DIY Thanksgiving Tablescape with American Farmhouse Style Magazine

Last year after a nation wide search with thousands of entries, I was honored to selected one of the top four finalists for the 2022 American Farmhouse Style Magazine Ambassador contest. Below is the DIY table riser I built for the final project. You can view the magazine article here.

As the seasons change, fall ushers in cool crisp nights, falling leaves, pumpkin decor, cider, and cozy sweaters. 

A Time for Gratitude

Thanksgiving will soon be here and families will gather around a loved one’s kitchen or dining room table to celebrate the season of gratitude and renewed blessings. Creating a fun and festive thanksgiving tablescape is my way to welcome family and friends into my home and help make the holiday feel special.

DIY Centerpiece for the Thanksgiving Tablescape

I love to think of an empty table as a canvas, and the pieces as the paint. Creating a Thanksgiving tablescape can be a wonderful way to be creative and expressive. I always start with the centerpiece and make it the focal point of the table.

My table is just over eight feet long, so I wanted to use an extra long elevated centerpiece. But I couldn’t find one in the stores so I decided to make my own! I went to my local hardware store and bought a large board and some furniture feet.

Once home, I gathered the materials and planned out my next steps. To make this centerpiece a bit more interesting, I used a router to create a decorative edge. If you don’t have a router, or want a simpler technique, just use sandpaper to round off the corners for a smooth finished look.

Afterwards, I drilled holes in one side of the board and hammered in threaded plugs to attach the feet. With the feet attached, it was time to paint. I chose a satin white spray paint for a quick durable finish. After the paint dried I went back over it with sandpaper to create a rustic texture for my Thanksgiving tablescape.

 Creating Coziness with Decor

With the board complete, it was time to decorate the table. (My favorite part!) Going around the table I started layering the plates using a charger as a base, followed by the dinner and salad plates. By putting the largest plates down first, it gives me an idea on how much room I have to add the decorative pieces, uch as candles near the centerpiece. 

Next I place the glasses, silverware napkins with napkin holders. (There’s a wide assortment of napkin holders available.) I love to mix in florals, pumpkins, faux leaves, and sprinkle them around the Thanksgiving table to create ambiance. You could also incorporate a small charcuterie board mixed in with the decor. 

I hope these ideas spark your creativity and get you excited for the upcoming holiday season! 

Join me for a Mother’s Day Tea Party!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and what a more wonderful way to celebrate Moms than with a Mother’s Day Tea Party! 

But you don’t need to wait for Mother’s Day to have a celebration like this - you could host a similar lovely event for occasions like bridal or baby showers. (Click on highlighted words for links.)

When planning this elegant tablescape I knew it had to have a soft romantic color palette made up of pastel pinks and sweet lavenders. Once I decided on the color scheme, I went searching for the perfect pieces. I found these perfect linen placemats, cloth napkins, floral napkin rings, spring patterned floral dish ware, and complimentary light pink water goblets - that all paired perfectly!

But my favorite thing on the table is the vintage silver tea set. It was my late grandmother’s and dates back to the 1940’s. She gave it to me when I got married about twenty-four years ago, and it has been a treasure to me ever since. This tea set is a family heirloom that I cherish wholeheartedly.💕 

Tablescape Tip: Always start with the centerpiece so you know how much room you have for decorative pieces on the sides and space for the dishes. Then if you need more room for glasses, dishes etc, you can easily adjust items instead of having to move everything.

I wanted to display the desserts on the table and use them also as decorative pieces.

And of course no tea party is complete without petit fours and chocolates. Petit fours have been a favorite of mine since I was young and saw the 1995 movie Little Women. I displayed the pink petit fours on a vintage looking dessert stand for that classic, English tea luncheon feel.

For my centerpiece I placed a sourdough glazed bunch cake on a tradition white ceramic cake stand, and placed that on top of a white wooden riser. Then I placed faux cherry blossoms on the side of the cake and had them run down one side of the riser. 

I put pink wrapped strawberry Lindt chocolates in each bowl to add some interest and a pop of color to the beaux inside of the bowl. I also added little white cakes and sugar cookies for additional treats to be enjoyed. I plan to serve finger sandwiches, cheese, crackers and traditional scones.

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope each of you have a beautiful, blessed day celebrating you!💕

For links to items in this post click here.

A Pretty in Pink Easter Tablescape

To me spring time is all about flowers! I love to be surrounded by the beauty of flowers, but would rather not spend money constantly buying real ones. So I turn to faux florals! They never wilt or die, and always look fresh! I always buy faux florals at Michael’s craft store because of the quality in the texture and colors. You can place them in a white ceramic pitcher, a galvanized pot, or traditional glass vase - the decorating possibles are endless! Definitely my go to for Spring Décor!

