Setting the Perfect Table

The holiday season is right around the corner and that means we finally get to use our formal dining rooms. ;) I have two sets of formal dishes that I can use, but I like creating a new tablescape for every major holiday so it can be a bit tricky to come up with new ideas. Changing out the centerpiece is important, but decorating with new tablecloths and runners really give a table a completely different look. One trend I love is to use your favorite fabric instead of a mass produced runner or tablecloth. If you don't sew, use a hemming tape that only needs an iron to make a perfect edge. I've done this many, many times and you can't tell the difference until you flip the fabric over. Here are some beautiful examples.












I've already been eyeing a few fabrics for my fall/winter tablescape!

Fall Mantel: Cozy and Candlelit

It's officially fall! 

I'm looking forward to cuddling up in soft faux fur throws, enjoying my favorite comfort food, and layering on the cozy sweaters. There's nothing better than enjoying a fire on a fall night, whether in front of a fireplace or from the light of a pumpkin scented candle. It will be many weeks before the weather is cool enough to turn on my fireplace, which is why candle light was a must this year when planning my fall mantel.



I found these copper mercury glass candle holders at Target this past week and knew they would be perfect for my mantel the minute I spotted them. They fit right in with my current décor and add a touch of fall at the same time.












The "Dust to Dust" title will be very fitting when Halloween rolls around! I pilfered a few items from my vase filler to add a natural touch.








Cinnamon scented pinecones and natural vase filler in a neutral tone from last year adds a touch of rustic.









Linking up this post to these parties!

Between Naps on The Porch

Thrifty Décor Chick

Scents of Fall

While it may not feel like fall outside, that won't stop me from making it feel like fall inside. I've been stocking up on fall candles the past month and now that I've officially burned through my summer scents it's time to bring out the fall candles.

Here's my stock pile. I love Bath & Body Works candles and they are on sale right now, two for $22. It's more than I usually spend since I go through them so quickly. On the days that I let my candles burn all day I bring out my $5 Wal-Mart candles that I love almost as well.




This morning I'm burning my favorite, Leaves, while I drink coffee.




Coffee, candles, faux fur throws...It's starting to feel like fall inside my house. Outside the leaves are changing from the heat, but I'm pretending it's from cool weather. Have you bought any fall candles yet? I'm always on the lookout for new ones so feel free to share your favorites!

Coffee Bar and Kitchen Accessories

I've always admired coffee bars, but thought I really didn't need one for my kitchen. I still don't, but they sure are cute!



I installed Photoshop and got excited with the text and frames.

I have a glass container next to my Keurig for more kcups. My husband and I have to keep ours separated since he drinks decaf. That would make both of our mornings miserable if we grabbed the wrong one.




I went to Anthropologie for the sole purpose of buying the orange topped spice jar, but I could not resist buying a few more things.




And a few kitchen towels...





I'm thinking about adding more spice jars for ground cinnamon and chocolate. I love it with a bit of whipped cream in the fall. If you have a coffee bar, what do you keep in yours?

Breakfast Room Reveal

 Last week I mentioned that I was considering this chair to go with my new breakfast table.



As you can see, I wasted no time bringing them home!




This is such a different look for me, but I've admired French bistro chairs for several years. I wasn't quite sure if I liked them with the rest of my décor since they are a bit rustic. I've been giving them the sideways look as I walk to the kitchen for a week and I finally decided they are going to stay.




I decided to get four chairs instead of five because it seemed a bit crowded when I had five of the black chairs in here. If all five of us sit down at once we can just use the dining room table or have one or two kids sit at the breakfast bar.


My old candle looked a little lonely on this new table so I added a few things. I might as well decorate for fall since it will be here before you know it. I decided on a gold runner because it's a good transition between the seasons.




I'd love to hang curtains on the breakfast room window eventually because I love as many fabrics as possible in a breakfast room, but I need to coordinate them with the living room windows. That means it will be a while. ;)

Just for a recap, this is how it looked last week.




And now...



Comparing the two pictures is what really made me decide to keep these chairs even though they are out of my comfort zone. Doesn't it just feel cozier?

Since I have a great room I needed to make sure this space matches the style of my living room and kitchen. Surprisingly, it fits right in. I tried to take pictures, but every time I turned around there was someone in the way since it was Saturday. Note to self, only take pictures during the week when everyone is gone!

Here are pictures of each space together. You can see how the warm tone of the chair goes great with the bamboo shades, fireplace, and burlap pillow.







Perfect!