Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Candy Canes on the Front Door


A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Front Door with Candy and Mesh Ribbon
 
Peppermints and candy canes so remind me of Christmas!  Last year I did a smaller version of this on the back door but this year I went bigger and better on the front porch. 
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Front Door decorated in Candy theme with mesh ribbon
 
Instead of the white with red stripes, I used the red with white which showed up better with the lime green.  Using a rope, I gathered both pieces of mesh and tied it onto the rope using wire.  Sliding my hand down about 12-14 inches, I gathered it again and secured it.  I tried to keep it at even intervals.  Does this make sense?  I’m confusing myself here!
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Front Door with Candy & Mesh Ribbon
 
Most of the candy on the garland, including the large candy canes are from Hobby Lobby.  The pieces on the wreath came from the Dollar Tree.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Front Door in Candy and Mesh Ribbon
 
I inserted a few glittery sprays and sparking ribbons!
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Front Door decorated in candy and mesh ribbon
 

A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Front Door in Candy and Mesh Ribbon
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Share Your Creations @ Kristen’s Creations
Newbie Party with a Twist @ Debbie-Doos
Cowgirl Up @ The Farmhouse Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Christmas Tablescape


A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
Wow! It has been a busy week with trying to finish the decorations, doing a little Black Friday shopping along with everything else that needs to be done!  That’s why I’ve been missing in action this week. I did take a break to put together a Christmas tablescape.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
For the centerpiece, I pulled in a few gold pieces along with a cluster of crystal candlesticks.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
The green wine glasses were a recent find at GW.  The iced tea glasses are made by Mikasa.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
The green and red plaid placemats were from a clearance sale at the dollar store several years ago. I LOVE, LOVE how they look with the place setting!
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
Using a red charger, I topped it with the holly Christmas plates from Gibson.  Do you recognize the red plate?  They are from the set of Royal Ruby that I found at GW.  You can read about that here.  As a matter of fact, I got the holly plates the same day.  I had seen them a couple of time but really didn’t need any more Christmas dishes but I knew they were look great with the Royal Ruby and for 59 cents each, you just can’t beat that?
 
AWalk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
I used gold flatware and brass napkin rings to bring out the gold trim of the plate.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape
 
A little candlelight…..
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Christmas Tablescape

good food and good company makes for an enjoyable night!
 
TIP OF THE DAY:  I have tried NUMEROUS things to help boiled eggs peel easier and I have finally found the trick!  Baking soda!  We have fresh eggs and they are so difficult to peel but when I put them on to boil, I sprinkle baking soda in the water.  After they cool off, I start by cracking them on the broader end because there is usually an air bubble which helps get the peeling started!
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Fall into Fall @ DIY by Design
Home and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life
Open House Partry @ No Minimalist Here
Winter Party @ Sand and Sisal
Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tips, Tutorials, & Tidbits @ StoneGable
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Best Traditional Pumpkin Pie by Libbey



A Walk in the Countryside: Best Pumpkin Pie by Libbey's
 
For years my husband would say nobody can make a pumpkin pie like his grandmother, not even his mom!  He wouldn’t even let me try!  One day, I had a can of Libbey’s pumpkin in the pantry that I had planned on making pumpkin bread with and I saw a recipe for pumpkin pie.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Best Pumpkin Pie by Libbey's
 
So, without telling him, I made the pie. It was VERY easy and simple. After it was completed, I had to coax him into even trying it.  After his first bite, he says “WOW! this is really good….just like grandma’s!”  I said “Thank you very much,” stuck my nose up in the air and walked out of the room!  LOL! I waited a couple more years before I told him I made it from a recipe on the back of the can!  I just like him think I was super brilliant for  a while!
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Libbey's Pumpkin Pie

This is the traditional holiday pumpkin pie. This classic recipe has been on LIBBY'S® Pumpkin labels since 1950. This pie is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Just mix, pour, bake for a delicious homemade tradition.
LIBBEY”S PUMPKIN PIE
 
Ingredients
Directions
MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
POUR into pie shell.
BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

from VeryBestBaking.com

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Sharing with:
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Fall into Fall @ DIY by Design
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Monday, November 19, 2012

Unpacking the Christmas Dishes


A Walk in the Countryside: Thrifty Christmas Dishes
 
I spent this past weekend unpacking the Christmas dishes and getting a jumpstart on the Christmas decorating.  After I got them all out I was a little shocked at how many there were!  In the above picture is the vintage Tom & Jerry egg nog set that my mom gave me.  The stemware is from the Dollar Tree this year.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thrifty Christmas Dishes
 
The Twelve Days of Christmas set is from Goodwill over the summer.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thrifty Christmas Dishes
 
Both the Mikasa salad plates and the hand painted poinsettia stemware are from yard sales. I’ve had the salad plates for quite a few years.  I only paid $5 for the box of four and would love to have more but when I checked them out on ebay, they go for about $75 for the set.  That’s a little bit too much out of my price range!
 
