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!

Thanksgiving Art & Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving less than 3 weeks away, I wanted to share a simple art project that I created for the season.

It involves feathers, a piece of paper and a frame.

That's it!

I've been finding these gorgeous blue jay feathers in my yard,

and they inspired me to create some art.

I ended up using some feathers in neutral tones and just hot glued them to a sheet of white paper.

A patterned paper would add some fun to this,

but I decided I liked the look of crisp white.

I think it makes the feathers pop!

   
Then I added some lettering to finish it off, because I can.

Besides, I needed the reminder.

Especially this month, when I felt like I've been pushed to my limit.

When it feels like a constant struggle to just keep my head above water,

only to get hit with yet another wave.

And I wonder if it really is possible to give thanks in everything;

in the times of struggle, pain and disappointment.

As difficult as it can be to utter those two words,

I'm slowly learning that giving thanks is what pulls me out of that pit of self-pity.

It lifts my eyes to the One Who has not only saved me,

but continues to redeem every difficult and painful thing in my life.

So today I'm thankful for His patience in teaching me,

and for that piece of art on my wall to remind me,

in everything

to

Give thanks.