A Thrifty Tablescaping Thursday with a Touch of Autumn

It's that time of week again! My how time flies. With fall just around the corner, my theme this week is a thrifty autumn table. My Mom purchased some mum's for me, now how perfect is that , mum's from Mom! Nothing on my table is new except the Mum ( from Mom) hehe!.

I used an old copper bucket for the centerpiece, a few faux autumn leaves, brown and orange votive's and some autumn decor to round it out. The white plates and bowls are vintage J.C. Penney purchased at a garage sale some time ago. I found the placemats 2 years ago at a local gift shop and my everyday flatware. Oh, and the runner is just a piece of autumn material I had from last season.

The cute little drinking glasses are from TJ Maxx. Setting a pretty table needn't be expensive. This one works for a casual supper, and most nights at our house it's very casual.

My so exciting new find are these beautiful salad/dessert plates! I found these at a local gift shop marked down to $2.50 a plate. They only had 4 left or I would have bought more of them. I know I'm getting ahead on the seasons but aren't they great! I am a big cardinal fan and I already found some dinner plates that I think will work perfectly with these. The mugs were marked down to $2.00 a piece. I can just picture sipping hot cocoa next to a warm, cozy fire.

Another view of my thrifty find! I am joining Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch and Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville and Julia at Hooked on Houses for their weekly blog parties! Thank-you Susan , Leigh, and Julia for being the hostesses with the mostest! Go visit these ladies and be inspired! Cindy

An Outdoor Wednesday/Autumn is Coming!

I know Autumn is coming when the Minnesota State Fair rolls around. Every year Dan and I make the 2 hour trek to St. Paul, MN to get our yearly fix. We could go to the Wisconsin State Fair but Milwaukee is actually farther away and the fair runs earlier in the summer. This year was a lot cooler than usual. Usually we're wearing shorts and t-shirts. This year we wore shorts during the day but went back to our hotel and changed into jeans and jackets for the evening. .

We stayed in downtown St. Paul. This picture of the Mississippi was taken through our window, so maybe not the best pic, but what an awesome view!

By 3:00 in the afternoon we were ready to take a break. Look at the crowd! They had record breaking attendance and the cooler weather may be why!

This is as close as we get to the midway! We spend most of our time wondering through all the exhibits, from the Fine Arts to the Techie Building. We also have to find my favorite foods because what is a Fair without food! I also know autumn is almost here because all my apple trees are now ripe! I need to get back out and pick some more but in the mean time....

This little fellow waits his turn

While Dad fills up his stomach! I thought this pic was kind of neat since I caught him right in the act! See that red round thing in his mouth? HA! And see the nice set of antlers he is growing? Looks like some lucky hunter may have a nice tasting deer come this November. I only wish you were all closer, especially Cuisine Kathleen. She is always asking how her apples are coming along. I wish you could all come pick some! My Mom has 3 ripe trees herself so I can't give any to her. We have been slicing and freezing a lot of them and I need to get some of my family here this week-end to spread them out! Now go visit our lovely hostess Susan by clicking on the link above. There will be oodles of Outdoor pics to explore!! Cindy