Thanksgiving Tables

My girlfriend, Lynda who lives in Atlanta, has formed a group of women to do "Martha things"!

Their first meeting was last Friday, and they toured 3 homes to view the Thanksgiving tablescapes that each of the owners had created. Each of the participants bought and shared family Thanksgiving recipes. Unfortunately, I only saw my friend's, but I am hoping for pictures from the others. These photo's show 2 different tables in Lynda's home, already set for a large gathering of 14 on Turkey Day. Each was created by re-using dishes in new combinations on her tables, and being able to gather lots of southern dried hydrangeas from the bushes in her yard!

One of the simplest tablecloths is on the table in the sun room by the pool. Faux crocodile leather was purchased from JoAnnes and just laid on the table - perfect for textural interest and clean-up from turkey gravy! Lot's of organic elements were used, naturally shed antlers, feathers, moss, and wooden trays. Plenty of candles were placed prominently on the tables to add to the festive nature of the occasion.

Tablescapes for Aids

The past two weeks have been extremely busy, first the jewelry market in Atlanta and this week was time to put out Christmas in the store. But yesterday, a friend and I took time to attend the Elle Decor Tablescape Event at the Chicago Mart to raise money for Aids. I am posting pictures of tables from this event to share with you. My favorite centerpiece was the kale and moss in the rock crystal bowl. Many designers used organic materials such as moss, sticks, and vessels that were in the shape of trees, shells, and nature. The Ralph Lauren display was charming. Sitting in a log

gazebo, it featured great plaid, metallic, and velvet pillows around a stunning

place setting on a leopard charger. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Le Chateau Frontenac

While in Quebec, we stayed at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac , an absolutely beautiful hotel built in the 1800's for customers on the Canadian railways, as they traveled across the country. The view from our room was of the St. Lawrence river and the town below. A funiculaire, a fancy elevator, carried you up and down the cliffs to the town below. The exquisite ballroom was added in the 1930's and has huge chandeliers. But the food in the hotel was unbelievable. My husband and I ordered a creme brulee to share one evening and it was served in a large soup bowl, and garnished with the largest blackberry that I have ever seen. The chef in the hotel grows his own vegetable and herb garden on the roof of the third floor. I would highly recommend this hotel, and be sure to take the tour about the hotel's history.

There is a sweet story about 2 young lovers that visited there in the 1930's and each made a secret wish while descending the beautiful staircase outside the ballroom. Sixty years later they returned with their children and grandchildren to the Le Chateau Frontenac and realized that they had both wished for the same thing, children and a lifetime together. As we left the tour guide at the top of the same stairs, he also had us make a wish as we descended the stairs. Wonder what Mr. RTH wished for? Probably for a great day of fishing!

Windows in Quebec

During our trip to Quebec, I was enchanted by the incredible window boxes and brightly colored roofs. It gives me inspiration for my own home, especially for the holidays. I loved the red roofs and doors, so very cheerful and welcoming.

Thanksgiving before Halloween?

My husband and I spent a long weekend in Quebec City last week, and it just happened to be the Canadian Thanksgiving. The narrow cobblestone streets were lined with boutiques that were decked out to the nines with fall decorations- I can't imagine what they do for Christmas??? I loved the pumpkin on the hand of the angel at the top of a very tall statue- I wonder who climbed up there.

Pumpkins, white lights, and sometimes unexpected things - like chairs - embellished the fronts of stores. The most astonishing arrangement was of succulents, mums, and mosses attached to chicken wire to form the shape of an urn. Ghost walks and haunted gardens were packed with tourists. The architecture, the restaurants, and the rainy weather created a surreal atmosphere perfect for a fall get- away. More to come on the architecture later.

White Magical Pumpkins

Fall doesn't always have to be orange, brown and rust. Sometimes a party just calls for light and airy. We set a buffet table for an engagement party using white pumpkins, large crystal bobeches, and gilded elements. While the white pumpkins set a fall mood, the sparkling crystal and gold made the celebration more elegant. Old gilded frames served as trays, while we used old lamp parts to create the bobeches. Lots of unique candlesticks flickered softly to enhance the romantic atmosphere.

Laundry Day Blues

Laundry rooms can be a fun place to be! So I like to treat them like they are an important room in a home. And I just love my big blue washer and dryer - so cool to watch do the work! Old painted tiles were collected over several years to form a backsplash over the washer and dryer. An old kitchen sink was refinished and given a new purpose in the laundry room. It's a great size for flower arranging or handwashing delicates. The vintage flower shop door was found and built into a shelving unit to showcase majolica. The old green painted cupboard provides lots of storage for flower pots and decorative containers. A collection of old french painted pottery sits above the washer and dryer. Baskets hold laundry and the usual selection of single socks waiting for a mate!
An antique chandelier shines brightly in the center of the room, creating romantic ambiance for the laundry experience. French linen water and scented lavender dryer towels make doing the laundry more enjoyable. It's a room I really don't mind being in - bright, good scents, and surrounded by things I love!