Small Painted Trays and Fall Leaves

I found these painted tin trays

 at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store 

in Bryson City, North Carolina. I visit it
every year we're in the Smokies.

I thought they were just the right size to use

as snack plates for card games or

 bread and butter plates at the table.

I'll add them to the leaf-strewn table.

I couldn't resist picking up more fall leaves

 and just strewing them on the ivory 

matelasse table runner.

Cheers!

Here's another table where I used the trays.
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September Quote Printable

It's easy to add a seasonal printable

to a frame for a quick decor change. 

I keep mine in my "FALL" file folder.  Ready to go.

 click HERE for the pdf printable.

I found it on Dear Lillie

Pop in an 8x10 frame.

Cheers!

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Autumn Leaves Tablescape

 Today I'm revisiting a fall tablescape. 

I was looking through the archives for inspiration.

This is from the NC condo....

I pulled a few items together that I had, 

most of them for years, and a few local finds 

to create an Autumn leaves tablescape.

I'm using the rattan chargers again. 

The black fabric placemats reverse to red 

for another look. Two for one placemats.

 The leaf print plates are used for salad.

 They were a thrifty find at a local craft fair. 

Someone had decoupaged fabric on the back

of glass plates. I got 4 for $1.25.

 All the leaf pottery is from Walmart. 

I bought it on sale last year.

A wreath of fabric Autumn leaves encircles

 a glass hurricane pillar candle.

 Clay pot saucers are used as wine coasters. 

The classic amber stemmed wine glasses

 were bought in Germany many years ago.

 Grapevine napkin rings.

 I used a long hand knitted scarf as a table 

runner. These scarves are great to find at

 all of our local towns' art and craft fairs.

An Autumnized table! 

Ready for an autumn dinner... start with my

 Baked French Onion Soup.

Stay cozy...

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(October 22, 2012)

My Thrifted Vintage China Cabinet

The china cabinet I found at Faith Farm 

thrift store is now in the spot formally
 occupied by the

Thrift Store Vintage China Cabinet

antique cupboard I found on Craigslist.
Note: I usually have plates hanging on
 each side of the cabinet. This time I'm
 using 2 antique Wilson tennis racquets
from 1906.

Craigslist Antique Cupboard

I couldn't decide which one to keep and 

which one to sell...for now.

 To give it a touch of Fall  I've added a
few things to the top. First, an antique
 board that I've had for over 30 years.
Then I hung a wine cork wreath on
the front using the hook from the 

wire hanger that was used to make the
 wreath. Just bend it and slip it over the top.
So easy to make one HERE.

 My collection of clay cookers has grown
 since I found the 2 chicken cookers
while thrifting, see HERE.

 The inside is filled with my collection of white

dishes. Some I've had for years and more 

pieces that have been found thrifting. 

This is a smaller china cabinet so it fits nicely

 in the hallway going into the kitchen from

 the dining room. Anyway, now I'm liking the
 FF cabinet, and I have it just the way
 I like it...again, for now.

 I posted the drawers being used HERE for 

organizing all my cocktail napkins. 

Speaking of thrifting. I bought this cabinet

for $49.00. I thought I might paint it white

like in this picture. Great possibilities!

But I'm leaving at is...for now.

Cheers!

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2 Ingredient Sparkling Sangria

Here's another one of my favorite summer

 cocktails, sparkling sangria!

This is the fast and easy version.

That means you can enjoy one anytime!

 Just 2 ingredients!

 Red wine and orange soda. About 50/50.

Adjust to you taste preference.

 Fill your tall glass with ice. Fill about halfway 

with red wine and top off with orange soda. 

Give it a stir and garnish with fruit on 

the rim if you like. I've also been adding a 

sprig of mint from my garden. BTW, I found 

these footed glasses at a thrift store for 25¢. 

It so refreshing and tasty! 

I discovered this sangria at a local tapas
restaurant. Couldn't be easier.
I may try it next with

San Pellegrino Pomegranate Orange. 

Check out my 2 Ingredient Margaritas too. 

Cheers!

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These Boots Are Made For...

Coming out of the closet!

...and decorating when not walking.
I have several pairs of cowboy boots 

that only get worn when we travel to

 NC or TX, or anywhere in the fall.

 Last seen worn in Florida  HERE.

So when they aren't walking they don't 

take up closet space. They are part
of the decor in the blue guest room.
They are coming out of the closet!

They sit on an antique tool trunk at the foot

 of the bed.

I tuck a few Western-style belts in the top.

Why not store and display them here too?

Cheers y'all

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The Best Tip To Hull Strawberries!

Can't believe I haven't posted this before. 

The best way to remove the the green leafy
 tops from strawberries with no
strawberry waste and also

 remove some of the white core without
buying another kitchen gadget is to... 

simply use a plastic drinking straw. Yes!

BTW kids love doing this. 

Just push it up through the bottom lining it up 

with the center of the green top.

Boom! Repeat until you have a straw full of 

core and then rinse it out. 

Save the straw for next time.

Make our favorite Strawberry Puff Pancake.

I had mentioned it to a friend after she made 

my Cherry Pie, (and loved it BTW).

It's also how I pitted the cherries for my pie.

Cheers!

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