Oldest Pecan Tree in GA for Outdoor Wednesday ~ Roots and all!

Outdoor Wednesday has been on my heart ever since I took a reprieve from "life" and wandered up to the oldest Pecan tree in GA, that just happens to take up residence here in my own little town of Braselton. Life was kinda just "going on it's merry little way", and I just said STOP, I'm getting off!

I grabbed my camera and bundled up in a warm coat, grabbed a large trash bag that would serve as my blanket on the ground for taking up shots under the tree...and I had the time of my life with Ms. Pecan for the next hour or so! :)

Enjoy her wonder here, as I did a few weeks back on a very gray but glorious day!

Happy New Year everyone!

Be sure to stop by Susan's to see all the other Outdoor wonders today! Susan, thanks for offering this venue to enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer! It truly is a great way to stop and smell the roses...or the little pecans that drop on the ground from this tree. Hugs to all~ ~CC Catherine

A Very Merry CHRISTmas and a HAPPY New Year in 2010!

Merry Christmas!!!

May the true meaning of Christmas ring in your home this Holiday Season. I count it a privilege to have come to know each of my blogging buddies this year! May your homes be enriched during this time with family, friends, laughter, and the realization of knowing that HE is the reason for this SEASON!

From our Cozy home to yours...
My beloveds and my toesies on the left and our children/grandkiddies on the right~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~

Hugs and Christmas Kisses to all...
~CC Catherine

Puttin On The Ritz with a Classy "or" Vintage Tea Theme for a Holiday Luncheon!

I recently posted about an event called "Beautiful" held at my church here in GA. This was our second year for it and it's always so much fun. I wanted to feature two tables that were hosted that used a "Tea" theme. This first one was created by a lady named Bobbi, it's the "Classy" style theme. Notice how she used a jewelry hanger for her centerpiece that flowed with silver jewels? Her color palette consisted of silvers, white, black, mirrored items, and crystal. Just the right mix for a totally classy look~

I hope you can see these fabulous chargers underneath her china. They are the fanciest chargers I've ever seen and were oohed and awed over all evening.
The tea set was part of the decoration, not functionally used for the event. So, even though you may not drink tea yourself......grab up that silver teapot at the GW~It makes a lovely centerpiece... The name card holder below fit the bill....a glittering silver shoe.

Voila.....a totally Classy Tea Party theme for a perfectly divine Holiday luncheon! You'll also see in the pic below that she used white bridal netting and wrapped it around the top of the chairs for a special affect.

Now for the Vintage Tea Theme! I've showed a few pics here and there of this table, as it was hosted by "Moi". :) Back in early 2009, when I participated for the first time in Tablescape Thursday, I brainstormed on what napkin rings I could use because I didn't really have that many sets. Using the same idea with this Vintage Tea theme, I'll share with you how I created them. I rummaged through my brooches in my jewelry box and then purchased new white pony tail holders. I pinned the brooches to the pony tail holders and slid them up over the napkins. The idea was one of the "a`ha" moments of the evenings for using what you have instead of going out to buy new in economically tough times. The young lady that was my guest took this PARIS brooch home as a gift from moi to her.

The china I used was mismatched intentionally, as I wanted everyone there to see that I had used mostly "misfits" to pull together the Vintage look., but also for a deeper purpose. Early on when I came up with this theme, I felt it served a spiritual purpose for the evening. So many times our lives feel messed up, we feel like we're not good enough, used baggage...and maybe will never "fit in" to what society approves of. Sometimes "we've" been tossed by the wayside like a stray piece of china put in the GW box for delivery. Intentionally, I pulled this table of misfits together as a message to all that sat at my table. I told each of them that GOD sees us all totally beautiful, regardless of any mess ups we've made, regardless of anything that has defined us in our past. HE loves us unconditionally for "who we are", not for "what we've done".

My "Tea~mutts" (mismatched tea cups and saucers) were showcased at the event. Another example of taking what I've found here and there and saved it to make a grand entrance at a grand affair. Little did each of them know they'd one day be Puttin on the Ritz at an event like this one! :)

The beautiful gold baroque oval photo frame is used flat on the table to showcase the elevated Teapot and silver jingle bell garland. All the items were either purchased at GW or were hand me downs with the exception of the mercury glass item turned upside down to serve as a stand for the red bejeweled picture frame that I used to hold my table number.

The Wedgwood blue tea tins had been awaiting this event for a few years now. I purposefully had been saving them for such an event. The pansies were just the right posie to smile when the guests arrived at the table. I used a floral pick and attached a clear wrapped Tea Bag with a bible quote on it and then put the guests name on a white flower shaped cut out and taped to the wrapped tea bag.

A Vintage event wouldn't be complete without borrowing something. So...I borrowed the gold chargers and silver flatware from my sister Becky. There was a time in my life that I thought "I had to own it all". But, again, tough times helps us to make better choices... borrow versus spending makes $mart Cents! :) And, what a lovely way to say "Welcome" for any Holiday Tea Luncheon guests~

I hope you've enjoyed both the Classy & Vintage Tea Party Luncheon themes today. Now...don't forget...it's "who you are today" that counts, you are a treasure to behold! :)

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! And...be sure to drop by Susan's at "Between Naps On The Porch" to experience other wonderful Tablescape Ideas!

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah

~CC Catherine