New Formal Dining Room Reveal...

As you can see, I took a little Bloggy Break last week.

It was "one of those weeks" at work.  Also, our little Roo 

was still quite sick and I was helping out his Mom and Dad.

  I have to also say that I just didn't "feel" it.

I know all you Bloggers understand that.

Normally, my mind is a whirl of blog ideas, upcoming 

projects, etc -  and even though I have been 
uber busy getting my house back together - the whole
 bloggy thing just wasn't happening. 

But, I am back!  :)

I am also excited to announce the winner of the 

$50 Visa gift card later this week, and also announce

 the date of the next

"Wild About Mother Nature" 
Bloggy Event.

I was very happy with the turnout, for a first time event, 

and I hope it will continue to grow.

The posts you shared were wonderful, and I am now 

choosing my Top Faves!

So, as you know - I had almost my whole 
home painted.  It's about 90% back to where I want it.

I am still tossing around ideas for window treatments, 
for example.

What I am proud of most is that this change has forced 
allowed me to edit some of my stuff.  I am taking quite
a haul to a local consignment store this week.


But, mostly I have "Home Shopped."
After all, isn't that the best kind of shopping?  :)


I am very happy with the results.  


A special guest will be our hosts giving you the Grand Tour.


Baby Lily says come on in and take a look around...

I had my painter add chair rail and trim moulding in 
the dado area, and paint it a glossy white.  I have 
received several emails asking me what the color of the 
walls are.  I would be happy to give you the formula, but
 itsnot an available color.  I had Lowe's add a bit of this
 and a touch of that, until I got the color I liked.

One of the few new purchases for this room were
 four of these chairs, above.  I just love the small cream and tan 
checked fabric.  I would love to have six of these, but
after a full-out search I have had no luck finding two more.

I shared the updated sideboard project a few weeks ago HERE.

I am very excited that is has come together so well. 
I just love the lighter and brighter look and feel.


Can you believe this is the same room? (Before)

AFTER!

The mantle...

The second purchase is this large clock.
Originally, I had thought I would get a mirror.
I searched and searched for one I liked, but nothing 
stood out to me.
I happened upon this clock, and thought 
"Maybe, just maybe..."

I love the look!

There are three areas which I am still dealing with, 

and then I can say this room is complete.

(for now)  *winks

The first area is the large cornice board seen below.  

I want to recover it in a fabric which matches the new chairs, 

then also add some very sheer panels on each end.

The second area is the huge red Chinese rug.  
I won't tell you the value of this baby.  We bought it for 
a "steal" at an ATF Auction years ago in Newport, RI.

There is no way we would ever get the value of this 
if we tried to sell it, and replacing it right now 
isn't in the budget.  My good friend, Kathysue
at Good Life of Design suggested removing the rug 
entirely to show off the wood floors.   
After some serious begging sweet talk with Mr Grits, 
we moved the extremely heavy table, rolled up the 
rug and put the table and chairs back.  
It looked bare to me, but I knew it was also something 
new and different to get used to.   
What I did not consider was the noise factor. 
 I remember why a house full of wood floors requires rugs.
To absorb some of the sound.
With two rambunctious Grandloves, we need all 
the "absorption" we can get.  LOL
So for now, the rug stays until I can find something
 I can afford - or attend another ATF Auction.  ha!


Finally, I want to remove the red fabric in the back of the
French hutches, and change it to something lighter.
I have a few yards of red ticking.  I think the
Pink and White dishes would be beautiful displayed
 in front of the red ticking.

I removed all of the darker red florals in the antique
 Staffordshire soup tureen, and replaced them instead 
with white peonies and green pears.
 I added a few hydrangeas to pull in a hint of green.


Here is a close-up of the tureen.  I did not add back the
matching base and ladle.

I removed the wrought-iron fireplace screen so you could see the pretty oval opening.  A bit of antiquing glaze on a new urn gives it an older look and feel.  (the wonders of glaze!)

Instant age.  Love it!

I also have one of my fave books here, and one of my 
most valued gifts that Mr Grits has ever given me. 
A first run edition of Gone With the Wind, dated 1936.  

The walls are painted what I would consider a true khaki, 
and I love how it takes on different tones throughout the day. 

From a warm tan to a soft green...

My project this week is to get new fabric on the back
 of the two French hutches and get all of my 
Pink and White Staffordshire beautifully displayed again.  
I will share that project with you, in depth.


Until then, Baby Lily says thanks for letting her 
show you around Mom's new Formal Dining Room.  
But for now, she thinks a nap is in order.


Just a friendly reminder about our upcoming
Egg-xellent Spring Party.

Are you getting your Cloches, Mantles,
Tablescapes and Recipes/Dishes ready?


I have lots of ideas...I'm sure you do, too, and 
we can't wait to see them all! 
Starts Tuesday, March 13th!
Mark your Bloggy Calenders!


Finally - have you heard of this?

The Haven Conference in Atlanta.
Its June 21-22, and I AM GOING!
I am so excited to (finally!) meet Rhoda at Southern Hospitality 
in person, as well as, the other wonderful hosts.


Myself and Shirley at Housepitality Designs
are going together.  We will be flying in 
Wednesday afternoon, the day before the conference starts.
If any of you are going - please, please let me know.
I would LOVE to meet you!


Have a wonderful week everyone!

I am joining the following Linky Parties:Cielo at The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Mon Stephanie at Under the Table & Dreaming Sunday Showcase PartySusan at Between Naps on the Porch Met MondayThe Tablescaper  Seasonal SundaysSarah at Thrifty Decor Chic Before & After Monday (1st Mon of Month)Mary at Boogieboard Cottage Masterpiece MondayMarty at A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop TuesdayLinda at Coastal Charm Nifty Thrifty TuesdayKim at Savvy Southern Style Wow Us WednesdayJudy at DIY Design Winter Blues PartyPaula and Patti at Ivy and ElephantsJill at French 23EWDCupboard French Inspiration on Thursdays Gina at The Chabby Chic Cottage Transformation ThursdayCindy at My Romantic HomeShow and Tell FridayCourtney at French Country CottageFeathered Nest FridayHeather and Vanessa at the picket fenceInspiration FridaySherry at The Charm of HomeHome Sweet Home FridayJen at Tatertots and JelloWeekend Wrap-Up Party
Do you have a Linky Party you think I should join?  Leave me a comment or email me, I'd love to join!