Don’t you love getting invited to a house that you know is going to be all dressed up and purdy?
Me too.
So when Sharene invited a few of the ‘gym girls’ to her house for a luncheon last week, I wasted no time asking her if I could get there a few minutes early to take some pictures.
Can you blame me?
Isn’t this lovely? Maybe just a little too small though ;).
Sharene’s home is decorated in a traditional style, with a few antiques thrown in for good measure. She’s fortunate to have two fireplaces, one in the formal living room, below….
and the other in the family room. Did I mention Sharene is great at decoupage? See the trunk? Yup, that’s her work of art.
Remember when I said I like large floral displays? I guess Sharene’s a girl after my own heart.
Writing the menu on a pumpkin is such a cute idea, don’t you think? She placed one on each end of the table, so everyone seated could see it. Perfect for Thanksgiving, although you’d need a bigger pumpkin!
We had a delicious, Autumn themed lunch, starting off with brie melted inside a crescent roll, Italian Wedding Soup (which happens to be my favorite), chicken salad stuffed tomato and pear almond upside down cake.
I took three pictures of these with my good camera, and they were all blurry. Ironically this cell phone pic turned out ok, and if you follow me on IG you may have already seen them.
Want to do something like this yourself? Just cut the tops off tomatoes (or you could use almost any easily cut veg/fruit), cut a hole large enough for the celery, stuff and you’re done.
One more picture before heading home. I’m a sucker for white gated arbors!
I lied. One more. I insisted on a picture before we started eating and our lipsticks went kaput.
That’s Sharene, artist extraordinaire, on the left, and yours truly on the right.
Thanks so much for a lovely day Sharene, and like I said, when I grow up I want a house just like yours!
In other news…
Peak is over, but it’s still lovely here. We ventured out the other day and I took lots of pictures of the immediate area I’ll share with you next time. We had a cold spell over the weekend, and all our plants except a few mums died, but now it’s back up to around 70! We’re taking a short RV trip to Rhode Island soon, so fingers crossed the weather holds up.
Sharing At
Tweak It Tuesdays
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Wow – Sharene’s home is just gorgeous! She is one talented decorator and obviously a good cook as well. Her menu sounds like it was amazing!! Just loved it – thanks for sharing!! 😉
Happy travels on the Rhode Island trip! xoxo
Jann Olson says
Her home is gorgeous Doreen! One of the things that I noticed and mentioned to my hubby was how quite a few of the homes had a little shelf over their door with pumpkins. Wondering if I could add one to mine? The table is beautiful and I love the pumpkin menu idea as well. Looks like a fun bunch of ladies and you look darling!! We had gorgeous weather in New England until Sat. and Sun. Still not bad, but the leaves had started dropping and temps were much cooler with off and on rain.
hugs,
Jann
Doreen says
The shelf is probably an easy project, and I think it is a nice added detail. You should definitely do it!
It’s past peak now and as you mentioned a lot of trees have even lost their leaves already. Last weekend was COLD, but now it’s quite nice…60’s or so.
Thanks for the visits! xxx
Linda says
Wow, Sharlene knows how to decorate and entertain. Such a gorgeous house and a lovely table to enjoy lunch. I don’t blame you for taking these lovely photos.
Kim says
What a beautiful home and so beautifully decorated! Thanks for sharing and have a super fun trip!
Kim says
What a beautiful home and so beautifully decorated! Thanks for sharing and have a super fun trip!
Cecilia says
What fun! All her Fall decor is so pretty. And, the second time I scrolled through the photos, I noticed the pumpkins above the front door! Too cute.
We are eagerly awaiting some much needed rain and hopefully cooler temps! Have a good rest of the week.
Hugs,
Cecilia
tammy j says
just delightful!
everything!
i love big and bold.
and the lucky number 7 of all of you… so pretty.
and apparently in great shape if you’re gym buddies!
have a fun trip to rhode island.
the leaves haven’t even started to turn here.
still HOT.
but we’re getting relief soon i hope.
XOXO♥
Jemma says
Doreen,
This October is flying by! I have been babysitting this week and catching up once again! Whew- I am getting old:( LOL!
But I am fighting it, my beautiful friend!
Love, love this, and Sharene’s decorating style is amazing. This had to be such an enjoyable day.
I spy sparkly lights on her dressed up mantle too-I love sparkle!
