FALL TABLESCAPE

 

Sweater weather is upon us and I for one couldn't be more excited! The leaves on the trees are changing hues. The scents of the season are wafting through the stores and coffee shops. And I have fall tablescapes on the brain! 

Today, I am going to show you an easy and inexpensive way to dress up your table for fall entertaining. Whether it is a table set for two, or one for your bubble family, you can use these ideas anywhere, anytime.

Entertaining these days does look quite different than it did last year. No more large events or gatherings; no more getting together with the usual group of friends unless at a distance. Whatever the situation, you can still set up a beautiful table for any special occasion you are celebrating!

The ideas here today are ones you can use throughout the year just by changing up the colours, textures and themes to relate to the season.

    

   I created this easy and inexpensive fall table setting with items I had around my house and have collected over the years. A lot of the items you see are from my local dollar store, so I didn't have to spend a ton of money, but still made it look like I did.

   To start, I laid this textured soft faux fur throw in the center of the table instead of a traditional runner, and I love the unexpected touch it gives to the table. This blanket is from www.dollarama.com and was a mere $4! 

I then added this faux fall garland from www.michaels.com in the center of the blanket and added some brass thrifted candlesticks I already had, as well some small amber glass bottles, which I also got at Michaels for under $2 each. I added some faux wheat branches to the bottles for an extra fall touch! 

   I found some really cute glass vases at www.dollartree.com for $1.25 and they have such beautiful shimmering colours that really elevated the table and the centrepiece. 

   For the actual table setting, I used these faux wood chargers from Michaels underneath these stoneware plates in cream and brown that were a free find on a sale site I frequent often. The colours work so well together I think. I also added these mustard coloured soup bowls that I have had for years now from www.ikea.com, and am so glad I held onto them because they are the perfect accompaniment to any fall table. (unfortunately they are no longer in stock) A mini copper pumpkin from the dollar store adds a special touch, which can either serve as a party favor for guests, or as a place card with your guest's name. 

   Some simple brown cotton napkins with wood napkin rings add a warm touch, as well as thrifted vintage cutlery, which I have had for a while. 

   I also found these adorable gold metal cups from our local dollar store and knew they would fit well on this tablescape. Some clear glass champagne glasses with an amber stem, fill in for the typical wine glass. These beautiful glasses were also a freebie!

   That is really all there is to creating a simple fall or seasonal tablescape! Look around your home and get creative. Glasses can fill in for vases, tumblers can fill in for wine or spirit glasses. Using what you have and what makes you happy, is all that matters. You will be surprised at what you can create when you think outside the box. 

   These ideas can be easily changed up to suit any season. Lighter coloured napkins, such as cream or white, can be used for a spring or summer table setting. Using a light blanket scarf, linen or cotton table runner or cloth would also suit a spring/summer table nicely, as well as fresh bright florals.

   And if you are looking to entertain in the colder winter months, then a simple silver and white palette or the classic red can bring that look for you. 

   I hope you find some inspiration in this post, and think about what you may have around you home that can create a beautiful table setting for your family and loved ones to enjoy! 

   Stay safe and enjoy this time together!

   Until next time ~A

PRODUCT INFORMATION:

-blanket, copper pumpkins, gold tumblers=www.dollarama.com

-brass candlesticks, bone cutlery=

-glass shimmer vases=www.dollartree.com

-amber glass bottles, faux wood chargers, faux pumpkin garland=www.michaels.com

-cream stoneware plates, champagne glasses=FREE

-mustard coloured soup bowls=www.ikea.com (no longer in stock)

  

Picnic Lunch

     2020 has become quite the interesting year! I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy, and managing all the day to day activities without going absolutely stir crazy. One thing I am not taking for granted is the extra cuddles and family closeness we get by being quarantined together. I'm not saying it is always easy, but it we try to make everyday as special as we can.

     One way to keep our family entertained is by creating special moments and doing everyday things in different ways. Now, I definitely am guilty of having our dinners in front of the television or having my daughter eat in her playroom instead of with us, but there are days when those are warranted, and I will not judge anyone who feels the same way, nor will I apologize for it!

