Sunday, November 8, 2009

The House Tour

Friday morning, the sign went up for the Festival Home Tour, scheduled to begin at 1:00, after the Queen' s Coronation and Luncheon.
Tour Times:
1:00-4:00
5:00-7:00

To say I was nervous, is an understatement! Early that morning I was still tweaking, doing last minute sprucing, and stuffing stray dust bunnies in the pockets of my old sweat pants! At 11:30, I was "swiffering" the master bath floor one last time, after my shower, my hair still ringing wet!

But at 1:00 when the first guests began to arrive, my "stage fright" quickly evaporated and I had a ball! Every person that came through was very friendly, and it was a pleasure to chat with them! Our home is about 10 minutes from where my parents were raised, and I met several of their old classmates. That was really neat and interesting.

Below, is a picture of the "Pecan Belle" and Cadet assigned to our home. The Pecan Belles consisted of local eighth grade girls, chosen through an essay contest. The Cadets were young men from Camden Military Academy.
They were both sweet kids and made a very handsome couple! Isn't she beautiful in her lavender gown!

The Pecan Festival Queen visited our home as well, Dixie Light, from Atlanta, Georgia. Not only was she a beautiful young woman, she had a lovely personality. Dixie was escorted by Bill Thompson, local author/well traveled speaker, who is also a writer for OUR STATE Magazine.

My "Ode to the Pecan," a vignette of pecans and a vintage metal dog nutcracker, borrowed from my dad.If you follow my blog, you have seen my home countless times. But I would like to share a few of the fresh flower arrangements I created for the tour. Whenever we entertain, I try to always incorporate live flowers. Even at Christmas, with all of the silks and faux greenery, I love to throw in a burst of the "real stuff," and enjoy the mood it creates.

These aren't elaborate, most were very simple. I didn't want them to compete with the settings, only compliment the areas. And no offense to any professional floral designers, ...I made six, (some rather large), arrangements for less than I could have purchased one arrangement from the florist. Bundles of bagged bouquets purchased from Sam's Club, were metamorphosed into beautiful arrangements.

Arrangement for Kevin's study, housed in a silver bucket found on eBay.

Arrangement placed on the surround of the master bath. Monogrammed hankies, also found on eBay. Below is an example of WHAT NOT TO DO! These beautiful orange roses disintegrated in just a few short hours, from what I assume was the heat off of the lamp light.
A few arrangements outside...

Arrangement for the Guest Register Table. The green vase was a yard sale find.


Isn't this little prince a real cutie....
And lastly, just a few shots from outside...

The faux pumpkins on the candlesticks were painted white last year, and then retransformed into orange again, this year. The candlesticks which were originally white-washed, were spray painted black.


Back Door....

Bailey enjoying the freshly strawed beds. I think for the next few days, I'll take it easy and bask in the beautiful fall days we are having, too! ~Rhonda :)
I will be linking this post to the following...
Monday...
~ Metamorphosis Monday, at Susan's blog, Between Naps On the Porch.
Tuesday...
~Second Time Around, at Diane's blog, A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.
~It's so very creative, at Cheri's blog, It's so Very Cheri.
~and DIY-Do It Yourself Day, at Kimba's, A Soft Place to Land.
And On Wednesday...
~ for the first time to Outdoor Wedsnesday, at Susan's blog, A Southern Day Dreamer.
Please take a moment and visit these gracious and creative ladies who host these blogging events! :)

41 comments:

Tardevil said...

All of your flowers are gorgeous. I LOVE the front porch...especially the 'g' pumpkin.

Natasha in Oz said...

Everything looked so beautiful.What a pity about those poor roses:(
Have a great week, Natasha.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

It looks gorgeous and what a wonderful tour!

I wish I had thought of a guest register, when our home was on tour. I've seen them at a couple of homes since then. Great idea!

I know what you mean about "basking". I can relate to the time and effort it takes to prepare a home for tour!

Great post, Rhonda!

duchess said...

What a wonderful job you did - it's beautiful. Glad you had a good time. I love southern things like this - wish I could have stopped by.

Amelia said...

Everything - just wonderful...give yourself a big pat on the back...do rest and relax for the next few days...you have earned it for sure!

Stacey said...

Just beautiful! I bet you are pooped now. You've worked on all of that for awhile..you aren't going to know what to do with yourself. :)

Your flowers and everything is just so pretty.

southerninspiration said...

I hope you have a free few days to rest up. I understand how tired you must feel! It ALL looks fabulous, and you are just so talented....I wish I could have been on that tour!

Suzanne

Ally's Corner said...

My mother follows your blog and sent it to me as see saw Dixie on your blog.
Dixie is my neighbor our girls are in the same Kindergarten class. Small world!

Ally

bj said...

O, Scooter...everything just looks magnificent. You did such an awesome job. Your home is so lovely and the added joy of fresh flowers so freely displayed just moved it all up a couple of notches. Wonderful job and I'm so glad you had a good time with it all.
xo bj

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

How fun...wish I could have been there. Your arrangements are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda! Oh, your floral arrangements are so beautiful. What an awesome job! I'm so glad your tour was fun and went well. I'm a bit greedy and was hoping to see more rooms...hint hint hint! :)
Rest with your tiny feet up!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Everything looks just gorgeous. I love all of your pretty flower arrangements and putting a few outside is wonderful. Hugs, Marty

Darlene said...

