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Monday, October 11, 2010

I HAVE A HEAVY HEART (OF THE HOME)

Yea!! It’s time for Shelia’s “Heart of the Home” party, and I can’t wait to get a look at all of the fabulous Blogville kitchens.
Those of you who have seen my kitchen before probably thought I could not put another accessory in my kitchen.  “How-evah”, when holidays roll around, I not only put up holiday decor, I cram the decor into already crowded shelves and countertops!  I do enjoy my “stuff”, which does make for a cluttered heart of the home!!  So….welcome to my heavy (on stuff) heart of the home.  This is also a heavy (with photos) post. I apologize in advance.
shelia's party Yes, I have two of almost everything in my kitchen.  When you see the two ranges, the two sinks, and the two dishwashers, please keep in mind that I serve over 30 people for holiday meals.  Those twin appliances come in very handy.  When we remodeled this kitchen, I decided that I could buy two ranges (one gas and one electric) less expensively than I could buy a big commercial stove.  I got more burners and more oven space for less money (it just doesn’t look as fabulous as one of those commercial ranges).
toward stoves
stv alcove
top of stoves
 Some of you may remember that Blogville citizens helped me find this wine vat lazy susan after I coveted it at a friend’s home.  I still love it.  See that cute little plate with the lady bugs on it?  It was a gift from Ginger at The Gingerbread Shed.lzy sus
lzy sus mos
place mats
 hween vignt
hwen vgntte mos
china cbnt
penslua
I designed this as a bed for our dog, but the grandchildren loved sitting on it.  I finally gave up trying to brush dog hair off of the children before they left my house and provided another bed for the dog.  This is now the grandchildren’s sitting spot in my kitchen.
blu cbnt
pothldrs-crds
In this next mosaic, you can see that I TRIED to copy Chari’s (Happy to Design) pretty basket full of Fall tablescaping items.  Mine didn’t turn out as pretty as Chari’s, but I like it anyway.  Thanks for the inspiration Chari.

diner etc
books
 Cockadoodledoooo Corner!roosters
brkfst rm shlvs
 Y’all know that I love to use paper napkins (and sometimes paper plates)under glass plates.  (Cheap holiday tablescaping!)
adult tbl-vert

witch tblclth I use them under glass serving bowls too.
brm rides
wtch drvg pig
pig
grands tbl
wtches hold dsrt

grands kitcn
captioner3db74231ae2558fc18f68267c6f0a43ad9acb508
I have a very busy schedule this week, so I am going to get a lot of mileage out of this one post.  If I can remember to go link up, I am linking this post to the following blogs:
I think there are some places in my kitchen that can be considered “table tops”, so I’m linking to Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life;
Table_Top_Tuesday[3][1]
 I am showing my kitchen, which is the heart of our home, so I’m linking to the Heart of the Home Party at Note Songs;
heart_of_the_home_party[1]
 And I have used witches as centerpieces on two tables, so I am linking to Centerpiece Wednesday at The Style Sisters;th_cpbl-1[1]
and since I am showing a couple of tablescapes, I’m linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch;
tblscp thu w block
and I hope there are some vignettes in my kitchen, so I’m linking to Vignette Friday at Color Outside the Lines.
vf[1] and because I have Halloween decor in my kitchen, I am linking to Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper.
Seasonal_Sundays_-_Fall_copy[1]What wonderful parties we have in Blogville.  Thank you to all of these bloggers for hosting.   I hope you’ll go by to visit all of these parties.  I’d love to have you join me for A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday.  The link up will be here Friday evening.  I apologize for the length of this post, but I had to cover a lot of territory to be able to participate in all of the fun parties.  Thanks for putting up with a long, cluttered post.  laurie

66 comments:

Savannah Granny said...

WOW! you covered it all! I loved it ll. I guess my favorite was the grandchildren's sitting spot. It was priceless. Love all your pretty things. I think I remember that your hubby built a room for all your goodies. Is that right?