Every year I choose a color pallet for Easter table. Last year it was peach with touches of aquas. This year I wanted to devote the entire tablescape to pinks and whites.

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I’m blessed and have a closet off my powder bath totally dedicated to storing my home decor. I buy things I know so will be staple and I will use again. I also hold on to a lot of things, like fabric, vases, and greenery, that I know can be repurpos…

I’m blessed and have a closet off my powder bath totally dedicated to storing my home decor. I buy things I know so will be staple and I will use again. I also hold on to a lot of things, like fabric, vases, and greenery, that I know can be repurposed. Such is with this pink a polka fabric. I used it three years ago for my daughter birthday party. I held on to it, and brought it out to be my Easter table runner. I folded the edges over instead of sewing and it worked great! It saved money buying on one! To an add more texture I added lace on top, also something I also had in my closet.

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Strawberry petite fors!

Strawberry petite fors!

I couldn’t find pink napkins to match the decor, so I brought out some old Pottery Barn curtains that I used in my daughter’s room 15 years ago! They were faded but perfect for what I need them for. I used my pinking sheers to cut them in a 16 inch …

I couldn’t find pink napkins to match the decor, so I brought out some old Pottery Barn curtains that I used in my daughter’s room 15 years ago! They were faded but perfect for what I need them for. I used my pinking sheers to cut them in a 16 inch square. Them I placed them on top of white square cloth napkins I already had, and secured them with my darling bunny napkin rings. (Use code NISSALYNN for 10% off your order!)

Shop my daily looks by following me, nissalynninteriors, on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app http://liketk.it/2ACLa #LTKhome #liketkit@liketoknow.it @liketoknow.it.home @liketoknow.it.family

Shop my daily looks by following me, nissalynninteriors, on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app http://liketk.it/2ACLa #LTKhome #liketkit@liketoknow.it @liketoknow.it.home @liketoknow.it.family

Cover of a Magazine! A Dream Come True!

✨DREAMS COME TRUE!!✨That’s my home on the COVER! I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to have my Christmas home on the cover, the inside cover, and a ten page feature in the 2021 The Cottage Journal Holiday Home magazine!

I was so busy last holiday season with the magazine and my daughter’s wedding I never had a chance to write a blog post about this extraordinary experience!

The Cottage Journal contacted me Fall 2020, asked if I would like to be featured in one of their 2021 Christmas magazines. I was thrilled!! I couldn’t believe it! I immediately got to work planning, designing, and styling each room before the photo shoots. I worried so much about every little detail - every little ornament, every ribbon, and every piece of greenery. My husband Justin and I did all the photography since we have our own light kit, tripod, and DSLR camera. This worked out well because we were able to shoot one room at a time - especially with having five kids at home.

I wanted everything to be perfect, and have as much natural light as possible,  so we ended up reshooting the dining room and living room three times. After I sent the raw photos to The Cottage Journal team during January of 2021.

Then in July, amazing writer Katie reached out to me with questions to answer for the article. Katie did an outstanding job! The article was like a window to my heart.

In September Katie conveyed to me the most exciting new ever - that my home, my photography, was going to be on their cover story! I couldn’t believe it - my home was going to be on the cover of a prestigious interiors design magazine!!

The magazine hit newsstands on October 12th, 2021. I received two complimentary copies a few weeks before that. When I first opened the package with the publication I sobbed with joy. It was an incredible feeling!

The next several weeks were magical as my family and I would go around to different stores to find the magazine. It was fun to be at the check out counters at places like Albertsons or Lowes, and to look over and see my Christmas living room while I’m purchasing our items.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the wonderful The Cottage Journal team for choosing me! It was an extraordinary experience!

To see the article in its entirety you can find it online - Google The Cottage Journal Holiday Home 2021.

DIY Thanksgiving Tablescape with American Farmhouse Style Magazine (Copy)

After a nation wide search with thousands of entries, I am honored to selected one of the top four finalist for the American Farmhouse Style Magazine Ambassador contest. Below is the DIY elevated tablescape riser I built for the final project. You can view the magazine article here.

As the seasons change, fall ushers in cool crisp nights, falling leaves, pumpkin decor, cider, and cozy sweaters. 

A Time for Gratitude

Thanksgiving will soon be here and families will gather around a loved one’s kitchen or dining room table to celebrate the season of gratitude and renewed blessings. Creating a fun and festive thanksgiving tablescape is my way to welcome family and friends into my home and help make the holiday feel special.

DIY Centerpiece for the Thanksgiving Tablescape

I love to think of an empty table as a canvas, and the pieces as the paint. Creating a Thanksgiving tablescape can be a wonderful way to be creative and expressive. I always start with the centerpiece and make it the focal point of the table.

