Happy Monday! It finally feels like fall has arrived here in North Carolina! We had some beautiful weather this past week with the mercury in the comfortable 70 degree range, so I set a table in celebration to enjoy a little lakeside dining.
Have a seat and join me at the table. . .
Summer has seemed endless and the leaves on the trees aren’t expected to turn until mid-November, while Endless Summer Hydrangeas have made their fall metamorphosis, turning from bright blue to the muted shades of green and purple.
I tweaked my Monday Morning Blooms Arrangement, adding some hydrangeas and filling in the gaps created from the older foliage that I removed.
The maiden grass plumes in the arrangement have really ‘fuzzed-out’ -> technical term ;) in the week and a half since they were cut. You can give them a spritz of hairspray to keep them from shedding all over the table.
Some of the Chinese Chestnut pods in the arrangement opened up, revealing the chestnuts inside.
I think the texture of the pods is so interesting even if they appear a little ‘Dr. Suess-esque’. ;)
The bird vase for the arrangement provided the table inspiration from one of my favorite quotes. . .
“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird
I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”
~ George Eliot
Bird dishes flew in, landing on white plates, embossed with a flowering vine border. . .
And square madras chargers and bone-handled flatware add some warm texture to the table.
Table Details:
Bird dishes / Gracie China, HomeGoods, several years ago, used here
Embossed bordered plates / Pfaltzgraff Country Cupboard, used here
Goblets / Mikasa French Countryside
Square Madras Chargers / World Market
Flatware / Towle Seville
April Cornell Tablecloth / HomeGoods, several years ago, used here
Hope you’re enjoying some beautiful weather where you are!
Thank you for your visit, sharing with:
Metamorphosis Monday
Very pretty, have only seen horse chestnuts, yours are interesting with multiple seeds. I am having stonewall envy, been working on pavers and hardcapes, love the extra decore your low wall offers, I feel one coming in my future 😉 every Mondays floral arrangements has me yearn to run out and create too, then reality sets in and I remember every time I leave a gorgeous bouquet inside my cats shred and fritter is away to scattered petals and twigs… Thank goodness for all your picture perfect moments!
You were up WAY too early this morning :) I have no doubt you and your workhorse of a hubby will erect walls in no time to go with all the hardscaping you’ve already done!
Beautiful tablescape! You are so inspiring, always. Good morning from a sister Tarheel. Isn’t the weather wonderful?
Everything its lovely as always.
Although not featured here, I need to know how you get your puppies to pose? I’m trying to get my Havanese to do the same, but to avail. must be a trick to that maneuver and I’d like to know what it is.
My little girl is a year old. Thank you Mary, if you have the time to respond
Thank you Kem, the key to posing is lots of treats! 🐾🐾
Yet another gorgeous tablescape! You never cease to amaze. Anyone would be honored to sit at one of your lovely tables!
Thank so much Susan ♥
Where did you get Chinese pods? Love your blog!
Thank you Gloria, I cut them from a tree: https://homeiswheretheboatis.net/2019/10/07/fall-arrangement-with-foliage-monday-morning-blooms/
Another inspiring table setting – so lovely! I am in awe of your hydrangeas. The deer are shredding ours. Do you have deer and if so, do you use a deer repellent?
Hi Ann, Fortunately we don’t have any deer visitors but we’re over run with bunnies, squirrels and have the occasional beaver visit. :) I’ve heard that Liquid Fence works but I haven’t tried it. 🦌🐇
I ❤️ the George Eliot quote and will share it with my bookclub today. This tablescape is now one of my favorites. You are so creative and talented. Those little bird dishes make the table just “fly”😍.
Thank you for visit and sweet comment Linda! ♥
Ahhhhh I’m breathing in the cooler air while enjoying your beautiful table, Mary! I love, love your surrounding wall of pumpkins, gourds and mums. Your birdie dishes are darling, and your arrangement is still spectacular. The flatware is perfect for Fall, atop your plaid tablecloth. Wish I could be a guest! 🍂❤️🍁
Thank you sweet Kitty, me too! ♥
So beautiful, my favorite time of year. 💛💚🧡
Mine too especially after our long hot summer! Hope you’re enjoying fall and those sweet boys. ♥
We went to a party at the home of some friends who have a home on Hi Rock lake and had a lovely ride on their pontoon boat. Saw the sunset and the full moon rise. Just beautiful. Thought of you and your puppies going out on your Lake. Finally got a little rain yesterday but really need more. Your tablescape was amazing as usual.Thankyou for giving such a nice start to my day.
