Welcome to the 28th "Sunday Favorites"

"Sunday Favorites" is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance to share a favorite post from the past!!! For more information on how to republish a past post just click on the "Sunday Favorites" info photo in the sidebar of my blog.

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Hello my friends!

Welcome to the 28th run of "Sunday Favorites"!!!

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I hope that you're having a wonderful weekend! Wow...I am really enjoying this weekend! It's finally warmed up a bit and the sun is out in all of its glory! We had the first serious winter storm move into Colorful Colorado last Wednesday! Wednesday evening our area went into "Winter Storm Warning" mode and woweee...did we ever get it! They forcasted about 14" of snow for us, although we didn't get quite that much. By Thursday, we ended up under a "Blizzard Warning" due to the 30 to 40 mph winds. We had some pretty good sized snow drifts...enough that my honey couldn't get the truck out of the driveway for work on Friday! We just threw more wood on the fire and enjoyed a quiet day at home watching movies and eating homemade chili! Ohhh...that's just sooo much fun!!! Hehe!

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Well my friends...Thank you so much for coming by today! Have a super Sunday!!!

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Thank you so much for your participation!!! I am going to really enjoy going through your "Sunday Favorites" posts!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

Sunday Favorites

My favorite post: July 24, 2009

It's Pink Saturday!!!

Hello my friends...it's Pink Saturday!!!

Pink Saturday is hosted by our very own Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound. Please go and visit Beverly today and see what pretty pinkness that she has in store for us and while you're there you can visit all of the other Pink Saturday participants!

Thank you, Beverly...for hosting Pink Saturday! You have made our little world so much prettier with all that beautiful pink!!!

A Special Pink Saturday Post Today!

Today is a special Pink Saturday post for me...in fact, today I am celebrating the gift that God gave to me...my Grandma!!! My Grandma was my "safe haven" while I was growing up...she was always there for me...no matter what...with that unconditional love that carried me through some rough times! She loved the Lord with all of her heart and truly was a saint of God!!! She was the most gentle, loving, and patient person that I have ever known...and I have always looked up to her as my example! I have always said that if I could be like anyone in this world...it would be my Grandma!!! She went on to be with the Lord last year....she was 92 years old! I miss her terribly but I know that I have the Lord's promise that I will see her again someday!!!

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Last month we took a family vacation to Texas and while we were there my Mama gave me my Grandma's china hutch...I was able to bring it back to Colorado with me!!! I was so pleased and so very happy! It just means the world to me to have something that belonged to my Grandma!!! My Mama also gave me my Grandma's pink Depression Glass that she had bought during the Depression years...there are several really pretty pieces and again...I was just elated for this precious gift!!! *
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So today...for Pink Saturday...I would like to share with you my pink Depression Glass that belonged to my dear, sweet Grandma!!!

My Treasured Pink Depression Glass...

Oooohhhh...so pretty and pink!!!

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I think everyone knows what Depression Glass is...it was glassware that was made during the years of the U.S. Great Depression! It comes in several colors...clear, green, amber, and pink (there may be a few other colors that I'm not aware of). *
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What I didn't know....

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is that there are several different patterns of the pink Depression Glass. I have several pieces with three different patterns!

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Mayfair Pink "Open Rose" Depression Glass

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Five - 9oz. flat tumblers and a 13 in. under platter.

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This pretty pattern is called Mayfair Pink "Open Rose". This Depression glass was made by Anchor Hocking 1931 - 1937.

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Besides the sentimental value of these pretty pieces...I feel very fortunate to have the tumblers! I checked with China at Replacements Ltd. and these little beauties sell for $53.99 each! Wowzer!!!

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A close up...Ooooh...isn't this a pretty pattern with the all the beautiful roses?



Oval vegetable bowl (11 1/8")



A footed open sugar bowl...



A good close up for you to see this pretty Mayfair Pink "Open Rose" pattern!



A candy dish...
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Ohhhh...wait...there's more!!!
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A 13 in. oval platter...
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This is a different pattern of the pink Depression Glass. This pattern is called "American Sweetheart"!!!
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The "American Sweetheart" Pink Depression Glass was made by Macbeth-Evans in 1930-1936!

A 12 in. salver plate...

A close up of the American Sweetheart pattern.

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I think this may be my favorite pattern...I just love the beautiful scrolly design!!!

This beautiful pink Depression Glass platter came from my husband's side of the family! The pattern is called "Old Colony Lace"!

Just a pretty-n-pink photo!!!

My dear, sweet Grandma and me....

