Setting a beautiful table is one of my favorite elements of entertaining. I don’t get stressed or frazzled about it, simply because I don’t over-think it.
The table is the least of my worries. It’s not going to make or break the evening, even though it does provide a sense of ambience.
The food, the conversation, the people … I really think it’s our attitude, words, and encouragement that we give or that others give us that make us better people.
As we begin to enjoy the change of the seasons, natural light taking on a golden glow, we can bring out the candles, take a walk and gather the simple beauties of nature that can add a touch to the table, or in my case, pull off to the side of the road when you see a beautiful tree and pick up a few leaves.
If we slowed down and took a look at the simple things around us, we’d have calmer attitudes about entertaining and practicing hospitality.
Capturing the moment comes when we bring the beauty of autumn home by gathering a few reminders.
One easy step to enjoying the stunning colors of a fall leaf by placing a few under the goblets on your table.
When’s the last time you took a stroll through nature and brought it back to your table?
If you missed Day 1 …
Day 1: Secret Ingredient to Warmer Connections
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. 
Lovely idea! Free, natural, and beautiful!
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I can always count on my children to bring in loveliness from outdoors to the dining table. And it’s special because they picked it especially for me or their daddy. Love this.
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The leaves under the glass are stunning! I agree with you whole heartily about going out into nature to bring a little something special into your home. I love to entertain as well and often have some lady friends over for some coffee and something fresh from the oven.
Thanks for stopping by my blog at Grapevine Wreath!
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Beautiful photos Sandy. I LOVE the idea of taking a walk with my kiddos, picking up some colored leaves along the way & then using it to decorate our Sunday dinner table….. Can’t wait to do this today. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!
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Sandy, hey beautiful lady! Love these gorgeous photos.
So looking forward to your series.
xo
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More so than the idea of bringing some of the outdoors in, I love your idea about a simple table, not stressing over it, and that people and conversation is most important. Does every spec of dust need to be cleaned? Does the meal or dessert have to be perfect? NO. Just getting together is the important part. Thank you for sharing.
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i love the feeling and comfort of autumn, Great post! Miss you!!
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Wow, beautiful!
I recently read there is a way to preserve the foliage – using wax or shellac or something. have you heard of this? or do you just like to have new ones each time?
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Love this idea. I need to go get some fall pretties for my table!
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I must admit that all the “tablescape” stuff makes me a bit crazy and unnerved…I feel like you, the less fuss the better. My guests don’t notice one way or another. We are there to be together, not “oooh and aaah” over the table. It’s fun to dress up but not over-do it. I let my daughter dress up and do the kids table – she seven and likes to make name cards or put things on there. I love it, it gives her a chance to practice, too!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
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I do enjoy using leaves too! I like to take magnolia leaves and using a gold metalic paint pen, write my guests names on the brown fuzzy side of the leaf for their place setting. The neighbors got used to me “borrowing” their leaves!
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Love using nature especially in fall and winter!
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The leaves under the goblets looks so gorgeous! What a wonderful idea!
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Beautiful table… Those leaves are so vibrant! Ahhhh, to live in fall forever:)
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LOVE this idea – very simple and stunning!!! I can’t wait to try it. I’m really looking forward to your series!!
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Love the idea of just a simple beautiful leaf under a glass- divine.
Fall is my favorite time of year.
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Your blog is just like a breath of fresh air ( or a pumpkin spice latte
) -I leave your blog feeling refreshed, content, warm. -The leaves under the glass is gorgeous and oh so simple!
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Sandy, I’m so enjoying your blog. Just discovered blog world and love it!! Can’t wait for the leaves to turn gold and crimson in south Louisiana… Thanks for such refreshing posts!
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I am looking for real linen napkins in a linen beige color. Any idea where to find them. I need at least 24. I found them at Williams Sonoma for $48 for 4. I really need a better deal but a quality product. Can you help?
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I’ve always loved this idea! My daughter and I were asked one year to come up with an impromptu center piece for the Thanksgiving table. We headed out the front door and came back with leaves, sticks, rocks, flowers, and made a beautiful arrangement. The best part was that we made a cool memory that will last forever! Thanks for sharing!
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