Thanks for taking time from your busy blog to visit my humble start. I appreciate it. Hugs, Ginger

Mellodee said...

Okay, now you've gone and done it!! You scared me with your Halloween decor. Not all of it you understand! Most of it I loved. But that creepy, scary, old witch with pig in harness?? Oh my goodness. She would terrify me! She looks so REAL! I bet on Halloween she actually grabs her broomstick and flies through the night scaring all the little kids and scaredy cats like me!

Sarah said...

What fun it is to see your "heart of home" all decked out for Halloween. Everytime I see photos of your kitchen I wish for walls of cabinets like you have. Your kitchen is fabulous. I can't imagine cooking for 30 at holidays. My hat is off to you!
Glad you got one of the Quimper witch plates. Mine arrived recently and I have them out on the buffet.
Absolutely adore that table cloth with the black and white check with the flying witches on the border. Where did you find that one? The witch with the pig is oh so cute. Loved my visit.
Have a great time ~ Sarah

xinex said...

Wow! You must have a really huge kitchen to be able to fit 2 of each appliances. Your kitchen is so merry with all the halloween decor or maybe I should say spooky? I love everything I see in your kitchen and I love the kitchen itself, Laurie...Christine

Sonny G said...

You may very well have the most amazing kitchen I have ever seen.
All your collections are so pretty and the childs table is adorable..
I bet everyone who walks in there, grins with joy..

Tricia said...

Laurie, what a fabulous kitchen! I know your grandchildren LOVE to come to your house, with all the fun decor and cozy spots just for them! My hat is off to you for hosting over 30 people for holiday meals!

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Laurie,
Your kitchen is just filled with all your things that you love, I can see that. I love it when people surround themselves with things like that. I guess I had never seen your kitchen before. I love it. So personal and cozy, even for it's larger size. Love the kids cooking center. I wish I had room to display my kitchen set from the 60's, but it sits in the attic. Maybe if I had grandkids someday I will bring it down :)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Laurie, what a nice big kitchen and with two stoves. That has got to come in handy for cooking for that many people. That is one thing I wish I had is more burners. Oh, well I only have a lot of people once every other year. I love all your hutches and that sitting area that went from for the dogs to for the grand kids is too cute. Great idea having books displayed for them to grab and enjoy. Love your huge island with the wood counter.

DogsMom said...

I love the idea of a sink within the island. Could make prep work so much easier.
I am adding this to my list of best posts ever.
Would love to come over for a meal- I'd be too busy looking around and admiring to eat! (low cal!)

Olive said...

Having double appliances is so clever. I love your grey cabinet and the dog/kid bench. The Quimper is beautiful. I bought one tiny piece of Quimper this weekend and I was thrilled. The heart of your home shows how big your heart is. hugs♥olive

Sussi said...

Laurie, I love your 2-stove kitchen and the sweet sitting spot for the dog, I need one of those.
But like yours it would be taken over by the grandchildren or my husband. Super idea having the two stoves, I'm going to give that some serious thinking. Most of all I was over-the-moon with your beautiful Halloween decoration. The first, set a couple weeks ago was, amazing but you really out did yourself in the kitchen. I love popping into to see what you'll do next. Laurie visiting you brightens my day.
Sussi

Kat said...

I just love your kitchen Laurie. You can tell that it truly is the heart of your home. The grandkids area is just adorable. And two ranges! That would be so helpful at the holidays. I think my favorite decoration is that witch with the pig in harness, how adorable. I know your grands must love coming to visit, such a welcoming place for them :) Kat

Salmagundi said...

You already take the prize, and I haven't even seen any other posts for Sheila's 'Heart of the Home' party. You can just tell that your family must consider your kitchen a TRUE heart of your home. Sally

Kathleen said...

UH OH, I am dropping out of the party after seeing your heart of the home. Mine looks like a cold, cold, heart!

