Heart and Home's a Winner!

Greetings everyone!   Today I'm joining in on the Tablescape party over at Between Naps on the Porch (thanks, Susan!) But first:  Lookie what I got. My first award, sent to me by Judy aka "Kifus" at Inspiring Interiors. When you're done here head on over there for a look at some pics of the most lovely and (as her title suggests - ) inspiring homes. She has a terrific collection of interiors to drool over, at least that's what I did when I checked them out! Thank you Judy, for the vote of confidence in my blog. I appreciate it! Now it's my turn to pass on the honor, and to award seven worthy bloggers, from me to you! Go to the end of this post to see the blogs I've chosen, and also to read seven things about me that you didn't know. Riveting and fascinating material, for sure!! You don't want to miss that.

And now, on to serious Tablescaping! (sorry these pictures are all over the place, can't seem to get my computer to follow centering orders. This  tech trouble is getting to be a pain....)

Working the Fall theme, trying to come up with new and pretty ways to use the same old stuff....wishing I had a great big dining room hutch so I could unpack all the boxes stored away under the house which contain several sets of fine china, glassware, Annie Glass dishes and all sorts of wonderful odds and ends that make for a lovely table. But alas, it's not to be. There is no hutch in my future. I keep hoping Santa will bring me one, but I guess he hasn't received my note....

So here's the table set for a nice pork chop dinner for the family, eating in the dining room for a change. Usually during the week we sit in our pop-out bay window area in the kitchen (see it here). But I think I'll light a fire in the living room tonight and cozy up the place for a warm and relaxing family meal.

 

                         

I love the wrought iron chandelier, which I found in a second hand store and got for a song. It was covered with speckled green paint. We scraped it and repainted it and hung it (it weighs a ton!) in a place of honor over the dining room table. It creates such a warm ambiance and golden glow at night when all the candles are lit. I go through boxes and boxes of white candlesticks in the fall and winter. It's important that I always remember to buy drip-less ones! Trust me, we had a few "wax incidents" that were not pretty before I figured that out!!

                                   

                                   

There's the quilted leaf runner I made a few years ago. I took a class at the local quilting/fabric store. I had such a good time. I've made a few quilts for display, but I especially like the way this runner turned out.

                       

I put a vase inside the brass pot to hold the mums, then filled in the gap around the edges with dried mini-corn husks. Very fall-ish and pilgrim-my, don't you think?!

                           

The silk leaf place mats and brown silk napkins are so pretty, they have a sheen and shimmer and add a lot of texture and warmth to the table. You never know what you're going to find at Ross!  I'm hungry all of a sudden - I'm ready for a nice dinner with the family!

It's been a challenge to come up with a list of just seven worthy winners of the "From me to You" blog award. If it were up to me I would award you all, because each and every one of you is fabulous in your own unique way!  But, since the requirements are for me to stick with only seven, these are my choices.  I hope you'll take some time and visit these blogs, I know you'll find something wonderful to love about every one!

"There is No Place Like Home" = say hi to Kelli at her country home

Nic Nac Maniac - have a visit with Nerina and enjoy the variety and different things she shares with us

Mockingbird Hill Cottage - Claudia has the most charming country cottage

French Larkspur - Tracey shares her French shabby chic style

Blooming on Bainbridge - have a visit with Teresa  for fun and great recipes from her Bainbridge Island home

Lavender House - for a taste of British life by the sea

Isabella and Max Rooms - Janell creates some seriously elegant and beautiful interiors

Each site delivers something unique and lovely. I know you will enjoy your visit at each one! Let the ladies know I sent you!

Finally, as promised, and I know you've been at the edges of your seats with anticipation - here's a list of seven things you didn't know about me. Until now. Oh Boy!!

1.  I'm left-handed, but I throw, play tennis, bowl, and much more right-handed. I'm ambidextrous, sort-of!

2.  I'm nearly 3/4 German, spent my early, formative years growing up in Germany, and German was my first language as a toddler.

3.  I'm an Air Force Brat, patriotic, but a realist when it comes to politics and the often misused power of our Government. And having said that, I've been known to shed a few tears at the singing of the National Anthem at ball games. Embarrassing but true.

4.  I wanted to follow in my mom's footprints and become a stage actress . Didn't happen. I've passed the theatrical gene on to my two daughters, esp. #2.  But I still wonder what if....

5. If pressed I would have to say spaghetti is my favorite all time food. I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For many days in a row!! Additional favorites include goulash, home-made mac and cheese and then just about any dessert. Can you tell that I love food? : )

6. As an adult I discovered I'm allergic to shell fish. But I love shrimp and crab and lobster and scallops - just can't eat them anymore. Sad but true.

7. My favorite author is Jane Austin, I've read and re-read all of her books (many times!), I love costume dramas and Merchant-Ivory films.  I'm a hopeless romantic,very sentimental, with a strong practical streak which can lead to serious confusion of my psyche. Often. If you know what I mean.

So there you have it: the seven things you always wanted to know about me! I can't wait to hear what you have to say about all this......And what about you? Do you obsess about your favorite food, or have a hidden talent, or some secret passion?  Share some things about yourselves,you'll feel good ! Besides, I really want to get to know you better!

Until next time

XO

Heidi