The Colors of Fall

Sorry it has been so long since my last post!  Some unexpected things popped up that interrupted my enjoyment of fall for a brief period.  But, now that they are out of the way, it is time for some new exciting posts!

I CANNOT believe that Novemeber 1st is a few days away.   The weather in Maryland has been fantastic and it will be sad to see it go!  Although we have had a good amount of rain, the temperature has been mostly between 65-70 for weeks now and it has been great. 

The leaves are definitely changing and while I was driving back from New Jersey over the weekend, I realized how much orange & brown remind me of the fall.  Normally, these colors are pretty tough to pull off but there are ways to do it and make it work beautifully this time of year.  After some digging, I was able to find some great pieces for entertaining that tie them together make it work in a classy, no frills type of event that lets out a warm & cozy vibe for everyone.

Right now, Pottery Barn is having a sale on their Framed Border Tangerine Napkins for $5.99 each and would look great with Pier 1's Peony Table Runner for $19.95.  Using this combination is heavier on the orange side than the brown, but can really brighten up a room.  Adding a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers (like those pictured here) that have lots of greens & pomegranate will bring the whole room together brilliantly! 

Crate & Barrel has some really great stuff too right now!  This Placemat & Napkin combination is one of my personal faves and what I have on my dining room table as we speak- I get compliments all the time!  This leans more on the brown side but I lighten it up with some tall battery operated Pumpkin Colored Pillars that let off a subtle spiced pumpkin scent & light the room nicely.  But, if you prefer real over faux lighting, Tall White Pillars are also a great choice for bringing some brightness to the table decor.

So it's time, my friends, for you all to get planning!  Soak up this last month (or so) of fall and the great color schemes that go with it.  Looking forward to sharing some more fun ideas soon!

Tailgating Time

I love tailgating!  And I'm not talking about the tailgating we did in college with warm beer and a hibachi grill that had enough room for a single burger or hot dog.  I am taking tailgating to a whole new level my friends!  I am talking some nice cold drinks, hearty sandwhiches, and plain old classing it up a bit. 

I got the most rocking cooler as a welcome gift at my friends wedding in July.  It looks similar to this Small Round Red Cooler and has become quite useful.   My husband & I can fit a bunch of waters, beer, and some sandwiches in it comfortably and it is easy to carry. When we attend other tailgates, we fill it and bring it with us every time.  However, if this size cooler isn't big enough and you are looking for something a little bit more substantial, who doesn't love a cooler with wheels? At $40 this Large Gray Cooler is a steal!  Abundant space for lots of delicious food and drink items and honestly, the wheels are the best part. 

A couple other needed items for a good tailgate (in my personal opinion) are a Good Tent for all you die-hard sports fans who will rough it no matter what the weather forecast and a Long Folding Table.   No my friends, the long table it not for beer pong, sorry!  The tent is key for inclement weather and the table really helps in laying out all your food & beverage options as well.  I always bring a nice looking table cloth, which classes things up a tad.   And there are great tabelcloth weights on Ebay or Amazon.com from $.99 to $8 (about 4 in a pack) to help keep things stationary when the wind blows. 

If you want to get really crazy, when it gets colder you can invest in an outdoor Space Heater powered by battery which will keep things warm before you rough it during game time!   Just make sure to turn it off before the game starts and do it far enough in advance that you can put it back in your trunk before you haed into the stadium.  I don't recommend leaving it in the parking lot to cool down.  Someone may sneak off with it.  Because that is how cool it is!    

And as a final FYI- it is perfectly acceptable for your friends to pitch in with food and drinks for the tailgate, especially if you are hosting.   They can also bring their own chairs too- this is not something you need to provide for everyone if you don't have enough for everyone.  Do not feel obligated to go out and purchase five more folding chairs for your friends.  Just make sure to let everyone know to bring their own chairs in advance and you will be set.

So bring on the beers and the kielbasa!  It's tailgate time and time to enjoy one of the best things about fall....FOOTBALL!