Junk Gypsy Magic

There is just something about the Junk Gypsy’s and the charm and magic they bring to everything they touch. I have long been a fan of Amie and Jolie and all they do. Two amazing gals who forge their own paths and follow their hearts and along the way have created a whole incredible charmed lifestyle.

I had been thinking about where I wanted to do book signings for my Christmas book for awhile and when I think about Round Top- I think of the Junk Gypsy’s. They are Amazing and are so inspiring in so many ways.

A plan came together for a signing with them at an event they were doing with the Country Living Editors, fellow author Max Humphrey and HGTV star Brian Patrick Flynn.

I met so many of you who came by – it was so much fun! I really enjoyed visiting everyone and getting to know Brian, Max and the Country Living editors Rachel and Jen and the other vendors who were at the event too. And of course, Amie and Jolie are even more fun and sweet than I knew they would be-their talent, personalities and smiles are as big as Texas.

Haunted Prom

On my wish list for Round Top was joining them for their Junk Gypsy Prom. I had planned to pack a full witch costume- but with my go to 2 pairs of boots and all the things I *might* need space was running low in my suitcase so I wore a flowy black dress and rhinestone cowboy boots.

There was live music, lots of spooky decor and a whole lot of fun going on all evening long. If you have ever thought about going to their prom event- you can bet you would enjoy it! I got mostly videos while there so if you want to see more- you can find those on instagram.

Inside the shop- lots of inspiration and treasures in every nook and cranny. We couldn’t resist picking up a few Christmas gifts while we were shopping.

Wander Inn

We stayed with the girls at their Wander Inn. Talk about a beautiful place to soak up some Texas countryside views- we sat on the porch in the rocking chairs every morning and evening. They have several spots to stay with them at their inn- we stayed in the Crown House.

The room overlooked a beautiful field and my husband enjoyed a dip in their cowboy pool to escape the heat and humidity.

When we weren’t shopping, we spent some time gathering up some chi while watching the longhorn cattle graze and the storms roll in- and the sunrise and sunset were vibrant and magical each day.

A place that is full of magic and it was so fun to get away for a wonderful couple of days working and playing. If you are planning on going- wandering and shopping at the Junk Gypsy’s is a must stop and a must stay. You can read more about both HERE and so bummed I am that I didn’t grab a photo with them and the other authors at the signing.

You can shop the books & boots below- and stay tuned for treasures from day 2 of shopping coming your way. Happy Friday everyone!

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A simple cozy gathering – this charming table set for festivities by the fire is perfect for autumn and the holiday season. This is actually a styling I did for my Christmas book- we didn’t have enough room to share too many photos in the pages of my book – so I am sharing more about the the styling and how it came together in this behind the scenes look today.

Cozy Gathering Table

A gathering full of all kinds of cozy delights. A warm fire in the fireplace. Hot tea in your cup and loads of fresh fruit and pastry treats to enjoy.

This was such a fun gathering to style. And something fun- this table is the same one that I stripped the finish off of and shared here last year. I had set up and photographed this table setting just before doing that. Here it is as I was setting up wearing a darker finish.

Fruit Platter

This fruit platter might be the most favorite I have put together and just looking at these photos makes me want to do another one soon.

It started with a whole lot of seasonal fruit that my husband picked up for me. He found the usual citrus and pomegranates of the season- and some unusual fruits as well. I simply arranged them on this vintage round board and placed them on the table.

Tip: Choose seasonal fruits for a fun fruit platter. Oranges, tangerines, pomegranate, apples, pears. A mix and mingle of different fruits will be lovely on the table and also makes it easy for guests to grab what they enjoy most.

Pastries on Repeat

From mini bear claws to croissants to glazed breads, berry filled waffles and crumble topped muffins- pastries go perfectly with fresh fruit for a lovely breakfast or brunch table.

I also included a stacked brie cheese topped with mandarin oranges and drizzled in honey.

