Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Kitchen Counter Soup Buffet


Soup is on! And being served from the kitchen counter.




Here at StoneGable, we LOVE soup! So when the family got together for Sunday lunch, soup was the perfect meal for a gang! For this gathering I made a hearty Beef Barley Soup with Puffed Pastry Leaf Croutons. And don't forget the Zesty Crackers... they are addictive!


I used a kitchen couter and not my island because I thought it was more cozy.





At one end of the counter a bushel basket that I use when picking weeds is repurposed as a cornucopia holding pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn.





The other end is anchored with a big potted mum.





Along with the rust colored mum is a slate cheese board that I use as a kitchen blackboard. Today it becomes a menu board.



A white soup tureen embellished with a little fall foliage holds the stick-to-your-ribs soup!




A stack of oversized soup cups stand ready for a couple ladles of soup.







Light puffed pastry leaves add a delicious crisp crunch to the soup. Look for an upcoming post on how to make them (they taste wonderful as a sweet treat too!)




Square pumpkin plates and black and white checkered plates are topped off with a pumpkin from my garden sporting a jaunty black and white ribbon!





The only flatware needed for this lunch is a big soup spoon and a checkered napkin!




Zesty cracker, a big Stonegable favorite, fill a glass pumpkin jar. A scoop has a big leaf and some acorns attached to it just for more fall fun! Look for the recipe in an upcoming post.







I embellished a little lamp that sits on the countertop with a black and white checked ribbon and some pretty leaves and acorns!





Now ladle up a big bowl of soup, add some crouton leaves and grab a scoopful of zesty crackers! YUMMY!

Click here and look for the recipe on Sunday's menu.





And don't forget dessert! Maple caramel apples on apple tree twigs.





Hopefully, they will be posted tomorrow for Foodie Friday... I am still not totally happy with the recipe... yet!





There is just something so satisfying about a leisurely Sunday lunch! Now I need a cat nap!



I am participating in Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps OnThe Porch. Thanks to Susan our gracious Hostess!

86 comments:

  1. gorgeous!!! My favorite things! Pumpkins, candy apples and black and white gingham ribbon!

    Take care!
    Jennifer

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  2. This looks like a magazine layout from a very posh restaurant. Gorgeous. The soup look wonderful, but your buffet and decor is just stunning. Love it. Hugs, Marty

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  3. you are simply irresistible to me! like a magnet pulling me into all your FUN!

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  4. So very beautiful. I love the way you've mixed the white with all the fall colors. Wow!

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  5. Yvonne, you are such a good hostess and I love all the styling you did. I love the stack of soup cups. Those are perfect for a buffet. You are so creative at adding the tiniest of details that make it all so yummy.

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  6. I LOVE your harvest colors and the black and white check!! Hubby is headed out of town and I can see myself pulling an all-nighter with the inspiration I've gotten from your blog. Yayyy!!
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  7. Just lovely I love the pastry leaves how cute are they.So nice.I also love the gingham ribbon,so sweet. Thanks for sharing!.

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  8. Soups are wonderful for Sundays. I am looking forward to the cracker and puff pastry crouton recipes.

    I have a couple of slates that came off our historic church roof. Did you do anything special to your slates to prepare for food usage?

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  9. Simply elegant & gorgeous presentation ... your touches add such pizzazz. Love the pastry leaves.

    Have a great eve ~
    TTFN ~ Marydon

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  10. I swear I'm coming to your house for dinner!

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  11. So very, very pretty! The soup looks hearty and delicious, and the little leaf pastry croutons so adorable. I would love to try some!

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  12. Wonderful post. Beautiful setting and love the garnish and the SOUP!!!

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  13. Yvonne, once again you have taken serving to another level! Your decorations and choices of serving pieces are so clever. I am always so amazed at your endless ideas. Everything looks yummy!

    Is the wall above the counter your new paint color?

    Mary
    From Virginia

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  14. What a warm and cozy soup buffet you have set. Are some of those gourds from the compost pile?? I am loving the puff pastry leaves. Joni

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  15. Everything looks so wonderful! So warm and inviting. Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Jill

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  16. Just to answer a couple of questions...
    *The slate was a gift. It has a felt backing, and I don't think they treated it in any way.

    *Yes, Mary! The wall color is the new color I chose. It is Springfied Tan by Benjamin Moore. I still have 3 projects left for my family room to be done and then I'll reveal it on a post. Thanks for noticing!

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  17. what a lovely idea.
    looking forward to trying this out, it will be fun for all ages...especially the *caramel apples*.
    have a fabulous day!
    cheers from across the fields....

