10/05/2008

It's "Tablescape Tuesday" and I'm Celebrating Autumn!


Hello my friends! Susan over at Between Naps On the Porch hosts "Tablescape Tuesday" each week. She is such a sweet lady and a very gracious hostess...if you haven't ever been over to her place for a visit, I urge you to do so! Susan's blog address is http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I have followed "Tablescape Tuesday" since it's debut...each and every week I visit the blogs that participate. Wow...I'm totally intriqued by all of the talent and creativity! I've seen some of the most beautiful tablescapes! Therefore, in celebration of the fact that Autumn has finally visited us here in Colorful Colorado and that Autumn is my favorite season (I just love all of the rich, warm colors....the reds, oranges, and yellowy golds) I decided to do an Autumn tablescape and join in the fun of "Tablescape Tuesday"! I hope you enjoy my Autumn table as much as I enjoyed putting it together! I really felt like a little girl again...playing with dishes!!!



Deep, rich colors of olive green, red, and gold flourish in my French Country dining room making Autumn decorating a cinch! First of all, I would need to dress the table because I wanted a more formal look. I decided to layer two table cloths...I used a crimson red colored silky tablecloth underneath and then placed a gold tablecloth (that I made a few years back...it has the prettiest "scroll" pattern on it) cross-wise over the red cloth. The Autumn placemats have different shapes of leaves within the red and sagey green color blocks. Secondly, I decided to use dinner plates that I already had...a large, dark red plate serves as a charger or underplate and on top of that sits a sage green dinner plate. Do you see the leaf salad plate? I found these at Walmart for $4/ea. I placed little ceramic pumpkins and squash on top of the leaf plates just for decoration...a great find from Dollar Tree for only $1/ea. I used my amber colored goblets and topped the place setting off with a glimmery gold napkin! The napkin rings or ties that I used are made of gold braid with small crystal balls on each end. I stuck a sprig of Autumn berries into each napkin.


A few weeks ago I decided to make a floral arrangement/centerpiece for the dining room table. I used an old footed serving tray with handles...the distressed, silvery-gray, metal finish was perfect for the look I was going for! I arranged Autumn colored florals and berries to spill over the sides of the tray onto the table. You can see the pattern of the gold tablecloth better in this photo.


I love these wood acorns...I scattered several of them around the table with Autumn leaves! Each of the acorns are different so keep an eye out for them!



I added candles to the little lidded pumpkins. We can't forget ambience...hehe!!! (Found the lidded pumpkins at Hobby Lobby...50% off for a total of $4/ea.)


Normally I wouldn't use placecards for a dinner party of just four. Besides using names, you can add a favorite Autumn saying, etc. The cute little pumpkin place card holders were only a dollar at Hobby Lobby...I thought it would be fun to use a silk leaf as the note card.


Here is a view of my finished Autumn tablescape. I did my part...now I'm wondering who is preparing the meal??? Hehe!

*
Okay...I told you that I had lots of fun playing with dishes...hehe! For a different look, I changed out the floral centerpiece and used a large pillar candle and candleholder in it's place! Do you have a favorite?




In this photo, you can see the different shapes and colors of the little wood acorns!





Voila!

And there you have it! My French Country dining room...all "decked out" in it's best Autumn finery! Just to the left of the table is our old wood stove...on a chilly Autumn eve with a warm fire all aglow...our dinner guests can enjoy a nice glass of wine and dinner...sweet fellowship and a celebration of all that the Autumn season brings...a time of harvest and blessings!!!

Well my friends...I would like to take this time to wish each of you and your families a happy and prosperous Autumn season! It's the time of the year to harvest the fruit of your labours....to count your blessings! While counting mine, I call out your name...my dear, sweet friends! Thank you so much for your visits to this little blog and for your friendship! I appreciate and cherish each of you!!!

Warmest wishes....Chari


51 comments:

santamaker said...

Oh Chari,
What a gorgeous table you set! That was spectacular...especially love those big acorns.... the place cards were so cute, wonderful idea to use leaves! Okay, now...what's for dinner?

Anonymous said...

Chari, I've been out of town and have been wondering where you've been. Now I see, you've been setting a beautiful fall table. I love those big acorns, which may be the only thing you didn't tell where to purchase. All of the colors on your table are so pretty. How creative to use a leaf for the place card. And what bargains you found and used on your table. Even my cooking would taste good served in this setting. Laurie (bargainhunr)

Anonymous said...

Forgot to tell you that I LOVE your cameo-looking opening page. What a beautiful way to showcase that lovely bust. Laurie

Myrna said...

Wow! Beautiful! Love all the layers from the tablecloths to the plates! You've thought of everything--even the placecards.
Love the warm rich colors,too!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari

a delightful tables, love those acorns, I've never seen those before, and I think the placecards are a great idea

happy tablescaping!

Sarah

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

YAHOO!!! I see it ...I see it !!! WOW Chari this is truly beautiful girl...and honey I am so glad I was not seeing things the other day...I tell you girl you had me wrinding my butt and scrathing my watch I was so confused haha!! any hoo I love the color of fall here...and where did you did the acorns?? now the little pumpkins I do have and I got mine from the dollar store...Just beautiful girl and so glad you shared this with us...Now yours for dinner?? Hugs and smiles.. Gloria

Stacey said...

