A Barn Thanksgiving Setting...

Happy November! (How did that happen?! Wasn't it just summer?) 

I hope you've been enjoying the beautiful fall colors, and that you're looking forward to the holiday season!

This past weekend, we enjoyed an early Thanksgiving-style family dinner in the barn. And while I can't share all the sweet "people photos" quite yet, I thought it would be fun to show you the setting... 

Farmhouse Christmas Table Settings and Favors...

I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season and not feeling too overwhelmed. I'm trying to take one day at a time and not get too far ahead of myself. (Ask me how I'm doing with that tomorrow! ;) 

Today, I thought I'd round up some table settings and favor ideas that we've used here these past few years. They are all fairly simple, and incorporate nature as well as a vintage feel...

A Farmhouse Christmas Table Setting, Centerpiece and Favors...

We are well into December, with all of its hustle and bustle, aren't we?!

Today is the last day of school for our boys before Christmas break, which means class parties and activities galore! So earlier this week, while the kids still had school, I was blessed to have a few dear friends over for a Christmas lunch, where we also celebrated a couple of birthdays.

Simple Farmhouse Entertaining... (I'm Learning)

I'll admit it. 

Behind a smile, I have often been a frazzled host.

The timing of what's on the stovetop, in the oven, on the table.

Our precious children, running fast through the house, 

catapulting  onto the couches, asking how much longer.

Farmhouse Flower Arrangements (Both Inside and Outside of the Box!)

I hope your weekend is going well!

I had offered to bring some centerpieces to an event we're attending this weekend. I really didn't have anything specific in mind. Thankfully, my parents have bushes and bushes of the most beautiful hydrangeas and were willing to share!

I used two extra large white wood flower boxes we had on-hand (one of them is shown below). I lined the bottom with foam and began sticking stems into the foam until it was nice and full... and until I liked the shape.

Home Decor DIY Projects ~ Farmhouse Style!

 Whether you're a first time visitor or regular commenter here on Little Farmstead, I'm so glad you're here! It's been a joy to build friendships, share ideas and gain inspiration from each other. 

As I've mentioned, our blog recently reached the one year milestone and I want to thank you so much for reading!

 Today, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the DIY projects featured during these first 12 months...

Beneath each photo is a link to the DIY instructional post... 

Cable Knit Sweater Mason Jars

Customized Candles

Shabby Chic Year-Round Wreath

DIY Charming Winter Wreath

Fabric Garland

A Vintage Inspired Sign

Vintage Cookie Tin Cake Centerpiece

Easy Spring DIY ~ Mini Wood Rounds

White Barnyard Animal Candleholders

Are you currently working on any decor or home improvement projects? 

I've been working on a couple that I can't wait to share with you soon!

Have a wonderful day!

xo

Sharing with:

Cozy Little House
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style
French Country Cottage

A Rustic Prairie Style Centerpiece

Hi Friends!

I decided to put our large, shabby white flower box to use again. It feels nice to have some fresh plants in the house this rainy, and often grey, time of year. 

I love the life, color and natural element plants add, especially when we can't spend as much time outdoors.

I like these cabbage plants because they are small and have a pretty pale pink color. They almost look like roses in full bloom. I planted them alongside some Baby's Tears plants and then added some Spanish moss and burlap around the edge of the planter. I finished by tucking in a few Dollar Tree candles.

Some ruffles and slightly wrinkled burlap for a prairie feel.

 And now I'm wondering what your plans are for the weekend? Staying in or going out? Tackling any home projects?

Our oldest two boys have basketball games today and then we're looking forward to having some friends over for dinner. I'm helping out in our 5-year-old's class at church on Sunday and then we'll need to break open the backpacks to see what homework awaits...

Thank you so much for visiting. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo

Sharing with:
French Country Cottage
Dwellings - The Heart of Your Home
Cozy Little House
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Coastal Charm
Savvy Southern Style

DIY: Decorative Cakes! {For Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers or Centerpieces}

I've made decorative/keepsake cakes for:

Birthday Gifts

Birthday Centerpieces

Baby Shower Centerpieces

Birthday Favors 

Wedding Centerpieces

Bridal Boutique Displays

Dining Room Centerpieces

Once you have a faux cake, you will find yourself using it time and time again! Nothing says, "Celebrate!" like a beautiful cake. These decorative cakes also look lovely as centerpieces on your dining table or displayed in a hutch.

I made these mini cakes and cake stands for favors at my sister's surprise birthday lunch. You can see pictures from the party here.

Here's what you need:

1. Paper mache boxes in varying sizes - I used round, but square would also work well.

2. White (or desired color) craft paint & paint brush. (Sponge brushes work well. The picture below shows the boxes after the first coat of paint. They'll need two or three coats, based on the look you like.)

3. Embellishments to decorate your cake and a hot glue gun to affix them. (For embellishments, I have used everything from french cut lace to handmade sheet music flowers. If you want to give lace or flowers a deeper or aged hue, don't be afraid to dip them in coffee or tea… just make sure to let them dry completely before attaching them to your cake! ;-)

Here's what you do:

Take the lids off the boxes and paint each box and lid separately (only the outsides). 

Once paint has dried, arrange the boxes and lids to form a cake (Begin with larger lid on bottom, face down, follow with larger box, face down. Then smaller lid, face down, follow with smaller box face down, etc.).

Use a small amount of hot glue along the narrow bottom ridge of each box and lid to hold the layers together. 

Now use hot glue to affix your embellishments and decorate your cake! 

(This is the fun part!) 

A tip: ribbon or cut fabric along the bottom of the layers makes for a realistic-looking cake and also hides any excess hot glue from gluing the layers together.

Voila!

I made my own cake stands by turning glass chandelier bulb holders upside down for the base. (I've also used candle holders or vases for the base.) I permanently affixed vintage glass dessert plates to the top. (I've also used china plates.) Use a permanent glue, such as liquid nails, marine glue, etc.

I used Jane Austen silhouettes on the cake above for my Mom's Jane Austen-themed birthday dinner.

Will you try making a decorative cake? For a special occasion or as a centerpiece? I'd love to hear!

xo