Sunday, September 20, 2009

Fall Tableau

With the recent rain and cooler days, there is now a hint of fall in the air. That combined with all the wonderful fall nesting going on around Blogville, I've been inspired to do a bit of fall nesting myself. I do love this time of year, but there is never a real noticeable change in seasons here in central Texas like in so many other areas of our country. So one has to provide their own touch of seasonal change around their home.

I picked up these bags of pumpkins at the grocery store last week and found the faux acorns at Hobby Lobby. I wasn't certain what I'd do with them, but decided I need to start with something to get a little fall going on in our home.


I thought I'd start with something for the dining room table. I often like to arrange a tableau on a tray so it can be easily moved if I need something different for a dinner. I decided to start with a silver tray and this beautiful pashimina that a friend brought back to me from her summer trip to Egypt.



This silver dish was an eBay purchase in a box lot of silver pieces. You can see that it is very dark with little silver left, but I rather like the look. It gives it a shabby chic look,and actually I don't think shiny silver would look as appropriate for the theme. I was charmed by the squirrel detail. This was my favorite piece in the box.


Next I pulled out a silver bride's basket. It too was an eBay find. I decided to give it a good cleaning with some silver polish, but as you can see, this too is a bit shabby chic.

With these basic pieces I now had a theme in mind. The squirrel offered an obvious link to the acorns and the shawl would guide my choice of flowers.


I found these lilies at the grocery on special for the week.



In addition to the price, I also liked that they were still tight. I know from experience that lilies open slowly, unlike many flowers. I'm having some friends over on Tuesday, so they should be perfect by then.


I cut some yellow blooms from my garden. The yellow bells and golden thryallis make wonderful filler for arrangements.



I filled the silver squirrel dish with the faux acorns and started to place some of the pumpkins across the shawl. I only used the white ones. I didn't like the typical orange pumpkin color with the shawl.

I liked that the bag had a nice mix of plain white pumpkins and some with a dark green and gold in the veins. I scattered more acorns across the pumpkins and the shawl and about the large silver tray.


I mixed in a few purple asters to give a little punch of color. I think the color of the lilies compliments the shawl. I love the deep color of the center as it fades to a lighter orange.

The shawl is beautiful handwoven cotton with deep rich colors.

Mr. Squirrel is very happy with his new found bounty. I think he's set for winter!


Perhaps he'll share with all his brothers and sisters who enjoy our backyard.



I love the look of the contrast within the group of pumpkins and the acorns scattered among them.


Found this little squirrel with his own acorn at Hobby Lobby. Decided he would fit right in.



So there you have it....a simple fall tableau for our dining room table.

Hope to see you again on Tuesday for Rhondi's Welcome Fall Gathering and again on Thursday for Tablescape Thursday. By then I hope to have a fall table setting to compliment this fall tableau. In the meantime you should scurry on over to Susan's @ Between Naps on the Porch for a list of others participating in Metamorphosis Monday.


Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

28 comments:

  1. Sarah, Your center piece is stunning...I love how creative you are! I could just see your mind working! Isn't it fun to create a master piece, Happy fall, have a wonderful week, xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

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  2. Oh I so agree, it is truly stunning. I would never have thought of that, but what a beautiful vignette. Everything just looks gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

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  3. LOVE the use of the shawl! I would have not thought of that. It adds just that extra bit of color. Great arrangement.

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  4. Hi Sarah,
    Thank you for the thoughtful comment. When you said you'd already done your centerpiece for your Tablescape Thursday post ... well, I had no choice but to DASH right over and check it out!

    I'm very glad I did! It's just amazing ... wonderful "ingredients," great proportions, exciting colors. You found a perfect balance between elegance and organic elements. Congratulations! Can't wait to see it in the finished tablescape!

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  5. Beautiful!!

    Im excited to be able to see what will come with the entire table completed.

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and posting! Much appreciated you sweet thing.

    TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

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  6. Now THAT is breathtaking! Makes me want to take everything I just got on my table off and start over! But I can't do that, so I will just have to see what becomes of yours. Beautiful work so far!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sorry the wreath party deadline is too quick for ya, but please do visit again!

    Happy Fall!

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  7. so beautiful! what a great centerpiece to lots of fun fall dinners!

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  8. That centerpiece is beautiful. Love all the fall colours to go with the shawl.
    Have a nice day

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  9. I am loving that centerpiece. The squirrels are my favorite, and I love the splash of colors in the flowers. Great combination of "stuff" for a gorgeous setting. It definitely says "fall." Thanks for linking up!

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  10. All so wonderful;!!

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  11. Sarha, that is gorgeous!! I love the way you mixed your textures and that shawl is to die for! You certainly DO have an eye for great design. I am glad you shared. I haven't even thought about setting out my fall things yet. Too busy!! LOL

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  12. Hi Sarah !
    Wow, pretty, pretty, pretty...
    Love the squirrels the best !
    Kammy

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  13. That is a beautiful table arrangement. Loved the silver, the pumpkins...loved everything about it. You made it sound so effortless!!

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  14. Sarah, this little *h'orderve* just wets my appetite for what's to come on Tablescape Thursday!

    I love how you were able to blend the elegance of the silver ( ♥ the bride's basket!)with the rustic elements of nature so beautifully. That little punch of purple really makes the arrangement pops & the squirrels are just darling!

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  15. Great job on your fall nesting. Love the little squirrel details.

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  16. Oh Sarah! The tableau is just beautiful! Your friends will be delighted! I love the little silver piece with the squirrel and the acorns are a perfect compliment! I have pulled out all of my old silver and have added a few pieces from Goodwill. Isn't it nice that you don't have to keep everything so polished now? Although, like you, I still love to see the beautiful patina of old silver! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  17. Lovey! Lovely! Lovely! Your arrangement turned out spectacular!

    Now, I am inspired...

    Debbykay @ Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

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  18. Howdy from Kansas!
    This is beautiful what you have created.

    I am so glad I stopped by your blog and got to see what you've created. I really like this and you have given me an idea of what to place on my diningroom table!!!

    I just bought a raised tray on legs this past week-end that I will use.

    Thank you for sharing this lovely idea! It's great.

    May you have a blessed life,
    d from Homehaven

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  19. Dear Sarah,
    Your arrangement is wonderful, everything looks as if it was created solely to be on your table.
    Looking forward to TT to see the finished tableau.
    bisous
    Maggie

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  20. Beautiful! Now for a 'cool' front to add to that cozy feeling you're creating.
    Kimberly

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  21. This came out absolutely beautiful! Thank you for showing in steps how you did it. Just lovely.
    Susan

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  22. Beautiful, Sarah...I love it! That squirrel is definitely set for the winter! :-) I bet you smile everytime you walk by this wonderful fall vignette. :-) The squirrels are my favorite part...despite the fact the ones who live around here ate my hibiscus trees to pieces this summer. :-)
    Susan

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  23. Sarah, You sure make a mean fall centerpiece. And I love the idea of doing it on a tray for easy removal! Why didn't I think of that???
    It is just lovely!
    Rhonda

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  24. Sarah~ That is just beautiful. I love the silver tray along with the shawl. Your squirrel from Hobby Lobby is so cute. You have such a good eye. Looking forward to seeing it.

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  25. A very pretty centerpiece! Love all of the elements you chose -- and how the acorns nd squirels tie it all together! Very clever!

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  26. Had not seen this one Sarah until I saw your today's blog. Love the fact that you find neat items on ebay! The shawl is gorgeous and your other finds are such treats to see. Thanks for taking time to share with all of us.

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  27. I love your fall tableau! It's beautiful. And I especially like the cute little squirrel with his own acorn. Thank you so much for sharing the how-to!

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  28. Sarah, this is a work of art. Now, I read about you using trays so you can move them if necessary. What a great idea. Your squirrel container is so unique, and what a pretty way to decorate the table. I bet your guests were in awe. laurie

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.