A Walk in the Countryside:  Thrifty Christmas Dishes
 
Lenox napkin rings from Goodwill and the snowflake plates are from the Dollar Tree a couple of years ago.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thrifty Christmas Dishes
 
I just love this little set of 8 vintage glasses.  Yes, they came from a yard sale.  They say Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!  I also have a set of snowmen dishes that I purchased from the Dollar General a few years ago.  These go in the cabinet and are used everyday during the Christmas season.  Now...where do I put them?
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
What’s It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Christmas Village on a Platter


A Walk in the Countryside: Dollar Tree Christmas Village
 
It’s Christmas time, pretty baby…!  I just love Christmas!  This year I asked my mom to host Thanksgiving so I can get a jumpstart on all the Christmas décor.  We starting pulling out boxes and boxes and boxes of decorations!  Something new that I decided to do this year was a little Christmas village.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: $ Tree Christmas Village
 
In year’s past, I haven’t had any place to put one but I saw one on Pinterest using a silver tray.  So off to the Dollar Tree I went!  Oh, if you want to check out my Pinterest Christmas board which includes the inspiration for this project, click here.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: $ Tree Christmas Village
 
I picked up all the figurines, buildings and small trees there.  I did get one slighter larger tree at Wal-Mart for $2.  The snow was purchased after Christmas last year for 25 cents.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: $ Tree Christmas Village
 
I used a couple of cloches and the largest silver tray I had….I really wished it was a little bigger.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: $ Tree Christmas Village
 
I just loved how it looks!  It’s been years since I had a little village!  Do you have your own village?  If so, how do you display it?
 
Thanks for stopping by:
 
Sharing with:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Newbie Party with a Twist @ Debbie Doos
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Christmas Decorating on a Budget @ Creative Cain Cottage
Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cowgirl Up @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Dollar Store Decorating Party @ The Graphics Fairy DIY

Friday, November 16, 2012

Moist Chicken & Cornbread Dressing


Basic Chicken & Cornbread Dressing @ A W alk in the Countryside
 
One more week until Thanksgiving!  Gosh, time flies!  Today I wanted to share a simple, basic chicken & cornbread dressing recipe.  This is the dressing that my mother has always made and was the first dressing recipe that I learned to make.  It’s super easy!
 
Chicken & Cornbread Dressing @  A Walk in the Countryside
 
Chicken & Cornbread Dressing
 
Chicken
Salt & Pepper
Chopped onions
Pan of Cornbread
Poultry Season
 
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.  Put chicken and onions in stockpot, cover with water and cook until done.
2.  Debone chicken.  Save chicken stock.
3.  Crumble one pan of cornbread in large bowl.  You can get my cornbread recipe here.
4.  Add chicken to bowl and enough chicken stock till mixture is a little soupy.  Season with salt, pepper & poultry seasoning to taste.
5.  Pour into pan and bake in oven on 350 degrees until golden brown.
 
You can do plenty to this recipe to make it your own!  Add additional celery and bell pepper or even leave the chicken out and use store bought chicken stock.  We usually cook this recipe when we’re not having turkey during other times of the year.  I’ve used chicken leg quarters, boneless thighs and a whole chicken. It just depends on what’s in the freezer!  Now,the children, and some adults, prefer this recipe. While this is one is good, my favorite is one with more seasonings and other additional ingredients which I’ll share with you soon.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Chicken & Cornbread Dressing
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Show Us Your Life @ Kelly’s Korner
On the Menu Monday @ StoneGable
Full Plate Thursday @ Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
Foody Friday @ Designs by Gollum
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Gobble Gobble! It’s almost Turkey Time!


A Walk in the Countryside: Thanksgiving Table

This will be the first time that I haven’t hosted Thanksgiving at our home in quite a few years!   I still set up a “pretend” Thanksgiving table to share this week though!
 
