Neutral Fall Tablescape

When envisioning how I wanted to design for fall this year, I wanted to go simple, neutral, and just slightly rustic. Most of the pumpkins I have collected over time, but was able to pick up a few new neutral ones at both Michael's and Target. The greenery used was all found between Hobby Lobby and Michael's, both stores have such a great selection! I admit, I am a picky one when it comes to florals. I cant keep any plant or flower alive to save my life, which is probably why I am a floral snob when it comes to the fake stuff. I love the look of real and natural arrangements, with all of the layers and texture, but nor do I have the gift of keeping them alive or the money to continue to replenish arrangements year after year. The final result was a beautiful and simple centerpiece, finished off with a felt ball garland from Hobby Lobby and dollar spot napkins from Target. I hope this inspires you to create your own fall centerpiece and shows you that beautiful doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate, just simple & affordable.

HOW TO CREATE THE LOOK:

I will walk you step by step of how to create this look in your own home

1. Using full floral stems, lay them directly on the table or runner as is facing away from each other.
I am using two different textured floral stems that I found at Michaels.

2. Place your center pumpkin. I chose to use the largest in the center to "ground" my centerpiece.

3. Add your accent pumpkins on each side. These were both slightly smaller than the center.

4. Next, fill in with accent pumpkins on the opposite side of your centerpiece. Use a variety of coordinating colors to bring a variety to your centerpiece and to keep it looking "natural".

5. Now, for the finishing touches! Add in either a wood decor bead strand, or, I used a felt ball garland which I found at Hobby Lobby. Draping it over and around the pumpkins. This again,brings in another texture adding layers to your centerpiece.

6. Lastly, add in filler floral greenery. I like to use another floral element to fill in all of the blank spaces or spots where you might be able to see the (not so pretty) parts of the centerpiece. For this, I used faux eucalyptus found at Hobby Lobby and cut off the stems that I needed from the floral bunch.

7. Tweak it. Stand back and see if there is anything that you may want to move slightly or fill in, use your creativity and have fun with it! Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Today I am sharing the produce stand that I created for my Daughter's birthday

It's hard to believe that it was already time to have our baby girl's TWO year photos done!

Time, please just slow down a bit...

There was no doubt in my mind who I wanted to do these photos for us

& it was no other than the amazingly talented NICOLE GULICK PHOTOGRAPHY

The location couldn't have been more perfect, in an orange grove in Orange County, CA.

These were taken just before our move to Georgia & I am so grateful that we will have these to look back on and remember California, where our baby was born.

I am thrilled to finally be sharing my little girl's 2nd birthday party!
After celebrating her 1st birthday last year, I decided then, that each year I would come up with a unique themed party to go along with her interests and roll with it. Well, to my surprise our little two year old is into anything with wheels. Trains, Tractors, Trucks. You name it, If it has wheels and makes a noise she loves it. Not to mention her obsession with princess' & baby dolls. I am not very keen on the typical "Disney princess" party, so I started searching PINTEREST for some ideas. Nothing seemed to be what I was looking for. So then, I decided why not have a girly tractor party? I started searching for ideas yet again. All I came across were the typical John Deere parties. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted something more unique. That is when I came across a tractor invitation created by SUNNYSIDE PRINT PARTY. I asked if the colors could be customized to fit the color scheme I was hoping to go with (Peach, Mint & Gold) and Amber was more than happy to help me with my request! Finally, a theme was born!
Madisyn's 2nd Farm Fresh Birthday

For the food table, I wanted a backdrop that would catch your attention.

I would usually try to make all of the party decorations myself, but with my Daughter's birthday

being just a week after Christmas, time just slipped away from me this year.

The beautiful tissue poms were created by PROST TO THE HOST

& the gorgeous tassel garland was created by SWOON PAPER MARKET

The circle paper garland was created by myself.

For the pinata, I searched and searched. I had a specific idea in mind of what I was wanting.

The only option I came across was a beautiful pinata on Etsy, but for a hefty price of $95!

My husband might have a panic attack if I ended up spending that much on some cardboard

& tissue paper, so I created one myself.

Let me tell you... the pinata turned out exactly how I had envisioned!

Now, was it worth the 5 straight hours it took me to make it? Probably NOT.

It was a serious test of patience.

If any of you are brave enough to attempt it, I will be posting a DIY tutorial soon.

I may have gone a little overboard with the glitter (according to my Husband, who had to help me mop the floors 3 days in a row) but I was determined to bring in touches of gold as much as possible. From the gold glittered cake toppers, to the number plaque, and the gold spray painted centerpieces.

I was in golden heaven!