tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19221129008890173862024-03-12T22:06:48.710-04:00Sweet DesignsSweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-84851973117913477662016-12-21T07:33:00.001-05:002016-12-22T16:56:34.284-05:00A White Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
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For the last couple of years I have been doing a white Christmas tree, it has taken preference over my other color schemes I have used in the past. Don't get me wrong, I still love my pink themed tree of the past, and my red and gold themed tree, but right now the all white, creams, and crystals capture my heart. </div>
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Two years ago I purchased a snow flocked tree, I just love it compaired to my solid green trees of the past, there is just something magical about the wintery white snow tips on the tree. It makes a bit of a mess when setting it up and taking it down, but it's worth it.</div>
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Sorry it is not a full length photo, I could not stand back far enough with the tripod to get the full view, but I'll post a few photos of the sections of the tree.</div>
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I used white poinsettas, santas, and birds as the "character" theme. Along with that, just simple white, and clear glass Christmas balls, cream grapes, icicles, crystal and sprigs of glitter laden picks.</div>
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The best thing about all using a white and cream color base is that they make an excellent start for when I decide to add in a color or many colors depending on what color theme one would want to use. My daughter has decorated her tree similarly, but has just added in blue ornaments to the white, and it makes a striking tree.</div>
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I love doing garlands, they are just so graceful looking and add a festive look to my fireplace.</div>
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I love these large white birds I found at Pier 1. I only bought 3, one for the top of the tree and the other two grace each end of the garland.<br />
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There are also white and silver butterflies added to the tree and garland.<br />
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I love these little white and pinecone birds too.<br />
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I just can't resist my Santas, I have to add them to every tree I do.</div>
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This is a sneak peek at my coffee table sparkle display. Ah, my mercury trees that I bought years ago. I bought 6 in varying sizes, I think they go perfectly anywhere in most decors. This year I added some gems to the trees. I just love how the gems sparkle on the tree. Right next to the mercury tree are a few other different trees added to my forest of glamour. </div>
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Just a few close up photos of some of my ornaments on my Christmas tree.<br />
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I'll try too add in more shots of the coffee table and my dining room table in the next day or two.<br />
<br />Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-60273214756860548692016-06-16T10:50:00.001-04:002016-06-16T10:50:41.247-04:00I'm back....................... You may reeling back on your chair from disbelief, yes, I <em>know</em> I am. I'm starting to post again.<br />
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Please don't judge me on my <em>new header</em>, the table setting is not complete (just a quick snapshot with my phone), doesn't fit correctly in the space, the digital quality is REALLY bad, but I have to <strong><em><u>practice</u></em></strong> on something. Did I mention that I am <strong>NOT</strong> techie?<br />
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I really have missed being on blogger and sharing what I enjoy so much with you and especially connecting with you. Unfortunately, I am still so far behind the times (as usual) when it comes to the techy stuff on doing web pages. I'm still struggling with Facebook, its pretty embarrassing when most 10 years olds have it down to perfection. So bear with me while I try to figure out all these blogger techy things again.<br />
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The new header will give you an idea of the different direction that I am going, color and theme wise in my house. It's a happy and exciting time for me, leaving a bit of the past behind and looking forward to the future.<br />
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Hugs to all of you that have visited my stalled website, literally for years! Thank you for all the concerned emails and emails of lovely support.<br />
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JudySweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-84573379728326024182013-05-17T08:12:00.000-04:002013-05-17T08:25:26.341-04:00Better late than never....Yes, you are seeing correctly, a photo of my 2012 Christmas tablesetting. why am I posting this now? Well it's a bit of a long story. Late in Dec. of 2011 I was told my cancer had returned/traveled and had appeared in my lung. So I went through chemo and surgery to remove part of my lung. I had quite a few set-backs during this time, but I am happy to say I am getting my strength back. So I thought I would post one of the only happy pictures from that year. My setup for Christmas dinner the next day. (you can see my little box of decorating goodies on the chair from me putting it together).<br />
I was still in recovery, and did not feel like taking too many pics and I certainly needed some more fine tuning for the decor, but I was a bit spent from just doing what I did. Luckily I got this shot and wanted to share with you now. <br />
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Of course before the meal was served the flower centerpiece was removed to another spot. I forgot to take a pic of the gifts that I placed under the glass domes. Anyway, before the meal after they got their gifts, the domes were removed too. I am still in the remodeling process with the rest of the house. I will be posting a few to show how far I got until my little "interruption".<br />
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Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-44777297530623483242011-12-26T13:26:00.001-05:002016-12-22T16:52:26.233-05:00Elegant Lady Tablesetting, and a Pink, white and silver Christmas TreeHi all, I hope you all had a great Christmas, I sure did with my family.<br />
I am joining up with Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch make sure and visit her to view everyones designs.<br />
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My tablesetting color theme this year is pale green (platters, ribbon,greenery etc), snow white dishes, silver, pearls, and crystal.<br />
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Closeup shot of placesetting.<br />
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Pink tree, I didn't do as much this year, I had gone thru a bunch of medical tests and well, it just wore me out.<br />
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Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-20043301841246810802011-12-14T09:22:00.000-05:002016-12-22T16:46:08.242-05:00Living room, dining room and kitchen remodelFor those of you who still check in on me and leave me comments, thank you! I know, I haven’t posted for AGES! Due to computer issues (which I still have), my laptop got a raging virus, and well, it’s dead, but libraries do work out for occasional posts. But, I do want to share what I have been doing with my time. <br />
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It has been slow finding the right person for the construction part and money, yep, it’s always about the money, with labor mostly being the highest cost…... The cost of the drywall, the 2x4s, small electrical parts/wire etc. is minimal. The cost of the flooring will be painful, basically the whole house floor needs replacing. I am hoping the type of styling that I plan on will be what will set it off to give it the updated finished look that I want.<br />
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A little history on my decision to remodel…<br />
