I have a handful of favorite weeks throughout the year, and the week of the 4th of July is definitely one of them! This week & weekend is such a festive time to come together with family and friends to celebrate our beautiful country we are so blessed to call “Home.” As I look forward to the upcoming week, I aim for my home to reflect the spirit of the festivities, so I like to add red, white, and blue decor pieces in subtle ways throughout my home with throw pillows, table linens, serving dishes, table top decor, decorative signs, and accent pieces with the spirited colors of the holiday. I thought it would be fun today, to share some great 4th of July styled pieces I found on Amazon (& allship Prime, so they will be here in time for you to decorate and use in your home this week.) Red, White, and Blue themed decor is perfect for summer and is festive from Memorial Day thru Labor Day, creating a beautiful home style fitting for all summer long! Take a look at some of the great pieces I found to share with you…
I hope you found something you liked, and enjoyed this post giving you some Red, White, and Blue inspiration to decorate your home and get it the spirit for the 4th of July festivities! Thank you for visiting my blog today… love it when you do!
Happy Weekend! I’m happy many of you enjoyed my post earlier this week on my visit to That French Place and Bloom Floral Design in Charlevoix, MI. If you missed it, you can read it here. I had a few more places I visited up north last weekend that I wanted to share with you all before I move along to other blog topics… I hope you don’t mind! I love passing along great places to shop for your home; places in my local area and ones I find on my travels. Today I’m sharing about True North Interior Design and Antiques shop, The Salad Fork, and Cherry Republic, all in Charlevoix…and all on Van Pelt Alley…
True North Interior Design and Antiques
This husband and wife owned design & antique shop has been on my “go-to-boutique-places-to-shop” list (it’s kind of a quirk of mine that I keep such lists) all winter long! I couldn’t wait to get back up to Charlevoix this summer to visit this unique shop, and it was worth the wait! So many beautiful antique and new vintage-inspired treasures are found here in this inviting, cozy shop; one of those stores you just want to snuggle in at because it’s too pretty to leave. I gain a lot of inspiration for my Heirloom Grove Home Market when I visit shops like this… how they curate their space, stage pieces, and create a haven of beauty for their customers to enjoy. Take a little peek inside True North below… I get the feeling this shop is always changing things up, so I’ll be visiting every time I am in Charlevoix. They are open Monday – Saturday 10-5pm, and located at 108 Van Pelt Pl, Charlevoix, MI & be sure to give them a follow on Facebook here.
Honestly…. can I just move into this space and call it “HOME?” I love their natural shiplap walls… what a pretty backdrop to display all of their unique pieces.Their back room houses more of their architectural pieces.. if you are looking for old doors, columns, banisters, windows, corbels…to add real architectural interest to your space, don’t miss this area of the shop.
Really enjoying Van Pelt Alley… Time for a snack at The Salad Fork…
The Salad Fork
Next stop we visited in Van Pelt Alley was The Salad Fork… my girls had to try their new Acai smoothie Bowls… and they were so yummy and the perfect afternoon snack for us while we shopped downtown Charlevoix. This little eatery makes made-to-order salads, avocado toast and new specialty acai bowls… that are so, so good you guys! They are housed at 217 Bridge Street, Suite B in Charlevoix (right down from True North, and next to Cherry Republic) and are open 9am-8pm Monday thru Saturday… if you visit Charlevoix this summer, check. them. out! & give them a Facebook follow here.
I have yet to try the Acacado Toast….but I’ll let you know on my Instagram Stories how it is when I do! Any shop that “hand letters” their menu is kind of a true sign that these are my people and a place I am going to enjoy eating at!Too cute to eat!OMGoodness! So So good and you know you’re eating healthy so it makes it really enjoyable too! When you visit… grab one of these little fill-in menus…one for Salads, and one for Acai Bowls.. decide on your toppings and turn it in & they’ll whip it up for you within minutes.We ate right here in the cute little tables outside The Salad Fork, in the alley. This is the time of day during our shopping that we need to a little break… the big girls are hungry, and the little one begins to get tired..
Our final stop in Van Pelt Alley… Cherry Republic!
Cherry Republic
Cherry Republic is on 221 Bridge St. in Charlevoix and you can also access the store to the side from Van Pelt Alley as well. They are open daily, 9am-9pm.
