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San Diego Interior Decorator/Designer, Susan Sutherlin in San Diego, California

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Creative Placecards

11.19.2014

Although we will not be hosting our family Thanksgiving meal this year, it’s normally my favorite holiday to plan. Because of me being gimpy this year (AKA – broken leg), my wonderful in-laws are having over the Sutherlin gang.

To me Thanksgiving is first and for-most about what we are thankful for, but then bring on the turkey and all of the fixn’s. When I set a Thanksgiving table I like everyone one of my guests to feel special. In the past this has involved printed menus and placecards. It’s really the only holiday that revolves around the food, so why not honor that and go all out!

Below are a few examples of some creative placecards . . .

Placecard_1

Here (above) is a very simple, and inexpensive option. What you will need; a can of gold spray paint, a few fresh leaves from the yard (the leaves that are “crispy” will not hold up with spray paint), and a Sharpie Pen. I might also use some spray glitter which would look fantastic with some candlelight.

Placecard_2

For my coastal living friends here is a great option. You can get these small little starfish at any craft store.

Placecard_3

I must admit this is a favorite option because you get a lot of bang for your buck! Print out these placecards on your computer, punch in a couple holes and bring in some clippings of rosemary and place in the holes. Right before everyone takes a set a the table brush a few of the branches of rosemary and that beautiful aroma will fill the room.

Here (above) we have a “2-fir” (get that holiday suggestion – hah, hah), a menu and placecard in one.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd it gets better, we have a “3-fir” (insert smile), a favor, placecard and menu all in one. I personally love this option because once again you get a lot of bang for your buck.

One strong suggestion regarding placecards, always, always, always, have a few printed up that are extra. I’ve always encouraged our family to bring any friends over for this holiday meal but sometimes it happens at the last minute. You want that guest to feel just as important as everyone else at your holiday table.

I would love to hear and see how all of you set your table. When you get a chance drop me a picture and/or note letting me know how you decorate your table for Thanksgiving.

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Simple Fall Centerpieces

11.17.2014

Okay, I’m not going to lie, feeling a little guilty that I’m sitting here enjoy a beautiful 70 degree San Diego day. Fall felt like it was coming last week when we enjoyed a few short sprinkles but that quickly came and went and now we’re back to sunshine. Oh well, what’s one to do? 🙂

Although we are enjoying our typical summer weather in November, I must admit I’m feeling the holiday spirit. My husband has enjoyed watching how many Hallmark Christmas movies I’ve set up on the DVR to record. Can’t help it, I like a good mushy movie.

As you are beginning to put together your Thanksgiving menus I’m sure many of you are thinking about how to create a centerpiece. Remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive and many of the items you will have around the house. Here are few examples . . .

Everything you need for this centerpiece (above) you should be able to collect outside and at your local grocery store. I’m guessing you could pull this look off for no more than $20.00.

Rustic elegance (above) at it’s best. Just a thought, but why not use some burlap as a table cloth? That paired with this wood bin and candles would be fun and creative.

Again, inspired from nature. There is something about white pumpkins that is just so wonderful.

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Fall Doors

11.12.2014

When someone approaches your home it’s the perfect opportunity to make your guests feel at home by having a festive front door. Here are a few of my favorites.

This is a charming alternative to a fall wreath. Simply apply a layer of chalkboard paint to the inside of an old tray, then add autumn branches and bittersweet berries for a seasonal finish. Swap in evergreen and holly for the Christmas season.

After installing a new front door at our newly remodeled home this year, I was a little nervous as to how how I was going to install a wreath. In the past, I’ve had the traditional metal wreath holders which have “chewed” up the top of my door and the surrounding wood, so I wasn’t to interested in that option I also didn’t want a nail hole (neither did my husband). Then I thought of the Command products and remembered I had successfully used them in the past. I did some research and found that the Command hooks come in a few basic colors. One choice was black, perfect for our black front door. Our Command hook has now been up for several weeks and I’m thrilled with “non” look, it blends right into the door.

One of my favorites, personalize anything with your family monogram. I might have to try this one next year.

This wreath is also a great example of contrasting colors. If your door is a dark color go with a light colored wreath, if you have a light colored door go with a dark wreath. This will make your beautiful wreath visible from the street.

Wonderful pheasant feathers, gourds and grapevine wreaths make for the unexpected wreath.

As I’m sitting here recovering with this broken leg, I would love to see what your front door looks like. If you get a chance send a picture over to me at the studio at ssutherlin@decoratingden.com.

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