Good morning!
Today I am joining 15 other wonderful ladies in a welcome fall tablescape blog hop hosted by the fabulous Rita from Panoply. Thank you Rita for all that you do in organizing these hops – you are much appreciated! You can see the links to all the tables at the end of this post. Be sure to check them out as you are in for a most lovely treat!
I hope everyone had a great summer. I know that here in Calgary, July was very hot, dry, and dusty and those are the perfect conditions for an infestation of grasshoppers. Ugh!! More importantly, the heat and extremely dry weather was a major contributor to fire season this year. In July, two out of control fires met in the town of Jasper, a part of Jasper National Park. The town and park had to be evacuated and the fire burnt about 1/3 of the town to the ground. Both the town and the park remain closed to visitors. Rebuilding is in progress but it will take a lot of time to recover. Every place seems to have their fair share of weather woes, but lots of people lost their homes and businesses in this fire so I’m sending prayers for our fellow Albertans to the north.
I’m starting this post with an introduction to our newest family member. We adopted this sweet calico kitty named Georgie Girl in late July from the Humane Society as a companion for our other cat, Potpurri. She is just over a year old. She was found abandoned (they believe), malnourished, and heavily pregnant. She had her kittens and after they were weaned and she was spayed, she was placed for adoption. She has not let her rough start to life affect her at all. She has the sweetest disposition and is a purr machine like Potpurri (in the background). And her half mustache can’t help but bring a smile. We are thrilled to be her furever home. However, she has two nicknames: Curious Georgie and Jumpin’ Georgie. Her curiosity is insatiable and she jumps up on everything! I started setting the table on Saturday evening, very nervous about leaving the centerpiece out overnight and there was no way I was leaving the stemware on the table. But I’m getting ahead of myself here…
The inspiration for the table started with this galvanized truck. The truck had been sitting on a shelf in the garage for around three years now, and in our old place, it wasn’t so much of a problem. Our new house though, is what I call storage-challenged. I decided that if the truck made the cut for the new house, it was going to have to start earning its keep, so to speak. Half of my tabletop stuff is still in storage but I had these hydrangeas and sunflowers in a vase in our previous house and there really isn’t a place for them in the new house. So they were fair game. I wasn’t quite sure how these big flowers were going to look in the truck, but I wanted to try it. I also had a sunflower beaded table topper and salad plates that I thought might work too.
I was able to fit some of the flowers, although not all, in the back of the truck. I kind of wished that the truck bed would have been a little bit longer.
I placed a few pumpkins around the truck but didn’t want to cover up all the pretty beading on the table topper.
The flowers were too big for the front and sides of the truck, so I tucked two small pumpkins in on the seat. To continue the story that I started with (and in all fairness to Georgie) when I came down and looked at the table on Sunday morning, there was some cutlery askew and the two pumpkins were on the floor of the truck. And that was all.
The plate stack started with Autumn Bliss salad plates.
I layered them on sculpted wheat dinner plates placed on galvanized chargers.
I double layered sage green patterned napkins over blue lace edged napkins, wanting some blue to peek through. Napkins are encased by sunflower napkin rings.
Stemware was teal crackled wine glasses; I seem to use these wine glasses a lot. I left the water glasses off mostly because of Georgie lol. It has definitely been a different experience for me photographing a table in the sunlight as our old dining room had barely any sunlight at all. I wasn’t sure how the pictures would turn out.
You can see Georgie in the background on the counter top, photobombing my shot, and which I didn’t notice at the time.
An overhead shot with direct sun.
And one without direct sun, but still very bright. It’s going to take some time and experience getting used to the light in this kitchen, especially as the seasons progress.
So I think the truck has earned it’s keep – at least for the time being. And on that note, happy almost fall everyone! Please visit all the other tablescapers whose links are below for some wonderful fall inspiration.