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This photo was taken at my Grandma's 90th birthday party...two years before she went to be with the Lord! Isn't she a beautiful lady?

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Now...I have to tell you a funny story...or maybe it's not so funny! My Grandma kept all of these beautiful pink Depression glass pieces down in her and Grandpa's basement. I remember them well!!! You see...when my sister and I were little girls...Grandma would let us play house with this set of dishes! OMG...yes, it's absolutely true!!! Hard telling how many pieces that my sister broke (you noticed that I did not include myself in that...hehe!) I know that I couldn't have been any older than 5 and my sister was 3! Eeeekkkksss!!!

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Can you believe it???

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Anyways....thank you, Grandma...for my beautiful pink Depression Glass dishes!!! I love them and will always cherish them!!! I think of you every time I see them!!!

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Well my friends...thank you so much for coming by today! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I would love to visit with you!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

Show & Tell Friday...Artsy Autumn Vignettes!

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Hello my friends! It's time for Show & Tell Friday!

This fun filled Friday event is hosted by Cindy over at My Romantic Home. Please go by and see what Cindy has for us today and while you're there...you can visit all the other Friday Show & Tell participants! Thank you, Cindy...I appreciate you, my friend!

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"Artsy Autumn Vignettes"

Today I wanted to share a few of my Autumn vignettes. I have been having fun playing with mosaics again! I hope that you enjoy my "Artsy Autumn Vignettes"!

*An Autumn cloche filled with tiny acorns....
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A bust of a French girl....
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A bust of a French girl, Autumn songbirds, and pumpkins....
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A few more pumpkins and a silver teapot and candlesticks....

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Well my friends...I was trying to keep this "short and sweet" today! Thank you for taking a peek at a few more of my "Artsy Autumn Vignettes"! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here....I'd love to visit with you!!!

Love ya'll,
Chari

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Rednesday & Fran Di Giacomo

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Hello my friends...it's time for "REDNESDAY"!
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This fun filled red Wednesday event is hosted by Sue over at It's A Very Cherry World. Please go over and pay Sue a visit and while you're there....you can check out all of that fabulous red posted by the other "REDNESDAY" participants! Thank you, Sue for giving us the opportunity to show-off all of our REDS!!!
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Fran Di Giacomo...Quiet Elegance

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Today I would like to introduce you to one of my very favorite artists...

her name is Fran Di Giacomo!

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Striving to establish her career in art, Texas artist Fran Di Giacomo found herself most excited by the techniques and concepts of the Dutch masters. ''I focused on seeking out living masters to study with. Perfecting the drama of light, shadow, and mystery has been a constant theme. Fad and fashion will ebb and flow, but classical realism is endless and enduring.''

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In 1982, Di Giacomo took the next step in her life's dream and picked up the brushes full-time. She now paints an average of ten hours every day, using both Northern and artificial light to keep up with the demand for her paintings. To test a painting for the drama she seeks, Di Giacomo literally turns out the light. ''A painting must glow in the dark and then I know it's finished. In a client's home, the light from sun up to bedtime is constantly changing. My paintings take on a different personality with each lighting condition. But in every situation, the drama must be there.''

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Di Giacomo and her husband travel extensively in search of inspiration and artifacts for her paintings. One painting may have a tapestry from Afghanistan, a teapot from Morocco, French Sevres, Egyptian copper, flowers from her garden, and carefully selected fruit from the local supermarket - all resting on a stone table found in a castle in Portugal! Collectors worldwide enjoy the effort that goes into each painting.

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In today's fast paced world, our senses are constantly assaulted by the noisy, the vulgar, the grotesque, the avant-garde. When you behold a Fran Di Giacomo painting you return to the world of quiet elegance.

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(Biography found at Southwest Gallery)

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"Southern Beauties"

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I learned of Fran Di Giacomo several years ago in a college art class. I was so moved by her beautiful art! I have yet to find...a Di Giacomo painting that I haven't just fallen in love with!

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Last year when I was looking for a piece of art for one of the walls in my living room, I decided to look for one of Fran's paintings/prints. I decided upon this fabulous still life called...Southern Beauties!

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Ohhh...I just love everything about "Southern Beauties"...the big, beautiful magnolia blossoms, the deep, rich colors, and the lighting of this piece is fabulous!!! I think it looks lovely against the olive green wall color too!

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My apologies for not being able to see the print very well...it's so difficult to take a photo "head-on" when there is glass involved! But I wanted to give you an idea of where this beautiful piece resides in my living room.