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A year ago, on a sudden epiphany I decided to take my small parameter of control that I have over my life and live for what makes me happy now. I decided to go against ALL conventional wisdom and changed my three bedroom home to a two bedroom home. Ow! I can hear gnashing of the teeth, sighs of disbelief that I have committed one of the cardinal sins against real-estate resale.. But, the way I see it is that I have no plans on ever selling my home ( I don’t have a crystal ball, but I just don’t see me moving..unless it’s to a more permanent place if you know what I mean.) My DD will get my home when I pass, and she can do what she wants with it, I figure she will still be one house ahead of the game.<br />
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Any hoo, I set about tearing down the wall that divides my old living room from the 3rd bedroom, and hey, while I was at it, I had also decided I could no longer stand the 10ft x 7.5ft kitchen that I have suffered in for 12 years, so 3 walls came down there too. What a difference! The peace and happiness was immediate and so very satisfying. <br />
Not. One. Ounce. Of. Regret. <br />
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My plan: <br />
Turn the 3rd bedroom into living room. (90% done) needs flooring and crown molding.<br />
Turn old living room into a dining room (50%) done) I still have flooring, the back wall and ponywall/column to do.<br />
Turn the old dining room into a much larger kitchen addition. (well… the walls are down sigh…)<br />
I am also gaining a foyer of sorts, before company just “landed” in living room, I really hated that, now the living room is behind the entry door and ponywall/column, so some division and privacy is maintained.<br />
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Disclaimer, this MESS is NOT how I normally decorate, I had all the contents of the living room, dining room and the bedroom moved, shoved, anywhere I could put it in order to do the tear down. And, no, it was not easy to live with, but I had a vision, or perhaps it’s really called blindness. It would have probably driven anyone else nuts, but since this is something that meant so much to me, I managed to overlook the chaos, but I am very glad that it is more ordered now.<br />
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These next 2 photos are of the entry and the living room are NOT mine, they are from a MLS posting of another house that was built exactly like mine just so you can get an idea of where I started.<br />
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This is what the dividing wall between the original living room and a very tiny bedroom. I remodeled the wall right after I moved in so that I would be able to recess my tv and not have it stick out into the walkway. I also added 2 lighted niches (the secetary hutch is blocking one of the niches in this photo.)<br />
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I ripped out the walls myself, it fit my pocketbook (free), and it was very satisfying to take out all of my frustrations out on the walls. I highly recommend tearing out walls yourself, it burns calories and stress and is cheaper than a shrink. ;) <br />
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The electrical and first part of the build was handled by someone I hired, and then fired pretty quickly, but that is another tale.<br />
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Photo looking in the direction of the entry and windows of what was the old living room, now to be the dining room.<br />
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Below is the start of my tear down, I put up the plastic paper to keep down some of the dust and debri that would come out from the bedroom during the knockdown. If you are going to live in a tear down, it is really worth the prep of trying to keep down the drywall dust.<br />
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Next photo shows me working from the inside the bedroom tearing out the wall leading to the new foyer and new dining room, you can see the mess it makes!<br />
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Moving right along:<br />
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Looking into the old dining room and the walls that will be coming down in the kitchen. (I had to stuff the LR furniture where the dining room furniture used to be in order to start my tear down.<br />
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Photo from MLS listing of the kitchen (remember this is not my exact kitchen, it is same house as mine, but another listing, one difference is that this kitchen has a dishwasher, my kitchen does NOT, and mine has the washing machine in it-HORRIBLE! The original kitchen was about 10ft x 8 1/2ft. So tiny!<br />
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Ah, what a difference with the walls to the kitchen being down. Looking into my future LARGE kitchen after the walls were torn down, you can see my "pretend" island, I placed it approximately where my future island will be. I had to tear down the horrible fake tile board that was in the kitchen before. I will probably do a faux country french type of wall treatment in there until I can do the major fixing in there. (the exercise equipment sitting in the DR is long gone) LOL A new wall is planned to be put up to divide the DR and the kitchen in the future. The new wall will enable me to have floor to ceiling cabinets for all the storage of my smaller kitchen applicances and my extensive collection of dishes.<br />
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Looking into the new living room...I moved the living room furniture in to see how I wanted to set it up (plus, I was still living there so it had to be somewhat functional for me inbetween building spurts. There is still lots of teardown and building to do.<br />
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Pony walls and columns, dividing the entry from the livingroom and dining room. The back wall, and the old bedroom door still need to be removed and drywalled over.<br />
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Stay tuned....more comingSweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-63030851482965637402010-01-06T08:18:00.014-05:002010-01-06T11:42:28.498-05:00Living Room, early morning light and taking care of what is Important<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/S0S5JixJv7I/AAAAAAAAAdE/up5QFsjNqFo/s1600-h/JUDY+LIVING+ROOM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423663424863846322" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/S0S5JixJv7I/AAAAAAAAAdE/up5QFsjNqFo/s800/JUDY+LIVING+ROOM.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love early mornings especially on weekends, the light at that time of the day is truely inspiring, which is when I love to take alot of photos. Now, considering I work a full time job you would think I would sleep in...BUT thanks to my little buddy, Toby, it isn't about to happen. So I make the best of it to take the time just to enjoy the peacefullness of it all (that's after he gets his morning treat of course, even before I get MY cup of coffee). In fact I haven't even had time to put all the Christmas things up as you can see in the reflection in the mirror. The things we do for the animals we love....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/S0S1DGieHBI/AAAAAAAAAc8/nBrqU52t8OI/s1600-h/assorted+sept+168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423658916160347154" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/S0S1DGieHBI/AAAAAAAAAc8/nBrqU52t8OI/s800/assorted+sept+168.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Toby, in his chair (needing a bath,which he HATES) by the way, any chair is HIS chair. For that fact any surface that doesn't move is his if he so decides. Did I mention he rules the roost? You just gotta love em! He was a major comfort to me during chemo and continues to be so, how can I say no? So this is just a little tribute to the animals in our life, mine in particular, that in their own small way end up giving far more than what we often give back.<br />P.S. He will be getting extra (healthy) dog treats today!Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-71087101309848526962009-12-28T21:06:00.012-05:002009-12-28T22:00:32.093-05:00Late Night Foodie Pleasures, thanks Trader Joe's<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJt1xs8I/AAAAAAAAAck/qsG54dhMILc/s1600-h/A+corner+resize3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420479242161992642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJt1xs8I/AAAAAAAAAck/qsG54dhMILc/s800/A+corner+resize3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Is there anything better than chocolate? I think not. In this particular case; chocolate truffles, accompanied by a yummy dessert wine. The wine is "IPSUS" Pantelleria Passito Dessert Wine. The chocolate truffles is a Trader Joe's brand, very inexpensive, but quite smooth and chocolaty. The wine and truffles are a wonderful combination. A very little goes along way, which is good news for my hips.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJRMM27I/AAAAAAAAAcc/8QtwKEe2y-w/s1600-h/A+corner+resize2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420479234471418802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJRMM27I/AAAAAAAAAcc/8QtwKEe2y-w/s800/A+corner+resize2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they just cute, there were three at the beginning of this shoot, but I had to keep my strength up so I thought I would test one out just to keep me honest. And honestly, it was gooood!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJL42gWI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TRshPjfNvzs/s1600-h/A+corner+resize.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420479233048084834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzlpJL42gWI/AAAAAAAAAcU/TRshPjfNvzs/s800/A+corner+resize.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>As I had mentioned above, the truffles and wine came from Trader Joe's. It's a good thing the store is in the neighboring town otherwise I would be there alot more often! I love visiting on a Saturday, I look forward to leisurely sampling the food they offer, the coffee, and the occasional wine tasting. While I was off last week at such a tasting at "Joe's" I discovered a new dessert wine as you see pictured, so I plopped that baby in my cart along with the chocolate truffles and called it a day. </div><div></div><div>Do any of you have foodie favorites that you can share with me from Trader Joe's? Getting personal recommendations is almost as good as tasting it in real life, at least I will know what to put on my list for the next visit! You can even suggest something healthy..my hips will thank you! </div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-12940787695395059722009-12-27T13:02:00.009-05:002009-12-27T13:28:13.562-05:00Giving importance to your featured item in your Vignettes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejGbvjiKI/AAAAAAAAAcM/fqcZtC1kcUs/s1600-h/flicker+full+coral.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419980007485442210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejGbvjiKI/AAAAAAAAAcM/fqcZtC1kcUs/s800/flicker+full+coral.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I hope everyone's holiday was wonderful, mine was! I had a lovely dinner with my daughter and her boyfriend. And yes, I will be posting photos LOL<br /><br />I played around a little with my coffee table vignette, I love changing up the look, especially since the holidays go away so quickly!<br /><br />I thought I would pass along a little tip for you all that I use in many of my tablesettings/vignettes.<br />Most of the time I like to make sure my featured item in a tablesetting is set apart/highlighted, and given importance. In this case the coral is the main subject. To give it more visual importanance I placed it on a large upside-down glass candle holder. The photos make the items look smaller than they actually are, the items really are quite big. By placing the coral on top of the raised candle holdler, I think it gives the item the attention that I wanted to convey. Just to make sure the coral was going to sit correctly I placed one of my glass beaded edged dishes directly under the coral on top of the bottom of the glass candle holder.<br /><br />Don't you think the candle holder looks like a fishermans net that has turned into sparkling glass?<br /><br />The idea is to think outside of the box, always ask yourself what other use can a particular item do.<br /><br /><br /><br />A closeup of the coral sitting on the glass beaded plate.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejGDFM3TI/AAAAAAAAAcE/UfqM16kVjpM/s1600-h/flicker+full+coral2.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419980000865344818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejGDFM3TI/AAAAAAAAAcE/UfqM16kVjpM/s800/flicker+full+coral2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />A little closeup....my interpertation of "jewels of the sea".<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejFo8zjlI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ec-o4JnrmQ8/s1600-h/flicker+full+coral3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419979993850809938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SzejFo8zjlI/AAAAAAAAAb8/ec-o4JnrmQ8/s800/flicker+full+coral3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I hope this little tips helps you in your creation of your own tablescape/vignettes!Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-91584045556594231722009-12-21T09:34:00.012-05:002009-12-22T21:52:28.953-05:00Christmas "Lady"Oh my, this Christmas Lady post took me forever, I have lots more photos but I kept getting "booted off".<br />Here she is all jeweled up, along side with my tiny collection of magnifying glasses and my decorated cake plates. Pretty much everything shown here came from Walmart or Marshalls over the years.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-jhAyARbI/AAAAAAAAAbs/g1sFWqNpXhM/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+251.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-jhAyARbI/AAAAAAAAAbs/g1sFWqNpXhM/s800/xmas+mantel+251.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-jgj0Q23I/AAAAAAAAAbk/ZTtBSgoQFI8/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+228.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-jgj0Q23I/AAAAAAAAAbk/ZTtBSgoQFI8/s800/xmas+mantel+228.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZfE2Q-JI/AAAAAAAAAbc/SISxHmacznk/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+239.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZfE2Q-JI/AAAAAAAAAbc/SISxHmacznk/s800/xmas+mantel+239.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZenjBXeI/AAAAAAAAAbU/i5UsFQuhEBA/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+248.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZenjBXeI/AAAAAAAAAbU/i5UsFQuhEBA/s800/xmas+mantel+248.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Below, she was wearing her "naughty" necklace, but she still will get gifts, naughty or not ....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZeKOjpBI/AAAAAAAAAbM/3gW4BnLH614/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+254.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sy-ZeKOjpBI/AAAAAAAAAbM/3gW4BnLH614/s800/xmas+mantel+254.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div>It is quite easy to decorate stacking plates, I have used these plates for years with the different color schemes I use. Just use a coordinating color scheme, add in a few sparkles and related items and you are good to go. </div><br /><div>Inside the top sundae cup, supporting the tree topper is simply a string of pearl garlands cut up bead by bead to fill in the void and support the topper. I have also used the pretty flattened glass marbles you can purchase from Michaels or Walmart to support the tree toppers.<br /></div><br /><div>My crystal and cream Christmas tree will be posted on Tuesday. See you then!</div></div></div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-82419283495918604342009-12-15T19:16:00.010-05:002009-12-22T22:11:50.787-05:00Dinner and Dessert Tablesetting in front of the Fireplace<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SygqZFzogAI/AAAAAAAAAas/zgnOtYaNx4U/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+157.jpg"><img style="CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415625162456858626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SygqZFzogAI/AAAAAAAAAas/zgnOtYaNx4U/s800/xmas+mantel+157.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I just wanted to put up a quick shot my my dinner tablesetting tonight in front of the fireplace. It was pretty simple, a salad, chicken and rice with a <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">sweet muffin</span></em> and <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">hot chocolate</span></em> for dessert. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've had the <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>plaid</em></span> plates for quite a few years, they came from Target. These were very inexpensive but the enjoyment from them has been priceless. I have been able to <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">mix and</span></em> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>match</em></span> many christmas holiday dishes with them. For tablesettings I like to use the same color theme as my surroundings if I can. In this case I used dishes and accessories with <em>whites</em>, <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><em>reds</em></span> and some <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">black</span></em></strong>, basically the same color theme found in my fireplace mantel decorations. I find alot of times the "road map" for your <em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">color scheme</span></em> is right in front of you. Of course I have been known to use colors that don't match the room at all, in that case the tablesetting is the star. Not very helpful am I ??? ;)</div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-86850744117212519102009-12-07T21:34:00.029-05:002009-12-08T11:38:04.093-05:00Santa Christmas Mantel<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx54tEzQeQI/AAAAAAAAAak/EGlzxVoLl-I/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+082.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412896517924092162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx54tEzQeQI/AAAAAAAAAak/EGlzxVoLl-I/s400/xmas+mantel+082.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I finally finished my Christmas mantel and tabletop tree in my den/library/tv room. It came together fairly easy, considering I have the worst cold I have gotten in years. I would have had a tablesetting but since I am sick, I really did not feel like eating anything (quite unusual for me), I will be showing some of my tables later though. Most everything (greens) on the mantel came from Michaels Arts and Crafts store. They are having a 50% off sale right now on very realistic looking greens.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx3H3AaMKAI/AAAAAAAAAac/mo1pwrY0aCU/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+085.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412702074985785346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx3H3AaMKAI/AAAAAAAAAac/mo1pwrY0aCU/s400/xmas+mantel+085.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I want to paint this room red, the grey/white walls are just not the comforting color I am looking for, but I am having a hard time finding the right red, I want something more blue-red-rich rather than an orangey red, if anyone has any paint suggestions please let me know.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx3C6I7Ar6I/AAAAAAAAAaU/I0vCZjpjvmg/s1600-h/xmas+mantel+071.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 266px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412696631252397986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Sx3C6I7Ar6I/AAAAAAAAAaU/I0vCZjpjvmg/s400/xmas+mantel+071.jpg" /></a><br />I love using plaids in my faux english/scottish decor, I think upholstered walls would be great in this room, but way too much work for me to do alone so I shall have to settle for paint instead.<br /><br /><div>Just a little detail about the mantel. I do like an abundance of greens. The key to acheiving a full and realistic look is to try to vary the kinds of greens you use. The base pine greens in this case were very realistic. All it took was 2 strings/ropes of this pine greenery (1 "string" for the left side of the mantel and 1 "string" for the right side, 8 large picks of hanging/drapey greens, and 1 piece of a drapey lacy cypress type of green. A mixed rope of white hydrangeas and roses (from Walmart a few seasons ago), pine cones (free), faux feathers from Michaels. I held them together with some pipe cleaners, everything was just placed on top of the mantel and simply stuck in the greenry picks, no need for Styrofoam, some glass icicles (from various stores, but I know that Target and Kmart has them) and that was it!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Oh, yes, I am a mad collector of Santas, so I added in this particular one, keeping in with my more woodsy relaxed feel. Closer to Christmas I will go out into my garden and place some Nadina berries into the arrangement for a bit more realism.</div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-51081606814789833842009-11-28T12:06:00.008-05:002009-12-22T22:15:24.423-05:00Fall tablescape<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SxFlQj8zk2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/tZjjTAsaCec/s1600/fall+mantel+089.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SxFlQj8zk2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/tZjjTAsaCec/s800/fall+mantel+089.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SxFc5PkVl_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/4Dmgd3UphFo/s1600/fall+mantel+080.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409206765949917170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SxFc5PkVl_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/4Dmgd3UphFo/s800/fall+mantel+080.jpg" /></a> I am finally able to post my Fall tablesetting, I have been having major computer problems getting online. Well, better late than never? :) </div><div></div><div>I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, I am still full! Now I have to figure out my Christmas menu, since I am hosting this year. </div><div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-9142248238437739392009-11-22T11:57:00.004-05:002009-11-22T12:15:21.356-05:00Fall Fireplace Mantel decorating<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Swlw6iwGpXI/AAAAAAAAAZc/-joPSSQqb4o/s1600/fall+mantel+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406976978698282354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/Swlw6iwGpXI/AAAAAAAAAZc/-joPSSQqb4o/s400/fall+mantel+036.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hi all,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is a sneak peek of my Fall decorated fireplace.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know I have not been around for AGES! I am finally feeling up to par, and ready to join the world again.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hopefully tonight I will take a full shot with small voltive candles lit. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I love decorating "overkill", I just can't help myself, I start out simple, and just like I can't take one bite of chocolate, I have to just keep going. Luckly, this was very inexpensive to do. One strand of fall leaves, faux feathers, strands of other draping type of greens. Orangey pods, xmas greens and tureen (not shown) from Walmart, nest, and dogs from Marshalls. Real apples from the grocery store. Pinecones FREE = Pricesless LOL </div><div> </div><div>I'll be doing a Fall tablescape in a couple of days.</div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-32375386817341367702009-01-03T14:12:00.012-05:002009-01-03T14:49:52.337-05:00Late Christmas additions<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9wSxa7DI/AAAAAAAAAWk/S4rMMYuP-1I/s1600-h/DSC_0298.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287153124926745650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9wSxa7DI/AAAAAAAAAWk/S4rMMYuP-1I/s320/DSC_0298.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yikes, for those of you that just seen these pics without words...well, I hit a wrong button, it came up with no words, so here I am editing... (blush).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anyhoo</span>, Yep, these photos are way past Christmas, but since I don't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">believe</span> in working on a deadline for a "hobby" I hope you will forgive me. I have way to many deadlines at work, and I promised myself that my hobby blog would be stress free (most of the time any way :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9dKnhwvI/AAAAAAAAAWc/H4InR3H7UZo/s1600-h/DSC_0296.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287152796320252658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9dKnhwvI/AAAAAAAAAWc/H4InR3H7UZo/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" border="0" /></a> This little snow/angel person, is something I picked up a few weeks ago, the little face just spoke to me of sweetness, it is by the artist Bethany Lowe, she has some really cute items.