My table is just over eight feet long, so I wanted to use an extra long elevated centerpiece. But I couldn’t find one in the stores so I decided to make my own! I went to my local hardware store and bought a large board and some furniture feet.

Once home, I gathered the materials and planned out my next steps. To make this centerpiece a bit more interesting, I used a router to create a decorative edge. If you don’t have a router, or want a simpler technique, just use sandpaper to round off the corners for a smooth finished look.

Afterwards, I drilled holes in one side of the board and hammered in threaded plugs to attach the feet. With the feet attached, it was time to paint. I chose a satin white spray paint for a quick durable finish. After the paint dried I went back over it with sandpaper to create a rustic texture for my Thanksgiving tablescape.

 Creating Coziness with Decor

With the board complete, it was time to decorate the table. (My favorite part!) Going around the table I started layering the plates using a charger as a base, followed by the dinner and salad plates. By putting the largest plates down first, it gives me an idea on how much room I have to add the decorative pieces, uch as candles near the centerpiece. 

Next I place the glasses, silverware napkins with napkin holders. (There’s a wide assortment of napkin holders available.) I love to mix in florals, pumpkins, faux leaves, and sprinkle them around the Thanksgiving table to create ambiance. You could also incorporate a small charcuterie board mixed in with the decor. 

I hope these ideas spark your creativity and get you excited for the upcoming holiday season! 

Transitioning from Nursery to Little Girl's Room

My youngest daughter is growing up so fast! I’ve been meaning to write this post for a long time but life happened and then I forgot about it - until now. 

When our daughter Annalise turned three it was time to take down her crib and put up a twin bed. It was time to transition from nursery to a big girl’s room.

We fun have playing tea party in this cute corner of her room. The chair and tables were given to us 14 years ago with our older daughter’s Kay-Lynn. The table and chairs were originally white, but I spray painted two of the chairs pink for a pop of color.

We fun have playing tea party in this cute corner of her room. The chair and tables were given to us 14 years ago with our older daughter’s Kay-Lynn. The table and chairs were originally white, but I spray painted two of the chairs pink for a pop of color.

I knew I wanted a princess themed room and with a canopy to hang from a crown. I found several beautiful ones at Pottery Barn Kids - but they were way over my budget. So I decided to create my own - with my husband’s help. I found this resin crown at Hobby Lobby. It was originally hot pink so I spray painted it gold to match the blush and gold princess theme. We then screwed the crown into the custom made wood box. My husband built the wooden box from scrap wood in our garage. Then we attached it to the wall. I then added the white chiffon fabric that I bought from my local Joanne’s fabric store and fastened it to the back of the wooden box with rope. I also sewed the bows and made the crib skirt. For the pink edge on the chiffon canopy, I used bias tape The crib bumper and quilt are from Pottery Barn Kids.

My husband and I dressed up this @ikeausa dresser by adding new feet, moldings on the top and bottom, and new mirrored knobs. I also added a glass top for elegance. And do you see that pretty pink dress hanging on the hanger? That was mine from when I was a little girl! I love sentimental pieces - do you?

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As much I loved this cozy corner where I would cuddle up my baby girl, I knew the tufted arm chair had to be removed to make room for a table and chairs that would inspire childhood play.

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Here is is! Her beautiful grown up princess bed! I knew the exact bedding I wanted and needed for her. I chose Beddy’s in Vintage Blush because it works wonderfully with the existing room decor, paint and throw pillows. (Use can use code NISSALYNN for 15% off your entire purchase at Beddy’s.) I also ordered the gray poka dot minkey blanket from Beddy’s.. I picked up the gold dot and blush throw pillows from Hobby Lobby. The small white monogramed ruffle pillow sham is from Pottery Barn Kids.

My husband added the white trim work on the walls.

My husband added the white trim work on the walls.

Even though Annalise has a big girl room, I still kept these new born photos of her on her dresser.

Even though Annalise has a big girl room, I still kept these new born photos of her on her dresser.

Annalise is loving her new room! She spends hours playing in her new space!

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You can shop similar items below, or you can click here to shop more decor from this post.

It's a "Spooktackular" Halloween!

When I found out I was going to have family flying into town for Halloween, I was so excited to decorate for this holiday! Every year I’ve always just decorated my living room for Halloween, but this year I wanted to branch out and do a “spooktackular” Halloween tablescape! And I must say, I think it’s my most favorite tablescape ever!

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With it being halloween, I chose a black and white color scheme, and then added pops of orange. The first thing I did was pull out this black and white striped table runner from my decorating closet and put it on my table.

