Your Invited!

It's an open invitation, for wine and cheese and whatever goodies you bring!  My newest dishes have inspired me to set up a table for guests.  The only thing missing is YOU!  So, let's step outside on the porch so we can enjoy the views of fall and the cooler temperatures that have finally arrived.

The trees are looking quite beautiful around here lately.  My only problem, with football season in full swing, is it's quite lonely around here on the weekends.  That's why I've set up for you!  Gee, I really should get on board with the football though, I bet I could have some fun with those tailgating tablescapes!  LOL! 
Alas, for those of us who are not that thrilled to be so left out of all the fun, I have come to the rescue.  So pack up your goodies and join me for an enjoyable autumn evening.

I started my setting with this beautiful tablecloth that I made years ago from some old draperies from my in laws house.  I just loved the fabric and when they sold the house I was able to get all the drapes.

Look how well it went with my newest dishes that I purchased last week at the thrift store.

Do you recall I told you my one dinner plates was going to actually be a cake plate?  Well here it is, just waiting for a few real treats.  I thought you might like to see how it can look when you bring your goodies!

The plates is balanced on a brown Dansk candlestick to give it more height.

I even pulled out my grandmothers wine glasses for you.

I've supplied the napkins and forks in case you bring something that requires a little more then fingers.

In the center I placed my newest pottery barn thrift find.  I added the glass candle holders since I already had them on hand.  Not to bad, huh? 

I also added my cornucopia with a little fall color...

...and my newest spotted glass fall pumpkin.  It even has the perfect blue to match everything!

Oh goodness, where are my manners?  Would you like a glass of wine?

Did you see those trees out there!  Isn't it just gorgeous this time of year?

I hope you'll come!  I've plenty of room on the bakers rack to set out more treats.

It's Tablescape Thursday and I'm ready for some company!  I've set everything up a bit early because I have heard bloggers photo download is going to be closed for maintenance after 5:00pm today.  Besides, what kind of hostess would I be if I sent my invite out too late?

What are you waiting for?  You've been invited, so come on over!

Mary

Cork Board Transformation

It's Metamorphosis Monday and I have a small transformation to share with you!  Please be sure and stop by the previous link for more wonderful changes all over.


Last week I shared my latest thrift store finds with you here.  Amongst all the goodies was this ordinary plain bulletin board that I purchased for my craft and sewing room.

First I gave it two coats or ordinary white craft paint.

Then I gave it one coat of Mocha glaze from Valspar to bring out the character of the wood.



Then I chose some fabric from my scrap box.   Because my cork board was so well mounted into the frame I decided not to remove it to staple the fabric on the cork board.  Instead, I used a slim edge scraper to wedge the fabric under the frame securely.  It was tight enough to do this with just enough space to get the fabric under it securely with careful maneuvering.

Then I adjusted the wires on the back and hung it on the wall beside my desk.

And here is my finished cork board all ready for notes, photos, etc.

This was such a simple and adorable change that only cost me $1.50 for the board from the thrift store.

I just love it! 

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you are having a wonderful start to a great week!

Mary

Pirates and Ghouls

Last Sunday I shared with you an unexpected find, the silver room, on our visit to the SC State Museum.  This Sunday I would like to share with you the exhibits and festival we were expecting to see.  We went in anticipation of viewing the temporary exhibit of Pirates, Privateers and Buccaneers.  This exhibit was supposed to have ended already but was held over by popular demand. 


I am excited to be joining Seasonal Sunday today to share this with you!  In addition to the Pirate exhibit, on the day we went there was also a harvest festival being held outside the museum with crafters, food and music.

My husband, and son are anxious to get inside.  Slow down yall, I want to check look around outside first.

Very cute pumpkin display surrounded by local artists. 

Metal art made from a local artist using scrap metal.

I loved this shark!

There were all sorts of tents with many different types of artisans.

I knew you'd enjoy seeing these beautiful burlap pillows.

This guy had several tables of hand carved utensils.

Of course the Mr. and son headed straight to the tractors.  I am still trying to get used to my son having hair this short.  He just had it cut this week prior to going to the museum, he usually has thick wavy longer hair.  LOL!

Upon heading inside there was booth set up to purchase drinks and caramel popcorn.  Yummo!

Also a quartet was singing outside of the entrance.  I wonder why this great big banner was still up.  I guess that display was extended longer too!  Love what you catch on film after the fact.

Inside at last, and we are all set to see the pirate displays.  There was lots of information around and several actual artifacts that I did not photograph.  Instead I only took photos of the wax pirates displays.

Depicting the daily life of a pirate.

Sleeping Quarters

Two of the most notable women pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.

Common goods pirates would have plundered to sale on the black market.

Sadly, the gruesome fate of a convicted pirate.  Arghhh!!!  This exhibit caught me off guard at first.  Little did I know it was preparing me for the rest of the museum exhibits. 

 

Another unexpected find on this trip was how several of the usual displays though out the museum had been decorated for Halloween.  Hope you are prepared for the rest of the tour and have your wits about you today!

A typical rural SC backyard exhibit is rather enhanced this time of year.

This is an antique hearse!

This guy actual turned his head and eyes, rather disturbing!

The old railroad train is crawling with spiders!  Yuck!

Now that's one creepy looking clown!

Looks like some poor souls just can't seem to leave their beloved automobiles behind!

I think I'll skip the train ride, and walk thank you!

How about you, up for a ride?

Thanks for visiting today!   I hope you enjoyed your visit to our state museum.

Be sure and let me know if did!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Mary