WOW just BEAUTIFUL!!! You did a fabulous job making your own arrangements! I LOVE seeing everything! Your front and back areas are decorated so beautifully. I bet it was so much FUN showing off your beautiful home!

Now, take a few deep breaths and RELAX....know a great job was/is DONE!!!!♥

Unknown said...

It was all SO beautiful Rhonda! You did an outstanding job! Would have been so fun to come through in real life! :)

Melissa Miller said...

Everything looks soooo beautiful Rhonda! I would have enjoyed being on that tour. The flowers all look really pretty!

Many Blessings, ~Melissa ;)

nannykim at spindle cottage said...

The flowers looks great!! BUT I want to chek the rest of the house. Think I will see if I can spot your house tour on the blog. Looks like ya'll had fun!

Sarah said...

Rhonda, I agree that fresh flowers make such a difference. I think we all deserve fresh flowers to brighten our day! Your home looks lovely. I wish I could have taken the tour. I really like the pumpkin display at your front door. The pumpkins stacked on the candlesticks is a clever idea. It really makes a statement. Love your polka dot monogramed pumpkin too! Thanks for sharing all you talents! ~ Sarah

Katie@Yoga Gal said...

How absolutely beautiful! I wish that I could have toured your home, it looks so lovely. And creative, don't you love Ebay? :)

onlymehere said...

As always it's the little extras that you do that make your home so beautiful. Who would have thought to put fresh flowers in a man's study, in a silver urn no less?! It's beautiful. I'm so happy that this was fun for you also. The belle and her escort were such a fun touch in their finery! Well done, bravo Rhonda!!

Ramona said...

Good Afternoon ~

Everything is lovely! I especially love your porch.

Smiles ~ Ramona

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Rhonda...

Ohhh my...what fun you must have had...I sure could understand the "nerves" though...I would have been crazy with anxiety! You did a fabulous job, my friend! Your home is soooo beautiful and all of your fresh florals accented it just beautifully! What a creative and talented lady you are...I love each and every arrangement! I don't think I can choose a favorite...they're all beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing all of your pretties with us today!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Rhonda... you did a beautiful job with everything, and I know they loved your house. It always looks wonderful, but it just looks like it was extra special shiny that day! Love it! Thanks for taking us with you on the tour. Looks like you all had such fun!

Were there other houses on tour, too? I bet yours outshone the rest. You just knocked yourself out, and it shows. GOOD WORK!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Beth at Aunties said...

Rhonda,
You have every right to bask! Your home looked so warm, inviting and fabulous.
All your loving tweaking looked to be very successful!
Your flowers were gorgeous and I loved your entrance!
Your home shows your talents off well. :-)
~♥

Embellished Bayou said...

Oh my goodness, what a small world! Dixie is my sister-in-law! I know she was so excited to be the Pecan Queen this year, I helped her pick out that gorgeous dress she was wearing! How neat to see her on your blog. You have a lovely home.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Everything looks so pretty! Would have loved to have been there in person. Thanks for sharing.
Glenda

Martha said...

Everything is so pretty and your arrangements are awesome -- I like real flowers too -- either garden or florists.

Aren't home tours fun? People seem so appreciative to see the inside of a home! I love doing it!

Unknown said...

Hi Rhonda,
Your home is so lovely and all the arrangements look great!

I love to go on tours when they are available!!

jeanne said...

Rhonda, I know your home looked stunning for the tour. How special to be chosen and an honor too. Your flowers are all stunning. Personal and specially done for each chosen space. I love it all. I wish I could have attended the tour. I guess I'll have to enjoy it at home.

Thank you for a lovely post of your wonderful home.

Hugs, Jeanne

Abbi said...

Very pretty! That would have been lots of fun (and work!) to get ready for an event like that. Flowers always do give a finishing touch.

9405018--Pat said...

Wow! what a wonderful tour...everything looked so beautiful..thanks for sharing...Pat H

Kim @ Cheap Chic Home said...

Your pumpkin mum walkway inspired me... Maybe next year :(.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I know I checked in with you the other day, Rhonda, but I wanted to buzz back by and wish you a Happy Outdoor Wednesday!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Becky said...

Rhonda, everything looks gorgeous!! I LUV your painted pumpkin with your initial!!! Too cute!!!

Quilt Works said...

I hope I found hte right place to commnet for outdoor wednesday!
So many nice photos - I liked the bride with the umbrella! Very pretty!


Gondola rides .... in Boston!

eileeninmd said...

Great post and wonderful photos. My favorite were all the floral arrangements. The outdoor decor is cute too.

eileeninmd said...

Great post and wonderful photos. My favorite were all the floral arrangements. The outdoor decor is cute too.

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Everything looks fabulous. The front door especially is impressive. I would have loved to been there for the tour!

Christi @ A Southern Life

Mary Bergfeld said...

I'm so glad you've joined us at Outdoor Wednesday. I love your post. One frame is prettier than the next. You have a photographers eye. Have a great day.

Its So Very Cheri said...

You were featured in my favorites. Go check it out and grab your I've been featured button.
Thanks for posting. I love those pumpkins.
Cheri

Ms. Bake-it said...

It looks gorgeous and what a wonderful tour! I love the little frog pen/pencil holder - it is too cute!

Thank you for the virtual tour!

~ Tracy

Peg said...

Your home looks so inviting and the fresh flowers are just beautiful. I know you put a lot of effort into getting ready for the home tour, but I'll bet your entire house is sparkly clean now and you can relax and enjoy the holidays.