A NOTE TO MY DEAR READERS...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBA-Mty_px-Q45p0VKWPz8VX-eb8Iv5-KepxMyPC6fBB6uSdnfRnrytL0vknQcF_J2dg2iR3IvVJeBAKuihNMb4Hq6Q95P5uMFDJzT7L3TL0ShuHQiQgbkLHQ6GYcv3H04tfpkXcOldk/s1600/StoneGable+Main+Button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBA-Mty_px-Q45p0VKWPz8VX-eb8Iv5-KepxMyPC6fBB6uSdnfRnrytL0vknQcF_J2dg2iR3IvVJeBAKuihNMb4Hq6Q95P5uMFDJzT7L3TL0ShuHQiQgbkLHQ6GYcv3H04tfpkXcOldk/s640/StoneGable+Main+Button.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No fancy pictures, or colorful font...just some plain talk today!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is my last post here at StoneGable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry, this is so sudden. But when God tells you to move, we better move! And I am a little slow in listening!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moving from this blog is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I love it so! But I maybe love it too much! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of you know that I am a bible teacher and a Christian speaker and I feel this is the real reason God has put me here on earth. My real purpose is to speak God's love, salvation and Word into the lives of others. Sometimes blogging has gotten in the way of doing that! More and more of my time has been given to blogging and less and less to the God I serve. More of my worth and affirmation, as of late, has come from blogging and my worth as a precious, desired and adored child of God has seemed a little less bright. How foolish of me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It should be an easy decision... to obey God. God says it, we do it! But sometimes it is very painful, even if we know that God is always right... that He loves us more than we could ever imagine or think. He tells us that HE has a plan for our live. A good plan with a good outcome! I believe that with all my being and want to be in the mainstream of that plan. I don't want to go it alone, be out of His will or miss this good plan and all the blessings that go along with it. I am all in! I belong to Him!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For sometime now I have know that my focus has been too much about my blog and not enough about His plan. So I am not off-roading any longer! I am getting on the right path. As hard as it is, I know that the path God has planned out for me is where my blessings are... and where I will meet Him!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One last thing...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for your friendship!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The biggest joy of blogging is YOU... and is what I will miss most. Thank you for reading, supporting and being so very kind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wish you all a holy and blessed Christmas. May the Author of Christmas, Jesus, find His manger in your heart this year! I pray that your best Christmas gift this year is HIM!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With love from StoneGable,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yvonne</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

A NOTE TO MY DEAR READERS...

No fancy pictures, or colorful font...just some plain talk today!Today is my last post here at StoneGable.Sorry, this is so sudden. But when God tells you to move, we better move! And I am a little slow in listening!Moving from this blog is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I love it so! B…

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CHILDREN TELl THE CHRISTMAS STORY~ SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ki8EcnVbd-Q?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>The Christmas Story...Told By God</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decred that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was now obviously pregnant.<br /><br />And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>The Shepherds and The Angels</b><br /><br />That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among the, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angels reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior- yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize hin by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."<br /><br />Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of other- the armies of heaven- praising God and saying,<br />"Glory to God in the highest heaven,<br />and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."<br /><br />When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."<br /><br />They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyonewhat had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd's story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.<br />Luke 2:1-20<br /><br /></div></div>

CHILDREN TELl THE CHRISTMAS STORY~ SUNDAY SCRIPTURE

The Christmas Story...Told By GodAt that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decred that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph…

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UNLEASH THE POWER... OF THE SLOW COOKER!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW5WDspCioIC1jBVthpCfs_FJSuLYhPCOQwpHMiCJWiSCc_x0anERgpElU0y-iL8LEZaJHTsF0cOp7qEF2jlvBaWbbjOjDusjITORbNdG6f4IrgmqfRmBUc3YaMF1jQP3IkVmBiCpl8dB/s1600/SLOW+COOKER+GREAT+IDEAS+TITLE+PAGE-+stonegableblog.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW5WDspCioIC1jBVthpCfs_FJSuLYhPCOQwpHMiCJWiSCc_x0anERgpElU0y-iL8LEZaJHTsF0cOp7qEF2jlvBaWbbjOjDusjITORbNdG6f4IrgmqfRmBUc3YaMF1jQP3IkVmBiCpl8dB/s640/SLOW+COOKER+GREAT+IDEAS+TITLE+PAGE-+stonegableblog.com.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br />We all have busy schedules... and cooking dinner is probably the last thing we want to think about! Especially at 5:00 pm!<br /><br />A slow cooker can be a LIFESAVER at dinner time...<br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make cooking dinner one less thing to take up your time and energy! Remember to use your best kitchen time saver... the slow cooker... also known as the crock pot!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz0AkL3fMvwNHVKHvfUeqWsC4cLN-oEQKOfKRGYuojqzXfVs7eemlS072E7JQofmYt9b5YYbEMSDC2n-0AKpOH-RkEhzWJb_K-Sbwq2wjGDaXEa8fUEGo2pWE65kfEzSK4ohzDnvkTLg/s1600/Slow+Cooker+Chili+Ttile+Page+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz0AkL3fMvwNHVKHvfUeqWsC4cLN-oEQKOfKRGYuojqzXfVs7eemlS072E7JQofmYt9b5YYbEMSDC2n-0AKpOH-RkEhzWJb_K-Sbwq2wjGDaXEa8fUEGo2pWE65kfEzSK4ohzDnvkTLg/s640/Slow+Cooker+Chili+Ttile+Page+-+Copy.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here, at StoneGable my slow cooker gets a workout weekly! As I am writing this my slow cooker is happily making stock from 2 chicken carcasses! It smells scrumptious!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whenever I know that my day is hectic and it leaves me no time and energy to prepare a good meal I spend a little time on the early end of the day to get my meal going in the slow cooker!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UiBX729b5fKT1tVcyNV92U1WGcw8Flfu9CTkGv0k48kfV4YFL-sdDgB8YlYTmyHKez_grPqDkzj5r_PBDJw_cQU12xJ46keUAG3AXa683QGOzNWySpt8BSwe5u7VPfrOqLalV8XHACY/s1600/Braised+Short+Ribs+Title+Page.png" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Meals don't have to be boring or over cooked in your slow cooker! I have found a great slow cooker cookbook filled with upscale and richly flavored food! NOT YOUR MOTHER'S SLOW COOKER  COOKBOOK, by Beth Hensperger  is an ode to creative, delicious meals. She now has 5 fabulous cookbooks to help your slow cooker turn out the best dishes!!!! Amazon.com has great deals on these cookbooks!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vHF790VYukB10y4MeUMCiyfX3JPJLFBnBI1u-RkeB1nE1S0_ydhw7eRgZ5gQBJgGCHAU2kyM6NhJ1lybiSmmlbxbPvSBy8-84GG-ByQxI8M6lzX6iu0A8WPgATACVE6TqZixMA5iUV4/s1600/Killer+Fajitas+Title+Page+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vHF790VYukB10y4MeUMCiyfX3JPJLFBnBI1u-RkeB1nE1S0_ydhw7eRgZ5gQBJgGCHAU2kyM6NhJ1lybiSmmlbxbPvSBy8-84GG-ByQxI8M6lzX6iu0A8WPgATACVE6TqZixMA5iUV4/s1600/Killer+Fajitas+Title+Page+-+Copy.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are a couple of SG tips that will help you to utilize your slow cooker on those busy days in your life!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ plan ahead... if you know you are going to have a long day plan ahead to make a slow cooker meal</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ have the ingredients of at least 2 go-to slow cooker meals on hand.  This gives you the option of throwing a meal in the slow cooker without a visit to the grocery store. A real time-saver!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Prepare dinner the night before. Let dinner cook overnight, cool while you get ready for your day and pop the dinner into the frig before you leave the house. When you get home... just reheat! I love to wake up to all  the delicious smells working their magic in my kitchen!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best SG Tip: brown meat, saute veggies and warm spices on your stove top first... before putting them in the slow cooker. This will make such a difference in the final taste of your meal!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1yWFD_yqZXwK8AeI19yg4tEOTib8rmNf-x8IrvM8kx77UMWspMyEXTTanXvG62hg1GWPC_6Lbv9dg2VjZPxmcWmGXzCuIex_W3FzA89_WHW7t0C4woT4US9cYcUidNXy0ciU4p7VirI/s1600/Taco+Cheese+Soup+Title+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG1yWFD_yqZXwK8AeI19yg4tEOTib8rmNf-x8IrvM8kx77UMWspMyEXTTanXvG62hg1GWPC_6Lbv9dg2VjZPxmcWmGXzCuIex_W3FzA89_WHW7t0C4woT4US9cYcUidNXy0ciU4p7VirI/s1600/Taco+Cheese+Soup+Title+-+Copy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is a go-to list of StoneGable Slow Cooker Meals ..<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/11/slow-cooker-braised-short-ribs-comfort.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Braised Short Ribs</span></a> (one of my favs)</div><div style="text-align: center;">~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2010/01/taco-cheese-soup.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taco Cheese Soup</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2010/09/stonegable-menu-september-20-26-2010.html">Chili</a> </span>(see Tuesday's menu)</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ <a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2009/11/slow-cooker-steak-fajitas.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Killer Fajitas</span></a><br />~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/11/on-menu-monday-week-of-november-7-2011.html">French Onion Soup</a> </span>(see Sunday's menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/11/on-menu-monday-week-of-november-7-2011.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Smoky Pork Chili</span></a> (another fav)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-15T10:45:00-05:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ham Tetrazzin</span>i</a> (see Thursday's menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2009/11/slow-cooker-soup.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Slow Cooker Ham And Bean Soup</span></a><br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-11-06T19:05:00-05:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beef And More Beef Barley Soup</span></a> (see Sunday's Men)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-23T20:00:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Broccoli Cheese Soup</span></a> (see Sunday's Menu)<br />~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-16T19:50:00-04:00&max-results=7">Black Bean And Pumpkin Chili</a> </span>(see Sunday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-22T18:41:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whole Chicken In A Crock Pot With Bonus Chicken Stock</span></a> (see Friday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-19T18:00:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chicken Cicciatore</span></a> (see Saturday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-19T18:00:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tamale Pie With Corn And Black Olives</span></a> (see Saturday's Menu)<br />~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-15T18:00:00-04:00&max-results=7">Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches</a></span><br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-02T18:02:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sausage And Peppers</span></a> (see Sunday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/05/on-menu-week-of-may-16-2011.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ORANGE HOISIN CHICKEN</span></a> (see Thursday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2009/11/slow-cooker-estofado-spanish-beef-stew.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beef Estofando </span>(Spanish Beef Stew)</a><br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-20T17:27:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Collard Greens</span></a> (see Saturday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-20T17:27:00-04:00&max-results=7"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Classic Meatloaf</span></a> (see Sunday's Menu)<br />~<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2010/11/weekly-menu-november-29-december-5-2010.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Holiday Beef Brisket</span></a> (see Thursday's Menu~ I made this for Christmas dinner last year)<br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="SOUP'S ON~ SEASONAL SOUP" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GWwlbjruae5EzZuocYMO9pSBIrXxiie02zhbK2oy9bzEKPUHdqE38FcaEckA-LDygMW3-CE89pd3brKy4Z4JQfdvEF6iE8DpjJa4e1JYA_iYG_OfO00EV82S19WAaOSYU0O3a4LHqXk/s640/French+Onion+Soup.png" width="457" /><br /><br /><br /><br />Remember to<br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script></div><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-11244474-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script> <br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBN_AIfBA6VooXquwSC8T3ZYcATVJpS0GGbpOtIvnsePGIW5l5Pbo-Q8NuxTTo-GCJ7QAymvHxmnNcWMvzY19LbpD2wOrYaOhFfmlc0tSshrPTyVqfP1LEWtfmJ5mchI-5IGendfcprju/s1600/Unleash+the+power+of+the+slow+cooker+for+pinning-+stonegableblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBN_AIfBA6VooXquwSC8T3ZYcATVJpS0GGbpOtIvnsePGIW5l5Pbo-Q8NuxTTo-GCJ7QAymvHxmnNcWMvzY19LbpD2wOrYaOhFfmlc0tSshrPTyVqfP1LEWtfmJ5mchI-5IGendfcprju/s320/Unleash+the+power+of+the+slow+cooker+for+pinning-+stonegableblog.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><br /></a></div></div></div>

