Romantic Steak Dinner. . .

Finally,
the temperatures here on the Prairie are in the double digits!
After 34 consecutive days of triple digits On Crooked Creek, this calls for celebration!!! 

A Romantic Steak Dinner is on the menu tonight!

Candlelight will set the ambiance for a romantic dinner for two!

Muted Autumnal hues create a mystical theme!

Scalloped place mat atop a freshly ironed linen tablecloth combined with stacked duo ~hued dinnerware provides an
air of romance!

Low bisque pottery filled with hydrangea and golden orbs. A
perfect centerpiece for eye contact.

Beaded organza ties drape each chair finished with an elegant bow!



The romantic mood cascades into the surroundings of this setting!

Long over ~due,

On Crooked Creek,

a Romantic Steak Dinner for two!

Until next time. . .

www.betweennapsontheporch.net

Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch is hosting Tablescape Thursday with some of the most amazing table decor you could wish to see! Be sure to visit our sweet hostess soon and be inspired to set a decorative table for your own home!!!

Multiple Entries, One Hall!

Living in a 1970's Ranch Style home
definitely has its challenges On Crooked Creek!
Especially when trying to photograph the Entry Hall that has multiple entries, one  hallway!!!

Change occurs most often in the Entry Hall On Crooked Creek due to the frequency of the entries made in ~ and ~out of this area in a days time!

Looking from the entrance the entire 14' 10"  length X 4' width! #1) Front door or entrance
#2) Kitchen door
#3) Lower Level door
#4) Coat Closet door
#5) Open entrance to the Living Room (on the left)
#6) Open Entrance to the East Wing (on the right)
Multiple entries, one hall!!!

Bringing about a fresh change to the Entry Hall, I reversed the table topper putting the gold, shimmery side to the top as a backdrop to my Autumnal vignette!

After filling the lantern with a fragrant mulled cider pillar candle and rustic acorn and twiggy berry candle ring, I began working around the outer perimeter.  Once the sprigs of twigs and berries were in place, I wove a 2 1/2 inch golden satin ribbon throughout its entirety.

Next, I added "Mr. Ed's" favorite squirrel figurine to the vignette, creating a  touch of whimsy. Additional wooden acorns were strategically placed to enhance those already displayed.

A close up of the figurine that reminds "Mr. Ed" of his playful squirrel "Fred" that frequents our bird and squirrel feeder On Crooked Creek!

Always searching for unique art pieces, this oil painting on velvet is exquisite! The artist signature? Simply CA R O L. I adore the tone~on~tone, mahogany ~ green ~ mahogany, frame that accentuates the pineapple print!

A close ~up look of this completed Autumnal Entry Hall table top  vignette!

Since this Entry Hall is seen from every angle On Crooked Creek, I changed out the playful pair of birds that usually adorn the cedar Church birdhouse with another of "Mr. Ed's" squirrel figurines!

A few sprigs of golden leaves with some wooden miniature acorns completes this realistic Autumnal scene.

On Crooked Creek, this is the view of the Entry Hall from the Living Room!

The Front Entry view that greets our family, friends and guests!

Slide open the pocket door from the Kitchen for this Entry Hall view!

Climbing the stairs from the Lower Level Family Room gives you this view of On Crooked Creek's Entry Hall!

Multiple entries, one hallway,
gives multiple challenges to Seasonal decor for the Entry Hall
On Crooked Creek !


Until next time. . .

www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com

On Crooked Creek will be joining our dear hostess, Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday! Inspiration for your own home decor abounds in table top vignettes...be sure to visit soon!

Hue ~ by ~ Hue. . .

Hue ~ by ~hue . . .
 Autumn  begins . . .
                      On Crooked Creek!

Seasonal change is one of my favorite ways to justify making decor changes here on the Prairie! With triple digits continuing from the end of May through the current, I am so ready for cooler weather.

Last Spring, I purchased this painless window at our local Roadhouse Antiques shop. I enjoy changing its decoration from Season ~ to ~ Season.

Autumn Cottage magazine was the inspiration for this floral arrangement. While I prefer the hydrangea and wheat used in their arrangement, I used what I readily had available. What's not to like about no cost decor?