I love yours, and your gkids must too! So much fun!!!
I couldn't pick one thing cause I love it all!
I must?
OK, the witch with the pig on the leash cracks me up!

Have a great week, Laurie, as busy as it might be! Enjoy this wonderful season!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Enjoyed seeing all your Halloween decor. The double appliances sounds like a great idea when you cook for large crowds often. Thanks for sharing your "Heart of the Home".

Anonymous said...

Wow, Laurie! I knew I could count on you for pictures of your most fabulous kitchen! I love it! You did great on designing it with the two of everything appliances!! I love your little doggie/grans place. I remember it from way back in the RMS days! :)
Thank you so much for coming to my party and you are a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Laurie, your kitchen is you! I would think I was in the wrong place if it wasn't filled with lots of goodies....you never disappoint!!

Diane said...

Gorgeous fall decor! Thanks for visitng me over at Pittypat Paperie and leaving the nice comment Ÿ

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I would love to visit your kitchen and just enjoy the view!! What a wonderful warm and welcoming space you have! Love the area for the Grands! Such fun decorations also!

Ginger said...

I love the idea of having two of everything in the kitchen. Great idea with the stoves.
I can't believe you still have that little plate I sent you. lol.
Love your pictures.

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Your kitchen is wonderful and so cheerily decked out for fall. I can't begin to imagine the dimensions of your kitchen--but to know that you are making lots of memories in your kitchen and home during those family dinners is wonderful.

Hugs from Heidi

My Cozy Corner said...

Hi Laurie
I agree with all the gals. WOW!!!!!
I love everything. You are awesome. Thank you for visiting My Cozy Corner. And, I love Saturday's party at your house.
xoxo
Betty

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Your kitchen is truly remarkable. Love the little built-in seat. Your decorations are so cute. Lucky you to have this wonderful kitchen. Linda

Debbie said...

I feared at first that heavy in the title meant sadness. I'm glad to see it was another form of HEAVY entirely!

I kept scrolling through and changing my mind as to my favorite part of your kitchen. I started with the little area over your stoves and progressed, post by post from there. If I HAVE to name a favorite, I think it would be the little doggie area that you converted to a grandkid bench. I LOVED that.

But really Laurie, I felt like I was visiting the grand opening of a great idea filled store. I just enjoyed the whole tour!!

I'm busy this week too. I'm not even doing a tablescape. Hope we both can sit for a pair of minutes next week. Grin.

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
Oh my goodness you have everything set up for a fun week of parties...love your Hallowe'en decorations. Your grand children's areas with the kitchen and the books are wonderful. They must have such fun coming to play at your house.
AND you have 2 of so many things in your kitchen. It must be a very large one. It would make it so fun to cook and clean for 30 people...easier anyway. Everything is wonderful Laurie.
I've enjoyed having a tour of your kitchen and home.
Enjoy this week and now that this part is done I hope you will have some time to enjoy the rest of the participants in their parties..
*hugs*
Judi

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
Oh my goodness you have everything set up for a fun week of parties...love your Hallowe'en decorations. Your grand children's areas with the kitchen and the books are wonderful. They must have such fun coming to play at your house.
AND you have 2 of so many things in your kitchen. It must be a very large one. It would make it so fun to cook and clean for 30 people...easier anyway. Everything is wonderful Laurie.
I've enjoyed having a tour of your kitchen and home.
Enjoy this week and now that this part is done I hope you will have some time to enjoy the rest of the participants in their parties..
*hugs*
Judi

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Laurie my dear,
I am just flabberghasted! I love every square inch of your fabulous kitchen! If there was a kitchen award then you surely should win!
The Halloween decor is so charming and so fun! And I just knew your grandkids would probably have a kitchen center all their own!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hugs,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Laurie- The only thing better than seeing your kitchen today would be to see it in person. I am a terrible textile person and kept wanting to pick things up in your pictures so I could "see" them. It is a terrible trait to have. I was in a gorgeous museum a few months ago and felt like I needed to duct tape my wrists together so I wouldn't handle things, touch wood etc!

