Jumping Head First into Fall – Our Fall Home Tour

Fall Tour 2014 Hero Image

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons.  After particularly hot summers here in Georgia, when the seasons start to change, I feel the need to bring as much warmth in doors as possible, enter my Fall Décor.

I feel that the Entry to Your Home Sets the Tone for the Entire House.  So, I normally start with my Front Door and Work My way All the Back to the Kitchen.  But, this year, I was literally chomping at the bit, to pull out the Fall Decorations.  So I started indoors, that way the neighbors wouldn’t  know how crazy I am , lol.  I had also promised my hubby, I would wait at least until September 1st, to start decorating for Fall, and that is literally how long I waited.

I started with the hardest part, the Fall Tablescape.  To me, that is the make or break it point.  All other décor  gets married to this room.  I was pretty sure that I could use most of the items that I purchased last year, but still create a different look than last years.

Here is a glimpse of last year’s décor.

2013 Fall Centerpiece

 

2013 Fall Tablescape

Fast Forward to this Year:

2014 Fall Tablescape found on www.stage-presents.com

 

2014 Fall Tablesetting found on www.stage-presents.com

 

Side Buffet - Decorating for Fall - www.stage-presents.com

 

The Burnt Orange Bird Cages were something that my hubby picked up last year, when we were trying to figure out how to style the Side Buffet and the Mantle.  Luckily, they were already the perfect color, the only thing I added to them, were some fall leaves to line the cage.  I had a rather large ceramic pumpkin, and I simply put inside my glass cake plate, and added a few fall leaves and floral accents.  Then I decorated the table with other ceramic pumpkins and gourds.  Next,  I set the table with Fall Leaf place mats I bought last year from Bed Bath & Beyond,  in brown and gold.    I used Pier 1  pear and pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from last year and large fall leaves I purchased from Joann’s Fabrics, to make the table settings pop.  And, the scripted napkins were also something that I bought last year.  So I recycled pretty much everything while creating a new and I think a better look than last year.

Next Up, was my Foyer.  It gets a facelift on a constant basis.  I change up the Art Work and Décor based on Season Changes, Birthdays, and Holidays..  After all it’s the first thing you see when you come through my front door.

Past Foyer Looks:

Fall 2013 Foyer Decor

 

Christmas 2013 - Foyer Decor

 

This Year’s Look:

Fall 2014 - Foyer Decor

My Formal Dining Room flows directly into My Formal Living Room.  I didn’t do much in this room, but change out the centerpiece, just to give the whole space a uniform look.

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Fall 2014 – Living Room Centerpiece found on www.stage-presents.com

Then, I carried the decorations over into the Kitchen by adding these Chalkboard Candles to the Window Sill in the Kitchen.

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Fall 2014 Kitchen Window Display

Last Up, was the Front Door Area.  Here are some pics from the last two years.

2013 Fall Door

2012 Fall Door

And, finally this year!!

2014 Fall Door

Thanks for joining us on Our Fall Home Tour.  As always it’s a joy to decorate my home for my family, and to share it, with you.

J’adore 7/8: Double Edition

Stomach Flu had me out for the count last week, so I tried to make up for it, with a Double Edition this week.  Hope you enjoy!!

I was a little thrown off my game this year, with Easter being so far into April. But, at least it gave me more time to make Easter Memorable.  I am really feeling these non-traditional ideas for Decorating Eggs  – Glitter Eggs and these Chalkboard Eggs.  Haven’t decided which one I like more, or if these Qualify as a Mommy Project or a Mommy and the Girls Project.  After all they have their PAAS Egg Decorating Sets, lol.

The change of Season is inspiring Color Everywhere.  Elle Decor recently shared their Spring 2014 Color Trends, along with their ideas of how to Design and Decorate using these hues.   My favorite colors from their list were PANTONE 16-3823 Violet Tulip and PANTONE 18-3949 Dazzing Blue.  In fact, I am trying to incorporate the Blue into my Easter Tablescape.  I will let you know how that turns out.  It doesn’t seem to be an easy color to find and or match with my existing dinnerware.

With my birthday approaching, I have been bouncing around ideas of getting together with my girlfriends.  Trying to figure out if I wanted to do a full blown dinner party, go out to eat, or do some type of wine/cheese tasting party. That is when I ran across this, and had to chuckle.  Have you ever had these kind of days?

I know I shared the link, but I had to share the pic in this actual post(priceless).

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This past year my nine year old had a LOT of Dental Work done.  She had adult teeth that came in behind the baby teeth and it took a lot to get everything where it should be.  Super Painful too, so this year, I am shying away from anything that could put my baby back in that dentist chair, other than a cleaning.  I am looking for NON CANDY Easter Basket Options.  I guess I am not the only one, I found a lot of great ideas here and here.