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  18. Yvonne...I LOVE serving buffet style and you my friend always take it to a new level! Gorgeous buffet. Beef Barley is about my favorite soup :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

    Come for a visit...I'm hosting a SPECIAL giveaway :)

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  19. All loveliness. I'll look forward to learning how to make those leaves. My favorite entertainment meal in the winter is a soup party, serving at least three soups and some artisan breads ---all coziness and comfort of course!

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  20. You have achieved the most beautiful soup buffet! It looks like photos from Southern living! I love the addition of the flowers. And the one thing I would really like to try is the basket used for a cornucopia! It's just perfect! ♥

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  21. What an amazing soup buffet! Love the decorations on the buffet table and can't wait for the recipe of the puff pastry leaves!

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  22. This looks wonderful, Yvonne! Not just the set up but the food as well! I used to love eating Beef Barley soup. Until I had to go gluten free 3 years ago, soup was one of my favorite quick meals to make in the Fall and Winter; a nice loaf of bread and maybe some cheese {depending on the soup}.

    Do you like those stackable cups, Yvonne? I've seen them at World Market online and I like that they are so neatly organized, but wonder if you like using them?

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  23. Yvonne,
    What a "feast for the eyes" buffet! So many items caught my eye. . .but I, truly, love how you dressed the lampshade! Years ago, on Christmas Day, I did a Chili and Vegetable Beef Soup on the counters with B~B~Q Beef Sandwiches. . .but not nearly as cute as this! Thank you for sharing your talents for entertaining with all of us in Blogland! Now it's time to p~a~r~t~y!
    Fondly,
    Pat
    P.S. I'll be waiting to see the recipe for the leaf pastry!

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  24. OMGoodness, how beautiful! Every thing looks and sounds wonderful!

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  25. Yvonne, your caramel apples look so tempting. I hope you put up the recipe! And your little garden pumpkins are cute with the ribbon. I think I need a slow cooker because the soup recipe seems easy and sounds delicious. Linda

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  26. Wow, you even make your kitchen counter look cute!

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  27. Oh what a wonderful display! It all looks delicious.
    I went to a soup party Sunday at The Tablescapers. It was wonderful!

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  28. Your countertop set up is just beautiful. I've always wanted some of those stackable soup mugs and seeing yours next to your tureen makes me want to go out and buy one since soup season is around the corner for me. Can't wait for your puff pastry crouton recipe.

    Judy

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  29. Yvonne, Your soup buffet is so pretty! Your tablescapes and recipes are always wonderful. You should write a book on entertaining with lots of photos that you post on your blog. Need an agent?
    xoxo,
    Sherry

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  30. Absolutely gorgeous Yvonne. Your buffet and the decor is just breath taking. Your are so talented and such an inspiration. This is definitely magazine worthy.

    Enjoy your evening.
    Gail

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  31. Yvonne, I don't know HOW in the world you outdo yourself, but you always do...every time!

    I adore everything about this ~ and the way you've carried out the theme down to the last detail. These are the Fall colors I love. *sigh*

    Okay, so when is your first book coming out??! (Notice I stated first. :D

    I'll be the first in line to buy it. Seriously.

    xo~m.

    P.S. Your leaf puff pastry croutons turned out perfectly! Love that!! :)

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  32. Yvonne,
    Every single image of your glorious creations brings a huge smile to my face and warms my heart. Absolutely beautiful! I want to make the leaf puff croutons, so cute. I too have the glass pumpkin, my mom gave it to me years ago and I fill it with candy corn of which I eat constantly as I love it :) ( for some reason I think she bought it at Avon?? I 'm not sure I have it for years and just love it)
    What a complete joy it is to visit your blog.
    Wishing you a wonderful evening
    Bunny

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  33. You're killing me Yvonne! This is just too gorgeous. I am all over that soup too. You know what I love about your buffet also? Everything looks real, not faux. And so lovingly pulled together. You are incredibly talented!

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  34. Love your soup buffet~ what amazing attention to detail! You're the hostess with the mostest :-)

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  35. Yvonne -
    You never disappointk!! This is so beautifully arranged and so yummy looking. This is a home run!
    Linda at A Toile Tale

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  36. How wonderfully autumny! I love the puffy leaf croutons!

    Thank you for a great idea!

    Deborah in NC

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  37. Well, I don't know how you do it, but you continually outdo yourself and surprise and DELIGHT us all!!! This is so beautiful, I just ADORE fall and this creation is amazing!!! Your family must have little time to EAT after so much ooooing and ahhhing:):) The ppppppppuff leaves l;ook scrumptious, and also the crackers! I would GLADLY pay money for your book, or many books!!!!! XO, Pinky PS, I posted tonight at Susan's if you would lioke to see my table!

