Author: cottagegreenonthelake

I hope the pictures of tablescapes, home decor, seasonal decorations, floral arrangements, landscaping ideas, "potting about the shed" and the unexpected ways I use everyday items to decorate my home on "Cottage Green on the Lake" will be an inspiration for you as you make your own little haven and nest … 4 the seasons! From my cottage to yours ~ Trenda

Thanksgiving Tablescape…Tips for Styling & Setting a Stunning Tablescape

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” Maya Angelou

Yesterday was a very special day in The United States of America…a holiday aptly named “Thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is celebrated every year in America on the fourth Thursday in November. It’s the day we set aside to thank the Lord for all He has blessed us with and brought us through in the past year…a grand day celebrated with feasting, family, and friends!

Today, I’m going to show you how I decorated our Thanksgiving table and give you some tips that will help you style your own table beautifully for any occasion.

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Antique and Flea Market Finds

Richard and I enjoy the nostalgia of browsing around in antique stores…traipsing up the aisles of flea markets…or making our way through overgrown grasses to barn and estate sales and looking at forgotten treasures. We never know what we’re going to find on our adventures and it’s always exhilarating whenever “our finds” are also wonderful bargains.

I like adventures, and I going to find some. ~Louisa May Alcott

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How to Make Succulent Arrangements…Summer Project in the Greenhouse

During these hot, summer months this garden project allows you to “get your hands in the dirt” without much exertion…and even if you don’t feel like you “have a green thumb” you’ll find making these succulent arrangements, easy and rewarding.

There’s something satisfying about getting your hands in the soil.”

~ E. A. Bucchianeri

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Setting a Cozy Winter Tablescape and Decorating the Mantle

Our kitchen nook glowed invitingly, with winter weather just a windowpane away…

Setting a cozy winter tablescape and decorating a mantle that brims with rustic charm and elegance is easy using a cozy plaid, a fir swag, and a variety of different sized candlesticks, silver pieces, and crystal.

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How Far is it to Bethlehem?Christmas Decor and Manger Scene

While we were living in Germany, we had the unforgettable experience of visiting the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the area of Bavaria in Germany. It was almost Christmas and while Richard and I were walking down the cobbled streets, fluffy snowflakes began to fall. It was enchanting!

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Christmas Eve – The Empty Stocking

The other night Richard and I watched the classic movie from 1949 “The Bishop’s Wife.” Below is the stirring closing in that movie.

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Create a Magical Christmas Tablescape

…Lighting the long, gold tapers that match the golden chains of the reindeer’s harness adds the last bit of enchantment to this sugar-plum scene.

Christmas magic abounds in this fun and simple tablescape with Santa and his reindeer prancing across the table.

Now, Dasher!  Now, Dancer!  Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet!  On, Cupid!  On, Donder and Blitzen!

~Clement C. Moore
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Creating an Outdoor Centerpiece for Thanksgiving

Today was another beautiful November day and the perfect day for assembling a centerpiece for our outside table. The centerpiece splays across the table and is made up of “twig-ery and poke-ery” and other autumn finery, and candlelight twinkles over the tabletop. An outside dining area easily becomes an extension of your living area and an enchanting way to beckon company outside.

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Halloween Treat Bags & Our Trip out West

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen.
The moon laughs and whispers, "tis near Halloween." 

~Unknown

‘Tis near Halloween…and on a crafting whim, I got out my scissors and glue and got to work making these fun and fanciful treat bags for our grandkids. The bags turned out even cuter than I expected, and they were super easy to make.

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Sitting on the Dock of the Bay…Dockside Tablescape and Picnic

The lake looked so cool and inviting; the waters kept “waving” at us, beckoning us to come out and enjoy… “Sittin’ on the dock of the bay.”

If you are like me, as soon as you read the title of this post, you began whistling Otis Redding’s famous song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Friday was a beautiful, hot summer day and our daughter and granddaughter were over visiting. The lake looked so cool and inviting; the waters kept “waving” at us, beckoning us to come out and enjoy…”Sittin’ on the dock of the bay.”

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