Christmas Table Decor

Time to set the table!  Christmas is right around the corner, and one of the areas I enjoy decorating for the Christmas holiday is our dining table.  Setting a pretty table is a real joy for me, I enjoy the creative process and endless possibilities.

This year I am loving lots of green, gold and creamy white.

These evergreen pine chargers I've had for a while, they work well for the holidays.  I used them under my candle holders and centerpiece this year, and I really like the look.

I layered each place setting using a round placemat, pretty charger, stack of plates, a green cloth napkin and gold glass pinecone ornament, and I tucked in a little pick of greenery with a gold pinecone.

To this end of the table I added a small tiered tray I decorated for Christmas.

Here's a close up of my Christmas themed tiered tray.

I am ready for Christmas!

  

 

Christmas Holiday Decor ~ Our Family Room

Decorating for the holidays has always been fun for me.  I enjoy opening up my bins that have been stored away all year and start the process.

I don't always have a plan, and I don't always use everything that I have either.  I have collected plenty of holiday decor over the years, and well, I suppose one of the good things about that is I have options.

And, I've often purchased "after-Christmas" sale items that have been forgotten about until I see them!  That's always a fun surprise too!

Our fireplace area and mantel is a favorite to decorate, I enjoy changing the look to this space throughout the seasons as well as for the holidays.

I went with a green, gold, and cream or white color scheme this year.  I purchased a new wreath for this year however everything else I already had.  I liked the simple wreath and figured it would be perfect for after the holidays for winter decor too.  I have an iron piece layered over the mirror which I hung the wreath from.

I added an evergreen garland that had twinkle lights, a couple of small Christmas trees, and dressed up my candleholders with ribbon, pinecones and greenery, a pair of mini wreaths on the corbels, a gold beaded garland, and a "Merry Chrismas" sign completed the look.

Across from the fireplace is this cozy area of our family room.  I continued the same color scheme over here.  I used a variety of my pillow covers in green, gold and cream and a fun Christmas tree pillow.

Up on the wall sconces I used a pair of tree shaped plants tucked into terra cotta pots I'd painted gold long ago, and added a mini ball ornament on top of each plant so they'd look like mini Christmas trees.

I had purchased the pretty gold wreath back in the fall and decided to hang it on the metal wall piece, I loved the look for Christmas and that it worked well with the gold potted mini trees on the sconces.  Gold metallic leaves on the end table added more pops of gold, while more greenery and mini wreaths added more green!

   

Christmas will be here soon!

 

 

Simple Christmas Table Decor & Centerpiece

Playing with table decor ideas for Christmas...

I was wanting an easy table setting that I could use for everyday, one that had my table looking festive and fun on the ready throughout the holidays.  

I'm enjoying green and gold this holiday season so I went looking through my stash of decor items and put this simple look together.

I had the green table cloth and the pretty lacey golden vinyl placemats, I recently ordered the gold table runner for the center and it's perfect.

Also I changed up my box centerpiece with some holiday greenery and gold ornaments.  A pretty candle holder in the center snugged by a mini wreath completed the look.  I've had loads of fun changing this box seasonally and for the holidays.

Now I can easily dress the table with plates, napkins and tableware as needed.  I can keep this simple look the rest of the time.

Happy Decorating!

Thanksgiving ~ A Thankful Day

~ Thankful ~

I’m thankful for family, friends, love, laughter, my home, this view yesterday of our foyer and beautiful sunshiny day, and of course food, to name a few!…

As we enjoy Thanksgiving and being thankful, it's a good time to remember to be thankful everyday!

From my home to yours I'm wishing you much joy in every moment of your Thanksgiving holiday.

I hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving day filled with joy and peace.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!

With Love,

~ Tammy

Fall & Thanksgiving Table Decor

Decorating my home has always brought me joy.

Adding seasonal and holiday touches gives me a creative outlet, it fuels my soul.

And, styling a table is always fun, whether a simple casual setting or a more elaborate fancy or formal look.

From the imagined creative plan to seeing the end result, my heart is happy doing it!

~ My simple Fall & Thanksgiving table decor.  In keeping with the gold tones I've used for this fall season, I added a fall floral pick with golden leaves and a creamy colored mini pumpkin.  My gold flatware and crystal glasses were the perfect touch to fancy it up a bit.

Thanksgiving is almost here!

 

Fall Centerpiece

It’s been a “leave the back door open” kind of day…A warm November day, beautiful and sunny. We’ve had a few of them this week.

This view along with a little fresh air and sunshine is making me smile today!

I've enjoyed this box and changing it for the seasons and holidays.  Here I've given it some fall picks with golden toned leaves and cream colored pumpkins, and a pretty cut-crystal candle holder in the center.

I'll be sharing my fall & Thanksgiving table decor soon.  I love to decorate the table!

Cozy Fall Family room

Let’s get cozy…It’s been feeling more like winter than fall!

A few fall accessories, pillow covers, throws and a pumpkin or two add a cozy autumn touch!

Oh and, Hubby asks “Do you think there are enough pillows?!

This cozy sofa came with pillows…and I added more!

*** Shop My - Leaf Canvas Art, Metallic Gold Bay Leaves and Pillow Covers, linked below.

~ I hope you’re staying cozy and warm!

Shop here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/tipstreatsandtreasures

Fall Florals in our Foyer

And then it was November!…

new day, new week, new month!

I'm enjoying these fall florals in our foyer and this view into our living room on this bright November day.

Fall florals in our foyer thanks to a few of my favorite shopping places.  I purchased this beautiful tall vase and florals online (sources below).  The golden tones compliment the other golds here and in our living room.  I've been using more gold for fall this year and I'm loving it!

Vase: amazon.com

Magnolia flowers: michaels.com

Fall Magnolia branches: afloral.com

Happy November!

Fall Mantel

HOME is my favorite place to be!

Speaking of favorites…

Decorating our fireplace mantel is a favorite thing for me.  This beautiful wreath from Kirklands is an all-time favorite.  I enjoy changing it up seasonally.  I've hung the wreath on an iron piece layered over a mirror.  I added a pair of iron candleholders with pretty ruffled glass globes I found at a thrift store, and two cute velvet pumpkins. 

And this “HOME” sign is a favorite too! Mine was a gift from my daughter. I’ve linked it in my amazon and shop.ltk shopping links below.

It has several interchangeable pieces for seasons and holidays, and there are additional pieces that can be purchased, which I did.  It's a fun decor item that can be used all year!  I just love decor with options for easy change, don’t you?!

I think it’s so adorable and makes a great gift!

shop.ltk & amazon

My Thrifty Fall Decor

A couple of my favorite thrifty finds…

This heart-shaped tin and the green painted wood & iron piece.

I enjoy being able to change up the florals in the tin, it’s an easy way to add color and texture seasonally, and for holidays too.

The iron piece adds color and interest and doesn’t totally obstruct the view. I love the green color and the iron has heart shapes in it which I also love.

Pairing these two finds together was a great idea and I’m pleased with the look, and both items cost me only a few dollars!  

Using my thrifty decor items along with faux florals & foliage picks I already had equals easy decorating, and since it doesn't cost much it's very budget friendly!

A Golden AutumnFall Decor in our Living Room

“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.”

Speaking of "gold" I'm using a lot of gold tones for my fall decor this year.  It's one of my favorite colors, and I enjoy using it throughout the seasons.

I created this beautiful magnolia arrangement, it’s also a favorite of mine. I love magnolias, their big beautiful creamy white blooms.   A true favorite of the south too!

Our first weekend of Fall was a beautiful one here, and October is off to beautiful start too!

Happy October!

Happy FALL

Flowers always make everyday better!

That, and sunshine…

It’s a bright and sunny first Friday of Fall today!

I always enjoy finding cute decor that I had packed away and had forgotten about! Now that fall is officially here, it’s all things Fall!

Happy FALL!

Chicken Flautas

Happy “National Guacamole Day!”…

I made these delicious chicken flautas in our air fryer.

Flautas are typically fried in oil, however these air fryer flautas are just as crispy and tasty. Crispy and chewy goodness actually!

So easy to make and so delicious!  I used a store bought rotisserie chicken, some cheeses, soft flour tortillas and a few spices, that’s it!

I also made some guacamole and used it as a dip for my flautas along with salsa & sour cream.

These flautas are a delicious new favorite treat for us!

~ Chicken Flautas ~

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded chicken

1+1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 cup shredded Mexican style blend cheese, cheddar or pepper jack

Cream cheese

12 small soft flour tortillas -taco sized

Olive oil cooking spray

Additional ingredients for toppings or dipping:

Guacamole

Salsa

Sour cream

Shredded Lettuce

Diced Tomatoes

Diced onion

Pico de Gallo

In a medium bowl add shredded chicken, spices, and cheese, mix to combine all ingredients.

To make the flautas, spread a thin layer of cream cheese onto a tortilla to the edges-(this helps to keep them rolled.)

