Black, White & Bootiful

I was really inspired by this black and white table-setting when I was trying to  think of a theme for my Halloween decor this year.  I wanted something elegant, something beautiful, and still a little on the spooky side.  I must confess, I love Halloween, but I don't like blood, guts, and gore.

I started my Halloween Decorating with the fireplace mantle and I really had fun with the black & white. I decided that since my children are grown, I would pick something solely on  my tastes, it felt a little naughty, but my daughter actually loved it.  I decided on a Pierrot in Paris theme.  Pierrot is the famous French Clown with the sad face.  He wore black & white and harlequin patterns (just like the plate in my inspiration photo ). 

I began with this fun black glittered "Beware" sign, and flanked it with white pumpkin candles. It's sitting in front of a vintage white candle holder with a white 4" pillar candle.  I found these fun glittered spiders and just propped them up against the candles.

I found these black 5x7 frames at the dollar store and printed off black and white copies of Pierrot prints to fit into them.  I took glass cylinders from the dollar store and wrapped them in photocopied black & white photos of the Eiffel Tower & The Arc de Triomphe on clear vellum paper from the hobby store. I finished them off with fluer de lis stickers and votive candles inside the  (now) luminaries.

The color scheme even co-ordinates with the Antique London News prints I have hanging further up on the fireplace (it's a 2 story room).

Here is the other Pierrot print ( who knew that Pierrot was the original twilight hunk, lol) and the other luminary. I finished the luminaries by tying black and white ribbons at the bottom.

I finished the mantle by taking two ironstone pitchers and taping black cardboard glitter bats to them (with double sided tape).  I then placed 3 glitter ravens on the fireplace rock to finish off the eerie silhouettes.  The sunlight catches the glitter and gives  just a touch of elegance to an otherwise eerie scene.  Stay tuned, I will be doing much more with this theme including a table-scape, and a candy buffet.  I'll tell you now, I will be adding pops of color to  these, so stay tuned and see what kind of bootiful Shanonigins I come up with :)

Marvelous Menu Cards & Party Paperware

With the Fall entertaining season quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to show you some of the menu cards and other fun party paper ware that's available from Etsy shops.  If you've never shopped at Etsy, you're missing a real treat. Etsy is like ebay for handmade & artisan items.  You can find so many unique and wonderful things there in every price range.

These beautiful menu cards can be found at Amongst Lovely Things    http://www.etsy.com/shop/AmongstLovelyThings?ref=pr_shop_more     They have a romantic vintage feel and I love how pretty and unique they are.  I could definitely see using these at Thanksgiving with family photos.  They are $20.00 for a set of 12 and the shop carries matching place-cards.

 They also sell these lovely 5 inch wax paper bags for sending home delicious treats in a beautiful way.  They are $14.00 for 12 bags

Although these are shown as an invitation, they can also be made into menu cards, wouldn't these be fun for a Halloween party with an orange, lime green, or purple ribbon.  You want to talk about a classy Boo Bash :)  They can be found http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePoshEvent?ref=seller_infoat  

I also thought this would be a fun and whimsical pattern for Halloween
These run $5.00 each

These are really fun paper napkin rings and you can print as many as you'd like for $3.00  Also from The Posh Event

Send your guests home some small treats in high style with these adorable boxes.
The Posh Event will send you a PDF file and you can print as many as you would like for $3.50

  If your having a  country harvest bash, a barn party, or a western themed party, these menus are perfect. They can be found at Noteably Unique    http://www.etsy.com/shop/NoteablyUnique    These run $1.55 each

Here are the coordinating  napkins that can be personalized for your party.

 If your having a Football (or sports theme) party, these Menus are great. I love how Noteably Unique made the menu line up with the game. These run $1.00 each. Now that's what I call a making a good score :)

 I just love the whimsy and pretty details in this menu card by My Lady Dye  http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLadyDye  You can choose your colors and card stock.  These run $4.00 each

Here is another  Beautiful menu card with a black & white Chandelier  from My Lady Dye.  I think this would be a great theme for a Halloween Party ( think chic haunted house).  

Wouldn't these make fabulous treat containers for your Chic Haunted House party?  I just love the details on these candy cones containers :)
I hope these fun Menu Cards, and Party Paper ideas have inspired you to start your Fall entertaining in style.  Just remember, the most important thing to have at your next Celebration is FUN! 

 

 

   

           

Autumn Anticipation

It's that time of year!  The time of year when I get Autumn Fever.  Yes, you heard it right,  Autumn Fever.

Autumn is my favorite time of year and believe me, I'm more than ready for it.  We've had record breaking heat here in Colorado and I'm ready for the cool crisp days and activities that Autumn brings.

I love picking apples at a local apple farm, which in turn leads to apple pies, Hot apple cider, and Caramel-Chocolate dipped Apples. I planted apple trees in my backyard but it will probably be a few years before I can have an "Apple Picking Party" .

Taking a hayride in the fresh crisp autumn air, and hopefully getting to wear that new sweater I just bought :)

 Going Pumpkin Picking, which in turn leads to Pumpkin pies, pumpkin mousse, pumpkin bread and .......

A steaming bowl of pumpkin soup.  I love making all different kinds of soup when the weather turns chilly, it makes the house smell so good, and warms the body and the soul.

 Curling up with a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or hot cider in front of a warm crackling fire.  I suppose it's a bit primal, but I just love sitting next to a crackling fire.

Going on a picnic to enjoy the crisp sunny air and  go leaf peeping.  If  I'm really lucky,  I'll get red and gold leaves falling over me like a rain-shower of Autumn gems.  

One of my favorite things to do on the first Cold Sunday of Autumn is to roast a turkey (with all the trimmings).  It make the house smell so good and takes the chill out of the air. To me Turkey is the ultimate comfort food, but if turkey is not your thing, try a beef, or pork roast.

 So go ahead and anticipate your favorite Autumn activities.  Plan that first celebration of the season and share these traditions with family and friends (or start some new ones).  I know I will, so here's to an awesome Autumn season.