hi all! this is bonnie’s mom, maxine, and i’m so excited to post for you today! i am always inspired by bonnie’s projects- in fact, her whole life inspires me. i inherited a few of her youngest chickens when she left for colorado and they began to lay this week! i was absolutely thrilled. one of them is an easter egger, which means she will lay blue eggs. i really miss bonnie, but i know she’s where she is supposed to be right now, and i’m excited for her.

she asked if i’d like to post instructions for a floral arrangement that i made for becky’s (her sister’s) halloween party. this arrangement would be nice to use through thanksgiving and it’s really very easy to do.

supplies:

- a pumpkin
- assorted flowers
- assorted greenery (i used hydrangea stems, bradford pear tree limbs and ornamental grasses, all from my yard)
- chicken wire (about 5″ x 24″) or florists foam (the kind that absorbs water)

directions:

step 1: cut out the top of the pumpkin. save it to use in the arrangement.
step 2: clean out the inside of the pumpkin and discard. (seeds and gooey stuff)
step 3: roll up the chicken wire into a loose ball & stuff it inside the pumpkin. it won’t move around if you push it in place. if you don’t have chicken wire you can use florist foam. it needs to be slightly larger than the inside bottom half of the pumpkin so that it will stay firmly in place.
step 4: use a florist pick or wire to attach the pumpkin top to the front side of the pumpkin edge. I used a few 3″ long florist wire pick.
step 5: arrange your flowers as desired. add the greenery where needed.
step 6: fill with water and enjoy!

wrap up: {decor} {diy} {festive} {floral} {flowers} {pumpkin} {thanksgiving} {vase}

it’s just about that time of year! in the next three of four weeks we’ll be setting our festive tables and gathering around them for warm meals and family fellowship.  here are a few ideas from courtney russell at two straight lines on how to doll up your tables, diy style!

how very pretty are these leaves! made from cotton fabric and grocery bags (yes, grocery bags!) they are easy to make and have endless possibilities.

origami ships and pumpkin can vases make this table fun, festive and playful.

painted nuts, pretty place cards, simple napkin holders and a stamped runner make for a modern, classy and unexpected table setting.  whether you mix and match these ideas, take ‘em and run with them or come up with something on your own, a diy table setting this thanksgiving will be sure to make your guests oo and ahh!

visit two straight lines or the kitchen daily to read more of coutney’s creative tips for diy projects, recipes and more!

wrap up: {decor} {diy} {festive} {settings} {table} {thanksgiving}