Bringing my flat basket indoors,
I placed it on an adjustable wreath stand.
Next, I added faux ivy as a base and stability for the florals.

Truthfully, I could have used one more golden mum, but I am pleased with the outcome!

 Gorgeous inspiration from Invite Autumn Inside, page 86 of Autumn Cottage.

Football fan. . .I'm not,
but I would gladly welcome Football weather.
Cool mornings. . .
                              warm afternoons. . .
                                 cooler evenings!  Bring it on!!!

On Crooked Creek . . .
                    Autumn begins . . .
                                                                        hue ~ by ~ hue!


Until next time. . .



www.commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com

 On Crooked Creek is  joining Fabulous Fall Fun with hostess, Debra @ Common Ground!!! Embrace the Season with inspiration for your own front door and porches, tablescapes, mantles, diy Fall crafts and more!!!

Dinner Group ~ Salad!

What began as a 4 X 4 Dinner Group in April ~ 
    was actually a 3 X 3 Dinner Group ~
                       commenced this weekend!


"Mr. Ed" and I were asked to bring the Salad!

So~o~o. . .
While watching Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond made the best looking Salad, which I copied from Food Network. When viewing our local Food Network station, I often copy recipes and stash them away until an occasion arises for something new or different!



Ree Drummond. . .Pioneer Woman!

Tonight's main dish of lasagna was just screaming g r e e n salad, but with a refreshing twist!
Perfect for an Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad!


Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad:

Ingredients:

Salad:
12 oz. Salad Greens (Spring Mix)
1/2 cup dried Cherries
1/2 cup Pecan halves
6 oz. Blue Cheese chunks
2 whole Apples, cored and sliced very thin

Dressing:
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1  Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon
1  Tablespoon Maple Syrup
1  Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (or more to taste)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

Directions:

Add the greens, cherries, pecans, cheese and apples into a large salad bowl.

Mix the olive oil, Dijon, maple syrup and vinegar in a small jar and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well to mix.

Pour a little of the salad dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine.Taste the salad and add more dressing to taste.

Serves: 8

The Menu

Lasagna

Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad

Asparagus

Garlic Bread

Iced Tea

Black Forest Cake w/ Whipped Cream

Coffee

www.stonegable.blogspot.com



On Crooked Creek will be joining our dear hostess, Yvonne @ StoneGable for On The Menu Monday! Be sure to visit and pick up a new recipe for your own family dining experience!!!

Until next time. . .



Touch of Gold. . .

As Summer begins to fade into Autumn, On Crooked Creek
has begun to exhibit a Touch of Gold!

Our Entertainment Center is the focal point of our living room. Although it is quite a chore to change out the decor, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment when completed!

Honey oak finish compliments the golden hued accessories that are now showcased on the display shelves of the Entertainment Center!

I adore how the golden bird statues blend harmoniously with the vintage oil lamps and the straw angel!

Always my greatest challenge is this long narrow shelf above the television. The shelf itself is a delightful display space; however it's hiding the stereo speakers that gives me great distress!

Italian handled olive jars  on the left. . .

combined with my French busts and an ornate clock camouflage the hideous speakers!

Golden accessories begin with a Marjolein Bastin owl print and some faux soft green textured hedge balls. Our Peace On Earth music box and "Mr. Ed's" golden retirement clock fill the second shelf!

Domed golden pocket watch and a laser cut shell finish the bottom shelf!

A second Marjolein Bastin print continues the golden hued accessories to the opposite side of our Entertainment Center. A Summer cloche with a single Sunflower and wrought iron rustic birds compliment the framed bird's nest. Brass vases from "Mr.Ed's" tours in Korea alongside my angelic snow globe completes this decorative area. Beneath is the HUGE stereo!

Books in brown, burgundy and tan have replaced the beige, along with the addition of golden sweetheart roses in the creamy ivory urns.

This past June we celebrated my Dad's 90th birthday!!! The remainder of our parents are deceased and awaiting our heavenly reunion! Having their photos near is such a comfort.

 A Touch of Gold with hopes that Autumn is near and On Crooked Creek will soon put the Summer of 2012 in the past!

Until next time. . .