Next place about a heaping tablespoon of chicken-cheese mixture down the length of a tortilla slightly off center and then roll tortilla edge over chicken mixture and continue to roll up tightly. Place seam side down on a prepared oil spayed air fryer basket, or pan if baking. Continue for each flauta.

After all the flautas are rolled spray generously with cooking spray.

Air fry or Bake at 425° for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Remove and serve warm along with additional ingredients for topping or dipping.

Enjoy!

Easy Fried Rice

I made some yummy Fried Rice and enjoyed it so much I wondered why I haven’t tried making it at home before?…It’s so easy, and so good! I’ll definitely make it with chicken or shrimp next time!

Here’s my quick and easy recipe…

~ Easy Fried Rice ~

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup diced carrot

1/2 to 1 clove minced garlic

1 egg lightly scrambled

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

Soy sauce (I use low sodium)

Sesame oil

To a sauté pan or wok over med-high heat add butter. Next add onion and carrot-(I didn’t have any) and cook 2 minutes stirring until onions are slightly translucent. Add garlic and peas, stir to combine. Create a space in center of pan, add scrambled egg and cook until egg is done. Combine egg with other ingredients. Add cooked rice to pan and stir to combine. Add soy sauce (more or less to your taste) then stir to combine. Add a splash of *sesame oil-(don’t over do it, a little goes a long way, combine and taste before adding more!) *This is a must have ingredient for me for an authentic flavor.

Stir gently and continue stir frying until lightly browned. Serve and enjoy!

Steps of preparation:

Framed Botanical Print

Home [hohm] n. A story of who we are. A collection of things we love.

I got this beautiful botanical print and have it on display here in this lovely mirrored frame.

::: This Ivy print came as a three piece set with two other botanical prints. I knew it would work well through summer and into the fall!

Our last weekend of August. Sure seems hard to believe, but here we are!

~ I hope you’re having a beautiful one!

*** You can find these or similar items in my Amazon Shop & LIKEtoKNOW.it links in my bio and shop other items from my home decor by following me on LIKEtoKNOW.it! ***

Chalk Painted Caddy Makeover

I loved this cute little caddy, but I wasn’t in love with the color it was when I found it. I knew I could fully love it after a paint makeover though…And now I do, I do!

I’ve used and styled it in a few different ways to store, and display.

It was perfect for these snack & dessert plates...

And some dish towels...

And I also tucked in a couple small faux plants...

I’m sure I’ll find many other ways to use it!

~ * ~

Below is an image of it before and just as I had started painting it.

And after...

So much better!

I always encourage others to use paint! Don’t be afraid, it’s so simple. It’s such an easy and inexpensive way to transform an item! If you don’t like the color paint it!

*** My tip of the day! ***

 

My Coffee Bar

“Today’s good mood is brought to you by coffee!”

I love my Coffee Bar!

I'm a huge coffee fan.  I love coffee!  I can't imagine ever not liking it, I always have.

So for me, having a fun area that is all about coffee is a no brainer.

I made the sweet little ladder long ago for my tea towels.

The “coffee bar” tea towel is perfect for it and this spot.

I used one of my favorite tiered trays here, it’s pretty and functional and keeps items on the ready -coffee, tea, etc. and a couple of fun coffee themed items.

It’s a good day for a good day, a Friday! …but first coffee!!!

~ I hope you have a good day!

Caprese salad

A favorite simple side dish, salad or appetizer!

~ Insalata Caprese ~ Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella Cheese.

Fresh ingredients of soft mozzarella cheese, basil & tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

I usually prefer to use roma tomatoes, however many garden varieties of tomatoes are perfect right now, and if you’re growing your own basil this is a great use for it too!

We enjoy a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a simple drizzle of olive oil is good also, or use both for added flavor. And salt & pepper.

So easy to prepare. Arrange sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate or platter and then tuck basil leaves in between, drizzle with balsamic vinegar/olive oil, serve immediately!

I’ve shared two differently styled ideas for serving.

Serve this as an appetizer or a side to your meal. A good anytime dish and so perfect for summer. We love it and think it’s delicious!

~ Enjoy!

Lemon Themed Summer Tablescape

I have a real love for cut-glass and crystal…

These lovely pieces were thrift store and antique market finds.

I love their sparkle and how they dress up my table like beautiful jewelry.

These napkin rings are actually acrylic, they we’re a must have when I found them, especially since they match so well.

I always enjoy setting a beautiful table, these pieces make it easy to create simple and elegant styling!

Still Enjoying Sweet Summertime and Lemons

I’m over here still enjoying my sweet summertime…and lemons, I love both!

