scattering inspiration: mayflower centerpieces

Get the how-to and templates for these Mayflower Centerpieces here.

Martha says this is a great activity for kids!

However, be sure you know the Indian perspective of Thanksgiving, too. There is a (somewhat shocking) piece here about the Myths of Thanksgiving, as understood in American Indian realms.

Here is another (much more gentle) link.

Here's my view:

When it comes to history no one really knows what happened or why. History is as much about human experience as the present-- and how easy is it to find unbiased news coverage? There are always (at least) two sides to every story, and the human mind is innately biased, subjective, and personal. So enjoy your Mayflower centerpieces, while knowing that today Thanksgiving is about family, sharing, opportunity, blessings, and nourishment for stomach and soul. Harvest the positive while being aware of the negative.

And please feel free to share your views and/or links in the comments section!

Happy November!

scattering inspiration: BOO!

I got the idea for "mummy vases" from a magazine I flipped through while in line at the grocery store.

(Now I can't remember which.) They used the plastic eyes that roll around, but I just made my own from cardstock. Then, I added the apple to help the scene unfold.

It might be fun to draw red squiggles shooting out from the pupils to make them look bloodshot. Or color the whites with yellow highlighter for a whole new, glowing effect.

It took 5 minutes to set up,
and it's like a story sitting on my windowsill, unfolding with every change of light and slight turn of the apple.

I usually look up at least once from washing dishes and just have to give a little chuckle :)

scattering inspiration: fall decor

  

Photos via here, here , and here.

:: husband took flight in a homemade plane... among other topics

First things first,

Football season has begun, and our team won their first game... War Eagle to all you Auburn grads and fans!

About those flowers, they are my favorite shade of rose. Especially this time of year.

They were the last bouquet at the market. I split them up to adorn both the living room

in a slightly tarnished (just enough for a touch of character) mint julep cup,

And in the dining room.

We had dinner guests on Friday night. They are our neighbors who we've been meaning to get to know beyond brief sidewalk chats. It turns out, they have led very interesting Air Force lives, and he spent the first several years of his retirement building a plane in his garage.

Husband got a phone call Saturday morning inviting him to go on a brief scenic flight.

Husband thoughtfully asked me if I was okay with him traveling recreationally in a homemade airplane. I quickly calculated our neighbor's career starting as an airplane mechanic and ending as 316th Wing Commander, which essentially means he was in charge of operations and maintenance for the main base of Air Force One.

I decided if the country trusted him with at least 3 consecutive presidents' safety as well as the incoming flights of people like Princess Diana, maybe my Husband would be in good hands.

They flew over Clemson University and saw the season's first tailgaters, Husband's job site,

And one of the prettiest lakes in South Carolina. It was a perfect day for flying, and his wife and I (aka "the women") got invited to go "once the leaves change."

Does the Thanksgiving pageant song "This Land is Your Land" run through anyone else's head while looking at these photos?

personalizing

How do you get ready for company?

I like something freshly baked (even if it is a boxed muffin mix or something from the bakery),

a personalized "Welcome" sign,

guest towels laid out with a little treat on top,
fresh flowers all over the house,

and a jar of cheerful salt water taffy in the guest room.

And then we spend the weekend sharing our favorite things, which this weekend just so happened to include Southern-style gelato. Among other things.

So, tell me:

How do you get ready for company?

baby shower

The menu (none of which I can take credit for) came straight from Phyllis Hoffman's Spring issue of Celebrate.

Baby shower decorations seem to be so much more useful than the decor for other parties and showers. You just stack some teething rings on the faucet, pile up some baby blocks as a centerpiece and make a wreath that can later hang on the nursery door and you have yourself a party!

Now, we're just waiting for the follow-up event: Miss Anna's debut in the world of light and air!

weddings then babies

I'm off to help with a baby shower this weekend!

I did my part and made a few decorations, which I will share next week.

In the meantime, here's some Baby Shower Inspiration in case any of you are hostessing one anytime soon:

I especially love the vintage letter blocks. We are going to attempt a similar look in "girl" colors at our shower.