Dress Up for Progressive Dinner

Last weekend the couples at our church had a Progressive Dinner.  Our house was the first stop for Appetizers.   I guess I was too busy to get very many photos of the appetizer bar  so I only took a picture of a few of the fruit kabobs and a bowl of cherries. 

I didn't even show you the yummy fruit dip that is so easy and delicious but here is the recipe:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15 ounce) jar marshmallow cream

Just use a hand mixer to cream it together.

We, also, served a platter of meats and cheeses along with a veggie tray,  green olives,  chips, and dips.  

The trouble with Progressive Dinners is your guests don't stay long enough to visit too long
but I will show you who got dressed up for the occasion.

She modeled her vintage white summer dress layered with a man's shirt that is made into an apron.  Spring has sprung with her vintage floral hat.  The vintage floral picture behind her compliments the flowers of the hat.  The large satin brooch with the rhinestone center makes a statement.  Also, the necklace is made with a family heirloom watch by my friend, Sandra.  You might like to take a closer look.

Enjoy a nice Spring Day by entertaining a few friends.

A French Style Gift of Love

One of the greatest loves is having friends that know you well and still love you.  I am so blessed with several.  It also helps if they are extremely creative.  I have a special friend, her name is Sandra who I call Sandi.  She amazes me with her creativeness and thoughtfulness.  She has made me countless items and I cherish them all.  The other day she brought me two gifts that she made for me and I immediately had to redecorate my table in my entry.

This beautiful Paris graphic design print had to be surrounded by an ornate frame. 

 This silver frame gave it the presence in the vignette that it needed.

The glow of the lamp sets the mood.   

I don't have blue love birds, so I used my red ones.  

Of course, red roses had to be included.

Sandi made this red velvet book marker....ooh la la. 

I love red velvet and I draped it on the nesting doves so you could see the whole ribbon.  

 

 It may later go for its intended purpose as a book marker.

One end of the ribbon has the French word "amour" which says love and romance.

The pair of red heels are appropriate since I love shoes and especially red ones.

She knows this girl loves bling so this end has three charms.

Typewriters have the perfect place to display cherished items so

I included vintage ruffled gloves, millinery feathers, and a red rose.

You always need that "Touch of the Past".

 

 This vignette was grouped with a vintage typewriter, old Carter's ink bottle and 

silhouette of a beautiful lady pinning a love letter I'm sure.

This "Love" sign says it all.

This is the best time to add a touch of romance to your home decor.

Chillin' with my Ghoul friends

Two of my "Ghoul friends" had birthdays in October and we haven't gotten together to just visit for a while so I decided at the last minute.....which is my usual plan, to have the celebration at my house.  I had just taken my Halloween decorations down to share with another group and I was going to go for decorating my house for Thanksgiving but while I was on a shopping trip, I purchased these beverage napkins and I knew I had the theme for our party:

"Chillin' with my Ghoul friends"

 Happy Birthday Beverly!

Happy Birthday Sandra!

 Here are the Birthday Ghouls...

All the Ghoul friends

My Mom was my right-hand Ghoul

The table was set with sparkling Autumn leaves and colorful velvet and glittered Pumpkins.  The white candles add ambiance while dripping black wax.  The colorful Fiestaware gave a cheerful touch of color for the celebration. It is not about the scary but about the fun even though there was a orange and black furry spider crawling on the table.

They only dared to enter with this dress form
dressed up as a headless witch.  Her hat was too cute.

The medicine cabinet was filled with poisons.

 Who would dare to eat dessert on these plates after passing by that cabinet.

Can you believe that rat perched on top of my antique books. Take a look at the pumpkin made from pages of a book.

There were other creatures lurking in the shadows.

Even the pirate's ship landed to check out all the ghouls.

We tried to stay up until the bewitching hour but
all Ghoul things have to come to an end.

My Grandson, Eli having fun.

HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!

2011 Summer Road Trip - Leaving California

Life just got in the way of me blogging but now that I've started on a road trip across the United States for seven weeks I decided it would be fun to do some posts of our adventure.  For several years my daughter, Monica, and I talked about when her sons got old enough to remember about their vacation, we would buy a motorhome and take a long road trip.  So now that my grandsons were at a great age for a trip,  Davis 13, CJ 11, and Eli 8 we thought it would be a good time to take to the road.

My SIL had to work until noon so as soon as he got home, we were packed and ready to begin our adventure.

Papa decided the boys needed their own cameras to document our journey so before we began, they received their gift.  Notice the great wrapping paper.

With everyone finding their travel space and pilot and co-pilot in place, we hit the road for a U.S. adventure.

Christmas with Friends

Sharing the Holidays with friends is so fun and we always look forward to our Christmas Potluck at Cindi's.  Cindi has a beautiful home in the country.  She always decorates every nook and cranny.  She is a kindred spirit.   If you follow this blog, you have met the Gadabout Girlfriends on several occasions.

Sandi, Cindi, Gail, Beverly, Ruth, Linda, Sally

This is the one time of the year that we ask the guys to join us.

The immense dining table has room for everyone and the table was so eloquently set.

The dining area opens into the parlor so Cindi carried the purple, silver and green to the tree.  

This photo does not do the Christmas tree justice.....it is absolutely breathtaking.

I am hoping this photo will give you a better idea of the gorgeous tree.

 

The beautiful colors were extended to the fireplace mantel.

Cindi is a Collector and Decorator so I will let you enjoy her amazing work.

In the Family Room

Cindi always makes ALL the desserts. 

As if the desserts weren't enough, there was eye candy in the nook, also.

Thank you Cindi and Chuck for a delightful evening.

If you would like to see Cindi's Christmas last year click here

or click on the sidebar under labels click on Christmas to see more ideas.

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Merry Christmas to All

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Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage