THANKSGIVING

Our Thanksgiving was great -- we enjoyed a day of beautiful weather, delicious food, and good company. I hope yours was just as nice. I thoroughly enjoyed my break and it has taken me a while to get back into the swing of things! Here are some snapshots of our fun filled day at Melrose.

cheese and meat sampler

horseshoes in the backyard - Brandon got a ringer to win us the game!

the buffet ready to start the dinner line

The set up! This picture makes my mouth water.

I ordered this magnolia leaf garland to use as the table centerpiece (per pinterest of course) and accompanied it with some dried okra pieces from a friend. I've dressed it up with some sprigs of holly berries and candles to extend it's life into the Christmas season as well!

the main attraction!

CENTERPIECE INSPIRATION

Ever since I added the new rug to Melrose's dining room, I have been brainstorming on new centerpieces for our farm table. I did have a sort of country chic runner, but now it does not match so I'm looking for something different. Something unique and colorful to tie in the moroccan rug. I gathered together my favorite inspiration images and my options:

1. Glass vase with long, twiggy stems -- I love the simplicity of this option and the versatility. I think my favorite arrangement are the pure greenery ones, especially the eucalyptus bundle.

Here are some recycled glass vase options that I think could achieve this look:

 viva terra clear recycled balloon vases $69

viva terra citrine recycled balloon vase $79

 pier 1 recycled glass vase (the site says out of stock, but I bet you could find one in stores)

2. Floral arrangement - Ever since I saw this instagram from Moth Design, I have been obsessed with her sea urchin vase (as well as her tory burch flats!).

It kind of reminds me of these beautiful floral arrangements in saturated pumpkins. I thought about attempting this idea, but then I worried about the pumpkin deteriorating. I think the sea urchin vase is a great option and could be played up in the fall and then used year around as a centerpiece. 

I started thinking of what plants in my garden I could use as well as purchasing some dried pieces to add in. Etsy and Terrain have some beautiful and unique dried options. And of course, a few fresh cut blooms are necessary as well! I mocked up an example to see what it could possibly look like:

left -- a true arrangement found on pinterest; right -- my photoshopped collage

3. Candles - With a rectangle table, I think you need either substantial candles or enough to spread out to make a statement on the table. A few cluttered in the middle won't produce a big enough interest. 

(this picture is a little overkill but I like the variety of candelabra's)

I am really smitten with this iron candelabra from Terrain. The welded detail and intricate details are exquisite!  I think it could easily fill a rectangle dining table without being too overbearing. I like to be able to clearly see my guests sitting across from me. Some bright orange or royal blue tapers could be amazing in this. 

So, those are my current options I keep toying with. What do you think? Do you have a favorite? 

SNEAK PEEK: dining room

Look what has arrived at Melrose -

Do you remember this post? Well after hearing your encouraging comments, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it! The colors are very radiant and it brings a lot to the neutral dining room. Now I just need to put a coat of high gloss white paint on the legs of the farm table. More pictures to come!

WOOD YOU SIT OR STAND?

While thumbing through some of my favorite kitchen photos, I started to notice a trend in a lot of them -- rustic farmhouse tables as islands or dining in the kitchen. My dream house is an open floor plan from the kitchen, to the dining area, to the den where you can easily socialize with all your company. Everyone tends to congregate in the kitchen, and while I am happy with Melrose's current kitchen, it just doesn't provide room for gathering while cooking at the same time. I think a vintage, farmhouse table within an open kitchen is just the solution! I am really loving these beautiful, spacious kitchens with well made cabinetry, granite countertops, and striking lighting that have all been paired with a rustic, unique table. Whether it is used as island for extra space while cooking, or housing a few bar stools while sitting and watching the cook, I love the use of a farmhouse table in a modern kitchen. Here are some of my favorite examples:

 I love this simple, airy rustic table. It's size and tone is a great compliment to the clean, streamline design of this kitchen. Anything chunkier or darker could seem too heavy for this space.

This table doesn't appear to be rustic farmhouse, but it's shape and carved legs lend the idea that it is an antique. Even if it doesn't appear old, a nice, aged shape can be a nice contrast in a modern space. I'd take the glossy black and white marble pair any day!

An island + a farmhouse table, yes please. Of course you have to have ample room to house both of these pieces, and this kitchen is perfect for it.

Kirsten Buckingham's kitchen via Amber Interiors

The love seat and table make this space super cozy and inviting.

 Sage Design via The Zhush

Maybe one of my favorite kitchens of all time - I love the mis matched seating and clean backsplash and cabinetry in contrast with the dark, ebony stained floor.

A unique positioning of a table at the foot of the island. You save room by not having chairs on all sides and the flow of the kitchen is consistent.

 This designer used a counter height wooden table for working or gathering. A lot of different materials are happening in this kitchen, so the simple, streamline design of this wooden table is perfect.

Another versatile, wooden table at counter height. Again, the mint green is the main attraction here so a simple antique was the way to go.

via

all other sources via

DINING ROOM RUG

Remember when I posted about completing our bar area in the dining room? Well I love the color and interest the art brings to the room, but I really feel like I need another punch of color. The dining side of the room just seems so bland. So I have been on the search for a unique, one of a kind, fun rug to use under the table. Of course the size is really awkward since there needs to be a walkway from the den to the kitchen and it needs to complement the rest of Melrose. Rugs can be a great statement piece and a very versatile item that you can easily move to other areas of the house. I know a lot of designers refer to them as an excellent starting point for decorating a room. 

Here is what you see from one side of the room ...

And here is the dining room from the view of the den walkway ...(pardon the iphone photo)

See what I mean? It just needs something to make the room seem more intimate and lively. After endless research, I have found a beautiful rug that I believe to be the winner. I understand it is bold and may be too funky for my taste, but I love the colors and originality. I am really drawn to the cobalt blue, sage green and hints of pink throughout the Moroccan rug. What do you think? 

thanks abode love for your awesome photoshop skills

I am also convincing myself to paint the leg's of my farm table a high gloss white to brighten up the room. I think it will be a nice contrast to the rustic table top. So, is it a winner in your mind as well? I'll report back soon on my verdict! 

Thanks for all the sweet comments on Melrose's guest bedroom! I love to read your favorite aspects of the room - gives me new insight! And yes Kristen you are correct - you did spy new twin beds in the other guest bedroom! Progress is slow on that room, but I'll try to share a sneak peek soon.

CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS

I know these faux bamboo chairs are infamous and fabulous statement pieces, but ever since I pinned this picture the other day they have really been on my mind! I would love a pair for Melrose's dining room. Have you seen any at thrift stores lately?

via atlanta homes

I know people can find amazing deals on these at antique malls and flea markets, but I have not been very successful! I did notice last night that Ballard Designs has a great option for these chippendale chairs - not in this awesome fire engine red, but in some pretty neutrals. Do you have any chippendale chairs in your current decor?

Macau Armchair - available in black, white, and natural (like below)

Macau Side Chairs 

Here are some other beautiful rooms displaying their collection of Chinese chippendale chairs.

I love the fun fabric paired with the white, classic furniture

 via elle decor

via

 I love the zebra cushion - maybe the black or white Ballard chair with a funky print!?

 via lonny mag

 via

 via urban grace

via rue mag

Have a fabulous weekend!

BAR ART: finished

Well, I did it! The "bar" is complete. If you remember, I posted about the art arrangement here in hopes that sharing it with the blog world would encourage me to follow through. And, it did. What do you think? 

many thanks to Ann Yates for the precious cocktail glasses - definitely a focal point!

I used an antique mirrored vanity tray for displaying my decanters. It was the perfect size for the narrow counter top. I love the touch of gold it adds amongst the glass and pewter.

 

My B&A post on this room was the refinishing of the dining table and then about the DIY drop cloth curtains. Wow, has it come a long way! I would still love some large baskets or straw hats to hang above the buffet. Always on the search for something!

check out all my sources on my pinterest board