Then I was on the hunt to find some fun Halloween decor. When I saw this Mackenzie-Childs witch’s hat - I was obsessed! I knew that it had to be the center of the tablescape. After placing it on the table, I wanted the hat to stand up a little taller, so I put the hat on a white tray and then raised it a couple more inches by putting it on a couple wood boards. Then I covered the boards with fabric and fake leaves. Next I added patterned and solid colored pumpkins on either sides of the hat. (The Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check gets me every time! I just love the black and white whimsical pattern.)

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These glasses are from the Dollar store! Can you believe it? I only needed eight for this table setting, so I bought each glass at a dollar a piece. That was cheaper than buying 2- 6pk glasses at Walmart or Target - I checked!

Tip: When putting together a place setting, think of it as a pyramid. Start with the largest piece on bottom and layer until the smallest piece is on top. I usually start with a placemat, then a charger, dinner plate, salad plate and napkin and napkin holder to finish it off. 😊

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*These darling bat napkin rings and Sit for a Spell sign are from Krumpets Home Decor. Use code NISSALYNN at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase, plus free shipping on orders $25 or more.

*These darling bat napkin rings and Sit for a Spell sign are from Krumpets Home Decor. Use code NISSALYNN at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase, plus free shipping on orders $25 or more.

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I wanted to throw this photo in for fun. This is my Halloween decorated living room.

I wanted to throw this photo in for fun. This is my Halloween decorated living room.

I hope you have an amazing Halloween! I hope it’s a day filled with fun and laughter.

You can easily shop my Halloween tablescape by clicking on the products photos below.

A Southern Graduation Celebration Part 1

High school gradation is always an event to celebrate! (Especially this year!) So I definably wanted to honor my senior graduate. My daughter Kay-Lynn is a true Texas girl at heart - she even wore cowboy boots to walk the stage when getting her diploma. I wanted to create a graduation celebration that reflected her southern girl style.

Look at this adorable cookie my friend Jaime made to fit the event decor! Love the sunflowers and wood details. It’s too pretty to eat!

Look at this adorable cookie my friend Jaime made to fit the event decor! Love the sunflowers and wood details. It’s too pretty to eat!

Because of the craziness of this year we did not have a traditional graduation. The school district decided on a ceremony where the graduates and parents would get dropped off in front of the stadium, with a driver staying in the car, then the graduate would quickly walk across the stage and get their diploma. The parents would take photos and return to their vehicle where the driver was waiting. It turned out be be a great alternative! 

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My daughter Kay-Lynn isn’t a fancy girl so a rustic celebration was the perfect theme. I decided on having a taller bouquet of flowers in the middle of the table and two smaller bouquets on either side. I also added two eucalyptus garlands as runners down the middle of the table. Kay-Lynn’s favorite flowers are sunflowers, so they were a must have! I picked up two bunches of sunflowers from my local Kroger grocery store, along with some Baby’s Breath and some other filler flowers for the main bouquet. I added red gingham ribbon as an accent color because it’s one of the main colors of her high school, as well as giving the tablescape a pop of color. 

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I wanted to stay with natural colors and textures for my place settings. I always begin by layering different pieces starting at the bottom and working my way up to the top. I started with seagrass plate chargers then added white dishes with brown distressed edges. I went with a neutral linen cloth napkin, and topped it off with these silverware pouches with cream bows from Cutlery Couture. The silverware pouches were the perfect focal point of the table and in my opinion, one of the best entertaining inventions ever! The make place settings look perfectly polished. Plus they are super functional! #ad 

These silverware pouches from Cutlery Couture were a hit. Everyone complimented them. I will definiently be using silverware pouches again for future tablescapes and party decor.

These silverware pouches from Cutlery Couture were a hit. Everyone complimented them. I will definiently be using silverware pouches again for future tablescapes and party decor.

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To make these fun, super easy decorative centerpieces, I took a mason jars and covered them with burlap and plaid ribbons, then wrapped them with twine. (You can see a tutorial here on my Tik Tok account.) I then added two sunflower stems per glass, the Baby’s Breath and the cute graduation toppers - which I purchased from Hobby Lobby.

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I purchased the goblets from the dollar store! I needed eight glasses and it was much cheaper to pay $1.00 per glass then buy a box of glasses from Target or Walmart. (Tip: I get lots of my party decor from Dollar Tree!)

I love these adorable custom made cookies! Class of 2020 will never never be forgotten!

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These silverware pouches from Cutlery Couture are my favorite!

These silverware pouches from Cutlery Couture are my favorite!

Hope you enjoyed this rustic tablescape. Stay tuned for the second part of Kay-Lynn’s graduation celebration, where I share all the details of the buffet table display. Part 2 will to go live Sunday, June 7th!

You can shop the products in this post by clicking on the images below.