tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89935645954488879392024-03-13T23:56:48.984-06:00Happy To DesignChari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.comBlogger492125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-25607703200942211432015-05-28T07:13:00.000-06:002015-05-28T07:14:56.335-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Today I thought I would share a tablescape that I created last year.</strong></div>
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<strong> The fresh, crisp color palette of this table is perfect for the spring season.</strong></div>
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<strong> It is one of my favorites...</strong><strong>I hope that you enjoy it as well!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Spring Table</span></strong></div>
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Here we are in my french country dining room.</h3>
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As you can see, my dining room is done in shades of red,</div>
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olive green, and gold. This color theme tends to be a bit dark...but</div>
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I think the white dining table/chairs and buffet help keep the room light.</div>
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I love how the crisp white looks against the deeper, rich colors! I found<br />
my old chippy, french farm table several years ago at the antique<br />
flea market. I just love it!</div>
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~Green Apples & Lace~</h3>
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I wanted to create a tablescape using a "fresh" color palette for the spring season.</div>
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Fresh, crisp white and bright apple green...</h4>
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fit the ticket perfectly for a spring luncheon table set for four.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Colorful...crisp...and fresh!</strong></span></div>
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I really do like how the crisp white and bright apple green look against</div>
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the red dining room walls...don't you?</div>
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In fact, it was the spring decor of my dining room buffet</div>
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that inspired this fresh, springtime table today.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a peek at the buffet...</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Lot's of cool, crisp white...with a few splashes of apple green!</strong></div>
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I collect white ironstone pitchers and decided to display a few of them in the</div>
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vignette for my spring buffet.</div>
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I also love cloches...can you tell? Two of my favorite cloches can be seen here!</div>
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<strong>On the left-hand side of the buffet...</strong></div>
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An olive green transferware pitcher filled with teaspoons is showcased</div>
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under a tall cloche. I elevated the cloche on a glass pedestal plate to give it a</div>
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little more "presence". I also placed an apple green colored leaf plate under the</div>
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small ironstone pitcher...to bring a "splash" of that pretty green to this side</div>
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of the vignette.</div>
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<strong>On the right-hand side of the buffet...</strong></div>
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<strong>Green apples!</strong></div>
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<strong>Green apples under glass!</strong></div>
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I love how they look...so fresh...and so springy! I think that this</div>
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is the largest cloche that I own. It stands a stately 13" in height and is a</div>
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whopping 10" in diameter. I'm sure that I could stack an entire dozen of</div>
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green apples easily...under this big girl! Hehe!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Centerpiece</span></strong></div>
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A white ironstone pitcher filled with white and green hydrangeas</div>
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is the star attraction in this "Green Apples and Lace" table centerpiece.</div>
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The beautiful spring bouquet is sitting atop a large green "leaf shaped"</div>
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serving platter. It's a nice sized platter...measuring about 18" in length...it</div>
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actually could double for a serving tray. A trio of bright green apples</div>
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are scattered about on the leaf platter.</div>
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Four crystal candleholders with apple green tapers join the mix...two</div>
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on either side of the leaf platter. And...a cloche...with a single green apple...</div>
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adds another beautiful aspect to this spring table centerpiece.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">New Dishes</span></strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) by American Living</strong></div>
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...and...</div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" by Cindy Crawford Style</strong></div>
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Both sets of dishes are new and making their "debut" on this table today.</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;">*</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Green Apples & Lace"</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Place Setting</span></strong></div>
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<strong>"Cluny Lace" metal charger plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" salad/dessert plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" bowl.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) teacup and saucer.</strong></div>
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<strong>Iced tea stemware</strong></div>
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<strong>"Brahms" Oneida flatware.</strong></div>
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<strong>White cut-work embroidered napkins.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>"Green Leaf" soup bowl.</strong></div>
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I love this set of dishes...they really are the most beautiful apple green color!</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>"Green Leaf" salad/dessert plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) dinner plate.</strong></div>
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I love, love, LOVE the detailing on these pretty dishes. The beautiful</div>
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ruffled edges...the embossed pattern of flowers with ribbons and bows</div>
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...ahhh...such sweetness!!!</div>
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It was love at first sight! When I seen this set of beautiful, white lace</div>
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dishes at JC Penneys...I had to have them. They were clearanced at Penney's</div>
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online outlet store. I purchased a five piece place setting...service for eight...</div>
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for just $56! The "dish angels" were smiling down on me that day!</div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>A fresh...cool...crisp...and colorful place setting for a spring table!</strong></div>
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<strong>The "Meredith" (white lace) teacup and saucer.</strong></div>
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<strong>Iced tea stems...compliments of Dollar Tree.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>My "artsy" photo.</strong> </div>
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The sun was waning when I took this photo. I love the soft light and shadows!</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong><span style="font-size: large;">And...Voila...there you have it!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A ~Green Apples & Lace~ spring tablescape!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> I hope that you enjoyed, my friends!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well dear friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave me a note</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black;"> and let me know that you were here. I would love to visit with you!</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Spring Wishes!</strong></span></div>
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<br />Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-85908747670789633332012-09-05T15:30:00.000-06:002012-09-05T15:37:09.544-06:00Autumn Dining...French Country Style<div align="center">
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20335a.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
Ohhh boy...I am having sooo much fun revisiting a few of<br />
my past autumn posts. I really do love autumn...it is my favorite<br />
season of the year!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
Since last week, I have shared two of my favorite autumn<br />
decor posts. I have just one more that I would like to present for<br />
The Talent Scouting Party over at WhisperWood Cottage.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/2012/07/the-talent-scouting-party-open-call-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">"The Talent Scouting Party"</span></a></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
The selected winner will be published in Cottages & Bungalows</div>
<div align="center">
magazine. I'm really excited! There are so many fabulous entries...and<br />
tons of autumn inspiration. You'll have to go over and check it out. You<br />
will find the link to the party at the end of my post.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>Today, I thought I would share an autumn tablescape</strong><br />
<strong> that</strong><strong> I did a couple</strong><strong> of years ago.</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong> "Autumn Dining...French Country Style".</strong><br />
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<strong>I hope that you enjoy!</strong> <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> <br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~</span></strong> <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">"Autumn Dining...French Country Style"</span><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20242b.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Frenchy Wire Cloches</span></div>
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Recently I created an autumn vignette for my dining room buffet<br />
using these frenchy looking wire cloches. If you would like to see<br />
my autumn buffet..just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/delicious-autumnan-autumn-buffet.html"><span style="color: black;">HERE.</span></a></div>
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<strong>I decided to move the cloches to the table for a little</strong><br />
<strong> autumn</strong><strong> dining...french country style!</strong><br />
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The tall wire cloche stands a stately 30 ins. in height. I found it at<br />
a local gift shop. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it! The cloche is<br />
made of chicken wire and sits upon a distressed, gray colored, metal urn.<br />
Autumn berries and a couple of autumn floral picks decorate the cloche. The<br />
smaller wire cloche was a Hobby Lobby find. I love the sweet little bird<br />
finial on top of the cloche. This cloche sits atop a silver pedestal dish<br />
and is decorated with a yellow-gold candle and more<br />
autumn berries.<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20331a.jpg" /></div>
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<strong>My newest little treasure find...frenchy looking woven placemats. </strong></div>
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I love, love, LOVE these heavy woven placemats. They have<br />
different shades of gray thread and I knew they would coordinate<br />
beautifully with the distressed gray finish of the wire cloches.<br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20171c.jpg" /></div>
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<strong>I love the deep shades of red paired with the gray!</strong><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20221b.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">The Table Centerpiece...</span></div>
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Of course the starring attraction for this autumn table are<br />
the two frenchy wire cloches. I really do like how the gray<br />
cloches look against the red walls!<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP19851c.jpg" /></div>
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The smaller cloche is sitting on a stack of red dessert plates.<br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP21071b.jpg" /></div>
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I used a tapestry table runner for a foundation for the table<br />
centerpiece. I turned it upside down because the colors were more<br />
muted...just what I was looking for! It's a little difficult to see...but I am<br />
using an autumn floral arrangement as a backdrop for the cloches in the<br />
centerpiece. It's made up of autumn colored roses, berries, grapevine,<br />
and greenery. It sits in an old french table tray that also has a<br />
distressed gray finish.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
Layers...layers...layers! Many layers to this autumn table centerpiece! </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">An Autumn Pitcher...</span></strong></div>
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I usually have this pretty pitcher in my kitchen. I decided to add<br />
it to the table...I love the autumnal colors of the grapes and grape leaves...<br />
oooh...and that pretty distressed gray handle!<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP17531a.jpg" /></div>
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Ohhh...you know how I love my sweet little birds! These<br />
pretty autumn songbirds are perfect for this french country table!<br />
If you look closely, you will see that their little wings are made up of<br />
embossed acorns and oak leaves! Even the birds look french with<br />
their pretty frenchy scroll designs!<br />
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An old, tarnished, silver footed tray holds a pair of acorn salt & pepper<br />
shakers. More of that distressed gray color.<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20333b.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">The Place Setting...</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I have had this set of dark red colored dishes for several<br />
years...they were a gift from my youngest daughter. I use them<br />
often...they go so well in my red dining room! I am using the<br />
dinner plate and the salad plate in this place setting.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I am also using my new autumn chargers from Walmart.<br />
They have a lovely shade of gray mixed in with the brown<br />
...sooo perfect!<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP20991a.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>An autumn leaf plate tops off the place setting. I have several<br />
shades of these leaf plates but I chose to use the varigated red, orange,<br />
and yellow plate because it brings out the same colors of the candle<br />
and the autumn florals that decorate the cloches.<br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP21011c.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2010%20Autumn%20Decor/Autumn%20Cloche%20Tablescape/IMGP21251a.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>A dark red dinner napkin with gold and olive green florals<br />
coordinates nicely with the place setting. I found the wood napkin rings<br />
at Walmart last year...they seem to match the charger plates.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Voila! There you have it...autumn dining...french country style!</span><br />
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<strong>I hope that you enjoyed!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~~~</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">I am joining...</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pszHY2RpyVE/T06vbzahBtI/AAAAAAAAJBA/i4TRE5pILJc/s1600/talent-scout-button-2.png" width="300" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/2012/07/the-talent-scouting-party-open-call-for.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: black;"><strong>The Talent Scouting Party </strong></span><strong><span style="color: black;">hosted by Amy over at WhisperWood Cottage.</span></strong></a><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~~~</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6qaMPZZWxdU/TL9DfwZ9X7I/AAAAAAAADdI/KEKlVHkwZkI/s1600/Tablescape+Thursday.jpg"><span style="color: #ffff99;"></span></a><span style="color: #ffff99;"></span><br />
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<strong></strong><br />
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<strong>Well my friends...I'm sooo happy that you stopped by for a visit today!</strong><br />
<strong> Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here... </strong><strong>I'd</strong><br />
<strong> love to visit with you!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Warmest Wishes!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>
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Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com197tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-38442671927283853382012-07-23T08:00:00.000-06:002012-07-24T06:53:52.688-06:00~Goldenrod Autumn~...an Autumn Tablescape<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Autumn%20Decor/Goldenrod%20Autumn/IMGP9053close-1-1.jpg" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
A few days ago, I shared my 2010 autumn mantel.<br />
If you missed it, you can just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/07/autumn-abundancean-autumn-mantel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a>.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong> </strong>You are probably wondering what in the heck I'm doing...<br />
sharing all these autumn posts. Well...there is a fabulous autumn<br />
party going on over at WhisperWood Cottage.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>"The Talent Scouting Party"</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
The selected winner will be published in Cottages & Bungalows<br />
magazine. I'm really excited! There are so many fabulous entries...and<br />
tons of autumn inspiration. You'll have to go over and check it out. You<br />
will find the link to the party at the end of my post.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>Today, for the Talent Scouting party, I thought I would share an</strong><br />
<strong> autumn tablescape that I did last year...called ~Goldenrod Autumn~.</strong><br />
<strong> I hope that you enjoy!</strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">(October 26, 2011)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my french country dining room.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>I love autumn!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>I love the rich, warm colors!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>~and~</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>I love playing dishes!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>I created an autumn table with the new goldenrod colored plates</strong><br />
<strong>that I found at Walmart a few weeks ago. I sure had fun with this</strong><br />
<strong>tablescape! I hope that you enjoy it too!</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: black;">As you can see...my french country dining room is dressed </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: black;">in red and olive green, with accents of gold. A color palette</span></span><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<span style="color: black;">that hosts autumn with ease.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Not only is autumn my favorite season...but I believe that</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">a beautifully attired autumn table is my favorite "seasonal"</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">tablescape as well!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
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<strong>This autumn I seem to have an attraction for the</strong><br />
<strong> warm,</strong><strong> rich color of goldenrod.</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">"Goldenrod"</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;">The color<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i>goldenrod</i></span> is a representation of the color of some of the</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"> deeper gold colored goldenrod flowers.The first known recorded use of</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">goldenrod</span> </i>as a color name in English was in 1915.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">(source Wikipedia)</span></div>
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<strong> </strong>A large pitcher with matching platter...sharing the same rich hues<br />
as the new dinner plates...bring the warm glow of "goldenrod autumn"<br />
to this table. Autumn pears, golden stemware, and dinner napkins<br />
also help to bring the "goldenrod" color theme home.</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">~Goldenrod Autumn~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Table Centerpiece...</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Autumn's Bounty in a Dough Bowl</strong></div>
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<strong></strong>I placed a tall masonary candleholder with an "earthy"<br />
colored candle in the center of a large wooden dough bowl. Autumn<br />
fruits of grapes, pears, and pomegranites...along with a few sprigs<br />
of autumn florals, seed pods, and nuts. Deer antlers, pheasant<br />
feathers, and a stately pheasant join the autumn mix.</div>
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This autumn, I decided upon a <strong>"rustic luxe"</strong> style of decor<br />
for my dining room. If you would like to see my autumn dining room<br />
in its entirety...you can click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/to-autumnan-autumn-centerpiece.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a>.</div>
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The wooden dough bowl filled with autumn's bounty continues the<br />
<strong>"rustic luxe"</strong> theme of my dining room...onto the table.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">An autumn table set for four.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Place Setting...</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Layer upon layer...building a delicious</strong><strong> "goldenrod"</strong><br />
<strong> autumn place setting.</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Place Setting</span></strong></div>
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<strong>A natural colored woven wicker charger</strong></div>
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<strong>An earthy brown charger plate with embossed autumn leaves</strong></div>
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<strong>A goldenrod colored dinner plate by Mainstays</strong></div>
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<strong>A sage green salad plate by Gibson</strong></div>
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<strong>...topped off with...</strong></div>
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<strong>an acorn shaped dessert plate.</strong><br />
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<strong>A view from a different direction.</strong><br />
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<strong>Luscious autumn layers.</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Table Linens</span></strong></div>
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Two dinner napkins layered for a colorful effect. An olive<br />
green and khaki check dinner napkin serves along with a goldenrod<br />
colored napkin at each place setting. I love the pretty white<br />
embroidered vine on the goldenrod colored napkin! </div>
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A khaki colored hemstiched table runner makes for a nice<br />
neutral foundation for this autumn table.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Stemware</span></strong></div>
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A simple amber colored goblet works nicely with the<br />
goldenrod color theme.<br />
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<strong>A place setting from a different view.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Goldenrod Pitcher with a Handled Platter...</span></strong></div>
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I purchased this pretty "goldenrod" colored pitcher<br />
and matching platter from a local gift shop several years ago.<br />
It usually resides atop the refrigerator in my kitchen.</div>
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I love the embossed grapes, vines, and leaves on both<br />
pieces! The pitcher and platter have an "old world" feel with<br />
a distressed finish. You can actually see the terra cotta colored clay<br />
bisque under the glaze in places. I also love that the platter<br />
has handles in the shape of twisted grapevine!</div>
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This pretty acorn shaped dish came from Dollar Tree<br />
a few years ago. I love the embossed lines of the acorn and<br />
leaves...and the warm, rich reds and greens on the<br />
oak leaves.</div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Goldenrod Autumn~</strong></span> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">in my french country dining room.</span></strong><br />
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<strong>...and for a final thought...</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">~Goldenrod Autumn~</span> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">in Still Life.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This was my favorite photo!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">I am joining...</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">The Talent Scouting Party</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pszHY2RpyVE/T06vbzahBtI/AAAAAAAAJBA/i4TRE5pILJc/s1600/talent-scout-button-2.png" width="300" /></a> <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/2012/07/the-talent-scouting-party-open-call-for.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">hosted by Amy over at WhisperWood Cottage.</span></a></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well dear friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by for</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> a visit today! I hope that you enjoyed my ~Goldenrod Autumn~</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> tablescape. Please leave me a note and let me know that you</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> were here. I would love to visit with you!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-87179490436825049262012-07-19T16:00:00.000-06:002012-07-19T16:00:32.319-06:00~Autumn Abundance~...an Autumn Mantel<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<br />
You must be wondering what the heck I'm doing...showing<br />
an autumn mantelscape in the middle of summer. <br />
<br />
Well...there is an autumn party going on over at WhisperWood Cottage!<br />
<br />
I'm really excited about it because it is a talent scouting contest.<br />
The winner will be featured in Cottages & Bungelows magazine! You<br />
will find the link to The Talent Scouting party over at WhisperWood Cottage<br />
at the end of my post. You'll have to go over and check out all of the<br />
fabulous autumn inspiration...after all...autumn is not that far off!<br />
<br />
Today I thought I would share my autumn mantelscape from 2010.<br />
To date...I believe that it is my favorite autumn mantelscape.<br />
I hope that you enjoy!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Autumn Abundance~</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">An Autumn Mantel</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Here we are in my olive green living room.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My faux fireplace is dressed and ready for the autumn season.</span></strong><br />
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<strong>When I think about autumn and all that the season holds...</strong><br />
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<strong>I immediately think about an abundant harvest.</strong><br />
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<strong> I wanted my fireplace mantel to reflect the abundance of the autumn harvest!</strong><br />
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A decorative piece of pottery filled with grapes and two pheasants are<br />
showcased...front and center...in this autumn mantlescape.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I used several different types of foliage...trailing grapevines and autumn<br />
leaves make up the majority of the thick foliage. If you look close...you will<br />
see sprigs of autumn colored zebra grass, berries of all sorts, acorns, pheasant<br />
feathers, and grapes...all interwoven throughout the autumn mantelscape. I<br />
also used two ornate gold candleholders with pumpkin colored candles....<br />
one on each side of the mantel.<br />
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<strong>A closer view...</strong><br />
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<strong>The stately pheasants....</strong><br />
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Two gold candleholders with burnt orange colored candles are nestled</div>
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into the foliage on each side of the mantel.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Autumn Abundance~</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">An Autumn Hearth</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>The fireplace hearth is filled with "autumn abundance" as well.</strong></div>
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A tall pitcher filled with autumn foliage sits atop two old leather</div>
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bound books...a large cluster of grapes join in with the mix. A hat box</div>
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decorated with fruits of an abundant harvest completes the focal</div>
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point for the autumn hearth.</div>
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The metal peacocks are actually old vintage wall hangings.<br />
I loved the pretty copper, gold, and green shades of the metal feathers.<br />
So perfect with my autumn mantelscape!<br />
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<strong>And there you have it...autumn mantel filled with...</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Autumn Abundance~</span></strong></div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>I'm joining in with</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The Talent Scouting Party</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/"><img 200?="" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pszHY2RpyVE/T06vbzahBtI/AAAAAAAAJBA/i4TRE5pILJc/s1600/talent-scout-button-2.png=" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.whisperwoodcottage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><strong>hosted by Amy over at WhisperWood Cottage.</strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Well my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> a note and let me know that you were here. I would love to visit with you!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-5524328249027034832012-07-11T13:45:00.000-06:002012-07-11T13:45:00.995-06:00Simple Changes in the Living Room<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<br />
Wow...this has been a very lazy summer for me. It seems that<br />
I haven't gotten much accomplished around the house.<br />
<br />
<strong> I did do one little small thing though...</strong><br />
<strong>I rearranged</strong><strong> the</strong><strong> furniture</strong><strong> in the living room.</strong><br />
<br />
Thought I would share a few photos with you of the mini-metamorphosis.<br />
I hope that you enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The "Before"</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Living Room...Spring 2012</span></strong><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<strong>The "conversational area" in my living room...Spring 2012</strong><br />
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My living room is a long and narrow space. The entertainment/TV<br />
center, along with two oversized leather chairs, is situated on one end of the<br />
living room...and a more formal area that I like to call the "conversational<br />
area" is located at the far end of the room.<br />
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Because this area of the living room is narrow...I'm a bit restricted when<br />
it comes to rearranging the furniture. I found two different plans that work.<br />
The first, which you see above in the Spring 2012 photo, has a very "open flow"<br />
floor plan. This furniture arrangement is really my favorite...so my living<br />
room looks like this most of the time, however...it is nice to change<br />
things up a bit...once in awhile.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The "after"</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Living Room...Summer 2012</span></strong><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
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<strong>The "conversational area" in my living room...Summer 2012</strong><br />
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As you can see...the second furniture arrangement option...actually<br />
divides the long and narrow living room into two seperate areas. The small<br />
sofa and sofa table act as a room divider. The view from the sofa really is nice...<br />
looking out the large arched window into the front yard of our home. I<br />
moved the small end table in front of the window and placed the two<br />
chairs to each side. <br />
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This new arrangement really does offer a very cozy and intimate conversation area.<br />
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<strong>A Summery Vignette for the Table...</strong><br />
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Keeping things simple...a silver champagne bucket filled with summery<br />
blooms sitting upon an oval silver tray!<br />
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<strong>A closer view of the summer floral arrangement.</strong><br />
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I love all the natural light that my living room gets, however it does<br />
make photographing a bit difficult...especially near the window.<br />
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<strong>The fireplace mantel gets a fresh, summery look as well.</strong><br />
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The crystal candelabra is making its "first time" debut. I actually<br />
purchased a pair of these beautiful candelabras over a year ago. I'm<br />
not sure why I waited so long to bring them out. I love, love,<br />
LOVE all the pretty dangling crystals!<br />
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<strong>Another simple summer vignette for the sofa table.</strong><br />
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The tall table lamp really does help to bring a "visual" division between<br />
the two areas of the living room. At the same time, I chose a simple stack of<br />
three books for the opposite end of the vignette...so the view of the front<br />
window remains open throughout the living room.<br />
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The sunlight is waning....making for an interesting photo of the french lady.<br />
Light and shadows...a photographers best friend!<br />
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<strong>Voila...and there you have it!</strong><br />
<strong> My living room's summer metamorphosis!</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am joining these parties...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</span></a><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Home Sweet Home....hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</span></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</span></a><br />
<a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805"</span></a><br />
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<strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong><br />
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<strong>Well dear friends, I'm so happy that you stopped by today!</strong><br />
<strong> I always enjoy your visit!</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Summery Wishes!</span></strong><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-88680390608758322762012-07-05T13:27:00.001-06:002012-07-05T13:33:25.619-06:00Mountain Meandering<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</strong></span></div>
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My...ohhh my...I bet ya'll thought that I got lost! It has been awhile since I last posted.</div>
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I haven't been a very good blogger lately...I do apologize.</div>
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There has been alot going on at my place. Of course, as you well know, the summers</div>
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are always a busy time...between dental work and summer vacation,</div>
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my blogging has suffered.</div>
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I sure do appreciate all of the sweet notes that you have left me. I have read each and</div>
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every one! I have been to Blogland several times to check out what ya'll have been doing...</div>
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just haven't left many notes. Thank you sooo much for coming by and checking up on me!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Mountain Meandering~</strong></span></div>
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My honey has four weeks of vacation time during the summer months.</div>
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We just got home from spending a week in the mountains. It has been soooo</div>
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hot here in Colorful Colorado. I have lost count of the days where our temps got</div>
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up to 100 or better. We decided to head for the hills where it is much cooler...hehe!</div>
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We usually go up to the Colorado Rockies, however the wild fires thwarted those plans.</div>
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It's just terrible...so many mountain forests have burned...not to mention the many</div>
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people who have lost their homes. My heart and prayers go out to all of them!</div>
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I'm so very thankful for all the brave firefighters who have and are working</div>
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so hard to save our mountain forests!!!</div>
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Because of the Colorado fires, we decided to go up to the Wyoming mountains.</div>
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We had such a great time and the mountain views were breathtaking! I thought I would</div>
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share a few of my photos with you. I hope that you enjoy!</div>
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<strong>Medicine Bow National Forest...Wyoming. June 2012.</strong></div>
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Medicine Bow National Forest is just west of Laramie, Wyoming.</div>
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The mountain views were spectacular!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I told my honey that I wanted to go to where the snow was.</span></strong></div>
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So we headed up to the Snowy Range. There were still patches of</div>
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snow on the ground. The snow never melts up here! Yeeeehawww!</div>
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Such a sweet relief from the dry, hot temps down at our place!!!</div>
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The Snowy Range is about 12,000 ft. above sea level. Whew...</div>
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the air is much thinner up there. At this elevation, you won't see many</div>
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trees....they have a difficult time growing.</div>
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<strong>The Snowy Range...Medicine Bow Mountains...Wyoming.</strong></div>
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Sooo very picturesque! There were little alpine lakes everywhere...and look...there is snow!</div>
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<strong>Snow in June...awesome!!!</strong></div>
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<strong>Closer view of the lake.</strong></div>
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<strong>Beautiful alpine tundra and wildflowers...and more snow!</strong></div>
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(Okay...okay...enough about the snow...hehe!)</div>
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<strong>Another alpine lake at the Snowy Range.</strong></div>
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<strong>Steamboat Springs, Colorado</strong></div>
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After we spent a few days meandering around the mountains in Wyoming,</div>
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we headed south into Colorado. We ate lunch in Steamboat Springs. Steamboat is a</div>
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beautiful ski resort town. Honey and I ate lunch at a quaint little cafe in old town</div>
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Steamboat. We dined "al fresco". Mmmm...a great meal outside in the</div>
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fresh mountain air...doesn't get any better!!!</div>
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<strong>Rocky Mountains, Colorado. June 2012.</strong></div>
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After leaving Steamboat Springs, we headed south to Grand Lake to Trail Ridge road.</div>
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Again, the mountain scenery was pretty as a postcard!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Trail Ridge Scenic Byway~</span></strong></div>
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Trail Ridge road traverses from Grand Lake down to Estes Park. This is truly one</div>
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of the prettiest mountain drives that you can take. The road travels and meanders over</div>
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the Continental Divide and reaches an elevation of 12,183 ft. at it's highest point.</div>
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Ohhh...there is sooo much to see!</div>
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If you would like to read more info. about the Trail Ridge Scenic Byway...just click <a href="http://www.gocolorado.com/attractions/scenic-byways/scenic-byway-trail-ridge-road/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<strong>We even seen a few elk on our way.</strong></div>
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(sorry the photo is blurred...it was taken while driving.)</div>
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<strong>My handsome honey!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~Trail Ridge Alpine Visitor Center~</span></strong></div>
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Of course, one cannot travel Trail Ridge without stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center!</div>
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There is a wonderful restaurant and gift shop...not to mention...the magnificent mountain top views!</div>
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<strong>Did you notice all the snow behind my honey?</strong></div>
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(Ohhhh yea...I wasn't going to mention all that...gloriously...ice cold....snow again! Hehe!)</div>
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<strong>I took this photo from the Alpine Visitor center.</strong></div>
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<strong> A rainstorm was making it's debut down in the mountain valley.</strong></div>
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<strong> The lighting was beautiful!</strong></div>
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I realize that Happy To Design is an interior design blog, however I just</div>
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couldn't help but to share a few photos of our awesome "mountain meanderings"</div>
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with you. Hopefully the snow cooled you down a bit. Hehe! I really have done a</div>
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few things around my home. A couple of weeks ago, I rearranged the furniture</div>
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in my living room. I hope to get a few photos and share them with you</div>
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next week...so stay tuned.<br />
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<a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><strong>I am joining in with Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805".</strong></span></a><br />
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Thank you, Honey for hosting this lovely party for us!<br />
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<strong>Well my friends, I'm so glad that you stopped by today!</strong></div>
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<strong> I do hope that you are having a wonderful summer!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Summery Wishes!</span></strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-68275632705957221422012-05-24T11:52:00.000-06:002012-05-24T11:58:49.875-06:00~ French Beauty ~<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div>
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Earlier this week, I shared with you a lilac bouquet that I fashioned for my</div>
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living room. While I was there...I took a few photos of the vignette that decorates</div>
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the large arched window area in that room.</div>
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The sun's bright rays filled the room and really illuminated the "frenchy" vignette.</div>
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It was sooo pretty! I hope that you enjoy!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~ French Beauty ~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my living room.</span></strong></div>
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I love this large arched shaped window! As you can see...it allows</div>
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lot's of beautiful sunlight to fill the room. The window is framed with long,</div>
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white sheers and gold draperies that puddle onto the floor...lending a</div>
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romantic ambiance to the room. I love it!</div>
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<strong>The antique cherry sofa table that sits in front of the arched window</strong></div>
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<strong>hosts a summery vignette.</strong></div>
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<strong>A vignette with a soft...romantic...</strong><strong>french beauty!</strong></div>
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<strong>Creamy whites...and antique silver...paired together for a light summery vignette.</strong></div>
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I have had this tall silver table lamp for a very long time. I love it's curvy, frenchy</div>
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lines. An oval shaped silver platter sits front and center...and acts as a foundation for</div>
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the creamy white french pedestal and antique silver lidded tureen.</div>
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<strong>And...of course...on the right side of the vignette...</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">my french beauty!</span></strong></div>
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The sunlight illuminated and framed this frenchy vignette sooo beautifully!</div>
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I just had to get photos!</div>
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<strong>A close-up of the creamy white frenchy pedestal and the antique silver tureen.</strong></div>
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I found this beautiful silver tureen at a thrift store...can you believe it?</div>
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"Victor Silver Co. Quadruple Plate...3735" is stamped on the bottom.</div>
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I think it was a real-steal at just $19! The silver plating is worn in a few</div>
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places but it really just adds to the beauty of this piece...and I love, love, LOVE</div>
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all the ornate detailing. I am not using it here...but the ladle also came with</div>
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the tureen. A great treasure find for sure!</div>