A Walk in the Countryside - Thanksgiving Table
 
The placemats were purchased a few years ago at Marshalls.  I decided not to use gold chargers to get from going gold overload!  The china is Noritake…Richmond pattern.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thanksgiving Table
 
The heavy brass turkey napkin holders were also from Marshalls.  I like how the red napkins coordinate with the placemats.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thanksgiving Table
 
The amber goblets were a yard sale find and the wine glasses are from the Dollar Tree.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thanksgiving Table
 
The mosaic votive cups add a little extra sparkle.
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Thanksgiving Table
 
Thanks so much for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Let’s Create @ Kristen’s Creations
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Monday, November 12, 2012

Vintage Royal Ruby by Anchor Hocking Glass


A Walk in the Countryside: Vintage Royal Ruby by Anchor Glass
 
Here’s a recent Goodwill find….vintage Royal Ruby glassware!  When I walked in the store, I didn’t get a shopping cart.  My son went down one aisle and I went down another.  When I saw all the red glassware, I was just giddy with delight.  I stood guard over it and yelled at my son to go get me a cart!!  There was just too much of it to hold all at once!
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Royal Ruby Anchorglass
 
There were 8 tumbler glasses with 6 having the original label.  After a little research, I found that the style of the creamers and sugar was part of the R-4000 series which was made in the mid 1950’s.  Since these were all together, I’m guessing the all the pieces are from that period
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Royal Ruby by Anchor Glass
 
Four salad plates… 
 
A Walk in the Countryside: Royal Ruby by Anchor Glass

and a creamer and sugar were in the mix but no cups.
 
A Walk in the Countryside:  Royal Ruby by Anchorglass
 
Four swirl tumblers and four sherbet glasses.
 
I was just so excited because I’ve been wanting some type of Ruby Red for so long and also it’s just in time for the Christmas holiday!  I have already used the sherbet glasses in a Halloween tablescape that you can see here.  
 
Total spent for this little vintage collection…$12.98 plus tax!  Replacements.com had the plates and sugar/creamer for $70!
 
The past couple of weeks I have found quite a bit at GW and I’ll be sharing my finds with you in the coming weeks.
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
What’s It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Fall Into Fall @ DIY by Design
Tweak it Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Fall Breakfast Table


Fall Tablescape @ A Walk in the Countryside
 
Halloween is over and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it…only 2 more weeks!  Today I’ve set up a little breakfast table for two in the kitchen.
 
Fall Breakfast Table @ A Walk in the Countryside
 
The deep red placemats bring out the red in the flowers.
 
SAM_6441
 
The majolica leaf plates were a thrifty find that the Trash to Treasure sale and the leaf plates were a recent purchase from Wal-Mart. I love the red  berries in the design.
 
Fall Place Setting @ A Walk in the Countryside
 
Ralph Lauren napkins carry on the leaf theme.  The wooden flatware was a purchase from the dollar store.
 
SAM_6448
 
Juice glasses are vintage boopie glass and the cup and saucer are vintage Buffalo China.  The crock bowl sits in wait for some fresh baked biscuits!
 
SAM_6446
 
Recently I found a recipe for biscuits that taste A LOT like Cracker Barrell’s.  I’ll have to share it with you soon!  They were easy to make and Sooo good!
 
SAM_6444
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Sharing with:
All Star Block Party @ In the Old Road
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours
Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters
Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Tips, Tutorials & Tidbits @ StoneGable
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Let’s Create @ Kristen’s Creations
Inspiration Friday at the picket fence
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Groove
Home Sweet Home Friday @ The Charm of Home



 

Friday, November 2, 2012

October Appreciation!

 

 

First up, I would like to thank Miz Helen for featuring my Crawfish Etouffee.  Every Thursday, Miz Helen hosts Full Plate Thursday.  It’s a great place to give some good tried and true recipes.  Be sure to stop by and give her a visit by clicking here.

 

 

Brenda at the Cozy Little House sent out the Welcome Wagon for me!  I met many new blogging friends though her site!  This is Brenda’s way of welcoming new bloggers to their community and I so appreciate it!

 

 

The lovely Kristen featured my Fall sideboard at the weekly Share Your Creations party.

 

 

Kristen’s blog is filled with such beautiful inspiration!  I have been visiting her quite a lot recently to see her great tutorials on Christmas decorating.  To visit her, click here!