200th post -- and a little giveaway

I was really surprised when I glanced at my last post and saw that it was #199! My 200th post almost escaped me altogether. Well, while I was out and about this weekend I found this little giveway to thank my friends and followers...just in time for the holidays.




I just fell in love with this cute apron and I know that there are lots of apron lovers across blogland.....





....love the colors and fun prints and those ruffles!




Won't you love this for baking Christmas cookies? Or perhaps a hostess gift? As just a tiny way to thank all of my wonderful blogging friends that have shown me so much kindness and hospitality over the past couple of years I'm going to give this away on Friday the 19th. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment for a chance -- let me know you're a follower for two chances.

Thank you all for so many wonderful visits and comments and coming back time and again -- you've really become so dear to me.

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - Mother's China

It's time for Tablescape Thursday and playing with the dishes! This week I had several ideas working in my mind for what to post -- and that all changed when my sister came to visit with a surprise box filled with my mother's china. She said that it was so crazed and cracked and chipped it really probably wasn't usable -- but she thought perhaps I would enjoy playing with these old dishes....of course I was delighted.



Welcome to this very special table.



A place set for you.



A closer look at the design ....perhaps this is where my love for the pink and green combination originated. I don't really know anything about this particular pattern. The marking on the back is J&G Meakin -- I looked up the marking and it comes from c.1912. Some of the plates are stamped Westminister -- but when I looked up that pattern, this is not the same. All I know is that my grandmother purchased this set of china for my mother when she was a teenager from an old woman who was "breaking up housekeeping" to go live with her daughter.



A layering of china and lace napkins. (and accidently my foot as well)



Teacup and Target flatware. The lace topper came in a surprise package from a dear blogger, Karen Korb of "Karen's Korner". She's truly a "soul sister" as we have had so many mutual experiences in our lives. If you haven't met her yet...please stop by for a visit. She found this and some other treasures at her mother's home she was cleaning out and sent them to me. Karen, this is like having both our mothers at the table today.


I love this little Autumn Angel and he became part of my centerpiece along with leaves, acorns, pumpkins, berries and silk blooms.



These glass goblets were found on eBay.



Overview of the table.



Overview of the centerpiece.



I love these layers of lace.



I found this pretty monogrammed silverplated teapot at a local antique store.



The "other" side of the centerpiece. (just ignore the pink bag in the background *sigh*)



Autumn arrangement.




So how do I know this is an "Autumn Angel"?.....because of the swag of acorns in his arms!

I did have so much fun setting the table once again with the china that graced my mother's table for years. Thank you Becky, for this unexpected delight.

For more delightful tables filled with inspiration for each of us to set a beautiful table....be sure to visit Susan of "Between Naps on The Porch" ...she's a wonderful hostess week after glorious tablescaping week.

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - Country Pumpkins

I guess if you've followed my blog for very long....you know how much I LOVE Tablescape Thursday! How fun it's been to visit so many tables week after week. A BIG thank you to Susan (Between Naps On The Porch) for hosting this event week after week!



I was so excited to win a giveaway of Fall goodies from Donna of "Sugar, Spice & Southern Life" a few weeks ago because I knew that a lot of it would end up on my table for Tablescape Thursday! If you haven't met Donna, be sure to visit her blog -- she's a real sweet cyber neighbor. Welcome to my country pumpkin tablescape.



This week, the place of honor is for Donna! But, of course there's plenty of room for you as well so please join us.



My centerpiece this week contains the dainty little doily and a sweet little stuffed pumpkin, both made by Donna herself.



Now isn't this just the sweetest little pumpkin in the pumpkin patch?



Donna thought of everything .... she even packed a few silk autumn leaves.



And coordinating Autumn napkins.



I thought the bamboo flatware would be fun tonight.



The cloth napkins are a dark dark green. The napkin rings came from Walmart last fall.



I knew as soon as I saw these plates at Target, they would be perfect for this table.



Now I don't usually love eating off paper plates, but I love all the different patterns available now -- So paper under glass....



...is the perfect solution! I found six plain glass plates at GoodWill -- but I've also seen them at Walmart and Garden Ridge. Tablescaping this way really won't break the bank and that's a good thing!



I even like an extra layer underneath -- any dinner sized plates will do - I've used my white ones (Gollum dishes) from Big Lots today.



I've loved my Nell Hill rustic round chargers.



An overview of the table.



Overview of the centerpiece.



The corner intersection of place settings.





This cute little Fall fella came from Cracker Barrel last year.



Time for a little pumpkin patch by moonlite glow.




Thanks Donna for all the inspiration for my table this week and I hope I did your little pumpkin proud!

For lots of inspiration for your table, be sure to visit all the fun tables you'll find awaiting you at "Between Naps On The Porch" this week. It's quite habit forming!

See ya!

Tablescape Thursday - From Fun to Frightening!

It's time to set the table for Tablescape Thursday and I've been watching some of you set some pretty amazing Halloween tables! Now I'm generally more for "fun" Halloween decorations---but this week I've gathered all my "spooky" items for those of you who dare.....




.... to come over for a bite!



We've been waiting for you!




Welcome!


Actually, lets turn on the lights and see what's haunting this table tonight.



I've set a place for you.






Do you ever get the feeling you're being watched?





A bit of elegance adds to the scary effect...don't you agree?





Don't take your eyes off your plate....or something may grab your dinner....



.... or crawl across your supper!




Our guests promise a lively dinner conversation!







Be sure to check out all the best haunted tables this week (if you dare!) on Wednesday evening at "Between Naps on the Porch" - hosted by the most wonderful Susan!

Happy Halloween however you love to celebrate - fun or frightening....it's all fabulous!

See ya!