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<strong>Just a few photos...</strong></div>
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<strong>photo effects created at Photobucket.</strong></div>
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<strong>Voila...and there you have it!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~ French Beauty ~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties today...</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: black;">Home Sweet Home party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</span></strong></a></div>
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<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: black;">Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</span></strong></a></div>
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<strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></div>
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<strong>Well my friends...I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit today!</strong></div>
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<strong> Please leave me a note and let me know that you were here.</strong></div>
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<strong> I would love to visit with you!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-24073945167678693872012-05-21T12:58:00.000-06:002012-05-21T11:58:57.370-06:00Lilacs in the Living Room<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<br />
Wow...I bet you thought that I dropped off the face of the earth. It has<br />
been awhile since I last posted. It has been busy...busy...here at my place.<br />
My step-son Darrin just graduated from high school...we are sooo very proud!<br />
And...to top things off...I have had major dental surgery/work going on.<br />
I'm doing much better now but it has been a rough and tough time.<br />
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<strong>Today I thought I would share a pretty bouquet of lilacs</strong><br />
<strong> that I</strong><strong> arranged for my living room.</strong><br />
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<strong>I hope that you enjoy!</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Lilacs in the Living Room~</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are in my living room.</span></strong><br />
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A large bouquet of freshly cut lilacs grace the small table in the<br />
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<strong>An embossed white pitcher holds the pretty purple blooms.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ahhhh....lilacs!</span></strong><br />
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<strong>I am smitten with their beauty and scent!</strong><br />
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Since we are visiting in my living room, I thought I would throw in<br />
a couple photos of my springtime fireplace mantel.<br />
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Several pieces of white ironstone grace the mantel. I love the stark<br />
contrast of the bright whites against the dark wood mantel<br />
and olive green wall color.<br />
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You can see the reflection of the large, arched living room window<br />
in the glass of the art hanging above the mantel. I love it!<br />
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If you would like to see more of my springtime mantel...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/creamydreamywhites-spring-mantel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.<br />
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<strong>Voila...and there you have it...</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful bouquet of lilacs for the living room!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">WOW party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Open House party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</span></strong></a><br />
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<strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong><br />
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<strong>Well my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by for a visit today!</strong><br />
<strong> Please leave me a note and let me know that you were here. I would</strong><br />
<strong> love to visit with you!</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-37312530758285922062012-04-30T08:40:00.000-06:002012-04-30T08:51:48.389-06:00Lilacs...A Spring Bouquet for the Dining Room<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div>
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Oooh...the lilacs are now in bloom...here in Colorful Colorado!</div>
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I just love all flowers but I must admit...lilacs are at the top of my</div>
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"favorites" list.</div>
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As soon as the flowering shrubs put on their purple hued</div>
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blooms, I began to count down the days till I could go and snip</div>
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a few stems to bring into the house for a bouquet. I made a nice large</div>
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bouquet for the living room...and a bouquet for the dining room table.</div>
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Mmmm...the sight...and the scent...simply glorious!</div>
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Today I thought I would share the beautiful lilac bouquet in</div>
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my dining room...along with a few changes that I made to the <br />
vignette that decorates the buffet. I hope that you enjoy!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">Lilacs...A Spring Bouquet for the Dining Room</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my french country dining room.</span></strong></div>
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Even though it can be a challenge...I love "lightening</div>
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and brightening" up my dining room for the spring season.</div>
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Dark red, olive green, and accents of gold...make up the dining</div>
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room's color palette. I really do love the deep, rich colors. This room</div>
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would be would be "dark"...if it weren't for all the bright light that the large</div>
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windows allow in. And...the white furniture pieces help keep the room</div>
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light and bright as well. I love the contrast of the white furniture</div>
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against the red dining room walls!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here they are now...LILACS...in all of their glorious beauty!</span></strong></div>
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Several stems of this pretty purpley flower fill a large white ironstone pitcher.</div>
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<strong>I kept the table centerpiece...simple.</strong></div>
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A stack of white bowls and plates sit on a large ironstone platter...joined by a</div>
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single green apple...and of course...the beautiful bouquet of lilacs.</div>
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I used a vintage linen runner as a foundation for the centerpiece vignette.</div>
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<strong>Lilacs...in lovely hues of varigated lavender!</strong></div>
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<strong>A single green apple...ready to eat!</strong></div>
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I do believe that this beautiful hue of spring yellowy-green is one</div>
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of the prettiest colors to pair with lavender. Paired along with the bright</div>
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whites...it just feels fresh and...well...spring-like.</div>
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I found this set of white dishes at JC Penneys last year. Beautiful</div>
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embossed flowers and meandering ribbon decorate the dishes...and the</div>
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edges of the plates are made of up "ruffled scallops"...LOVELY!!!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The dining room buffet's new look!</span></strong></div>
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<strong>I made just a few minor changes since Easter...</strong></div>
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<strong>Here is the buffet's Easter vignette...</strong></div>
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<strong>Bunnies...bunnies...and MORE BUNNIES!</strong></div>
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I love all sweet bunnies and my collection seems to be multiplying (wink)</div>
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...but it was time for them to go.</div>
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If you would like to see more of the Easter vignette...you can just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/hophophoppy-spring.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.</div>
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<strong>As you can see...I just replaced the bunnies with a few simple pieces.</strong></div>
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<strong>On the right hand side of the buffet vignette...</strong></div>
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a stack of three green apples on a silver pedestal dish...all under a tall cloche!</div>
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<strong>On the left hand side of the buffet vignette...</strong></div>
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A frenchy looking white pitcher filled with teaspoons...sitting upon</div>
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a stack of white plates.</div>
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A few months ago I found this beautiful set of flatware on sale</div>
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at Horchows. I have been "eyeing" them for quite some time and took</div>
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advantage of the sale.</div>
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I love the white handles with the embossed silver tips! Sooo pretty!</div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Voila...and there you have it!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">~LILACS~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">...a spring bouquet for the dining room.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Met Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>WOW party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Open House party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</strong></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well dear friends...I am so happy that you stopped by today</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong> for a visit!</strong><strong> Please leave me a note and let me know that you</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong> were</strong><strong> here.</strong><strong> I would love to visit with you!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Warmest spring wishes!</span></strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-52910431808394327872012-04-25T11:20:00.000-06:002012-04-25T11:27:15.521-06:00A Summer's Tea on the Veranda...a Revisit<div align="center">
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span><br />
<br />
Wow...we are having such beautiful, warm weather here in<br />
Colorful Colorado! I'm wondering if we are going to "skip" right<br />
through spring...right into summer. Hehe!<br />
<br />
I have been wanting to spend time outside since the temps<br />
have been so nice. Earlier in the week, I shared a post about my<br />
little blue cottage veranda. It's such a nice place to just sit and enjoy my<br />
morning cup of coffee...and maybe read the latest copy of<br />
Romantic Homes.<br />
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Today I thought I would revisit a tea that I hosted out on the<br />
veranda a couple of years ago. I hope that you enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">~A Summer's Tea on the Veranda~</span><br />
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Here we are now...out on my little blue cottage veranda.<br />
It is mid-morning....the perfect time for a cup of tea!<br />
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Ohhh...and the sunshine feels soooo good this morning!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>A Tea Time Vignette...</strong></span><br />
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Hmmm...just any ol' tea won't do! I really wanted to set a pretty<br />
tea table since I was celebrating my birthday! </div>
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I decided to use my cloche with a few teacups stacked under<br />
it, a couple pretty pearl candleholders, and a glass figurine of a<br />
lovely lady in blue for the tea table centerpiece!<br />
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I am soooo enjoying my new cottage blue table!<br />
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Isn't it just the prettiest shade of blue that you've ever seen?<br />
Honey and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in June...this<br />
table was an anniversary gift to ourselves!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>A Pretty Teapot...</strong></span><br />
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I found this beautiful teapot at TJ Maxx a few months ago...it<br />
was only $9.99! I just love the beautiful embossed roses on the side<br />
of the teapot...so delicate looking!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>The teapot is sitting on one of my lacy, metal charger plates. The<br />
pretty little pink and lavender roses that are sitting around the teapot are<br />
actually soap flake petals! I found them at the Dollar Tree...a box of nine roses<br />
for just $1! Ohhh...they smell sooo good!!! I have used these pretty roses in<br />
several of my vignettes but they are just fabulous to float in a bath!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>My Birthday Teacup...</strong></span><br />
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This pretty teacup was a birthday present to myself! Hehe!<br />
I found it on ebay and just had to have it! I love the gorgeous gold<br />
scrolly pattern and all the pretty soft, pastel colored flowers!<br />
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<strong>"Queen Anne"</strong><br />
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The manufacturer's mark says "Queen Anne" Fine Bone China...England.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Vintage Table Linens...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>I layered two round crochet doilies on top of the table...one<br />
white and one off-white doily.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><strong>A Tea Napkin, A Vintage Handkerchief, and a Teapot Napkin Ring</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>I also layered the tea napkins. I used a white cotton napkin<br />
with lace edging from the Shabby Chic line at Targets and a pretty<br />
vintage handkerchief. This beautiful handkerchief belonged to my dear<br />
sweet Grandma! I just love the soft pastel colors and the scalloped<br />
edge...sooo pretty! A silver teapot napkin ring holds the napkins!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>A Silver Basket & More Napkins...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><strong>Another vintage handkerchief from my Grandma!</strong><br />
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I found this pretty silver basket at the GW...it was only $.50.<br />
It works perfectly for holding my tea napkins and the shape of it<br />
reminds me of a teapot! Just perfect for this tea table!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>A Lovely Lady in Blue...</strong></span><br />
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I found this glass figurine of the lovely lady in blue at the<br />
Dollar Tree...I thought she was so pretty! She's dressed for<br />
a tea party...you know!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Pearl Candleholders and a Cloche...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><strong>Ohhh...I do love my pearl candleholders!</strong><br />
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I found these fabulous candleholders at Hobby Lobby last<br />
year...I sure have gotten alot of use out of them! I love all the pretty<br />
white pearls and the pearlized white glass mosaic...they<br />
really are exquisite!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span>This tall glass cloche was a gift from my sweet friend Gloria!<br />
It is sitting upon a glass pedestal plate...adding a little height to the<br />
tea table centerpiece. I stacked a few more of my birthday teacups under<br />
the cloche! Altogether, I bought four teacups and saucers...<br />
Happy Birthday to me! Hehe!<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 180%;">My "Artsy" Photos...</span><br />
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I thought these two photos turned out pretty! My veranda<br />
is on the east side of the house...when the sun is overhead...we have<br />
a very nice afternoon shade. The shade on the veranda caused<br />
the...nearly black...background in the photos! <br />
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<strong>This was a completely "natural" effect...I didn't touch up either photo!</strong><br />
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I think the pretty pink and lavender soap flake roses look<br />
beautiful against the white teapot in the photo above! And...in the<br />
photo below...I just adore the lighting! All that vibrant color of my birthday<br />
teacup against the white teapot and pearl candleholders...really pretty!<br />
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PS...The photo at the very beginning of my post was achieved<br />
using Photo Bucket's photo effect...color sketch.<br />
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<strong>Well my friends, I hope you enjoyed your afternoon tea out</strong><br />
<strong> on my veranda!</strong><strong> I'm so happy that you joined me!</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties today...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Tablescape Thursday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these fabulous parties for us!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends...I 'm so happy that you stopped by for a visit today!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> Please leave me a note and let me know that you were here. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">I would love to visit with you!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-38594340618038810912012-04-22T14:37:00.002-06:002012-04-23T07:19:52.984-06:00Springtime Sprucing...and a Blue Cottage Veranda<div align="center">
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<span style="color: black;">- April 22, 2012 -</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></div>
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We are having some gorgeous weather here in Colorful Colorado!</div>
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Spring fever has hit and I am sooo ready to get outside and get things spruced</div>
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up! Honey and I enjoy spending time out on our little cottage veranda. It's</div>
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time to get out there and get things cleaned up!</div>
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A couple of years ago, I gave our little veranda a "cottage" makeover.</div>
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I thought I would share that makeover with you today.</div>
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I hope that you enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~A Blue Cottage Veranda~</span></h2>
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Our poor little patio/veranda was in such disrepair after this<br />
last winter. Since we were having out of town guests coming in July,<br />
I decided it was time for our little veranda to get a facelift! Hehe! I don't<br />
have any "before" photos. Shoot, I wasn't even thinking about taking "before<br />
and after" photos to show this sweet metamorphosis...I do apologize!<br />
However, if you can just imagine...dirty, worn and torn, with<br />
absolutely no appeal...then you get the picture!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Where to start...</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">A Brand New Table for the Veranda</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">This table is what started the entire veranda makeover!</span></div>
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Honey and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary June 4th.<br />
We planned a day trip to Denver and honey took me to Home Goods.<br />
My very first time to go! We found this sweet blue cottagey table<br />
and a matching end table...for just $69!<br />
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<strong>Sooo...the planning, scheming, and decorating began...</strong></div>
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For those of you who follow Happy To Design...you may<br />
remember a post that I did June 25th. I stated that I was in the<br />
middle of a <strong>summer</strong><strong> "mystery" project</strong>...shared just a couple<br />
of photos...and asked if you could figure out what I was doing!<br />
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The photo mosaic above is compiled with the photos from that post.<br />
If you would like to see that post...you can just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/im-still-here-weekend-project.html"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Our Newly Remodeled</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 180%;">~Blue Cottage Veranda~</span><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Patio%20Project%202010/2010SummerPatioProject2d.jpg" /> </div>
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Our veranda is fairly small. The covered area is about 10'x10'...<br />
however we have concrete that stretches beyond the covered area so<br />
it feels a bit larger. It's difficult to see here but our home has a light gray<br />
siding with a blue metal roof...so a "blue" cottage veranda is perfect!<br />
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I would love to add an outdoor rug...the concrete isn't very pretty,<br />
however it probably isn't very feasible considering our veranda is open<br />
on two sides to the weather. Hmmm...maybe I should paint or stain<br />
the concrete? Yet another project for another day! Hehe!<br />
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<strong>- 2012 update -</strong><br />
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Last summer I found the perfect silvery-blue colored rug that<br />
works perfectly for the veranda! Now I'll have to update photos.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="font-size: 180%;">The Swing...</span><br />
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I just love our "two-seater" swing! Honey and I have spent<br />
many a day enjoying the outdoors on this little swing!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">A New Quilt</span></strong></div>
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Believe me...the cushions and covering over the swing had seen<br />
its better days. Instead of taking the entire swing apart to recover the<br />
cushions, I decided to make a quilt that would cover the cushions. I liked this<br />
idea because I can bring the quilt inside when we aren't using the veranda.<br />
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<strong>Fabric Needed...</strong></div>
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Ohhh boy...I was going to need quite a bit of fabric to carry out<br />
my plans! I wanted to sew a quilt, make a new cover for the swing, and<br />
recover the chairs that we would use with our new table.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Soooo...I bought sheets!</span></div>
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Yep, I did! I found the sheets at Walmart! I purchased two sheet<br />
sets; 1 twin set and 1 full size set. I was immediately drawn to these pretty<br />
sheets. Walmart has color coordinating sets. The twin set had the prettiest blue<br />
and sage green paisley pattern and the full set was done in the exact same<br />
coordinating colors but with a small floral pattern. They would be<br />
perfect for my veranda makeover!<br />
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I used the paisley fabric on the front side of the quilt and the<br />
coordinating small floral print on the back side. The quilt is nothing<br />
fancy...it's just a "tie" quilt but it turned out just as I had planned!<br />
It covers the swing cushions perfectly!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Swing Cover...</span></strong></div>
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Here is a photo of the swing cover. I took off the ratty, old<br />
exsisting cover and used it for a pattern to sew a new cover out of the<br />
