Front Porch Problem Solving

My house is in a state of total upheaval.  We're remodeling.  This presents several problems.  Here's a list of a few of the problems and the solution that I decided to go with.

Problem:  There's NO place to seat or talk or entertain.

Analysis:  This is not good especially with the holidays approaching.  Guests will be coming.

Solution:  Create a warm and inviting outdoor environment outside the home.

Problem:  It has the potential to be a little chilly.  

Analysis:  There's no guarantee on the weather.  This is Oklahoma.

Solution:  Add candles, pillows, quilt, and rug.  If their needed, great.  If not, they look good.

Problem:  Just because these guests may choose the quieter location to gather does not mean that they wouldn't love a beautiful and inviting place to visit.

Analysis:  Because it's Oklahoma, planting flowers can present a problem.  There's always a chance of frost.

Solution:  Choose a flower, plant, or bush that is resistant to low temperatures and add a banner because everyone knows that a banner just makes everything prettier. 

Results

I'm in a mad rush to get as much done as possible.  For now, Jackson and I are enjoying the front porch.

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Setting the Perfect Table

As you know, I could only aspire to be the great Martha Stewart.  Literally, as a child I would love days when I could stay home from school only to watch Martha Stewart Living on the television.  As a child when most girls were sneaking to buy Seventeen magazine, I was begging money to buy Martha Stewart.  My dad says it best, "You were a child who thought she was thirty."

Well, now I am thirty twenty-nine and I would still love to be Martha Stewart.  She may seem hard, but she has a passion for perfection and beauty especially during the holidays.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about decorating the perfect table.  (You can read more about that here.)  But truth be told, there is way more to setting the perfect table than just the decor in the center.  Another key element would obviously be the actual flatware and setting of the dishes.

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In the illustration above you will find helpful tips to setting your table to perfection.  One thing that is important is to make the flatware arrangement work the best with your dinner party or family get together.  Personally, I love unique flatware and dishes.  Not everything has to be "matchy-matchy" but it does need to coordinate.  Check out this image from Anthropologie.

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I hope that is illustration is a aid to you and I hope your holiday preparations are coming along quickly. 

Here's some exciting things happening the rest of the week. 

On Wednesday the Follow Me Blog Hop is HAPPENING!  (Doing the happy dance.)  I'm one of the co-hosts for the week and I'd love for you to come back and link up.  Then, on Friday at 5pm CST, the Blue Jay Boutique will be open for business.  Also, All My Love for All My Days is getting a new look.  It will all be unveiled then!  

Ladies, I'll see you in the trenches.  :)

Pointing Up: The Wonderful Heather!: You all are in for a special treat today. I mean it! Heather Lawless from Lawless Life is with us today sharing a little about herself and...

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