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  38. I love the black and white theme with the orange, I love your soup party idea, what a great Autumn/Winter dinner party idea!

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  39. Love your fall creation -- everything looks wonderful and I'm always trying new soups when the weather gets cooler. Don't you love those salad plates?

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  40. Wow, it all looks great! I would love to know where you found the soup cups. I love them! I'm sure your guest loved the soup and the decor! Carla

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  41. All I can say is WOW! What a fun party! Can't wait to see the post on the croutons! Your posts are such a treat :)

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  42. What a lovely post...I adore your blog...it brightens my day. So many wonderful things to see,read,and learn...Glad I found your blog..its Great!
    We have good friends in Belfont,and love visiting those beautiful mountains in Centre County...

    Blessings
    Marilyn

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  43. How is it possible that you keep wowing me over with each post. I seriously have tears in my eyes and a big smile on my face looking at all of these things you just created for your family to have on Sunday. It makes me so happy in my heart seeing all these.I love the menu board and and the soup! I am imagining all of the wonderful memories you are creating. If I lived near you...oh my word, I would have loved to learn so much and to have shared a meal with you. I promise to bring my baked homemade mac and cheese or Tiramisu:) PS. I made something that I will be linking to you as soon as I am able to post! Might be next week.

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  44. OH MY WORD! Where do I begin. I love the idea of a soup buffet! I love the zesty oyster crackers. The caramel apples with the apple twigs. The black and white checkered plates! I love the ambiance. You are a master at luncheons!!!!! Thank you for the endless ideas!!!!!!!!!

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  45. OH MY WORD! Where do I begin. I love the idea of a soup buffet! I love the zesty oyster crackers. The caramel apples with the apple twigs. The black and white checkered plates! I love the ambiance. You are a master at luncheons!!!!! Thank you for the endless ideas!!!!!!!!!

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  46. Always inspiring me with your creativity. Love it all as always. I would love to be able to include food in my tablescapes but I never have time to do that too. I don't know how you do it all....tablescape...cook...photographit all so perfectly everytime. I need another person to help me....so come on over...:)
    Karin

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  47. Stone Gable..my favorite cozy spot to have a bowl of soup or something yummy! We talked about 'idols' at our Bible study tonight and I think mine might be wanting 'cozy, comfee' too much!! That is why I love it over here...just want to pull up a bar stool to that counter and dig into that delicious soup! I posted my kitchen at Sheila's 'Heart of the Home' and showed off your granola! Yummmmm...a morning favorite! Did I tell you that I am giving that in the glass containers to my friends for Christmas morning breakfast! I have been collecting old china cups and silver cups to give with it! I hope they don't read this post! Hee Hee!! LOVELY display, as always! Have a wonderful Thursday! Christie at Three Pixie Lane

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  48. Hi Yvonne,
    this buffet look really yummy. I love those colorful yellow and orange colors with the black gingham fabric. Great Haloween buffet.
    Greeetings, Johanna

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  49. You had me at "soup buffet"! Your beef and barley soup looks deeeeelish! I have to say I make a pretty good one myself, and my husband literally begs me for it! (shhhhh don't tell him I said that) tomorrow I"m making a shrimp tomato soup. It's one of my quick easy meals after coming home from work. I have been doing nothing but craving soups and stews since October began, something about Fall. Now on to your setting, just fantastic, truly brilliant! Love the soup mug holder and the incredible croutons! Well done, perfect for fall, and get togethers

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  50. STOP THE INSANITY!!!!!!!!

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  51. I want to be in your family and come over for a soup buffet with that much attention to detail. Do you do it all calmly and never get flustered? You look like you do, even the way you describe things make me feel calm.

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  52. Yvonne, you have such a wonderful style that's all your own! Your family is so blessed to have you taking care of them so beautifully.

    I ♥ those stacked mugs in their own little holder...what a GREAT idea!

    I have that same glass pumpkin & DH was having difficulty grasping the lid. I wrapped it with a tiny rubberband & covered that with the exact same black & white checked ribbons that you've been using. It tickles me to see how many times we think alike!

    Thanks for sharing all your wonderful ideas & recipes. I'm anxiously awaiting the maple caramel apples...hope you can get it worked out to your satisfaction.

    Mega Hugs of Gratitude,
    Rett

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  53. Yvonne,
    This is the perfect fall lunch. I love all your beautiful touches! The cracker fill glass pumpkin and leaf croutons are my favorite!

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  54. Yvonne, your posts are always a delight to see. So much attention to detail, I had to keep going back looking at the photo. Everything looks so pretty!

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  55. It's always a visual treat to come for a visit, Yvonne. You have a magical touch and your settings are always stunning. What a lovely way to start the day...eye candy.

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  56. It's 37 degrees this morning! I am, however, warmed, by your soup on the kitchen counter and all the lovely surroundings. Isn't a soup gathering fun? I love the soup cup idea--so much easier to handle while visiting in the kitchen. I'll be waiting for the cracker recipe to go with the delicious soup.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  57. This was just a stunning post and I want to come eat lunch with you! Your soup buffet counter is gorgeous as well as your photography! The was you used all the pumpkins, tying on ribbons! You have a gift for details! And BTW love your B&W plates! I have those, too!

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  58. Yvonne, your counter scape is a work of art! the colors and the mixtures of patterns just work so well. I can't wait for the recipes.

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  59. Love all the details! So many pumpkins and gourds! Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing your delicious lunch pics. It certainly looks inviting!

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  60. This buffet display is so beautiful, kudos to you! I absolutely loved the leaves made from puff pastry, what a cute addition to the soup! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful tablescape with us! :-)

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  61. Those leaf croutons look georgeous and delicious, anxious to see the recipe, where did you get the cutters from? Beautiful post!

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  62. This is a delightful post. I love everything about it and wish I had some of the soup for dinner tonight.

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  63. Everything looks cozy, inviting and delish! You definitely have a gift for creating perfection.

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  64. Hi Yvonne:

    We both have soup party posts this week! The fall just seems to lend itself to them.

    I was playing towards a much larger crowd, but your kitchen buffet is darling. Can't wait to see your recipe for the little leaves.

    - The Tablescaper

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  65. Yvonne, what a lovely, lush buffet setting! Just enchanting! I love those puff-pastry leaf croutons -- they really dress up the soup!

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  66. Bonjour Yvonne,
    Your buffet is gorgeous. The puff croutons are making me hungry. Love the new tan walls - wonderful choice!
    Hope you are having a fabulous week,
    Mimi

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  67. The puff pastry croutons are so pretty! I'm going to have to try those one day soon! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

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  68. Just Breathtaking! I LOVE that slate...maybe "Santa" will bring ME one! I feel like I just discovered a new favorite magazine in your blog. I would also buy your book! Lovely!

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  69. Hi Yvonne~ ~ ~Such a beautiful spread on your counter. Everything looks perfect!
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  70. Lovely display for Fall. You have a gift for arranging. The black and white is wonderful with the Fall colors. that barley soup with your cute little leaves looks yummy.
    XO Linda

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  71. It not only looks fabulous ~ but sounds yummy too! I want to come to your place for a meal just once please! xo

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  72. Martha Stewart has nothing on you, Yvonne! I can't believe those leaf croutons. I can't wait for that upcoming post. Soup looks as delicious as the decorating.

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  73. Hi Yvonne...

    Ohhh...what a beautiful soup buffet! You're absolutely right, my friend...it feels so warm and cozy...setting up on that counter! The beef and barley soup looks sooo delicious and I love the little autumn leaf puff pastries! I will definitely be back to see how you make those! Well my friend, not only did you present a feast to feed the stomach...but you also presented a most beautiful feast for the eyes! Everything is just autumn delicious!!! Thank you for sharing it with us today!

    Warmest autumn wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  74. Lovely display for Fall. And thanks for the idea for my clear glass pumpkins. I love seasoned oyster crackers ;o)

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  75. Yvonne, your buffet is sheer delight. I love the mix of patterns and all the textures of this buffet setting. Makes me want to join this soup line right this very minute. ~ Sarah

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  76. Every moment of your vignette is perfection. The puff pastry leaf croutons are wonderful. What a great idea! And the oyster crackers in the glass pumpkin turn the tablescape into an art form. Well done! Thank you for sharing your marvelous design. Cherry Kay

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  77. Yvonne, I am almost speechless....just kidding...lol...this is AMAZING!!!!! A FEAST FOR MY EYES! Very inspirational!!!! ABOVE and BEYOND!!! Gorgeous! DELISH! OH and I LOVE IT!! I have enjoyed looking thru your pumpkin topiary post! Love your blog!!!!

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  78. counter tops look great! I may have to try that on my counter tops. It looks so easy, just hard to use your kitchen while things are drying.

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  79. Wow! I love a warm and cozy soup buffet! Nice setting! This is worth sharing with others. Interesting!

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    Tombstone

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  81. You are so good at elavating your meals to a more artistic and beautiful level! Great food and eye candy to beat! Just cozy and wonderful!Ana

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  82. Who makes the black and white check plates??

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