Very pretty. I just love your dining room. Looks like a little bistro. :)

Bo said...

Your dining room is so pretty and the perfect setting for your autumn tablescape...oh, how I'd love to get my hands on those acorns! well, and some of your other goodies too... ;-) BO

Tardevil said...

Beautiful table. Was wondering if you mind sharing the color of your walls? I'm looking a pretty red color and that appears to be it! Thanks and Happy Tablescape Tuesday!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Dear Friends...

Thank you so much for visiting my Autumn tablescape...and thank you for all of your sweet, sweet compliments! I sure do appreciate each and every one!

Many of you have asked where I got the wood acorns...I found them at Hobby Lobby for $3/ea. (50%off)! As soon as I seen them...I knew I had to have em'...hehe!!!

Love ya'll...
Chari

Kristens Creations said...

Very pretty! The fall looks so good with those red walls! Just like everyone else, I love the acorns too! Very nice job!!Kristen

Anonymous said...

Chari! This is all so rich and warm and wonderful. I love all the extras they really set the table off! wouldn't it be fabulous to just have to scape and let someone else deliver the food :0)

Neabear said...

I can't decided which one I like best. Both are beautiful! This is my first visit to your blog for this Tablescape Tuesday.

Glenda said...

The colors just scream Fall. Love the combination of the dishes. Using the pumpkins as candleholders is very creative. The layout of your tablecloths, set the colors of your dishes off really well.

Anonymous said...

Warm, inviting, beautiful - I'll be right over with your favorite pie!

Wonderful tablescape!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello tardevil!

So happy that you stopped by for a visit and thank you so much for your sweet compliments!

You know, I painted those dining room walls red a few years back...and for the life of me can't remember the name of the paint color...it's Sherwin Williams...so sorry, that's all I do remember!

Chari

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Chari, I found your wonderful blog through Kristen's. Hope you don't mind if I take a peek at all your gorgeous pictures. Your Fall table setting is just so warm and colorful. I love it all! Hope all is well and you are enjoying the cooler weather.
Warmly, Melissa

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Chari, Of course I remember you! Glad you stopped by. It's so nice to get to know people a little bit better on their blogs. I love your home too, we like the same colors! Stop back by tomorrow and I'll show you a few of my favorite things! Kristen

bj said...

oooo....this is just absolutely GORGEOUS !! So warm and inviting. I could be so comfortable at your darling dining table. And, the dining room is beautiful. Now...I DO need to see your kitchen..do you have a posting of it somewhere?I see black and white tiles...my absolute FAVORITE!!!
love, bj

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi Chari! I love how you layered everything so perfectly! Such a stunning tablescape! The entire shot of the room is lovely, too.

I especially like all those little acorns & the napkin ties & those cute little leaf plates!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Diana LaMarre said...

What a great table for the color of your walls--just perfect!
I noticed those big acorns right away. They are a wonderful accent.

Salmagundi said...

That is wonderful!! Love the acorns; and you have to love Dollar Tree. Sally

Anonymous said...

All I can say is WOW! Absolutely beautiful, love everything...not only on the table but your dining room. Gosh those acorns are adorable, I luv'em!! Jannet

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Wow, Chari...this is spectacular, girl! Love the leaf plates and using the lidded pumpkins for soup bowls in genius! Love the little pumpkin place card holder, too! Beauiful table! Susan

Sweet Designs said...

Chari, you have done a beautiful job with your Fall tablesetting, I would be so thrilled to dine there with you!

Anonymous said...

Chari what beautiful table settings! I love those acorns! I have so little fall decorating items- all this makes me want to go out and buy some more but I am trying to restrain my self and use only what i have-contentment therapy is what I call it. So I will just have to come back here and enjoy yours on a routine basis!!

Blessings to you!

mary :)

Anonymous said...

You know I love those acorns girl.. I think my squirrel would as well...lol... Your table is just spectucular..what a beautiful way to end my busy day...
hugs ~ lynne~

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM< Chari I wanted to come see you on RMS and do some visting today but it comes up error again..any hoo hope all is well in your world today..senn you at Pickets...girl I sat here and just cried over that story...I guess my bladder is too close to my eyes now haha!! Hugs and smiles...Gloria

Anonymous said...

Chari, this is just so gorgeous! I can't decide which one is my favorite cause I love them all. I love your idea of a leaf for a placecard. How original!...and I just love those wooden acorns. So, has anybody offered to do the cooking yet? Happy Fall!

Kristens Creations said...

hi Chari, Thank you for leaving such nice comments on my blog today. I really appreciate them! You are a really sweet person and I'm glad to know you!! Kristen

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL,CHARI,JUST BEAUTIFULI TOO,LOVE ALL THE RICH WARM COLORS.YOU'RE ALSO GETTING AWFULLY GOOD AT THIS.AND I LOVE THE ACORNS TOO.SO UNUSUAL....ANN

Anonymous said...

