Tuesday's Tablescape

I think the colors and textures of autumn lend themselves nicely to a handsome tablescape, so I had a good time putting together this one.

I literally stumbled upon these plates at Walmart recently while cutting through the appropriate aisle during a quick and purposeful shopping trip. The plaid called my name and I grabbed four of the cuties knowing that they would be perfect for seasonal use.

I already had the pumpkin plates, which are Better Homes and Gardens brand. They came from Walmart a few years ago, but a very similar design is still available there today. I had everything else, including the centerpiece. 

We're promised cooler temperatures later this week and I'm beginning to notice hints of turning leaves here-and-there, so I guess that means it's time for fall tablescapes.

Autumn blessings to you today!🍂

Salad

I recently prepared this salad, which we always enjoy. This recipe first appeared on my blog three years ago, but it's worth repeating. Enjoy!

A friend originally introduced me to this tasty dish years ago.

Italian Tomato Salad

3 or 4 tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1 inch wedges (I sometimes use fresh grape tomatoes instead)

1 large cucumber, seeded and sliced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup sliced green olives

1 Tablespoon dried basil

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3 Tablespoons olive oil

salt

ground black pepper

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella and olives. Place basil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add olive oil, mixing briskly with a whisk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over salad and toss until combined. Serve immediately.

For a printable version, click here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Shaw Nature Reserve

Sometimes spending a little outside time on a pretty autumn day is not only enjoyable, but therapeutic. We were able to visit Shaw Nature Reserve and it is the perfect place to connect with plants and wild animals.

More than 90 years ago, Missouri Botanical Garden purchased five adjoining farms in the countryside about 40 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis. The acquisition of property allowed them to move plant material which was threatened by polluted city air to a much-cleaner environment, thereby sustaining the botanical specimens. 

Formerly known as Shaw Arboretum, this gem offers visitors the opportunity to take-in prairie, wetland, woodland and glade habitats. You will find a small visitor center, plentiful hiking trails, gardens and the historic Bascom home (which we toured).

Shaw Nature Reserve is open to the public. There is a small admission free, but there is no charge if you hold a MO Botanical Garden membership. If you are in the area, I recommend spending a little time in the peace and tranquility of God's great creation!

Finally...Fall!

I finally decorated my solarium fireplace for fall. Although I did this same décor a few autumns ago, I really like the natural look it creates. 

You can see the faux limb below. It's about three feet long and I purchased it several years ago at a local home décor store. I added branches of fairy lights before plugging-in seasonal leaves and pumpkins and gourds.

 I find it hard to believe that it's already October! How about you? Have you decorated for fall?

Tuesday's Tablescape

It's a picture-perfect September day, so a great opportunity to enjoy the weather over dinner.

Late summer fruit lends itself well to the table.

Plain dishware and vintage napkins round-out the place settings.

During dinner tonight, I'm sure you'll join us in remembering the anniversary of 911, which was 17 years ago today.

Blessings to you and yours!

Extra Tomatoes?

As the produce season winds-down, tomatoes are plentiful. Although not as large or "picture perfect" as earlier in the summer, they're every bit as flavorful. Here are two of my favorite ways to use tomatoes. Both recipes are repeated from earlier. I shared the gazpacho recipe a year ago and the tomato pie three years back. 

Check out the gazpacho post here 

and the tomato pie post here. 

If you'd like printable versions of these, click right here. 

I love these little red fruit from my head 

to-ma-toes! 🍅

Happy Labor Day!