UNLEASH THE POWER... OF THE SLOW COOKER!

We all have busy schedules... and cooking dinner is probably the last thing we want to think about! Especially at 5:00 pm!A slow cooker can be a LIFESAVER at dinner time...Make cooking dinner one less thing to take up your time and energy! Remember to use your best kitchen time saver... the slow coo…

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THE GREAT CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bNohzQmUop9Bng7xSyFJQsPYR0UzipTj-cyUYh_nBjHonc1IiytjadLvVzZKiBkWv4KNzCj1Iey_IcBBRQn1XYZ_P4SKdVIEqnFFiNZXRUzwD0NtQzOns3PHJR_2dZTEUr_e0LKtxPU/s1600/The+Great+Christmas+Dinner+Party~+Title+Page+-+BLOG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bNohzQmUop9Bng7xSyFJQsPYR0UzipTj-cyUYh_nBjHonc1IiytjadLvVzZKiBkWv4KNzCj1Iey_IcBBRQn1XYZ_P4SKdVIEqnFFiNZXRUzwD0NtQzOns3PHJR_2dZTEUr_e0LKtxPU/s640/The+Great+Christmas+Dinner+Party~+Title+Page+-+BLOG.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;">L</span>et's have a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">dinner party</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;">! Are you jumping up and down.... excited and ready to start planning? Or are you filled with anxiety and stress... thinking about all the work involved? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of us love to go to a dinner party... and love the idea of a dinner party... but many of us don't love hosting  them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's see if we can change all that!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;"> </span> This post is all about making dinner parties enjoyable and easy...  for the hostess... from planning to clean up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I'm setting a table for a dinner party and sharing lots of tips with you. And I have lots and lots of tips!!!!!  Hope some are helpful to you as you plan your next Great Dinner Party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><a href="" name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6koS51g34Ck_OoCo7yj0uZhnk3JaOIHUTeZSEkvxJ1OhVMVcb4qa3fkHBLvRw6Xia7ALbj9oKBzdVrdaLLgC3smMM_4OwLDShI_gcyqmQ8pt7mNqSUYp4i65FLIp_UZEeUBHDgcg_cHkR/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6koS51g34Ck_OoCo7yj0uZhnk3JaOIHUTeZSEkvxJ1OhVMVcb4qa3fkHBLvRw6Xia7ALbj9oKBzdVrdaLLgC3smMM_4OwLDShI_gcyqmQ8pt7mNqSUYp4i65FLIp_UZEeUBHDgcg_cHkR/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2600.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sure many of you have really wonderful seasoned tips too! So join in .... please share your best dinner party ideas and tips with us as a comment! I want to hear ALL your brilliant ideas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg3C7sHFrZNOE19RZerYYEwzbb1XrylAcYjEgV0RobcVR_wJ9CFrcvGtALHFUX7rdw9M99-NxOY2k1cxKGiqQ3TrhhnS8We-BceJJz7C83Wh_PPmSDgyzE96YYwImgFKOd2Rdn16qqaPf/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg3C7sHFrZNOE19RZerYYEwzbb1XrylAcYjEgV0RobcVR_wJ9CFrcvGtALHFUX7rdw9M99-NxOY2k1cxKGiqQ3TrhhnS8We-BceJJz7C83Wh_PPmSDgyzE96YYwImgFKOd2Rdn16qqaPf/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2582.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">PLANNING...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planning an easy, doable table was the inspiration for this soft comfortable table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A dinner party does not mean lots of people, a big fancy table, tons of elaborate food and days or weeks of preparation. <i>This is not your mother's dinner party table. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SG TIP</span>: Plan your dinner party well in advance. Being rushed is hard on a hostess. Put your plan of action down on paper! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozvqMRX1aNeiqLLb6kowehoe18vDSc6hyTaz8SXojYnlxOQPzvr7fETxV0FCNwnOfa6mvixkkkSPV1TvXYQE4ZGRDb123AK8CxmXGUWlHSKcvsJ7wdmyM6J6xAVfRp52BGsmwPj1B9qw/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozvqMRX1aNeiqLLb6kowehoe18vDSc6hyTaz8SXojYnlxOQPzvr7fETxV0FCNwnOfa6mvixkkkSPV1TvXYQE4ZGRDb123AK8CxmXGUWlHSKcvsJ7wdmyM6J6xAVfRp52BGsmwPj1B9qw/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2593.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">THE GUEST LIST</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Invite just a few people over for an easy, yet scrumptious dinner... and eat in the kitchen!!! People lead busy lives and today we are looking for an intimate and relaxed dining experience! Host a cozy dinner party with a handful of treasured friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PwDqVKfMqNmM-yf-JL7CT40dxkuhYCMoKJVMxN_pV3tZiBZ6Iee5tDXc1NPYjUepm8tolWghzu-_k5VhjTG4K3NcsInK8eu7GzifwGLp7yUCea2_LUciz3RePIyeOan-lWwr71RX82E/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PwDqVKfMqNmM-yf-JL7CT40dxkuhYCMoKJVMxN_pV3tZiBZ6Iee5tDXc1NPYjUepm8tolWghzu-_k5VhjTG4K3NcsInK8eu7GzifwGLp7yUCea2_LUciz3RePIyeOan-lWwr71RX82E/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE TABLE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today's table is not a "fantasy table" or one that took much time to set. This table is not "staged" for photography... it is  real! It is in keeping with the spirit of  "an easy and doable table" for an intimate dinner party!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each place setting is a combination of red and white textures and patterns... with a little touch of organic green to give it a Christmas feel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The placemats are really napkins. This is a clever trick I use often! We all have so many more napkins than we do placemats, so when napkins work with your table styling just fold them in the center and use them as a placemat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> These red and white napkin placemats have a nice pattern that brings interest to the table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrruQYiYcJ_iFUBdV7KreZiryxSC2NLoWmSlq8LFYZeoE1e5nm7C5IN_H9kJV91Yi7_8MeyyYVOWq6GYo44xKP4wdzInd3b4bUEUoKXGFGa1qWqv_LqPftRd2Nev-7u3EfDnCZ6hmnFr4/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrruQYiYcJ_iFUBdV7KreZiryxSC2NLoWmSlq8LFYZeoE1e5nm7C5IN_H9kJV91Yi7_8MeyyYVOWq6GYo44xKP4wdzInd3b4bUEUoKXGFGa1qWqv_LqPftRd2Nev-7u3EfDnCZ6hmnFr4/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SG TIP: Buy an easy to clean and iron white tablecloth. This is sure to be your most used tablecloth! By adding great placemats to it you always have a beautiful canvas to set your table! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this table little Christmas balls are scattered over this snowy tablecloth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdZbH5b-sTsiMZ0a5nojf0pgPhpYCl42SSl4kF-ibvf_LKUS83zrDn8mRWI_op5P81_zfpH16fW6r9iPrVNYJoSI4DQ07PX6dq7PLveG3hmKR1yIBLicMIm9wieQ1wr9lvrP1Tqz-VbY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdZbH5b-sTsiMZ0a5nojf0pgPhpYCl42SSl4kF-ibvf_LKUS83zrDn8mRWI_op5P81_zfpH16fW6r9iPrVNYJoSI4DQ07PX6dq7PLveG3hmKR1yIBLicMIm9wieQ1wr9lvrP1Tqz-VbY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2628.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE PLACE SETTINGS</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red and white is one of my favorite table color schemes! I love it's crisp and cheery feel. Red and white dishes look so jolly on the napkin placemats!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chargers are a wonderful and easy way to  make a big statement on a table! They are an inexpensive and  have a big impact!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't have to pull out your good china for an intimate dinner party! I LOVE white dishes, and these are my everyday Mikasa Italian Countryside dishes. Pretty enough for company!!! And food always looks the best when served on white dishes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7encnMOJh-LAu8ghO5BHSFqXWgANlVBLguyQsIsKbFzgqh64xhH6Lf-uf2SWT3N_UngHHC8H9E28EqrWiCUXuOkiXyBfRfK5sZcZDgTgKlxz487ehd8Krva-99b3nhtsTJB2WCAgNv8I/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7encnMOJh-LAu8ghO5BHSFqXWgANlVBLguyQsIsKbFzgqh64xhH6Lf-uf2SWT3N_UngHHC8H9E28EqrWiCUXuOkiXyBfRfK5sZcZDgTgKlxz487ehd8Krva-99b3nhtsTJB2WCAgNv8I/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2560.JPG" width="444" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many of my dear readers think I have closets and closets of dishes. Not really. I repeat the same dishes over and over again in fresh ways. This pretty red and white accent plate (HomeGoods) adds lots of panache to the the white dishes I use everyday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SG TIP: Buy a set of white dinnnerware. They go with everything! To add interest to your table purchase inexpensive accent plates!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SG Tip: The dinnner party table is decorated for Christmas. Yet, none of the dishes are embellished with any Christmas motif. Buy dishes that have great colors and generic patterns. Use the other elements on your table to promote a specific theme!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKtjMvTKwDRcXSXQPfdRWOgt3e83PPaUBU78E7bUaliwpjRYduZz1g0VYmfy-qNSs6fYpKeeMhDBV9QDxkdnya6oavYzy8GatIA56seoTJQZOcIYjUcnsVSDWM0WPoQe66AGEDGnE7bs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKtjMvTKwDRcXSXQPfdRWOgt3e83PPaUBU78E7bUaliwpjRYduZz1g0VYmfy-qNSs6fYpKeeMhDBV9QDxkdnya6oavYzy8GatIA56seoTJQZOcIYjUcnsVSDWM0WPoQe66AGEDGnE7bs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2613.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red napkin rosettes placed in a small bowl greet each guest! This is a VERY EASY napkin fold... and you don't have to iron the napkins! Real rose leaves are tucked into the bowls too! For a tutorial on this impressing and easy fold, click <a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/06/mikasa-giveaway-and-rosette-napkin-fold.html">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRdmN0T1v0ufQ8C8IQq_8D8_rpD_c6eoJyPiFaOo78jB3Nu1_ElWnoin3k6GqdPqU1D0Iarv9zSXhvMCYAV2EUTDGk_1uX7Vax4fhhcmfWcCVIWl1RbN9row4tdO7n3svyVLuLNsFgU/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRdmN0T1v0ufQ8C8IQq_8D8_rpD_c6eoJyPiFaOo78jB3Nu1_ElWnoin3k6GqdPqU1D0Iarv9zSXhvMCYAV2EUTDGk_1uX7Vax4fhhcmfWcCVIWl1RbN9row4tdO7n3svyVLuLNsFgU/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2561.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>TAKE HOME GIFT</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my very favorite tips is to put something at each place for your guest to take home. A cookie, a little bag of candies or homemade jam, an ornament, a little vase of flowers, a treasure from nature... simple and thoughtful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My guest are so delighted to carry something home from our evening together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each guest will take home the little evergreen  wreath that encircles the small white bowls.  I will tie a pretty festive ribbon to them and present it to my guests before they go home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103Vqq1ExK0RT8WeaiHQ-GyX_NgAp000-yYEKjH85rEhhJQnjHl0AE6nAAT3TawK1PbgSMklx8ZPJz76x8R2aXMgm3fwDdeL9CmCKf0Dptoqd3H_RhvLNbeJhg5J9bcY19qlkfGel4OA/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg103Vqq1ExK0RT8WeaiHQ-GyX_NgAp000-yYEKjH85rEhhJQnjHl0AE6nAAT3TawK1PbgSMklx8ZPJz76x8R2aXMgm3fwDdeL9CmCKf0Dptoqd3H_RhvLNbeJhg5J9bcY19qlkfGel4OA/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2562.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SG TIP</span>: Keep your eyes open for little take-home gifts when you are out and about. Always buy on sale or make them. This should be a joy to you too and not a financial burden! I just got a mismatched  assortment of silver spoons at an consignment shop for $6.00. I'm saving them for a girl's luncheon as a take-home gift tied up in a pretty ribbon. BE CREATIVE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYtiADCinSOb5f7chhkimZfM25aLvM8092tshJbLgf2883mbsn5wu4KsThKSk3vXf2cpAYosNahP3JR_rmWr9JSvHjJ-L5wnxFFuCaUQmET8MasyTCO4PtosPNBTZhrD9lVbWJv_rj-w/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYtiADCinSOb5f7chhkimZfM25aLvM8092tshJbLgf2883mbsn5wu4KsThKSk3vXf2cpAYosNahP3JR_rmWr9JSvHjJ-L5wnxFFuCaUQmET8MasyTCO4PtosPNBTZhrD9lVbWJv_rj-w/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2626.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>THE GLASSWARE</b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Use your go-to glasses for a relaxed dinner party! I love any glassware with a stem! I think it brings an chic look to a table. Here are my French Countryside goblets from Mikasa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added deep red goblets (Williamsburg, Charter House) to hold wine. These will be taken right off of the table and used before we sit down.  I modified the tip below a little for this table. I am using the goblets for my guests before we sit for dinner. Make your table work for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJMyldVhbl7Emjt9OdNixSnSRnrWYxAvaiQml0hNQ53OLnXsTot4xdp7_qwOripc6nViDGxXK_8foV3jba6klxsm3vx_pKVzak9ZEkZTno77hp_BMNWtmyY2d-k0PfGA3MccC0NG8Fn4/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJMyldVhbl7Emjt9OdNixSnSRnrWYxAvaiQml0hNQ53OLnXsTot4xdp7_qwOripc6nViDGxXK_8foV3jba6klxsm3vx_pKVzak9ZEkZTno77hp_BMNWtmyY2d-k0PfGA3MccC0NG8Fn4/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2572.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SG Tip</span>:  Only put water glasses on your table when serving a casual dinner. Serve your libation of choice to your guests as they come in and then they can take their wine glasses to the table. Keeping drinks simple makes things easy and economical.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaC0WWfxWRT-Jtbmq8JY2cABSaoySgs2360-o4_b3L1CxOEXohQ70hYNUK-lrkYp4b3YkS1yRqGjsM02RW-OxDgeGpne6WHjJLCjooP2XpyqOm2DxsJMujrfPS0EQ0aoL3oKkaRUkeBs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaC0WWfxWRT-Jtbmq8JY2cABSaoySgs2360-o4_b3L1CxOEXohQ70hYNUK-lrkYp4b3YkS1yRqGjsM02RW-OxDgeGpne6WHjJLCjooP2XpyqOm2DxsJMujrfPS0EQ0aoL3oKkaRUkeBs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2623.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">OTHER TABLE ELEMENTS</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Combining different flatware can be a very unexpected surprise! Here I used my vintage flea market silverplate and red handled salad forks. FUN!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPBATRU21o1M1mIpEPqtYLx8eGaZLK-f8gyE_wJYmwawLCo-ruU9eZn_sq6JR3NPLItS5G83EBXE3-nXaB9-TC3iSMSf1kRXpM2CoymEpnP420wmlsHrUxbyiNtYvwsZtAz6ibYVtRzU/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPBATRU21o1M1mIpEPqtYLx8eGaZLK-f8gyE_wJYmwawLCo-ruU9eZn_sq6JR3NPLItS5G83EBXE3-nXaB9-TC3iSMSf1kRXpM2CoymEpnP420wmlsHrUxbyiNtYvwsZtAz6ibYVtRzU/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2587.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White salt and pepper shakers are always a classic! These are Mikasa Italian Countryside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNL-g7LPOWkIP1Cxy560cYF6Qdhoh3iMF7WBXWIeYNEKlAJUbpmduTRupQy-ooDCbbSbNOEDl9A7NSC738aqFyZQM_BCOGRMJPClEAVrmMhVrNsldtgrTwgXJVvYG0Os3oO0DlQdXl-s/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNL-g7LPOWkIP1Cxy560cYF6Qdhoh3iMF7WBXWIeYNEKlAJUbpmduTRupQy-ooDCbbSbNOEDl9A7NSC738aqFyZQM_BCOGRMJPClEAVrmMhVrNsldtgrTwgXJVvYG0Os3oO0DlQdXl-s/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">THE CENTERPIECE</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafAhp-etb9QGaTiXVFNeoZgcY104TyDDIofPrH0U1FNKnl6YZD2HLflGEg6UwaUv1vAoT_j-dHNvCC_CVXb-pS_YqeVcdLubn6F7T4cfp09jjOwLap4hu_CSkHKdZ3kQhmgUC8l20uIA/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafAhp-etb9QGaTiXVFNeoZgcY104TyDDIofPrH0U1FNKnl6YZD2HLflGEg6UwaUv1vAoT_j-dHNvCC_CVXb-pS_YqeVcdLubn6F7T4cfp09jjOwLap4hu_CSkHKdZ3kQhmgUC8l20uIA/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2566.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of cake pedestals and a little bowl make up the structure for this festive centerpiece! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra90pjWImp6vmFUJ4BeB5J0PHV-GDbm4_ilpsIxxdB2uTedITipJIxEcgoFef1ot2XBGnJrpkBo3TFQ92itYUYWKFSAbq02QYIVaVHyXM0gNk9z_B6Ti2bqqSjy4cmuBE87dbs85CC4k/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra90pjWImp6vmFUJ4BeB5J0PHV-GDbm4_ilpsIxxdB2uTedITipJIxEcgoFef1ot2XBGnJrpkBo3TFQ92itYUYWKFSAbq02QYIVaVHyXM0gNk9z_B6Ti2bqqSjy4cmuBE87dbs85CC4k/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2579.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pulled out the Christmas ornaments, pinecones and greens. Arranging 6 grocery store roses with the Christmas elements produced a centerpiece that looked like it  took an hour to create it... nope, only 5 minutes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafAhp-etb9QGaTiXVFNeoZgcY104TyDDIofPrH0U1FNKnl6YZD2HLflGEg6UwaUv1vAoT_j-dHNvCC_CVXb-pS_YqeVcdLubn6F7T4cfp09jjOwLap4hu_CSkHKdZ3kQhmgUC8l20uIA/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafAhp-etb9QGaTiXVFNeoZgcY104TyDDIofPrH0U1FNKnl6YZD2HLflGEg6UwaUv1vAoT_j-dHNvCC_CVXb-pS_YqeVcdLubn6F7T4cfp09jjOwLap4hu_CSkHKdZ3kQhmgUC8l20uIA/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2566.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the formality that $5.99 worth of roses can give this centerpiece. Inexpensive and easy... now that's my kind of centerpiece! And this centerpiece gives a big design nod to the red rosette napkins!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2FdsWnhfabxDeKNFAsnt-aVFxABiPlpYzUGxVgcYdhBb29ipPSiPcESBcKVM02L0Ldi6lypJKGGvooXv5Rv31pbEEYZWIREPDoSrXF1cOoFvy-nFhReZQkNOEuJjh7xYI0aD6Dob1AU/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2FdsWnhfabxDeKNFAsnt-aVFxABiPlpYzUGxVgcYdhBb29ipPSiPcESBcKVM02L0Ldi6lypJKGGvooXv5Rv31pbEEYZWIREPDoSrXF1cOoFvy-nFhReZQkNOEuJjh7xYI0aD6Dob1AU/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2612.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SG TIP: You can use this centerpiece over and over again. Just fill it with seasonal decor. Eggs and nests in spring, small vases of florals in the summer. Little pumpkins and mums in the Fall. Snowflakes and pinecones in the winter. I can think of so many themes to use with this centerpiece!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggylb7wwciAM8xIrm1njquEzWMXZshZr5FuM9CFR4QY5dKU84kCQgrXZKR0zW1vMbDyzbUjWQMJnl-mk4ncgtx_Wn4OdVPvrhkZivizXGG5y3JyLsAbsVa82_-JGsKHpPoVTg3ByAxCxk/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggylb7wwciAM8xIrm1njquEzWMXZshZr5FuM9CFR4QY5dKU84kCQgrXZKR0zW1vMbDyzbUjWQMJnl-mk4ncgtx_Wn4OdVPvrhkZivizXGG5y3JyLsAbsVa82_-JGsKHpPoVTg3ByAxCxk/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2569.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table is ready and waiting for your guests. Fill you home with music and pour yourself your favorite libation... but in moderation! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgewlX6HlpFOb3lU8lxpQZhyev4Rkb4S1wubdLFojT3QDQzYCiB0ADdPfzG97GN3BMy06Gfzo_z_cf7Mj0kZNPAaUp10CA4EieqtHz4KufNmdFrmkPdZHhL8kXlOdjbQ9vnGkZnpZWYc/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgewlX6HlpFOb3lU8lxpQZhyev4Rkb4S1wubdLFojT3QDQzYCiB0ADdPfzG97GN3BMy06Gfzo_z_cf7Mj0kZNPAaUp10CA4EieqtHz4KufNmdFrmkPdZHhL8kXlOdjbQ9vnGkZnpZWYc/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2600.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SG TIP</span>: make time to spend 15 minutes relaxing before dinner guests arrive! It will make such a difference in you ability to be a calm and gracious host or hostess!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is hard to enjoy your dinner guests when you are slaving in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals! Careful planning goes a long way in making a smooth dinner party... one that a hostess can also enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Choose the memu wisely. Avoid recipes that take you away from your guests to prepare and cook for any great length of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SG TIP</span>: Plan ahead, prepare ahead, cook ahead~ the dinner party is a time to be with your guests not in your kitchen all night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRdmN0T1v0ufQ8C8IQq_8D8_rpD_c6eoJyPiFaOo78jB3Nu1_ElWnoin3k6GqdPqU1D0Iarv9zSXhvMCYAV2EUTDGk_1uX7Vax4fhhcmfWcCVIWl1RbN9row4tdO7n3svyVLuLNsFgU/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kRdmN0T1v0ufQ8C8IQq_8D8_rpD_c6eoJyPiFaOo78jB3Nu1_ElWnoin3k6GqdPqU1D0Iarv9zSXhvMCYAV2EUTDGk_1uX7Vax4fhhcmfWcCVIWl1RbN9row4tdO7n3svyVLuLNsFgU/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2561.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DINNER PARTY MENU</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Chopped Salad</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Chicken A La King In Puffed Pastry</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">look for an upcoming post</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Roasted Asparagus With Lemon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Ice Box Cake</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">look for upcoming post</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Chardonnay</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Coffee/Tea</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUdhhuuRi0I8vo31XcWiColhv5jYUEf9JFPWANxuMcepbAiKEsbiyznRRQqHkLcXb0Z_kU-o6wOfl75b9AK0l-EGhsF-vozzqSbg7JXeiEhe6hM2hZU7NHDAy4TsiXaxIF7T-stQOUVs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_2577.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">QUICK STONEGABLE TIPS FOR EASY CLEAN-UP</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ CLEAN UP AS YOU GO... clean off counter tops, oven spills etc. Have a clean and workable kitchen by the time your guests arrive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~Do not do dishes or load the dishwasher while entertaining dinner guests... concentrate on them</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Best SG Tip:~ Clear the table and put dishes, flatware, glasses and pot and pans in separate plastic dish pans filled with hot sudsy water. Stow them away in a laundry room, garage or out-of-sight area. They will soak and be practically clean when it's time for them to be washed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ Choose dishes that can be put in the dishwasher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ Collect all centerpiece items that need to be put away in a plastic dish pan or two. It is so much easier to carry the dishpan from place to place putting items away</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ When guests leave put all the table linens and any dish cloths and towel right in the washer and begin the soak cycle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope this post has inspired you to host a DINNER PARTY!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div><div></div></div>