    But some days turn out better than others, and this was one of them! I created a little family picnic for lunch instead of being indoors. The days have finally been getting warmer, so outside time and a little Vitamin D is called for.

    It doesn't take much to create this little picnic and fun was had by all! I took this small collapsible picnic table that I have had for years now and has gotten a lot of use when we would go camping or to a park. It is from www.crateandbarrel.com, and it is probably the best if not the coolest little table!
It assembles easily and is made of wood to boot! It is also a great table for the kids to play on while being outdoors; they are the perfect size!

    I tried to make the area as comfortable as possible by throwing some outdoor cushions for us to sit on! These fun cushions are from www.jysk.ca, and were bought two summers ago. I draped the table with a simple linen tablecloth, but you could easily leave it bare or use placemats if you wanted.  I added these cute wicker chargers for under the plates to give it a more fancy yet homey feel. These were a great thrift store find. I find these all the time when shopping at the thrift stores (which I hope start to open back up soon, because I miss thrifting ), and they are always inexpensive.

    I had these cute blue tea towels in different patterns and thought they would make great napkins. I simply added two bamboo napkin rings to dress them up a bit. For the dinnerware, I decided to use melamine because it just works best for us when we dine outside. I have simple white dishes and cutlery, which I bought at the dollar store. I like the white because they go with everything, and you can add any colour of accessories or decor to amp them up! Scour your dollar stores, especially now that summer is approaching; you will be surprised at the items you can find at great prices and quality.

    The glasses here are plastic as well and are the perfect vessel to hold a fruity summer drink! They are from www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca. I dressed up the middle of the table with an outdoor lantern, and a faux arrangement that I made all with supplies from, you guessed it, the dollar store. www.dollarama.com.

    Seeing as this was just lunch, I kept the menu simple. Now that is not to say you can't eat like this for dinner too, actually I highly recommend it! I served a tray of a simple charcuterie that I know my daughter would enjoy too. I had some deli ham, cheese slices, crackers and grapes, as well as, a bowl filled with some salty snacks: roasted almonds, roasted lentils and peas and some pistachios. These cute little pineapple bowls held some raspberries and blueberries. The bowls are from www.walmart.ca and are melamine too. A perfect summer table accessory.

    For a sweet snack, I had these s'more cookies displayed in this adorable little rattan plate with a cover. It is the cutest little serving tray and the cover helps keeps the bugs away too. I found it at www.homesense.ca, where they have so many beautiful outdoor accessories at such great prices!

   All these items I used for out family picnic came from my home. These are items I have had for a while or bought pre-Covid. You really don't need to go out and spend a lot of money in order to do a similar set up as mine. Use what you have and get creative! That is the fun part!

   I do hope you walk away with some neat ideas and tips you can use for your own little family picnic and above all,  just have fun and enjoy a relaxing moment spent with the ones you love!

Until next time!
~A



PRODUCT INFORMATION:

- wicker placemats and wood bowl from www.valuevillage.com
- melamine plates from www.dollarama.com
- plastic glasses from www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca
- pineapple bowls from www.walmart.ca
- beige linen tablecloth from www.michaels.com
- small rattan serving plate with cover from www.homesense.ca
- napkin tea towels and outdoor pillows from www.jysk.ca

Adventure Birthday Party

     For my daughter's 6th birthday party this year, I wanted to do something different! So we came up with the idea of an outdoor adventure party.
    We had originally booked a park and were hoping to have the party there, however, with my daughter's birthday being in November, the weather is always tricky. It wasn't on our side!
    We ended up having it at home, but it turned out great and the kids had fun, which in the end is all that matters!
 

     To keep the kids entertained, we had a Scavenger Hunt prepared! Luckily for us, in our area we have a trail right across the street from our house. The kids had their lists ready to go, and seemed very eager to check off all the items on their list!

    Found this cute printable from www.momdot.com. I attached the printable to craft paper bags and added a crayon inside so it was easy for the kids to hold their collectibles and check the items off their lists!

