SMALL CHANGES AS WE PREPARE FOR THE FALL SEASON

Good Morning Kindred Spirits.....
can you feel the changes in the air?
You step out the door with your morning coffee
and are greeted by that chill in the air?
Well, of course that is not the case here in the great state of Texas....
 
For those of us who LOVE the fall season. this is the time
we plan, shop and begin to transform our homes into a new look!
I am really enjoying taking my time in making small updates
in little nooks and crannies and am going to take you along
so that you too, might decide to transform
 your home into September.....

The fall decorations are still in the attic, so no pumpkins
will be on display until next month....this is simply
changing out décor and the color scheme from summer to autumn.

 
To begin with I brought out my wax warmers and seasonal scents
to create that aroma of a new season .

I found that certain pieces I designed last year, gave me such joy,
I left them in place to enjoy all year long.....
now I simply added a new little print to update this space.

I love to look around my house and see what little pieces
I can arrange in a vignette to warm a particular space....
it can be a challenge and yet, so satisfying to enjoy the look you put together!

I wanted a clean slate for about a week, which helps to
visualize a new look...all the summer décor was packed away
and new ideas come to mind....fall throws and pillows
will be put out in September, but the color scheme has been decided.

My favorite Threshold rug was moved to the fireplace hearth
and I still just love this rug..the colors are perfect for fall.
I will wait on changing out the mantel and am so looking forward
to see how it comes together....

I did come across this beautiful gray-sage pillow
that had the most beautiful stitchery which I thought
would be perfect for the Windsor chair.....how lovely for
a new season,...this is from Better Homes and Garden.
Decorating our home is a true passion of mine!!

The Bloggers and You Tubers that share this passion
are doing a great job at sharing their ideas for autumn, so I hope you can
join in the fun and find pleasure in the next few weeks of inspiration!

AROUND THE HOUSE....FALL TOUCHES AND RECIPES YOU'LL WANT TO TRY

Good Morning all my Kindred Spirits...
how is your fall decorating going?
I do believe by the time September rolls around,
we may be closing in on getting the fall bins out of the attic
and gathering inspiration from all the social media sites and magazines!
It's a lovely time for entertaining and hosting family gatherings!
Here are a few snippets from around the house at Estelle's.....



The darling and I enjoyed date night at one of our
all time favorite restaurants here in the Metroplex!

Food was delicious, waiter was great and atmosphere was wonderful!

Have you chosen your favorites from fall line of Bath and Body Works yet?
I did not intend to add to my fall candles this year but,

I did however, stock up on the foaming hand soaps on sale!

Walmart is not over the top this year on their fall decorations,
but I did purchase this darling little pumpkin for the kitchen!
I love the colors, the textures and size, along with the message!

This is a small sample of what the farmhouse table will be dressed
like starting in September,,,,I think I'm going to love this look!

I created a small centerpiece the other day which I will share
in an upcoming post, and these are just a few of the items I used.....

We transferred our Butterfly bushes to the back patio
and transplanted them into bigger pots which they are loving...
and....I purchased faux outdoor florals for our front urns...

no water required and the heat will not be a factor..
I really am loving these!

The Basil is thriving...just beautiful

Here are some of the beautiful colors of the Four O' Clocks...

These add a lovely touch to the garden

Aren't you ready for seasonal recipes to make...

all those yummy soups and stews......
time to bring out your fall cookbooks guys and dolls!

FOOD FARE

GRANDMA METZGER CHICKEN AND RICE
This is very much like a vintage southern recipe
we made for years....mother made this frequently..a true favorite!

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

This pie is simply divine!

Miss Elizabeth created two masterpiece Pizzas the other night..
one being a duplicate of the one they dined on in the Bahama's
a few weeks ago...peaches, goat cheese and basil with a drizzle of honey....

Her pizza dough was also homemade..great job Liz!

Rolo Pretzel Bites
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Place a Rolo candy on top of a pretzel bite.
Bake on a cookie sheet for 5 minutes....no more.
Place a tiny chunk of granny smith apple on top of the warm, melted Rolo candy!
Enjoy!

A NEUTRAL COLOR PALETTE FOR FALL

Yes, you read this right...today,
we are going to think of the fall season and dream
about the holidays!
I know many of you share the love of the fall season
just as I do.
It's just lovely to plan the decorations, the recipes,

football games and all the celebratory gatherings you will be having!
So, on that note, I have said many times, that I look for an
inspiration piece that draws me in...and I found it for Autumn.......

And, THESE are my inspiration pieces for this season's color palette.

