Spirit of Christmas Past: Entry in White

Hi Friends, I'm really missing not being able to decorate for Christmas this year. I didn't get to decorate for Fall either, but I knew that wouldn't happen from the minute we signed papers on the new house. But... I had hopes that we'd maybe be moved in by the end of November. As we started working at the new place more and more projects that needed to be done came to our attention, so now it's December and we are still working. At this point I'm hoping to move at the first of the year. I'm not complaining because I want things accomplished before we get there. So I'm doing a little reminiscing. 

New House Journal: Slipcovered Sofa Set and Mantel Makeover

We're making a lot of headway at the new house, with several things coming to completion. The hardwood floors were installed before Thanksgiving and the finish of the carpet install was this afternoon. I'll share those once I get decent pics. Right now I have something hiding underneath plastic drop cloths that I'm anxious to share. One of my favorite things on my check list is the long awaited delivery of my new Slipcovered Sofa Set. Big Yay.

New House Journal: Timber Frame Front Porch

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We worked most of the weekend painting the laundry/bath and Hearth Room/Kitchen. One project we took on called for some study and investigation. Today,  I'm sharing a little Pinterest inspiration that I gathered, to help me find a solution for a front porch "mini makeover" on our new house. To say I was not a fan of the front porch is an understatement. The house is a long drawn out 60's brick "ranch" that has a lovely setting, but just left me lacking that home-y English Cottage feel that I love.

Pinterest

Favorite Vintage Thanksgiving Tablescape

Sharing some pics from my favorite Thanksgiving Tablescape from 2013. Just for fun. Have a wonderful day with friends and family.

New House Journal: Painting the Woodwork

These photos are really not blogworthy, because they were taken with my phone and the lighting is so poor in these rooms. The little chandelier is so pretty, but it's throwing shadows on the wall that look mottle-y and dirty. (the walls WERE dirty, I think they must have used a lot of candles or the fireplace soot built up over time) Anyway, it was either using these pics, or waiting until I could get my camera over there. The flooring will be installed next week, so I'll wait and get some better ones when they are in.

Dining Room

Go-to Thanksgiving Decor

I've always loved Thanksgiving, and enjoy bringing out the cozy wool blankets in Tartan Plaids of brown, dark green, and tans, vintage Turkeys, cornucopias filled with Harvest goods, and of course my favorite Brown Transferware. I'm usually in a hurry to start decorating for Christmas, yet I never want to totally bypass this wonderful Late Fall Holiday, dedicated to love of family, friends, and gratefulness for God's blessings.

"Hoo Said That?"

I have several little friends that haven't been able to make their appearance this Fall, since they're all packed away and waiting till next year. But once in a while I hear a little hoot, chirp, or baaaa, and know they are wondering what happened to October. They were the star of the Late October Show. Don't worry, we'll share a few pics from yesteryear.

Thanksgiving to Christmas Tree

We'll be inundated with "Christmas in Blogland" next week. (I AM excited to see what's coming for Christmas) There are still some of us that even though we are looking forward to Decking the Halls, still want to celebrate Thanksgiving. This causes us to look for ways to start the Christmas Decor process, but we're not ready to barrel head long into it, bypassing Thanksgiving.

Bountiful Fall Baskets Blog Hop

Using baskets has been a fun and creative way for me to decorate since I saw the first issues of Country Living Magazine back in 1978. One of the best things about them is that they can be found at any vintage market, flea, antique shop or garage sale, usually for a price that will fit anyone's budget. Baskets come in so many varieties; mostly wood products, wicker, willow, and even metals. Since I turn first to vintage finds, I have a good stash, big and small, that I can choose from. Today I'm joining in for a Fun Fall Blog Hop that's showcasing Baskets decorated for Autumn. If you're coming from Follow the Yellow Brick Home, so glad you're here. I think Amber loves this time of year just as much as I do.

A few misplaced things...

Even though we're working on the new house with it pretty much in disarray and a lot going on, I still have that need to scatter a little Fall Decor about. During August and September I was able to get a jump on some packing, especially some of my decor pieces like old dishes and vintage odds and ends. I found a few things that I don't think I'd shared on the blog for awhile so I thought I'd try to use a few of them for the season.

An Encore Autumn Outdoors Tablescape and Getting Started at the New House

It's so hard to believe that it's actually October now... and that it's my favorite time of the year, AND that I don't even have one real pumpkin on my porch. Really... no pumpkins on my porch, real or faux. I DO have some pretty rust colored mums and my orange pillows that I bought last year for the little iron bench. Here are a few pics from several years ago from an outside Fall Tablescape to keep me in a "happy place".

Out and About and a Fall Vignette with Concrete Pears

Since I can't do a whole house Fall Tour, I'm just concentrating on small vignettes with Fall decor. Recently I've found a few fun additions to my Fall goodies lineup. Yesterday we celebrated my sister's Birthday with a trip to Spring Creek Antiques and Tea Room in Ozark, MO. One of the best lunch spots in the area, that is in the middle of a wonderful vintage market. If you're ever in the Springfield area this is a must experience spot.

Fall Decor in the Middle of the Mess

Hi Friends, since this is my favorite time of the year, I'm going to try and share some small posts on Fall. It's a mild form of chaos over here at "Packing Central", but sharing here, and seeing what you all are doing for Fall decor will help me stay somewhat sane. 

Vintage Shopping and the Trunk Makeover

Last Friday my sister and I finally got around to heading out for a little vintage shopping. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed being out and about for some Vintage Fall Fun. "Fun" has been pretty much off the table this last Summer because I would just poop out after about an hour. But I was ready for some Fall Inspiration and the Shop Hops were in full swing. We headed to our favorite vintage market, "The Vintage Peddler" in Springfield and wandered the aisles for an hour or so, while sipping some bubbly cider.

Rustic French Fall Decor

I'm in the middle of messy packing mode, but I'm still looking for Fall Inspiration. Nothing over-the-top, but some subtle color changes and natural vignettes. I thought I'd share some classic French Country Autumn seasonal decor with you today from previous Septembers. I like to look back through the archives and see what I was doing "this time of year" from years ago.