     After they all got back from their activities, it was time to eat! We offered a simple meal of hot dogs and sides. Instead of serving french fries, there were corn chips and goldfish crackers. We also served pepperoni sticks ( which were a huge hit) and veggies! 

     Instead of paper plates, I found these cute pie pans from www.dollartree.com. It was a bit of a splurge, but we can use them for so many other parties or even for when we go camping! And they really fit the part too!

    I already had these cute enamel mugs and thought they were the perfect vessel for holding the bamboo cutlery and napkins. I found the cutlery here: www.amazon.ca. 

    For a fun alternative to a candy bar, I created this Trail Mix Bar. It was a big hit with the kids and the adults! You can really add whatever you like to your bar; you can go all out or keep it simple. For this one, I had mini marshmallows, pretzels, raisins, a mixture of dark chocolate, caramel and milk chocolate chips, and some delicious graham cracker cereal. 

    I included some small craft paper bags so everyone could eat them on the go or take them home with them. I also created this DIY stand to hold the bags. It was very easy to do. I took two small wood crates that I found at the dollar store, and I stained them. I found some mini dowels and simply hot glued them at each corner of the crates and attached it all together. So easy and so cute and I can use it for future parties and displays too!  

     This trail mix sign was found on www.catchmyparty.com as well as the other labels used throughout the party. I just added it to a simple black frame found at the dollar store. The DIY stand is at the back. 

     I found these metal bowls at the dollar store too to hold all the trail mix fixings and added some clear scoops. 

       

      A successful and fun party doesn't have to empty your bank account. With careful planning and sourcing, you can throw an entertaining and fun party just using your imagination and supplies you find at your favourite stores. 

     My daughter and her friends, as well as our guests, all had a great time! 

     I hope this post gives you some great ideas to use at your next party and inspires you to have fun in the planning process too!

Puppy Adoption Birthday Party

   This past November, my daughter turned 5 years old! 5 years old! I can hardly believe that I have a five year old (insert ugly crying face here)!
   She has been asking for a puppy lately, and she wanted one for her birthday. Now while we love animals in our house, especially puppies, we have allergies, so the next best thing was to throw her a puppy party! So I came up with a Puppy Adoption Party!
   It turned out to be a very fun day and all her friends had a blast, and they loved the idea of taking home a cute little stuffed puppy of their very own. Hopefully she forgets all about a real puppy, at least for a while.
   First thing I did to plan this party was search for the adorable puppies for Charlotte and her friends to adopt. I found the cutest ones from the My Life Doll collection from www.walmart.ca/search/my%20life. They were the perfect size and there were so many options to please all her friends.
   To display the puppies, I used this crate I already had at home and just added this cute fleece dog blanket that I found at the dollar store. I found this wood sign at the dollar store too, and just added some sticker letters that spelled out "Adorable Puppies". Couldn't be any easier!
 

   I found some gable boxes with paw prints on them from  www.creativebag.com and cut out openings in them to make them look like dog houses. Once each puppy was adopted, they could put them in their own doghouse. In each box, was a dog leash and dog bowl, as well as a certificate for them to name their new puppy!

 
   The food was going to be kept very simple. We had the party at an indoor play place and only had a two hour allotment, so I couldn't go too crazy with an elaborate menu.
   We served pizza, hot dogs, snacks, cupcakes and, of course, the birthday cake. I had a simple candy bar set up as well. Serving hot dogs was a given, but I thought I'd kick it up a notch by having a little menu sign made up with ways to dress up your hot dogs.

    The sign also matched the birthday invitation and some of the other signs we had set up around the party.
   The candy bar included chocolates in the shape of dog bones and paw prints, made by me, and I found these adorable Scottish Terrier gummies in pink and black (which also happened to be the colour scheme for the party).

   I served the treats in these plastic containers found in the pet section of the dollar store, and had tented food labels made up. All the snacks were served in black and white dog bowls found in the pet section too!
   Along with the birthday cake, we had mini cupcakes in chocolate and vanilla topped with the cutest puppy cupcake picks!