Fresh Flowers & Greens

With the decor on the table being mostly the food- I kept the flowers simple. Fresh white roses, juniper clippings & eucalyptus and a few white berries were all it needed. I also added a couple of juniper sprigs to the table for another festive touch. This floral arrangement would be lovely for autumn also- but you can also swap the juniper for eucalyptus or a rosy jewel toned foliage for a more autumnal feeling. And you can leave the greens off the mantel for less of a Christmas look as well.

Giveaway

I have teamed up with my Balsam Hill family for a beautiful holiday magic filled giveaway on Instagram to celebrate my new book! We are giving away a beautiful Balsam Hill Christmas tree, Ornament set, Tree Skirt & a signed copy of my new Christmas Book! Go enter on Instagram HERE.

Shop the Look

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How to Style an Open Cupboard

Armoires and cupboards aren’t necessarily styled and pretty-all.the.time. but when the doors are closed- it doesn’t have to be. It can become anything it wants to. A linen closet, a catchall cupboard or even a place to hid a television if you would like. But when the doors are open- no one wants to look at the everyday storage- they want to see storage that is doing double duty and is as pretty as it is practical. Truth be told though- I leave the doors open almost all the time on this cupboard- because I love the look of styled shelves here.

Today we are breaking down the shelf styling in this cupboard and sharing a few tips for the method to my shelf styling madness.

1. Stack Something

Plates. Bowls. Platters. Books. Anything else that stacks. This is a simple one- but something I have found to really work when it comes to open shelves. Often we just think of setting this on a shelf – but how it is set on the shelf can make a difference. Stacking things like plates or bowls adds height. In this cupboard- I stacked two wood pedestals and books to create a bit of an ‘up and down’ which is more visually appealing- and interesting.

2. Create a display with collections

I love collecting all kinds of things- and tabletop items are some of my favorites. For Inspired Gatherings- I was collecting all kinds of different elements to use on the tables- like those brass goblets. All together-they are almost like artwork. Find a similar Brass Goblet set Here

3. Something Metal

That sounds weird- but basically, piggy backing off the brass goblets- bring in something metal. Silver. Gold. Copper. Or brass- like here. And then repeat it so that it ties the various shelves and elements together. For this- I used the brass goblets, the brass dome on the too shelf and a tiny bit of brass in the sugar container as well.

4. Something Fresh

Another element I love to include is something fresh. I filled a pot with some fresh flowers that echoed the arrangements on the table.

5. Something Natural

And then I added some dried eucalyptus and flowers – and an older dried flower crown to fill in some of the areas. Find a similar dried flower crown Here

6. Something ‘Neutral’

Because- after all the busy details and metals going on- something soft and simple that adds interest without feeling too much is perfect. Think ironstone, marble, old pots and stoneware and ‘naked’ books. They add texture and interest without adding busy and give your eyes a bit of a rest.

I hope this helps explain the method to my open cupboard decorating madness- as I mentioned I am NOT an expert by any means- and I am sure that this cupboard display is too busy for some, not interesting enough for others and likely does not have some ideal ratio that I am not aware of. But I always go back to my go to number one rule about decorating-

7. Do what makes you happy

If it makes you happy- it is perfect.

So go for it, throw rules and ratios and ‘perfection’ out the window- and have fun creating an open cupboard display that is perfect for you.

To see more of this ‘gathering’ – you can find it in my book ‘Inspired Gatherings ‘ available wherever books are sold.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

*this post contains affiliate links

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Lazy afternoons by the lake lead to table for two on the dock for a few impromptu nibbles- such as this styling that we did for Inspired Gatherings.

The dock and calm water were absolutely beautiful- and this table was inspired by all the pieces put together. The sunset on the mountain across the way. The water lapping at the shore. The flowers and the sweet treats we picked up before settling in at the dock.

Which included wee layered cakes and lots of berries.

I topped the cake for garnish and created a couple of simple delicious drinks to sip while we were there- both with fresh picked blackberries.