Lastly, someone mentioned to me this week that a lot of people want to use Pillows to decorate, but are unsure about Pillow Placement.  So here is some “Pillow Porn” for you. Hope that didn’t offend anyone…

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Did this help you think of a place you could put a Throw Pillow?  Head on over to our Etsy Store for some options!!

Next week, I will be sharing some Great Easter Crafts… Until then, AS YOU WERE!! 

 

“Fifty Shades of Grey” — A Color Story!!

Do you have a hard time knowing what colors work together?

Check out these amazing ways to Decorate with Gray. –

Gray is much more than a combination of black and white — it offers a wide array of possibilities.

Check out this Masculine Color Scheme showcased on HGTV.com –

Gray + Brown + Orange + Coral

Check out this Feminine Color Scheme showcased on HGTV.com –

Pale Grey Blue + Charcoal + Pink

Need More Ideas here are some Gray Color Schemes.

Check out some of the Gray Throw Pillows we have in our Etsy Store?

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The Dust Up In the Family Room!!

Can you play two ends of the same coin?  I like to say that I push the envelope when it comes to my Home Decor Choices, but more often than not, my choice ends up being very main stream and even a bit conservative but with a contemporary flair.

Last year we decided it was time to update our Family Room. And, our jumping off point was the sofa.  I never anticipated the mayhem that would ensue.  After numerous trips to the furniture store.  We decided on this sofa.

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Or so I thought.  We didn’t really measure the space.  And (maybe), since I’m not sure even after a year, that I am ready to acquiesce that it was too big for the room, it was a bit large.  But, I loved that sofa.  So for peace sake the sofa went back and hubby was tasked with finding a new sofa for the family room.  I was still pouting, so I stayed at home.

So you can imagine my horror and surprise when hubby came home with a red leather sectional.

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Little did I know that [1] I would fall in love it.  [2] It was the perfect match for our space.  [3]  It would inspire such creativity on our part(our Mantel Decor- shown above).

It is easy to pick safe choices, but I must admit that” flying a little close to the sun” worked for us, this time.

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With Winter on Its Way Out and Spring on its way In, I find myself mesmerized by color.

We have pretty much completed the Family Room.  Meaning, it has everything it needs. But, I would like to add a little bit to it here or there.  I have always been a fan of built-ins, but hubby isn’t a fan of big furniture, unless you count the TV.  So, a compromise of sorts for that room, will most likely be bookshelves. I like the idea of being able to style the bookshelves, with pictures, art, as well as books.  Therefore, not having to destroy the walls, should I choose to change it up at some point.  Even more than that, I like the fact that one of the recent trends in book shelf styling encourages adding color to the insides of bookshelves to make the room pop.  This would most likely be something else hubby and I would have to discuss further, but check out these three looks.

1 – This one actually is a “built-in”.

2 – This one is more for a kid’s room or playroom.  The colors are so festive and Spring like.

3 – This one is probably the closest to what I am looking for.  Especially since, the largest piece of furniture in our Family Room is our Red Leather Sofa.

Another Color that keeps drifting into everything these days is Yellow. According to Benjamin Moore, Yellow or “Breath of Fresh Air“, as they are calling it is the Color of 2014.  It’s a little pale for my preferences, but, I find myself gravitating towards this Color Scheme.  The yellow here is a little stronger.

It is used here to Decorate this Outdoor Space for an Event.  Here as a DIY that caught my eye, to glitz up your front door. And, in this Gorgeous Nursery Set Up.  And, my favorite of course the Giraffe and Elephant Pillows available for purchase in our Etsy Store.

Spring is Officially Approaching.  Don’t forget to set your Clocks Forward tonight!!

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What’s on your Agenda for the Change of Season?

Did you read our Last Blog?

 

Valentine’s Day Across The Web!!

I literally wish I could do all of the amazing crafts and Valentine’s Day ideas that I have found across the web, but that would be virtually impossible.   So….. instead, I will share some of my favorite links.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas from around the Web (Links Below)

There’s only a day left, but these are easy enough that you can work on them today, if needs be. I finished early this year, but it looks like the kid’s wont get to celebrate with their friends this year, due to the weather.

Do you have a little “foodie”, in your family?  If so this Free Valentine’s Day Printable Lunch Box Notes, will be perfect for you.

Got Construction Paper, and some Hand Eye Coordination, this Super Easy “Bee Mine” Valentine’s Day Craft is Super Cute!!