   
   The birthday cake was from the grocery store, and consisted of two cakes stacked on top of each other and left with just plain white icing. I wanted it simple because I had this amazing cake topper that I wanted to use and it turned out even better than I thought! And believe it or not, the cake tasted amazing! This is going to be how we do birthday cakes from now on!

   The adorable topper was from Eden and Company, and it was sparkly and pretty and perfect.

  All in all, the party was a great success and the most important part was that my daughter had the best time with her friends and family.

PRINTABLES: www.loveitsoirees.com  www.howsweet.ca  www.etsy.com

STATIONARY: {invitations, thank you sign and tags, menu card} One Creative Bee

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jessica Groomes Photography

CUPCAKE TOPPERS: www.amazon.ca



 

HALLOWEEN PARTY CHEESE BALL

           

    Halloween is fast approaching, and you are probably still narrowing down what your kid's costumes are going to be, how much candy you are going to need and how many houses are you going to hit up this year!

   The last thing on your mind is throwing a Halloween party, but it doesn't have to be elaborate, or fancy! And even if you have decided against a party, you still need to make this cheese ball! It looks so cute and tastes even better! So instead of binging on candy and chocolate while waiting for the doorbell to ring, you can dig into this delicious cheese ball; whether in your pajamas or in full costume!

   The recipe I used is from the Food Network and you can find it here: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pumpkin-cheese-ball-recipe-2108927. It is really easy to put together, and the flavours meld really well together, making it a winner for your next Halloween party or for your Halloween night in! I served it with blue corn tortilla chips, but you can easily use crackers. I just think the blue chips give it more of a Halloween touch!

 **(I will include the recipe at the bottom of the page as well!)**

   Even though we are not having a Halloween party this year, it is really fun to decorate and now that my daughter is not afraid of my Halloween decor anymore, (lol), I can start to have a little fun!

   I brought out all my creepy and dark decor and set up an area in our dining room to create a Halloween buffet and to display this adorable pumpkin cheese ball! We have a vintage dresser in our dining room that holds all the odds and ends for whatever we need to throw a party or entertain at home! It was the perfect perch for decorating!

   I used a lace Halloween table runner that I found at the dollar store, for the base. I added some cute black and white pumpkins (also found at the dollar store), filling in spaces with some grey cobweb-looking cloth, candles, tarot cards, rubber spiders and rats, cute Halloween napkins and a little cauldron sign that I made!

   That sign was probably the easiest diy ever! I found the cauldron sign and the "eat, drink and be scary" sign at www.michaels.com, and just glued the words onto the cauldron! Easy and spooky-cute!

   So there you have it! An easy yet scrumptious appetizer for your next Halloween party! Oh, who am I kidding? A cheese ball is good all the time; any day of the week, month, year or season!

   As promised here is the recipe:

   **With a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese ( I used a nacho blend), 3 Tablespoons minced onion, 2 Tablespoons jarred salsa (mild or medium), 2 teaspoons ground cumin and 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno. 

  
 Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and use the wrap to form a 5 inch pumpkin-shaped ball. Chill at least 2 hours or if you are in a hurry, you can put it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

   Next, take about 2 cups of nacho flavoured tortilla chips and add them to a resealable bag. Close and seal the bag, making sure to let out any air, and then with a rolling pin, crush the chips to a fine consistency.

      You should be left with about 2-3 cups of crumbs, although you probably won't use them all!

   To serve, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the crushed nacho chip mixture, all the while pressing the crumbs in and forming a ball shape with your hands. Last thing, is to add a bell pepper stem to the middle of the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin stem!

    How adorable is that?

    I really hope you give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
   
   Until next time! ~A



 PRODUCT INFORMATION:

*mini black and white pumpkins and black silk flowers from www.dollartree.com
*lace runner, grey cobweb cloth, tarot cards, rubber spiders/rats, napkins, glass bottle (with flowers),    paper pin wheel decoration from www.dollarama.com
*silver mummy candle holder from www.homesense.ca 
*black craft pumpkin and cauldron sign from  www.michaels.com