Art

Since we were visiting my in-laws in Nashville for Thanksgiving, my black Friday shopping was a little different this year. I poked around in historic Franklin, Tennessee and found all sorts of great Christmas ornaments and gifts. Franklin is a quaint Nashville suburb with a plethora of boutiques and adorable local shops.

My biggest find of the weekend? My first official art purchase. I bought a gorgeous abstract painting of the hills of Tennesses to hang above the fireplace in our home. If you know me, I get very nervous about big purchases. I am so thankful that my mother-in-law convinced me to purchase this piece of art that we will own forever.

We were able to meet the artist, Christina Long, who had just moved to Nashville from Amelia Island. The piece we purchased (see below) she described as the view out the window on the drive to meet her significant other's parents for the first time. I love knowing the backstory to this piece. I, too, saw the hills of Tennessee when meeting my in-laws for the first time and will always remember that story. I hope you enjoy!

I just love the colors and movement of the painting. (Photo courtesy of Christina Long)

I still need to get it framed to give the piece additional size and weight, but here I have it propped up on its final resting place. (Please ignore my shopping bag!)

Still looking small, but imagine the potential!

Tell me what you think!

Scotland Yard Open House

The husband and I ventured OTP on Thursday to attend the Scotland Yard Antique Market Holiday Open House to support Chapin Group Interiors. Scotland Yard is located in Historic Lawrenceville among a host of quaint shops and charming, local dining spots. The booth vendors did a wonderful job stocking their booths with gorgeous gift items, decor, books, furniture, and more--- all in time for the holidays. I bought several amazing antique ornaments for my Christmas tablescape. (I cannot wait to post pictures after Thanksgiving!) Need a source of decoration inspiration? Visit Scotland Yard at 125 W. Crogan Street Lawrenceville, GA 30045.

(I also recommend stopping in at local restaurants including Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe, Sperata, McCray's Tavern on the Square, and The Singin' Bean.)

Chapin Group Interiors designers, Nancy Butler and Wendy Teusink, welcome shoppers to their beautifully decorated booth.

The backside of the Chapin Group Interiors booth displays books and other treasures found during their antique hunts.

A close up look at the holiday tablescape featuring antique ornaments. I bought several of these great finds and cannot wait to use them in my holiday centerpiece.

The stunning crystal table arrangement from a far.

Another view of the Chapin Group booth. There are great finds in every nook and cranny. Chapin Group custom designs demi-john lamps (shown) for customers at a great price!

A neighboring booth takes on a completely different look. Inspiration exists for every style!

Another vendor's booth at Scotland Yard-- the Holiday spirit was everywhere!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Ideas

Thanksgiving and all of it's parade-watching, football cheering, stuff-your-face glory is rapidly approaching. I have yet to take on the feat of hosting Thanksgiving for my family. As such, I am always on the lookout for the perfect hostess gift. Delivering a small thank you gift is the least that I can do to show my appreciation for all of the hard work and love that goes into the creation of a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

This year, we will be traveling to Nashville to spend some much needed quality time with my in-laws. I found the perfect hostess gifts on a recent shopping excursion to the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville. Here are ten great ideas for Hostess gifts under $30.

1. Mmmm....fresh baked bread. The Great Harvest Bread Company offers an incredible selection of breads that are welcome in any home. Best of all? You can check out their monthly bread schedule to find out what will be in stock. Don't miss out on Thanksgiving favorites, such as Pumpkin Swirl, Cranberry Orange, Stuffing Bread, and Kentucky Bourbon Bread!

2. Add color to any tablescape with these adorable tiny tapers from Williams-Sonoma-- just $30 for four votives and 12 tapered candles.

3. Who doesn't love a good pumpkin spice latte? Pair this sugar-free Torani pumpkin pie syrup (just $6 at World Market) with your favorite coffee to delight any hostess!

4. A beautiful towel set is both fun and functional. This Jacquard towel comes in a set of 2 from William-Sonoma for $26.

5. A trio of pine cone candles will cost you just $27.85 at Crate & Barrel and will last your hostess through the holiday season!

6. Love is the only word to describe how I feel about this pheasant gravy boat. The spoon doubles as a tail. This is Pottery Barn gift for just $24 is sure to become a tabletop favorite!

7. Who could resist this adorable pair of salt and pepper shakers? Add a little spice to your hostess' tablescape with this twosome available at Pottery Barn for $24.

8. Provide the entertainment! After the eating is done, grab a spot on the couch to watch annual holiday favorites! Available at Target for $28.99.

9. Kid's at the house? They will love these bite-size seasonal treats! Available at Swoozie's for $13.95. Extra time on your hands? Make the baked goods yourself festooned with seasonal packaging!

10. Food is always welcome. This delicious pecan pumpkin butter from Williams-Sonoma can be baked as a pie or used as a delightful spread! Best of all? It's just $9.95.