Hocus Pocus ~ It's Halloween

Hello, my little lovelies. 
 Glad you've stopped by for a visit.
We have a recent dinner party to share.

The dinner was for a group of girlfriends 
who have been getting together for over 30 years.

Each place was set with a stack of fall favorites.
~ Courtly Check, by MacKenzie-Childs ~ 
~ Wexford Orange Plaid, by 222 Fifth ~ 
~ Country Estate Autumnal Traditions, by Juliska ~

Plaid napkins in the colors of autumn 
were purchased at World Market twenty years ago.
The unusual napkin rings were found on my fall trip to France?
Each of these are sterling antique baby teething rings.
All but one was purchased from a variety of venders
at the Chatou Antique Market just outside of Paris.

This is the one that prompted my new collection.
You all know I have an affection for bees and bee related items.
Can you see that this is a bee hive with bees buzzing about?

I knew I had my own baby teething rattle tucked away at home.
All I would need to do was polish it, and I'd have two to use
as napkin rings, one for "my chef" and one for me.

You can see my 1940s' version, on the left, 
has a flat ring with a belt motif clasp. 
The French pieces, date from late 1800s, 
are more ornate, and often have clasps that 
attach directly to an ivory or bone tubular ring.

Once I began to notice more at various dealer's booths, 
my new obsession / collection was spawned!
Small and easy to pack, they were a perfect souvenir to bring home.
What do you think?  Would you use these as napkin rings?
Did you have one of these when you were a baby?

By the time everyone arrived the table was 

filled with party favors for each to take home.

 The mug filled with old fashioned candies like those from

our youthful Halloween days was a favorite.

An appetizer of trout spread served on sweet potato crackers

and lively conversation was enjoyed in the sunroom before dinner.

 Dinner was individual crustless chicken quiche
served with a side salad and roasted tomatoes.

 ~ Dessert was a visit to the buffet ~
Courtly Check, vintage style paper maché 
Halloween containers, and lots of sweets.

~ Skelton Gingerbread Men with Ice Cream ~

~ Halloween Candy Treats ~

~ Chocolates from Paris ~

It was indeed a sweet evening 

spent with treasured friends.

Wishing each of you a Happy Halloween
filled with all your favorite treats. 

Joining

Dishing It and Digging It @ Life and Linda  Mosaic Monday @ Letting Go of the Bay Leaf
You're the Star @ Electric Red BarnAmaze Me Monday @ Dwellings
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated HouseKeep in Touch @ Let's Add Sprinkles

Over the Moon @ Marilyn's TreatsThe Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru LifeWow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome LifeShare Your Style @ Vintage NestVintage Charm @ My Thrift Store Addiction, Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the PorchFeathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound

Celebrating the Black Cat ~ National Black Cat Day

~ National Black Cat Day ~

October 27th

Welcome Friends!

Black Cat, Black Cat

Author Unknown

Black cat, Black cat

Looking for a witch.

All around the

Night is dark as pitch.

You can see because

Your eyes are green.

Black cat, Black cat

This is Halloween!

Black cats and witches seem to go together at Halloween, and we've a few who have taken up residence here at HFTS.

Little Miss can usually be found 

in the the pumpkin patch.

While Cyrus gleefully bounces about in 

Miss Sadie's basket. No brooms for this pair.

Many of these guys like to lounge around on 

the bare branches of this spooky tree.

A Halloween Tale

Nancy Russell

Black cat prowling, stalking slow

Its shadow appeared in the pumpkin's glow.

Arched and stretching its silhouette,

It gave a yowl I can't forget.

On Halloween night, frightened as could be,

That sight and sound sent chills through me.

I still remember and it makes me smile,

What happened next put me in denial.

For there on the porch, as cute as could be

Was the neighbor's kitten for all to see.

We have costumed kiddies

and rolly polly kitties.

Black Cats on wheels and Black Cats that sing.

There is the Witch Cat found among the 

pages of this old English tale and . . .

This precious little Black Cat creeps through the pages 
of this charming little Cuddle and Read story about 

Halloween Night. 

 If you have little ones at home 

I highly recommend this precious story.

Dapper Sam likes to mingle 

among the pumpkin people.

Bella, Birdie, and Boo 

can be seen popping up in the nearest pumpkin patch.

Along with their friends, 

Muffin and Cupcake.

Miss Sophie will be 

practicing her latest circus act.

Rosie is our scardy cat!

We are Over the Moon about our Black Cats.

Oh, my! It looks as if Cleo and her black cat 

are having a spot of afternoon tea to celebrate 

National Black Cat Day.

Cleo likes to sip a cup of her special witches brew 

tea in the late afternoons before her nightly activities. 

 All you need is one glance at Cleo to see that she is a sweet, friendly witch. She came to live on the premises over 20 years ago. Cleo is known for her good deeds.

Mr. Barnaby, Cleo's "Cat Friday" is quite the gentleman, 

always attired in his silk vest and best bow tie. 

 He is ever present by Cleo's side to 

help her with her every need.

All the black cats in the neighborhood usually 

 like to "hang" about in the trees in envy of this pair.

A fresh steaming pot of 
witches brew tea is Cleo's favorite.

Mr. Barnbaby 
serves it up with style.

Cleo enjoys a bit of handwork during the "off season" 

and has spread today's tea table with one of her hand appliqued linens. 

 This one depicts the haunted house that sits on the hill across the creek. 

 Too spooky for Cleo and Barnaby though!

Care to join this delight pair?

Looks like Witchy Wanda and 

her green eyed cat are still hanging about. 

 They must be so envious!

Yes, you can see it in his eyes 
that he is "green with envy"!

Is that a scowl 
on his face?

Cleo and Mr. Barnaby don't seem to be a bit 

bothered though as they relax and enjoy the witches' 

brew tea among the flutter of falling leaves.

I wonder what good deeds 
they have planned for tonight?

Gazette94: Le Chat Et Les Corbeaux   The Cat and the Raven

Perhaps a little stitching before the nights end.

It is a full moon!

Wishing everyone a 

Happy National Black Cat Day!

Also Joining

Dishing It and Digging It @ Life and Linda  Mosaic Monday @ Normandy Life
You're the Star @ Electric Red Barn

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Over the Moon @ Marilyn's TreatsThe Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru LifeWow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome LifeShare Your Style @ Vintage NestVintage Charm @ My Thrift Store Addiction, Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound