Personal Dining Room Decorating Challenge!

My challenge this week is to make this dining room look finished for Thanksgiving.  That big empty wall is screaming for something and I haven't decided what yet.  I'm about to go out into the world and see if I can find something today before I follow through with an online order with hopes it will arrive before Thanksgiving.  

I don't know if I want to put another piece of furniture in the room even though that might make sense for storage use.  I'm considering shelves but only if I find the right size.  I could also do a huge mirror I guess (saw one recently) or an art grouping.  I was going to change the color in the room but the color is on the ceiling too and I just don't have the energy for all that right now.  

Oh...and window treatments.  There are two windows so I can't use what I already have.  

I'm looking for a larger rug too.

(Starting to think this all might not happen before Thanksgiving with my limited shopping locations for immediate gratification.  *sigh*)

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Update Old Wood Furniture!

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I have been wanting to do one of those Pinterest wood furniture makeovers for a while now.  I mean...every single time I see one I think to myself...I COULD DO THAT!  Then I go looking for something and I can't find anything because there is just so much stuff in the places which sell old furniture.

I was shopping for upholstery fabric the other day and passed several old furniture stores.  I stopped in and found this little table.  It's real wood and kinda cute.  I like it.  The top is all messed up from being used without a coaster and it looks like someone stained it once already.

I only paid $25 for it so, as The Robinator so eloquently put it, "Won't be too bad if you mess it up then."  LOL!  Dude has faith in me clearly.  LOL!

I'm on the fence as to if I should stain it or if I should paint it.  Pinterest people are really raving over this paint:  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint 

It's cool looking...but the paint costs more than the table.  LOL!  GO ME!  It's going to end up living in a room which I'm pulling inspiration from this picture to plan out:

I'm loving the natural elements of the color scheme here.  Amber, off-white, muted greens, wheat, and dark browns.

Whatcha thinking?  Should I paint it or stain it?  Have you updated any old pieces of furniture?  Any tips?  Where do you find your pieces?  

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Thanksgiving Recipe Time!!!!!!

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Here is a template for your grocery shopping:  Thanksgiving Planning Worksheet

If you're hosting, go ahead and decide on your centerpiece now so you can build your tablescape around it.  Here is a way to add some color to your table without spending a lot of money:

Easy and Cheap Fabric Tablecloth (Topper)

Things that will make your cleanup life easier?  

1.  Bake as much as you can in aluminum pans that you can throw away after.

2.  Line baking sheets with Reynolds Wrap.  You can use a knock off brand if you'd like...I guess...wait...no...buy Reynolds Wrap hell.  It's seriously the best.  You'll thank me later.

I normally have my tablescape done the night before or do it right after I put the turkey in the oven early in the morning so it's done.  

Okay...I have a lot to do!  WHEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!  Headed off to do all my grocery shopping!  So, so, so excited!  Thanksgiving is seriously my most favorite holiday EVER!!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving Dinner Family Survival Tips

 

Simple Storage Solutions

I don't have an area for a full entertainment pantry so I'm being as creative as possible.  I was at the hair salon and looked up at the television and saw a commercial for an unfinished wood furniture store.  The pieces are solid wood and really well made (that sucker is HEA-VY!).  I walked through and picked up a few things.  This is the first piece I did.  It's one of those ladder shelves:

I painted it with a white semi-gloss and bolted it to the wall.  Then...I used the pieces I use more often which coordinate with each other and set it up.

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I used white, crystal, wicker, silver, green and gold in all different shapes, heights and sizes.  I like the way it looks.  I'm probably going to add something to the bottom of that utensil thingy so the utensils have more height now that I look at this picture.  I think I'm going to add a plant as soon as I find the right container to put the one in that I like.  It's a maidenhair fern and it makes me smile.  So yeah...totally using it.  I love things that make me smile.  I like it so much that I might do a few more.  GO ME!  Whatcha think?  Cute even though I started with a basic ladder shelf?

Creamed Tomato Soup

Here's my favorite soup in da WORLD!  Don't worry...it's nothing like that crap tomato soup you're accustomed to seeing.  This is a Hungarian recipe.  I'd never been a fan of tomato soup until I tried some at a family owned Hungarian recipe and begged the owner for a recipe.

Creamed Tomato Soup

2 tablespoons of butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon crushed dried basil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

5 tablespoons tomato paste

6 cups chicken broth

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 cup whipping cream

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons of butter

Melt two tablespoons of butter with the oil in a deep, heavy pot over low/medium heat. Add onions and sprinkle with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Sauté seasoned onions, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes (with juice) and tomato paste; simmer for 20 minutes, still stirring occasionally.

Gradually combine chicken broth and flour, whisking to mix well. Add broth mixture to the tomato mixture; continue to simmer, covered, over low heat, for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the pan.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. Purée in a food processor or blender (I use this immersion blender right in the pot:  Cuisinart Immersion Blender). Return to the pot, reheat, and stir in sugar, cream and milk. Simmer a few minutes, whisking in remaining butter just before serving.