Amazing how a couple of cool days sparks a transition!! Out come “the woolens.” Luv your setting! franki
Thank you Franki ♥
Lovely Autumn welcome with a peacful and pretty tablescape by the water. Glad you have cooler temps.
I love all your pumpkins and mums.
We still haven’t had any rain. Hoping for some later today. It has been a very long time. We do have cooler temps which have been nice.
I also haven’t bought any mums or pumpkins. I still can’t understand why our area doesn’t get heirloom pumpkin varieties. I do understand that mums don’t last in the heat that we have had so maybe Lowes will be getting a new shipment now that it has cooled down.
Thank you Bonnie. We are in the midst of a flash drought and had our first measurable rainfall since August 23rd yesterday. Keeping my fingers crossed for more on Tuesday, we need a tropical depression to come our way and fill the lake back up! I haven’t seen as many heirloom pumpkins this fall as in previous years. I read on Pam’s blog that heirloom pumpkins were scarcer this year due to the rain that hindering planting, followed by drought conditions. Crazy weather! Hope you’re enjoying some cooler temperatures too. ♥
Always love your posts and sharing your fabulous talents…I saw your table cloth and I thought you got it at Restore in Denver….We had several of these and I got one there……If you are ever in the Restore and see a white hair volunteer..introduce yourself…I would love to meet such a talented person!
Soo gorgeous! You are amazing!
George said it best! And I certainly agree! I, too, would fly around seeking successive autumns! All favs today, Autumn, Lakeside Dining, Birds and Poetry!!! Just can’t get any better!!! Lovely!!! HAPPY MONDAY, MARY! 🍁🍂
So beautiful and serene Mary, when I look at this lovely setting, I experience and instant feeling of calm…the colors and textures are wonderful and the white plate stacks are a lovely contrast to all the rustic natural elements. I know you are enjoying the finally fall weather! We actually had a fire going on the patio Sat afternoon and evening!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. That sounds so cozy, I know you were cooking up a delicious creation in your pizza oven! I’m ready for a little chair time by the fire pit. :)
Surrounded by the foliage and lake breezes gives me a sense of calm. Your tablescape is stunning and the pumpkins and mums all around …accompany it so well.
Glad the weather is better for you… thanks for sharing your beautiful fall captures!
Thank you so much Nancy for your visits and kind and generous comments. ♥
Beautiful table Mary! The weather is indeed glorious! We’ve had rain & I have been planting shrubs & decorative trees. So far about 50. Only 10 more to go unless I make another trip or two to the nurseries! Mary your landscaping inspired me. I love the chestnut pods! Never seen these before. Now I must get Fall tablescapes done. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas. Clara ❤️
Thank you Clara…my back twinges in sympathy with your abundant planting. ;) We’re in desperate need of rain here. Keeping my fingers crossed we’ll have some Tuesday.♥
I love how you mixed all the warm, rich colors
Picture of partially opened chestnut looks like baby birds in a nest awaiting a worm
Not only do you take the time to inspire, enlighten and entertain us, but then you take the time to respond to our comments. I am in awe of your multiple talents and love waking up to your creativity in Utah.
Love the refreshed MMB arrangement. The chestnut pods opening up is so unusual & interesting. Love the bird themed tablescape & the weather is indeed glorious! Fall is a favorite season of mine too. Been working on landscaping since having 3″ of rain after more than a month of drought. Yay for the rain & cooler weather! I’ve planted many shrubs (50+) and have more to go (10). Your beautiful gardens are my inspiration. I’ve planted burgundy foliage crape myrtle. When I saw them & the camellias, I wondered if you had any? I now have many more butterfly bushes as I have enjoyed the one so much thanks to you introducing them to me! It has brought many butterflies to the garden as well as bees. Thanks again Mary for all your wonderful inspiration! Clara ❤️ (My first post disappeared so I hope this doesn’t duplicate.)
Oh Mary, it’s all too beautiful (hmmm..isn’t that a song?)….well your settings by the lake are truly like a wonderful song ushering in a most beautiful time of the year. It has to be so glorious to sit at the table to enjoy a fabulous meal or just a glass of your favorite drink to take in all that beauty!….and of course you add to the beauty by creating the most wonderful fall spectacular of pumpkins and flowers! Enjoy!!!
