Thanksgiving Tablescapes - Three DIY Ideas

I have loved creating tablescapes ever since I discovered Sandra Lee on the Food Network years ago! I love how she took a holiday, created a theme, took it to the table, and even to the door as guests left with a sweet party favor. And because of her inspiration, I have tried to create simple table settings for our own holiday, and any other party, we've hosted.

So with Thanksgiving just three days away, which I can't even believe, I took some time to get my dinnerware together and created a few test runs in the tablescape department. You don't need a ton of fancy centerpieces to make an elegant or whimsical table. All you need is some festive dinnerware, autumnal colors, and a few small things to place in the center of the table. 

When it comes to centerpieces, or tablescapes, keep it as minimal as possible. You don't want to distract from the gorgeous dinner at hand or the amazing company that has gathered around the table. And, keep everything low. You don't want to block the views of the people in front of you. You want to be able to look across the table and look them in the eye when conversing.

I started with my antique Iroquois dinnerware that my mom and I found several years ago at our favorite antique store. I loved the colors and design within the place settings and the serving pieces are just as cool. We've been able to fill in the gaps with replacement pieces we've found online. I love the idea of taking in someone else's treasures!  It makes our dinner table even more special.

I've added in a couple of different charges, one in a grapevine wreath design and the other in gold. I found the wine glasses and water goblets at Pier 1 last year. I love the rich amber color. 

From there, I scoured my cabinets for some fun and festive fall themed pieces to create a couple of possible centerpieces. I love the idea of playing around with turkeys, it is the main event of the dinner ahead, but I also love the corn cob candles, the bud vase filled with flowers, and the different glass pumpkins. So many great options! 

 

 I set the table first. I placed the grapevine wreath charge below the gold one and then piled on the dinnerware from there. The dinner plate, then the salad plate, then the bowl, and a nicely folded napkin is placed within the bowl. I even have sweet little butter plates for each place setting. There's even a little place setting for McKinley. Don't leave out the little ones. Make them feel like they're part of the "big people table"! He has his own plate and a sweet little turkey ornament as his napkin ring.

For the first tablescape, I set out four sweet bud faces full of gorgeous fall flowers. The flowers are fake and can be picked up at any arts and craft store. I got mine at Michael's. I placed a colorful turkey between each vase and that was it. I love it! I think it's my favorite of the three! 

So simple yet so chic!

Next up is a cute little centerpiece created around a colorful little ceramic turkey. I placed two taper candles on each side of the turkey and one corn cob candle on the end of the tapers. Still low for conversation and it adds a little whimsy within an elegant place setting. 

Lastly, I clumped three different pumpkins pieces together to create a very small cluster within the center of the table. One thing I would love to add is a bouquet of sweet flowers within the orange pumpkin one. A cluster of mums or vivid yellow roses would be amazing! Maybe I will rethink my original version and play around with this one.

 

I definitely think the bouquet would make this really pop! I do like the cluster effect. It keeps the table open for all the food! And a couple of bottles of wine. (Note that the turkey ornament napkin ring is missing. McKinley decided he needed it more than the table did. A sick three year old wins every time.)

One thing I have learned is to never have scented candles at the dinner table. You never want the scent of the candle to interfere with the aromas of all the food being served. Candles do set a gorgeous mood. Just make sure they are unscented.

What is your favorite way to set the table? Do you reach for the china or your every day dishes? Do you have a family piece that you serve from every year? I love incorporating traditions. It keeps it so personal. Please share your Thanksgiving traditions and ways you ready your table! I can't wait to read them!

ULTA Grand Opening - Aspen Square

Before last night, I had never stepped foot inside an ULTA. After last night, I will forever be an ULTA fan! I attended the Grand Opening of their ULTA store in Aspen Square off of 135th and roughly Metcalf. It was amazing! This store was enormous! Clean, white, bright, and stocked to the brim with over 20,000 products! Their product lines range from drugstore beauty brands to high-end cosmetics, fragrances, haircare, hair tools and accessories, nail everything, dermatology, and a salon! Seriously, check out this new store stat!

