An Engagement Brunch

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting a brunch

in honor of my sweet sister-in-law, Kyra,

who recently got engaged!

We are so excited for her and Nick, and can't wait to celebrate with them in just a few months!

Bridgette (another sister-in-law!) planned the event and would have hosted,

but her baby was born just a week and a half earlier!

So I let her do the hard work of planning the menu, since that's not my expertise,

and I got to decorate. (Don't tell her, but I clearly got the better end of the deal!😉)

I had fun making these watercolor verse cards for each place. 

It was so special having Polly there to celebrate with us!

She and Joe made the trip to VA for Liz' graduation, so it was the perfect time to be together.

Aren't these girls just beautiful?!

I gathered some stems of greenery to lay down the center of the table.

I love that it is simple, but gives impact!

And there were just enough peonies, irises and roses left in the flowerbeds to make a bouquet!

This picture captures the joy of the morning so well!

Is there anything better than good friends, laughter and good food?!

Oh, and a brand-new baby! She was pretty much the center of attention. 😍

The sisters pitched in to help make the food, and it was oh-so-delicious!

I attempted making pavlova, because I've been dreaming of it ever since Amy introduced me to it years ago!

It didn't look like the picture on Pinterest, but it ended up being delicious! I can't wait to try making it again. Maybe I'll get brave next time and make a lemon curd to go along with it!

Even the children got in on the party! We heard them praying, and I ran for my camera, but didn't get there in time to capture that moment! I think they had as much fun as we did. 😊

Iced coffee over ice cream? Yes, please!

And here is the glowing bride-to-be! She's such a beautiful soul, and I'm glad I get to call her family.

This photo was taken by Hadassah! I was impressed that she got us all in the picture, even though some of us weren't looking at the camera or smiling!

This may be the sweetest photo of the morning!

Happy week, friends! xoxo, Ruby

My Fall Home

Fall is one of my favorite seasons!

I love the brilliant colors, the woodsy scent of leaves, and the crisp evening air.

I get excited about pulling out my sweaters and boots,

and wrapping up in cozy blankets.

It was so much fun bringing some of those elements into my home this year!

I don't think I've ever really decorated my porch for fall, other than setting out a mum.

But after I got these gorgeous pumpkins from Massanutten Produce, it all just came together.

This old hickory rocker was left at the house,

so I added a cozy flannel I found at the last Embellish sale!

I stopped in at the Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Store and found this darling yellow garden stool.

I love the pop of color it adds to the porch!

The galvanized bucket was a few dollars at a flea market.

I created these farmhouse banners for the Barn Sale this year,

and this one ended up in my studio!

I love the simplicity of these mini white pumpkins, and used them throughout my house.

The terrarium is a great place to display seasonal items!

I put a mini pumpkin, leaf and some acorns in mine.

This is one of the many old mantles that came out of the farmhouse that was originally on this property. 

The sign is one that I painted (and is for sale if anyone is interested!)

and the ferns were foraged in the woods behind the house. 

The succulent pumpkin was a gift; isn't it adorable?!

I used my wood round to create an autumn-themed tea bar, complete with pumpkin spice tea

and salted caramel syrup! The coffee drinkers can't have all the fun.

Oh, and let's not forget all the pumpkin desserts!

It wouldn't be fall without them.

And we're on the back porch, where Hadassah is cozied up with my Aztec blanket that I purchased 15 years ago in Mexico! It's also Sprinkle's favorite spot to take a nap.

Thanks for joining me on a tour of our home!

xoxo, Ruby

Rustic Glam Thanksgiving Tablescape

Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, remembering God's goodness to us

and giving thanks back to Him.

It's also a chance to spend time with the people we love and eat some turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie!

Typically, we travel to PA to celebrate with my family,

but we are staying home this year and planning a quiet celebration with some close friends.

I got inspired to put together a Thanksgiving tablescape, since we are hosting a lunch here!

Other than a bouquet of carnations and a few pears that I picked up at the store, 

I used what I had on hand.

The end result was a rustic-glam styled table.

I layered a lace tablecloth on a solid white,

and repeated that pattern with the plates: white round on white square.

The cloth napkins were a gift from my sister-in-law years ago, and I thought they went well with the autumn colors.

 

For my centerpiece, I carved a hole in the top of a white pumpkin just large enough for a clear plastic container to fit into. I added greens from our bushes outside to fill out the arrangement.

The antique silver platter came from a yard sale, and I love how it dresses up the table!

The antique deer candleholder is another find from my Embellish friends. 

Isn't it cute?!

The personalized name tags were a fun finishing touch.

To me, a beautiful table is more than just the decorations. It symbolizes warmth and fellowship,

a place to gather and make memories.

For this, I give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!