autumnal love

Autumn is my favourite season. Around these parts we're warming up with new hand-knit sweaters, stocking up at the last farmers' market of the year, enjoying pub favourites (deep fried pickles rule my world), getting crafty with DIY projects, baking delicious birthday treats (happy birthday, Jen!), walking through crunchy leaves, adorning the front door with pink pumpkins, and prepping for Wednesday with a couple of favourite halloween decorations.

My heart is happy. What is your favourite thing about fall?




(images processed with Instagram. follow along: username cstarevents).

DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards

How perfect are these DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards in season-appropriate autumnal hues? I feel like pulling out my paints and creating place cards for my next event, right this minute. (I'm filing this one under "wish I came up with this concept").

Visit Frolic for the full tutorial.




(photos, concept, and styling by Annemarie Buckley via Frolic!)

no-carve pumpkins.

Even though carved pumpkins go with Halloween like pine trees go with Christmas, let's face it: they typically have an expiry date of 24 hours. In the days leading up to Halloween, why not have fun with the pumpkins on your door steps and tables without carving them...

I love the look of painted pumpkins. Having experimented last weekend, I can confirm that spray paint works well for even coverage and these Martha Stewart paints from Michaels (my new favourite product) come in beautiful colours and sparkly shades. (Suggestion: if you don't want the orange of the pumpkin to come through, use the Martha glitter paint as a top coat over spray paint or a satin paint).

Another option: thumb tacks. Simply put, I wish I came up with this idea. How brilliantly quick & simple.

Do you have a pumpkin yet? Have you done anything to it? Where is it in your house?



(Photos courtesy of Real Simple [1 and 2] + Style at Home).

Shorter Days + Game Nights.

One of my favourite things about autumn is that everything. slows. down.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the constant hum of the summer months and the comings + goings of celebrations and road trips. I’m simply a homebody at heart who is over the moon for a cozy night in with great company, a board game (or a well-stocked PVR), and a glass of wine or two.

I’m hoping this board inspires many evenings in. Add a few delicious appetizers and the right soundtrack and you have yourself the perfect girls’ night in or date night.


Appetizers: Pears and Camembert, Spicy Pecans, and Pesto-Bocconcini Crostini.

Soundtrack: The Civil Wars, Ellie Goulding, and Dan Mangen.


What is your favourite thing to do on autumn nights in?



(Images courtesy of Amazon, Bloomingdales, Anthropologie, and Indigo).

Happy Thanksgiving.

This weekend, Canadians give thanks. My list of gratitude seems to be growing by the minute; however, today I am extra thankful for family. I'm thankful for our friends who have become a part of our family. I'm thankful for the time we are able to spend together.

I'm also thankful for you: the readership who follow this little blog, share your thoughts, and allow me to indulge in my (often) crazy ideas.

I hope you enjoy a peaceful fall weekend full of loved ones, a good meal, and a festive beverage (or two).



(image courtesy of Rifle Paper Co. check out their holiday cards, here).

autumn is upon us.

The seasons have changed around these parts and autumn is very much upon us. The furnace has been ignited and I've pulled my sweaters, knee socks, and fleece pajamas out of hiding. In an effort to fall-ify our home, I even purchased a few pumpkins. (I know, I'm pretty festive).

I love, love, love this season.

A few thoughts on fall...

- Currently sipping on David's Tea Fall Collection (yum).
- I can't wait to bake cupcake 15 for a thanksgiving treat.
- I'm secretly loving the fact that the holidays are a'coming...
- I'm finding a groove and the perfect balance between cozy couch time and sweat it off bridal bootcamp. I'll get there (thanks J Web for being such an awesome work out/ veg out buddy).

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

I can't believe it's already October and that thanksgiving is this coming weekend. In an attempt to fall-ify our home, I've compiled a selection of simple, cost effective, decorating techniques in traditional and monochromatic palettes.

First up: the "traditional" thanksgiving tablescape. You can't get more thanksgiving than a palette of red, yellow, orange, and gold. That being said, when I think about these colours I am immediately taken back to elementary school crafts and fake craft store leaves. Enter: Pinterest and its plethora of DIY ideas. Dried, real, leaves in bud vases or shot glasses? A pumpkin as a vase? A table full of Mason jar candle holders? Yes, please.


I love white pumpkins. Since discovering them several years ago, I eagerly await fall so I can adorn my house with them. Who needs to wait for Halloween, I say; let your white pumpkins celebrate thanksgiving, too!



If you're still looking for some inspiration, visit the HG TV website, Martha, and Hostess with the Mostess.

How do you decorate for thanksgiving?



photo credits:

Traditional Colour Palate: 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Neutral Colour Palate: 1 (via), 2, 3, & 4.

welcome, autumn.

Oh autumn, I always forget how much I love you until the air becomes crisp + I have to put on a sweater + I begin to drink tea 4 or more times a day. What a perfect season.

This weekend I am cleaning house (literally and figuratively) and crafting. I'm 100% addicted to brush script (c/o script school) and I can't wait to share some of my work.

What are you up to, friends? If you need something fun to do, why don't you make a fall wreath or make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich or reflect on your favourite cold weather rituals?

What is your favourite thing about autumn?



(Image courtesy of Real Simple via Pinterest).

Wide-Leg Love.

You may have noticed that wide-leg denim has made a comeback this fall. I love my skinnies and I plan to wear them faithfully, even if they aren’t en vogue. That being said, wide-leg jeans are where it’s at. I have a pair of wide-leg Seven’s that I always manage to feel great in and I’d love to add a second pair to my closet.

These are my top three; what do you think?

Gap’s 1969 long & lean jeans, Joe’s Wide Leg, or EmersonMade Stretch Bluebells HighRise.

Do you have a pair of wide-leg jeans? Are you planning on hopping on the wide-leg train?



(Images courtesy of the Gap, Joe’s Jeans, and EmersonMade).