Okay… if you aren’t familiar with Cherry Republic, this will be a real treat for you… like if you were there, literally a real treat! Everything is cherry.. cherry candies, cherry jams, cherry salsa, cherry pop, beer… and wait for it..cherry wine!… I could stop right there, because cherry wine would have done it for me. It is amazing what they have to offer, and so nice that they have little samples set out everywhere (even a little tasting bar for the wines) so you can try out what you enjoy, before you buy. Cherry Republic is a favorite stop of my family’s as we stock up on all things we love when we visit, for our boat and home pantry. It is all sooo good! Northern Michigan is known for their cherries and you can find a Cherry Republic in not only Charlevoix, but also in Glen Arbor, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, and Holland.. all beautiful places to visit while in Michigan! Follow Cherry Republic on Facebook here and take a little closer look that I captured for you at their Charlevoix store…
These are wonderful gift ideas too… make an assortment basket of Cherry Republic items for an anniversary, wedding, or Christmas gifts and your recipients will enjoy everything! On the boat enjoying my cherry wine and white chocolate covered cherries… (Is it an accident that 1/2 of my photos of Cherry Republic include their cherry wine?…. no friends, that’s not an accident.. 😉
I hope you enjoyed a little sneak peek into a few more places I enjoy visiting while in Charlevoix. I’ll be sure to share more of these shopping and eating gems as I travel… and more of Charlevoix on Instagram as I am there visiting. There are some other great shops and places to dine there and their Venetian Festival in late July is a great time!… I’ll share more on Instagram Stories in the future!
I hope you have a great weekend…it’s rainy here in Michigan today, so even though I’d love to curl up with a good book, I have some weekend to-do list things that needs done!
What’s to Come on Jaime Lyn Life by Design…
I’m looking forward to carving out more time to devote to my blog this summer…I truly enjoy sharing with you here! I’ve been in a bit of a remodeling and redecorating phase in my home, and I’d like to share some of that journey with you, as well as other areas of my home, my travels, and more fun design and lifestyle things you might find inspiring. Please comment on what you’d love to see.. I’d love to hear!
Until next time, thank you so much for visiting my blog today, it means so much to me! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for my Email updates so you never miss a post. I would love for you to check out my Heirloom Grove Home Market too here on the web!
Have a great day friends!
by Jaime Lyn | Comments Off on Charlevoix, Pt. 2: True North, The Salad Fork, & Cherry RepublicInterior Design, Lifestyle, Travel
Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed a nice few days of rest and relaxtion over the Memorial holiday. My family and I had a productive and restful weekend… Normally during this holiday my husband and son, and our farm crew are busy planting in the fields, but rain held those plans up, so instead we were able to tend to some outside projects around our home, open up our pool, and still have a little time to drive up north to Charlevoix to get our boat ready for Summer.
Last year was our first year docking our boat in Charlevoix and we just fell in love with this beautiful, quaint Michigan town situated between Lake Michigan and the western end of Lake Charlevoix. I love the relaxed coastal vibe during the summer months here; there’s always something festive going on in town, boats galore in the water, quaint boutiques to shop (my favorite kind of shops!), and so many great little places to eat…and the view?…the views are just breathtaking. Charlevoix has quickly become a very special place for my family… a summer destination for us to escape the hustle and bustle (and stress) of our everyday lives, to enjoy summer, and much needed peace and quality time together. I remind myself it’s one of those why’s we work so hard throughout the year.. to have the opportunity to enjoy these special moments in such a beautiful place in our own home state.
Memorial Day was a bit chilly and there was rain in the forecast, so instead of taking the boat out, we decided to head into town and visit a few of the shops and eateries. I thought it would be fun to share some of our stops on the blog today. I’ll be adding more of our shop visits later in the week (so this post isn’t too crazy long…) and more about Charlevoix and other neighboring MI towns in the future….but to start, let me tell you about That French Place and Bloom Floral Design in Van Pelt Alley…
That French Place
This is a must stop for my kids every weekend we visit Lake Charlevoix… That French Place has great coffee and lattes, and the tastiest french crepes we’ve found locally. My girls always opt for their go-to…banana and nutella crepe, while my son chose the apple & cinnamon, and my hubby and I shared an egg & cheese. So good! The decor is french and fabulous and we like to either take orders to go, or eat outside to enjoy the morning views of town.
I think That French Place is this child’s favorite spot in Charlevoix, honestly!
Van Pelt Alley
Bloom Floral Design – Flower Shop
Next up we did a little shopping down Van Pelt Alley and first, browsed around Bloom Floral Design Flower Shop… this is such a gorgeous shop filled with unique gifts and fresh flowers. My girls found a few pieces they couldn’t live without. We love the extra personal touches in shops like these, with their pretty packaging and special attention to detail. Take a peek at some of their treasures…
It’s all in the details…
There’s a little glimpse at two of our stops this weekend in Charlevoix… I’ll be sharing more this week with a look at True North Interior Design & Antiques, The Salad Fork, and Cherry Republic… a few more great spots to visit while in Charlevoix, MI.
I hope you enjoyed today’s blog…Thank you so much for visiting! If you are a Michigander, put Charlevoix on your list of places to visit this Summer or Fall…or if you are from another state, definitely put Michigan & it’s beautiful lakefront towns on your bucket list’s travel plans! Happy Memorial Day!
And this gorgeous white barn… Such a beauty & represented Memorial Day well in Charlevoix this weekend.