small floral print. You can see the old swing cover on my dining room table<br />
in the photo mosaic above. I'm tellin' ya...the fabric from the sheets worked<br />
sooo well! I forgot to mention that I only paid $15 for the twin set of<br />
sheets and $22 for the full set! That is alot of fabric for just $37!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">New Pillows...</span></strong></div>
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Of course I had to have pillows for the swing! I used the<br />
two pillowcases from the small floral set to make the pillows! I<br />
actually have a real pretty embroidered, blue floral trim to add to these<br />
pillows...that I still need to sew on! I think the pillows turned out nice<br />
and now I can take a little nap out on the swing! wink!<br />
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<strong>Even the chairs got a facelift!</strong><br />
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These little chairs were made in 1955! How do I know...you ask?<br />
Because the date was stamped underneath the seats. The metal was black<br />
and the seats had a red vinyl material on them...they also had<br />
seen their better days!<br />
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Honey spray painted the chairs white! Already such an improvement!<br />
I used the paisley to cover the seats of the chairs...love it!!!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Cottagey Chair Slips...</span></strong></div>
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The backs of the chairs have metal rungs...not very dressy...or<br />
very cottagey! Sooo...I decided to sew chair slips! I used the paisley<br />
for the body of the slips and the small floral print for the ruffle!<br />
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<strong>I just love, love, LOVE how these turned out!</strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">A Cottage Veranda Vignette</span><br />
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This is the matching end table to our new cottage table set!<br />
I really do love this beautiful shade of blue!!!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">A Cottage Veranda Vignette...</span></strong></div>
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A few potted flowers sit atop a couple of old milk cans!<br />
Honey spray painted the milk cans white while he was doing the<br />
chairs. You should have seen what they looked like before....picture<br />
all black with big ol' orange and yellow mushrooms painted on them!<br />
Honey said that his brother decorated them during the<br />
1970's! Go figure! Hehe!<br />
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I love the old crock planter/pot with the faded tulips painted on<br />
the front. We found this old crock planter in the basement of honey's<br />
Dad's home when we were cleaning. It's no telling how old it may be! We<br />
also found the old white enamelware coffee pot in that same<br />
basement. I love the red trim!<br />
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<strong>I added a pretty white oval bowl filled with a few</strong><br />
<strong> green apples to the end table.</strong><br />
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I found this pretty retriculated bowl at TJ Maxx for just $9.99.<br />
I wove a green and blue floral ribbon through the cut-outs....sooo pretty!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">A View from the Veranda....</span><br />
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<strong>And....this is what you see when you're sitting on the swing!</strong></div>
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<strong>We live in the country! There is a big open field behind our home!</strong><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbxTiv3mytc/T5HU4yPcIOI/AAAAAAAAEO0/2pSqhKg1pXg/s1600/DSC007093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbxTiv3mytc/T5HU4yPcIOI/AAAAAAAAEO0/2pSqhKg1pXg/s1600/DSC007093.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Voila...there you have it! A blue cottage veranda!!!</span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Patio%20Project%202010/PatioMosaic-1.jpg" /></div>
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I had some fun making this mosaic! I used Photobucket's "color sketch" effect!<br />
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<strong>Well my friends...I'm sooo glad that you came by</strong><br />
<strong> today!</strong><strong> I hope you enjoyed the little tour around our veranda!</strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">I am joining in with these lovely parties today...</span><br />
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Mod Mix Monday party...hosted by Nita over at Mod Vintage Life.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>WOW party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</strong></span></a><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends....thank you soooo much for coming by and visiting!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> I would love to visit back with you!</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">Have a fabulous week!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-74502815173272833512012-04-10T13:45:00.005-06:002012-04-10T17:49:44.137-06:00"Creamy...Dreamy...Whites" A Spring Mantel<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPTSFDwsqp4/T4Rolq6OR8I/AAAAAAAAD-0/HNEwT7TawaY/s1600/Spring+2012+Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPTSFDwsqp4/T4Rolq6OR8I/AAAAAAAAD-0/HNEwT7TawaY/s1600/Spring+2012+Mantel.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Spring Fluffing"</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Spring fluffing"...a term that we often use to describe the metamorphosis that</div><div style="text-align: center;"> our home undergoes when the days grow longer...brighter...and warmer! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Living in Colorado where our winters are sooo very long...spring fluffing is a</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "rite of passage"...so to speak. It feels so good to be able to throw open the windows</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and let the fresh air of spring into my home. It's time to do a little spring cleaning</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and spring decorating!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> <br />
Spring fluffing continues to "march on" here at my place...slowly but surely!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have been busy putting away the warm winter frocks...in exchange for a lighter...</div><div style="text-align: center;">brighter...decor. Last week, I finally put the finishing touches on the mantel in my</div><div style="text-align: center;"> living room and thought I would share that with you today. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope that you enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Creamy...Dreamy...Whites"</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A 2012 Spring Mantel</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFnc4qV32bg/T4RpG-Fy81I/AAAAAAAAD-8/BxJ_jZBRcZM/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFnc4qV32bg/T4RpG-Fy81I/AAAAAAAAD-8/BxJ_jZBRcZM/s1600/026.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my living room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I added this beautiful faux fireplace mantel a couple of years ago and I'm</div><div style="text-align: center;"> so glad that I did! I have really enjoyed decorating it...especially for the different</div><div style="text-align: center;"> seasons of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(If you would like to read about the process of adding a faux mantel and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> hearth...you can click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2009/11/met-monday-faux-fireplace-updatepart.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see...my living room has an olive green, dark red, and gold color</div><div style="text-align: center;"> palette. I love the dark, moody colors but it can be challenging to "lighten and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> brighten" things up when the season calls for it.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Creamy...Dreamy...Whites"</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I seem to "gravitate" toward white more and more these days! What better</div><div style="text-align: center;"> way to lighten and brighten a room's decor...than to add white! Ohhh...and I</div><div style="text-align: center;"> love the "stark" contrast between the white and darker colors!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkGzykUVZsI/T4RpRp4tJDI/AAAAAAAAD_E/5fATZtUwm3w/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkGzykUVZsI/T4RpRp4tJDI/AAAAAAAAD_E/5fATZtUwm3w/s1600/071.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy...dreamy...white ironstone</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>and</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy...dreamy...white florals!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJfCnMlCMtk/T4RpeoLWg2I/AAAAAAAAD_M/Tve5hKwiRGM/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJfCnMlCMtk/T4RpeoLWg2I/AAAAAAAAD_M/Tve5hKwiRGM/s1600/195.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A large, white french pitcher...filled with vining ivy, white hydrangea, and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> tall stems of white stocks...grace the left hand side of this spring mantel vignette.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the opposite side of the mantel...a white ironstone pitcher filled with white</div><div style="text-align: center;"> tulips...joins in to sing the praises of spring!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is still too early, here in Colorado to reap the benefits of fresh flowers...so</div><div style="text-align: center;"> faux it is. Hopefully I can replace the fauxs with the real-deal very soon. It won't</div><div style="text-align: center;"> be long and my springtime posies will be blooming!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OxbasjELoM/T4RprXtFW5I/AAAAAAAAD_U/UJytQuVdSEo/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0OxbasjELoM/T4RprXtFW5I/AAAAAAAAD_U/UJytQuVdSEo/s1600/068.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg69pnHjzOA/T4Rp2PyqEEI/AAAAAAAAD_c/gJ2jGjSzyOE/s1600/071close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg69pnHjzOA/T4Rp2PyqEEI/AAAAAAAAD_c/gJ2jGjSzyOE/s1600/071close.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">A pair of white porcelain birds (one on either side) have joined in</div><div align="center"> with this springtime mantel vignette.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lyE0p9tp68/T4RqDYQ_WwI/AAAAAAAAD_k/gZnu1Hful34/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lyE0p9tp68/T4RqDYQ_WwI/AAAAAAAAD_k/gZnu1Hful34/s1600/078.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A small bust of a french girl adds a little elegant beauty!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOtbp30nm28/T4RqQAQuv3I/AAAAAAAAD_s/SZ5Bg0ltyQg/s1600/079close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOtbp30nm28/T4RqQAQuv3I/AAAAAAAAD_s/SZ5Bg0ltyQg/s1600/079close.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GBzbKL7qIk/T4Rqbd-LqlI/AAAAAAAAD_0/WZVPRdNcPrE/s1600/241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GBzbKL7qIk/T4Rqbd-LqlI/AAAAAAAAD_0/WZVPRdNcPrE/s1600/241.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A view of the mantel from the opposite direction.</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6gPYErHHC8/T4Rqw87yC0I/AAAAAAAAD_8/fiTriL2Jod8/s1600/207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6gPYErHHC8/T4Rqw87yC0I/AAAAAAAAD_8/fiTriL2Jod8/s1600/207.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A vignette of creamy...dreamy...whites...</strong><strong>for the hearth!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S85pTgAkizM/T4Rq7-tcJfI/AAAAAAAAEAE/1xOV4LG-1Ls/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S85pTgAkizM/T4Rq7-tcJfI/AAAAAAAAEAE/1xOV4LG-1Ls/s1600/108.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A larger view of the "conversational" area of the living room.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3hxjQZfv38/T4RrIcj-H7I/AAAAAAAAEAM/J5uTHOkc_mU/s1600/051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3hxjQZfv38/T4RrIcj-H7I/AAAAAAAAEAM/J5uTHOkc_mU/s1600/051.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A springtime vignette on the table in front of the large living room window.</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPylG3uOrHY/T4RrTCQ1tgI/AAAAAAAAEAU/3DAKHMKCKG8/s1600/183-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPylG3uOrHY/T4RrTCQ1tgI/AAAAAAAAEAU/3DAKHMKCKG8/s1600/183-2.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>More...</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Creamy...dreamy...whites!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWQNAMHs1is/T4RrgQOKWoI/AAAAAAAAEAc/INY_WZ5jNDs/s1600/183close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MWQNAMHs1is/T4RrgQOKWoI/AAAAAAAAEAc/INY_WZ5jNDs/s1600/183close.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><strong>*</strong></span></div><div align="center">If you would like to see more of this vignette...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/modele-francais-de-creme.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhpeaCVpCRQ/T4Rrq-9--9I/AAAAAAAAEAk/bZjTUEMue8A/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhpeaCVpCRQ/T4Rrq-9--9I/AAAAAAAAEAk/bZjTUEMue8A/s1600/071.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Voila!...and there you have it...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A "Creamy...Dreamy...White" Springtime Mantel!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>White Wednesday...hosted by Kathleen over at Faded Charm.</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://creationsbycindyphotography.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Friday Favorites...hosted by Cindy over at Creations By Cindy.</strong></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Well dear friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><strong> me a note to let me know you were here. I would love to visit with you!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Spring Wishes!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-7627261454944576852012-04-04T09:00:00.006-06:002015-05-28T07:16:39.823-06:00Green Apples & Lace...A Spring Table<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Today I thought I would share a tablescape that I created last year.</strong></div>
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<strong> The fresh, crisp color palette of this table is perfect for the spring season.</strong></div>
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<strong> It is one of my favorites...</strong><strong>I hope that you enjoy it as well!</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Spring Table</span></strong></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Here we are in my french country dining room.</h3>
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As you can see, my dining room is done in shades of red,</div>
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olive green, and gold. This color theme tends to be a bit dark...but</div>
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I think the white dining table/chairs and buffet help keep the room light.</div>
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I love how the crisp white looks against the deeper, rich colors! I found<br />
my old chippy, french farm table several years ago at the antique<br />
flea market. I just love it!</div>
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~Green Apples & Lace~</h3>
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I wanted to create a tablescape using a "fresh" color palette for the spring season.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fresh, crisp white and bright apple green...</h4>
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fit the ticket perfectly for a spring luncheon table set for four.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Colorful...crisp...and fresh!</strong></span></div>
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I really do like how the crisp white and bright apple green look against</div>
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the red dining room walls...don't you?</div>
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In fact, it was the spring decor of my dining room buffet</div>
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that inspired this fresh, springtime table today.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a peek at the buffet...</span></strong></div>
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<strong>Lot's of cool, crisp white...with a few splashes of apple green!</strong></div>
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I collect white ironstone pitchers and decided to display a few of them in the</div>
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vignette for my spring buffet.</div>
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I also love cloches...can you tell? Two of my favorite cloches can be seen here!</div>
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<strong>On the left-hand side of the buffet...</strong></div>
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An olive green transferware pitcher filled with teaspoons is showcased</div>
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under a tall cloche. I elevated the cloche on a glass pedestal plate to give it a</div>
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little more "presence". I also placed an apple green colored leaf plate under the</div>
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small ironstone pitcher...to bring a "splash" of that pretty green to this side</div>
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of the vignette.</div>
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<strong>On the right-hand side of the buffet...</strong></div>
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<strong>Green apples!</strong></div>
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<strong>Green apples under glass!</strong></div>
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I love how they look...so fresh...and so springy! I think that this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is the largest cloche that I own. It stands a stately 13" in height and is a</div>
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whopping 10" in diameter. I'm sure that I could stack an entire dozen of</div>
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green apples easily...under this big girl! Hehe!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Centerpiece</span></strong></div>
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A white ironstone pitcher filled with white and green hydrangeas</div>
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is the star attraction in this "Green Apples and Lace" table centerpiece.</div>
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The beautiful spring bouquet is sitting atop a large green "leaf shaped"</div>
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serving platter. It's a nice sized platter...measuring about 18" in length...it</div>
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actually could double for a serving tray. A trio of bright green apples</div>
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are scattered about on the leaf platter.</div>
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Four crystal candleholders with apple green tapers join the mix...two</div>
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on either side of the leaf platter. And...a cloche...with a single green apple...</div>
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adds another beautiful aspect to this spring table centerpiece.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Green Apples & Lace~</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">New Dishes</span></strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) by American Living</strong></div>
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...and...</div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" by Cindy Crawford Style</strong></div>
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Both sets of dishes are new and making their "debut" on this table today.</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;">*</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Green Apples & Lace"</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Place Setting</span></strong></div>
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<strong>"Cluny Lace" metal charger plate.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>"Green Leaf" dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" salad/dessert plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" bowl.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) teacup and saucer.</strong></div>
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<strong>Iced tea stemware</strong></div>
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<strong>"Brahms" Oneida flatware.</strong></div>
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<strong>White cut-work embroidered napkins.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>"Green Leaf" soup bowl.</strong></div>
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I love this set of dishes...they really are the most beautiful apple green color!</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>"Green Leaf" salad/dessert plate.</strong></div>
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<strong>"Meredith" (white lace) dinner plate.</strong></div>
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I love, love, LOVE the detailing on these pretty dishes. The beautiful</div>
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ruffled edges...the embossed pattern of flowers with ribbons and bows</div>
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...ahhh...such sweetness!!!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It was love at first sight! When I seen this set of beautiful, white lace</div>
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dishes at JC Penneys...I had to have them. They were clearanced at Penney's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
online outlet store. I purchased a five piece place setting...service for eight...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for just $56! The "dish angels" were smiling down on me that day!</div>
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<strong>"Green Leaf" dinner plate.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>A fresh...cool...crisp...and colorful place setting for a spring table!</strong></div>
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<strong>The "Meredith" (white lace) teacup and saucer.</strong></div>
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<strong>Iced tea stems...compliments of Dollar Tree.</strong></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong>My "artsy" photo.</strong> </div>
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The sun was waning when I took this photo. I love the soft light and shadows!</div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong><span style="font-size: large;">And...Voila...there you have it!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A ~Green Apples & Lace~ spring tablescape!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> I hope that you enjoyed, my friends!</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>WOW party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Tablescape Thursday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these wonderful parties for us!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">Well dear friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave me a note</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;"> and let me know that you were here. I would love to visit with you!</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Spring Wishes!</strong></span></div>