The little dog/child sitting are is adorable and a great idea!

I am envious of your double range and dishwashers!! I entertain guests alot too and my, that would be great having the extra help!

bee blessed
mary

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love when I come over to visit with you. Your decorations are always the BEST! I want you house.
I have told my husband that our next place is going to have all kinds of built in cabinets all over the house. Yes I am jealous!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

A dream kitchen, for sure! Completely lovely, warm and inviting! I noticed the vintage Halloween cat decoration hanging on the cabinet and it reminded me of the one my mom had when I was a child ~ fun!

Unknown said...

So beautiful kitchen, love all your Halloween Decor around it! Cute!

Hugs

Charo

LillyB said...

Oh Sister I adore your kitchen!! Just beautiful!! What a great idea with
the napkins under the clear glass! I may borrow your idea! What a beautiful and fun post!!
Love Lilly

Unknown said...

I crown you Queen of Seasonal Decorating! :) I love seeing your awesome kitchen. It is so obvious that you love your home and that your kitchen is the heart of your home. I bet you guys have some wonderful get-togethers! :)

~Liz

P.S. Thank you for posting my little Fresh Cut Friday button on your side bar. I so appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

I love every inch of your kitchen! It is so gorgeous.It is so warm, and beautiful. I love all youe stuff.I want to just keep looking around.....Kathy

Allison Shops said...

What a great space. Love all your Halloween decorations. Very festive!
Dropping by from Note Songs party. Hope you'll stop by Atticmag and see our kitchens - it's a three for one!

Allison
Atticmag

SmilingSally said...

Hi Laurie,

When I read that your post was loaded with photos, I go so excited! I love your kitchen. I love your home and all of your wonderful ideas!

Please come and check out my book giveaways.

Unknown said...

G'morn, Laurie ~ Oh, my golly! You've truly decorated every inch ... beautiful!

Have a beautiful day ~
TTFN ~ Marydon

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, your whole house is just amazing, and your kitchen is unreal. I have just studied and drooled over every picture. You have some of the most gorgeous accessories and you always display everything so beautifully. So much fabulous eye candy. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

I so love the little sitting area, and the wall/book keeper area.
Your kitchen sure looks like the heart of YOUR home!!
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

Lisa said...

Look at you Laurie! All decked out for Halloween! Your kitchen is wonderful! You have made it so warm and welcoming...and I do love all your STUFF! LOL!

The Style Sisters said...

Wow this is mind blowing amazing all the areas in your house that are decorated! I love your trick of using paper goods under clear glass plates...brilliant! I love all your Halloween decor ideas. Thanks so much for linking up to Centerpiece Wed. and sharing all your great creative ideas.
Karin

The Style Sisters said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melanie said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! WOW! You have such a talent for design! If you ever are in TN, please please please help me! :)

Blessings!
Melanie

Cindy Adkins said...

Wow, your blog is pure heaven!!! I love it all--spectacular!!!
XO

sheila from life @ #17 said...

oh wow...I love so much that I'm going to have to go back and S-L-O-W-L-Y look again...and then probably again :)

I cannot even begin to think what my Very Most Favourite Thing is!

Anonymous said...

Talk about "A Room With A Boo"!!!!
Your house is all decked out for Halloween and it looks great..Please tell me who make the witches silhouette napkins under the plastic plates..I love those and have never seen. It's so fun to visit your house and get inspired..I just put the upholstery tacks in my pumpkin for the "W" design..the big Martha
stew cling-on witch was a disaster-it's like working with fly paper..It should read "BUYER BEWARE"! will drive you to drink.
Thanks, Eve for the Halloween tour..I loved it.Susie

Alycia Nichols said...

