9/21/2011

"To Autumn"...an Autumn Dining Room


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To Autumn
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O Autumn, laden with fruit, and stained
With the blood of the grape, pass not, but sit
Beneath my shady roof; there thou mayest rest
And tune thy jolly voice to my fresh pipe,
And all the daughters of the year shall dance!
Sing now the lusty song of fruits and flowers.
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By William Blake
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~Autumn 2011 at Happy To Design~
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Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day!
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This week I have been sharing the autumn "fluffing" in my french country dining room. Monday, I posted about the autumn vignette that I created for the buffet. Today, I would like to share the table centerpiece that I made for the dining room table.
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"To Autumn"
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The autumn fluffing in my french country dining room does have a bit of a theme.  I am calling it..."To Autumn"...because it's my "ode to autumn"...so to speak.  I love autumn...it's my favorite season of the year!  
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The buffet vignette, as well as the table centerpiece, is filled with autumn's rich bounty...autumn fruit, autumn leaves, pheasants, and a few of my favorites things...which make me feel warm and cozy!
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 Ahhh...warm and cozy!  To me...that is what my autumn home is ALL about!
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"To Autumn"...an Autumn Buffet
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I thought I would share just a few photos of the autumn buffet in my french country dining room. 
As I said earlier, the same decor theme of the buffet is carried over to the table centerpiece.
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A "Softer" Autumn Color Palette...
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I usually go "all out" with color when it comes to decorating for autumn, but this year I decided to do something just a little different. I chose a "softer" neutral color palette of earthy creams, linen, and browns. Of course, the dark red wall color still serves up a good measure of rich color.
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Rustic Luxe
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Rustic Luxe, a term that describes a decorating style that combines the casual and welcoming feel of a country home with the luxury of the good life. Today’s rustic luxe decorating is all about comfort and function. An old iron bed (rustic) may be used in a bedroom with silk curtains (luxe). A kitchen may feature worn brick walls and floors made from an old barn (rustic) but the appliances will be state of the art stainless steel. (luxe) Your living room may have a worn leather sofa (rustic) sitting atop a beautiful persian rug (luxe). Shiny mercury glass lamps next to an old wooden bowl full of fruit add to the look. (Source:OnlineFabricStore.net)
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Rustic Luxe and the "Fruit of the Vine"...
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The simple elegance of a beautiful, cream colored pedestal bowl filled with autumn pears and grapes...paired with a rustic, old wooden wine crate.
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I am enjoying the contrast between the "elegant" and the more "earthy" elements of this vignette. The beautiful, curvy lines of the tall candleholder in contrast to the rough masonary material of which it is made. The beauty and sparkle of the glass canning jars in contrast to their utilitarian use.
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To me, autumn is "Rustic Luxe" at its finest! The beauty, the gracious gifts and fruitful bounty that nature brings forth and provides for our comfort...a very good life, indeed!
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If you would like to see more of  "To Autumn"...an Autumn Buffet. 
Just click HERE.
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"To Autumn"...an Autumn Centerpiece
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"To Autumn"...an Autumn Centerpiece
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I created this autumn table centerpiece, following the same decor theme as the buffet. 
Softer, neutral colors of "earthy" creams, linen, and browns make up the color palette.
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A linen hemstitched table runner serves as the foundation for this autumn table centerpiece.
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~Wooden Dough Bowl~
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I found this beautiful old, wooden dough bowl/trough on ebay!  I have been wanting one for the longest time.  It's perfect for my "rustic luxe" autumn table decor. 
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Autumn's Bounty in a Bowl...
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 I placed a tall masonary candleholder (a match to the candleholder on the buffet) in the center of the wood dough bowl.  Autumn fruits of grapes and pears, along with a few sprigs of autumn florals, deer antlers, and a stately pheasant join the mix.
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I love my autumn pheasants!
 This stately fellow's partner can be found atop the wine crate on the buffet.
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A vintage creamware pitcher filled with old nickle plated knives and forks sit alongside
 the wooden dough bowl.  Just keeping the table centerpiece simple, but I love the how the
 creamware pitcher ties in with the cream colored pedestal bowl full of fruit on the buffet!
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Just a different view...
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Do you see the cherub sitting on top of the pedestal (found in the corner of the dining room)...in the reflection
of the buffet mirror?  He is situated underneath the arched stain glass window.
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Thought I would share a few photos...
a tour around my french country dining room all dressed for autumn.
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I added a couple of wicker baskets and a garland of bittersweet to the top of the china hutch.
Ooops...I still need to change out the summer white and green dishes for my autumn dishes! 
Another project for another day! Hehe!
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Autumn 2011 at Happy To Design
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"To Autumn"...my favorite season of the year!!!  I hope that you enjoyed!
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I am joining these fabulous parties...
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Thank you, dear ladies...for hosting these lovely parties for us!
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Well dear friends, I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit today!  Please leave a note and let me know that you were here...I would love to visit with you!
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Warmest Autumn Wishes,