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY

Let's have a dinner party! Are you jumping up and down.... excited and ready to start planning? Or are you filled with anxiety and stress... thinking about all the work involved? Most of us love to go to a dinner party... and love the idea of a dinner party... but many of us don't love hosting  them…

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STONEGABLE'S FARMHOUSE KITCHEN REVEAL

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdfqvqsJydDRT5yDXKoyi2nc3GGonmH1C-FygkXqCD_nIG4XXsOQH8jFEvsrI7zegWxVa46_a7JhCIilJXWFLIptMPy3T6Qoyk0Y-11P1pzXIbVgy4ipti7VtHzHPUnHZx2-Ob4IAwg8/s1600/The+New+Heart+Of+The+Home%257E+Title+Page.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdfqvqsJydDRT5yDXKoyi2nc3GGonmH1C-FygkXqCD_nIG4XXsOQH8jFEvsrI7zegWxVa46_a7JhCIilJXWFLIptMPy3T6Qoyk0Y-11P1pzXIbVgy4ipti7VtHzHPUnHZx2-Ob4IAwg8/s1600/The+New+Heart+Of+The+Home%257E+Title+Page.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Warning: This is a long post! Grab a drink and settle in...  </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span></b>ou have been VERY VERY patient and kindly persistent!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span></b>ast week I posted a Thanksgiving buffet on the kitchen island and had so many comments about getting a "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">peek</span>" at the new kitchen.  I knew I could not keep my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">dear readers</span> waiting any longer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>ere is look at StoneGable's FRESHENED UP <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">Farmhouse</span> Kitchen...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hnsm2YDklpyxDX5anDMy9B3GbeGap1WW1-R46QaxJomwSm2LwlCpYSgOdHNR0uBf8HXdP7ai1xrhaDihXVqBO_nAszcqXstTfRy1EhQ7nkDnmC3i_F7O-NNKb3u8Non5wER4P_2y2vs/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Hnsm2YDklpyxDX5anDMy9B3GbeGap1WW1-R46QaxJomwSm2LwlCpYSgOdHNR0uBf8HXdP7ai1xrhaDihXVqBO_nAszcqXstTfRy1EhQ7nkDnmC3i_F7O-NNKb3u8Non5wER4P_2y2vs/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>fter cleaning up the Thanksgiving buffet I thought this would be a good time to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> show-and-tell</span>. The Christmas sleigh will soon be dropped on the kitchen and all the decorations might make it hard to focus on the re-do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH93mOz8ElKLPKovK_FtEzFXRAaiKN4XB70YJIuZ3RTzQDO6z62y1qscqkiMUsJ53Rw5W5-iY6ZahyUXERXkZdqDXHyTqC7P7A8kcIDhrj3V1byIeVnyQHfeUmYJMUGu8uQGUlKVuBImg/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH93mOz8ElKLPKovK_FtEzFXRAaiKN4XB70YJIuZ3RTzQDO6z62y1qscqkiMUsJ53Rw5W5-iY6ZahyUXERXkZdqDXHyTqC7P7A8kcIDhrj3V1byIeVnyQHfeUmYJMUGu8uQGUlKVuBImg/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3043.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he inspiration for my new,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> fresh</span> decor is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">StoneGable</span> itself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>toneGable is a farmhouse<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> inspired</span> home. We live here in the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> bucolic</span> countryside of Lancaster County Pa. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span> am on a new<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> mission</span> these days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> want to take my home back to it's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">farmhouse roots</span>... that is, with a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">twist </span>(there is always a twist when I am involved)... to  play to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">strength </span>of my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">beloved</span> StoneGable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>hat better place to make an earnest start than<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> the heart of the home</span>... StoneGable's kitchen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VVvXJbZaNlPDojn62pFFNjU0CPVAbAxDdPd80Ntl6swkn2hPYzGfhnWZ6qNBysc9MaO4PlopPOmmTb8z3F4PCayRnPNDmtw56bVJ49tx9szXpmIpV4OPbhQnUSmMm9LQB1Pse2MkmEQ/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VVvXJbZaNlPDojn62pFFNjU0CPVAbAxDdPd80Ntl6swkn2hPYzGfhnWZ6qNBysc9MaO4PlopPOmmTb8z3F4PCayRnPNDmtw56bVJ49tx9szXpmIpV4OPbhQnUSmMm9LQB1Pse2MkmEQ/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3090.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>here were many elements that we did not need to change. I really loved my<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> original kitchen</span>, it just needed some updating. So after a year of research and planning we began the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">journey </span>to reclaim StoneGable's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">farmhouse</span> style!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmJY9VeYJy6Q4fT6utAZurvRtQpv-tBK0Iqzsi-QH-28WVIV0h_9X7qBuhnihCphga_7skZ73DAHy3JExQU-0wcYP0xxL8-E-7-q-5eIDvTCGSksEhPa8SwjyoE-phHsSsMxVtDGkf-I/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmJY9VeYJy6Q4fT6utAZurvRtQpv-tBK0Iqzsi-QH-28WVIV0h_9X7qBuhnihCphga_7skZ73DAHy3JExQU-0wcYP0xxL8-E-7-q-5eIDvTCGSksEhPa8SwjyoE-phHsSsMxVtDGkf-I/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> envision a kitchen.. and eventually a home... that is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> warm</span> and inviting but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">calmer</span>, sleeker... more simple and less fussy...infused with my own personal style. All elements keeping an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">upscale</span> farmhouse feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkO5Yx11TdRxjUlvTABzq_bgRXu4IpBOLlhBP62mTZgtyLWlr4DbqfJczpqokbLSPNyQIg1rKl7PhymN9pl7Kg71IedvyIlabckJLbkUFqqkoHRU2rYwNL8cNLLlSW-g9PxT0mpRRUJM/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkO5Yx11TdRxjUlvTABzq_bgRXu4IpBOLlhBP62mTZgtyLWlr4DbqfJczpqokbLSPNyQIg1rKl7PhymN9pl7Kg71IedvyIlabckJLbkUFqqkoHRU2rYwNL8cNLLlSW-g9PxT0mpRRUJM/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>hankfully <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">StoneGable's</span> kitchen did not need a total renovation! Just a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> healthy</span> face-lift! After al,l I have used it very hard over the last 17 years! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>e had just painted the walls Benjamin Moore <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">Springfield Tan</span> earlier this year so we stayed with that color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>ere are a couple of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BEFORE</span> photos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwqQcmFP6X4Mxtj8mKSRUsmQWXaUPpCyTJ0zKvzSykeuD4RrVCz0rz37VanhrMCLc6V3ode4mNyghGUqxDh9ffcTH7QKJzxW9jouVfvYswJeN6uBieTGsu72U0bfpFUjfLtr1vZ1oKaY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwqQcmFP6X4Mxtj8mKSRUsmQWXaUPpCyTJ0zKvzSykeuD4RrVCz0rz37VanhrMCLc6V3ode4mNyghGUqxDh9ffcTH7QKJzxW9jouVfvYswJeN6uBieTGsu72U0bfpFUjfLtr1vZ1oKaY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_5407.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4anLulZS4MllZdu4UtNX-LeCZ6CkL5dsYdJ0B3yy-CaTBTSEv-YyIh_M5hQUyYlFvcGv_r0Lpu9teVbLNccwTC36D5LXYd77aU1mkMoliMICCuAkgfudPQcpMaiJm4WO9qPnITA7TU8A/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4anLulZS4MllZdu4UtNX-LeCZ6CkL5dsYdJ0B3yy-CaTBTSEv-YyIh_M5hQUyYlFvcGv_r0Lpu9teVbLNccwTC36D5LXYd77aU1mkMoliMICCuAkgfudPQcpMaiJm4WO9qPnITA7TU8A/s640/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5416.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>(The old kitchen table and chairs were already removed in this photo. We were waiting for our new table to be built.) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9DxbtW36vGi6Bk0Gur2O9qGBN-AhtLew7eCwNb012P4zW90uk4ykp91q8aIqlv9ql4-YdHEzl8CIzKsQ5ylTdKHc_M62ek82hjWI1XNaf3gixP341sajfLaEiLgRolvKJM_1lynuVGQ/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9DxbtW36vGi6Bk0Gur2O9qGBN-AhtLew7eCwNb012P4zW90uk4ykp91q8aIqlv9ql4-YdHEzl8CIzKsQ5ylTdKHc_M62ek82hjWI1XNaf3gixP341sajfLaEiLgRolvKJM_1lynuVGQ/s640/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5423.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he original kitchen was<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> built</span> in my garage. My builder's father was a custom cabinet maker and he built my cabinets from<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> scratch</span>! When my powder room sink was being installed 17 years ago, the plumber said that he had not seen a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> kitchen</span> built like this in 35 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">K</span></b>eeping most of my cabinets was a MUST!  