Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Table Top Darkened and Decorated for Fall

Hi Folks..
  I hope this post finds everyone healthy , happy and enjoying early fall.. We here in NC are still having to pretend its fall because the days are in the 90's and the nights in the 70's.. My knock out roses are blooming and growing and I go out on the patio and look at them each morning in absolute amazement..  I just shake my head and try to remember how good this weather must feel to those who are homeless and have to be outside with very little shelter.. Theres always a silver lining to things and I'm trying to remember that..
I posted about buying a farm style table for my dining room and feeling the top needed to be darker as the natural tone simply didnt work for me or the rest of my decor..
I'm partying with Susan at ::thanks so much for hosting this for us Susan.
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
heres the photo to remind you of the natural tone top.. did I mention I got this for 25.00 on craigslist.. I had found one online for 299.00 and 2 days later this one popped up on CL.. needless to say I took the bargain:)

So out to the garage it went and the sanding began. First with 80 grit , as it had a heavy poly coat on it, then with 120 grit to smooth it.. Then 2 coats of pecan stain and 3 coats of poly and 4 days to dry..
  I decided to do this tablle in traditional fall tones which I have to admit arent easy for me .. I tend to prefer the muted greens , creams and deep beiges..  I did my best with the fall items I had in my container..

I think it looks much better with the darker top, dont you??
 Placemats and napkins are from homegoods- sale price 9.99
I also added traditional tones to my tiny side table.. I'd love a corner hutch there but as yet havent come across one.
If you look back 2 weeks you'll also see that I changed out the wall decor from the white mirror and summer plates to a fall scene and pinecone wreath.. I only have the one wall in the breakfast area so I have to make the most of it :)

Now to quote Paul Harvey , here's " The Rest of the Story"   .. After looking at this for several days, I'm just not happy with it.  I'm so glad I made a $25.00 mistake, versus a 300.00 mistake and even better than that.. Another silver lining:)  My neighbor loves all the fall tones and I boxed them up today for her to use on her own dining table..  Her neice has always wanted a farm style table but she's newly married and their budget is tight so, I'm giving her this table as a gift.. I've been walking on air since I made the decision to do this. For me giving is so much more joyful than recieving.. Not that I dont like the occasional gift but the look on her face when she found out it was her's was worth a million bucks.. Way more than I could have sold it for on CL lol..
 My beloved lil round table will be coming back into it spot on friday and everyone happy.... I hope this story add's a little joy to you day too..

All's well that ends well and I have a feeling this isnt the end of this story because I did make her promice to take photos when she does her own scapes:) 
Thank you so much for all the kind comments you left on my last post and for your support .. Bloggers are such sweet people and I appreciate you all very much.. As I have told you I spend alot of my time at home working and of course living so I dont get out alot.. Visits from you are just as good as those I get in real life.
 I always love seeing your smiling faces...
Happy Fall to YOU and YOURS..
ps~ only 21 days till I go on my first hayride in 23 years , woooooooooohoooooooooo...

35 comments :

  1. How great! I love the warm color of the new top, and what a special gift! I'm sure it will be loved, and you'll be lovin' your great round table that much more-enjoy:@)

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  2. What a surprise ending there, Sonny! I did not expect that, but you are such a caring and sharing person {I see that in your blog posts all the time} that I'm not surprised that you made a gift of this table. I do like the way it looked though. I wanted to ask what you decorated your light fixture with. I'd like to do something with my kitchen fixture {besides replacing/painting it since we are going on market after the holidays}; something just for the season. Looking forward to seeing your round table again!

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  3. Oh, Sonny that is an incredible gift. What a sweet thing for you to do. Isn't it funny when we just feel something isn't right and don't care for it, for whatever reason it just bugs us. Your generosity in giving away this beautiful gift to your niece is amazing. You are very generous and have a giving spirit.

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  4. Now that's a 'scape with meaning!! I loved reading about how your got the table, refinished the top, decorated and then gave it all away! I can only imagine how happy you made the recipients but know that it must have made you feel good too. I would have had a very hard time parting with both the table and the decorations - both look gorgeous!

    DD

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  5. I just love this. I actually loved the darker top and tablesetting, and when I got to the bottom, I was surprised that you didn't. What a kind and generous person you are!! I do understand the giddy feeling that you had, too.

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  6. It looks beautiful! You did a great job and a good deed! I hope you find the table of your dreams. I am dreaming of a new one. I love mine, it is solid oak round ped, and dh did the finishing. Excellent quality, and will last forever...BUT I am tired of it!
    What I am looking at is very expensive, so I will probably just dream about it!

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  7. So beautiful Sonny. Love the top darker and I love the centerpiece and the pretty autumn colors.

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  8. You are so sweet! I know they will absolutely treasure that table!!

    Love the table decor and I can't wait to see it on your "new" table!!

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  9. Well - how sweet and generous -- it's a treasure that young bride will always remember.

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  10. I wanted to compliment you on the refinishing project - it looks wonderful. I was so surprised you decided not to keep it. I am glad you found the table a new home. I often find that my visions don't match reality! Best to make an inexpensive decision than an expensive one!

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  11. Pretty table and tablescape! What a nice lady you are to make the new bride so happy, and your neighbor as well! May God bless you in return!

    Katherine

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  12. So very pretty Sonny. I love the keys around the candle...very nice touch. Looks so pretty by candlelight too.

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  13. The table turned out wonderful...what a sweet gift! You are such a generous friend!
    Kristen

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  14. A very special and giving lady. How wonderful your neighbor must feel. I am sure the new bride will always treasure your gift. I am looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful Tablescapes. Hugs, Linda

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  15. Wonderful setting, looks so inviting!

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  16. Your post was beautiful in every way.....in the table....in your heart in giving it away! Toni

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  17. The table does look better dark and will make a great gift for the new bride and I am sure your neighbor will love you too!

    Carolyn

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  18. Well, you certainly made a very beautiful choice! That statement applies to each and every thing about this post. Your setting, your stain choice and your sweet generosity! I loved your little round table too. It will be even more wonderful everytime you do a new setting on it from here on out! God bless you Sonny! ;)

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  19. Oh, I think that table was just meant for your neighbor's niece! How generous you are! I hope we get to see pictures of the table settings she creates for her new dining table!

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  20. OH, Sonny, what a lovely story and a lovely table! I know you will feel good every time you think of this wonderful act of kindness. You have set the tone for the day for me. Thank you.

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  21. Beautiful table...but, I know how you feel when it just isn't the right one...your friend's niece is very fortunate to be receiving it as a gift.
    Love your fall tablescape, Sonny.

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  22. I actually like your table and yes, better with the darker top. I do love your happy ending. I can only imagine what it would have been like if someone had done that for us when we were young. Love that!

    I keep looking on Craigslist for a new table. I want something slightly more formal and larger than I have. My problem, I saw a new Amish made that I just loved...$1500 no chairs. Nothing else measures up:(

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  23. A wonderful story full of happiness...thanks for sharing!!! Looking forward to seeing the newlywed's tablescape!!!

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  24. Good call on not giving away the round table prematurely! You did a great job on the farm table, and it is a great proportion for your dining area; I'll be eager to see the round table back in action. I give away things quite a bit, too. It's a blessing to get to add joy to another's day. Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

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  25. What an incredible thing to do for someone! I love the darker top, and your fall tablescape!

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  26. Sonny it all looks beautiful and I love what you did with the keys. Gorgeous!

    Happy fall hay riding. Enjoy!
    Warmly, ~Melissa :)

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  27. Personally, I loved the fall tablescape, but can truly relate to feeling that it is outside your comfort zone. You did a beautiful job and giving it all away is much more meaningful than keeping something you don't Love! Especially when it went to someone that is overjoyed!! Bless you.

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  28. So sweet of you! I l enjoyed your tablescape- but know what you mean...sometimes somethings just not working for you! Wonderful that you could brighten others days like you did. Found you at bnotp- I'm having a link party this weekend about decorating inspirations if you'd like to join up! :)

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  29. Sonny,
    What a generous and special gift. Can you imagine all the blessings both tangible and non tangible that you have bestowed on this family. How absolutely wonderful of you. And when you said how giving this gift away made you feel I could see your sweet heart!
    What a wonderful post, Sonny! Inspiratonal.
    Yvonne

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  30. Sonny,
    What a generous and special gift. Can you imagine all the blessings both tangible and non tangible that you have bestowed on this family. How absolutely wonderful of you. And when you said how giving this gift away made you feel I could see your sweet heart!
    What a wonderful post, Sonny! Inspiratonal.
    Yvonne

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  31. i thought the table looked great, but you'll be happier with the round one. and to give such a gift is even more special

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  32. Oh Sonny, what a sweet person you are! I can just imagine how thrilled the newlyweds are to receive this pretty table (already beautifully stained)! You are definitely an optimist. I love the way you look at things - the weather - the mistake with the table (which really does look pretty stained and set with your pretties) - and being able to gift the table to someone who will love it - in all of these events, you show such optimism and such a beautiful soul. Your Fall wall decor looks so pretty. laurie

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  33. Love all the touches of yellow! Just beautiful.

    Kendra aka "Domestic Princess in Training"

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  34. Oh, my, your one busy beautiful lady, love what you have done to your home. I may follow what you're doing. Thanks for the great home tour.

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Hugs and Smiles
Sonny