PS...As many of you know, I have a very dear friend, Gloria from Happy To Be blog.  She has been having health problems for awhile now...in fact, her Drs. have run about every test that they could run on her.  Yesterday, she was to go in for an angiogram.  Last night there were unexpected complications and they had to do emergency surgery...a triple bypass.  When I read of the news...my heart just sank into my stomach!  Gloria is sooo dear to me and I am so worried about her.  I will be trying to call her tomorrow and will keep you posted on how she is doing.  In the meantime, please pray for her!  I believe in the power of prayer!!!  Thank you, dear friends!
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36 comments:

On Crooked Creek said...

Chari,
Your "Ode to Autumn" is exquisitely done, dear friend! As far as your color palette goes...we speak the same language! I adore the rustic and the luxe look in your dining room. I also, noticed that you have re~designed your header...lovely! Enjoy now the "fruits of your labors"!
Fondly,
Pat

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

OH I am just drooling Chari!
You are so artsy! And that centerpiece is just perfect!
Love the pheasant...and I loved the tour!
Simply Outstanding!
Now I've been to your pretty home but I never, ever tire of seeing new pics!
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Barb said...

Hi Chari,
I am so happy I happened upon your blog, you truly have a gift for decorating, your home is lovely! I luv how you have incorporated the wooden box on your sideboard with your more sophisticated decorative items.
Your red and white plates are so tastefully displayed and I love your blog header as well.
Thanks for your inspiration AND displaying atop your china cabinet. I was shot down by a decorator for doing just that!
wILL be back for more visits.
Barb in Texas

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Chari, I adore your fall dining room. The centerpiece is "gorgeous" girl, a person can not go wrong using a dough bowl. I have a few, and sell them in the shop, always a great staple piece. Love the deer antlers and the huge box, oh gosh you're lucky you still have it, I wanted to come right through the screen and get it. Hope things are well your way. hugs ~lynne~

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh Chari, your autumn decor is simply captivating! Each photograph is truly breathtaking! You did good girl! Thank you for sharing.

Hugs,
Nancy

Linda said...

Your room is beautiful...I think the table is perfect!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Well,well as I would expect from you...a lovely post!! How the heck are you my long lost friend...I have missed you..where does time go??? x0x0

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Love your autumn decor. It is all very pretty, but the dough bowl would be my favorite, or wait, it may be the pheasant? Oh, I love it all! Visiting from No Minimalist.

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Chari, again, you have done a beautiful job. I love the components that you chose for your centerpiece. Because of you, I want to get some pheasants! LOL!!
Very pretty!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Chari, it all looks beautiful. I love your dough bowl. I've always wanted one of those too, but they are always out of my price range. You have decorated it beautifully. Your buffett looks stunning. Your mixutres of light and dark and rough and smooth make it all so much more interesting. What a lovely Ode to Autumn. laurie

Jacqueline said...

I would say you "fluff" very nicely in the dining room. Everything is so well put together! I still have too many summer things hanging around - but we are working on it!

Chubby Chieque said...

Loving every piece, Chari.

Love the centerpiece. Very artistique.

As I mentioned b4 that I always drooled your masterpiece.

Happy TS...
/chie

Love Of Quilts said...

Thats a nice center piece. Trish

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Your autumn centerpiece is beautiful. I love how you gathered everything in the wood trencher. Wonderful!

mary beth said...

So lovely! I am so glad to discover a name for my kind of decorating...Rustic Luxe fits me perfectly! I am always torn between rustic and fancy, and end up combining them and my husband asks me frequently, " now, what would you call your decor again?" You are my hero! Now I can tell him it's Rustic Luxe and go about my business with head held high! :+ Thanks for sharing your lovely Autumn Fluff!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello Chari,
My friend, what a nice fluffing you have done! I love your white dining room set! The pedestal bowl caught my eye too as well as the array of lovely red transferware on the wall. Love the pheasant too. You do love Autumn and it shows. Thanks for sharing your lovely room with us and enjoy your weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

lvroftiques said...