Absolutely beautiful!
Absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, I fear that our Autumn has ended. We had hard freezes last week and more on the way. Much too early for me. Enjoy your cooler weather, winter will be here all too soon. Give your little ladies a hug and a squeeze from me. Thanks, Mary, I so enjoy your blog.
Simply beautiful! I love your tablescapes. The bird dishes are adorable and add so much charm to the setting!
Love the flower arrangements!! As always I enjoy your pictures so much. Dishes & plaid tablecloth especially as my daughter & I love both!! We spent yesterday looking at our “shop” & buying mums! Weather has been so nice & have been taking advantage of it!! Thanks so much!!
Beautiful post, Mary. Thank you! You always inspire 🍁🍂🌾
Mary, your creation is STUNNING!! You broke out two of my favorite pieces of yours, your bird vase and bird plates! This evokes such good feelings. Love what your inspiration was also. You for years have been my favorite and will so for years.
Hi Kimberley, Thank you! Happy Monday ♥
Good morning Mary, I love your blog and, although I read it regularly, I don’t always comment. Thank you for all the work you do to bring beautiful settings and decorations into our lives. I have learned so much from your arrangements and quotes and photos. I know you were an amazing contributor in the retail realm that you left — because you have brought excellent artistic skills into this season of your life — and you bless us regularly. Thank you.
On another subject — I adore seeing your sweet pups in the photos. A few months ago I had to say goodbye to my 12 year old Standard Poodle — Jack. I am relocating from So Calif to Tennessee in the Spring, so I’m waiting to find another dog companion when I’m settled. In the meantime, seeing your babies helps fill a hole in my heart. Thank you for your loving spirit and great photography skills. You share generously and it blesses me. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Hi Leslie, Thank you for your visits and generous and sweet comment. I’m so sorry the loss of your Jack, I can so relate. I know you’ll be ready for another pup in the spring. ♥
Simply Elegant! Extra special with the water in the background. I also love that vase and the arrangement is beautiful. Love, love, those Gracie bird dishes, they are a favorite too. Anytime I am in T J Max or Home Goods, I’m on the look-out for them, but to no avail, so I’ll just enjoy yours. You do all things so well Mary, a feast for the eyes. So glad you finally have cooler weather! Enjoy! 🍊🍂p.s. We are signing up today for a bus tour to Maine next June! I’m so excited! I know I’ll be reviewing your pics on Maine to help pass the long winter! 😘
Absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.
Just stunning from flower arrangement to table setting. I have one question though….where do you keep all the different dishes you display as you must have a gazillion!! Lol. They are all beautiful!!!
Beautiful post Mary! The cooler weather and rainy day yesterday have really made fall start to pop in our area.
Your tablescape is lovely. Have a great week!
Wow – so many beautiful things I love about this tablescape! I’m inspired by all of them, but first thing is to run out and see if I can make a flower arrangement as tall and lovely as yours! (Then some white plates!) :) Thanks as always for your gorgeous table settings full of ideas and wonderfulness! ❤️
Very pretty Mary, I’m glad you’re enjoying some milder weather! Lovin’ those spectacular multi-colored bumpy pumpkins:@)
Lovely table. Those chestnut thingies are really cool.
Mary, I’m happy that your autumn weather has arrived. We had a tast over the weekend with some real sweater weather, but today is back to warmer temps. Still nice though! Your lakeside living and dining always offers a delightful, Inviting ambience. The flower arrangement is gorgeous and love the texture of the carvings on the urn. The individual basket trays for each placesetting yet another wonderful layer of texture. I love to scroll up and down and study the details. You are a master!
WOW!! I love the setting…but more in love with that hydrangea!!! Never seen one that beautiful!! AWESOME!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mary, I love that you captured & shared not only the Chesnut pods, but the opening of them! Isn’t it amazing? The chesnuts needed a protective covering to mature & protect from animals. Hmmm…. which animals eat chesnuts? Squirrels & rabbits & deer I would guess. Thank you for such a beautiful post!
Your tablescape is beautiful. The plaid throw is so Fallish.
Marilyn
Mary I like the variety of pumpkins and gourds.
Marion
Beautiful and so inviting is thie post.
Joan
This makes me autumn-happy.