Thanks for visiting my blog, friends! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for my Email list.. so you never miss a future post! Have a great week!
by Jaime Lyn | Comments Off on Exploring Charlevoix MI – Pt. 1. That French Place & Bloom Floral DesignLifestyle
Happy Weekend everyone! I hope you have something fun planned for the next couple of days and are able to get outside to enjoy this early spring weather! If you are local to me in Shepherd, MI you need to visit my town’s annual festival, the Maple Syrup Festival, going on thru Sunday. There are a ton of fun things to do in town… arts and craft shows, an old car show, amusement rides, pancake and sausage dinners, parades… just good, old-fashioned, community, family fun in my small town. I’ve been working all week to revamp my Heirloom Grove retail pop-up location in Vintage Village Antiques (located right in the heart of the festival in downtown Shepherd) in time for the festival! I have new & old home decor treasures, refurbished furniture, Dixie Belle chalk paint, Antique Candle Co. candles, Kai Kai Brai Journals and gift products, farmhouse and cottage styled pieces, and new spring inspired decor to help you refresh your home for the new spring season. Here’s a little glimpse at what I have ready for you when you visit!
Stop in to sign up for our fun Giveaway!.. Just write in your name and email address and drop it in the slot to Enter a basket of goodies from Heirloom Grove!
Visit the Maple Syrup Festival this weekend, thru Sunday April 28th! Here is a map and schedule for your to check out all there is to do when you come to town.
Be sure to visit my Heirloom Grove Home Market’s local retail space at Vintage Village Antiques, located at 302 W. Wright Avenue in downtown Shepherd, open everyday, Monday thru Sunday 10am-6pm!
Jaime Lyn Life by Design | Heirloom Grove Home Market
by Jaime Lyn | Comments Off on Heirloom Grove Home Market – Festival Ready!Interior Design, Lifestyle
I’ve had a desire to share my interest in unique, new and vintage home decor with all of you in a retail setting, so I decided to begin some retail pop-ups in my area in Michigan. My first shop is up and going in my hometown of Shepherd, Michigan at Vintage Village Antiques on Wright Avenue. My heart has always been here in my hometown and I just felt it was the right place for me to begin Heirloom Grove where I was raised, and where I continue to raise my own family.
I revamped a double booth space in this antique shop by adding shiplap walls, and rough-cut industrial wood shelving to make it my own (more on this space remodel coming to the blog soon.) I have been filling it weekly with all things home decor… new, vintage, antiques, farmhouse, reclaimed, gift, and other treasures. Being a designer, this space has also given me a nice opportunity to cycle through some of the home decor pieces I have used in past staging projects and in my own home, to also offer for sale as well.
I’m excited to also offer Dixie Belle Paint as I am a Retailer for this paint company. I use this great mineral chalk paint line on all my furniture and decor refinishing projects, and carry their best-selling colors and products at my retail space, and will be carrying all of their products on my HG website soon. Even if you aren’t local to my retail space, you can still shop with me online at Heirloom-Grove.com (orders of $50+, the shipping is on me!)
To keep in touch with Heirloom Grove, new locations or events, and to shop HG online, visit my Heirloom Grove website, follow along with my social media, and look for HG posts here on my Jaime Lyn Life by Design Blog, as it will be the featured “Blog” on Heirloom Grove‘s site.
Here’s a little more sneak peek inside my Heirloom Grove retail space at Vintage Village Antiques in Shepherd… I plan to continue adding more items each week filled with unique character, charm, style, and novelty for you to shop for your home.
I hope you enjoyed this quick look at my Shepherd retail location. Heirloom Grove Home Market in Vintage Village Antiques is open every day Mon-Sun, 10am to 6pm, Address: 302 W Wright Avenue, Shepherd MI. There are many other great vendors in this shop too, so make sure to visit their spaces as well.. a lot of nice antiques, homemade items, and project pieces! Make a day of it and also visit the other antique shop in town at Antiques and Uniques (they are just off the expressway.) Have lunch or dinner at the Shepherd Bar & Restaurant (near Vintage Village) or Fireside Grille at the Maple Creek golf course (just off the expressway), or grab a yummy bite or snack for the road at Mitchell’s Gourmet Deli & Market… ALL of these places will treat you right for a great lunch or dinner when you are in town antiquing…make a day of it! Shepherd is within a few short miles of Central Michigan University and Soaring Eagle Casino, and is located in the heart of central Michigan, with an easy on/off from the expressway, making it the quaint, perfect little place to stop and break up your trips heading North or South!
Thank you for checking out my Blog today, and my new Retail Site, Heirloom Grove Home Market. I love sharing home inspiration with all of you, and I hope to carve out more time in my (crazy busy) life to share more frequently! Make sure you sign up for my email updates so you never miss a post! Have a wonderful day friends!