I am still not quite sure, but I think I am going with much
more subtle colors this year, which is vastly different than previous years!

I simply adore this print!
I can remember writing a post previously, stating who would want to decorate
in fall with white and ivory when fall colors are so vibrant, deep and rich!
So, I would love to know your thoughts on fall color palettes...
what colors are you drawn to this year?
I found a few inspiration photos that may help us both
visualize what we can achieve with these subtle, softer colors of Autumn...

I really like this, however the wreath looks a bit lost
due to the size........
think how much more dramatic this entry would be with some big orange pumpkins and
 a few potted yellow mums!+

I love this.....
it's soft and elegant....just by adding a few leaves found in nature.....

I like this look too....
the colors are cozy

|

Here is a perfect example of going neutral and
pulling in a little sage green and peach...
very vintage for fall.......

I think the soft wool makes these neutral colors feel warm and cozy

Love the twig garland mixed
with the glam of the candlesticks...

A very pretty, yet subtle kitchen nook....

This is a lovely, pretty inexpensive idea for a table centerpiece

Now, this is an example of neutral that needs some fall color added
{strictly my thoughts when I am look at this}

I really love this.....I would never have thought
of adding the rustic wheat and cat tails to this basket.....
All photos are from Pinterest and I am so thankful
to find inspiration from the creators of these décor photos!
I hope this provided YOU with some thoughts toward

decorating for the fall season also.....it's such a grand time for us all
to look forward to!
I thank you for stopping by Estelle's today!

 

OUR FAVORITE BEACH MENU....TUNA MACARONI SALAD AND PEACH PIE

It's no secret that our family loves family beach trips....
we have enjoyed these gatherings for many years...
we play all day....and into the evening...oceanside..... 

I think we never grow tired of enjoying a week at the beach.....

What a fabulous way to have little cousins reconnect...
those lazy summer days of sand and sun....

There is something about the ocean that just seems to melt your troubles away......
So when we come back to the house for the cocktail hour
and dinner.....we love to have a casual meal of 
Tuna Macaroni salad and a sweet ending of summer's best peach pie....

JAY'S TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Large elbow macaroni, 2 cups slightly undercooked
1 can tuna, drained
Whole Sweet Gherkin Pickles, diced
Celery, diced
Three Hard Boiled Eggs
Mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper to taste

Here's the secret...don't use pickle relish and don't skimp on the sweet pickles....
cut the pickles in large chunks

Use as much mayonnaise as you prefer....don't overload it with mayo

I don't measure...it all depends on how many people you are serving.....
few ingredients are best.....it's simple and so, so delicious!

While the pie is still baking, I melt butter on the top.....
it's so darn good, you will want it for breakfast the next day!

It's still summer...it's still HOT...enjoy a slice of peach pie!
It's the end of summer y'all....treat yourself to something good!

SUMMER BRUNCH FOR SUNDAY NIGHT'S DINNER

When you're surrounded by family and good friends
sharing stories, laughs, memories, and of course,
good food, you've got the recipe for a great time!
Make it your passion to prepare good food
that you will want to share....
because if I have learned anything in the kitchen,
it's that good food is at the center of every great get-together!

 I decided to change things up just a bit
for a Summer Brunch by serving
this yummy menu for a Sunday night dinner......
making it extra special with finishing touches!

I am in love with this table runner...
I thought it was so representative of the last of summer.....
another beautiful design from
Maison d' Hermine Agrume



I was also pretty happy to use my birthday candles
with this setting....they were perfect to 
pair with this runner!

Isn't it fun to use things that you love that just
happen to be gifts from your children?

The tile design has a rather Moroccan feel to me....

Choosing the right serving pieces can help
create a beautiful tablescape that you are going for.....
I try to choose festive, seasonal pieces to enhance
the food I plan on serving.

What is more refreshing than a tropical summer juice...
This Pina Colada is just marvelous and light with
hints of pineapple, lime and citrus!

A breakfast or brunch should always include fresh fruits....
summer cherries, strawberries and blueberries are terrific antioxidants.

For the main entrée, I chose to serve a Broccoli Cheddar Quiche

Buttermilk Cheddar Bacon Biscuits...now who could resist?

These are generous size of biscuits known as
"cat head biscuits!"

A delicious jam that speaks of summer fruits.....
strawberries and rhubarb~

This is the perfect blend of sweet and tart to serve

along the Bacon Cheddar Biscuits......

I try to make Sunday night dinner easy, breezy and
everyone can serve themselves.....

I so hope this provided you some inspirational ideas
to serve your family....
Thank you for visiting Estelle's today,...see ya' next time!