Hyacinths for the Soul – Welcome, Autumn, the Richest of Seasons
My Thrift Store Addiction – Anticipating Autumn Transferware Tea Time
Resources:
Oh my gosh. I realized that as I was putting the resources together that there is a ton of stuff from Pier 1 on this table. I was a Pier 1 girl…
Table topper, wine glasses, napkins, napkin rings, salad and dinner plates: old Pier 1 maybe six or seven years ago.
Galvanized truck: HomeSense several years ago.
Galvanized charger plates: Amazon
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Oh I absolutely love this Kim! The white flowers and pumpkins make your little truck so sophisticated – it’s totally earned its keep! What a beautiful color combination. And I love your little photo bomber too!! It must be wonderful to have sunlight in your dining room. The pictures are great! Thanks for sharing your lovely design sense with us – I’ve been waiting for this table!
Aww. Thanks so much Barbara! Yes, I think the truck can stay too. That’s actually the kitchen table, but yes, it’s wonderful to have sunlight. The new dining room is very dark and I’ll have to use a photography light if I set a table in there, and I can’t find it at the moment lol. Your table was stunning and you just find the coolest flowers all the time. Congrats again in winning the tablescaping competition. Happy end of August and almost fall to you!
Good morning, Kim! Congratulations on the adoption of your sweet kitty! She is so lucky to have found you and such a loving home. I am so sorry about the devastating fires. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost homes and businesses. Your welcome to fall table is gorgeous. I adore the cream color palette with the pops of blue. So pretty! Your truck centerpiece is beautiful and a perfect welcome to fall! It is always a treat to join you on these hops!
Thanks so much for your sweet comments Shannon. I’m so sad about those fires too and our poor neighbors to the north. Georgie really did find us. When we were at the shelter looking for a companion for Potpurri, she was the last kitty we visited and when I went into her cage, she jumped right up into my arms and started purring. It was no contest at that point. It was really great hopping with you and I hope you get some cooler temps soon. Happy fall!
A warm welcome to sweet Georgie Girl and new furbaby Kim! She’s so lucky to have been adopted into your loving home. We used to have 3 cats in addition to 2 dogs many years ago, so I am well acquainted with how they jump and climb and how nothing is off limits to them. So sorry to hear about the devastation from the fires, they are always so terrifying to watch on the news. I can’t imagine losing one’s home, my heart goes out to them.
Now to the table: I love your galvanized truck centerpiece hauling flowers! Such a pretty beaded table runner with soft color palette of blues, greens, and silver and I adore your ‘Autumn Bliss’ plates with the wheelbarrow full of pumpkins. I actually remember seeing those at Pier 1 and regret not buying them. So glad your truck has earned its keep. 😊 Happy almost fall! 🍂🍁🧡
Hi Mary! 3 cats and 2 dogs – wow – that must have been interesting! Potpurri is very well behaved but she is 3 and Georgie is still young at 1 year, so she’ll probably calm down over time. And at some point, she’ll hopefully realize that she’s sniffed everything there is to sniff lol. Thanks for your comments on the table, and yes, the truck can stay, especially since I’ve got the chargers to match. I too have many regrets over things I didn’t buy at Pier 1. Pier 1 apparently has new owners now so maybe things might change – hopefully for the better. Happy almost fall to you too and I hope some cooler weather comes your way soon!
This is a charming way to transition from summer to fall! Love the flowers and truck as the centerpiece, and that you carried the flowers to the place settings, and their pumpkins to the truck. The beaded runner is fantastic. I always wanted one from Pier 1, but never seemed to buy one. Ah well — I can enjoy yours! Have a wonderful last few days of August.
Thanks so much Sandra – I always liked Pier 1’s beaded runners too, and I have such a weakness for them. These last several years, our HomeSense (your HomeGoods) has carried them on occasion. I was in there a few weeks ago and they had a few (and one to which I succumbed, unfortunately). Our temps moderated in August – pretty much normal – so it’s actually been quite pleasant but fall is definitely on its way here. I hope you enjoy these last few days of August too, and have a wonderful fall as well!
Very nicely done, Kim! I’m happy you’re moved in, though still navigating seasonal decor and sunlight traveling throughout. I very much like the overhead shot with sunlight. It’s taken me almost three years to fully know the ins and outs of the timing for tablescapes in ours. I can just imagine Curious Georgie paw swatting those pumpkins on the seat of the truck until they fell to the floor, out of reach! The runner and napkins are very nice, as are those crackled stems {{sniff, sniff to long gone Pier1). And those plates! I’d forgotten I bought just one as a decor item (in the orange hues) at the time P1 was selling those (hmmmm, where is it now? some things still remain buried in and out of storage!).
Sympathies for the residents of Jasper region who lost their homes. Our region is one huge tinderbox right now, and I pray we get rain this weekend.
Thank you for joining the welcome fall hop, welcome to your newest kitty, and happy fall in your new home!
Hi Rita! Thanks for you comments and sympathies for our neighbors to the north. I never knew that those plates came in an orange hue – but the Canadian Pier 1s didn’t always get everything that the US stores did. The orange hue sounds very pretty and I hope you find your plate soon. I’m sorry that your weather has been so hot and dry this summer and I know that it’s been rough on the grass and garden (and gardeners too). I pray that you get rain this weekend too, and a lot of it! Fingers crossed. We got a good douse of rain yesterday for which everyone is thankful since we have watering restrictions in effect (no outdoor watering). Thank you for hosting these great hops and happy almost fall to you too!
Such a pretty table. I love the soft colors. The truck is adorable filled with flowers and pumpkins. The aqua blue really pops on your table. What a beautiful beaded runner for the truck to sit on. The autumn bliss plates with the wheel barrow are so fun and perfect with your truck centerpiece. Georgie girl is adorable. Prayers for your Canadian neighbors. Fires are so deadly and it’s heart breaking to know they have destroyed lives.
Thanks for you lovely comments and prayers for our neighbors to the north Linda. The fires were out of control so they did a lot of damage that will take years to recover from. Very sad. I’m glad you liked the table and the truck centerpiece. I’m hoping that you enjoy a beautiful fall there.
Oh Kim, the fires have been devastating for so many. Being in southern Ontario, it is a risk we thankfully don’t need to worry about, but we are very aware of the risk to our North and around the country. Your Georgie Girl is adorable! And I am sure Potpurri is happy to have a companion! I do think that the galvenized truck has earned its keep! They way you have filled it with flowers and pumpkins is the highlight of the table. Though I do adore the beaded table runner and your pretty plates too!
Thanks Maureen – I’m so glad that you don’t have to worry about forest fires but then you may have other types of weather to watch for. Thanks for the compliments on the truck – I really was not sure at first so I’m glad it worked out, especially since I left the table setting so late. I hope you get cooler weather soon over there and have a lovely fall!
Kim, I spent some time in Calgary when my brother was stationed there many moons ago. I remember how cold it was but it had such beauty. The fires there were so devastating and the recovery much slower than everyone would like. Georgie Girl is such a cutie and a lucky girl to have found such a wonderful forever home. I really enjoyed the evolution of the truck into a wonderful centerpiece for your table. Pairing the chargers with the truck is perfect for pulling the table together. The soft colors work well with your new dining room. I wish you much joy in your new home.
Lynne
Thanks for you lovely comments and wishes on our new home. It was quite the move and we are still unpacking. As strange as it sounds, I’m only hoping that we don’t get snow in September and we can start getting the garage unpacked so we can actually park in there lol. Happy fall to you!
I miss Pier 1 too! I could always find such cute things! Your truck and dishes are so cute! I love how you used the truck for your centerpiece! So fun to hop with you!
Thanks Karin and I miss Pier 1 too. It was really fun hopping with you as well, and I loved all your awesome ideas for setting a nature-inspired table. Happy almost fall to you!
Hello Kim, I am loving this tablesetting in your new home. The light is magical and you will love taking photos when you grow accustomed to it. Georgie is so cute and had such a rough start. We stayed in Jasper for a couple of nights when we took the Rocky Mountaineer Train from Vancouver to Calgary. I am so sorry for all those who lost homes, businesses, and livelihoods. It is very sad, prayers for all.
Your table is so pretty. I know the little truck is glad that it made the cut to stay for a while. The Autumn Bliss plates are so cute with a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins. The beaded runner is a beauty! I always enjoy my visits at one of your tables. Happy Fall!
Hi Pam! Yes, taking the photos was a bit tricky and I wasn’t sure how they would turn out. I’ll have to experiment some more, especially now that the sun is lower in the sky. It was very sad about Jasper – such a beautiful town and all that forest that burned. Thanks for the lovely comments about the table – I always enjoy my visits to your tables too! Happy fall and fingers crossed for some cooler weather for you.
Kim, your table is adorable!! From the items that made the cut to the beautiful table topper, you have coordinated a fun and eye catching table!! I love the wheat dinner plates and your cute autumn wheel barrel salad plates, and your napkin choice is gorgeous!! Love it all! I hope you have a beautiful fall season!🍂☀️🍁
Ann, thanks so much for your lovely comments. I hope that your upcoming move goes smoothly and that you are able to enjoy a beautiful fall season as well. Take care down there.
Hi Kim! What a pretty table!! It’s wonderful to see a tablescape in your new home! I loved hearing about Curious Georgie, that must make life interesting! Your galvanized truck full of sunflowers and hydrangeas is such a wonderful centerpiece sitting on the beautiful beaded table runner surrounded by pumpkins. The Autumn Bliss plates are lovely, the soft colors matching your runner. The aqua blue stemware adds a great pop of color, and I love the way you did the napkins. Pier 1 was definitely a treasure trove, I have looked at their website occasionally but it’s just not the same. Prayers for your Canadian neighbors affected by the fire and enjoy your precious fur baby!
💕
Thanks so much Jenna! Yes, I agree that Pier 1 online is nothing like the old store. I read that there are some new owners of Pier 1 now and the old owners are no longer involved. I’m going to check their website once in awhile to see if anything changes. Thanks for your thoughts about the people in Jasper. So sad. I hope you get some cooler temps down there – here you can tell that fall is on it’s way!
Awww… this is the cutest table *ever* I love the little truck filled with flowers and pumpkins! I would have never thought to put the truck on the fancy beaded table runner, but they look so great together! The blues, silvers, and whites with touches of green make-up the prettiest color scheme. I absolutely love the autumn bliss plates with the wheelbarrows and pumpkins. They are so much fun, just like your tablescape. Happy fall!
Ricki Jill, I wasn’t sure about the truck at first either so that makes two of us. Thanks for stopping by and I hope cooler temps come your way soon!
Your table is so pretty! I love the wheelbarrow plates and the beaded runner.
Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comments Lauren!
What a pretty table! I love your beaded runner and your whimsical plates. The lovely color palette you selected has a cooling effect during these last dog days of summer. Pinned! Happy almost fall, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comments Cecilia. July was wickedly hot here, but August has been much more like normal and I’m very glad for that. Happy almost fall to you too!
Oh wow!! Just wow, Kim! An absolutely gorgeous table!! I’m crushing on that truck!! I miss Pier 1 terribly!! So sad it closed! Congratulations on adding dear Georgie to your family….dear little one…such a rough start in life! Living in luxury now she is….with a life long feline companion as well! I’d say she’s an inquisitive one!!
My heart breaks for Jasper…we spent a bit of time there while on vacation. My S-I-L returned yesterday to Ontario from a month in Calgary with her daughter…I’m so jealous! Hubby & I hope to visit Alberta again next year….fingers crossed!!
Have an awesome week, my friend…ick – grasshoppers!! We find the odd one in the pool skimmer basket!
Thanks so much Charlotte for your lovely comments and the congrats about Georgie. She really is a beautiful cat just very inquisitive, as you say. I wasn’t sure about the truck on the table at first, but it seemed to have worked out and for that I’m glad. We got a ton of rain here yesterday but I don’t think it extended far enough to reach Jasper sadly. If you ever come out this way, please let me know!!