Have a sweet (and savory) Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving tablescape by Beth Hylan.

Table linens by Threads Couture.

A nest filled with dried corn at each place setting.
Where Beth got the corn ...

I filled the fireplace at the Studio with a large container of rose hips and set a scene in front with this planter that I used to temporarily hold Beth’s Thanksgiving arrangements and mossy gourds. Try placing a large arrangement of red, orange and yellow flowers in your fireplace. It is a great alternative to lighting it, and the arrangement can be placed on the dining table after the feast has been cleared.

Something snuggly to wear at the end of the day.
Monogrammable PJs from Threads Couture.
Available at Beth Hylan Design Studio.


If you are up for shopping the day after Thanksgiving, come to Beth Hylan Design Studio in Reading. We will be open on Fridays from 10am - 5pm (along with Saturdays and Sundays) from now until December 18th. Beth has lots of beautiful holiday ornaments to choose from including the “Wish Ball” pictured above. In my decorating corner, I will be offering a *special price* on consultation Gift Certificates ... a great gift for that someone on your list who has everything (but might not know how to arrange it all!)



Happy Thanksgiving!
xo Yvonne

More from BDC ... ideas for dining rooms

What I love ... a contemporary light sparkles
above a traditional table and chair set.
An interesting dining room is often a study in contrasts. These photos that I took last week at The Martin Group showroom in the Boston Design Center illustrate how to achieve a designer-look by creating a balance of opposites.

What I love ... pairing dark curved-back leather
chairs with a cream-colored straight edged table.

What I love ... offering cozy bench seating for two
on one or two sides of a smaller-scale table.

What I love ... a variety of chairs pulled up to this
farm table says “guests are welcome here.”
The large wooden bowl of dried flowers reminded me of something my friend Beth would put together ...


Centerpiece created by Beth last year at a Tablescape Design
demonstration for the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield.

Join us this weekend at
Beth Hylan Design Studio
for style tips on creating
a harvest centerpiece for
your Thanksgiving table.
Sat., November 14th
from 2pm to 3pm

Beth Hylan Design Studio
159 Ash Street, Reading, MA
781.246.8552

Public Service Announcement:

www.gatheringchangeinc.org

Southern hospitality

Coconut Cupcakes (by Brenda Cataldo) on
platter from the Gail Pittman Veranda Collection

I spent last Tuesday night at a very entertaining event hosted by the regional consultants of Southern Living at Home, a company created out of the continuous requests by readers for products found on the pages of Southern Living magazine. Held at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham, this “Design Showcase” featured the beautifully versatile pieces found in the Spring 2009 Catalog set up as themed tablescapes.

Here are some of my personal favorites ...




Princess Party: Brenda Cataldo and Leslie Milne

This table set for a princess and her friends features some of my favorite items: Chelsea Candlesticks (available in two sizes), Astoria Flatware Caddy (used here to hold sweet treats and birthday noisemakers –– I use mine to hold more formal silverware in one, and special serving pieces like the Hostess Serving Set in another).

Earthly Delight: Cindy Morse

This scape featured yummmmy pistachio, chocolate, cream and coffee ... in both its colors and its oh-so-tempting display. I loved the cinnamon sticks in each mug, votives surrounded with coffee beans, and the taper candles inserted in grass filled bowls.
Tastefully done!

The Verde Collection (shown above) was just one of the items featured by SLAH Creative Director and ceramic artist, Gail Pittman herself. She filled a number of the adorable oblong shaped bowls with small items (candles, chocolates, guest soaps, etc.), put each in a small cellophane bag, then tied it with a pretty ribbon creating a simply adorable hostess gift, teacher gift, etc. with no need to wrap ... how green is that? I especially like the unique shape of the bowl and can picture it on a desk to hold business cards, paper clips, etc.

Here is Gail (love the unique colorway of her leopard print top!) signing a piece for my sister-in-law, Susan.



Gail was very sweet, approachable and funny. I loved the stories she told about beginning her career by “painting bowls.” When she was just starting out, her husband would approach friends and strangers alike with the question, “Do you want to buy a bowl?” I told my husband he could just insert the word “pillow...”


An animal print favorite from my Spring ’07 collection

Gaveston Summer: Sue Mulligan

I thought this tablescape was pretty and fresh, with loads of Southern warmth and charm. I love the citrus colors paired with hot pinks and brilliant blues. This linen/cotton fabric from Calico Corners could work well with this summery setting ...

Bipin Ticking Multi



Sun, Sea, & Serenity: Marcia Hostetter

Wow! This seashore inspired display was full of great textures and organic beauty. Try creating this look on a smaller scale at home ... here is my version using a favorite Southern Living item – the versatile Hemingway Hurricane.

And I can’t leave out the Hilton lounge ... I am not sure who designed the space, but I loved the copper planters with tall branches, large scale chess pieces on the solid console, and the pretty bowl of moss covered spheres. Planters like these are available online from Smith & Hawken. Contact Brenda Cataldo for Southern Living at Home products.