We pick blackberries all of August and into September- and we enjoy them as is just for snacking. In salads, oatmeal, breads and even floral arrangements. And something simple to also do is to create a blackberry lemonade or cocktail.

Full of yum and good flavor- you can customize this any way you would like. And feel free to add or leave out the vodka- it will be much sweeter without of course- more like a lovely sweet berry lemonade. This is adapted from a recipe I saw awhile back. I customized to fit what we prefer- and feel free to do the same.

Simple Lemonade Berry Drinks

• 6 fresh blackberries
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ½ ounce berry infused lemonade syrup (I found ours at HomeGoods)
• 1 ½ ounce vodka (if desired)
• 2 ounces soda water
• Ice
• a handful of extra blackberries and blueberries for making it look pretty.
• A bit of rosemary, mint or oregano clippings for a sprig of green garnish

How To

• Place 6 of your blackberries with the lemon juice & syrup in a jar. Give it a swirl with a spoon to ‘mash’ them a bit.
• Add vodka (if desired) & soda water. Mix slightly by stirring. Add ice and then top with a few whole berries and a sprig of garnish.

You can mash the berries a bit- and add extra syrup and berries for more bold color. The one above is simply lemonade- with a few berries at the bottom.

The one below is full of more ripe, slightly mashed berries that add that rich color and extra syrup which gives it a sweeter taste and more bold look.

You can also add blueberries or any other type of berries you would like to make it a ‘mixed’ berry beverage.

More of this setting in my new book- Inspired Gatherings

Have a safe Labor Day.

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I love those tidy rows of trees dotted with rosy fruit.

The way that the wildflowers grow around them and all through the center fields.

This particular apple orchard is one that inspired me while I was working on my new book-Inspired Gatherings- and I instantly thought of setting up for enjoying pies and pretty conversation.

I’ll share a bit more about this charming setting in another post- today it is all about those pies and how to make your very own mini-apple pies this autumn.

Print

Mini Apple Pies

All the things you love about warm fresh baked apple pies- in a mini version.

Servings 6 mini-pies

Ingredients

• 2 Pastries for pie crusts- You can use your own favorite recipe or the frozen sheets
• 3 cups Granny Smith or favorite apples
• 4 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice- to taste
• 1 lemon
• 1/8 cup water

Notes

• Preheat the oven to 400°F
• Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut 3 circles from each crust with mason jar or knife. Place the crust into mini pie pans- pressing the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
• Roll out the remaining dough to ⅛-” thick. Cut 6 circles for the tops and set aside.
• For the filling, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon/ pumpkin pie spice in large mixing bowl; mix well. Thinly slice the apples and cut in half or quarters. Grate the lemon  – about 1/4 and add 1 tsp of lemon juice.
• Mix the apples & lemon to the sugar mixture – toss to coat.
• Transfer the apple mixture evenly into six mini pie pans.
•  Place the top crusts on top of the pie filling- brush with water if you need them to be a bit more sticky to attach. Press the top and bottom dough together.
• Cut small holes in the top dough- create a pattern if you would like. Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Remove from oven- let cool.

 

This recipe is so easy to adapt- I have adjusted the sugar and the cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to be a bit sweeter and more rich- just our preference And you can also use a pie pan tray or something like that if you have one instead of the individual mini pie pans.

For serving- I like to wrap them with a bit of parchment paper and tie with a jute string. And wee mini roses and thyme for garnish is a pretty finishing touch.

See more in my book Inspired Gatherings

And don’t miss what my friends are sharing.

Slow Cooker Baked Cinnamon Apples by Ella Claire & Co. | Mini Apple Pies by French Country Cottage | German Apple Cake by Inspired by Charm

Apple Butter Pie by Anderson + Grant | Apple Cake by Boxwood Avenue | Apple Blossom Mini Pies by Handmade Farmhouse

The post Orchard Inspired Picnic & Mini-Apple Pies appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Today it is all about a post from the past- and though this one was from May for our anniversary stay at home dinner- we just celebrated my birthday at home yesterday with dinner in the greenhouse garden.