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Below is a close-up...you can get a better view of the true beauty of this piece of art!
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I created both mosaics using just a few of Fran Di Giacomo's paintings. I included the name of the painting under each picture. Aren't they lovely? Fran certainly has her own unique style...the rich use of vibrant color...ohhh, and that "lighting"!!! I can just look at Fran's paintings and be carried away to a different place...a different time!!! I think "Quiet Elegance" says it all!!!

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Which one of these paintings is your favorite?

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Well my friends....thank you so much for coming by today! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I'd love to visit with you!!!

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Happy Rednesday!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

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Autumn...French Country Style!

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Hello my friends! I'm so happy that you stopped by today for a visit! I hope that your Monday has gotten off to a wonderful start!

Today, I'm joining in with Mary over at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday! Thank you, Mary for hosting this fun-filled event! Please go pay Mary a visit and check out her fabulous mosaics...and while you are there you can check out all of the other Mosaic Monday participants!

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Autumn...French Country Style!

Both of the mosaics that I am sharing with you today are taken from photos of my French Country dining room. I have really enjoyed the autumn decor in this room the last few weeks! The olive green and dark red colors in this room really make decorating for Autumn a cinch!

Mosaic #1...

For the first photo mosaic, I used Photo Bucket's "color sketch" effect and then used Picasa to make the mosaic! I really like how my dining room looks done up in the "color sketch" effect and it was soooo much fun to make!!!
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Mosaic #2...

"Real life" photo mosaic in my newly decorated for Autumn...French Country dining room! Again, I used Picasa to make the mosaic. I found the pretty Autumn "celtic" design that you see in the center of the mosaic on the internet! Ohhh...there are so many things you can play with while creating mosaics!!!

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Well my friends...thank you so much for coming by today and taking a peek at my photo mosaics...I hope you enjoyed them! I sure did have fun making them!!!

Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I'd love to visit with you!

Love ya'll,

Chari

Welcome to the 27th "Sunday Favorites"

"Sunday Favorites" is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance to share a favorite post from the past!!! For more information on how to republish a past post just click on the "Sunday Favorites" info photo in the sidebar of my blog.

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Hello my friends!

Welcome to the 27th run of "Sunday Favorites"!!!

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I hope that you're having a wonderful weekend! Wow...I know that many of you here in Blogland are still waiting for those cooler Autumn temps where you live! It seems that here in Colorful Colorado, we have already passed through Autumn and we're well on our way into the winter season! Yes...we have already had cold, cold weather and a couple of snows! It's been a little disheartening to me since Autumn is my favorite season! The leaves on our trees had just barely begun to turn their glorious Autumn shades when we had our very first snow of the season...a whopping 7"! Of course, it took all the "turning" leaves off of the trees. We have already had many days where the highs reached only into the 30's or 40's! Even as I write this, we have remnants of an eight inch snow on the ground! All in all...I'm still hoping for the days to warm up a bit and that we'll have a few of what we call..."Indian Summer" days!

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However, all of this cold weather has me already looking ahead to Christmas! Hehe! Did you know that we only have 66 days until Christmas? Ohhh my...where has the time gone? Time sure does fly by when you're having fun! Hehe!

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In light of the nearing Christmas season...I decided to rerun a post from July 14th of this year. I found a few great "treasure finds" that I hope to be able to use this Christmas. I hope you enjoy!!! Well my friends, have a super Sunday...I'll be throwing another log on the fire to keep warm! Hehe!

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Well my friends...Thank you so much for coming by today! Have a super Sunday!!!

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Thank you so much for your participation!!! I am going to really enjoy going through your "Sunday Favorites" posts!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

Sunday Favorites

My favorite post: July 14, 2009



It's "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!!!

Hello my friends! It's time for "2nd Time Around Tuesday" hosted by Diane over at A Picture Is Worth A 1,000 Words.

I just love "2nd Time Around Tuesday"...in fact, I just love 2nd time around treasures! You know...those great treasure finds from an antique store, flea market, thrift store, garage sale, etc. I think it's the "thrill of the hunt" that makes finding a 2nd time around treasure so much fun...don't you?

If you haven't ever been over to Diane's place...you really must go! She has a very special treasure find to share with all of us today...and while you're there you can check out all of the other "2nd Time Around" participants! Thank you, Diane for hosting this fun filled Tuesday event!!!

Treasure Find #1

Christmas Goblets

Hmmm...I can't believe that I'm just now getting around to showing these sweet little Christmas goblets to you! I found them a couple of months ago at a community wide yard sale in Atwood, Kansas.

