MY CHRISTMAS THEME FOR 2024

 GOOD MORNING KINDRED SPIRITS
AND LOVERS OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!
Welcome back to Estelle's

honey buns....I was in a quandary....
I had no idea on what I wanted our
Christmas home to look like and

we are already preparing for Thanksgiving....
why oh why, was I in this slump of no defined
color scheme or ideas on decorations.....
The few things I knew I wanted
was to incorporate my little owls on the tree....

Well, I need look no further for inspiration
than a few years past for ideas.....



I found my colors and my theme when I selected this tree skirt....
Yes...this is the look I am drawn to for this year..
now I'm excited...let's go make some merry......



It's funny how your tastes change over the course of time.....
and it can prove to make life an interesting journey..
I think I am loving the warm and moody woodland
holiday vibe this gives to the tree....
I feel contentment with these colors....

These are particular favorites I want to use again
this year....

I was very happy with this look for the dining room....

Holiday foods I want to make again....

My son's favorite Brownie Cheesecake Trifle....

My grandson's favorite Cherry Yum-Yum

My holiday Rice Krispie Cookies

For the throws and pillows....
a few of my favorites....continuing with that lovely green...

I can't wait to display these gorgeous pillows....



These holiday pillow were all purchased from Target...

My favorite stocking from last year....

And, also a few others.....perhaps a pop of red to be included....



And...my little woodland Santa to 
be featured on the mantel....

My bedrooms will once again
feature Christmas quilts, throws and pillows....

My favorite sweet little guest bedroom,
all cozy and festive....

I loved this little look for Grandmother's little antique end table....

For the farmhouse table, I plan on using these favorites....

And, creating a tablescape using these
vintage holiday plates.....
I feel so much better....
it's in my mind, along with
vision of sugarplums and being home for the holidays...

And, of course, it's important to plan your fashion....
I have it covered and cannot wait....

Isn't it truly the most wonderful time of the year......

NOVEMBER TABLESCAPE....ROMANTIC AND VINTAGE

 

Tradition blends with elegance in this welcoming, cozy
tablescape for the feeling of autumn.
We are anticipating a lovely Thanksgiving gathering
as our home stays fully decorated for the season
and dining tables are set with favorite heirlooms
with the sound of a crackling fire...

I love pulling together a tablesetting using a mix
of patterns and textures.....
incorporating the deep, moody colors of fall.....
I knew these plates would be perfect for fall
and if you remember, I used these for Easter also....
expect the unexpected as they say....

I find that using wood serving pieces add a certain warmth

This is one of my favorite treasures I inherited
from Grandmother Estelle.....
This plate is well over one hundred years old....

It's fun to add little embellishments to your table too....
they serve no purpose other than to delight the eye....

What I love about this look, is that nothing matches,
but it is a beautiful blend of colors, patterns and textures....

The foundation is a green pashmina topped with a gorgeous
autumn runner.....

I fell in love with the deep reds in the faux hydrangeas

There is a homemade apple nut cake baking in the oven....
what a perfect autumn day this has been.....

THE BEST EVER PUMPKIN BREAD

 

Good Morning Loves...

can you believe we are saying good-bye to the month of October?

It has been a glorious month...we could not have wished for better....

so as we begin the quiet month of NOVEMBER,,

it's time to turn our thoughts to the holidays and

finding the most delicious recipes for our family gatherings....

I tried a new recipe for PUMPKIN BREAD and

it's absolutely delicious!!!

This recipe came from Tom and Melissa

which they featured on their channel of

COME SIT AT MY TABLE....

THE BEST PUMPKIN BREAD

4 eggs

1 cup oil

2 cups pure Pumpkin

3/4 cup water

2 1/2 cups flour

3 cups sugar

2 t. baking soda

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg

1 1/2 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare two loaf pans with non-stick spray.
In large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together, blending well.
Pour batter into loaf pans.
Bake for one hour. Allow to cool before slicing.

