DIY THE CANDY CANE ENVELOPE

Welcome TLB friends!

I hope that you are having a great week so far! Since I've seen you last, I've been as busy as an elf in Santa's workshop. 

Between hubby's family and mine we've got quite a group of great-nieces and nephews, so I'm always trying to think of something that will delight these sweet little kiddies at holiday time. My plan is to put this felt envelope and it's contents at their place settings---who doesn't like a little gift at Christmas?

I love incorporating a learning experience into the fun. How about the Legend of the Candy Cane? Where did that candy cane come from? Was it Santa? Was it Jesus?Hmm....well today's blog will not only delight, but will educate these little sweeties!

SWEET TABLESETTING BY THE LAKE

I love these sunny warm days we have been having. I've been dying to do a photo shoot by the lake in our backyard. It's so beautiful this time of year and makes such a lovely backdrop, especially for a tablescape.

I started with my coral tablecloth. Of course I needed a colorful bouquet of flowers, so off to Publix I went. They had just what I needed. The yellows, purples, oranges, and lime green were just the perfect compliment to the placesettings.

The placemats, luncheon plates and coffee mugs are from my favorite HOMEGOODS store. I love the fun edge around the placemats. The colors sprinkled throughout are just perfect. My goblets were a recent find in DOLLAR GENERAL, yes, true....$1.00 each and they are very nice quality!

The white pitcher I am using for a vase is from HOMEGOODS.

The pattern on the coffee mugs and luncheon plates adds just the right amount of corals in various depth to compliment the yellow placemats and napkins.

Here it is.......all set for our girls luncheon on this lovely day!

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you enjoyed your visit.

                       Kathleen

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! 

It's Mod Podge Monday.......Check out our DIY Vases & Springtime Placesetting!

My husband and I traveled to our Florida house this weekend. A little change of scenery from the snowscapes to the beautiful palm trees and 80 degree weather has been wonderful.  Not only did we get to see our Florida friends, but we also got to spend a few days with old friends from our Perrysburg, Ohio days. I think it is safe to say, a good time was had by all!

Whenever I am in the warmth of the South during the winter months, I find myself longing for Spring flowers, and the bright colors of Springtime. With that in mind, I managed to find an interesting DIY project involving Mod Podge. I started with Dollar Store vases.........and one squeeze bottle of Mod Podge from Michaels.

Pour Mod Podge into the vase and swirl it around.

 

 

Swirl to coat entire inside of vase and let dry.

The result is a beautiful sheer pink glossy finish. The actual pink is a bit lighter and more pastel than the photograph.

 

 

I have plans to use these vases with all of my fresh cut flowers up North, but until then I created a Springlike table setting to showcase the vase.  I built this tablesetting using the white Mikasa plate as my foundation, then a Lenox aqua luncheon plate that I purchased in Home Goods in the center, and topped it off with my Noritake wedding china dessert plate. Look at all of that Springtime color!

Now run to Michaels and the Dollar Tree to create your very own easy and colorful vases for your home.

                        Happy Mod Podging.....and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby brother!

                                                                       Kathleen

***Thank you for stopping by The Lavender Bouquet. Feel free to leave us a comment. Please come again!