Thanksgiving Tablescape & My Thoughts....

Though I've opted to start Christmas crafting early, it doesn't mean I am going to skip Thanksgiving.  No way!  I love Thanksgiving!  It's probably the only time of the year that has continued to be the same for going on 15+ years.  We always have lunch, or dinner, depending on when the turkey is done, at my aunt's house.  She's always been excited about holidays, so when you enter her house, you are greeted with the smell of the season, good food, a wholesome warm feeling, and an amazing amount of seasonal décor.  Even with all of the changes in our family, having people move away, pass away, or just not able to attend, it somehow always feels the same to me.  That may be the one thing I'm most thankful for about Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving, itself.  
I figure one day, as my family grows, we may host Thanksgiving at our house, but that's one day, when my aunt is too tired to host herself anymore.  In the mean time I am practicing my table scaping skills to be sure that I'm prepared.  Oh, and it's a lot of fun too, so maybe that's another reason. 
I've found that as I get further into this thing called parenthood, I seem to be very nostalgic, and I want to make sure my son is growing up with experiences that will stay with him throughout his lifetime as well.  I think it's made me stray from my very simple, very minimalist ways of before, and has catapulted me into this comfortable, warm, fuzzy world of decorating.  I'm not going to lie, sometimes, I get scared of how much I love this stuff, but I am enjoying it so much, and I really think God has sent me on this journey for a reason, so I'm going with it. 
The following shots are taken at different parts of the day.  Some are taken during dreary stormy weather, and others when the sun was out.  Also, because I just wasn't satisfied with all my shots, I went back this afternoon and took more.  It's amazing the mood the lighting sets.  I think I just might want to eat Thanksgiving dinner from now on, instead of Thanksgiving lunch, after seeing the pictures I took. 
So enough of my blabbering on about me and my thoughts.  Here is what you came for....PICTURES!

 

 



I had been eyeing the beautiful decorative fruit, Target is offering, for a while, so when they went on sale for less than $4 each, I just had to get some.  I think it was meant to be, don't you?

 

 

I forgot to mention that we got new chairs, for the dining room, a few weeks ago.  I have been wanting some larger chairs to set on each end of the table, and I've always wanted them to be lighter in color.  That was the dilemma we had to overcome.  We decided to take our chances, and took advantage of World Market's sale, and purchased both for well under what we ever expected.  We are not disappointed!  We LOVE them!  Oh, and they have proven easy to clean, if needed.  Between the three of us, it's definitely needed.  LOL! 

 

 

We found our flatware, and wine glasses at HomeGoods.  Somehow, we have managed to keep old bent flatware from our younger years, around, but now, they are on their way out to the trash.  These new babies, are beautiful!

 

HomeGoods offers such a wonderful variety of napkins, that it was easy to find the perfect ones for this setting.

 

 

See that pear?  $2.50, from Hobby Lobby!  Hello!  I had to have two!  Well, an apple, and a pear.

 

When I see this photo all I hear in my head is, Love, Love, Love! (Imagine the Beatles singing all you need is love.)

The lighting just screams Autumn to me, and I am so happy to have captured it.

 

 

 

 

When John's grandparents passed away, we inherited a beautiful set of salt and pepper shakers.  They are always displayed in our dining room, and I felt they were perfect for this setting.

 

 

 

Our plates and bowls are all from Marshalls.  I love classic white dishes, and I got them all on sale, so basically at a discounted, discount price.  Can't beat that!

 

 

 I was surprised to find the perfect placemats at Walmart of all places!  Their Better Homes & Gardens line is A-MAZING!  Be sure to check it out, if you haven't already.

 

So there it is in all its glory!  My first ever, Thanksgiving table scape.  I hope you enjoyed it! 

 

Oh, and come back soon for more Christmas/Holiday crafts!

 

                                                                                              -Iris 

 

 



4th of July Decor Pictures/Keeping it Cheap

Hello!  Today I'm updating the blog, as a follow up to this post from a couple of days ago, regarding my 4th of July table scape.  I mentioned I'd share more pictures of the space, as well as the living room. 

You can see the new curtains in this picture.  I haven't had a chance to do a follow up to the curtains saga post so this may be it.

I enjoyed folding the napkins to resemble a bursting firework.  Hopefully you can see the resemblance.

Cutest baby in town!

As you can see, I didn't spend a lot of money, nor did I go craft crazy, like I had intended to.  I love crafting, and I see so many awesome ideas I'd like to try, on Pinterest.  Sadly I don't have a chance to do it all that often anymore.  Being a stay at home mom has brought many changes to my life, but I am so happy to get to do it.  I 'm looking forward to the day, which is coming up soon I think, that I can sit with Rordan, and we can create together.  It's such an exciting thought!

I ended up using some cheap flags from Target, and some pillows I already owned.  For the dining table, I got the place mats from Home Goods, as well as the napkins, so I'd estimate a total of about $30.  I fully intend on using these again, so I am sure I'll get my money's worth out of it.  Decorating for the seasons, and for holidays is so much fun, I just have to keep reminding myself, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to do.  I feel like I pulled this off reasonably well.  How about you?  Any struggles to keep it cheap, and still get the desired result?  I'd love to hear from you, so if you get a change, please leave a comment.  Thanks so much for visiting!