I love the sitting nook for your grandkids. Very sweet and thoughtful!!! I also like those rooster placemats!

artis1111 said...

Girl,I wish I had all that space!!!Love the extra appliances. Great everything!!!Kathy

Michelle said...

Your kitchen is perfect for welcoming in Fall and all the comfort that requires! Thanks for such fun photos!!!

Nanette said...

Very exciting kitchen! So much to look at and enjoy. The little table for the children is so cute.
Valerie

Sweetladyelaine said...

WOW! Your kitchen is wonderful! I would love 2 of everything! What a smart idea. I love your grandchildrens spot! Just a wonderful post! Thank you.

Ginny said...

Oh Laurie, I always enjoy visiting your blog! There is so much to see. I love your kitchen. I always wanted a beautiful kitchen. I am so jealous!

Lisa B. said...

I love your island AND lazy susan! Also love your napkins. hehe Happy TT!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Laurie...

My friend, it's always such a pleasure to come for a visit to your beautiful home...and especially when it's a holiday! You always have the prettiest things!!! Of course, I just adore your fabulous kitchen! This is the first time that I have seen how open it is to the great room! Sooo very pretty, my friend! Thank you for sharing all of your pretties with us today...and more of your beautiful home as well!

Love ya,
Chari

vignette design said...

Yep, you covered it all Laurie! Love all your fall and halloween decor. Love getting to see your kitchen too. It's absolutely wonderful.

Dreamgoddess said...

What an absolutely gorgeous, stunning kitchen! I'm drooling over the area above your ovens and the children's seating area and the cooking are...I could go on and on. Just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You do have a kitchen that works for a crowd. We all need that as it seems no one ever gets past that space. What is it about kitchens that make people feel so comfortable.
By the way, I never thought about using paper plates as chargers. I'll have to remember that one.

Anonymous said...

Laurie,
Your kitchen is wonderful. I love the layout, and it looks out over a beautiful room with book lined shelves.
The dog-bed-turned-children-seat is terrific. They will always remember that special spot in your kitchen. Every picture is lovely and full of fabulous details!

The Tablescaper said...

Oh Laurie....WOW!!!!! WOW, WOW! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your kitchen and adjoining family room. I would LOVE to have that kind of space. I can't believe you have every nook and cranny filled with AMAZING treasures and creations.

It's so wonderful how you can look across from your sink and gaze at your breautiful mantel. As I've been enjoying your seasonal mantel, I thought it was your living room mantel.

I can't believe how many wonderful shelves you have waiting to be filled with wonderus treasures. Your blue shelf (with touches of other colors too!)

And that you have each and every spot decorated for Halloween is just amazing.

I can now see why you never leave home!!!!

- The Tablescaper

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Laurie!

I always enjoy a visit to your kitchen! It is just so warm and inviting! And I love it all decked out for Halloween!

I hope you have a terrific day!

Lynn said...

Ahhhhh! A witch with a pig-How cool is that!!! Lovin' all of your collections:@)

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Wow! What an amazing kitchen. I love th idea of putting paper plates and napkins under glass plates!! I have a big set of glass plates and I can't wait to try this idea!!!
Looking forward to perusing your blog!

heather

Brenda Pruitt said...

Your home is so inviting. You always have it decorated perfectly for every holiday and season. Always love to see your shelves.
Brenda

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What a great kitchen you have! Everything looks so warm and cozy. Love the witch plate ;)

Entertaining Women said...

I loved it all, but the children's niche captured my heart. Does the dog really stay off of it now? Thank you for sharing your lovely vignettes. Cherry Kay

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

I didn't make it to the Heart of the Home party in time,(boo hoo), but I am still trying to drop in on as many kitchens as I can! Yup! I love all your collections! How in the world do you keep everything so wonderful and fun!! I think you have the neatest vignettes, and the greatest holiday collections. Your grandkids must adore their grandma's house. What fun it was looking at all your pics!! Your one of my favs!! Hugs!