fall & thanksgiving inspiration

by | Oct 12, 2011 | Decorating, Fall, Holiday | 37 comments

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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!)

 
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.   

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    37 Comments

    1. Diane

      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.

    2. Anonymous

      If I lived closer, I'd help you paint, and eat cake! I love watching transformation taking shape one roller/brush stroke At a time….
      Ellery
      medusarossa@hotmail.com

    3. Cindy @ Creating at Home

      Have a fun painting day! I can't wait to see pics of your updated shop space.

    4. Lori Lucas

      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

    5. Sarah

      Wonderful inspiration! If I lived near Luckets I'd join you to help paint and eat some of those cake bites. 😉

    6. martinealison

      J'ai passé un moment très intéressant aujourd'hui grâce à vous… Une passionnante publication.
      Gros bisous

    7. Jennifer

      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

    8. Taylor Greenwalt

      Thanks for so many great ideas. Can not wait to try some of them.

    9. Wendy B.

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

    10. Shelley

      Fun displays/set ups. And Mmmm… I love cake bites. Enjoy!

    11. Good Time Charlie

      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.

    12. Entertaining Women

      Fabulous ideas! Thanks for the inspiration. Cherry Kay

    13. Sarah AKA The Thriftress

      Is there a way to view all your HGTV content? I tried to search your name and blog name with no results! So frustrating. I want to check out all the good stuff.

      Sarah

    14. SueAnn

      Love that chalkboard!!!!!
      Great ideas!
      Hugs

      sueAnn

    15. Shannon

      Oh off I must go to pick up Cottages and Bungalows then!
      xo,
      Shannon

    16. Formerly known as Frau

      Can't wait to pick one up today…love your stuff and ideas! Have a wonderful day!

    17. janet

      I love your photos,ideas,etc…I love it all..Happy painting..oh yeah and cake eating..LOL
      Janet

    18. Michele Smith

      Beautiful ideas! I love the tablecloth.

    19. Pigtown*Design

      So funny! I have two of the silver patterns you've shown.. The bakelite/french ivory stuff and the Stieff Rose pattern!

    20. ~FARM CHIC~

      If you were in Kansas or I was in Pennsylvania I would so be helping you and mini eat your cake bites…I mean paint your space! Have fun!
      Kim

    21. Carmel @ Our Fifth House

      Too bad on the chalkboard! I LOVE it! The table setting is gorgeous too- love the feathers.

    22. Rusty Pallet

      Love the table cloth. Your settings are perfect! Keep it up lady! Can I come to your house for thanksgiving?! 🙂

    23. Dina

      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!

    24. the vintage bricoleur

      Too bad we don't live closer! I would for sure be paying you a visit, eat a cupcake and maybe even help paint a bit! Have a fun and productive day!!! Terry

    25. Anonymous

      You are so talented! I am so making that tablecloth! I really love reading your blog.

      Becca
      rvanhoose@hotmail.com

    26. Christa

      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.

    27. Jennifer Carroll

      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!

    28. Amy of The Salvage Collection

      ha! chalkboards are in the air…i'm linkin' my "october think pink" chalkboard up to your party later tonight.

      the hand-painted plates rock the table! well done, as usual!

      enjoy the cake!

      amy

    29. Beth

      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.

    30. andrea

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

    31. Megan

      ah! youre killing me with all this beautiful stuff!!! I might be more into fall if it wasnt 100 degrees today…

    32. Donna

      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

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