When I started my Blog, I wanted to make sure I shared some great places to shop for home decor with you guys, and today I’m so excited to share about a lovely shop in Hudsonville MI, near Grand Rapids called The Found Cottage. Today they celebrated their 3rd Birthday of being open so I think it’s only fitting I posted about them today! I’ve followed this shop on Instagram for quite some time and for months had really wanted to take a day to visit, so a couple weeks ago I finally had that chance to make the hour and a half drive from where I live in Central Michigan to see this beautiful shop for myself.. and it was so worth it!
If you are unfamiliar with The Found Cottage, it is owned by three amazing creatives, Abigail Hoppen Albers, Lisa Noe VanDyke, & Liz Marie Galvan (give them each a follow on IG ) and is filled to the brim with the most unique home decor and gift pieces; a combination of cozy cottage, farmhouse and a bit of modern mixed in, creating the most perfect ensemble of decor for a style that I think will never go out of style. Their philosophy is to create “a collaboration of treasured and gathered items, vintage and new, merchandised together to create one eclectic cohesive boutique”….I LOVE (like, love, love, love) shopping boutiques and stores like this….small businesses, owned by creatives, filling their stores with such care and creativity!
At The Found Cottage, you will find antiques, vintage, handmade, unique finds, clothing, gifts, bath & body, greeting cards, candles, jewelry, and much more. The three owners fill the space with carefully curated items of their own finds , and also have other vendors showcase their unique products as well. They are open Monday – Wednesday 10-6, Thursdays 10-8, Fridays 10-6, Saturdays 10-5, and closed Sundays and located at 2460 Chicago Drive, Suite B in Hudsonville, MI.
As I’ve designed homes and decorated my own homes through the years, I have found that for me, it’s way more rewarding when I create spaces with truly unique finds… pieces that really resonate with me and I might not find in everyone else’s homes. I find joy in the experience searching for creative treasures and enjoy the look and feel it adds to my home when I’ve filled it with things that are a bit more organic, not mass-produced, truly unique, maybe have some age and history, or was created by talented makers or artisans…these are the pieces that I really fall in love with and want to fill my home with.
And I’m not sure about you all, but I am such a sucker for pillows, clocks, signs, antiques, and anything vintage or farmhouse…. so everything in this beautiful shop spoke to me and I could seriously have spent hours shopping the store. The building is quite large, but not too large that it didn’t feel cozy and quaint. I really enjoyed all that was for sale, but also how it was staged and presented together, creating a cohesive look of mix-matched treasures in perfect unity. I literally could have taken a trailer and filled it with everything I found that I loved!…but I didn’t.. but I just may next visit… 😉
My “Kai Kai Brai” daughters loved this adorable shop too…they are really growing to see the joy in surrounding yourself with things that resonate with them in their living spaces… creating only the vibes you want to surround yourself and live with on a daily basis.
…And my husband enjoyed The Found Cottage as well 😉 … helping our girls find all their little purchases they couldn’t live without. Visiting this shop was a fun day for all of us!
And exciting news too!… that’s not all there is to be at The Found Cottage…I was beyond excited when they announced they are expanding The Found Cottage, with The Found Cottage Mercantile…a shop that will be at the same location they are housed at now, but at the opposite end of the building, with an Antique and Vintage “booth style” shop made up of pickers from all over the country… ahhh, I can not wait to visit and see all that they have! …I’ll blog about it all once I do, so stay tuned!
If you are in the Grand Rapids area, make sure you stop into The Found Cottage and give them some love! You can also SHOP their online store if you are out of state, and make sure you follow them on Facebook & Instagram for your daily dose of “found cottage” inspiration.
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into my visit to The Found Cottage. I’ll definitely be returning very soon and can’t wait to check out their new Mercantile. A BIG Happy Birthday & Thank You to them for creating such a beautiful space to shop and bring home the most amazing home decor treasures!
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Other Favorite Posts from Jaime Lyn Life by Design!