And the few we had to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> replace</span> were built the same as  the originals. All drawers were retro fitted with easy-glide closures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he cabinetry and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">woodwork </span>was repainted as they were originally, with Benjamin Moore <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">Atrium White</span> oil based paint. At first the cabinets were to be<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> glazed</span>... but after much thought I decided against it... opting for a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">fresh</span> pure white cabinet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincoCexGsCDdCRP8UNAxyzfD4WGhLIAyhGEMbfO94pHJOMWYw8jpKPByZED5T_vYCds3jgAO19PMbtiwrnvdEdi0kWnOf5wJFS8sLdha1f5EpUBYDG1uq-sU9shNK0rj7tYsF_zFE1-90/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincoCexGsCDdCRP8UNAxyzfD4WGhLIAyhGEMbfO94pHJOMWYw8jpKPByZED5T_vYCds3jgAO19PMbtiwrnvdEdi0kWnOf5wJFS8sLdha1f5EpUBYDG1uq-sU9shNK0rj7tYsF_zFE1-90/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3031.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he top cabinetry has recessed panel fronts and the bottom cabinets are a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">beaded</span> board.  The original appliance garage was removed adding more counter space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he top of the cabinets is the perfect spot to display my<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> pitcher</span> collection. We also added  the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">crown molding</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cXDYI6y3Fj9AM0PXS8uW5WI4_7VA71w7lT_1Kblj0ZVTX1KH3IHK3bHEnn_8jGh09p9lUZ70UF-MAqG2lm4jrpPhaUjOzU7fFWm5nne7cjunUT_oF1oXVodK5RPkeMylraOPpCdnAqY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cXDYI6y3Fj9AM0PXS8uW5WI4_7VA71w7lT_1Kblj0ZVTX1KH3IHK3bHEnn_8jGh09p9lUZ70UF-MAqG2lm4jrpPhaUjOzU7fFWm5nne7cjunUT_oF1oXVodK5RPkeMylraOPpCdnAqY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3069.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> never had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">back splash</span> behind my counters until now. I just never knew what I wanted. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">Bead board</span> painted the same fresh white as the cabinets delivers the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">farmhouse </span>feel I love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>imple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> oil rubbed bronze</span> hardware replaces the old wooden knobs. I love the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">cup </span>style pulls for the pull-out drawers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJNjDywcpzI-EWJVjW5kp-62m8qv6eP5_Mq50Sh51ZHmt-dpUCHKSutbMySJhuxyOWJVRSkMQv6ZPu7onl6U7zixjXROH7x4oNU3Befde_qB5BEUQL0Co3OnfKXX_XyALQrOI_hUSa04/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJNjDywcpzI-EWJVjW5kp-62m8qv6eP5_Mq50Sh51ZHmt-dpUCHKSutbMySJhuxyOWJVRSkMQv6ZPu7onl6U7zixjXROH7x4oNU3Befde_qB5BEUQL0Co3OnfKXX_XyALQrOI_hUSa04/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3029.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span></b>otice the corners of all the cabinetry. They have a pretty detailed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">rounded</span> edge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></b>ull nose trim accents the cabinets. This is all original.  After 17 years of abuse they were<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> dented</span> and well-loved! My contractor made them look like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">new</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT24EsS-5ClK3KWKh019JQym0xOB0IiA-PQRgJ8anxdsKSvTVJ0Zp3ZdZ1w1aU75xAKgJqnsdFVIKCg7PHcy2AdO6fQOseDyW6hPN0qCPPn4823yLZEQV20t9YNEk_Yono6DTCEdlOccQ/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT24EsS-5ClK3KWKh019JQym0xOB0IiA-PQRgJ8anxdsKSvTVJ0Zp3ZdZ1w1aU75xAKgJqnsdFVIKCg7PHcy2AdO6fQOseDyW6hPN0qCPPn4823yLZEQV20t9YNEk_Yono6DTCEdlOccQ/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3057.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> have always wanted a double oven. And the plan was to put a double oven next to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> big pantry</span>.  This is how this area looked <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BEFORE</span> the re-do....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4iqQ7EIyuiZBFjNXS2LxJJhd28oiwvQ2fY9H3oToT8xcYVBTXGQ-X6ID30fEA8-IF8JVyOKoQUbkl2apZLIA4GHYm-ClYQ_fw0-9g60A7c5XjXNJHkqsVuYEy6MZY3J4O-n4JMN5aQg/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4iqQ7EIyuiZBFjNXS2LxJJhd28oiwvQ2fY9H3oToT8xcYVBTXGQ-X6ID30fEA8-IF8JVyOKoQUbkl2apZLIA4GHYm-ClYQ_fw0-9g60A7c5XjXNJHkqsVuYEy6MZY3J4O-n4JMN5aQg/s640/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5418.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">U</span></b>nfortunately, I would have had to lose one of my pantry doors and the pretty <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">glass cabinet</span>. So we opted to leave the pantry as is, save the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">mullioned</span> cabinet and put the microwave in a hide-away cabinet under it. Out of sight, but very accessible. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">L</span></b>ighting the glass cabinet is one of the projects I have yet to complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he upside to this <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">compromise</span> are the 3 large drawer gained under the microwave and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">styling</span> of that area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AFTER</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MfcRHw4kQi96zYWXV4SYKxuwX3rxoeYlYhnNazxverxNnycbGRVfwgOA4K4e2uvo3-uq1kBEGrU9ohDRglKmNG1HcFBY1rOQSvGaYwfQGbMc5AwP7d3ZXlntSaJ0AVM2sgtJ2J8lXnA/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MfcRHw4kQi96zYWXV4SYKxuwX3rxoeYlYhnNazxverxNnycbGRVfwgOA4K4e2uvo3-uq1kBEGrU9ohDRglKmNG1HcFBY1rOQSvGaYwfQGbMc5AwP7d3ZXlntSaJ0AVM2sgtJ2J8lXnA/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsDeH47uiYiWz56PfV97K-aMj-Mp443nz3hyphenhyphenzuWonnxLFkTxjyVFg-8N3zCnieCFfZMWMS62rvJwTafQI3bcZlJH_RfeBoNp66YmvkDpx1sKNKaRuoxqjOwFgdk9usk82UqcHnSsmCBo/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsDeH47uiYiWz56PfV97K-aMj-Mp443nz3hyphenhyphenzuWonnxLFkTxjyVFg-8N3zCnieCFfZMWMS62rvJwTafQI3bcZlJH_RfeBoNp66YmvkDpx1sKNKaRuoxqjOwFgdk9usk82UqcHnSsmCBo/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3041.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyrpjkie3cwH8npzoPUhunAwHGESyyUIQebUxBnGqwtFc7Xlzz3h5Xk0S_GSyPXyn_3LUued2ysUwTgh11JYI62FlPibDoDFK1UcaCPwtWtcnfDE_hJrrAbjih9QUxv1qM7Ie706uPyE/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyrpjkie3cwH8npzoPUhunAwHGESyyUIQebUxBnGqwtFc7Xlzz3h5Xk0S_GSyPXyn_3LUued2ysUwTgh11JYI62FlPibDoDFK1UcaCPwtWtcnfDE_hJrrAbjih9QUxv1qM7Ie706uPyE/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3084.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he section of kitchen with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">most change</span> would have to be the "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">cooking area</span>". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>his is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BEFORE</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pHAl24VmdSVzsXOwyBK-swZQ1JGS1KPe8LPKJd7Q3hpZG9xcPq9D6P236n6GCStmXPjNauHfVn5XDNOWHdTQOmCDJQJ7-rg-ZC83HJ7cuF8JjOfXjoiO7y6YDH5Ep0Wa8HsxhoCYVxY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_5413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pHAl24VmdSVzsXOwyBK-swZQ1JGS1KPe8LPKJd7Q3hpZG9xcPq9D6P236n6GCStmXPjNauHfVn5XDNOWHdTQOmCDJQJ7-rg-ZC83HJ7cuF8JjOfXjoiO7y6YDH5Ep0Wa8HsxhoCYVxY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_5413.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>nd <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AFTER</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIpr8TGdQNs_E8L-WEQQG_8o7l4Yn6iZ9j2dx8iA2qp5fh0TXP8D1cAn6maiLGPdlVYZUxrRlNyK8xMIed3hPZxdzilqEo2qHLh9l8fNnlXNQwodDIVpWxfEoVhpBsQkTGnOfPyKQ0vM/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIpr8TGdQNs_E8L-WEQQG_8o7l4Yn6iZ9j2dx8iA2qp5fh0TXP8D1cAn6maiLGPdlVYZUxrRlNyK8xMIed3hPZxdzilqEo2qHLh9l8fNnlXNQwodDIVpWxfEoVhpBsQkTGnOfPyKQ0vM/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3039.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></b>ecause I could not put a double oven on the pantry wall, I compromised and put one built-in convection oven under a new gas <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">cook top</span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he biggest change to this area is the ventilation system and the pretty new <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">hood </span>that hides it! Before, the  only ventilation system was the fan under the microwave. I was always setting off <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">smoke alarms</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he new system is vented to the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> outside</span> of my home! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>nd the hood has a pretty<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> shelf</span> that I can decorate... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">with moderation</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> kept the glass mullioned cabinets. They were originally lit, but we updated the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> lighting</span> inside too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkrqSHoPJTiKIKRwwmMBU67hXW-zWDusMnZcAsWtMN7B-7yOPxPJqJs7ybzpbFiFqtaHK3-UWCnI5MNdYJEO_YdaeUghzof3HTLx_raiBzWZMoUGHw-gNTq3pJJvwO750D2D6ZTwEsEk/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkrqSHoPJTiKIKRwwmMBU67hXW-zWDusMnZcAsWtMN7B-7yOPxPJqJs7ybzpbFiFqtaHK3-UWCnI5MNdYJEO_YdaeUghzof3HTLx_raiBzWZMoUGHw-gNTq3pJJvwO750D2D6ZTwEsEk/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3042.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>his area was originally going to be purely<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> neutrals</span>. But I needed a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">little</span> color! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> find <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">blues and whites</span> look so fetching with neutrals and give them an upscale kick!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7z1Ew-76mcd2Ci4-AhXTCFQm6AL4OTxzWj0xBgSmMOQmqSXuCsARJE-9JyeExi95bFN0sls7uBVhDFTJmDyx2VkFu-cIW7aSLah2-nOS3We76GLe9shGZ2FMGS3wRDGZrx2yocRogqc/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7z1Ew-76mcd2Ci4-AhXTCFQm6AL4OTxzWj0xBgSmMOQmqSXuCsARJE-9JyeExi95bFN0sls7uBVhDFTJmDyx2VkFu-cIW7aSLah2-nOS3We76GLe9shGZ2FMGS3wRDGZrx2yocRogqc/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he back splash was a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> huge</span> decision for me. I wanted something that in 5 years would not look dated and would work with any decor. Hopefully this is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">understated</span> and a classic.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiuGBWJo-LJB-5O3T7n0ASsNgaXObQzqCKDc63L6bvNkuIottJwbz4vM16Es63R9aX1oD02Ch6l_3xvTF_m5bXC48qMx27xADNc-aMY9RBDPG1Tzv7FHuKyW3GTHzGlc4GZ_S0LvvJdY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiuGBWJo-LJB-5O3T7n0ASsNgaXObQzqCKDc63L6bvNkuIottJwbz4vM16Es63R9aX1oD02Ch6l_3xvTF_m5bXC48qMx27xADNc-aMY9RBDPG1Tzv7FHuKyW3GTHzGlc4GZ_S0LvvJdY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_6455.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> like to keep a little area for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">cooking</span> oils, salt and pepper near my cook top. The covered bowl holds kosher salt and the little <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">chicken</span> has fresh cracked pepper. You can see the soft graining in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">soapstone</span> in the image.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hYgBFrW_PDHv8fvyisFrkAJ4UCSHEgC0CC8HlBOuT5TApXHlTqZCbumY5umfWIj3Usw_mj5LA_FHjXUt8O1vCt-tJAWjpycHCm_WMuK6vKg2_zdXOtcteY9UjzRArX3qdE91e1jdFTE/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hYgBFrW_PDHv8fvyisFrkAJ4UCSHEgC0CC8HlBOuT5TApXHlTqZCbumY5umfWIj3Usw_mj5LA_FHjXUt8O1vCt-tJAWjpycHCm_WMuK6vKg2_zdXOtcteY9UjzRArX3qdE91e1jdFTE/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3046.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">C</span></b>hanging the counter tops gave the kitchen a very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">dramatic</span> look! I have dreamed of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">soapstone</span> for years! And I am thrilled with them. They are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">soft</span> looking and very tough. And just so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">beautiful</span>!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b>toneGable's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">trough sink</span> was custom made using the same soapstone that graces the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> kitchen</span> counter tops.  It can handle any kitchen clean-up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">T</b>he goose neck oil rubbed bronze faucet has a great built-in sprayer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he dishwasher is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> hidden</span> behind the "cabinet" just to the right of the sink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmCfGW_imbx7hHBcLMsqLti2h3JrJR8eXXMcJHLTa4v2S-uKN7ThNAHb38pKcglTT8NXBNNmKdYo8AR2aHb4vqJHLRowNLEsNfFLVkKd36BDLm3Ih0wruRtgImLz8RbiVqzwvnucslxk/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmCfGW_imbx7hHBcLMsqLti2h3JrJR8eXXMcJHLTa4v2S-uKN7ThNAHb38pKcglTT8NXBNNmKdYo8AR2aHb4vqJHLRowNLEsNfFLVkKd36BDLm3Ih0wruRtgImLz8RbiVqzwvnucslxk/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3032.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCThhVyYp0ORMErYe8MFO5Jhoz_iCJh3hRxMSRydjXLWCMle_ODSp45vxkyQVdSFoyehg8Q5ShgodXBYFTkH9dTOshesyu8G9jhLLmbdkwv-JFgcO7b8Ta0hKigPUi8-pwadvJvpiV6c/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCThhVyYp0ORMErYe8MFO5Jhoz_iCJh3hRxMSRydjXLWCMle_ODSp45vxkyQVdSFoyehg8Q5ShgodXBYFTkH9dTOshesyu8G9jhLLmbdkwv-JFgcO7b8Ta0hKigPUi8-pwadvJvpiV6c/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3059.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> am trying very hard not to fill the counter space up with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">vignettes</span> and  kitchen wares.  Just a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">couple</span> simple well-placed things here and there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuUDKODtRzH7nM0fl5108RUkr5pnBQGSs-MHrGZZl04I3jjSTZjt0kd0kwkY5qEAffFd75_pePZ0V-JKYBGiWygw5y0RsiWWcS7O351A5ngGTs3o7z_hAdqC3EpcUCeCRsGjVp-UOF6M/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuUDKODtRzH7nM0fl5108RUkr5pnBQGSs-MHrGZZl04I3jjSTZjt0kd0kwkY5qEAffFd75_pePZ0V-JKYBGiWygw5y0RsiWWcS7O351A5ngGTs3o7z_hAdqC3EpcUCeCRsGjVp-UOF6M/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3074.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">B</span></b>ig glass <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">jars</span> hold sugar, flour and other<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> goodies</span>!  Pretty vintage <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">blue and white</span> cups serve as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">scoops</span>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KJX3smGuylcTNjXy3f1jD0OiRJFCeDpupDSpkQnnIXsnDIOxD6PZOK2C4gNws8BtnT2SXxQI5Dp35ejd_byjKBvXG9aPuMaf8978oPYgojNYV-B3fxetzp8byc6lKdKCbV_7SXDufS8/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KJX3smGuylcTNjXy3f1jD0OiRJFCeDpupDSpkQnnIXsnDIOxD6PZOK2C4gNws8BtnT2SXxQI5Dp35ejd_byjKBvXG9aPuMaf8978oPYgojNYV-B3fxetzp8byc6lKdKCbV_7SXDufS8/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3078.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> new<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> pendant lamp</span> with a black and tan checked drum shade hangs over the sink. This pendant was fitted into a recessed light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span></b>o curtains here, just a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">textural</span> rattan shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> vintage <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">colander</span> hangs near the sink ready to be used.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoXnlFZJPDGDXeZXqDkmEmsFPVRzfN8_mjmfgDS9EQUkGK03H11p8eIs95c-nfFAfzPlMniGdrSXp0XZgfDUo2wrVqViXT_wD1peKKxWfO4nY8hUrI3yzlQtwQS5msA9C4A0RXcpMAyM/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoXnlFZJPDGDXeZXqDkmEmsFPVRzfN8_mjmfgDS9EQUkGK03H11p8eIs95c-nfFAfzPlMniGdrSXp0XZgfDUo2wrVqViXT_wD1peKKxWfO4nY8hUrI3yzlQtwQS5msA9C4A0RXcpMAyM/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3058.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he island was another <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">compromise</span>. We had first hoped to build a whole new island and paint it a different color, probably black. I wanted it to look like a piece of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">furniture</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>owever, in the end we decided to keep the island and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> tweak</span> it. And am I glad I did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>ere is the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BEFORE</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1r435FaGtIxvL4wh9IJv_-xif48pvyQrFTlJ0BVeD4dGk-iSTP7jKDOXDbb56gKpgTIn32ad-9nrgc4l2CPW6Dktvh8qalAz6Oeroji-UvbTbd1PH3f2T9F07DuEx6pSxZKT_ULQ6SU/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1r435FaGtIxvL4wh9IJv_-xif48pvyQrFTlJ0BVeD4dGk-iSTP7jKDOXDbb56gKpgTIn32ad-9nrgc4l2CPW6Dktvh8qalAz6Oeroji-UvbTbd1PH3f2T9F07DuEx6pSxZKT_ULQ6SU/s640/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5406.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6kNrv9KB1WjLOGQuSrisjiAzFgQrmvSSPYLQULEOnveHqqqwD1y3qG4XKgAHUWVTbYCfk1bssUZpX4pDUcq98Aaq9G4yUHyQAz6JSCw_cSDUkKf7xG3bB7D_v3pZEBHZGQxHEOFUrvU/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6kNrv9KB1WjLOGQuSrisjiAzFgQrmvSSPYLQULEOnveHqqqwD1y3qG4XKgAHUWVTbYCfk1bssUZpX4pDUcq98Aaq9G4yUHyQAz6JSCw_cSDUkKf7xG3bB7D_v3pZEBHZGQxHEOFUrvU/s640/Copy+of+Copy+of+IMG_5405.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>nd the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">AFTER</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrfYl_q6EaaGNzLSfEKiCuHhIPEISjEqHO2rfTidB8rC3qJhgz1G4SxF17eURxq6Q-aTFnPDKHzFMpUFPwI6QLjXJYswyz673IMFVJbf-NWUvKqvHrWG19XkrrYCzNOOWpxMQJfJhTXw/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrfYl_q6EaaGNzLSfEKiCuHhIPEISjEqHO2rfTidB8rC3qJhgz1G4SxF17eURxq6Q-aTFnPDKHzFMpUFPwI6QLjXJYswyz673IMFVJbf-NWUvKqvHrWG19XkrrYCzNOOWpxMQJfJhTXw/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3025.