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9McZCnkI/AAAAAAAAAWU/iUH22zEZ6Xk/s1600-h/DSC_0278.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287152509033553474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-9McZCnkI/AAAAAAAAAWU/iUH22zEZ6Xk/s320/DSC_0278.JPG" border="0" /></a> I have a collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Swarovski</span> snowflakes, some my DD has given me, and I bought a few for my self, I am always tempted to leave them out all year, the sparkle is just unreal when the light hits them. The little camera effect I did here is now popularly called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bokeh</span>, but it is really just a photo set up utilizing something called "depth of field". I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">embarrassed</span> to admit, that I did not use a tripod here, I got a new camera from Santa/aka: Me ( I decided I was a really good girl this year, that's my story and I am sticking to it). Anyway, I wanted to see just how far the camera could go without a tripod, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hmmm</span>, still need one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">LOL</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-89D7hqBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/dti-s9WdbrU/s1600-h/DSC_0275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287152244769269778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-89D7hqBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/dti-s9WdbrU/s320/DSC_0275.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-8wXaFIkI/AAAAAAAAAWE/_q1uG5BG1zA/s1600-h/DSC_0287.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287152026659398210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SV-8wXaFIkI/AAAAAAAAAWE/_q1uG5BG1zA/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-38284239914032498632008-12-27T18:36:00.035-05:002008-12-28T21:05:57.006-05:00Cream and Crystal tree.....Finally!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVbBio3-QtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/enKAeSoMdt0/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284624013597754066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVbBio3-QtI/AAAAAAAAAV4/enKAeSoMdt0/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+144.jpg" border="0" /></a> Oh my, I thought I would never get these loaded, it took me hours! The pain of a sporatic internet signal, it has been this way for longer than what I care to admit. But, here they are, hopefully better late than never?<br /><br /><br />I hope every ones Christmas was wonderful. Mine was great, I was able to share it for a few hours of gift opening and Christmas dinner with my DD and her SO...table setting photos to follow....permitting the pleasure of the internet gods...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-ZSOK9PI/AAAAAAAAAVw/FUXcCCVko6k/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+143.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284620554363139314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-ZSOK9PI/AAAAAAAAAVw/FUXcCCVko6k/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+143.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-QUZScuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qxp96YTEDOU/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284620400327815906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-QUZScuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qxp96YTEDOU/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-G9_Z29I/AAAAAAAAAVg/vW5WXG30uPM/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+141.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284620239694846930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa-G9_Z29I/AAAAAAAAAVg/vW5WXG30uPM/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+141.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Swarovski crystal snowflake on the right was one of my gifts from my DD and her SO for this Christmas, I have quite a few of the large and smaller ones from her over the years and I treasure them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa973We0QI/AAAAAAAAAVY/JnXLjgvKXEw/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+137.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284620048934031618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa973We0QI/AAAAAAAAAVY/JnXLjgvKXEw/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+137.jpg" border="0" /></a> I decided to dress up the "lady" this Christmas with pearls and jewels, she looks quite content don't you think?</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9yEbwsDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/HJOjufsPePk/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284619880647143474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9yEbwsDI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/HJOjufsPePk/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+131.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are a few closeups of the tree, there are many Lenox ornaments that I have collected and that my DD has given me as one of my Christmas gifts, it is a tradition that I love between us.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9oMiTsgI/AAAAAAAAAVI/My26ZnakdV4/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+130.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284619711023395330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9oMiTsgI/AAAAAAAAAVI/My26ZnakdV4/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+130.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9fb9GKUI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yiL1MOjA5yE/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284619560543463746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9fb9GKUI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yiL1MOjA5yE/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+129.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9VXcjl6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/I3OaKyJTYKg/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284619387534546850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9VXcjl6I/AAAAAAAAAU4/I3OaKyJTYKg/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+126.jpg" border="0" /></a> The sphere like ornament in the middle is one of my favorite Lenox ornaments, luckily there is a Lenox outlet near me, so I can get them fairly affordable if I am patient enough to wait to purchase them after the holidays.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9FzeDVSI/AAAAAAAAAUw/2Q1JcLhyprU/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284619120179107106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa9FzeDVSI/AAAAAAAAAUw/2Q1JcLhyprU/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+118.jpg" border="0" /></a> All over my tree I have hundreds of glass icicles that I have purchased over the last few years, always at the after Christmas sales. I have quite a few chandelier crystals too, the crystals and icicles add such a nice sparkle to the tree, plus they go with what ever color theme I chose to use for the year.</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa81-j2WqI/AAAAAAAAAUo/fKuiFu5KWs0/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284618848278305442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SVa81-j2WqI/AAAAAAAAAUo/fKuiFu5KWs0/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+118.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I also like to use silk flower in my trees, they fill up the spaces quite nicely and add in another element of style to the tree. In this tree I used poinsettias and roses.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I hope you enjoyed my late addition to the holiday, I am already looking forward to next year!</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-19595328199770621622008-12-07T12:50:00.020-05:002008-12-07T13:30:58.252-05:00EVERYWHERE...Ornaments!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwOpVUrmRI/AAAAAAAAATo/fE1Z5uqUIWo/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277108966632691986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwOpVUrmRI/AAAAAAAAATo/fE1Z5uqUIWo/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+042.