I know a lot of folks think Valentine’s Day is for the ladies, but I think our little men would beg to differ.  Check out this amazing Lego Valentine’s Day Boxes  made over @ The Blackberry Vine.  In 2012, she did this Lego Darth Vader Valentine Box.

I shared this on Facebook, last week sometime. But, I think it bears repeating. You can use things you already have at home to set a Festive Table for Valentine’s Day!! Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance.

Set up An Easy Valentine's Day Tablescape with things you have at home.

I used Scrap Fabric, Scrapbook Paper, A Valentine’s Snow Globe, and my Dinnerware and Silverware to create a Festive Table-setting.

Easy Tablesetting for Valentine's Day (with things you have at home)

Hope you all have the Happiest of Valentine’s Days, with the ones you love.  Be it your significant other or the whole family!!

Valentine's Day Quote Photo Source: Pinterest

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

I got this idea of a Home Tour from seeing so many other amazing Holiday Spaces featured across several blogs.  And, let’s face it, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour

For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my favorite holiday.  Being surrounded by family, the sights and smells, they have all played a part in memories that I hold dear to my heart.

It’s one of the reasons why I literally throw myself every year into “Decking The Halls”,  for my family, the way my mom did for my sister and I.  And the way her Mom did for her.

This is our second year having two trees.  The Family Room/Foyer Tree has all the ornaments that the kids have made through the years, our keepsake ornaments, and the traditional Christmas Colors.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the front door of our home.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Front Foyer and Hallway

This hallway takes you into our Family Room, where we decorated our fireplace/mantel with our Luxe Stockings and DIY Scripted Glitter Letters.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - The Mantel

Our Formal Living Room and Dining Room flow into each other and house our 8 ft.  Douglas Fir.  This year we went with the accent color of purple and I had a ball “marrying” the two rooms.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour- Teal Purple and Silver Color Scheme

Needless to say, at this time of year, I am in my element.

Our 2013 Christmas Home Tour - Dobbie Our Christmas Elf Sighting

So from Our Stage Presents Family to yours, Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!  I hope you enjoyed our home, as much as we enjoyed sharing it!!

DIY Scripted Glitter Letters

Looking for an Alternative to Monogrammed Stockings? Last year we bought some Luxe Stockings, which I am still very much in love with.  We wanted to personalize them, but without actually having to alter the stockings.  So we settled on Scripted Glitter Letters instead.

DIY Scripted Glitter Letters

This was very simple to do.  I purchased the Scripted Wooden Letters, from Hobby Lobby (my favorite store according to my 4 year old).

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I guess you could sand the letters if you wanted to, but we opted for a more rustic look, so  just went ahead and painted them.  Once the paint dried then we applied the glitter spray.  Both items pictured below:

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And, there you have it the completed project!!

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According to my dh, my projects always turn into his, so I should add that.. we did throw in some”Hubby Elbow Grease”!!  To see more of how we decorated our home for the Holidays check out Our 2013 and 2014 Christmas Home Tours.

My Sister’s Baby Shower : A Labor of Love!!

It’s no secret that I love entertaining (a trait, I know I got from my Mommy).  This party was no different, except that it was EXTRA SPECIAL because it was for my “not so little baby sister”.

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They say your sister is your very first friend, and in my case my very best friend.  So, I was over the moon knowing that soon we would be able to share the joys of motherhood, and to learn I was gonna be an Auntie to her twin girls.  Making this party and this day extra special was all that I could think about for months.

I eventually decided that I would go with a Noah’s Ark theme because she was having twins.  But, I couldn’t help but include some of my favorite colors and threw in some polka dots and chevron prints too.

Here Is A Glimpse Into My Sister’s Pink and Green Noah’s Ark Twin Baby Shower.

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

My Sister's Pink and Green Noah's Ark Baby Shower for Twins

Favorite Features:

  • Pink and Green Chevron Table Runners and Cupcake Stands
  • The Mommy Cake – Small Round Cake with White Icing and Pink Piping by Publix
  • Edible Baby Building Block Cake Toppers and Noah’s Ark Animal Cake Toppers (Fondant) – Like Butter Etsy Shop
  • Pink and Green Polka Dot Napkins shaped to look like Napkin Flower Displays
  • Baby Animals 3D Favor Boxes – Beaucoup
  • Personalized Twins Labels – Big Dot of Happiness
  • Onesie Wish Board – Handmade by Stage Presents
  • Welcome Chalkboard – Handmade by Stage Presents
  • Library Books in place of Greeting Cards for the Twin’s Nursery

Credits:

– Styling: Sheree Thomas of Stage Presents
– Photography: Anwar Thomas Photography
– Venue: The Hindsman Estate
– Invitations: Anwar Thomas Photography
– Desserts: Publix