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Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-28627187354051406412012-04-02T14:10:00.001-06:002012-04-02T14:10:52.213-06:00Modèle Français de Crème...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsPfTUiGl_8/T3n4pvb7l-I/AAAAAAAAD-E/KI7ATXfoksI/s1600/Spring+2012+Vignette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsPfTUiGl_8/T3n4pvb7l-I/AAAAAAAAD-E/KI7ATXfoksI/s1600/Spring+2012+Vignette.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This past weekend was simply glorious here in colorful Colorado! The sun</div><div style="text-align: center;"> was shining soooo very bright...I do believe that the spring season has arrived.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Springtime sunshine abounds...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday afternoon, the sun was shining through our living room window so</div><div style="text-align: center;"> beautifully. I grabbed my camera and shot a few photos of the Frenchy vignette</div><div style="text-align: center;"> that I created for the table that sits in front of the large arch shaped window. I</div><div style="text-align: center;"> thought I would share them with you today. I hope you enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXGlyQUSddg/T3n5zfZRc9I/AAAAAAAAD-s/yEZPrgjKx4Q/s1600/051-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXGlyQUSddg/T3n5zfZRc9I/AAAAAAAAD-s/yEZPrgjKx4Q/s1600/051-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are in the living room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see...there is a very large window which allows the sunshine to</div><div style="text-align: center;"> pour into the room. This window faces the front of our home so I like to keep a</div><div style="text-align: center;"> pretty vignette here. It can be seen from the road that runs in front of our house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This large, arched picture window is framed with long white shears and gold</div><div style="text-align: center;"> colored draperies that "puddle" onto the floor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I love the look of the "puddled" fabric..spilling onto the floor!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijjGajgXNoc/T3n5FtKs-AI/AAAAAAAAD-U/fjwT0fdvJh0/s1600/052-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijjGajgXNoc/T3n5FtKs-AI/AAAAAAAAD-U/fjwT0fdvJh0/s1600/052-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Modèle Français de Crème~</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP6qBrzdO68/T3n5PYy2mwI/AAAAAAAAD-c/gL7A2AYMBpM/s1600/083-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP6qBrzdO68/T3n5PYy2mwI/AAAAAAAAD-c/gL7A2AYMBpM/s1600/083-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>~Cream~</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>French Style</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A simple frenchy vignette...done in cream!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The sunshine seems to frame each and every piece in this vignette.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> The soft creams...take on an ethereal glow!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjJtCEJMSKQ/T3n5aBenZzI/AAAAAAAAD-k/UqE0KQzJf9g/s1600/183close-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SjJtCEJMSKQ/T3n5aBenZzI/AAAAAAAAD-k/UqE0KQzJf9g/s1600/183close-2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">The French lady...the epitome of "ethereal beauty"!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Wow Us Wednesday...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Well my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave me a note and let me know that you were here. I would love to visit with you!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Spring Wishes!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-29868525552561265852012-03-26T13:22:00.006-06:002012-04-04T08:59:19.054-06:00"Hop...Hop...Hoppy Spring"...A Spring Buffet<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIt67A0pAcU/T2zDOyDF13I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/nNS0Ew0_8zU/s1600/Hop...Hop...Hoppy+Spring+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIt67A0pAcU/T2zDOyDF13I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/nNS0Ew0_8zU/s1600/Hop...Hop...Hoppy+Spring+cover.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><strong>"Hop...Hop...Hoppy Spring"</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I can hardly believe that the spring season is here...and Easter is just</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> around the corner as well!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I have been busy doing a little "spring fluffing" at my place. I created</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> a Spring/Easter vignette for my dining room buffet and thought I would share</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> that with you today. I hope that you enjoy!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjs0gNtTK44/T2zDtubdvMI/AAAAAAAAD2g/BAfNO63WeEE/s1600/050s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hjs0gNtTK44/T2zDtubdvMI/AAAAAAAAD2g/BAfNO63WeEE/s1600/050s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my french country dining room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>It's time to "lighten" and "brighten" things up a bit with a white</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> and</strong><strong> "spring green" colorscape.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwdk0y54f1g/T2zD39TkGoI/AAAAAAAAD2o/Q_NoJlQX5as/s1600/411s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hwdk0y54f1g/T2zD39TkGoI/AAAAAAAAD2o/Q_NoJlQX5as/s1600/411s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really do love the red walls in my dining room, but when it comes to</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "lightening and brightening" things up for the spring/summer season...it can</div><div style="text-align: center;"> be challenging.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">~White and Spring Green Colorscape~</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">For the past couple of years, I have been using a "white and spring green"</div><div style="text-align: center;"> colorscape for my dining room's spring and summer decor. This pretty yellowy-</div><div style="text-align: center;">green color and white...just "sing of spring" to me and I love, love, LOVE this</div><div style="text-align: center;"> color combination with the red wall color!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f2G0xbal38/T29Q01X34gI/AAAAAAAAD24/lRS3bOzhv84/s1600/391s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f2G0xbal38/T29Q01X34gI/AAAAAAAAD24/lRS3bOzhv84/s1600/391s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to bring in a bit of silver...to pair with the white and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "spring green". I love using white and silver together...they just take...<br />
beautiful...up a notch in my book!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HQ_0ALILsY/T29SK8P5POI/AAAAAAAAD3A/8M58yHgh25A/s1600/473s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_HQ_0ALILsY/T29SK8P5POI/AAAAAAAAD3A/8M58yHgh25A/s1600/473s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Springtime Vignette for the Buffet</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Front and Center...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A silver champagne bucket filled with tall "billowy" spring</div><div style="text-align: center;"> blossoms rests upon a round silver tray. Joining this springtime mix is</div><div style="text-align: center;"> a white bunny sitting atop a stack of Beatrix Potter books. Another sweet</div><div style="text-align: center;"> little bunny is resting on the silver tray beside the books.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF6WHzw0gL0/T29Si6owhEI/AAAAAAAAD3I/wqVDc72dGkk/s1600/399-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CF6WHzw0gL0/T29Si6owhEI/AAAAAAAAD3I/wqVDc72dGkk/s1600/399-1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bunnies...Bunnies...and MORE BUNNIES!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">What says springtime more than bunnies? Several little white bunnies</div><div style="text-align: center;"> have made their way into this springtime Easter vignette. I collect white</div><div style="text-align: center;"> ceramic bunnies...and they seem to be multiplying! Hehe!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">On the left-hand side of the buffet vignette...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A trio of silver candlesticks with white tapers, a tall bunny, and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> a little flower bucket filled with posies accompany this springtime pageant.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ngn0LVOEP8/T29SuBdAUrI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/AYwJisKWj8E/s1600/370s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ngn0LVOEP8/T29SuBdAUrI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/AYwJisKWj8E/s1600/370s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have had these little aluminum flower buckets forever. They</div><div style="text-align: center;"> seemed perfect for this springtime vignette! This flower bucket is</div><div style="text-align: center;"> filled with "spring green" colored posies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the upper left corner of this photo...you can see the dangling crystals</div><div style="text-align: center;"> from the buffet lamps. I love how they catch the sunlight!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyGCeUgJz44/T29S8FFfN2I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/k2pE8L3CDRo/s1600/436s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyGCeUgJz44/T29S8FFfN2I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/k2pE8L3CDRo/s1600/436s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
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*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwLOw8A5XiU/T29TIEFjAgI/AAAAAAAAD3g/kCnKekAAgyA/s1600/400c1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwLOw8A5XiU/T29TIEFjAgI/AAAAAAAAD3g/kCnKekAAgyA/s1600/400c1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ahhh...springtime!!!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXPpzl_CD6U/T29TZyXZVXI/AAAAAAAAD3o/LeraV-Qa2bw/s1600/408s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXPpzl_CD6U/T29TZyXZVXI/AAAAAAAAD3o/LeraV-Qa2bw/s1600/408s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">On the right-hand side of the vignette...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A little bunny is frolicking on a bed of "spring green" colored</div><div style="text-align: center;"> moss...atop the second little aluminum flower bucket. A cloche sporting</div><div style="text-align: center;"> "spring green" ceramic eggs...displayed upon a silver pedestal dish...joins in with</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the mix. Oh yes...and another trio of silver candlesticks with white tapers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHiB8dNy9bQ/T29TnfXnmOI/AAAAAAAAD3w/R65z07zADH8/s1600/451a1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHiB8dNy9bQ/T29TnfXnmOI/AAAAAAAAD3w/R65z07zADH8/s1600/451a1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcuG4oCMcCs/T2y9FaiyXKI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/p6O1r1YyQwE/s1600/399d1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcuG4oCMcCs/T2y9FaiyXKI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/p6O1r1YyQwE/s1600/399d1.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My favorite photo!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvQMGMaUa8I/T29T3sNsdoI/AAAAAAAAD34/QK3muClGH-I/s1600/458s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uvQMGMaUa8I/T29T3sNsdoI/AAAAAAAAD34/QK3muClGH-I/s1600/458s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7tWdbRiDqY/T29UDmQxQuI/AAAAAAAAD4A/GhVE17MqIDg/s1600/456s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7tWdbRiDqY/T29UDmQxQuI/AAAAAAAAD4A/GhVE17MqIDg/s1600/456s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the Beatrix Potter books! They are filled with beautiful</div><div style="text-align: center;"> illustrations. I bought this little set of books to read to my grandchildren!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EDiyvLLzfY/T29UOjdAnAI/AAAAAAAAD4I/4cisd5VpEu0/s1600/054s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--EDiyvLLzfY/T29UOjdAnAI/AAAAAAAAD4I/4cisd5VpEu0/s1600/054s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A view of the dining room table.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMC87ByV9cc/T29UbYW4AzI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/fj_H0x5fo0Q/s1600/062s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMC87ByV9cc/T29UbYW4AzI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/fj_H0x5fo0Q/s1600/062s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A simple springtime vignette...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I love, love, LOVE white ironstone and purpose to collect it!</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I found the long white platter at TJ Maxx during Christmas...love it! This set</div><div style="text-align: center;"> of white dishes is a recent purchase from JC Penneys. It has the most beautiful</div><div style="text-align: center;"> embossing on the rims...little flowers with meandering ribbon and bows. The little</div><div style="text-align: center;"> aluminum flower pot holds teaspoons, a recent purchased from Horchows.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love, love, LOVE the white handles with the ornate silver!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_ZzRnO6JcE/T29UlSFtxMI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/XF_ZZVbC4v4/s1600/064s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_ZzRnO6JcE/T29UlSFtxMI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/XF_ZZVbC4v4/s1600/064s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQGOeVz7UdI/T29Uw2LGAsI/AAAAAAAAD4g/ZGm_54P_OiY/s1600/020s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQGOeVz7UdI/T29Uw2LGAsI/AAAAAAAAD4g/ZGm_54P_OiY/s1600/020s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Voila...there you have it...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPUKX1lKPWk/T29XOOoJsnI/AAAAAAAAD4o/YN9nuOHjkwE/s1600/422s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPUKX1lKPWk/T29XOOoJsnI/AAAAAAAAD4o/YN9nuOHjkwE/s1600/422s.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">A "Hop...Hop...Hoppy Spring" vignette!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>WOW party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805".</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>and...</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;">The Bunny Blog Hop...hosted by Ann over at On Sutton Place.</span></a></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these fabulous parties for us!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Well my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by today! Please leave</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> me a note and let me know that you were here. Slowly but surely I am getting</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> back into the swing of things and I will be by soon to visit with you!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Hop...Hop...Hoppy Spring!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-87279071782425248772012-03-08T11:09:00.004-07:002012-03-08T11:37:32.056-07:00Passion for Patterns...English Country Style<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/086close1-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~~~</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
Wow...I can hardly believe that we are already into the month of March.<br />
It won't be long till spring comes dancing her way into our lives. Ohhh...how<br />
I love springtime!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">...but...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">back to reality</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
It is still very much winter here in colorful Colorado...and will be for a<br />
couple more months. My home is still dressed in it's "winter frocks" providing<br />
warmth and comfort against the cold winter temps. <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
After Valentine's day, I changed out the decor in our dining room...so I<br />
thought I would share that with you today. I hope that you enjoy!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/039.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Here we are...in my dining room...winter 2012.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~English Country Style~</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I have to tell you...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have departed...at least temporarily...from the French Country decor style<br />
that you usually see in my dining room...to more of an "English Country" look and<br />
feel. Ohhh...I really do love both design styles and I seem to waver back and<br />
forth between the two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">"Passion for Patterns"</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The decor in my dining room began with an English Country design aesthetic...<br />
with deep, rich color, layers of fabric that host a <em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">mixture of pretty patterns</span></em>. I really<br />
do have a "<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">passion for patterns</span></em>"...very indicitive of English Country design. I found an<br />
excerpt from Home Style Online Magazine that offers a wonderful description of<br />
what English Country design is.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/bw2-1.jpg" width="633" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>As you can see...my dining room shares several of the design</strong><br />
<strong> elements found in </strong><strong> English Country decor.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/001.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Dining Room Buffet...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dressed in the warm, rich colors of tradional English Country...with florals</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> and fruit reflecting the ambiance of the English countryside.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/056close-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Warm Winter's Vignette...English Country Style</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Layering, Lighting and Linens...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two lamps flank either end of the buffet. <strong>Lighting</strong>...a "must have"...element</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in keeping with the English County decor style. The lamps with their pretty, dangling</div><div style="text-align: center;"> crystals are "grounded" by an <strong>embroidered table runner</strong> done in an olive, dark red,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and gold color palette. I love the long fringe on the runner and how it drapes</div><div style="text-align: center;"> over the edges of the buffet!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now that the basics have been provided for...the "layering" begins.</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Creating an interesting vignette is much like telling a story or painting a</div><div style="text-align: center;"> beautiful picture. The picture that I hoped to paint for my winter buffet vignette</div><div style="text-align: center;"> is one of warmth, using rich colors and textures...and bringing in elements</div><div style="text-align: center;"> from the English countryside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/078.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Florals and Fruit...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A tall urn filled with artichoke looking blooms and vining ivy sits</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> front</strong><strong> and center in this buffet vignette.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/082-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The cluster of grapes trailing down the side of the urn brings a bit</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> of the</strong><strong> English countryside into the vignette.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/056close1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/086.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">More fruit...a single pear under glass!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/086close1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/090.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Masonry...Bringing More of the Countryside In</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A single masonry candleholder paired with a pretty masonry bowl</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> brings more of the countryside "in".</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this beautiful masonry bowl at one of my favorite antique shops. Love, love,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> LOVE the band of roses that seem to be dancing around the edge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/027.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Another little corner of my dining room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our wood burning stove is a "God-send" during the long, cold winters here in</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Colorado. As you can see...the wood bin is full and ready for a fire!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/024.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Plate Wall...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love red transferware and white ironstone and have a few pieces displayed</div><div style="text-align: center;"> on the wall behind the wood stove. I think the plate wall brings a nice "point of</div><div style="text-align: center;"> interest" into the dining room. Decorating with beautiful plates is always a great</div><div style="text-align: center;"> option...whether it be English Country or French Country design.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/020close.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Layered Patterns...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just thought I would show you a close-up of the table coverings. I layered</div><div style="text-align: center;"> a gold (English Country) floral patterned tablecloth over a solid gold tablecloth...lots</div><div style="text-align: center;"> of layers! The corners of the white table are peeking through. I really like</div><div style="text-align: center;"> this look!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love how the floral pattern of the tablecloth looks with the pattern of the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> well-worn rug! This may seem "busy" to some, however layering different patterns</div><div style="text-align: center;"> with one another is indicitive of English Country design.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/043.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The opposite wall...across from the buffet.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I added a few floral patterned pillows to the bench! The secret to</div><div style="text-align: center;"> combining different patterns...is staying within the same "colorway". All</div><div style="text-align: center;"> of the different patterns in this room are in keeping with the same</div><div style="text-align: center;"> olive, red, and gold color palette.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used this same rule in mixing different patterns in my Tea Rose bedroom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> If you would like to see that...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/03/sunshine-on-tea-rose.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/049.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Winter%20Season/Dining%20Room/086close.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">And...there you have it!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;">*</span><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">A warm winter's vignette...</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">English Country style!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">I hope that you enjoyed! It won't be long and I will changing</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> my</strong><strong> dining room's decor for something "lighter"...ready to welcome the</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> spring season in!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home Party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage</strong></span></a><span style="color: black;"><strong>.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805".</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Well my friends...I'm so happy that you stopped by for a visit today!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here. I would</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> love to visit with you!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Wishes!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-82597103445563080652012-03-02T13:53:00.002-07:002012-07-06T05:51:38.417-06:00Sunshine on a Tea Rose...The Tea Rose Bedroom<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/SunshineandaTeaRose.jpg" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div>
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Ohhh my...it seems that my posts have been few and far between lately...and I</div>
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do apologize. I really have been having a difficult time getting things going after my</div>
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Dad passed away last month. Since that time, I have been battling a bad case of bronchitis</div>
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on top of it. I am feeling better now...praise God! There is so much that I need to do...and want</div>
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to do. There are so many little projects around the house that is calling for my attention...</div>
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especially with spring just around the corner. Hopefully I can get back into the swing</div>
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of things. I really have missed my blogging and all of you! I sooo appreciate</div>
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your patience!</div>
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Well...one of the things that I wanted to post about...and never had the chance</div>
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to do...is some of the Christmas decor that I did in my Tea Rose bedroom. Yes...you</div>
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heard that right...CHRISTMAS...and it's already March. I will explain though...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Pretty-n-Pink Bottle Brush Trees~</span></div>
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I found the prettiest little pink bottle brush trees at Christmas time and thought</div>
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they would be perfect for the Tea Rose bedroom. They are sooo pretty and I love</div>
