Picked Just for You...A Party

 He picked her...

...and she picked him!

  On this special day, we celebrated an engagement!

I didn't think anyone would want to get too messy or wet bobbin' for apples, so we just put a few in with the drinks!  This vintage metal tub is huge, but perfect for holding ice and drinks!

With apples in mind, I went searching for some inspiration at one of my favorite party blogs, Celebrations at Home, and Chris had a lovely Autumn Engagement Party!  It was perfect for the inspiration I needed to add to my apples!  I just love the 'he picked her' and 'she picked him' theme!  Thanks Chris!  My vintage cart sits at the front door for a welcoming display.

The mum was too large for my basket, so I tucked in some burlap to mask the black container and added some decorative ribbon.

This little display is in front of our shed.  Again, to mask the black container, I tucked in some straw from the yard!

I made several of these little pumpkin candles after seeing them in blog land!  I stacked mine inside some lanterns for the front porch and added some leaves, bark, acorns and moss from the yard.  Click here to see how to make them!

Here is another 'shed' display.

I can't believe my hydrangeas are still blooming...I love the fall colors and added little vases of these all over the house for added color.

This little Diadem collection of songs is over one hundred years old (published in 1909.)  I had it opened to 'A Little Bit of Love.'  Appropriate for the occasion! 

I gave this little book to the bride-to-be as a memento from the shower!

Farmer's Market flowers...lovely!

I pulled this vintage European potato basket from my laundry room to hold the apples.

These candle holders welcomed guest at the entrance to our house.

Mums and more mums!  They add such great color, don't they!  I love this pot that my friend Katie painted!

A little spot by the lake is set for those guests who wander and want to sit outside for a while!  The blankets are just in case it gets too cold!  The minnow bucket is old and perfect for holding flowers.

More hydrangeas add to this display of curly willow, pepper berry, sticks and lights on my porch. 

The little pumpkins hold tea lights and add to the soft glow out on the porch.

I simplified my cider stand for the party!  Simple is good when there is a lot going on!

A bonfire is set up next to the s'mores table for warmth and to roast the marshmallows.  I love a bonfire and I love to be outside!

Who doesn't just love s'mores?  I put out the traditional ingredients of graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey bars, but our family favorite is Nutella!  You can spread as much or as little as you like of this yummy hazelnut chocolate spread!

I made up individual bags with the s'mores ingredients.  The treat bags are for holding the warm s'mores, so chocolate doesn't drip everywhere! 

Lucy at Craftberry Bush knew I was preparing for this party, so she sent another site to me with some fresh ideas!  The Ritzy Bee Blog inspired me with this little basket of apples and sign!  Check out Lucy's blog!  She is so delightful and very talented!  Thank you Lucy!

Here is my old farm door/table again!  The chandelier looks so pretty lit at night!  More blankets offer some warmth from the cool October night.

The hors d'oeuvres consisted of roast beef with horseradish and rolls, spinach and artichoke dip, pecan and onion cheese ring with strawberry preserves, spicy buffalo chicken dip, crab cakes, veggies, fruit and various cheeses.  I will provide a few recipes later!

The dessert table offered apple pie (of course!) made from scratch by my mother-in-law.  Other desserts were a 'Congratulations' cake, cookie bars, seven layer chocolate bars, almond joy bars and heath bar dip with apples and cinnamon sticks.  I grabbed this burlap at the Farmer's Exchange to make the table skirt.  I gathered the sides for a fancier look!  In a pinch, it works!

Click here to see more pictures of this pumpkin centerpiece.  It looks like it is about to fall over in this picture!

Here is the happy couple!  We wish you the very best Teresa and David!

~

We had so much fun!  I hope you all enjoyed our party!

With us, the shower was hosted by Rob's youngest brother and his wife and my in-laws.  I could not have done all the food without them!  Also, I borrowed glass punch cups and plates from my friend Jen and additional silverware from my friend Katie.  Jen has a set of 50 cups and plates that belonged to her grandmother and Katie has more silver than she knows what to do with!  They are always so gracious to lend me their special things!  I went shopping at my friend Mary's house and borrowed tables, display pieces and stools.  She and her husband graciously came to help host the party by serving drinks and managing the food.  Rob and I are so thankful for good, good friends!

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