Hey friends, Here we are in November and it's all about the upcoming Holiday Season. Call me old fashioned or a traditionalist, but I can't bypass Thanksgiving. It's always been my favorite holiday and season so I'm sharing some late November decor posts and Thanksgiving, and then also bringing in some Christmas decor and inspiration too. Even though I love Thanksgiving, I too am ready to see some Christmas inspiration and ideas. Let's have both!!!
On another track, I've come to realize I'm not a very good tutorialist or DIY'er. Mostly because I often fly by the seat of my pants with a decor project, not having a real plan. And... I tend to be messy with paint, glue and whatever medium I might be using. One time I was working with moss and glue on a wreath and after trying to capture "real time" crafting; my camera was a mess and I was totally frustrated to the point I wanted to throw it all away.
I say all that to excuse me from not having pics of this wonderful wooden tote that I gave a paint makeover to last week. I bought it from a friend whose husband was an amazing woodworker, who made this big heavy tote back in the mid-eighties. I guess it might qualify as a "carpenter's tote", since it's so large. It had a dark walnut stain since this was before the "white" craze hit. We used it for years as a magazine or blanket holder but since moving here it just sat empty in the basement. Time to make use of this great piece. For the makeover I used a double base coat of ASCP Old Ochre and a top coat with Old White with a little sanding and distressing. I like to use a thin coat of polyurethane liquid for a sealing coat.
I do love a statement piece as a table centerpiece so I decided I would give this big boy a makeover with paint in hopes I might be able to use it on the farm table or even the dining room table during Fall or Christmas. I brought it out to the farm table and styled it for November with some foraged leaves and sticks from our back yard. I'd bought some large pear "picks" earlier in the year but hadn't used them yet. I used florist tape and added them to the sticks, which look perfect with the new look of the tote.
My large white Turkey Guy is joining in for the Thanksgiving tableau along with several other accessories including a large vintage amber bottle, a few pumpkins and some candlelight. I love the oak leaves and they come off the tree in large clumps. Not good for raking or mulching but perfect for a colorful fall display.
I gathered all the leaves, stems, and evergreens from our back yard and placed them in my medium sized olive bucket. I tried them out on the table, but the bucket really overwhelmed the grouping, so off it went. Pretty, but I wanted the large tote to be the focus.
In place of the olive bucket, I used a faux ivy topiary to balance things out.
I love candles during the fall and winter months, so today I'm enjoying a favorite scent, Autumn Woods from Antique Candle Co. (this isn't a sponsored post, just love sharing the good stuff.)
Stay tuned for this tote to have some Christmas love added to it soon!
Hope you're having a beautiful week. It's supposed to be 75 today.
Indian Summer.
Please come by the link party on Monday evenings.
joining in here:
I love the look on your table, Debra - the tote, the turkey, and all the woodsy picks of fall. Indian summer here today too. I have things trying to grow again in my landscape like it's spring already!
ReplyDeletethankyou Rita. Glad you're having some great weather to work in. We are totally covered in leaves even with mulching once a week. eeeck!
DeleteYour table vignette is so pretty light and fresh. Love Mr. Turkey joining the table. Super cute. Happy Thursday sweet friend. Have a great day. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThankyou Kris, just now saw your beautiful daughter's wedding day! Can't wait to see more pics!
DeleteWhat a great tote. I'm wondering if you distress your pieces before you seal them. I know someone that does it after but I thought that would just rub the seal off the edges. Anyway, I bet your basement has the best stuff in it! Happy Thanksgiving and your table looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, I sand all over and do a little distressing before I put on the liquid poly, I may do a little more later, but generally I think it's good to seal it all after you distress. And yes, I DO have some more goodies down there that I need to share. Thanks for reminding me!! Happy weekend!
DeleteThank you for not bypassing Thanksgiving. It is my favorite holiday and I love to see more decor ideas. I store away Christmas ideas as the come, but would rather maintain the fall vibe longer.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job, Debra!! I love how you styled your tote and that Mr.Turkey made an appearance next to it. The pear picks are lovely paired with the pumpkins!!
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteI love your table vignette. The tote of lovely but the turkey has my heart.
Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things Party. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2022/11/thanksgiving-decor-and-thursday.html
Hugs,
Bev
I love ever single detal of this display! The turkey is magnificent!
ReplyDeleteDebra, I know you already know, but I was really happy to feature your tote refresh post and all the Thanksgiving table centerpiece ideas you've shared here at last week's Share Your Style #368!! Where did you find your turkey? I can't remember if you painted him but I'm thinking I read a post in the past where you did. :) I'm looking for one for next year! (thrifting adventures!)
ReplyDeleteReally nice paint on the carpenter's tote and it fits your style perfectly!
Happy Thanksgiving to you,
Barb :)