Thursday, September 29, 2016

Farmhouse Holiday Series - Autumn On Our Back Porch and a Chance to Win $500 from Joss and Main


Today we are so excited to be partnering up with Joss and Main and several of our favorite blogging friends for the fourth fall installment of the Farmhouse Holiday Series. And Joss and Main is giving away a $500 shopping spree to one lucky winner (you can find out how to enter at the bottom of this post).

For this installment we are all sharing our autumn porches. I have played around with quite a few different chair options out here but am so excited to have finally gotten these ones from Joss and Main. I often take the bistro chairs from our kitchen out here when we have people over because they are just such practical chairs to have outdoors. They are so easy to wipe down and keep clean and I love the look of them. I am so excited to have a set for out here now! I went with the antique black finish for these and love how they look out here - especially with the black french doors.


I added in lots of natural elements like fresh pears, pumpkins and gourds and mixed in some eucalyptus and feathers. I also added in these wood chargers that I love. Each one is different and they add such a fun touch to the table. And then we also added in some preserved artichokes. I will love working with these year round. They are such a great addition to just about any vignette or tablescape and also just look great in a bowl (in fact I have a bowl of them in my kitchen right now).






I fell in love with this wire vase and started off with it on the table. I actually ended up later in the day moving it over to the kids table though and went with an antler candlestick centerpiece which is why some photos have this and some have the candles.















My favorite time to be out on the porch is in the evening. I love the glow of the string lights and the warmth of the candlelight.







Want to give your front porch a makeover for fall? Joss & Main is giving away a $500 shopping spree to one lucky winner! Just share your fall front porch with #designtheoutdoors on instagram to enter.



Source List:

Table - I built it years ago (you can read more about it here)
Black Bistro Chairs - Joss and Main
End Chairs - TJ Maxx several years ago (similar ones can be found here)
Table Runner - HomeGoods
Round Placemats - HomeGoods (similar here
Wooden Chargers - Joss and Main 
Wire Urn - Joss and Main 
Preserved Artichokes - Joss and Main 
Antler Candle Holder - Birch Lane
Magnolia Wreath on Table - Birch Lane
Large Heirloom Pumpkin Wreath - Dear Lillie Collection at Painted Fox
Antlers - World Market
Pears, Pumpkins, Squash and Eucalyptus - Trader Joe's 
Plates - Pottery Barn 
Large Cableknit Pillows - Soft Surroundings
Navy Pillows - HomeGoods
Kids Table - Target
Kids Chairs - Target 
Lights  - here and here

And now be sure to head on over and check out all of these gorgeous porches:

7


porch2



6



porch4




Have an amazing rest of the week and a fabulous weekend! 







*Product was provided by Joss and Main for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Early Fall Entryway at Bluestone Hill


As much as I love fall weather, I wasn't really ready for fall colors, especially this early in the season, so I was so excited to find a few light blue-green pumpkins the other day! I added one of those and a bunch of cut branches to the entryway and pretty much called that my early fall decor! 




I've tried out this Gettysburg Battlefield print in a couple spots (the family room and here) and am still trying to decide where to leave it for fall, because I like it in both!






Have a wonderful day! - Jamie

Source List:

Wallpaper - Kamala in Dark Blue by Wallpaper Direct
Dresser, mirror, framed print, gold framed painting, bench, suitcase, and books - Antique/second-hand
blue patterned umbrella stand - antique but very similar one can be found here
Light fixture - existing
Baskets under bench - Home Goods
Gold bird - Home Goods - similar here
Plaid throw - TJMaxx

Monday, September 26, 2016

Keswick Hall


Last week we had the opportunity to spend two nights at a beautiful historic resort in Charlottesville called Keswick Hall. The hotel itself was beautiful and the grounds were spectacular. There were rows of beautiful hydrangeas both out front and in back and perfect roses blooming on vines that were crawling up the trellises out by the infinity pool. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and right in the heart of Virginia's wine country it is the perfect location for a romantic weekend getaway. Monticello is just five minutes away and Charlottesville is loaded with things to do and see.


(We had sunshine one day and rain the next so that's why in some pictures the sky is nice and blue and other's gray).



Although you most definitely feel like you are at a grand resort, there are only 48 guest rooms and suites which helps give the whole place a much more intimate feel than I was expecting and I think that was one of my favorite aspects of the whole trip. I can honestly say I have never had such amazing service anywhere I've stayed. Jon travels regularly and that was one of the things he was blown away by as well. Every little detail is taken care of and every person there made us feel so special and was so incredibly helpful.


Although I loved walking around and looking at all of the old artwork and architectural details I think my favorite spot was out here by the infinity pool. The building, pool and beautiful trellised walkway were just so beautiful!

The main restaurant was called Fossett's and I can't begin to rave enough about it! The whole setting was breathtaking and I adored to windows. Someday I would love to have windows like but that is probably wishful thinking -haha! The food was impeccable. We ate dinner there our first night to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary and I think I can honestly say it was the best meal I have ever had. And we had breakfast there the next morning and let me tell you the stuffed french toast was mouthwatering...


Because it was rainy for part of our time there we spent some time wandering around the building and learning it's history. The historic north wing of Keswick Hall, Villa Crawford, was built in 1912 as a beautiful Italianate-style mansion. Here you can see the original staircase. I loved the history of the place and the feeling of stepping back in time. There's an article in DC Refined that states "Keswick Hall is basically Charlottesville's own Downton Abbey" and I have to say I agree!


I loved the arches running all the way down the upstairs hallway.


Our room and bathroom were spacious and elegant and equipped with everything we could possibly need,

but the best part was this balcony area right off of our room. It was so peaceful and the views were stunning!


All in all, I can't say enough wonderful things about our experience. If you are looking for a luxurious yet intimate getaway to a fabulous part of Virginia that is rich in history and culture I highly highly recommend heading to Keswick Hall!






One of our nights was provided free in exchange for this post/review.