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pretty much everywhere in my living room and dining room are hundreds of ornaments for my cream, crystal and gold tree for this year. The great thing about all these ornaments pictured is that they can easily mix in with a tree of ANY color theme. This is where there is such a big cost saving for me when I do different color themed trees every other year, I only have to have half as much ornaments for a new look because these cream, gold, and crystal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ornis</span> fit in with any color scheme. The glass snowflake balls you see in the front are from the Dollar store. You might also notice the plain and simple gold glass balls in the photo too, they and the simple cream balls go into the inside part of the tree to add sparkle and depth, and most important they are very inexpensive fillers, allowing you to use your fancier ones on the outside tips of your tree where you can see them easily.<br /><br />I have collected the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lenox</span> over many many years. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Alot</span> of them are very dear to me, because as a Christmas tradition I gave my DD one of the two same <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ornis</span> for her future tree, (keeping one for me) and once she was older as a Christmas Eve gift she would purchase a couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ornis</span> for me. It is great fun opening our new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ornis</span> together and putting then up on the tree Christmas Eve, a very important tradition for me. It has build a tree of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alot</span> of memories and love.<br /><br />I still purchase <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ornis</span> every year, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">luckliy</span> not as many as I used to, but if they call to me, they are mine!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwObLAQuMI/AAAAAAAAATg/RLnahh9zKaw/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277108723344521410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwObLAQuMI/AAAAAAAAATg/RLnahh9zKaw/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ornies</span> on the side table, just waiting for placement on the tree, or design for a vignette. Hint, if you collect perfume bottles you can use them as decorations on the tree (provided they are empty of course).<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwOOL1z85I/AAAAAAAAATY/0im7alnIAK4/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277108500230828946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwOOL1z85I/AAAAAAAAATY/0im7alnIAK4/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+038.jpg" border="0" /></a> More <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ornis</span> on the rug waiting patiently for me to dig in, and start the long decorating process. You can see a few glimpses of some of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Lenox</span> and other glass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ornies</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwN__sAnHI/AAAAAAAAATQ/E10DUckr6JU/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277108256450321522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwN__sAnHI/AAAAAAAAATQ/E10DUckr6JU/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On the coffee table are tons of crystal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Lenox</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ornies</span>, I purchased all of them on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">clearance</span> after the holiday, they sparkle so wonderfully on the tree. I also have quite a few crystal swag/garland pieces that I add in the tree and use in vignettes and some of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">tablesettings</span>, so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">versatile</span>!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwNz0ihvhI/AAAAAAAAATI/ZyltAAkvkck/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277108047299329554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwNz0ihvhI/AAAAAAAAATI/ZyltAAkvkck/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> My favorite items, I have at least 200 of these crystals, they take a long time to put on the tree, but they are the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">fabulous</span> finishing touch. I had purchased these for a "different" kind of Dollar store, I bought every one I seen. I also have hundreds of glass icicles that I had purchased for only 2 dollars a box for 18, at a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Dillards</span> after Christmas sale.<br /><br /><br /><div>(Below) This is a photo of my very large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">rubbermaid</span> bin of my ball style <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">ornis</span>. I wrapped each of them all up one-by-one, to keep them safe, what you are looking at is some that I have unwrapped. The bag of roses is another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">fav</span> of mine, it fills in the empty spaces to the tree adding in a certain kind of elegance I think. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Poinsettias</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">hydrangeas</span> are great for this too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwNaJUrerI/AAAAAAAAAS4/euLnvrclr-c/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277107606201793202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STwNaJUrerI/AAAAAAAAAS4/euLnvrclr-c/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />You will also note a few mirrored <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">ornis</span>, they are wonderful for the sparkle and reflection of light.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hopefully the finished tree will be in the next post, providing my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">internet</span> connection is still with me.. </div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-47622201316688460972008-12-01T13:43:00.007-05:002008-12-01T13:50:16.322-05:00Holiday Tablesetting Sneak Peek<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STQwkitw9aI/AAAAAAAAASU/XHE1XDTpncQ/s1600-h/xmas+instruct+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274894467909875106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STQwkitw9aI/AAAAAAAAASU/XHE1XDTpncQ/s400/xmas+instruct+021.jpg" border="0" /></a> I thought I would pop in with a little sneak peek of one of my tablesettings that I will be doing over the holidays. I typically do quite a few tablesettings since I have several sets of Christmas dishes and I also see my DD more during this holiday season for dinner.<br /><br />This is actually a pretty inexpensive table setting to do, everything you see here is glass, You would be amazed how pretty an all glass table setting can be. Another perk of this style of setting is that you can add in any accent color you may want to use so if someone can't afford a patterned set of Christmas dishes you can still acheive a holiday look effortlessly by the accents you decide to add in.<br /><div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-13703285177747166232008-11-30T13:00:00.018-05:002010-11-23T09:03:13.114-05:00More Christmas tree tipsI'm sorry these tips are slow coming, my internet connection is giving me alot of grief these days.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STLWcf1xDWI/AAAAAAAAAR0/7Ks5pBrpZuI/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274513898675965282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STLWcf1xDWI/AAAAAAAAAR0/7Ks5pBrpZuI/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STLVVTMO8FI/AAAAAAAAARs/jjsbtVEcreg/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274512675509825618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STLVVTMO8FI/AAAAAAAAARs/jjsbtVEcreg/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Placing balls in the inner part of a tree is something a lot of folks don't do, many people only decorate the outside limbs of the tree. When you only decorate the outside, you loose seeing a depth or 3D-dimension type of look to your tree. You also loose the inner brightness caused from putting in these simple reflective balls. </div><br />