I was invited to the event, along with several other local bloggers, to cover the event for my blog. It was a festive atmosphere of friends chatting, playing, testing, and purchasing new products and old favorites. I learned so much while I was there! They offer a brow bar, and for last night, a complimentary Braid Bar. Several vendor representatives were there chatting about their products, and I took full advantage! A NY based makeup artist from Tarte taught me the fine art of applying a cat-eye, which looked amazing, so I purchased the eyeliner and fancy angled brush that came with it. I'm really excited to give it a whirl soon. (If it turns out okay, I may try a tutorial.)

I took a turn at the Braid Bar and came away with a fun up-do. If only I had somewhere to go after the event! With amazing hair and awesome eyes, I felt like it was a look wasted on Sheriff Callie from Disney and my son and husband who could care less! But, those at the event seemed to love it so that's all the matters! And, I found the mirrored aviators I've been searching for for months! Not sure I'm cool enough to pull them off, but the other bloggers seemed to think I could!

With all that being said, here are the photos I took of the event! So much to share!

I love benefit cosmetics! I've been a fan for years. Their shadows and blushes are all so pretty and neutral. And, I love that they are using a Barbie theme!

 The next mascara on my list of must-trys is this one. It's supposed to give you the illusion of false lashes, but the tag line reads...."They're real, honest!" Clever!

I am a big fan of their "that gal" face primer. If I'm really dolling up for the day, I use this to give my face a little more brightness and it really helps keep your makeup in place. I definitely want to try the dr. feelgood balm. This would replace those blotting clothes that I always buy, stash in my bag, and never use. And it smells so good!

I tested this product on my hand. The Big Easy is a makeup that goes on like liquid and dries to a powder! Genius! You can now replace that powder with one simple product. (I for one never use powder. I hate that cakey feel it can give you or the tightness it can leave your skin.) This was light to the touch and disappeared within seconds. 

  Yummy treats and drinks were being passed around throughout the evening. Don't these look divine?

 

The Braid Bar was packed! And rightfully so. One adorable look after the next was being created and showcased around the store. This is Sarah Scoop from Sarah Scoop! We met via Twitter, but officially met face to face last night! How cute is this look?

My girl Jennifer even made it to the event! Okay, she didn't, but she's here in spirit. She is the spokesperson for this line of haircare called Living proof and we were given a sample in our swag bag from KCFW. If it gives me anything close to these Jen locks, I will be hooked!

Essie heaven right here!

Tools of the trade!

This is where the NY based makeup artist worked her magic. Here's hoping I can replicate!

My turn at the Braid Bar!

Finally it was time to check out. And if you missed anything along the way, well here's your change to grab it and go!

 

Oh, here are those mirrored aviators I was telling you about earlier. Whether or not I'm cool enough to pull them off, I purchased them anyway!

I had a blast at the ULTA event! Thank you so much ULTA and KC Magazine for including us!! I will definitely be back and often!

Holiday Gift Giving - The Gift Set

I would say that as of today, the holiday's are in full swing! Our house is mostly decorated, most of my gifts have been purchased, and holiday cards are almost complete! I didn't do any Black Friday shopping. I never do! After working years in retail, I can't bring myself to go shopping when I know those poor people had to be up hours ago and didn't really get to spend time with their familys. But the biggest reason is that I'm not willing to fight all those crowds when I can just click away on Cyber-Monday!

 

I still have a few things on my shopping list. I'm not even sure if some these things are on sale. I just know I want to get them for the gals in my life. I'm a huge fan of gift sets! Sets are all the rage during the holidays. It's the perfect time to test things you wouldn't normally buy, but have to because they are a part of a set. Lip colors, lotions, candles, and perfumes. All there, in tiny bottles, compacts, and votives for me (and others) to play around with, to experiment with!

 

I've been poking around and found some of my favorites that I want to share with all of you. Get that mouse ready! You might just find something for someone on your shopping list and you might need to buy it today!