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There are eight wine goblets and four beverage goblets. They look brand new to me...no scatches or wear and tear to be found! I just loved the pretty wintery trees and snow flakes on them. Now...I can't hardly wait till Christmas to use them!!! Hehe!

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I paid $8.00 for the set of 12!
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Here's a close-up for you to see the pretty wintery scene.

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Ohhhh....I just love how they sparkle and shine!!! Come on Christmas!!! Hehe!

A vignette that I had done on my dining room table a couple of months ago when all of these photos were taken.

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Treasure Find #2
Christmas Dishes

I found this set of pretty Christmas dishes on ebay! They are Lenox "Winter Greetings"! Ooooh...I had been "eyeing" these for some time and then I found a set of four salad/dessert plates on ebay....yeeeehawwww!!!

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I just love everything about them...the pretty golden color of the background...the red and green plaid pattern around the rim...and just look at the sweet chickadees sitting on holly branches!

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This set of four salad/dessert plates were brand new and I only paid $12.49!

I checked Replacements Ltd. and they cost about $12 each...I think I got a great bargain!!!
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Just playing with my new dishes!!! Hehe!

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I have a dark red set of dishes, "Home Collection", from Walmart...using the dinner plate for the charger here. I have had the green set for a long time...I believe they were also from Walmart. I like the layered effect with the different colors! Hmmm...you just never know how these pretty Lenox Christmas plates will be used...wink!
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Wow...can you believe that there are only 168 days until Christmas?

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Ho...Ho...Ho! I mean Hehe!!!

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Well my friends...I'm so happy that you came by today! I just love when you come for a visit...please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here! Don't forget to check out all of the other "2nd Time Around Tuesday" participants!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

New Treasure Find!!!

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Hello my friends...TGIF!!!
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Well...I'm getting a very late start of it...but I really wanted to show you my latest little "treasure find"!

I'm joining in with Cindy over at My Romantic Home for the "Show & Tell Friday" party! If you haven't ever been over to Cindy's place...ohhh my, you are missing out on a real treat! She is such a sweet lady and soooo very talented! She has one of the most beautiful homes in all of Blogland!!! So...after you have viewed my newest little "treasure find"...go pay Cindy a visit...and while you are there...you will find a list of all the other "Show & Tell" participants!!!
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Thank you, Cindy for hosting this fun-filled Friday party for us!!! *

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"Finer Things Friday" is hosted by Amy over at The Finer Things In Life!

I am so excited about finding this new Friday event...well, it's new to me anyway! Anyway...I would like to introduce Amy and her delightful blog to all my friends here! Won't you please go pay Amy a visit...she has the cutest "Finer Things Friday" post today...and while you are over there you can check out all of the other participants!!!

It's so very nice to meet you, Amy!!!
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My Newest Treasure Find*

Three-Tiered Stackable Pedistal Plates

Last weekend I was able to go to Hobby Lobby! Yeeehawww!!! Well...you must understand, I live way out in "the sticks"...that means "country"...for you city folks! Hehe! The nearest Hobby Lobby is about 125 mls. away for me...so I really cherish my visits to this fabulous store!!!

Look what I found...3 tiered stackable pedistal plates! I found them in the Bridal section of Hobby Lobby and they were on sale...50% off! I only paid $14 for the entire set!!!

I have wanted this pretty stackable set for a very long time! I have great plans for it! It will make a beautiful centerpiece for a few upcoming tablescapes! The very first time I seen these stackable pedistal plates used as a table centerpiece was on HGTV's Rate My Space! A very talented tablescaper had used this set as her centerpiece for a Christmas tablescape. She added all kinds of beautiful Christmas ornaments to all three layers...it was gorgeous!
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The pedistal plates are manufactured by Anchor Hocking. The largest plate measures 13in....the medium plate 10in. and the smallest plate 8in. When put together, they stand about 14 in. tall.

So there you have it...my newest little "treasure find"! Thank you for letting me show it to you today...and stay tuned for some upcoming tablescapes using this little beauty!!!

I'm so happy that you came by today! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I'd love to visit with you!!!

Love ya'll,
Chari
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It's Tablescape Thursday!
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Hello my friends...it's Thursday and you know what that means...it's time for Tablescape Thursday!
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Tablescape Thursday is hosted by our very own Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch. Thank you, Susan...for giving us good reason to get out our dishes and play! You won't want to miss what Susan has for us today so go and pay her a visit. While you're there you can visit all of the other beautiful tablescapes in Blogland today!!!
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I am also joining in with the DIY Fall Festival #10...the Grand Finale! Thank you, Roeshel for hosting this fabulous Fall Party for us!!!
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Please go by and pay Roeshel a visit over at The DIY Show Off! You won't want to miss out on all of the fabulous Fall projects and decor!!!
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An Autumn Tablescape With Antoinette

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Welcome to this Thursday's tablescape...

