Fall Porch Decorations

I'm really happy with how my front porch turned out this fall. It's my favorite season, so this is the perfect way to celebrate! Mom's post about the fall decor in her house inspired me to finally get this done...better late than never, right?!

I bought two real pumpkins and two fake black pumpkins from Target.

 

I also purchased two orange mums from the garden center down the street. I replaced the pink geraniums that had been in those black planters all summer.

I LOVE the chalkboard panel. I'm happy with how my chalk art turned out. Who knows what it will be come Christmas?!

I simply painted a piece of shelving. You can buy a piece for about $1 from Home Depot if you don't have any scrapes.

These little lanterns came from Ikea. Eventually I'll load them up with pine cones for Christmas!

And the mums!! I love orange mums this time of year!

I hope you're enjoying the fall weather.
~Karli

Judith's New Old Green Table

Soon I will be sharing a new post about my most recent project, converting a shed into an "Artist Studio" for my friend Judith.  In the meantime, I had to jump the gun and share a picture of one special piece of furniture that will be residing in Judith's Art Shed.

Here is a picture of the before:

Judith's father had made this sweet little table.

The table had been residing outside for a little while.  I thought it was so precious and it was special to Judith, so of course we had to find a place for it in the Art Shed.  But it needed a new look for its new home.  Judith is anything but meek and mild, and she is definitely not afraid of color.  It did not surprise me that the color she decided on for the little table would be Sherwin Williams Luau Green.   It is not for the faint of heart.

After lightly sanding what was left of the old peeling paint, the table got two light coats of the fun green.  I then distressed the edges lightly with my sanding sponge.  After that I did a dry brush technique randomly with a brown/gold mixture of acrylic craft paint.  To finish it off, I applied two coats of Minwax Spray Polyurethane Varnish in the Satin Finish.


In this close-up, you can see the dry brush technique.

The little table gets a new life being a lively green.  It took on an entirely new personality, (no wallflower here).   It will go so much better with Judith's art.  I can hardly wait for you to see that!
 

Quite a difference, don't you think?

                                               

I like letting the old nails show. Just think.... her Dad hammered each one of those in.

This white porcelain knob was original to the little drawer.

 

The legs give it a shaker look.

                             

Her father would certainly not recognize it.

The next time you see this table it will be in its new home in Judith's Art Shed.

Until then,
Kandy

Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange!

Last year I hosted my first Holiday Cookie Exchange with my girlfriends. It was so much fun and I think all the guests enjoyed their time (and all the goodies they got to take home). Here's how you can do the same!

1. Send out the invitations well in advance so people have time to choose their cookies and bake them. I think three to four weeks is enough notice, but I know how my friend's schedules book up, so I sent mine out for the "2nd Annual Exchange" about eight weeks ahead.

I used this fun template from Evite.com

2. Tell guests how many cookies to make. Final numbers will be determined by RSVPs. I'd been to one cookie exchange where we had to make 10 cookies per person. That was too much. So for my parties I say 2-3 cookies per guest. So if there are 12 guests you'd be required to make 24-36 cookies each. That's much more doable.

3. Have guests print their cookie recipe for everyone. I didn't do this my first party but I think it's a really nice touch.

4. Here's the fun part!! Decorate and make appetizers!! Last year I made meatballs, crostini, a veggie tray and fried (baked) ravioli. We had hot chocolate, coffee, wine and a few sodas to drink.

The cookie exchange savory snack spread!

5. Set up one big table or several smaller tables for the cookies. Make sure there is room for guests to walk around in a circle and gather their cookies.

6. Have plenty of saran wrap, wax paper and some extra containers on hand. (Guests should be instructed to bring their own empty container, but it's always nice to have some on hand, just in case).

7. Entertain, mingle, take pictures, have fun!

8. When it's time for the formal exchange I really enjoy having each guest share which cookie they made and a little bit about the cookie--why they chose it, what's in it, how hard was it, etc.

9. Go around in a circle and have each guest take the given number from each container.

10. Mingle more, take more pictures and then sit back and soak up the success of your party.

Love these ladies!

I can't wait for this year's party. I've started a group Pinterest Board with cookie recipe ideas and I've got great plans for making the party even more fun.

Happy (early) Holidays!
Karli