introduce them. The nice thing about these plants is that they take very little care. I noticed on Pinterest they are used everywhere, from wreaths and centerpieces, to hanging plants, and I even saw some in a birdcage!

Well, I have a birdcage.......and now I have succulents! It was a fun little vignette to put together. Of course, you all know me, I have to add just a touch of color to bring it all together.

SUCCULENTS IN THE DINING ROOM FOR SPRING

The runner on my table is from our trip to Portugal. I love using it, as it adds a bit of elegance to the table. It's all hand stitched and every time I look at it I am amazed at the detail.  Of course the Waterford crystal candlesticks and Galway crystal vases are all from hubby's travels abroad. 

Hope you enjoyed the pics today......now go grab some succulents and have some fun like I did.

Have a wonderful Monday! See you Wednesday from sunny Florida!

Kathleen

House Tour 2013-Dining Room/Staircase

Every year I keep the dining room decor pretty simple. Adding a festive table runner, ornaments in the crystal bowls, and a touch of shiny garland and ribbon, make things quite easy.

I keep the buffet easy as well, adding ornaments to my Tiffany dish, fresh candles in the Waterford candlesticks and a beautiful angel that I found in Home Goods a few years ago.

Moving along to the staircase. I changed the decor this year a bit. I used red Tartan ribbon for my bows at each post, and intertwined some icicle garland into the evergreen lit garland. By adding an occasional red poinsettia to the garland, gives a nice pop of red to compliment the red Tartan bows.

More to come........


ENJOY!
K