Oh I am looking forward to your Rhode Island Trip-more photos please and I hope there won’t be any snow!
xo
Jemma
Doreen says
I think we were commenting on each other’s blogs at the same time. lol
Sharene truly is super talented. You should see her furniture redos!
I don’t think snow is headed our way any time soon, thank goodness!
xxx
Benita says
What a fun time! And a gorgeous home…those fall decorations are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for the photos!!
Sue says
Thank you for sharing photos of your friend Sharene’s home. Tell her it is beautiful and I pinned some photos. I am happy to see her large floral arrangements and both the mantles are so festive. If that last doll turns up missing it’s cuz I snuck over and stole…err borrowed it.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
What a wonderful house!
Cindy says
What a fun time and beautiful home. The menu on the pumpkin was so cool. Her floral arrangement was gorgeous
Cindy
Jane says
I can see why you wanted to take pics of Sharene’s home…gorgeous! I love her style and she has so many cute Halloween/Fall decorations and pieces that blend seamlessly into her decor…that takes talent. Love the menu…have to check out the Italian Wedding Soup. I’ve made it twice from different recipes but I still think Progresso makes the best. lol!
Good cameras are very tricky due to lighting, I think. Cell phones, like point and shoot cameras self adjust and are always perfect. Sad.
Jane x
Jane says
p. S. Found you on IG. Following…
Stacey@Poofing the Pillows says
Doreen, your friend’s home is beautiful! I can see why you really enjoyed your time there. She’s got amazing decorating skills and obviously she’s one heck of a hostess. That pumpkin menu is the cutest! So these are your workout friends? My workout friends don’t have luncheons….maybe I should change that. 🙂
Linda Chapman says
Ah! WHAT a beautiful home!!!SO glad you arrived early!!!!
Kelly says
What a beautiful home! I adore her door decoration! The food looked yummy. She really knows how to throw a party!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hi Doreen,
Your friend Sharene’s home is gorgeous. It is so pretty for fall. Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Don’t you love those girlfriend times. The food sounded sooooo delish too! Have a great Friday and wonderful week end.
Kris
Poppy says
Okay, this post definitely gives new meaning to ‘ladies who lunch!’;)) My goodness, Doreen, there is so much to whet one’s appetite, from the table décor to the scrumptious seasonal fare.
Lounging around in the beautiful, autumnal atmosphere that Sharene so skilfully created, all in preparation for your cozy get together of tasty treats and eye candy, must have been a wonderful day out with the girls! I can imagine the spicy conversation, hearty laughter and belly aches to boot. But being gym buddies, I’m sure you can handle abdominal crunches caused by chummy chemistry!
Thanks for sharing Sharene’s stunning home!
xoxo
Poppy
Dewena says
Be still my heart, those small pumpkins on top of the door lintel or whatever it’s called! This is the front door of the house you visited, it’s not something off Pinterest? Wow! And your lunch group is a beautiful bunch!
Thanks for this look into a lovely occasion. I feel as if I had been there, and I sure would have loved the yummy menu!
Dewena
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
Wow your friend has the prettiest house! I can’t believe she has two fireplaces. I love the dining room table how it’s set up so pretty and the big floral arrangement in the kitchen. The pumpkins are adorable and such a great idea to put the menu on it. It sounds like it was such a fun day and nice luncheon. The tomatoes are cute. Thanks for sharing everything.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Julie xo
handmade by amalia says
What a lovely lunch party, Doreen. Your friend really did you proud.
Amalia
xo
Feral Turtle says
Here’s to a gorgeous home and great friends Thanks for sharing Doreen. I will keep my fingers crossed for good weather for your trip! Have fun
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I am so glad that she agreed to let you take photos for your post! Beautiful house, table, ladies and I wish I had one of those stuffed tomatoes right now! I love the idea of the menu written on the pumpkin! 🙂
Mary-In the boondocks says
What a beautiful home your friend has Doreen. And not one but two fireplaces. I think I liked the pumpkin menus the best. I have never seen that done before and it is so original and pretty. It is good to get together with friends once in a while and enjoy some laughs. And Doreen we are waiting for some more lovely fall color.
Doreen says
Hi Mary! Thank you so much, and I’ve just posted a few more Fall pictures. I guess we were on the same wavelength! xxx
Sandi Magle says
What a lovely home, and such great decor! Looks like a really Fab luncheon and great friends. Thanks for the tour! Sandi