I’ve noticed some have already given up on summer and are making a jump to the next season. I can totally understand, we all have our favorite seasons!…spring and summer are mine!

•

With life in the south our summer is in full swing thru August and into September!…and I’m OK with that!

~ I hope you’re having a lovely summer day!

Lemon Themed Centerpiece

,It’s always fun to change up this centerpiece…

Lemons are the perfect touch for now, and these add a lovely summer vibe.

I love lemons and I’m loving these lovely lemon & wildflower picks from thenestedfig.com

I simply tucked the picks in with some other greenery, added a beautiful crystal bowl and candle to the center, and now I have a new look for our table.  And it's perfect for summer!

Dining Room Summer Decor

We've been enjoying sweet summertime and lots of sunshine.

And, currently I'm enjoying this view of our dining room with soft neutral tones, creamy florals, gold accents and items that sparkle.  A few of my favorite things.

It’s giving me a calm and cool feeling on this hot summer’s day!

Summer Decor Inspiration ~ Thrifty Style

Here’s a view of the side table in our dining room. I’ve styled it using a few of my favorite things.

I love the combination of colors and textures.

Beautiful style doesn’t have to be expensive…Several items here are thrift store and antique market finds!

*Sources*

- Gold chargers, pitcher, crystal candlesticks, metal candleholder and ceramic magnolia flower: Thrift store/Antique market

- Marble trays(gifts from my daughter), serving spoon set: Target

- Cut-glass candleholders, small plates, lamb’s ear and roses: Hobby Lobby

- Wall decor: Michael's

~ Red, White & Blue Salad ~

Serve up some patriotic food with this beautiful and delicious salad!

::: This salad is perfect for the Fourth of July holiday, or anytime. A perfect summer salad too.

~ Red, White & Blue Salad ~

Salad greens, fresh Strawberries & Blueberries, Feta Cheese, and Walnuts. Serve with a salad dressing of your choice. We like a Vinaigrette or lite-Italian.

~ Wishing everyone a fun, safe and spectacular Fourth of July celebration!

God Bless AMERICA!

 

Chicken Taquitos Cooked in the Air Fryer

I made these delicious Chicken Taquitos in our air fryer.

Taquitos are typically fried in oil, however these air fryer taquitos are just as crispy and tasty.

I used a store bought rotisserie chicken, some Mexican style cheese, soft corn tortillas and a few spices, that’s it! So easy and so delicious.

I also made some guacamole and used it as a dip for my taquitos along with some salsa and sour cream.  A new favorite treat for us!

- Chicken Taquitos -

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded chicken

1+1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 cup shredded Mexican style blend cheese, cheddar or pepper jack

12 Soft white corn tortillas

Olive oil cooking spray

Additional ingredients for toppings or dipping:

Salsa

Guacamole

Sour cream

Shredded Lettuce

Diced Tomatoes

Diced onion

Pico de Gallo

In a medium bowl add shredded chicken, spices, and cheese, mix to combine all ingredients.

Place tortillas between two damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds, this makes them easier to roll and helps prevent tearing.

To make the taquitos, place about a tablespoon of chicken mixture down the length of a warmed tortilla slightly off to one side and then roll tortilla edge over chicken mixture and continue to roll up tightly then place seam side down on air fryer basket or pan if baking. Continue for each taquito.

Spray generously with cooking spray.

Air fry or Bake at 425° for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Remove and serve warm along with additional ingredients for topping or dipping.

Enjoy!

I won a “Le Creuset” Dutch Oven!!!

 

I LOVE my “Le Creuset” I won!!!

Yes, I won it! I entered a giveaway over on Instagram and won this beautiful Le Creuset Enamel Coated Cast Iron Dutch Oven from @lecreuset & @womenoftoday hosted by Camila Alves McConaughey.

Thank you again!

It was such a nice surprise on Mother’s Day getting the news that I had won!  I chose this beautiful white one.

I was so happy to receive my gift yesterday. Now I’m admiring this beautiful addition to my kitchen and looking forward to cooking with it!

Eeek!...I still can't believe I won this beautiful Le Creuset Dutch Oven!!!

Magnolia Blooms and Vase

 

“April showers brings May flowers”

...And so does Michaels!

~ I ordered these lovely magnolia blooms from Michaels and they are so beautiful! I’ve added them to some willow branches in this pretty embossed metal 20inch vase I got from Amazon and I’m loving the beauty they add to our foyer area!

***You can find the direct link to these or similar items and more at my LIKEtoKNOW.it link!