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them sooo much that I have decided to keep them in the room for the time being.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Sunshine on a Tea Rose~</span></strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/075.jpg" /></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in the Tea Rose bedroom.</span></strong></div>
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A few days ago...in the wee hours of the morning...the sun was shining ever</div>
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so sweetly into the Tea Rose bedroom. I grabbed my camera and shot a few photos...</div>
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to catch the moment! Don't let it be said that I "never" take the time to stop</div>
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and smell the roses....hehe!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Sunshine on a Tea Rose~</span></strong></div>
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Most of you are familiar with the Tea Rose bedroom... </div>
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so I won't bore you with too many details. </div>
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This bedroom belongs to my step-daughter Danielle when she</div>
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is home...and it also serves as our guest room. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>~Tea Rose Bed Linens~</strong></span></div>
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I found the beautiful bed linens at JC Penneys several years ago. I just adore</div>
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roses and as soon as I seen this set...I knew it would be perfect for this bedroom.</div>
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The linens...my inspiration...and thus the name for the Tea Rose bedroom.</div>
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<strong>Oooh...see how the sun was shining soooo beautifully the morning of the photos?</strong></div>
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<strong>I love how the Tea Rose bedroom looks all dressed up in sunshine!</strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/113.jpg" /></div>
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<strong>Lot's of prettty pillows that I have collected over the years!</strong></div>
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This is a small room...it is simple but hopefully our guests are comfortable here.</div>
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Besides the bed, this room hosts a small writing desk, a rocking chair and ottoman,</div>
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and on the other side of the room...an armoire.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty-n-Pink Bottle Brush Trees...</span></strong></div>
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I found these pretty pink trees at Hobby Lobby during Christmas. I</div>
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decorated the trio of trees with a garland of sequins and jewels...sooo pretty!</div>
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A few of my white bunnies (one of my many collections), vintage pink</div>
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mercury glass ornaments, and a tea rose teacup and saucer have joined in with</div>
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this Tea Rose vignette.<br />
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It's so funny...I just realized as I was looking at this photo...that all of the</div>
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bunnies are facing the sunlight. I guess they are "basking"! Hehe!</div>
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On the right hand side of the desk...my beloved tea rose lamp...</div>
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made by my dear friend <a href="http://wwwhappytobe.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Gloria from Happy To Be blog</span></a>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and...more bunnies!</span></div>
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Two pretty-n-pink rose buds...drying...from a floral bouquet given</div>
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to me by my very sweet and romantic husband on Valentine's day.<br />
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<strong>An "artsy" photo of the candle-chandelier that hangs above the desk.</strong></div>
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<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/125.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Another Tea Rose vignette...atop the armoire.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/124.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>I love, love, LOVE this little vintage pitcher with the pretty-n-pink</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> flowers and blue ribbon!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/130close.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of pink!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A close-up photo of the sequin and jeweled garlands for the bottle brush trees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/102close.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ahhhh...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Tea%20Rose%20Bedroom/075.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">...sunshine on a Tea Rose!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I hope that it warmed you!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Wow Us Wednesday Party...hosted by Kim over at Savvy Southern Style.</span></strong></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Well dear friends...I am so happy that you stopped in for a visit today! </strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here. I would</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong> love to visit with you!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-39065933821259313352012-02-13T14:53:00.002-07:002012-02-13T15:17:26.773-07:00Valentine's Day Mantel and Vignettes<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/HappyValentinesDay1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I thought I would share with you a few Valentine vignettes</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in my living room. Some of the Valentine vignettes may look familiar to</div><div style="text-align: center;"> you...and you would be right. Christmas 2011 at my place has evolved into</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Valentine's Day 2012 (minus a bit of greenery, etc.).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Since the Christmas decor in my living room was done in a silver and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> white color theme...it transitioned easily into the decor for this winter season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> A trio of "serenading angels" was the star attraction for my 2011 Christmas mantel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> They work perfectly for a Valentine's Day mantel as well. I've gotten "miles" of</div><div style="text-align: center;"> decor use out of this mantel decor and out of the vignettes as well, but after<br />
Valentine's Day...I'm afraid they will finally have to go. Hehe!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Mantel to Celebrate</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"> the "Day of Love"</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/077.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my living room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A shimmering silver and sparkling white mantel dressed for Valentine's Day.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/079.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I love silver and white paired together...it looks so elegant to me!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tall silver candle lanterns grace each side of my faux fireplace mantel,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> along with a few silver candleholders with white tapers. Mercury glass finials</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and ornaments also join in with the shimmering mix of silver.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">...and...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A pair of sweet serenading angels are showcased front and center</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> on the mantel.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/101.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/092.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Decorative mercury glass finials can be seen through the glass of</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the candle lanterns.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/094.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh...the serenading angels are playing love songs...romancing the heart!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP0268.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A valentine vignette for the small table that is positioned between the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> love seat and fireplace.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
The third serenading angel graces this little vignette of love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP0265b.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP02931c-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP02913c.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A mercury glass heart with a white organza ribbon!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP03001d-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">More shimmering silver and sparkling white for a table that sits in</div><div style="text-align: center;"> front of the living room window.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I said before...this vignette was created for Christmas. I just</div><div style="text-align: center;"> love how it turned out and I am still enjoying it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/069.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>All kinds of "pretties" fill the three tiered glass pedestal plates.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>They really sparkle when the sunlight shines on them!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/011.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The french lady bust is sporting a beautiful pearl necklace.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/032close.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/028-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/029-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the white mercury glass birds with the white feathery tails!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/026a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/068.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2012%20Valentine%20Mantel%20and%20Vignettes/067.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And Voila...there you have it! A Valentine's Day decor in my living room!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties today...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Well dear friends, I'm so glad that you dropped by for a visit today!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here.</strong></span><span style="color: black;"><strong> I</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> would love to visit with you!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-63041488360234165702012-02-08T15:21:00.003-07:002012-02-08T15:41:59.122-07:00~Romancing the Heart~...a Valentine's Day Place Setting<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5042dwatercolor.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Ahhh...Valentine's Day...the special day that we spend a little time</strong><br />
<strong> "romancing the heart"! Are you ready? Do you have plans for that</strong><br />
<strong> beloved valentine in your life?</strong><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Three Valentine Place Settings...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">1st Place Setting..."<strong>Be Still My Heart</strong>"</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span>I have been having so much fun playing dishes! Hehe! Last week I<br />
experimented with a few place settings that would make a pretty Valentine's<br />
Day table. I shared the first place setting...called "Be Still My Heart"...a few<br />
days ago. If you would like to see more of that table...just click <strong><a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/be-still-my-hearta-valentine-place.html"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a></strong>.<br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">2nd Place Setting..."<strong>Romancing the Heart</strong>"</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>Today I wanted to share the second Valentine's Day place</strong><strong> setting.</strong><br />
<strong> I decided to call it..."Romancing the Heart"! Hmmm...I'm not sure</strong><strong> why</strong><br />
<strong> I name all the tablescapes that I create...but I do! Hehe! I hope that</strong><strong> you enjoy!</strong><br />
<strong>Stay tuned for my Valentine's Day place setting #3.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">~Romancing the Heart~</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4935.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;">Here we are, once again, in my french country dining room.<br />
</span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>As I mentioned earlier, this is the second Valentine's Day place setting </strong><br />
in a series of three different tables that I created. From the first place setting...to<br />
this second setting...a few things have remained the same, however there have<br />
also been a few changes made.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>For table number two, I am using a set of dishes that were manufactured</strong><br />
<strong> by Sakura...made exclusively for Hallmark...called Rose Mist.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>I also made a few changes to the table centerpiece!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>"Romancing the Heart" is sporting a white and silver color</strong><strong> theme...</strong><br />
<strong>a pretty shade of light green and soft pink have been brought into the</strong><br />
<strong> mix with the "Rose Mist" dinnerware.</strong> I am really enjoying all the silver. I<br />
do hope that you haven't grown sick of seeing it by now! I use alot of silver<br />
during the Christmas holidays and end up leaving some of it out for my<br />
winter decor.<br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Romancing the Heart" Table Centerpiece...</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4906.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Table Centerpiece...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">I have added a white lacy table runner to this table centerpiece. The same<br />
silver tray from the first place setting is still being used, however I have added<br />
a few new items...</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A </strong><strong>white ironstone pitcher filled with white tulips is the star attraction.<br />
A small white ironstone pitcher containing teaspoons.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Three silver candlesticks with chunky white tapers.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>A sweet cast iron cherub.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>and a decorative french looking silver ornament.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">Several pieces from my mercury glass collection can also be seen in<br />
the centerpiece: tall goblet shaped candleholders, decorative finials, and<br />
decorative jeweled orbs.<br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">Two cast iron fleur de lis finals set at either end of the centerpiece as well.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4942.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4946.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A sweet cherub to romance the heart.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Romancing the Heart" Place Setting...</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4983close.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Layers of shimmering silver...sparkling white...with touches of</strong><br />
<strong> pale greens and soft pinks!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">I really am loving this color combination for a Valentine's Day tablescape!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4974-1.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>The Place Setting...</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A silver charger plate with an ornate rose rim.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>"Rose Mist" dinner plate.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>A white dinner plate with a "silver ring" border.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>"Rose Mist" salad/dessert plate.</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;">...and...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A hand blown, mercury glass heart with swirly, twirly white organza ribbon!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4972.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4991.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">**</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Rose Mist" salad/dessert plate.</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5000.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span>I just love the pretty green and pink plaid on the rims of the salad/dessert<br />
plates! The plaid gives this set a "cottage or shabby chic" feel!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Oooh...and just look at that beautiful pink rose!!!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5005.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Rose Mist" dinner plate.<br />
</span></strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span>This gorgeous pink rose that trails down the side of the dinner plate almost<br />
looks like a watercolor painting! Various shades of pink...along with a few splashes<br />
of pale yellow...make up this pretty bloom! This really is a beautiful set of dishes.<br />
They are sooo much prettier in person!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5007.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Rose Mist"</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5013-1.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Rose Mist" teacup.</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">I have such a sweet story about these pretty teacups. I purchased this set<br />
of "Rose Mist" dishes about 15 years ago. The set had dinner plates, salad/dessert<br />
plates, and bowls, however...there were no cups and saucers! I just thought that they<br />
didn't make teacups for this set. <br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
Then...lo and behold...a few months ago I was looking through a few photos<br />
on my friend's blog, <a href="http://megardengal.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Mary Ellen from Mary's Meanderings</strong></span></a>. Mary has a booth at<br />
her local antique shop...and it's full of sooo many beautiful things! As I was looking through<br />
the photos of her booth...I spotted a set of four teacups and saucers that I thought might look<br />
nice with the "Rose Mist" dishes! I never dreamed that this set of teacups were actually<br />
from the same "Rose Mist" dinnerware pattern! I did my little "happy dance" for sure!<br />
Sweet Mary sent the teacups and saucers to me...and I'm just tickled pink to have<br />
them! Thank you again, sweet friend! I feel like I have a complete set of this<br />
dinnerware now!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4923.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong>Don't you just adore that tiny pink rosebud on the inside of the teacup?</strong><br />
<strong> Ahhh...sooo sweet!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4926.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;"> </span><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Stemware with winter scenes...</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/IMGP4910.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>On this end of the table...</strong>you will see the pretty pink dinner napkin that I<br />
chose to use with this place setting...and a stack of the "Rose Mist" plates and bowl.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4953-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>I added a few "pretties" to the bowl! A second mercury glass heart,</strong><br />
<strong> a cluster of white pearl berries, and a few of my treasures from the sea!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">I have to tell you...blog friends are the very, very best!!! The starfish and<br />
shells were a gift from sweet <a href="http://talesfromanoccottage.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">M^.^ over at Tales from an OC Cottage</span></strong></a>! Just<br />
look at that pretty...glittery...soft pink starfish and...there is a silver glittered starfish<br />
too! Look close...there are also pink and silver glittered shells as well! Sweet M^.^ <br />
sent me a gift box full of pretties...for no reason at all...except that she is just<br />
sweet like that!!! Thank you again, sweet friend!!!<br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 180%;">"Romancing the Heart"<br />
</span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>The last few photos are all about romancing the heart!</strong><br />
<strong> I hope that you enjoy!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4969.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5028.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5031.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP5042.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4960.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Valentine%20Tables/Hallmark%20Rose/Romancing%20the%20Heart%20edited/IMGP4962.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUBAxiBxgI/Tx2cPyOnZII/AAAAAAAADuA/0I91s_9ruCw/s1600/IMGP4966-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUBAxiBxgI/Tx2cPyOnZII/AAAAAAAADuA/0I91s_9ruCw/s1600/IMGP4966-1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">(my favorite photo)</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;"> </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Every heart needs a little romance! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Happy Valentine's Day, sweet friends!<br />
</span></strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">I am joining these lovely parties...</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Tablescape Thursday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Home Sweet Home party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805".</span></strong></a></div><div align="center" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/010711REDMAP1colorsoflove2.gif"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/010711REDMAP1colorsoflove2.gif"><strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, ladies...for hosting these fabulous parties for us!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends...I'm sooo glad that you stopped in for a visit today! </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Today's post was a revisit from Valentine's Day 2011. I am still trying</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> to settle in since returning from my trip to Texas. Once again, I would like</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers. My Dad,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> who was diagnosed with lung cancer over the Christmas holidays, went home</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> to be with the Lord on January 31st. I'm so thankful that his suffering is</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> over</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"> and that he is resting safely in the arms of Jesus now. </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> Please leave</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"> me a note and let me know that you were here...</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">I would love to visit with you!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: 130%;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-27029212229979611532012-01-27T16:06:00.007-07:002012-02-10T10:07:16.547-07:00Valentine's 2012 at Happy To Design<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8RS9Y2qbfY/TyMfm_Pn7VI/AAAAAAAADzI/Bw0LQxqU3hs/s1600/Happy+Valentines+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8RS9Y2qbfY/TyMfm_Pn7VI/AAAAAAAADzI/Bw0LQxqU3hs/s1600/Happy+Valentines+Day+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you are reading this...I am on my way to Texas to be with my</div><div style="text-align: center;"> family. As many of you know, my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer</div><div style="text-align: center;"> over the Christmas holidays. He is not doing well at all and it's time that I</div><div style="text-align: center;"> went to be with him and my family. I sooo appreciate all of the kind words and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> prayers that you have sent to me and my family...thank you!!! Your love and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> support mean the world to me. I would just like to say that my Dad knows</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the Lord and has served Him for many...many years. He is ready to go</div><div style="text-align: center;"> home. Even in light of this...the coming days will be very difficult so</div><div style="text-align: center;"> please keep praying for my dad and my family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thank you, dear friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a lighter note...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A few days ago, I took a few photos of Valentine's day at my place.</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Christmas decor of my dining room buffet has now evolved</div><div style="text-align: center;"> into Valentine's day decor. I really haven't done much...just a few simple</div><div style="text-align: center;"> changes here and there. Since I already had the photos, I thought that I</div><div style="text-align: center;"> would share them with you. I hope that you enjoy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Warmest wishes to you and yours for a Happy (early) Valentine's Day!!!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiQfMDeUnoE/TyMf8_zDWJI/AAAAAAAADzQ/n3mm1ly7up8/s1600/IMGP1093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiQfMDeUnoE/TyMf8_zDWJI/AAAAAAAADzQ/n3mm1ly7up8/s1600/IMGP1093.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my french country dining room.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>The buffet is all dressed up and ready to celebrate the "day of love"!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The photos are pretty self-explanatory...so I'll just shhhhsh and let you</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> take a look around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibz1mQJ2iww/TyMgd80gfJI/AAAAAAAADzY/LuAzNo3EBmk/s1600/IMGP1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibz1mQJ2iww/TyMgd80gfJI/AAAAAAAADzY/LuAzNo3EBmk/s1600/IMGP1091.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibz1mQJ2iww/TyMgd80gfJI/AAAAAAAADzY/LuAzNo3EBmk/s1600/IMGP1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMXp9hDsork/TyMgzKCjP8I/AAAAAAAADzg/xxTMGXn3zm4/s1600/IMGP1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMXp9hDsork/TyMgzKCjP8I/AAAAAAAADzg/xxTMGXn3zm4/s1600/IMGP1099.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I crafted this heart tree for my Christmas buffet...we celebrated</div><div align="center"> a Swedish Christmas this year. The Swedish love their hearts at<br />
