Pinterest Picks: Simple Fall Entertaining Inspiration

Several of my fondest memories over the years were created at my Aunt's home during the Thanksgiving holiday. Inevitably she would ask me if I'd like to take out her special China and then decorate the table in some festive manner. I always jumped at the chance, and since the weather is balmy in California that time of year, I'd head outside to forage around the neighborhood for pretty natural touches of Fall to incorporate into the decor.

One year I made a wreath of branches and berries suspended from her dining room light fixture, and another year she drove me to the store to pick up a gold paint pen so I could write our family members names onto colored fall leaves to place around the table. She never balked at my ideas or cringed while I carried piles of wet leaves in through her kitchen. And so, even more memorable than any of the decorations I made, is just how special my Aunt made me feel for what I created. She always saw something in my creativity that I had a hard time seeing myself, and I can honestly say that she is a huge part of who I am today and why I love creating with my hands as much as I do. She also took an interest in my blog...even from the very beginning when other people were just scratching their head and asking "What's a blaaahg?" She just got it, and has always made me feel like what I am doing matters. So if you're reading today Caroline...thank you and I love you so much!

So as you might have guessed, my trip down memory lane prompted today's collection of easy Fall entertaining ideas that I've been gathering over on Pinterest. The best part about these pretties is how truly simple they are. You don't need to be a Martha to add festive touches to your next Autumnal party. Just a sprig of berries placed on the napkin at each place setting would be gorgeous! I hope you'll feel inspired to try one of these ideas, or another idea you've been wanting to tackle sometime during this Fall season. xo Ez

DECORATE: 1. Fabric and Book Paper Bunting (via) | 2. DIY Washi Tape Votive Candles (via) | 3. Chalk Paint Pumpkins (via)

SET: 4. DIY Rustic Napkin Rings | 5. Woodland Table Decor (via) | 6. Leaf Placecard (via)

SERVE: 7. Corn and Butternut Squash Chowder | 8. Cheddar Cheese Biscuits (via) | 9. Simple Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles (via)

Color Inspiration Daily: 10. 01. 12

The Fox Family by Kasia Jackowska (via)

Drawing for Dogs

Artist Hannah Evelyn Rowlands has a simple yet brilliant idea to help raise funds for a special non-profit animal shelter in her area. For £12 (that's about $19.50 US) she will draw a sweet custom portrait of your dog, and will then donate £10 of the proceeds to help dogs while they are waiting to find their forever homes. I just love Hannah's artistic style and the spirit behind what she is doing and had to order two of her pieces...one for each of my furry family members.

Hannah will be creating these fundraising sketches until December, so if you have a dog-fancier in your life, a custom portrait of their beloved pooch would make an excellent holiday gift (don't you agree)! And if you simply love dogs but don't have one of your own, Hannah will draw you a charming pup in any dog breed of your choosing for the same price / donation amount! How sweet!

Hannah has reached 46% of her fundraising goal so far. What do say...shall we help her and some lovable pets out a bit today? You can visit Hannah's shop here, and read more about her fundraising efforts and see examples of her dog illustrations on her blog, right here. xo Ez

Color Inspiration Daily: 09. 28. 12

Flamingo No. 4 by Sharon Montrose for 20x200

Design Your Own Wallpaper and Wall Decals

The same day that I shared my first foray into print design I noticed that Spoonflower (the company well known for making it possible for anyone to create their own custom printed fabric designs) now offers us the ability to design and purchase our own custom wallpaper and wall decals! Talk about awesome! I'm so excited by all the possibilities this new design service opens up!

P.S. You don't have to be a professional print designer to create your own textiles and more at Spoonflower. Their service includes a program that will take any uploaded image (it has to belong to you of course...for copyright reasons) and create a variety of repeat patterns out of it with the click of a button. So cool!