<div>What I do is put either inexpensive gold or silver balls(depending on my color theme) you can buy in sets most anywhere. The gold or silver balls give the needed light reflection you need in the darkest part of the tree, the christmas lights reflecting off of the balls gives an inner brightness and warmth to a tree. For a "bling" look I would suggest at least 50 to 75 balls placed in the inner part of a 6.5 ft tree (of course you can use less, this is just how I like to decorate mine.) As you can see from the photos above, try to place the balls in those bare areas and the area right next to the trunk of the tree, this also hides the ugly wrapped pole (in this photo there are only a few showing now for ease in showing you hope to place them, but you can be assured I will be adding much more.) </div><br />
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<div>Go back and take look at the pic again, do you see all the tiny bright light specks being reflected in the ball? Just the few balls pictured have already reflected alot of light. </div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-38658367973503632532008-11-29T12:25:00.014-05:002008-11-29T12:49:16.874-05:00Christmas Decorating, it begins....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF-HpxNqKI/AAAAAAAAARk/eaP77HMyQbE/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274135308564015266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF-HpxNqKI/AAAAAAAAARk/eaP77HMyQbE/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been asked by a few folks for some tips on how I decorate my trees. the photo above is a single short "garland" of 12 connected poinsettas, that I purchased at Walmart a few weeks ago for only $7.00, a great buy for a hundred dollar look.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF99YLsBgI/AAAAAAAAARc/QyuSS_Ui-ss/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274135132044527106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF99YLsBgI/AAAAAAAAARc/QyuSS_Ui-ss/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> On the couch is 4 sets (and a poinsetta bunch of flowers for decorating on my wreaths)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF9w0sVz3I/AAAAAAAAARU/cblAYkj5kkA/s1600-h/2008+xmas+instruct+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274134916359376754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/STF9w0sVz3I/AAAAAAAAARU/cblAYkj5kkA/s320/2008+xmas+instruct+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is the strip of flowers placed on the tree, I will probably tuck it in a bit more, and then I will add in the other garlands tip to tip, spiraling down the tree in a loose "S" pattern. This is a great thing to do especially if you don't have alot of ornaments yet, because it makes a great "filler". </div><br /><div>Now, if you did not want to do the spiral garland look, you can also detach the flower heads and place them evenly thoughout your tree (which I have done with great success too with last years pink tree).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I will post more later, as I progress. </div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-40410869904104432772008-10-17T07:09:00.011-04:002008-12-01T10:40:26.737-05:00Christmas in Cream, Gold and crystals<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SPhyrIIuvQI/AAAAAAAAAOM/sE-4kQIyaTI/s1600-h/white+xmas+stack+plate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258078650199096578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SPhyrIIuvQI/AAAAAAAAAOM/sE-4kQIyaTI/s800/white+xmas+stack+plate.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>This is just a little sneak peek at my Christmas theme this year. And tieing in from my previous post, another example of using the stacking plates for holidays. They really are versatile. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Why am I posting something Christmasy this early? I have found that I need to start way ahead for my planning. Since stores get out Christmas decor so early, I have found if I don't shop early for my decorations the best ornaments and such are gone way before December 1st! Right now it is very difficult to find "off white/cream colored ornaments, so if any do show up I plan on being the first there to claim them. :) I like planning my table scapes early too, that way when the big day comes, I'll set the table the day before saving me the time to concentrate on cooking, and an added benefit of that is it really puts me in the mood for the big festive dinner I share with my DD and her SO. Now that my DD has moved out, my big day is usually Christmas Eve, this was a very difficult transition for me, as Christmas Day was the traditional day for all the fun and festivities, but since she is on her own, she now wants the "day" to her and her SO, plus she needs to accomodate his family too. The change has been "hard" on me I must admit, are any of you going thru this right now?</div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-45987629237331038182008-10-09T10:10:00.025-04:002008-10-09T11:15:21.294-04:00Fall Decorations for your homeThis is my Fall stacking plates centerpiece/vignette, I really enjoy doing these because they are easy, don't take up too much space, and it's a real eye catcher.<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZviD1cxI/AAAAAAAAAN8/etV7xRe09cw/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255166119575384850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZviD1cxI/AAAAAAAAAN8/etV7xRe09cw/s400/cake+plate+Fall.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>I love to use this as a center piece for my dining room table or my coffee table, but it could just as easily be the highlight of your buffet table too.</div><br /><div>I showed them first to a forum group I visit a few years ago, the were so popular there so I decided to do a tutorial, so I hope that you, dear blog reader will enjoy it too. </div><div></div><br /><div>These cake plates can be used for any holiday, Christmas, Fall, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Easter, Birthdays, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, etc, they really are quite versitile. And of course you can use them for what they are ment for..food.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Part 1:</div><div></div><div>Gather up what you have choosen to do up your cake plates with. The key to a pretty over all design is to keep in the choosen theme, in this case it is a Fall theme.</div><br /><div>I used a Christmas tree topper in my chosen colors, christmas birds, acorns, leaves, glass rocks and jewels, mini beaded pumpkins, a fairy, pine cone ornaments, faux grapes, the next 2 pictures show what I used, I did have a little left over, but I did use alot as you can see.</div><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZqgatzXI/AAAAAAAAAN0/IMS1nAmeZoc/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255166033235135858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZqgatzXI/AAAAAAAAAN0/IMS1nAmeZoc/s400/cake+plate+Fall2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZmV1jlaI/AAAAAAAAANs/eVthQoEZCt0/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165961675445666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZmV1jlaI/AAAAAAAAANs/eVthQoEZCt0/s400/cake+plate+Fall3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These are the empy stacking plates, the top piece is a 99 cent sundae cup I purschased at Walmart. The actual stacking plates came 3 in a box from Walmart(a few yrs ago). But you can order on line I think from Target for them too, Linens and Things, and Bed Bath and Beyond also has carried these plates. The average cost for the set is about $20.00.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZhmZ6lZI/AAAAAAAAANk/CA2EI2kvJE8/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165880223569298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZhmZ6lZI/AAAAAAAAANk/CA2EI2kvJE8/s400/cake+plate+Fall5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Photo of the 3 stacking cake plates together.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZbSZ7Q0I/AAAAAAAAANc/LnupfmAnfP0/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165771775689538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZbSZ7Q0I/AAAAAAAAANc/LnupfmAnfP0/s400/cake+plate+Fall4.jpg" border="0" /></a> Part 2: Start loading up, this is a few close-ups so you can see where I placed some things.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZVscIfdI/AAAAAAAAANU/NqxbPlKjaoo/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165675685051858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZVscIfdI/AAAAAAAAANU/NqxbPlKjaoo/s400/cake+plate+Fall7.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the sundae cup I place in some of the glass jewels as filler before I put in the tree topper ornament. You can get the glass jewels at Walmart and craft stores.