 

L'Occitane is a line of hand creams that I've always wanted to try. And, when you get one large tub for $12.00, it only makes sense to try five small ones for $42.00. That way, you can find the scent you love the most and then splurge on it at a later date!

 

 

I love Deborah Lippman nail polish! Her colors are rich in tone, the polish lasts forever, and the names are awesome! Bitches Brew! Who doesn't love applying a color called Bitches Brew to your nails! One bottle of polish is $17.00 so when you can get twelve bottles for $78.00 (normally a $144 for twelve) go for it! Your nails will thank you! 

 

 

This is one of the BEST gifts I've ever received! A friend of mine gave me this a couple of years ago and I used every single scent! There are 14 samples of some of the most popular scents all in one tiny box! After you've tested all the scents in the box, take the certificate into Sephora and get your favorite scent for free! Gotta love that! This is a $65 value and totally worth it!!

 

 

Stila is one of my favorite lines of cosmetics. They have the cutest packaging and all of their products are great! Side note, I love their concealer. This package of nine lip glosses is awesome! It's $29, a normal value of $124! I love the colors.

 

Who doesn't love candles? I have so many that I never get around to burning them all! However, no matter how many you have, you can always use more! This set from Voluspa would be a great hostess gift, stocking stuffer, or something because you need them for the holidays! You get six mini votives that sound like amazing scents. It's a $50 value. And, when one candle alone is $24, I say $50 is perfect!

 

Lastly, I'm a huge fan of Philosophy lotions and body wash. They are thick and rich and smell devine! The Gingerbread House collection sounds delish, but the Snow Angel (which smells of newly fallen snow) sounds so...angelic! I don't think you could go wrong with either!

 

 

What do you think of the selections? Have any been on your wish list in the past? Any going to make your list for friends or family or maybe just yourself?

 

Happy Holiday Shopping! 

So Thankful

My sweet family on McKinley's second birthday!

This year I am thankful for so many things! I turned 40 and thankful to say that I did. I spent time celebrating over a wonderful weekend with family and friends, just the way I had hoped I would. I was able to take my son to the Happiest Place on Earth. We spent the day with Mickey and all of friends, and few of our favorites as well. It was joy to watch him among the characters he loves and to think for a moment he was standing next to Mater and Lightening! A trip I will never forget.

Is that really Mater?

A Birthday Cheers with my little guy!

How I love to be at the beach!

I am thankful for friends. I have a very small but amazing circle of friends who bring me joy even when they don't they are! I am thankful for their patience while I raise a child instead of performing or socializing. I am thankful for the guidance when sought. I am thankful for memories that get me through rough days and the unheard laugher it brings. You are not just my friends, you are my family.

 

Laura, Julie and I

Me and Curt on our amazing NY adventure!

Me and Kipp after one of the best summer party photo sessions ever!!

I am thankful for my family! Not just Joel and McKinley, but my parents who give and love so unconditionally. Sometimes I feel guilty!

My amazing mother!

My incredible father! (We never seem to be photographed together!)

I have an amazing aunt who took vacation, and then some, to travel to the other end of the country just because I wanted her to! (She also sat with me and watched the sun come up on summer morning for a boy that never showed.) For a grandmother who is spitfire and makes me jealous of her unending energy. And, for family across the miles that I don't see often, but are always in my heart!

My mom, me, and my awesome aunt!

The Fleenor Family

The Lawson/Helton Family

I have a husband who, to put it mildly, endures entirely too much from his wife. I am a wife who is constantly changing her mind. I make requests for gardens, a new patio, paint schemes, remodeled bathrooms, playroom designs, and so much more! And, he does it all. I help of course, but he is always there with a shovel, paint brush, or tape measure. Thankful!

Hard at working building the vegetable garden!

Lastly, I am simply thankful for a baby boy who brings such joy to my life. He is a love I have never known and a love that I will treasure forever. He brings light when my day is dark. He brings imagination to a world that can seem too real. He gives pats and hugs at just the right time. And smiles a smile that melts my heart. He is everything and more!

My and the sweetest baby boy I've ever met! I love him!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I am thankful for your constant support of this little blog! Happy Thanksgiving!