Happy New Year to all of you!…this can be such a pivotal moment in time for many of us as we reflect on the past year and look forward to the possibilities of the new year. Some people come up with a significant word or a phrase to help guide them through their new year; a new outlook or hopeful way of living their lives for the next 365 days. For me, this is the first year I have struggled a bit in knowing whole heartedly what I aim for in the new year… my Christmas decorations are still staring at me like I’m holding onto the holidays until I figure out this great master plan (I’m tackling that today I swear!) I’ve been tossing around thoughts for days, but I’ve felt torn between what I feel needs to be done this year, and what I want to do with my time. Many of you know me personally, but for those who don’t…I have 4 kids who I adore and are incredibly busy, who I truly want to be there for, for anything and everything they need of me… I am married to an overly-ambitious husband (who I also adore 😉 ) who does not pass up many opportunities, like he needs to pack in as much in this lifetime as fathomley possible (which generally I’m up for too, and heavily support the effort)… and beyond this blog, my design work, and my business with my daughters, the majority of my daily work life is spent at our offices where I do the accounting for our businesses, manage various properties, and all the other necessary things that come with being a business owner (most of which are completely unglamorous and I won’t bore you with.)… And like most moms, wives, & women… I want to be everywhere at once, think I can do it all, should do it all, I’m surely capable of doing it all… and at the end of the day, end of each year… tend to feel a great sense of accomplishment mixed in with a balance of some unrealistic failure, feeling exhilarated and exhausted all at the same time.. wrapped up in one mind, body, spirit package of a woman…
So today as I look at these Christmas decorations (that I’m totally over looking at)…and all the yet-to-be-filled tubs, a year of go-go-go behind me, and explore all the open possibilities and opportunities that could lie ahead for the new year… I think, maybe instead of some epic idea of what to strive for or change in this new year… I might just need to take a breath… like a really good, long inhale and exhale.. and enter the new year fresh with just the simple intention of being present for the journey… to not see life as moments of obligations, schedules, lists, and goals that need to be met… but rather see life as moments of cherished blessings that make up the hours, that make up the days, that make up the years, that make up the life that needs to be experienced. This year… I’m going to really strive to focus on intentionally being present for wherever I am in each moment… work like crazy while I’m at work, pour my heart into my family when we’re home, sing to the heavens while cooking and doing laundry (ok that’s not going to happen and is a complete stretch of anyone’s logical imagination… but you get my point)… and essentially, strive to take in and truly enjoy all the epic, life-changing, amazing moments, and all the every-day, ho-hum mundane moments too… because at the end of the day, at the end of each passing year, those blessed moments are our lives. So… intentionally be present for the journey.
What are your new year words, phrases, or resolutions (if you select such a thing) to help guide your new year? I would love to hear! Happy New Year to all of you and thank you for following me and allowing me the space to share a little bit of myself with you. Now onto those Christmas decorations… wish me luck!
Now that Thanksgiving is a wrap, it’s time to really get into the Christmas spirit. I spent some time over my long weekend taking down my harvest decor, (including my Thanksgiving Table..if you missed that post check out all those details here) and began decorating for Christmas…I love this time of year! Each year there seems to be a new or revived Christmas decor theme or look that I see is all the rage, and this year as I’ve been in the stores, browsed my favorite online shops, and scoured Pinterest, the look is definitely Buffalo Plaid!
…it’s everywhere ladies and you don’t have to live in the mountains to pull off this cozy rustic look in your home. You can go all-out and make this the overall theme for your home’s Christmas decor this year, or simply add subtle details in with your favorite Christmas pieces of the past, to embrace this style. Here are some ideas and examples for how you can include Buffalo Plaid decor and style into your Christmas decor this season…
The Christmas Tree
Use patterned ribbon and ornaments for a festive way to add this buffalo plaid look into your tree. I love all the other red accents that bring the look together in these two trees below…the red lanterns, berries, and poinsettas are great accents.
How gorgeous and colorful is this tree with Buffalo Plaid ribbon, red berries and lanterns, and various other traditional ornaments…just loving how the Buffalo Plaid sets off the unique look on this Christmas tree!
I loved this entire look at a floral and gift shop in Alma, Michigan called Tom Billig Flowers & Gifts using Buffalo Plaid ornaments, and bows with plaid and solid black ribbons.
Your Christmas Front Door Wreath
Again, using ribbon is an effective way to add this themed pattern into your arrangements as are displayed in the wreaths below. I like how these wreaths add other elements of interest in the florals, greens, and sign to create a unique look to welcome guests into your home.
Adorn your Christmas wreaths for your front door with buffalo plaid ribbon, red florals, greens and twigs for a pretty country look.
& here is another similar wreath style, but with the addition of a plaid sign in the center with the popular pattern, adding even more of this style into the wreath.
Decorate your Front Porch
Front porches are one of my favorite areas of the home to decorate because it adds curb appeal to your home and is literally the first impression for guests and passerby’s. These front porches have embraced the buffalo plaid look with subtle touches that pop with the other decorative pieces used.
I love how the front porch rockers in this setup are accented with the buffalo plaid pillows, which really pop on the white chairs!
And you can achieve a nice look just by adding in subtle details with the plaid scarf and gift wrapping for a pop of color and theme to this outdoor porch decor.
Accessorize the Living Room Decor
A nice way to add touches of the season into your everyday spaces is with accent pieces… accent pillows, throw blankets, and table runners. Choosing neutral, solid furnishings really allows you to change up your accents and overall room’s look each season. Loved how the buffalo plaid pillows and throws work in these two settings…
This room staging was done at Pier One and I thought really captured subtle touches of the buffalo plaid using an accent pillow, throw blanket, and table runner… making a beautifully subtle impact!
And again..subtle touches go a long way in making an impression here with the plaid pillow and the red bulbs for a cozy look…and that moose pillow… just adorable!
