giving thanks

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

I can't believe how quickly time flies.

In case you need a last minute idea for a table centerpiece

I thought I would share a little something...

 

Leaf covered fruit...

 

Most of us have artificial fruit hiding somewhere in our cupboards.

Give them a natural makeover by covering them with dried or preserved leaves. You can even cover artificial pumpkins, gourds and acorn decorations...

Use decoupage medium or mix your own...

1. mix one part white craft glue to one part warm water

2. paint surface of fruit working in one small area at a time

3. carefully cover the entire surface with leaves

4. once dry top coat with another of decoupage medium

 

*this is a very child-friendly project...

Tuck the fruit into simple flower arrangements or pepper them throughout your tablescape, buffet, foyer table or mantle.

 

I featured instructions for this project in the fall issue of

Flea Market Décor magazine...

 

 

 

I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving

surrounded by friends and family!

forever flowers

A few weeks ago I shared a few images

of how I fill my home with fresh flowers...

Well here is my favorite part about having fresh flowers...

they can be dried and given a second life!

 

Once the blossoms begin to wilt, tie the stems together

and hang them upside down.

 

 

Keep them in a warm dry place and away from direct sunlight

until the petals feel like paper.

 

I will make some into wreaths...

 

...sprinkle the petals about...

 

...and fill vases and baskets with beautiful bouquets.

 

I try to make the most of every single leaf and flower,

by adding essential oils to make fragrant homemade potpourri.

 

The next time you are thinking of purchasing fresh flowers,

consider blossoms that are terrific candidates for drying like hydrangeas, delphinium, roses, baby's breath, lavender,

straw flowers and liatris.

 

 

Drying flowers is an easy way to give your fresh flowers a second life. Since the holidays are right around the corner...

how about sharing some of your one-of-a-kind dried creations

and giving them as gifts this year!

 

happy veterans day

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the brave men and women who have served this country and continue to serve today. I would also like to recognize their families for their support and bravery as well.

 

 

I am saddened by the many losses but encouraged
by the selfless contributions of so many proud Americans.

 

I would like to share a few vintage postcards
that I think are as beautiful as their messages.

 

 

I hope you will spare a moment of your day

to say a prayer for all of those in harms way

and for their families who await their safe return.

 

Have a thankful heart on this special day

and honor our veterans for the gifts they have given to us...

fresh flowers for fall

As many of you know, I spend a great deal of my time styling and shooting stories for various home décor and garden magazines. The rest of my professional time is spent in my retail shop. So to say I love to be surrounded by lovely things is no surprise. Well my home is no exception to this rule. One luxury that I enjoy most is indulging in fresh flowers.

I was recently asked to share a bit about how I use flowers to decorate my home by the creative folks at BloomNation. They are an online flower home delivery service. They also have an inspiring blog filled with wonderful posts!

 

 

When it comes to my home, sometimes I step out into the garden to gather fresh cuttings while other times I will pick up a few simple bundles at the grocery store or market.

My method of arranging flowers is the same no matter the source.

 

 

I don't follow any set of rules. I just surround myself with my favorite flowers all year long in colors that complement my home.

Then I will add natural seasonal touches like these beautiful

natural dried birdhouse gourds.

 

I will separate the stems by variety, clean the stems by removing extra leaves then trim the bottom at a sharp angle.

 

I will select vessels to hold the flowers that will best showcase the blossoms. White ironstone pitchers are always my go-to vase.

 

I cut the stems by length to match the height of the pitcher so the flower top is supported by the rim.

 

 

When I fill multiple vases with various bouquets,

I tend to cluster them together for the most visual impact.

 

To kick off November, I will create a fall décor

to fit my personal style.

 

 

Remember...no rules!

 

To get the longest lasting fresh flower arrangements

there are a few guidelines to follow:

 

1. Always use a clean container.

2. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle

to maximize the surface accepting water.

3. Mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar

and 1/4 teaspoon of bleach in room temperature water.

 

 

4. Remove and cut the bottom of the stems

and make a new water mixture every 3-4 days.

5. Keep flowers cool and out of direct sunlight.

 

I hope you are inspired to surround yourself with fresh flowers!

 

Or maybe you would like to share a lovely bouquet

with someone special!

 

Visit BloomNation for easy flower home delivery

of incredible floral artistry...

 

Click the link below for more wonderful floral inspiration...

November is here and my home is filled with fresh flowers. I love to start this month that exudes autumnal inspiration off in style.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.