Christmas!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">The beautiful heart ornaments are made of glass. </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyxnALUPaD0/TyMhG_igXqI/AAAAAAAADzo/6B6Cw3HBhrw/s1600/IMGP0419-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyxnALUPaD0/TyMhG_igXqI/AAAAAAAADzo/6B6Cw3HBhrw/s1600/IMGP0419-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGaSHZlaQMM/TyMhbZDf5pI/AAAAAAAADzw/zikH4P9akZE/s1600/IMGP0417-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGaSHZlaQMM/TyMhbZDf5pI/AAAAAAAADzw/zikH4P9akZE/s1600/IMGP0417-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_3WWHOnQIA/TyMiLZl1v5I/AAAAAAAAD0A/zvCO28GGB8g/s1600/IMGP0423close-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_3WWHOnQIA/TyMiLZl1v5I/AAAAAAAAD0A/zvCO28GGB8g/s1600/IMGP0423close-1.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lq-9JwITYEo/TyMip0dEC0I/AAAAAAAAD0I/-4H4pNWsLF8/s1600/IMGP1102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lq-9JwITYEo/TyMip0dEC0I/AAAAAAAAD0I/-4H4pNWsLF8/s1600/IMGP1102.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>The red hearts laying on the tray are cookie cutters.</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ctr5MokFlu8/TyMi7eUkxHI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/IKb-hxZn0D4/s1600/IMGP1105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ctr5MokFlu8/TyMi7eUkxHI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/IKb-hxZn0D4/s1600/IMGP1105.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A white ceramic tray filled with mercury glass ornaments and</div><div align="center"> a couple of vintage silver heart shaped cookie cutters serves as a</div><div align="center"> Valentine's day centerpiece for the dining room table.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T60lbpUEo2s/TyMjM3EqGtI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/h_qEhNwH2OI/s1600/IMGP1105close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T60lbpUEo2s/TyMjM3EqGtI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/h_qEhNwH2OI/s1600/IMGP1105close.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>I love mercury glass...pretty, pretty for the cold wintery months!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrGVvsirL84/TyMjf0yktII/AAAAAAAAD0g/MhoIbSYV6ak/s1600/IMGP1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrGVvsirL84/TyMjf0yktII/AAAAAAAAD0g/MhoIbSYV6ak/s1600/IMGP1117.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Oooh...bejeweled mercury glass! Does it get any better? Hehe!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrOKewSUM34/TyMj1IjvP2I/AAAAAAAAD0o/CMn_UovVrk8/s1600/IMGP1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrOKewSUM34/TyMj1IjvP2I/AAAAAAAAD0o/CMn_UovVrk8/s1600/IMGP1118.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Happy Valentine's Day, sweet friends!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I'm joining Laurie's Valentine Party...</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-size: small;">*</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span><img height="320" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/vtinecakesinfopg_thumb3.jpg" width="261" /><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1289768615"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Valentine Party...hosted by Laurie over at Bargain Hunting</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>and Chatting with Laurie.</strong></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, Laurie...for hosting this lovely party for us!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-2171199215532131482012-01-25T13:03:00.001-07:002012-01-25T15:57:14.411-07:00~Be Still My Heart~...A Valentine Place Setting<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1UiruUOI2Y/Tx3Mg84qlFI/AAAAAAAADuI/FNtpbcIK8-A/s1600/IMGP4803cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1UiruUOI2Y/Tx3Mg84qlFI/AAAAAAAADuI/FNtpbcIK8-A/s1600/IMGP4803cover.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I am doing pretty good...still trying to get "caught up" after my<br />
trip to Texas. For those of you who follow my blog, you know that<br />
my Dad was diagnosed with cancer over the Christmas holidays. He is<br />
not doing well and it is thought that the cancer is spreading rapidly. With<br />
all that is going on, I am having a difficult time getting back to blogging.<br />
I sure do appreciate your patience and all of the prayers that you are<br />
sending my family's way. You sooo touched my heart with all the<br />
sweet notes that you left for me on my last post. Thank you, from<br />
the bottom of my heart, dear friends! You guys are the best!!!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
On a more "upbeat" note...I did finally get all the Christmas decor<br />
taken down and put away at my place. Eeeks...it's nearly<br />
February...guess it's about time. Hehe!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>Today I thought I would share with you a Valentine post from</strong><br />
<strong> last year....called "<span style="color: #cc0000;">Be Still My Heart</span>". This is the first Valentine place</strong><br />
<strong> setting in a series of three. I hope to share the other two...later on.</strong><br />
<strong>I hope that you enjoy!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>~~~~~~~~~~~~~</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">~Be Still My Heart~</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I have been doing a little</strong><br />
<strong> "dish playing"! I have been playing with a few different place settings for</strong><br />
<strong> a Valentine table. So far I have done three different table settings. I haven't</strong><br />
<strong> quite decided yet...which one that I will use for Valentines Day. In the</strong><br />
<strong> meantime, I thought I would share one of the place settings...</strong><strong>called </strong><br />
<strong>"Be Still My Heart". </strong><strong>I hope that you enjoy!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIMhH-LpB0c/Tx3WJnQf2GI/AAAAAAAADuQ/ruQcPAyc6Jg/s1600/IMGP4597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIMhH-LpB0c/Tx3WJnQf2GI/AAAAAAAADuQ/ruQcPAyc6Jg/s1600/IMGP4597.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffff99;">**</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Here we are...in my french country dining room.</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I really do enjoy creating Valentine tablescapes! As you can<br />
see...the walls in my dining room are a deep red color...making<br />
Valentine decorating a cinch! Hehe!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Several weeks ago, I decorated my dining room buffet for</strong><br />
<strong> winter...adding a little Valentines Day flair to the vignette.</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvBYKHl8VI/Tx3WqtRCKYI/AAAAAAAADuY/3yMe05vJCDk/s1600/IMGP4181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wvBYKHl8VI/Tx3WqtRCKYI/AAAAAAAADuY/3yMe05vJCDk/s1600/IMGP4181.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>A red, white, and silver color theme for the buffet's decor</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> with a little greenery thrown into the mix</strong>. A white metal bird cage,<br />
silver candlesticks, mercury glass finials and orbs...just sing an "Ode to<br />
Valentine's Day"...and then....there are the cherubs!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>What is Valentine's Day without cherubs?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XBl9pTvKAA/Tx3XPT60zxI/AAAAAAAADug/C5xJ-OnBFjA/s1600/IMGP4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XBl9pTvKAA/Tx3XPT60zxI/AAAAAAAADug/C5xJ-OnBFjA/s1600/IMGP4187.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XBl9pTvKAA/Tx3XPT60zxI/AAAAAAAADug/C5xJ-OnBFjA/s1600/IMGP4187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This sweet cherub is made out of masonary and is quite</div><div style="text-align: center;"> heavy. He is holding a pretty silver satin ribbon with a key.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ahhhh...the key to my heart!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VXLzZaDubM/Tx3X25hZ4fI/AAAAAAAADuo/swecrwXZQWc/s1600/IMGP4705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VXLzZaDubM/Tx3X25hZ4fI/AAAAAAAADuo/swecrwXZQWc/s1600/IMGP4705.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong>The place setting for "Be Still My Heart" was created around the</strong></div><div align="center"><strong> buffet vignette and the exsisting table centerpiece.</strong> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">If you would like to see more of my buffet vignette and table centerpiece</div><div align="center"> (the how to's)...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/winters-day-in-dining-room.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a>.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>Shimmering siver and a deep rich red make for a very romantic</strong><br />
<strong> table...don't you think?</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBAzikPe1g/Tx3Yrq0NYcI/AAAAAAAADuw/lYl7nZTNHQk/s1600/IMGP4757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DBAzikPe1g/Tx3Yrq0NYcI/AAAAAAAADuw/lYl7nZTNHQk/s1600/IMGP4757.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>"Be Still My Heart" Place Setting....<br />
</strong></span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>A silver charger plate with embossed roses around the rim.<br />
A solid, deep red colored dinner plate.<br />
A white dinner plate with a silver "ringed" rim.<br />
A solid, deep red colored salad plate.<br />
A red toile dessert plate.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>Layers and layers of pretty plates!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fghvJ7faIy8/Tx3ZMOFzRZI/AAAAAAAADu4/9u2s1pfUgLk/s1600/IMGP4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fghvJ7faIy8/Tx3ZMOFzRZI/AAAAAAAADu4/9u2s1pfUgLk/s1600/IMGP4772.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>And...the place setting is topped with a mercury glass heart</strong><br />
<strong> with swirly...twirly...white organza ribbon!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Ahhhh...be still my heart!</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7172l0O2Amc/Tx3ZwfIkNgI/AAAAAAAADvA/uDQCrOlKabQ/s1600/IMGP4781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7172l0O2Amc/Tx3ZwfIkNgI/AAAAAAAADvA/uDQCrOlKabQ/s1600/IMGP4781.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2ewu0tDP-0/Tx3aUAgAurI/AAAAAAAADvI/EjjPsDa2Ld0/s1600/IMGP4782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2ewu0tDP-0/Tx3aUAgAurI/AAAAAAAADvI/EjjPsDa2Ld0/s1600/IMGP4782.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong>I found the pretty red toile dessert plates at TJ Maxx last</strong><br />
<strong> year...this is the first time that I have used them! Something</strong><br />
<strong> new...and something special for Valentine's Day!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span>The manufacturers mark says "Queen's" (with an ensigna of a crown)<br />
Est. 1795...made in Malaysia.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdYqq-PvC_Y/Tx3a41r11QI/AAAAAAAADvQ/e91Ok1nSxEY/s1600/IMGP4786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdYqq-PvC_Y/Tx3a41r11QI/AAAAAAAADvQ/e91Ok1nSxEY/s1600/IMGP4786.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BdYqq-PvC_Y/Tx3a41r11QI/AAAAAAAADvQ/e91Ok1nSxEY/s1600/IMGP4786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ahhh...red toile with beautiful bucolic scenes! </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Definitely one of my favorite things!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmFW-1a8q28/Tx3bY-l3XBI/AAAAAAAADvY/bbvV9ELnNuQ/s1600/IMGP4734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmFW-1a8q28/Tx3bY-l3XBI/AAAAAAAADvY/bbvV9ELnNuQ/s1600/IMGP4734.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Stemware...embossed with beautiful winter scenery!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbewR7k-Qfs/Tx3bz_Uv8MI/AAAAAAAADvg/n5xgl0E1qH0/s1600/IMGP4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jbewR7k-Qfs/Tx3bz_Uv8MI/AAAAAAAADvg/n5xgl0E1qH0/s1600/IMGP4788.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>A rich, red colored satin dinner napkin to coordinate with</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> the place setting.<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span>You know...I think every color looks pretty with silver, but dark</div><div style="text-align: center;"> red paired with silver is my favorite!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOLD2Ew-oiw/Tx3cOPVtfBI/AAAAAAAADvo/JE7AKHI85jk/s1600/IMGP4682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOLD2Ew-oiw/Tx3cOPVtfBI/AAAAAAAADvo/JE7AKHI85jk/s1600/IMGP4682.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Using one of my favorite silver teapot napkin rings.</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F89va4gGM8/Tx3coA0eP3I/AAAAAAAADvw/IaVkPmEL_5I/s1600/IMGP4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4F89va4gGM8/Tx3coA0eP3I/AAAAAAAADvw/IaVkPmEL_5I/s1600/IMGP4670.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong>A pretty stack of extra dessert plates and a cherub to serenade us!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-_Nhe8BUtY/Tx3c_skNMfI/AAAAAAAADv4/UiXv3BDmjDU/s1600/IMGP4677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-_Nhe8BUtY/Tx3c_skNMfI/AAAAAAAADv4/UiXv3BDmjDU/s1600/IMGP4677.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>A second mercury glass heart decorates the stack of dessert plates!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I found these pretty ornaments at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I have</div><div style="text-align: center;"> used them so many times in my teas and tablescapes...they are definitely</div><div style="text-align: center;"> one of my favorite things!</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2k-dkmKSas/Tx3dZJocIZI/AAAAAAAADwA/AuWjiJl3-Bs/s1600/IMGP4722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z2k-dkmKSas/Tx3dZJocIZI/AAAAAAAADwA/AuWjiJl3-Bs/s1600/IMGP4722.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>Another pretty ornament sits at the feet of the cherub.</strong><br />
<strong> Oooh...so silvery...so frenchy!</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTW_czcA4E/Tx3dxY8zP7I/AAAAAAAADwI/zESDtzt0B4c/s1600/IMGP4795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpTW_czcA4E/Tx3dxY8zP7I/AAAAAAAADwI/zESDtzt0B4c/s1600/IMGP4795.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong>I wanted a few photos of the mercury glass heart with the </strong><br />
<strong>deep </strong><strong>red dinner napkin.</strong> They really do make a beautiful picture...<br />
don't you think?</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtEKCFOzOZE/Tx3eIXd2MGI/AAAAAAAADwQ/CD-OhyDTZ78/s1600/IMGP4803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xtEKCFOzOZE/Tx3eIXd2MGI/AAAAAAAADwQ/CD-OhyDTZ78/s1600/IMGP4803.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">"Be Still My Heart"</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZijZH9PHPY/Tx3ehEBYY2I/AAAAAAAADwY/XaR-l1TPqyg/s1600/IMGP4801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZijZH9PHPY/Tx3ehEBYY2I/AAAAAAAADwY/XaR-l1TPqyg/s1600/IMGP4801.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong>Well my friends...I hope you enjoyed the "Be Still My Heart"</strong><br />
<strong> Valentine place setting! I sure had fun creating it! I hope to share</strong><br />
<strong> the other Valentine place settings that I have been working on soon.</strong><br />
<strong> So stay tuned! I love playing dishes! Hehe!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;"><span style="color: black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>I am joining these fabulous parties...</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</span></a></strong></div><div align="center"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Tablescape Thursday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Home Sweet Home party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Potpourri Friday...hosted by Honey over at "2805".</strong></span></a><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong> </strong></span><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you, dear ladies for hosting these great parties for us!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><strong><span style="color: black;">Well dear friends, thank you so much for coming by today!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong> I always enjoy your visits! Please leave me a note and let me</strong><strong> know</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> that you were here...I would love to visit with you</span>!<br />
</strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Wishes!</strong></span></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-9535912710827975092012-01-14T12:50:00.000-07:002012-01-14T12:51:12.724-07:00Honey...I'm Home!<span style="color: #fff2cc;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Family%20Christmas%202011/IMGP0786.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pictured from left to right...my daughter Lisa, me, my daughter Aimee, and my daughter Jenni.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Christmas 2011 with my family in Texas</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Family%20Christmas%202011/IMGP0904.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A photo of all three of my daughters and their families. All of my grandchildren were present with</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the exception of my oldest grandson Tony Jr. who had to report back to his duty station in Arkansas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> We were having dinner at a fabulous seafood restaurant located at Corpus Christi Bay. There was</div><div style="text-align: center;"> a total of 17 of us! I loved it!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope that you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wow...I bet you guys thought I dropped off the face of the earth!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> I apologize</strong><strong> for not posting before now. I have just been busy with life!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As many of you know...honey and I recently made a trip to Texas to spend the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Christmas holidays with all of my family. I had a wonderful time getting to have</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Christmas with all of my children and grandchildren. It had been many years since</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we were able to be "all together" for Christmas. We were able to spend an entire</div><div style="text-align: center;"> week just catching up...and I loved every minute of it! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">As much as I enjoyed all the Christmas festivities with my daughters and their</div><div style="text-align: center;"> families, it was a difficult trip as well. Just before leaving for Texas, I received</div><div style="text-align: center;"> news that my Dad has cancer. My Dad has suffered with several health issues and</div><div style="text-align: center;"> because of this, he is unable to receive treatment for the cancer. My folks also live</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in Texas so I was able to visit with my Dad nearly everyday while he was in the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> hospital. These things are never easy. I sure would appreciate your prayers</div><div style="text-align: center;"> for my Dad and Mom and the family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well...as you can see...I have had a lot on my mind and life has kept me busy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> In fact, Christmas is still up at my place. Yes, you heard that right. The Christmas</div><div style="text-align: center;"> tree with all the trimmings and all the Christmas decor is still up. I just haven't</div><div style="text-align: center;"> been able to "catch up" after our Texas trip. Hopefully I can get caught up on</div><div style="text-align: center;"> everything soon. Last week I missed hosting the Sunday Favorites party. I'm</div><div style="text-align: center;"> sooo sorry! I am cancelling the Sunday Favorites party until further notice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Thank you so much for your understanding and patience with me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just wanted to let you know that even though I may not be posting...I will</div><div style="text-align: center;"> still be visiting with you and checking out all of your fabulous creativity! I have</div><div style="text-align: center;"> missed you, my friends! I really do hope to be "back up and running" soon! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderful weekend!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-58463730319671542192011-12-19T09:22:00.005-07:002011-12-19T11:27:11.623-07:002011 Christmas Home Tour Finale<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0274a-3a.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Warmest Christmas Wishes!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Today I thought I would take you on a photo tour of our 2011 Christmas</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> home. I just want to warn you...there are alot of photos...so grab a cup of hot</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> cocoa and a Christmas cookie (or two).</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I hope that you enjoy!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0123-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The 2011 Christmas tour will begin</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> in the living room.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0147.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">~Silver Symphony~</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">2011 Christmas Mantel</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0108.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0196a.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0262.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0238close1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Mantel/IMGP0274a-4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you would like to see more of the</strong><strong> ~Silver Symphony~</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> Christmas mantel...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/silver-symphonychristmas-mantel.html"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a>.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP0265b.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Christmas vignette in the living room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP02971a.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP02912b.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP0268.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP0208a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The sparkling white and shimmering silver color theme continues</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> in a</strong><strong> Christmas</strong><strong> vignette for the living room window.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP02472d-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/026a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/029-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/032close.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Tiered%20Vignette/IMGP03001d-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you would like to see more of my living room's</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> Christmas vignettes...