The Dining Room Table
I like to stage my dining tables with seasonal decor to be visible the entire season, using a simple centerpiece or even a whole tablescape. Don’t limit yourself to only setting or decorating your table right before a special dinner gathering, instead dress your table with a theme or seasonal look to add to your daily decor. I loved how these tables used buffalo plaid accents so nicely to pull together the entire looks of the tables into pretty tablescapes.
How adorable to decorate an outdoor table for warmer climates with this style, here using a buffalo plaid throw blanket to dress the table.
And for a more dramatic look, the use of dinnerware, chair covers, and look at those unique napkin holders for a quaint Christmas setting.
Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping can be a win-win with not only giving a well-presented gift to your family and friends, but also by adding a nice decorative aesthetic underneath your tree before the gifts are given. These are such cute, creative ways to wrap gifts below, using buffalo plaid and other complimentary looks to really add to your room’s appeal during the holiday season… and your gift recipients will love it as well!
Look at these adorable buffalo plaid touches in the gift wrap and gift tags. Use your gifts as additional decor… wrap them pretty and place them under the tree for very functional added decor for the season!
Coordinate your gift wrap to go nicely together…love the use of these plaid and solid papers with twine and creative tags to make a unique look for all your gifts.
Use other Decorative Pieces to Accent your Decor
As I shopped through the stores pre-Thanksgiving, I seen so many adorable pieces in this trending buffalo plaid pattern…. some select pieces I found are below…
I loved these little reindeers and Santa using the popular pattern I found at one of the craft stores… you could place these on an entry table, on a fireplace hearth, even next to your Christmas tree, or to decorate at your front porch.
& and how cute is this Christmas mouse!…too bad the name is not spelled like mine or I would have bought her… cute to sit on a side table or entry bench, even to dress your bed for a touch of the season.
Dress the Part… Fashion Style!
And you will not only find buffalo plaid in home decor this season, it is all the craze with fashion as well… so many adorable ways to add this pattern into your style and I thought the following two looks were so stylish and festive…
I loved the subtle touch of this pattern in the shirt sleeves on this top…and how cute are the boots and coordinating stocking hat.. adorable look!
& I love this sweater throw…so pretty in this pattern with a simple pair of skinny jeans and tall boots.. stylin!
I hope you enjoyed some Buffalo Plaid style inspiration for your Christmas Decorating and I’ve shown you a few new ideas you can use in your own home! Shop some of the Buffalo Plaid looks with links included below…
Shop Buffalo Plaid pieces below (click on each pic, to shop) and on my Jaime Lyn Shop Page…click here!
Happy Holidays & Happy Decorating, Friends!
More holiday inspired posts coming soon, so be sure to sign up for my Email updates!
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all enjoy a beautiful day today filled with family, friends, good food, and possibly a much deserved nap for all you mamas! 😉 I was fortunate to spend my day yesterday preparing for Thanksgiving in my own home, as I hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner of the holiday last night. I really enjoyed my day… Christmas music was on, the smell of turkey was in the air, and I felt a sense of peace and simple joy preparing our meal, setting and decorating the table, and relishing in how good it felt to just be home. Dinner ended up being wonderful and my day of effort and preparation was well worth it as everyone seemed to enjoy the meal that brought us together around the dinner table. Last weekend I shared a blog post on Thanksgiving Dinner Table Inspiration, and I thought it would be nice today on Thanksgiving to share my own Thanksgiving Dinner Table with you as well…I hope you enjoy taking a peek!
My Thanksgiving Dinner Table…
I had so much fun creating this look for an 8 person setting using pretty dishes I display in my hutch throughout the year, and creating a centerpiece with a gold embellished table runner, and trail of fall foliage, taper candles, ceramic pumpkins, green cloth napkins, and a stream of gold ribbon to dress the entire length of the table. I think it created an elegant, inviting look for my family to enjoy our dinner together.
I enjoy having the opportunity to use the dishes and crystal glasses that decorate my hutch throughout the year… sometime I wonder why I don’t use them more often and I’m reminded to use the pretty dishes ya’ll! I got this set actually at TJ Maxx many years ago, and my crystal glasses as a wedding gift, and still love them as much as I did when I added them to my home.
I mainly decorated my table with pieces I already had in my home, and find that sometimes using these familiar pieces but arranging them in a new way can bring new life to a space and appreciation for the things I already have.
I like the idea of using furniture for functional purposes like a buffet for dessert, wine, tea and coffee, creating a purposeful space that can also carry on the pretty aesthetic from your table to other areas of the room. Here I set my buffet with an apple pie and dessert wine.
I also love how a look can change a bit during different times of the day. Here, you can see how my dining table transforms a little come evening time…the lit candles added a bit of extra cozy ambiance to the setting, helping to create a warm and inviting feel for our evening dinner.