Rain is predicted for Wednesday.....how glorious!!!

CRAFTING AND HOME COMFORTS IN AUTUMN

Good Morning Kindred Spirits..
my thoughts are now turning to the holidays
that will be upon us in the blink of an eye....
I am planning my menus and ideas for
table settings.....
I love using natural elements in the fall season
and have found my inspiration for
the Thanksgiving farmhouse table....

It's simple and natural.....
a burlap table runner, apples, seeded eucalyptus and white candles...
what a lovely way to welcome family in for Thanksgiving....

 

Start the morning with hot biscuits and jam
on a pretty autumn plate......delightful....

Autumn is THE season for making homemade soups and stews...
our kitchen smelled amazing with this delicious
Lasagna Soup simmering on the stove...

I stocked the pantry with fresh baking supplies so today was the day
for baking a vintage plum cake with buttermilk glaze...divine!

Layer your furniture with soft and cozy autumn throws.....
it's spending time with someone who makes you feel good......

I love the soft glow of candlelight in fall....makes for a cozy
feel of pure contentment.......

Okay, this might be a craft that you may be interested in....
I like to engage in activities that keep your brain sharp
and are not too taxing.....meaning something I have no talent for....
and also an activity that in the end, will be a beautiful keepsake....
my recent discovery in "Sticker by Number Books!"
So far, I am loving these beautiful images and spending
time creating  a lovely picture....

Customers find the pictures pretty, vibrant, and happy.
They say the activity is relaxing, soothing,
and a great stress reliever.
Readers also describe the book as
 fun, engaging, and addictive. 



There are many, many themes and styles from which to choose,
so I think this is going to very enjoyable to do...

These would also make a lovely gift for someone special...
I found mine on Amazon

I have such gratitude for the gift of the Autumn season...

THE AUTUMN FOX

 

I have such a love for the Fox......
we were fortunate enough to have two
fox scamper through our backyard woodlands at
The Maine House.....
they are so small, beautiful and timid....
but it was just magical to see them in their
natural habitat.....so I have found small ways
to incorporate them into my seasonal home decor....

My all time favorite.....
he adds a subtle sophistication
to the table.....

I write down hundreds of recipes..
I came across these beautiful vintage
journals which will now hold my favorites...

Spread autumn decor throughout your home
to create a festive feeling of the OCTOBER days.....

Autumn in the season of NESTING....
we find our hearts returning HOME.....
Let's get cozy in soft linens
as we make this time of year a beautiful experience.....

AUTUMN IN THE GARDENS

Good Morning Loves....
We are all focused on the wedding these last few
days of the week....
it's been over a year in the making..
going from a vision, to months of hard work
getting the site ready for a magical evening,
and now we are a mere three days away!
Family is arriving tomorrow and we are off
to an Air B&B in the country......
I thought today, we would take a little walk around
the outdoors of Estelle's to show a few snippets
on a fall tribute before we enjoy time with the family....
I have yet to purchase pumpkins and mums,
but we will get there, not to worry....



Our welcome wreath for autumn.....

This is totally adorable for Halloween.....
I need to purchase batteries so he lights up in the evening.....



Now, this is one happy scarecrow....
I smile just looking at him....



I adore scarecrows so you will find them
in small little places...like on the urns
on either side of the front entry....



I love seasonal door mats......
this one expressed a few of my favorite fall things....



Aren't these the cutest little overalls?



The patio has taken on a fall vibe and we
are loving afternoons of porch sitting....



My Lantana has been so vibrant with our cooler days....

Favorite fall pillows are on display

These pillows are so pretty and decorative...

We LOVE HALLOWEEN....one of our favorite holidays...

Another vintage favorite.....

I am amazed at how many seasons and fall weather
this little guy has endured....
Well, we continue to enjoy each day of my favorite
month of the year.....it comes and goes so quickly,
so let's be grateful and enjoy those magical moments....

Our beautiful little Lucy....