Wednesday, October 28, 2009

When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall

I can hardly believe this is Susan’s 62nd Tablescape party. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is always a gracious hostess and never fails to amaze and entertain us! CIMG0519

I love the jewel tones that come with autumn. I don’t believe I have ever used this particular combination of plates before and I think I like it. But first, let’s start with the centerpiece—you know I like those!

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I think sometimes these are called “living centerpieces”. The name is appropriate, because these are potted plants from the hardware store and soon will find their way into pots on my deck. I used a large basket and filled it with daisy mums, ornamental cabbage and kale. I filled in the bare spots with a little Spanish moss and a few mini pumpkins. I like to vary the heights, colors, and textures of the plants. We can enjoy this for a little while on the breakfast room table and then later outside on the deck. I love not having dead flowers to throw away! This works great in any season with flowering plants.

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Brown, gold, dark green, burgundy---all the rich jewel tones of fall. As you can tell, this is certainly not a collection—just playing with different combinations. The leaf plates are new this year from Marshall’s with the Olfaire stamped on the back. I am not familiar with this, but it’s microwave and dishwasher safe so it works for me!

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I also found the stacked pumpkin candle holders on sale 50% off this year at Hobby Lobby. I like how the base and pumpkin napkin rings continue that rich feel with the burnished gold and copper. Both will be good for tables in October and November—pumpkins are versatile :) ! Votive holders are from where else—Dollar Tree!

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The squirrels sitting on the leaf are salt and pepper shakers. Kathy at Life in the Slow Lane is having a few issues with squirrels, but not these. They are cute, harmless and certainly will stay out of the attic! Now, you know I like to “feed” you when you come to my table and this week I planned to . You’ll notice a dessert on that maple leaf plate in the top picture.CIMG0527

It’s hard to tell but this is a HOMEMADE toffee marshmallow s’more. Yes, I made the marshmallows and topped it with granny Smith apple slices and caramel topping. Now this is not what Gollum would call a train wreck, but it will not be repeated at my house. NOT a lot of bang for the time spent. Anytime I pull out the candy thermometer, it is serious business! I might repeat it with a bag of commercial marshmallows. The flavor combination of sweet and tangy was good.

I am glad you visited me today. Don’t forget your transportation back to Susan and many others is the TT button on the sidebar…Good things await you! And have a happy and safe Halloween!

50 comments:

  1. Your centerpiece is so pretty, with all that natural filler material! I have an almost identical pot with outside my garage. I like how you mixed all your different pieces of dinnerware- the combination is rich, but you made it cozy with the casual napkin and ring. Love your little squirrels, too. Poor Kathy- I had a squirrel problem once, too. They were in my chimney. After big bucks to the critter control guy the first time, I learned how to handle them myself. Then, I spent $500 on a new stainless steel full chimney cap! How about posting your recipe for your dessert? Anything w/toffee sounds gooood to me!
    :-) Sue

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  2. Pretty table setting. Really like the centerpiece - you did a great job. I have the exact same set of S&P shakers - got them at Stein Mart. Yes, please keep the ark on standby as I think tomorrow is more of the same.

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  3. Very pretty table. and you know I love those salt/pepper shakers.
    Sheila

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  4. That's a beautiful tablescape. And if you have to have squirrels, I like yours best!!!

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  5. Beautiful table, Susan! Love all those colors.
    Happy Halloween to you too!
    (aren't you the early witch..I just posted my Outdoor Wed!)Is it Thurs already? :)

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  6. I would love to sit at your table. So very, very autumn. Thank you for posting this!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  7. Hello there!
    Your living centerpiece is such a nice touch for your table.
    Lovely.
    Your tablescape is a nice one and I'm glad I got to see your presentation.
    God Bless and may you have a great week,
    d from homehaven

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  8. Hi Susan! Oh, what a pretty autumn table you've set! That centerpiece is beautiful! I love those little pumpkin candle sticks! Everything is just gorgeous! You're very good at this.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia;)

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  9. Beautiful tablescape and I love the big centerpiece you put together.

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  10. Beautiful table, and I think I could stand having those squirrels around my house. They are of the cute variety. How in the world do you make marshmallows, and where did you find a recipe? I think I would just buy a bag.

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  11. Very beautiful table with all the colors of fall.
    Jane

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  12. I found your blog by way of Laurie. Your centerpiece is awesome!

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  13. So pretty. Love the squirrel S&P and your napkins are so pretty with those little fringe. Nice touches.

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  14. Hi Susan,
    I love your place setting, so glad your squirrels are well behaved and your yummy sweet treat looks great !
    Kammy

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  15. What beautiful layers of dishes. The cabbages and pumpkins make a lovely centerpiece. Thanks for sharing and happy TT to you!

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  16. Thanks for visiting me...I know, I'm on a little mini-vacation, but it is the first World Series game, so...you know what my husband is doing!

    I love your centerpiece. I would want to leave it inside as long as I could. The table looks beautiful and festive. I've always wondered about making marshmallows. Maybe not such a great idea.

    Sue

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  17. Hello Susan! I love this table and all the fall touches. The centerpiece is so earthy cool! Blessings....
    I really like the napkin rings, too...

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  18. Looks so beautiful!! Love the squirrels. And the combination of the different plates works very nicely!! Hope your day was a good one!

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  19. There is so much I love about this TT. Let me start with saying how pretty those napkins are..and I love that little pumpkin ring. Great idea for a centerpiece. You are getting lots for your money and enjoying it longer too. Very pretty leaf plates and gorgeous chargers. Did you say where they were from? Seems I saw that recipe in a magazine this fall, but don't remember where. Thanks for the warning about it!

