Come sit with me for awhile . . .
and see what I’m bringing to the table ©

They say, it’s never too late .   .   .  hmm, no .   .   . I have no idea who ‘they’ are .   .   . really! Now I say, there is plenty of time to get your Halloween on .   .   . no? Why? Not your thing? Now that’s a reasonable reason .   .   . understood and accepted. But, before you write Halloween off completely, hear me out. Phew! Thanks, wasn’t sure you had a few extra seconds for me. Sooo .   .   . here is my thought for those that are not so interested in Halloween reveling . Considering loud, raucous, ‘trick and/or treating ‘ is just not your thing, I offer you a calm, relaxing, and most enjoyable non-fright-night evening. Please .   .   . patience, I am getting to the point .   .   . honestly. Seen in the above photo is a celebration of fall. Yes, it’s that simple! While the ghouls, goblins, and witches are doing their thing, you my non- Halloween goers will be tucked into your warm and peaceful cocoon, doing your thing. Ahh! I hear many sighs of relief. Helllo .   .   . I’m on your side .   .   . truly!

Now take my tablescape tour through the photo below .   .   . please do click, and check out all the nooks and crannies .   .   . I insist! Not done? No worries, I’ll be here chilling. Zzzzz’s .   .   . everyone has their own way of chilling, and just so you all know I wasn’t sleeping, merely resting my eyes. Time to get down to business!

So here’s, my plan for a ‘Fall Fest’ gathering, whether it’s for two or twenty two, the concept is the same. There are 26 days separating Halloween, and Thanksgiving Day. Yup!!! So with such a short number of days, I offer you the pumpkin, and Indian corn design .   .   . wait, wait! Sheesh .   .   . I kid you not! Before we go any further, here is an important fact about pumpkins that you my sweet dear readers need to know. The life span of a good (not rotting) pumpkin is between 8-12 weeks!!! Dried decorative Indian corn will last indefinitely, provided it’s  stored in a sealed bag when the fall season is over. Not all pumpkins are created equal. How so, your inquiring minds want to know? I just happen to have an answer at my finger tips. Your Fall Fest plans will dictate size and quantity. Use one, or as many pumpkins of varying sizes as your little heart desires. Ready? It’s time to let your creative juices flow. Beaded, sequined, painted, or superficially carved, so as not to penetrate the membrane, are just a few of the tons of creative options available then .   .   .

For Thanksgiving Day, hollow out the same pumpkin to use as a serving bowl, doing double duty as a soup terrine. No? O k .   .   .  there’s more  .   .   . a center piece exploding with plants, and brilliant colored fall leaves. Wait! Come back! You all know I’m not quite done creating .   .   . hmmm. Or, think flowers, candles, or  gourds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Let’s not ignore the beauty of an ear of  Indian corn, mixed with wheat. Phew!!! .   .   . Now I’m done, until next week.

Book 1 is out, with 5 STAR REVIEWS on Amazon  “I AM SOOO LUCKY!!!”  Start with 2 sisters, add 1 part fascination, a pinch of curiosity, a dash of learning, & mix in a whole lot of joy!  http://amzn.to/1O6BaJj   What’s your review going to say?

Sharon Insul is the former owner of the popular Beverly Hills boutique Candle light and… Beverly Hills, California