You can read all of my 7 tips for A special Occasion dinner at home Here

Tidbits and Twine | 5 Tips for Nontraditional Fall French Country Decorating

Designthusiasm | Autumn Color With a Twist in a Fall Tablescape

French Country Cottage | 7 Tips for a Special Occasion Dinner at Home

Maison de Cinq | 5 Tips for Decorating with Flowers on a Budget

Shabbyfufu | Designer Chic French Country Home in Texas

The post French Country Fridays-7 tips for a special occasion dinner at home appeared first on French Country Cottage.

When I was working on my book Inspired Gatherings- I literally went to the flower market and shopped to see what inspired me in the moment.

The florals were not detailed and planned out- so there was no method to my madness. But there was a whole lot of inspiration involved- and I found that using what inspired me as I shopped- I was creating arrangements that were so much more ‘me’ and what I was loving at the time.

This arrangement is similar to one that I created for one of the settings -and it was inspired by a beautiful and simple flower that just happened to be in stock at the market while I was shopping- Hellebore. You can see them on the wine barrel above. Hellebores are so underrated- they are some of the most beautiful delicate flowers and mix with so many other beautiful colors and flowers.

Tips & How to

Sharing a few tips- and why I love ‘slightly unruly’ arrangements & just how I go about putting an arrangement together in this quick video below.

What I used

• Hellebores- Green & Pink

• Eucalyptus

• Blush roses

• Burgundy Ranunculus

About Hellebores

Tip: Hellebores are mostly going to be spring flowers. If you have to have them (I totally get that!!) and it is summer or fall- you can probably find them special order- but know that will be pricey. You can also substitute with something similar- I would suggest Clematis, Dahlia or Anemone for similar look and colors.

Just Do You

A big key to an ‘inspired’ arrangement is to go with what inspires YOU. That might be something completely different or in an opposite color direction- and that is PERFECT. Something I always tell folks when asking about house, table, flowers etc- is to first and foremost go with what makes You happy. There is no rule- and if there is- I have probably broken it more than a few times so I would not be the one to ask. haha.

Be Flexible

The other to remember is that customizing your arrangement any way you would like is also key. If you want less or more of something- go for it. If you want all roses- that works. Sometimes I go to the flower market and think I am going to pick up ranunculus and roses- and find a whole lot of hydrangeas in the most delicious shade available and switch gears. If you are willing to be flexible in the idea or design- you might find the perfect flower finds you when you aren’t looking.

On the wild side

I like arrangements that are a tad on the wild side. Those perfectly placed and detailed arrangements that have 7 sprigs of this with 24 of that with 5 greens- they just aren’t my favorites. I want those flowers on the table to feel more on the ‘wild side’ a tad unruly and chaotic with longer elements on one side or a slightly off balance amount of flowers. They have so much more personality to me.

This is the bouquet on the cover of Inspired Gatherings- and as you can see- it is a wild one. And I LOVE it.

Okay- are you ready to see how easy it is to put this beautiful arrangement together? This is a longer video than I usually do. I would love to know if you prefer the short 1-2 minute ones or the longer more detailed ones.

Creating the arrangement

Don’t forget to grab a copy of Inspired Gatherings if you haven’t already. We are going to be recreating some of the settings in the next few weeks- and I will be sharing some behind the scenes and tips. Copies should be back in stock everywhere books are sold very soon. (affiliate link)

The post Creating a 5 minute Inspired Gatherings Bouquet appeared first on French Country Cottage.

It is all about delicious & beautiful entertaining today- and something you can create for your family this weekend. A ‘grazing’ breakfast- full of this and that and anything you would like.

And it is so easy to put together. Read all about it in this post.