Chari this is just so gorgeous and showcasing some of your wonderful talents. I love those acorns, I've had a touch of acorn envy ever since I saw them! LOL.. Probably Hobby Lobby!!! huh??? Well sweetie, everything you do has such a wonderful touch. Can't wait to see what you do next. Love ya Sis, Cindy

lvroftiques said...

OH Chari, it's just BEAUTIFUL!!! Sorry I'm so late to the party! Your dining room lends itself so beautifully to fall entertaining! I LOVE everything that you did! The candles in the little pumpkins are something I'm going to try stat! Perhaps I'll work up the nerve to post a tablescape sometime. Won't be in the ballpark of yours or Susans *winks* And I must say those two lamps look fabulous on your buffet!! Casting the perfect warm fall glow! Vanna

Anonymous said...

Well Chari, I'm going to try out this "blogger" thing! First attempt so cross your fingers and wish me luck!?!?! Your tablescape looks great and I've enjoyed reading all the comments, I've even recognized so many of my new "cyber friends" from RMS - I love it. I'm going to keep this short for now and see if I can post this! My name is Lynette; or you know me as clm650 on RMS. The "c" is for my husband - Charlie, "l" is for me, and the "m" is for my daughter, Meghan. Guess its time to come clean since we are well on our way to being friends!!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Lynette!

Welcome to blog land, my friend!!! Hehe! So happy that you found my little blog and I appreciate you revealing your name...now that you've done that...it's official...we're friends!!! (wink...)

Thank you for the compliments on my Autumn tablescape...I sure do appreciate it!

Warmest wishes...Chari (Happytodesign)

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey sweet friend, just wanted to stop by and say Hi...tried to get to you on rms again and gave up again...hope you are well and had a great weekend dear friend...Hugs and love Gloria

Anonymous said...

Oh, what beautiful tablescapes and seasonal sentiment. Just viewing makes me feel good all over. Thanks for the lovely the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Hi Chari - thanks for responding. I've created my own blog - its not as fancy as some of y'alls, but its there and it tells a little more about ME!! I think you can click on it and see it (maybe). Leave me a note if you want?? This is so cool!! Have a good day.
Lynette

Lynette said...

Hi Chari - thanks for responding. I've created my own blog - its not as fancy as some of y'alls, but its there and it tells a little more about ME!! I think you can click on it and see it (maybe). Leave me a note if you want?? This is so cool!! Have a good day.
Lynette

Lynette said...

Chari,
I added myself as one of your followers - I hope you don't mind? I am just loving this blogging thing!! My page is slowly taking shape - added a lovely little background and my picture with some help from a co-worker. Don't know what else I'm going to do or for that matter HOW, but I'll manage. I'm still learning and playing around with it and you are sort of my test person - aren't you lucky - I promise I'm not stalking you though!! LOL
Lynette

Tomarie said...

Hey ChariGirl!!
I tried visiting you over at RMS but got the "null" when I left a long comment..grrhhh!! I can't believe you're already winterizing! I'm very jealous! It's still HOT HOT here! You know it's my dh's dream to live where you are!
Well, just stopping by to say and tell ya I miss you too!
Love ya girl!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Chari...wasn't sure if you saw my reply on my blog to your earlier question. Chargers came from either Horchow and Neiman Marcus...can't remember which since they are owned by the same parent company and carry the same stuff. It was about a year ago when I bought them so maybe they will stock them again now or in the next few weeks. Still loving this tablescape...gorgeous! Love ya,
Susan

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

chari, chari, chari.... What have you done? Looks beautiful
Love ya ~Athella

OCDesigner ~Athella said...

I left a comment but it didn't appear... Looks beautiful

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM, Chari tried to leave you a note on RMS but again I get a null...How are you doing dear friend??? hope all is well with you...Hugs and smiles...Gloria

Pear tree cottage! said...

What a wonderful autumn table you have set.............I would enjoy sitting and chatting at this lovely setting.

My first visit to you blog has been wonderful, now I must go back and read a little more.....(smiles)

Lee-ann in Australia

Lynette said...

Good Morning Chari - I just made some changes to my blog, actually, I've been playing with it all week and I would love your HONEST feedback. If you get a chance, please drop by and pay me a visit - I'd love to hear what you think.
Thanks.
Lynette

Anonymous said...

Your post is wonderful, I love fall decor, thanks for sharing. vickster

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Sweet Chari, Hope all is well in your part of the world today...Missed you again in room..when your there I'm not or well thats life...Take care dear friend..hugs and smiles... Gloria

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Chari, I just posted my Fall outside views on RMS.
Come over and take a peek at it when you have time. It includes a few pics of one of Kristens Fall floral swags I ordered from her.
Hope you are doing well. Warmly, Melissa

Anonymous said...

Chari I just tried again to leave a comment for you on RMS and it came up null again...I have not be able in over a week now been able to leave any comments...sorry about that...but thanks for coming by as no one does anymore...guess people think I'm a snob as I can't get back when they do...Honey have a great weekend...Hugs and smiles Gloria