A Fall Table, Part 2

Can you believe Thanksgiving is in two weeks?! I feel like each year goes by faster than the previous. Today I'm following up with my fall tablescape. If you missed Mallory's you can read about hers here.

This year I opted for a more muted look of light greens and whites. I had scored all of the velvet green pumpkins, the mini ceramic pumpkins, and the vases at Target's dollar section. The vases were $5 each! The white pumpkins I found at Joann's. I incorporated a couple air plants that I have. One of them is fake. Can you tell which one? And the big mama in the center I picked up at our local farmer's market.

Setting a formal table for the holidays isn't really feasible for us. We host our large extended family, which requires us to squeeze in as many people around the table. To be real, each year I just do a centerpiece down the table and keep the rest casual. However, if setting a formal table was an option for us than I would set the table with these pretty items below. Click on the images to be taken to the product's page.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

A Fall Table, Two Ways

The fall season is all about gathering, entertaining and eating great food over great conversation, right?  So what better place to do that than over your beautifully decorated dining table? 

We know that for many, the holidays bring an added stress of making everything "perfect," and we're here to help!  A beautiful tablescape doesn't have to be time or budget consuming.  We're big proponents of using what you have and making it count.  So we've both designed some easy table setups to share with you guys.  I'll feature mine today, and Jessica will follow with hers.  Let's get started!

I started by laying down a piece of plaid houndstooth I found in the fabric bin at the thrift store for $3.  Fabric isn't a necessity for a tablescape, but if you do want to use some, don't feel like you have to splurge on a table runner or tablecloth--sometimes a piece of fabric is just as good, if not better!  I bunched mine to create some movement and texture in the middle of the table.

Next I added my vintage brass candlesticks that I've collected over the years (largely at thrift and antique stores).  Are you sensing a pattern?  I love the hunt and thrill of a good deal!  I swapped out my normal white tapers for some marigold ones for warmth and a nod to the traditional fall colors.

Once I had my candlesticks spaced out how I wanted them, I started to add in the magnolia branches I clipped from the tree in my yard.  Greenery is one of the easiest and cheapest (free if you can use trimmings from your own yard or a sweet neighbors!) to build a table centerpiece.  I stuck to just magnolia on mine, but you could certainly use a variety of clippings for a more layered look. 

Next I added some mini white pumpkins I picked up on a trip to the grocery store for $1.50 each. Nurseries and farmer's markets are another great place to look for more selection.  And remember, you don't have to stick to pumpkins.  My grocery store had some beautiful green squash that would have been a fun choice too--and they were 99 cents!

The next layer to the table was my dishes, which themselves got layered.  Layer, layer, layer friends!  I also added some green napkins and glassware that used to belong to my mom.  Who said you can't use green for fall decorating?

The finished product cost me $13.50 ($3 in fabric and $10.50 for pumpkins!).  The best part is that it didn't take long at all to put together. 

When you're shopping for entertaining decor remember to look for pieces that you will be able to use in a variety of different ways for different events.  That way the next time you have a function, you won't have to run to the store, just to your storage closet!

GET THE LOOK

Happy fall, y'all!

Favorite deep green cabinet colors

A big trend in the kitchen design world right now are deep green cabinets. Dark and deep greens give off a earthy sophistication which we love. Below, we rounded up our favorite deep green paint colors for you. Do you have a favorite green paint color?

Dunn Edwards - Black Spruce

Via

Benjamin Moore Chimichurri

Via

Benjamin Moore - Cushing Green

Via

Benjamin Moore - Lafayette Green

Via

Clark+Kensington - Pine Grove

Via

Benjamin Moore - Hunter Green

Via

Benjamin Moore - Salamander

Via

Benjamin Moore- Black Forest

Via

Favorite Black Doormats

I'm not sure if it's because it's summer or because we live minutes from the beach, but our guests always amp up around these months.  It's led to me taking a good look at my exterior decor and adding a few updates to our front and back porch.