And welcome to Tidbits & Twine to French Country Fridays! I think you will love what Kim shares!

Happy Friday all

Designthusiasm | Warm Autumn Decor Ideas for the Kitchen

French Country Cottage | How to Create a ‘Grazing’ Board Breakfast 

 Maison de Cinq | 50+ Fabulous French Farmhouse Finds

Shabbyfufu | Dried Floral Arrangements for a French Country Look

Tidbits and Twine | An 80s Bathroom Gets a French Country Makeover

The post French Country Fridays- Breakfast entertaining idea appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Did you know that when I was writing Inspired Gatherings I told my husband ‘this could be the cover shot’ at least a dozen times?

I did. He laughs about it now because as we looked through the pages- there were probably 5 or 6 photos I thought that about.

Interesting enough- the one that did is one of my favorite shoots in the book. And it was one that I worked on somewhat last minute. I didn’t have a plan to shoot anything specific that weekend, but was inspired when I found that antique table and I had a lemon cake in the house- and a few containers of blooms and so- decided to jump in and style it and see what happened.

Which you know … sometimes those types of photo shoots are THE BEST. They are really inspired by being inspired. They are this and that and just in the moment with what you are working with. And I have found that is one of the key things when styling something and shooting photos. It isn’t the best laid out and well planned stylings that are always the ones that create the most magic.

So today we are breaking down the cover photo and I am sharing a few tips that are perfect for holiday entertaining.

The Setting

The back 40.

The path on the way to the barn that is covered in blackberries and surrounded by lots of trees. It became THE spot that I was able to cart that little table to by myself. (it is oak and heavier than it looks) and when I set it down to rest for a moment- I knew it was a perfect spot. Or I was tired. Maybe both. haha. But it actually has stayed there so I am thinking it was a perfect spot.

After I set it down, I looked towards the barn and started getting some ideas. The twinkle lights in the background. The chandelier through the open doors to the barn. The apple tree just next to the table and those towering old growth cedar trees creating a cozy backdrop just beyond. I kind of got that ‘spark’ that comes when I see something I want to grab a photo of. And so, a few thrift store chairs & elements moved on up and I started to play a bit.

Entertaining Tip: hink Outside the box & outside for holiday entertaining. Dining in the fresh air is perfect for this strange year where we aren’t supposed to be too close.

On the table

Favorite dishes. Vintage stemware from the thrift store. Gold flatware tied with velvet ribbon and some fruit from kitchen were pretty perfect for the overall mood and ambiance of the setting.

Tip: When creating a simple and beautiful natural centerpiece- think fresh and use something from the kitchen or garden. Look for seasonal fruits – Pomegranates, oranges and persimmons are perfect for holiday tables.

These peaches were on repeat last summer- so delicious. And so a handful of those along with fresh figs and plums were talking to me- and they were perfect.

The Flowers

I had a couple of buckets of random flowers leftover from another project that were mixed and mingling and being enjoyed in the house. I grabbed a few of the different elements- garden roses, craspedia, protea – and mixed them with fresh greens that were in the yard.

We are lucky that we have quite a variety of fresh ground cover like ferns, wild grasses and berries growing on our acreage- which makes finding suitable greens much easier.

Entertaining Tip: Forage from the yard if you have things that will work- think magnolia & evergreens. And then bring some of those grocery store flowers home to mix in for a unique arrangement that doesn’t break the bank.

Keep it a bit ‘wonky’

Something you might notice- the arrangement is a tad on the wonky side. Something you might not know- is that I created it just like that.

I didn’t want something that was ‘perfect’ or too polished and pretty. I wanted wild and natural- a bit on the edge and something that spoke volumes without saying anything on the table- but that also let the other elements shine.

This arrangement with those full branches and flowers spilling out and falling to the sides created an abundant full bouquet with presence- but that also had muted natural colors that created a perfect backdrop to let the rosy tones of the peaches, the gilded beauty of the glasses and the cake take more of center stage.

