The (Ugly) Truth About Acorns

You've probably seen them...the packages of half-faux acorns from Pottery Barn...the perfect little autumn decoration.  Fill a jar, scatter across the table.  But at $14, I thought they were a bit pricey,

especially when the real thing is lying on the ground for the taking (as long as you beat the squirrels to them).  So on one of my walks, I filled my pockets with the nicest acorns I could find.  I was quite enamored with my collection...until several days later when (gasp!)...I discovered white worms crawling out of my pretty little acorns!!  Talk about unwanted house guests.  Thank goodness they were not on my dinner table!  So as you can imagine, I look at these pest-free acorns from Pottery Barn in a totally new light. They are worth every penny!  Nonetheless, the acorns are the inspiration for today's autumn tablescape.  If you need desire fresh, inexpensive and seasonal table linens, march right over the Home Goods.

That's where I found this lovely rust and floral Ralph Lauren tablecloth.  Instead of a runner, I dressed up the middle of this table with this charming burlap striped ribbon from Hobby Lobby.

They really had an interesting collection of natural fiber ribbons of various width.  All you need is a little imagination.  And while I normally don't feel the need to match my napkins, I couldn't pass these up.  So they would not get lost on the cloth,

I turned them into a pretty little raffia-wrapped bundle and set them atop my plain white plates.  These plain white plates were in turn set atop my favorite navy blue plates

(The Blues by Arabia of Finland).  And because I love to layer, I added simple jute mats...

...they really help the blue plates to stand out.  I know I've been using them a lot lately, but tis the season, so here are my gorgeous

brown Lenox wine and water goblets.  Oh...I just remembered these chunky acorn candle pots.

I've had them for years, Crate & Barrel, I believe.  A Fall tabletop is so easy to accessorize.  The more the merrier.  I'm so glad these cute corn husk flowers from...

...(Serenade in Wheaton) get to come to the party again.  Of course, a bit of candlelight is in order, especially since it's dark at 4:30!  I chose these shiny mercury glass tea lights and nestled them here and there, and also these antique Chinese brass candle sticks.

These were always on display in my parent's home for as long as I can remember!  What a nice memory to bring them out again.  And last, but not least (they are the star of the story today)

I've scattered handfuls of darling little Pottery Barn acorns all over my plates.  You have most likely started your holiday preparations, but please spend a few relaxing minutes checking out the fabulous ideas at the following parties.

Centerpiece Wednesday (The Style Sisters)Tabletop Thursday (Between Naps on the Porch)Feathered Nest Friday (French Country Cottage)Home Sweet Home Friday  (The Charm of Home)Potpourri Friday (2805)Seasonal Sundays (The Tablescaper)Let's Dish (Cuisine Kathleen)Open House Party (No Minimalist Here)

Take another look, one year ago: Marigolds and Lemons