I talked in my post last weekend, about displaying the meal with a buffet… here is my buffet area adjacent to my dining room, as it is set up before dinner and after, with dinner ready to be served. I added some light decor to make the buffet feel more festive as everyone made their plates, and used serving dishes that are special to me… some as gifts from my wedding, and others that have been passed down to me from my mom and grandmothers.
I really hope you enjoyed taking a peek at my Thanksgiving Dinner Table and it’s given you some inspiration as you set your own dinner table today. Enjoy these precious moments as you set your Thanksgiving Table and prepare your meal for the ones you love… Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!
Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours <3
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I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already upon us this week, and we are about to embark on another season of holiday celebrations. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, even remembering as a child waking up to the familiar aromas of turkey and pies baking in the oven, watching the Thanksgiving day parades on television, and waiting for family to arrive to enjoy a wonderful meal at our dinner table. People everywhere will be cherishing these same traditions this week and I like to imagine how that looks in everyone’s homes… what their dinner table looks like, what passed-down family recipes will be made, and how many old stories will be told. The dinner table is a significant place in our homes, and Thanksgiving makes this gathering spot even more special and memorable.
“The Fondest Memories Are Made When Gathered Around the Table…”
I thought it would be nice to share some Thanksgiving Dinner Table decor inspiration with you as you create your own Thanksgiving table this year. I’ve included some looks and ideas that inspire me…tables that invoke a sense of invitation, comfort, blessing, and family… the true essence of what Thanksgiving is all about. I hope you enjoy!
The Centerpiece
The centerpiece is the focal point of your dinner table and I like to create an arrangement that can stay in place during the entire meal, without having to remove it to make room for the meal. I generally like to keep my dining table centerpieces lower in height so they do not obstruct conversation or line-of-site among guests, but if I do decide I want to add some height, I use narrow candlesticks or pieces that are not too large or obtrusive. I also love the idea of decorating the entire length of the table, so all of your guests can enjoy your decor from any place they are seated. Here are some of my favorite centerpiece decorating ideas…
This fall decor lines the entire length of the table and is very easy to achieve with subtle greens, various size pumpkins, and simple candle votives… The decor is low to the table so it does not obstruct your guests’ line of site to other guests and creates a very simple, and festive look.
If you follow my Blog, you know I love to decorate using trays, baskets and boxes, and this is such a pretty centerpiece with varied textures and colors, all contained neatly in one unit.
This look is more of a traditional “centerpiece” with the decor placed in the center of the table.. I loved the white pumpkins and natural foliage, creating an earthy feel. This look could be achieved DIY or you could take this idea to your local floral shop to create a beautiful fresh floral arrangement for you.
The Dinnerware
I enjoy that the holidays give us the opportunity to use the special dishes…your good China, your grandmother’s passed-down pieces, or even holiday festive dishes that are perfect for the occasion, all add extra meaning to these special days. However, don’t feel you need a special set to make your dinner table unique, as you can still achieve a very festive look using your everyday dishes, by adding in decorative pieces to your tablescape. Here are some wonderful dinnerware ideas to give you inspiration… (& note to self… use the special dishes in your everydays’ too…for a random Thursday night dinner – use Grandma’s special serving bowl for the salad…she’d want you too!)
I found these items at HomeGoods and really liked the traditional feel of the festive turkey plates and thought the copper goblets added a bit of color and interest to the setting.
I put together this pretty arrangement at Pier One… the base piece is actually a place mat of fall foliage, along with a gold charger, plaid dinner plate, and a festive pumpkin salad plate creating an interesting, layered look. I could see using this as a two-person intimate table setting, or even to decorate a kitchen bar area all season long.
I really like the idea of using dishes that have history…special dish sets that have been passed down through the generations, or can even be found at antique shops to create a nostalgic, more traditional feel to your Thanksgiving table.
But seriously, don’t feel you need to go over-the-top to create beauty to your table…if you are into more simple, subtle, clean decor… look how beautiful everyday white plates can be when adorned with a pretty napkin, basket weave charger, and a little floral embellishment tied together with a simple stand of twine.. a subtle look of elegance.
The Linens
One of my favorite ways to add a festive flare to my table setting is with the use of table linens… so many options with table cloths, table runners, placemats, cloth napkins… all bringing texture, dimension, and color to your tablescape… some lovely ideas using linens for your Thanksgiving table are below…
This shows that your table linens do not have to be elaborate, expensive, or overly colorful…look how pretty this look is just using burlap tied at the ends with a neat bow? … gorgeous!
& Ya’ll get creative with what you have… This is a festive wool blanket used as a table cloth..I love it!.. and check out the mixed-matched pillows adding in even more varied texture and color to create a really festive feel to this cozy and comfortable table setting.
I wanted to show you this table setting so you could see how even using neutral linens and white dinnerware can still achieve a festive look by adding in other elements like the copper utensils and subtle seasonal decor in the table center… use what you have and add in little touches of the season to create a very gorgeous look.