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/silver-symphonychristmas-vignettes.html"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a>.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0307.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Moving into the dining room...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our 2011 traditional red, white and green Christmas tree.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0585.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0577.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0638.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~God Jul~</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">(Merry Christmas)</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our dining room is hosting a Swedish Christmas this year!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0660.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Swedish Christmas table centerpiece.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0514.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>If you would like to see more of my Christmas dining room and</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> the Swedish Christmas centerpiece...just click </strong></span><a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-swedish-christmas-dining-room.html"><span style="color: black;"><strong>HERE</strong></span></a><span style="color: black;"><strong>.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0606-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Swedish Christmas buffet!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0636c-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lots of red and white...and lots of hearts...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>a "must have" for a traditional Swedish Christmas!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0388b-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0417-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0389close-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0431a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you would like to see more of my Swedish Christmas</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> buffet...just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/god-jula-swedish-christmas-buffet.html"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a>.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/GodJulbest.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong>~God Jul~</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>Merry Christmas</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Thank you so much for coming by! I hope that you enjoyed the </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">tour of my 2011 Christmas home!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">As many of you know, Honey and I are heading to Texas this week</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> to spend Christmas with my family. I'm soooo excited!!! It has been a long</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> time</strong><strong> since all of my family has been together for Christmas. Soooo...I'm taking a bit</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> of</strong><strong> a blogging break. This will be my last post of 2011. I will be back to see</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> the</strong><strong> new year in! Wow...can you believe that it's nearly 2012? Where</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong> does </strong><strong>the time fly to?</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Well dearest friends...warmest wishes to you</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> and</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> your family for a</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> wonderfully sweet and blessed</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Christmas! I will see you soon!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Warmest Christmas Wishes!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /><br />
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties...</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Metamorphosis Monday...hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Table Top Tuesday...hosted by Marty over at A Stroll Thru Life.</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color: black;">Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</span></strong></a><br />
<strong><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Room by Room Christmas Tour Party...hosted by Cottage and Vine.</span></a></strong><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.thenester.com/"><span style="color: black;">2011 Christmas Tour of Homes...hosted by The Nester.</span></a></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-63623838155113253992011-12-17T18:00:00.001-07:002011-12-17T18:00:00.578-07:00Sunday Favorites...No. 129<div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 180%;"><strong>Welcome to the 129th "Sunday Favorites" Party</strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339167810105729458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6qaMPZZWxdU/ShiI1c2NYbI/AAAAAAAACCE/UnK2jxZMuC4/s400/Sunday+Favorites.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">"</span><span style="color: #333399;"><strong><em>Sunday Favorites</em></strong></span><span style="color: black;">"</span> </span><span style="color: black;">is a Sunday meme designed to give bloggers a chance</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> to share</span><span style="color: black;"> a favorite post from the past!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">For more information on how to republish a past post just click <a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2009/04/sunday-favorites_19.html"><span style="color: #333399;">HERE</span></a>.</span></div><br />
<div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;">Hello my friends!</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Welcome to the 129th run of "<em>Sunday Favorites</em>"</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black;">I hope that you're having a wonderful weekend! Wow...where does the time go to?</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> The "Christmas Countdown" clock is ticking away....tic-toc...tic-toc! Hehe!</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> I have been busy...busy! I'm sure that all of you have been busy as well...with</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> Christmas preparations and all of the fun things that this season brings. Honey and I</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> have just decided that we will be driving to Texas to spend Christmas with my three</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> daughters and all my grandchildren. I am soooo excited! It has been a very long</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> time since we have all been together for Christmas. </span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><u>Sunday Favorites Cancelled for Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st.</u></span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">In light of my absence and because Christmas falls on a Sunday this year...</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;">I will be cancelling the December 25th Sunday Favorites party. I know that</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong> everyone will be busy with their families anyway. I am also cancelling the</strong><strong> Sunday</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;"> Favorites party scheduled for January 1, 2012 as well. I'll just be getting home</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #38761d;"> from our travels. I will miss all of you and your wonderful reposts. We'll </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>continue</strong><strong> to the regular Sunday Favorites schedule for January 8, 2012.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #38761d;"> So I'll see you then!</span></strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Today for Sunday Favorites...I am revisiting a post from December</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> 27, 2010...called "And...It's a Wrap". I hope that you enjoy!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends...I'm looking forward to seeing your Sunday Favorites</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> posts </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">this week and visiting with you! You can sign up for the party at the</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> end</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;"> of this post!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #333399; font-size: large;"><strong>Have a super Sunday!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #333399; font-size: large;"><strong>Chari</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><strong>*</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Sunday Favorites </strong></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339167810105729458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6qaMPZZWxdU/ShiI1c2NYbI/AAAAAAAACCE/UnK2jxZMuC4/s400/Sunday+Favorites.jpg" style="display: block; height: 197px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 169px;" /><strong>My favorite post from: </strong><br />
<strong>December 27, 2010</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: x-large;"><strong>"And ...It's a Wrap"</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<div align="center"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/IMGP39911a.jpg" /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
Myyyy...ohhh MY! Christmas has come...and gone! I don't know about<br />
you, but the week that follows Christmas is always kind of a let down for me.<br />
All the busyness of the season...slows...and it's time to get things back to normal!<br />
I love Christmas and it would be just fine by me...if it never ended! Hehe! </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center">I hope that each of you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas! I<br />
certainly did! My two step-children are still here visiting. I will be spending<br />
the week enjoying them...and I will begin the arduous process of putting away all<br />
the Christmas decor. Yesterday I purchased several nice, heavy plastic storage<br />
bins. I'm hoping to go through all of my Christmas and organize it a bit!<br />
It may take me awhile...eeeks! </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>Anyway, I will be back next week. In the meantime, I thought I would</strong><br />
<strong> share just a bit more of the silver and white Christmas decor in my french</strong><br />
<strong> country dining room</strong> (there are a few new photos taken from a different angle in<br />
my dining room). <strong>I just loved how it turned out...I'm still really enjoying it! I</strong><br />
<strong> have</strong><strong> decided to leave it...as is...at least for the month of January! It looks</strong><br />
<strong> January Wintery! I hope you enjoy! I will see you soon, sweet friends!!!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Shimmering Silver and Sparkling White<br />
"Wintery January"<br />
</span></strong><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/IMGP38411a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">A vintage silver soup tureen filled with mercury glass ornaments...nestled into<br />
fresh pine boughs...serves as the table centerpiece in my dining room.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*<br />
</span>I added white pearl berry picks into the pine greenery...along with a few mercury<br />
glass pinecones and silver/white ornaments.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/IMGP39961d-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong>White organza ribbon...twirls and swirls...around the jeweled</strong><br />
<strong> mercury</strong><strong> glass ornaments!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
I love this look! I just threaded the ribbon through the loops on the top of the ornaments.</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/IMGP38571a-1.jpg" /></div><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/Christmas%20Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP38541a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center">Hmmm...I guess I will take the "NOEL" signs out of the <br />
centerpiece for January...otherwise the rest can stay!<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">...and...</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a Wrap!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Christmas%202010/Christmas%20Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP39941a-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffff99;">*</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Saying so long to Christmas 2010!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> It was fabulous! </span></strong><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends...I'm so glad that you stopped by today for a visit!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color: black;"> It won't be long till we are ringing in a brand new year! Ohhh my...where</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;"> did 2010 go to? Hehe!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><span style="color: #ffff99;"><br />
</span><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Warmest Wishes!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sunday Favorites</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/SundayFavoriteslogobutton.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Guidelines for Participating in Sunday Favorites</span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Add a "visible" link for the Sunday Favorites party to your blog post or add</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;"> the Sunday Favorites button from my sidebar.</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><strong> </strong><br />
<strong>The link leading back to Happy To Design should be a "visible" link in</strong><br />
<strong> your </strong><strong>post...not "Parties Here" or "Find the parties that I am linking to in my</strong><br />
<strong> sidebar" or somewhere else is...unacceptable! No one should have to</strong><br />
<strong> search</strong><strong> for</strong><strong> the parties you are joining.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Please do not add your link below, until your Sunday Favorites post is</strong><br />
<strong> actually published to your blog. If you are participating in Sunday Favorites,</strong><br />
<strong> please be sure to add your permalink and not your general blog address.</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<strong>If you have found that your link has been deleted...then it was not following</strong><br />
<strong> the guidelines. Please read the instructions and try again</strong>.<br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thank you so much for your participation!!! I am going to really enjoy going</strong><br />
<strong> through your "Sunday Favorites" posts!!!</strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">***<strong>Just a little note: Sunday Favorites Criteria</strong>***</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">When I first started the Sunday Favorites meme, my initial thought was to</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> offer a</span><span style="color: #990000;"> solution for getting a post out on the weekend without having to spend alot</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> of time doing so...weekends are just a busy time for most of us! Copying and pasting</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> a</span><span style="color: #990000;"> previous post is so quick and easy. Not only is this a quick and easy solution to</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> the busy weekends, but it's also an opportunity to dig back into our blog archives</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> and</span><span style="color: #990000;"> share a favorite "past" post once again! Many of us spend alot of time and</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> effor</span><span style="color: #990000;">t creating a post and it just seems a shame that it is viewed only once</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> and then forgotten about!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>I would like to reiterate that Sunday Favorites is a meme about sharing or</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong> revisiting a post from the PAST! Please do not add a freshly published post</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong> to the Sunday Favorites party...it is NOT what this party is about.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Thank you!!!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=chari800&postid=17Dec2011" type="text/javascript">
</script>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8993564595448887939.post-86464135423999669632011-12-15T12:23:00.003-07:002011-12-15T12:26:45.310-07:00My Swedish Christmas Dining Room<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0508-3-1-1.gif" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>God Jul!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Merry Christmas)</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Christmas countdown continues...only 9 days until Christmas!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am busier than ever...with Christmas preparations and planning for our</div><div style="text-align: center;"> trip to Texas next week! I'm soooo excited to be able to spend the holidays with</div><div style="text-align: center;"> my three daughters and their families...as well as my folks! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Today I thought I would show you around my Christmas dining room.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Swedish Christmas Dining Room...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This Chirstmas, Honey and I are celebrating our family's Swedish ancestry!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> With a traditional color theme of red, green, and white....mostly red and white...a</div><div style="text-align: center;"> simple Swedish Christmas is set in our dining room. I would love to give you a tour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is a photo laden posts so I promise to keep my commentary to a minimum.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Everything is self-explanatory anyway...hehe!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> I hope you enjoy the tour, my dear friends!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~</span> A Swedish Christmas <span style="color: #38761d;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~</span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0638.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Here we are...in my dining room.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0639.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A simple, Swedish Christmas table.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0652close.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Swedish Christmas Table Centerpiece...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Swedish Christmas table centerpiece...dressed in the traditional</div><div style="text-align: center;"> colors of red and white...with a few "pops" of Christmas green for good measure!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0660.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">A miniature pine tree in a white pitcher...along with a white</div><div style="text-align: center;"> reindeer and a simple Swedish votive candleholder.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">You will find many "hearts" in the traditional Swedish Christmas decor!</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0514.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/Table%20Centerpiece/IMGP0350.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~ </span>A Swedish Buffet <span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~ </span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0606-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0636c-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A simple, Swedish Christmas buffet...dressed up in in red and white.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0396close-2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Swedish Christmas tree is the "star" of this vignette...decorated with</div><div style="text-align: center;">pretty little red and white heart ornaments.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/2011%20Christmas%20Buffet/IMGP0417-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>If you would like to see more of the Swedish Christmas buffet...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>just click </strong><a href="http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/god-jula-swedish-christmas-buffet.html"><strong><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: black;">.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*<br />
*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~ </span>A Look Around the Dining Room <span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~ </span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0585.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0577.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pine garland filled with red berries and red apples decorate the top of my</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Christmas hutch. A couple of white pitchers from my pitcher collection have also</div><div style="text-align: center;"> joined in with the mix. A white birdcage filled with red and green ornaments</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and a sweet winter bird is flanked by to tall red Christmas trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0589.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0307.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~</span> Our 2011 Christmas tree <span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~ </span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Decorated in the traditional red, white, and green!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/039.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0680-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The gifts have not been wrapped yet...but in the meantime...a little</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Snowman family is keeping the tree company!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0592.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found this darling Snowman family at a yard sale a few years ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Aren't they just adorable? They are good sized snowmen and women (hehe!).</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Papa Snowman stands a stately 14 inches tall. They have a place in the</div><div style="text-align: center;"> back where you can put a candle or lights....so they will twinkle!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0686.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A large metal container filled with California pine cones!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe that these large pine cones come from the "sugar pine" tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> My dearest friend <a href="http://wwwhappytobe.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black;">Gloria from Happy To Be blog and her husband Len</span></a>...sent</div><div style="text-align: center;"> me these beautiful giant pine cones for Christmas! Ohh my...they are well over 12</div><div style="text-align: center;"> inches long. Totally awesome! Thank you, Sis and Len...I love them!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/2011%20Christmas/IMGP0688.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you notice that Baby Snowman has little heart shaped cut-outs?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Well dear friends...I hope you enjoyed a little Swedish Christmas in my</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> dining room! I'm sooo glad that you stopped by for a visit!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~<span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span>~</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I am joining these fabulous parties...</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Feathered Nest Friday...hosted by Courtney over at French Country Cottage.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Home Sweet Home Party...hosted by Sherry over at The Charm of Home.</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Open House Party...hosted by Sherry over at No Minimalist Here.</strong></span></a><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Potpourri Friday....hosted by Honey over at "2805".</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><span style="color: #38761d;">~</span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Well my friends...thank you for coming by! Please leave me a note</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> and let me know that you were here. I would love to visit with you!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>God Jul!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>and</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>Warmest Wishes!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv150/happytodesign/Mosaics%20and%20Blog%20Headers/untitled-2-1.png" /></div>Chari at Happy To Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05475994012652473793noreply@blogger.com32