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he island was raised and put on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">bun feet </span>to look more like a piece of furniture. I am tall so the extra height saves my back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> B</span></b>ull nose trim was also added to the base of the island. The cabinets on the left and right sides of the island are pull-out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> trash cans</span>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he soapstone counter top is 2 feet <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">shorter</span> than the original island (it was huge) making more room to move around the kitchen!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3pbrN13AeR7jO1Byo5hNPLrzsKfUTqvfjW-kYQDNIRC6EAHO2CfYVRVLBUgHTk-vJsLgp8Qpknb1INOupiDblouvaHrhnqEQZat3wawzqV-RHuEiSRrJZw0WoGEFAiOg4DfrEEnmHpY/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3pbrN13AeR7jO1Byo5hNPLrzsKfUTqvfjW-kYQDNIRC6EAHO2CfYVRVLBUgHTk-vJsLgp8Qpknb1INOupiDblouvaHrhnqEQZat3wawzqV-RHuEiSRrJZw0WoGEFAiOg4DfrEEnmHpY/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3063.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P</span></b>retty <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">corbels</span> were added to give a dressed up feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF94oPK2YcJ_0Fw7Oh73T0ArJIbPXz29ZBClJnvM9uVG-dvYU83QNEWo0bH_MUtekVSLXlkrCiEq79cnXitjoyDxvHiy9gRN-70vEA-HpAkT7DofYwZNYgLK9tLMtFUPNJ_KObE3vQjpw/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF94oPK2YcJ_0Fw7Oh73T0ArJIbPXz29ZBClJnvM9uVG-dvYU83QNEWo0bH_MUtekVSLXlkrCiEq79cnXitjoyDxvHiy9gRN-70vEA-HpAkT7DofYwZNYgLK9tLMtFUPNJ_KObE3vQjpw/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3035.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> big <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">antique</span> tool box sits on the island. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v5sHUhcRFn0Hp-HyRhJoI_MOJW9uwLoFPU8NDkn468QtkvpIjYyaKXJNOIEQEUsCoMcGdBWC614pv9z4BXx2Y2rSWqLSjqO2QzNLAMmoBaLWptphS1_BPj5VhA39NjV1xfLh7TUGQkE/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v5sHUhcRFn0Hp-HyRhJoI_MOJW9uwLoFPU8NDkn468QtkvpIjYyaKXJNOIEQEUsCoMcGdBWC614pv9z4BXx2Y2rSWqLSjqO2QzNLAMmoBaLWptphS1_BPj5VhA39NjV1xfLh7TUGQkE/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3072.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I </span></b>do embellish this with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> seasonal decor</span>... old habits die hard! Right now it is filled with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">creamy</span> white dishes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkO5Yx11TdRxjUlvTABzq_bgRXu4IpBOLlhBP62mTZgtyLWlr4DbqfJczpqokbLSPNyQIg1rKl7PhymN9pl7Kg71IedvyIlabckJLbkUFqqkoHRU2rYwNL8cNLLlSW-g9PxT0mpRRUJM/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkO5Yx11TdRxjUlvTABzq_bgRXu4IpBOLlhBP62mTZgtyLWlr4DbqfJczpqokbLSPNyQIg1rKl7PhymN9pl7Kg71IedvyIlabckJLbkUFqqkoHRU2rYwNL8cNLLlSW-g9PxT0mpRRUJM/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaP5x24yiu3OfGAXFbqBBud25ekj7NV8p2i14h2P9g2SCG_VZdLeiScYvcwRWNZfFbcsKif8HAgVP3hXATxEXxhaZzuNXZNk-eM3gQSWcU6iVzFoAvmdpB1b_F2YKQwBZAYvPoQovQY4/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaP5x24yiu3OfGAXFbqBBud25ekj7NV8p2i14h2P9g2SCG_VZdLeiScYvcwRWNZfFbcsKif8HAgVP3hXATxEXxhaZzuNXZNk-eM3gQSWcU6iVzFoAvmdpB1b_F2YKQwBZAYvPoQovQY4/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3052.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b> large tray<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> chandy</span> hangs over the island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> looked forever for this! And found it a Lowe's! Can you believe it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t looks like a tray of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">pillar</span> candles. Using different watt bulbs, gives this the look of<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> real</span> candles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish you could see this in the evening... sooooo pretty!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NoCAatclEpYZeu3j4z672QoaeBqcOZ7v5S3dSfmJeYwkR4OZFrKiaLxmvguB3F8L7GEyAjYcNO67gcRd2jrCXT79nV0g7MtyKCDEL2MSslyWmNI48gzbaq6xy25TCljyyZ1Eu3Sj1WE/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NoCAatclEpYZeu3j4z672QoaeBqcOZ7v5S3dSfmJeYwkR4OZFrKiaLxmvguB3F8L7GEyAjYcNO67gcRd2jrCXT79nV0g7MtyKCDEL2MSslyWmNI48gzbaq6xy25TCljyyZ1Eu3Sj1WE/s640/Copy+of+IMG_6230.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he stools at my island are a project that I have not finished. Mostly, because I was not sure if I wanted to get new ones or not. These<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> little seats</span> have been a part of my home for 25 years! They are filled with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">wonderful memories</span> of little squirmy children sitting at the counter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> think I'm going to keep them, but paint them <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">graphite</span> and antique them a little. Wouldn't a brown and black <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">plaid</span> or buffalo check cover look so smart on them?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmJY9VeYJy6Q4fT6utAZurvRtQpv-tBK0Iqzsi-QH-28WVIV0h_9X7qBuhnihCphga_7skZ73DAHy3JExQU-0wcYP0xxL8-E-7-q-5eIDvTCGSksEhPa8SwjyoE-phHsSsMxVtDGkf-I/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmJY9VeYJy6Q4fT6utAZurvRtQpv-tBK0Iqzsi-QH-28WVIV0h_9X7qBuhnihCphga_7skZ73DAHy3JExQU-0wcYP0xxL8-E-7-q-5eIDvTCGSksEhPa8SwjyoE-phHsSsMxVtDGkf-I/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he other area that still needs work is my "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">mudroom</span>"... the hallway that leads to the garage.  I have all the decor to make the changes but I just need a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">little time</span>! I must make an effort to finish this right after Christmas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>o see what I have planned click <a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/2011/08/painted-window-mirror-and-decor-trick.html">HERE</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKcnwLPlDTvC5e6qkONs8gpxHZW8a7BiJzkDlX61W96AL_aDN5x0Lx2OgyWwwqB1OoKqI2aXF0My_r1v0dA754MJMvs1j85q9LtpIgWiyJWqjWKyl4qmvwfTPu7-AhdOzla4vVZjXrHk/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKcnwLPlDTvC5e6qkONs8gpxHZW8a7BiJzkDlX61W96AL_aDN5x0Lx2OgyWwwqB1OoKqI2aXF0My_r1v0dA754MJMvs1j85q9LtpIgWiyJWqjWKyl4qmvwfTPu7-AhdOzla4vVZjXrHk/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3067.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>nd the only new appliance we need is the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"> refrigerator</span>.  The one we have is still working great and we have a working frig in the garage as well. When one goes,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"> hopefully</span> soon, we will get a frig that we can <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">customize</span> to look like the rest of the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I </span></b>hope you have enjoyed the little (long) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">kitchen </span> tour! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">P</span></b>lease visit often!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span></b>ou are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: x-large;">welcomed</span> back any time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1R1xmOuhFNi2wAwtECw7vvcWmtTprorLTxQiDdK8gZWsCWi2Xybx8FnlSuNDAA3bcrGbDCmUf198-mPgPH-1h3jo2idu9pBklwOgHgtFq6-MrR6_ftmwWLZi6LFV0TyPkxiqOVoCzC8/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1R1xmOuhFNi2wAwtECw7vvcWmtTprorLTxQiDdK8gZWsCWi2Xybx8FnlSuNDAA3bcrGbDCmUf198-mPgPH-1h3jo2idu9pBklwOgHgtFq6-MrR6_ftmwWLZi6LFV0TyPkxiqOVoCzC8/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDZZClS2jLKx60y3bhienr0Ne20wxYJvXCIuuQmBJHUdo0E5iV_bU-DVgS2UKrYMcD-k9LqvlJYS6ivHp8AyssrFtB3BmGLxmoB11rWFZGEiKRQIWdm4BXVcsZGvmy5nQ_vDi3pq6S7Y/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDZZClS2jLKx60y3bhienr0Ne20wxYJvXCIuuQmBJHUdo0E5iV_bU-DVgS2UKrYMcD-k9LqvlJYS6ivHp8AyssrFtB3BmGLxmoB11rWFZGEiKRQIWdm4BXVcsZGvmy5nQ_vDi3pq6S7Y/s640/Copy+of+IMG_3093.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I am participating in:<br /><a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">WOW US WEDNESDAY</span></a> at Savvy Southern Style<br /><br /><br /></div></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src=" http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy63/brockmeb/th_WowUsWedFeatured.jpg" /></a></div></div>

STONEGABLE'S FARMHOUSE KITCHEN REVEAL

Warning: This is a long post! Grab a drink and settle in...  You have been VERY VERY patient and kindly persistent!Last week I posted a Thanksgiving buffet on the kitchen island and had so many comments about getting a "peek" at the new kitchen.  I knew I could not keep my dear readers waiting any l…

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