Chari I can see that Fall has "fallen" beautifully in your dining room!*winks* Your room is absolutely perfect for rustic luxe! Fall is my favorite season too *winks* I'm sooo lovin' those pheasants of yours!.....And of course the cherub....no way I wouldn't love that one *winks* Vanna

Barb said...

Chari, I thought I already commented on your charming dining room but don't see my comment....I am doing too much these days....yikes. ;-)

Okay, let me start again. I love it. You have a gift for utter attention to the smallest detail. Your buffet is absolutely gorgeous. I am crazy for the antlers. Could I ask where you got those? I would love to know so I could purchase some. I love the pheasant and all the rich and lush colors.

How wonderful it would be to be a guest at a dinner in this so-loved room.

Your buddy,
Barb ♥

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

HI chari,
Loved your Ode to Autumn and both of your lovely tabletops. I try to make things in the room sort of match up as well, think it looks so much better that way.
You have a very lovely room there,
like the shelf over your curtain with all the beautiful white pitchers as well. I have a few white pitchers and creamers myself, don't know what it is about them but just love them. Love anything white really..........accept walls.
and a beautiful Fall to you my friend,
Blessings, Nellie
thanks for coming by and your sweet comments.

Susan said...

Your centerpiece is beautiful,but I am coveting your painting in the background.

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Wow Chari, your dining room is beautiful! Your fall decorations are perfect...love your window bench!
Blessings,
Cindy

Honey at 2805 said...

Your dining room is so exquisite! I adore your color palette and the Rustic Luxe theme! Both the table and buffet are are so artistically done. The pheasants are fabulous, the dough bowl centerpiece divine!
From the ironstone to the beautiful floor it's all breathtaking! You are are always an inspiration!

Thank you linking to Potpourri Friday. I appreciate your participation!

The Tablescaper said...

Love that pheasant and that footed bowl is amazing.

- The Tablescaper

xinex said...

I love your fall decorations, Chari. Your vignettes are all very pretty. I enjoy looking around your home. You make it look so warm and comfy....Christine

Entertaining Women said...

I'd say that you have lifted "Rustic Luxe" to an art form. Lovely vignettes. Cherry Kay

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I will start praying for Gloria right this SECOND! PLEASE let us know how she is! Girl, I have been wanting an old dough bowl too! I will now look on e-bay too! I LOVE the different pictures of your dining room, I had never seen the whole room and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Thanks for the tour! I need some antlers too:):):) XO, Pinky

Alycia Nichols said...

Your dining room is really shaping up for fall, Chari! You've got some great decorative pieces in there. I really like the pheasant and the Mirassou crate! I enjoy Mirassou pinot noir. Maybe I should ask Costco if I can have a crate! I was not aware that Gloria had bypass surgery. My prayers are certainly with her and with YOU to help keep her strong. Take care!

Marigene said...

Chari, you have a gorgeous dining room! Thanks for sharing.

The Charm of Home said...

Your Autumn Centerpiece is very pretty. I love the pheasant on the wine box. You did a great job with this.
Thank you for linking it up at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Cindy said...

Your dining room is so pretty! I like that you have used natural elements and colors in it. The pheasant is so pretty, you have such an eye for detail! Beautiful!
Hugs, Cindy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I love the red of your dining room, and I love all the layers you added with this fall tablescape, Chari! It's just wonderful. Love the birds and the horns, and the other goodies in this. NEAT!

Happy Tablescape Thursday on Friday!

XO,

Sheila

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Chari,
Oh how gorgeous! I love, love your beautiful white table and chairs. The entire rustic plus luxe is just fantastico! I love the color of your walls. Our new home is so neutral and I really am needing color. Adding a little at a time. Hoping to paint living room soon. Prayers for your friend!

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Love all of the colors and textures you've incorporated!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Chari, Your Autumn decor is all so beautiful! Love the centerpiece with the pheasant. Thank you for sharing your beautiful dining room at the Open House party.

I just read the update on Gloria posted by her daughter. I am so glad she is doing better. I know the two of you are very close and that you are worried about her. Gloria is a fighter and I know she will get through this and be even more fiesty. Keep us posted.
Hugs,
Sherry

Elegant Economies said...

Chari, Your colors are so beautiful...I do lots of color, too! Where did you find that luscious shade of red? I love, love, love it! Will be praying for your friend to be well! Blessings, Audrey

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