One thing we desperately need to update is our front door mat.  It's taken a beating over the years and is screaming to be replaced with a more substantial, larger option.  So I started my quest for a classic design with a 48" width.  I found a few contenders and thought I'd share them with you guys in case you're needing an update too.  Now we can all welcome our guests in style!

one // two // three // four // five // six

Have a great weekend!

Mallory's Summer Fashion Favorites

Well, this started out being a birthday wish list post, BUT since I've found so many of the items running on great sales, I've already acquired most of them (...and my birthday isn't until the 11th-whoops)!

So I'll call it a Summer Favorites List instead and share all of the items details and links favorite with you guys!  You know... in case online shopping is your thing too.  My husband says it's like Christmas day every day at our house because I'm always shopping online.  He can thank me later for saving him gas money ;)

ONE // These Coral Tassel Earrings will make a statement with any outfit (even a simple tee), and they are the perfect color for summer!

TWO // I purchased a black flutter sleeve shirt from BR in this exact same style this spring and get compliments on it every time I wear it.  I decided to add one more to my closet, this time in a fun pattern Flutter Sleeve Plaid Shirt.

THREE // I have a pair of snakeskin sandals I bought a few summers ago and have worn them out to the point of them coming apart.  I loved them so much because they went with everything (great for trips when you need to pack less!). I couldn't find another exact pair but these Snakeskin Sandals will be a great substitute.

FOUR // I spotted these adorable Fringe Sandals on a recent trip to Target (for almond milk and baby swim diapers--isn't that how it goes?)  I did a quick try-on and instantly knew I wanted them!  Great price for a knock-off look.

FIVE // I ordered this Large Tweed Pouch when BR was having a 40% off all sale promotion going on.  It's large, hence the name, and has a lot of cute colors in it.  The fringe down the side is just icing to the cake.  It'll be a great purse for a dinner out, and I've already got it in my suitcase for an upcoming trip!

SIX // My current gold watch is 8 years old and needs another new battery so I decided to see what other options were out there.  I somehow came upon this Gold Watch, and I love the large face and sleek design.

SEVEN // I ordered this Chambray Off The Shoulder Top in my first TJMaxx online shopping experience.  When you can't get to the store, get to the internet :) It looks so cute with white jeans, and you can't beat the $20 price tag!

EIGHT // I purchased this Embroidered Off The Shoulder Top at the same time and love the fun colors and embroidery.  It is a juniors top so I ordered up a size for a little extra length.  It was a little more than I usually like to spend on a TJMaxx top, but I couldn't resist the fun pattern for summer! 

So there you have it--my summer favorites.  Enjoy! I know I will!

What is your entryway saying about you?

The entryway of your home sets the tone for what visitors will expect the rest of your home to be like. It is your home's first impression. Even if you do not have a grand foyer, you can create a defined entrance packed with style in a small space as well as being a functional place to store your keys and mail. Here are a few elements to consider when creating a welcoming foyer:

Mirror

Mirrors are great to use in a foyer. Not only do they provide a chance to look yourself over before greeting your guest, but they also help bounce light and add depth.

Soft Lighting

Another nice element to have is a lamp. A lamp’s soft lighting gives a welcoming glow and makes the space feel inviting.

Greenery

We at 3A are big into adding a bit of greenery to our designs. Greenery brings life to a space and also adds color and texture. 

Storage

In the grouping we put together for you below, the chest of drawers is great for storing keys, mail, and dog leashes; anything that you need to access easily before walking out the door. If you use a console without any drawers, small tabletop baskets or bowls work great too.

If you love the look of the foyer grouping below, click on the links to re-create it in your home.

glass vase // vases // mirror (sold out, similar here) // lamp // chest // rug

 Here are a couple more entryways we put together recently for two of our E-Design clients.

If you need more ideas on creating an entrance space within a small footprint check out this blog post we did on small entrances or let us help you with our affordable E-Design service.