"An Autumn tablescape with Antoinette"!

Antoinette is my french girl bust...she will be the center of attention today...of course, Antoinette always thinks she is the center of attention! Hehe! I must admit...she is difficult to upstage! *
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We will be having brunch in my French Country dining room. Nothing fancy...just a small brunch for two!
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Ahhh...Autumn! Autumn in a French Country dining room with a French girl named Antoinette! Can't you just imagine having a lazy-day brunch on a brisk Autumn morning in Paris? *
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Ahhh...Automne à Paris!

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The Centerpiece...
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And...here she is, Antoinette, sitting so pretty atop a couple of old well-worn books! She is accompanied by two very sweet Autumn songbirds, two Roseville candleholders with tapers, and a French table tray full of Autumn pears.
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An old French table tray full of Autumn pears!

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I just love this French table tray! It's made of metal and has an ornate "cut-work" pattern in the sides. The distressed finish adds to its charm.

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Ohhh...and just look at these beautiful Autumn pears! I love the color of the pears against the charcoal gray tray!
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...and here is one of the sweet Autumn songbirds now!
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I found these two little songbirds at Michaels...half priced at only $2 each! I could not resist!!! If you look closely, you will see that the ornate design that shapes their little wings are made up of acorns and oak leaves!!! The two candleholders are Roseville pottery...this pattern is called "Clematis" in Autumn brown.
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The Place Setting

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I am layering the place setting...just like we layer for Autumn warmth!

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First, a woven charger plate...then I used a dark red dinner plate and a matching salad plate from a set that was a gift from my daughters. I added another smaller dinner plate (sage green) in between the red plates....just thought that adding a little green into the mix would bring in some nice contrast! I topped the place setting off with a new purchase...an acorn dessert plate! I found these little acorn plates at the Dollar General for just $1 each. Actually these little acorn plates are very versatile...they could be used for a bread plate as well!

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I love acorns and nothing says Autumn better than an acorn...don't you agree? Hehe!
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A better view of the dark red dinner and salad plates. I have had this set for a number of years and they have served me well! I use them often in my red French Country dining room! I have also had the sage green set of dishes for a long time...I think they were purchased from Walmart! *

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A cup for a little morning coffee with our brunch! The stemware is a Dollar Tree find...I love the size of these large goblets...great for a glass of milk, juice, or maybe iced tea!
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Sel et Poivre

(Salt and Pepper)

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Matching acorn salt & pepper shakers! Great buy for just $1 at Dollar General!
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The Table Linens

I used an antique gold colored tablecloth that I made a few years back out of a piece of fabric that I found on sale. This is the tablecloth that I usually leave on my table throughout the Autumn season. I love the beautiful "tone-on-tone" embroidered scrolled pattern and the gold is a very deep, rich color...perfect for Autumn! I also used olive green colored, leaf placemats under the woven chargers...again, with lots of layering for Autumn warmth in mind!
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The dinner napkins have all the fabulous colors of Autumn in a pretty plaid. Purchased at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago...4 for just $4! I tried a different type of napkin fold for this tablescape...it's called a "Diamond Envelope" fold. Something a little different and it has more of a casual look to me...perfect for a lazy-day brunch! The dinner and salad fork just slip right into the pocket of the napkin!
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For more info. on how to do this type of napkin fold...you can go HERE.
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An "artsy" photo.
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Throwing in an extra photo.

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I took this photo of the tablescape when I was trying to decide on what to do for the table's centerpiece! It was taken at night...I love the soft glow of the candlelight!!!

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I first tried the Autumn floral arrangement that I had made for the buffet. It was pretty but then Antoinette started fussing...all in French of course...she thought she should be the center of attraction for this Autumn "lazy-day" brunch tablescape...reminding me how beautiful Paris is this time of the year!

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"Madame de la maison, vous savez qu'il n'y a aucun autre endroit sur terre comme Paris dans le temps d'automne!" (Lady of the house, you know that Paris is the most beautiful place on earth during the Autumn season!)

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Antoinette had no argument from me on that point!!! Hehe!

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Well my friends, I hope you enjoyed "An Autumn Tablescape With Antoinette"! I'm so glad that you stopped by...please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I'd love to visit with you! And...don't forget to go by and see Susan and all the other beautiful tablescapes in Blogland today!!!

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Thank You!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

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