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November 6, 2015 By Melinda McCoy 6 Comments

Thanksgiving Tablescape Tour

My inspiration for this project came from a visit to Belgium a few years ago. My father was born and raised in Holland and his family and many friends still live in the area. We stayed with some long time friends of ours in Belgium. One morning we sat down to breakfast and before us sat a table piled high with wonderful breads and rolls. They were not in baskets or on platters, but sat directly on the table. I was drawn to this tablescape and the mood that it evoked. I wanted to create that same feeling for my own Thanksgiving table. Here is my own version.

The bread is a part of the meal and encourages people to take what they want. I think the table setting feels real. It welcomes people to sit down and enjoy the experience of family, friends, and food.

There is a lot of bread of course, but mixed within are other elements that I believe make it feel real. The corn in the center is glittered in gold and repeated on the walnuts that sit on the napkins. The brass candlesticks and gold ribbon compliment this same color palette.

The herbs were something I wanted to incorporate because put simply I love them! I love how they look, but most of all I love how they smell. Sense can be another way to add warmth in my opinion. I planted thyme in the urns, rosemary is tucked in with the utensils that sit on the plates, the plant on the island is a rosemary topiary, and the round bread on the table are rosemary loaves.

You will find silver and grey in many pieces. The tablecloth and napkins are obviously in the grey family. The rim of the china, the cake stand, butter dish, silverware, and even the chairs all have some tone of silver in them.

My tablescape is a “tip of the hat” to the Thanksgiving holiday. To me that makes it feel more authentic and not forced. I spent approximately $20 on the bread and everything else I already owned.

My “something to try” tip is to create a beverage station. I didn’t want to clutter the table too much, so I decided to place the water pitcher and glasses on a nearby marble table. Now everyone can help themselves!

I have created a free design plan to help get you started on creating a timeless feeling home. You can find out more below. Take care! Melinda

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October 17, 2015 By Melinda McCoy 1 Comment

Ingredient #5: How To Bring The Outdoors In

*If you would like to subscribe to my blog you will find the link next to the “Home Tour” page above. Thank you!*

When I see an image that is natural and green, my eyes are drawn to it. There is a feeling that it creates in the space that I just love. A feeling that is calm and beautifully uncomplicated.

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I think what I appreciate about bringing the outdoors in has a lot to do with its simplicity. It doesn’t feel forced. In fact, it feels quite the opposite. It feels natural.

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A bonus is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. The herbs pictured here were $2.99 at Trader Joes. The mint and lemon verbena in the glass jar were a gift from a friend.

Let’s talk containers. This is another opportunity to bring the outdoors inside your home. Use urns and pots intended for the outdoors inside. The glass vessel holding the rosemary plant was a $1 thrift store find. There is always a large inventory of these types of beautiful things waiting to find a new use at thrift shops, garage sales, and antique stores. The glass bottle from my friend was a salad dressing bottle that she cleaned and removed the sticker. Get creative!

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Remember, design is about making a home. It’s about living in it and an extension of you.

October 9, 2015 By Melinda McCoy 2 Comments

Making a Home

*If you would like to subscribe to my blog you will find the link next to the “Home Tour” page above. Thank you!*

The following is an excerpt from my “About” page. How do I design my home? I design my home by making it a home. This includes styling and decorating, but it involves much more. The design of my home includes homemaking, cooking, as well as entertaining.

I believe the design of your home can have an impact on how you live. It can effect your mood and how you feel. Think about spaces and homes that feel just right. You don’t know why, they just do. I believe it is good design, which to me includes styling, cooking, entertaining, and homemaking. It also can involve gardening, crafting, and much much more. For now, I choose to focus on the topics listed above.

The definition of homemaking is the creation and management of a home, especially as a pleasant place in which to live. The most important part of that definition is making your home a pleasant place for not only ourselves, but for our families to live. This is a huge responsibility. I know you feel the same about this responsibility or you wouldn’t be reading this post. The best part is that we have control. We determine the design of our homes and what we want that to mean and involve.

Design your home to fit your way of life. Cook, decorate, entertain, and make a home that is inspired by others, but made for you.