Jewel Toned Christmas Table

For the past couple of years, I've taken all the red out of my Christmas decor.  (As seen here and here.) Well, this year, I'm jumping back into color in a big way with a mix of traditional red and green along with lots of jewel tones.  They are big big big this year.  So, here's the plan for my dining room table.  All these fun elements coupled with fresh greenery and satin ribbon in emerald green and turquoise will pull it all together. 

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(click on the corresponding number to get one of your very own!)
I have tried to use a lot of what I already have - like my very formal traditional holiday pattern by lenox as well as the cloches I purchased last Christmas and the cobalt blue glass from this summer.  By purchasing just a few new pieces, my entire table is going to be transformed into a huge punch of color.  My goal was to dress down the more formal pieces and dress up the more casual pieces for a fun chic look.  The other great thing about some of these items (like the malachite custom table runners) - they are not really considered "Christmas" so I'll be able to reuse them for tablescapes throughout the rest of the year.  Stay tuned for the pictures once I have everything in place.

PS: I can hear some of you now, "We've not even had Thanksgiving yet!" (which, honestly, sounds like my very sweet husband :) when I start asking about putting our tree up every year).  The truth is I am not hosting Thanksgiving.  I get to enjoy the labor of others who are busy working on their Thanksgiving table and menu.  Buuuttt, I am hosting a couple of things for Christmas.  So, I'm getting my ducks in a row now.  Remember, Rome wasn't built in day, people.  It takes some planning.  So, I'm simply sharing the process with you.   Enjoy your Monday! M.

My Weekend - Riddle Solved

Sorry for the tease on Friday!  I just couldn't resist.  We attended the 27th annual Steeplechase (get it "steeple + chase = steeplechase") at Callaway Gardens on Saturday.  

My very generous Mother-in-law treated us to a day at the races!  This was my first Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, and it was absolutely delightful!  This event is hosted each year to benefit the arts in Columbus, Georgia to include the Museum, Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and the Springer Opera House.

 We were lucky enough to have a tent right next to the 2011 Race Director, Charlotte Hare, and her family.  It was a stunning vantage point with lots of space in front for the children to play between races and a couple of strategic jumps just beyond for an exciting afternoon.   

The weather could not have been better, and I must say, the people were incredibly kind and gracious.  

 The day started with the Midland Fox Hounds' parade. 

Then the bagpipers kicked off the ceremony for the day. 

 Those are our tents in the background.

 Each race was announced with a bugle blast from this fellow . . 

and the first race we saw was a pony race for children (no jumps). 

I thought the boy on this tiny pony was the cutest thing ever!! 

My daughter who rides here in Birmingham was completely smitten after the very first race.  I could not pull her away for a single moment of looking at hats, flowers or anything in between.  She stood on the rail all afternoon! 

I did talk my nieces into going with me to see the sites.  I have to say this event was the closest thing I've seen in awhile to tailgating in the grove at Ole Miss where I went to school.  Just look at this gorgeous arrangement in a pierced silver basket, no less! 

 Then it was time for the real races.  I took these pictures in front of our tent as they made the jump.

The entire event was at a very relaxed pace - lots of socializing along with refreshments and yummy treats between races.  

This dapper fellow relaxed at the tent next to us!  

 I happened to snap this picture at the very moment this jockey made the jump and bobbled out of her saddle.  Up until this point, I actually thought it looked really fun.  I quickly realized it's very dangerous!  She did, in fact, fall straight on her head and rolled a few feet.  Luckily, she got up and walked away from this fall unscathed, but her horse never stopped.  

I loved the look of this arrangement in this old copper basin.  It was stunning in person. 

This amazing arrangement was in the main tent located right in front of the finish line.  

 Close to the end of the day, we were treated to a special tour of the stables (this was a highlight for my daughter).  This beautiful horse had just finished a race and had won!  They were in the process of cooling him down.  Based on the looks of these stables, the horses are treated like royalty! 

This cute girl (did you see that bird on her hat!) actually helped organize the event and was in charge of the hat contest.  So, with my nieces in tow, we made our way to the judges table for a look at the contestants!  

Look at some of these hats!

I think this hat actually won the overall category!   This lady was so sweet.  One of my nieces just flat out asked her if she could try on her hat and she, without any hesitation, popped the hat on her head!

Needless to say, she created a monster and both of them preceded to ask every lady in the crowd if they could try on their hats!

One other thing I thought was fun, this milliner and his wife were selling hats at the event.  So, if you did not come in a hat and were feeling left out, you could make it right!! 

 My nieces saw it as just one more opportunity to try on a few hats.  I've never seen such posing in all my life!

 Check out the hand on the hip.

 Overall, it was a very special day.  This event is held annually each Fall.   We had such a marvelous time I am sure it will not be our last time to attend.  If you are interested in a fun fall day, click here for more information on next year's Steeplechase.  I saw one tent called "Girl's Weekend" and it really made my wheels start turning!  M. 

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

For the past three years, my family has attended the Steeplechase for the Arts at Callaway Gardens which benefits lots of great organizations in the city of Columbus, Georgia.  The first year we attended this amazing event I talked about it here.  Each year, we take our feast on the road and join lots of others for a relaxing day at the races.  I snapped a picture of our table for the day.

For the event this year, we had marvelous weather, the races were filled with excitement, the hats were mesmerizing, and the flower arrangements were completely stunning!  For starters, there were a pair of these jumping horses flanking the entrance to the main tent overlooking the finish line.  

In fact, the flowers arrangements were so incredible, many of them could easily be recreated for a Thanksgiving table.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

I love the gerber daisy included in the vase for additional color an interest.  I've never thought to try this.

This simple idea of lavender in burlap bags could be repeated down the center of a Thanksgiving table for an understated, casual dinner.

While you may not want to include a horse in your Thanksgiving arrangement, the pheasant feathers and pewter footed bowl would be fantastic.

Just adore the rustic container with the winter cabbage, hydrangeas, magnolia leaves and pears.  I also love the table linens and plates!  This entire tables would make an amazing Thanksgiving table.

I thought this was a fun take on carved pumpkin container.  Notice the pumpkin still has the stem intacted, and the arrangement is placed in the side of the pumpkin.  

I love this arrangement in the galvanized bucket! The bucket feels casual while the height of the arrangement gives it some formality. 

I snapped a picture of this arrangement before they could even get their table set up!  It's in a silver pitcher.  Love the winter grasses and berries.

Even just a simple basket filled with potted mums adds lots of texture and interest.

And last, my favorite.  This gorgeous silver trumpet vase is filled with okra!  So unusual, and lovely.

So, will you be hosting Thanksgiving this year?  M.