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZOoEORMI/AAAAAAAAANM/Ig8DL4dwcVM/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165554251941058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZOoEORMI/AAAAAAAAANM/Ig8DL4dwcVM/s400/cake+plate+Fall8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZEHY7GXI/AAAAAAAAANE/bW3OqIpYrHY/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255165373681703282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4ZEHY7GXI/AAAAAAAAANE/bW3OqIpYrHY/s400/cake+plate+Fall6.jpg" border="0" /></a> Again, the finished product.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4XZrDKLTI/AAAAAAAAAM8/mneyerEKHxY/s1600-h/cake+plate+Fall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255163545008090418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SO4XZrDKLTI/AAAAAAAAAM8/mneyerEKHxY/s400/cake+plate+Fall.jpg" border="0" /></a> I hope you enjoyed this and that it was helpful. If you have any questions just leave me a note on the comments area.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-46192515214367417162008-07-27T14:52:00.032-04:002008-08-12T16:59:38.100-04:00Lunch with Ms. BunnyWell, today is the last day of my vacation, tommorrow back to work Sigh.....<br /><div><div><br /><div>The lunch "theme" today is soft and pink. </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227771143426148786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIzGKDL0CbI/AAAAAAAAAJI/ZVZ5GwWodl4/s320/bunny+lunch+010.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><div>White and pink together is another classic (that is IF you like pink LOL) I love pink, but it is actually a very hard color to find in dishware. Some of you have asked where I find my goodies...</div><br /><div>The large pink plates and bowl, and coffee mug are from Target (a few Easters ago)</div><div></div><div>The pink and green water glass from Mikasa Outlet</div><br /><div></div>The silk flowers are from JoAnns (definately use the coupons, otherwise they can be pricey)<br /><br /><div>The white lacy dishes and white bunny tea pot are from Marshalls</div><div></div><br /><div>The salt and pepper birds are from Target (you can still find them there)</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227772672465991010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIzHjDTUdWI/AAAAAAAAAJY/pnl-9-U3AaE/s320/bunny+lunch+030.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The bunny is one of 2 I purchased from Tuesday Morning (around Easter time)</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227772995020932322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIzH106aROI/AAAAAAAAAJg/tHM3uZ_ZZhM/s320/blur+bunny.jpg" border="0" /> The round quilted place mats are from Marshalls (you may still be able to find them, since I bought them last month)<br /></div></div><div>Frosted silverware is from Walmarts...(I find a surprising amount of cool flatware there)<br /></div><div></div><br /><div>The cute little bunny milk server is from World Market, it dispenses just the right amount of milk for my coffee or tea for me (they still carry them)<br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227774873529707074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIzJjK5zakI/AAAAAAAAAJo/VR9HrJBCmp4/s320/bunny+lunch+007.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p></p><div>The pretty flowered hat box ( have loads and loads of these for me and for gift giving, I find sometimes they are cheaper to buy and put your gift in than purchasing the wrapping paper and ribbon.</div><br /><div></div><div>I hope I have encouraged you to take life a little bit slower by dining outside and start experimenting with setting a pretty table for yourself and your families.</div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-67824059486833429632008-07-26T14:35:00.007-04:002008-07-29T13:43:46.562-04:00Brunch, with a "Nod" to Italy<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SItwn1FMN3I/AAAAAAAAAJA/XAf0eyMPZJA/s1600-h/brunch+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227395622059652978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SItwn1FMN3I/AAAAAAAAAJA/XAf0eyMPZJA/s320/brunch+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SItwMseV8WI/AAAAAAAAAI4/hMyY9sDTQUc/s1600-h/brunch+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227395155892760930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SItwMseV8WI/AAAAAAAAAI4/hMyY9sDTQUc/s320/brunch+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> As I have mentioned in my posting below, I am on vacation at home, since I can't go anywhere, I thought I'd bring a touch of Italy to me.<br /><div></div><br /><div>You might notice the black wrought iron charger in the table setting, that is the same charger that I was discussing a few posts ago, it is really quite versatile. I also carried over the black in the silverware and in the footed iron piece holding the bagels and fruit. In doing a table setting it is important to carry over the theme and its colors thru the table design. I chose to bring out the blues, and the reddish colors and even the golds of the rooster along with those colors in the dishes. If you incorporate the colors and even the metals throughout the setting it will always work out.</div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-86649382044145212222008-07-25T11:56:00.013-04:002008-07-25T12:31:09.882-04:00Breakfast Outside<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn6H_a10EI/AAAAAAAAAIw/mfK5roqYjzQ/s1600-h/breakfast+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226983857730211906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn6H_a10EI/AAAAAAAAAIw/mfK5roqYjzQ/s320/breakfast+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn5bzDqE0I/AAAAAAAAAIo/qCyxQ0leB0o/s1600-h/breakfast+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226983098497504066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn5bzDqE0I/AAAAAAAAAIo/qCyxQ0leB0o/s320/breakfast+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn30xDSt8I/AAAAAAAAAIg/EQ30FVt5EWs/s1600-h/breakfast+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226981328432576450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SIn30xDSt8I/AAAAAAAAAIg/EQ30FVt5EWs/s320/breakfast+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> I love dining outside whenever the weather permits. Since I have been off from work all this week I have been able to indulge quite a bit with this particular activity. There is just something special about being outside and dining, I know I take my time when I dine outside, rather than being rushed or distracted by the t.v. Perfection for me would be a screened in patio so I would be able to dine bug-free, but alas that is not in the cards for me at this time. </div><div></div><div>Most of you will have probably noticed that I love using white quite a bit in my tablesettings. White is so versitile, you can use it with anything, my suggestion to people who want to make their tablesettings more interesting is to (start with) buy a set of white dishes, either simple or with an interesting raised edge. Later when you have branched out and purchased patterned dishes, they will always flow together, the mixing and matching will work with most any patterned dishes.</div></div><div></div><br /><div>You might notice in the second and third photo, the coffee/tea mug,..... it has a lid! I love these cups, I purchased mine at Pier One, they also have a few other different patterns if you are interested for yourself. The great thing about the lid is that it keeps out the bugs if you are outside, and it keeps in the warmth of the liquid because of the lid. (the first pic shows the lid placed on the white platter). </div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1922112900889017386.post-90613171199547885502008-07-05T11:57:00.004-04:002008-07-05T12:12:55.073-04:00A Simple Breakfast<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SG-dNORgdPI/AAAAAAAAAIY/s6azF1sOd4E/s1600-h/home+show+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219563343641081074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_IN_ePdKALVw/SG-dNORgdPI/AAAAAAAAAIY/s6azF1sOd4E/s320/home+show+013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sometimes I just want a simple breakfast; today applesauce, orange juice and coffee. I love doing an all white look especially in the morning, whites and creams are always bright and happy for me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Sweet Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264611510617573115noreply@blogger.com14