    Donna

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  20. What a pretty table setting. Just love all the colors and the centerpiece is perfect! Everything is so festive. Can you arrange my table? : )
    Happy Halloween,
    Karen

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  21. Susan, I sure like your chargers! *wink* We have good taste. :p

    I ♥ your fresh centerpiece the most, though. Great idea with the added benefit of planting them outside later.

    Very nicely done!

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  22. I came back to say "thanks" for the idea of serving a sauce in my little leaf bowl to go on the beef wellingtons!! I have a dill sauce for tenderloin that would be perfect....or I might do a brown gravy. Either one works & the bowl will be the perfect size! I appreciate the suggestion.

    ♥ Rettabug

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  23. Wonderful table Susan! I like the setting combinations! Great job!

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  24. Susan, you have a knack for centerpieces. I love this one! The next time I host a party, I'm going to see if I can pay you to make me a centerpiece. Of course, you'll have to meet me somewhere on Poplar, so I can get it from you! The color combination of the plates is beautiful, and I love the squirrel s/p shakers. laurie

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  25. Your dishes are all beautifully put together, Susan. I love your centerpiece too!...Christine

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  26. I love living centerpieces. Your use of natural colours helps to set a really Autumnal tone.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and for the lovely comments:)
    Best wishes, NM.

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  27. I love love love your centerpiece. Well I love the whole table! The salt and pepper shaker is adorable.

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  28. Hi Susan,Very pretty table. and I love love love the salt and pepper shakers...
    xoxo
    Julie

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  29. Hi Susan, everything is just beautiful, I love those living arrangements, I like watching them flowering and staying green for so long, love the tablescape..

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  30. Sue, what a statement of a centerpiece- just perfect for your table. You paired the plates beautifully! Your table is warm and inviting and I just love everything about it.
    Yvonne

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  31. That smores was definitely not a train wreck b/c it looked good to me! Your centerpiece is so pretty! Like the dishes and your stemware too! Very pretty table.

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  32. Your "living" centerpiece is wonderful, so practical and beautiful! Really sets the right tone for a fall 'scape. Your plates are terrific and coordinate well with the rest of your accessories. Love those napkin rings!

    DD

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  33. Susan everything looks so festive for fall. Thanks for leaving out the sliced apples and crackers for us! have a wonderful evening!

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  34. I love your centerpiece... the colors and the total arrangement. You did a beautiful job. The entire tablescape is so elegant. I love the colors! Beautiful post!

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  35. I'm in love with that centerpiece! So simple and yet it makes the most beautiful statement. Gotta give that one a try. Also loving your little squirrels...cuteness!

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  36. Great table! Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

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  37. Just popped in to say how lovely your table looks. The centrepiece is gorgeous and so versatile too! Tres elegant!
    Maggie @ Normandy Life

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  38. You table is beautiful, Susan!

    You are right about Labs. We've had lots of dogs. Molly is our first Lab. Oh my, what an amazing animal! My sister in law grew up with Labs. She told us about them, when the kids gave us Molly for Christmas 2002. We discovered all that she told us is true.

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  39. Wow--I love that little recipe idea!!! I will have to give it to my daughter. Nice centerpience and dishes!

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  40. Love the dishes, love the napkins, love, love, love the centerpiece! Very nice -

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  41. Hi Susan,
    I have to echo what so many others have said and tell you that centerpiece is fantastic ... as beautiful as it is practical! You did a wonderful job coordinating the dishes, linens, and accessories. I noticed you used your "First Love" flatware. It's such a classic, and I like the way it can be used in formal or informal settings.

    Hope you have a Happy Halloween!

    Regards,
    Bill

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  42. Susan, your table is gorgeous, really does speak about fall with all the wonderful colors. I love the idea of a living centerpiece. The basket is gorgeous with all the flowers and pumpkins. Your selection of dishes is so pretty. I really like the way your mixed all the colors and the leaf plate is so pretty. Your candleholders are very unique too, they really emphasise the tablescape with all the pumpkins. Beautifully done. Thanks also for stopping by and leaving such kind comments. I really appreciate it. Hugs, Marty

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  43. Susan, your living center piece is my favorite kind. I've been doing more of this lately, buying potted plants to use on the table and then planting them in the garden. Your center piece with the gourds and kale is stunning. Everything about this table is sheer delight. Thanks for sharing. Thanks too for visiting. I'm still making my way through all the TT posts. It sometimes takes me a day or two. I'm also trying to get something posted for tomorrow before Halloween is upon us. Come back for another visit if you have the time. ~ Sarah

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  44. Hi Susan,

    Your Autumnal tablescape is wonderful.
    I love all the warm colours and the center piece.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Have a happy halloween
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  45. I'm in complete awe of your living centerpiece! The basket itself without anything in it is beautiful. I was out looking for baskets yesterday, and just can't find any quality baskets lately. The table looks so pretty with all your creative elements! Happy Halloween!
    Brenda

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  46. I love your pretty living centerpiece! I'm going to have to "borrow" that one sometime!

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  47. Your colors are so gorgeous and I just love leave plates! And a very unique and beautiful centerpiece.

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  48. I love your layers! The colors are PERFECT for the season. Thanks for sharing!

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  49. Can you tell us more about this? I'd care to find out some additional information.

    Have a look at my site filing bankruptcy in florida

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  50. Where can I purchase those squirrel Salt & Pepper on the leaf?

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