This is a more traditional table, layering various colors and materials for a more vibrant Thanksgiving fall look.. layering a table cloth, placemats, chargers, plates, cloth napkins, and a colorful centerpiece creates a really cozy, seasonal vibe.
The Place Setting
If you’ve worked in the restaurant industry you know how to set various place settings like the back of your hand, but for some who are not quite sure the correct way to set a table I wanted to share a couple great options depending on how elaborate you want your dinner setting to be. Here are Formal and Casual table setting examples you can use for inspiration…of course you can change things up a bit to make it your own (there are enough rules in life!)….but use these as tips as standard ideas to set your table…
The Placecards
Placards are not a necessity but they do add a little extra special touch to your table, and with a large group especially, they can be quite helpful for your guests to know where you suggest they sit. There are endless creative ideas for place cards at your dinner table, but here are some that I really like that are also easy to achieve…
I thought this was a simple yet thoughtful way to seat your guests… these adorable little “thankful for…” silverware bands can be printed on any type of paper to accentuate your table setting.
Without too much stress, sometimes the most subtle touches are just the right amount.. here’s a sweet touch using a hand written place card and adding in some light festive greens to be placed directly on the dinner plate to casually seat your guests.
And this is a cute little touch using a small pumpkin and leaf place card tied with a trim of twine.. simple yet sweet and something even your kiddos could prepare for your table.
The Ambiance
One thing I think brings the finishing touch to a table is it’s ambiance with candle light…even if I’m not aiming to create a romantic vibe, or low-lit setting, candle light can still create a warm, cozy, inviting feel to your table. I usually recommend using unscented candles so they do not detract from the aromas of the meal, or even opt to use battery operated lights that appear like real flames….also a great option to add a little candlelit ambiance to your table.
These votive candles add an inviting warmth to this fall arrangement creating a really pretty look.
Using candles in varying sizes and heights, but all in the same color, can create an interesting arrangement with a more prominent ambiance.
And I liked how the centerpiece of this table setting are the candles, using these clear glass hurricanes and pillar candles, and the natural elements of stones and berried branches to accentuate, creates a warm, inviting ambiance to the table.
The Pass-the-Dish Style…à la française
It may depend on the size of your table if you have the option of placing all of the food dishes right on the table, but I do like the social vibe this type of table setting invokes.. à la française, allowing your guests to socially pass the dishes around the table while making their plates… a little more lively, “enjoying the feast” type vibe to your dining experience.
In this table setting, the turkey is the centerpiece… and it looks delicious!… allowing the meal to be the main attraction of your dinner table.
A very elegant, old-world feel to this type of table setting.
The Buffet Style
Buffet style is more-likely what many of us use for our Thanksgiving dinners, allowing guests to make their plates at the buffet, and then have a seat at the dinner table. Buffets can still be an extension of your dining table decor though, by coordinating the two areas and remembering to make that space festive as well… here are a couple cute ways to achieve that…
Use pretty dishes of varying heights to create a beautiful presentation of your Thanksgiving buffet.. loved the chalkboard Menu for an added special touch too.
I like how these white dishes are very versatile and can be used for many different holidays and events, while allowing the food and subtle decor to create the festive look for the specific occasion.
Other Creative Ideas:
Oh you guys…so many ideas, I could just go on and on and really one could create a new look each year with all the unlimited creative options for our Thanksgiving Dinner Tables. Here are some more ideas I found inspiring that I had to share with you…many are easy to create to add that extra touch for your guests to enjoy and remember Thanksgiving in your home.
I just adored this idea of using roll paper with hand lettering to create a unique table covering for your Thanksgiving table… so unique!
& so cute to festively wrap your silverware with burlap and fall leaves.
I adored this idea of adding a little note and pencil to your dinner plates for guests to write what they are thankful for this year.. this also creates a great conversation piece to add to dinner time with your guests.
And how cute is this idea using paper again as your table covering…with hand lettered place cards written right on your table..so creative!
& Some of my favorite Thanksgiving Dinner Table Looks…
I love all the varying textures, colors, heights in this look.. and the subtle touches of blue really stand out among the more traditional fall colors in this table setting.
Sometimes I think less can be more and I really liked the fresh, clean, simple look of this table setting…look how the three plates and cloth napkin are all the same color white, but with varying designs, they create pretty texture and interest to the place settings.
And I truly love the comfortable, casual, dig-into-a-good-meal feel of this table. I really like the use of purple and jewel tones for a creative spin on the traditional seasonal colors for this Thanksgiving table… imperfectly gorgeous!
I hope you’ve found some new ideas and inspiration for your Thanksgiving Dinner Table this year… I would love to see how you decorate yours on Thursday! Comment below what your favorite ways to decorate your holiday table are and what your plans are for this year… I would love to hear! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, wishing you a blessed day with family and friends…around your Dinner Table.
