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fall & thanksgiving inspiration

The new issue of Cottages and Bungalows has hit newsstands, so I thought I would share a few pictures from my DIY Essentials column.  (Table settings are one of my favorites to photograph…)

This month’s issue shares a tutorial on how to make an over sized chalkboard with a chunky frame.   (The piece is now for sale at Lucketts.  I wanted to keep it, but it didn’t fit my requirement of having a perfect place for it.  Bummer.) 

 
I also have several new Thanksgiving/Fall galleries and tutorials available on HGTV.com, including a fall arrangement gallery…

 
…stenciled napkins…

(Thanks so much to Laura of Maison de Stencils for making this custom stencil for me!)

hand painted plates…

 
and ideas for a Kid’s Thanksgiving Table. 
I hope these projects and pictures get those wheels turning for fall decor. 
Tomorrow, Mini and I are going down to Lucketts to paint my room a soft gray with bright white trim.  We’re actually going down there to eat cake bites and the painting is sort of a side thing.   

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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38 Responses

  1. I love that sterling pot or whatever that is with the tree limbs in it. It is so subtle but makes a big impact. I'm off to see your tutorials.

  4. How about if we Skype? You can be painting and I'll be in my classroom!! But how will we share the cake???? Can't wait to see the new room! Lori L

  8. Your place settings are all beautiful! I am also glad you have your priorities straight with the cake bites being the most important with the painting being just a side thing! 🙂

    Jennifer

  10. glad that you are having cake bites. it makes the painting so much sweeter. have fun. xow.

  12. Oh how I LOVE to look at the table settings you do! I wish you would come to my next dinner party and set the table for me! Love, love, love that chalkboard. Looking forward to seeing the article. I just have to ask, do you ever run out of creativity??? I am really amazed at all the different things you do. So inspiring. As always, thanks for sharing, such a nice little break from life to see your posts.

  24. Those spoons with the flower carving… Woooooow!
    Love your arrangements and the music notes- table setting is awesome!
    Where do you get so many of these note sheets? I've found, like, five here. : /
    The stenciled plates and napkins are beautiful!

  29. Your blog is always such a wonderful place to spend time. The ideas for fall decor and the giant chalkboard are so timely for me. I have been gathering ideas for my own kitchen chalkboard and this looks wonderful. I also can't wait to start decorating with branches, etc for fall. Thank you for your continued work and inspiration – you are one of my absolutely favorite bloggers.

  30. Love your site! Thank you for the inspiration! What is the pattern of the flatware in the 5th photo (the painted plate photo). It's a silver flower pattern – gorgeous!! Would love to know more about it. Thanks!

  32. Oh man! I had a silver ice bucket, but my ex-husband got it. At least I could do something with it, like what you've done here. Love the different warm & natural colors you have going on in this display. Cozy. Nice.

  33. These Thanksgiving ideas are stunning. I love the table cloth, just beautiful. Can't believe it's almost turkey time. andrea@townandprairie

  37. Hi Marian,
    I look forward to your blog every day! You are so generous with all your tips and ideas. I love the farm table tutorial you just did. Can you tell me your source for the turned table legs? Thank you so much and I wish you a very blessed holiday season!

    Sincerely,
    Donna Weigel

  38. Pingback: Easy Chalkboard DIY @

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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