Entertaining Tip: Place your arrangement at the end of the table. This allows ample room for things on the table without the flowers getting in the way of conversation.

The Cake

A simple lemon cake with delicious frosting… I topped it with blueberries, figs and sprigs of rosemary as the embellishments. And actually this cake has another unique secret to create it- I will share more about that and a recipe in an upcoming video.

But one thing that isn’t a secret is how delicious it is – or how beautiful it looks on the table. I chose a wood slice plate to serve it on- and love how that natural layer underneath makes the cake feel even more special.

Entertaining Tip: Create a beautiful dessert for the table that is as delicious as it is pretty to look at. For the holidays- get those pie crust cutters out and create a detailed crust or pretty embellishment on top.

The Cover Shot

All those on the table elements together- along with twinkle lights and the invitation in the backdrop to wander into the barn for a closer look. This is the photo I thought would make the cover of this styling. It ticked all the boxes on what I love- all the ambiance- all the charm- all the I just want to sit down and soak it up right now.

But it didn’t win top spot. Why?

I have learned that covers are a bit hard sometimes. They have to check all those boxes that I mentioned above AND they have to lend themselves to text and making sure that stands out. This photo- while it was perfect in so many ways- had a bit too much busy in the background for the cover as it was.

So which one earned that special honor?

The close up of the view looking the opposite direction.

And actually I LOVE how this one turned out. It ticks all the boxes of what I love- ambiance, flowers, charm and everything sprinkled with magic- AND it allows the title to stand out beautifully.

If you don’t have a copy of my book yet- go grab one!

Inspired Gatherings is Currently marked ON SALE for just $25.

It is also perfect for gifting to your fellow entertaining and inspired gatherings friends.

We are doing a small family Thanksgiving early here at the house in the backyard. I will share just how we set everything up and some more tips and recipes soon.

Happy Friday all.

The post Behind the book- Creating Inspired Gatherings Book Cover appeared first on French Country Cottage.

One of my favorite settings in Inspired Gatherings was this long table in a barn in the middle of a vineyard. Beyond inspiring- and beyond beautiful.

And a secret… when planning this table- I wasn’t quite sure exactly what the flowers would look like ahead of time. I loaded up everything in the car and decided that I would see what inspired me while shopping the flower market that morning. So I had several linen and stemware options on hand that would work no matter what flowers and colors I found.

Though I did plan ahead on the other table setting elements like the dishes- and I brought one of my always on repeat absolute favorites for the tables.

Lace Detailed Beauties

These dishes are called ‘Finezza’ by Arte Italica. They are the most exquisite dishes I have found. Covered in lace details and delicate curves- they are always on repeat over here. I love them stacked up in layers – the chargers, dinner plates, salad plates and bread plates.

But even on their own with just one layer- they have such a beautiful presence.

The Details

In this setting, I paired the Finezza dishes with vintage wood flatware, amber stemware and another of my favorites from Arte Italica- Gold Vetro chargers.

The details in every piece that Arte Italica makes is absolutely breathtaking. I fell in love with them several years ago and have been adding to my collection ever since. You might also recognize the Merletto dishes- which are another favorite that I use again and again.

I am so excited to continue the celebration for my new book with Arte Italica this week- and they are giving away a set of 4 Finezza Chargers to a French Country Cottage reader.

Here’s how to Enter:

Follow Arte Italica on Instagram – one entry

Follow Arte Italica on Facebook- one entry

Share the giveaway for an extra entry – you can do this everyday.

Make sure to record that you followed and shared in the Rafflecopter app below- the entries need to be verified to be eligible to be the winner.

Good luck all!!

Winners of the Lamps Plus and Bella Cottage Giveaways will be announced shortly.

And if you haven’t gotten a copy of my new book yet- grab your copy at Amazon– and if you already have a copy and are enjoying it- I would appreciate your (hopefully good!) reviews at Amazon as well.

Happy Wednesday all.

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