Happy Tuesday sweet friends! If you are ready for a little fun and creativity, you have come to the right place!
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 ESV
I am excited to join twelve talented table stylists for a Halloween Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my lovely friend, Rita from Panoply! You will find all the links for their fun tables at the bottom of this post.
I’m glad you came to the “Fo(u)r the Love of Treats” party on the patio, under the pergola, and with a view of the Sunshine Cottage decorated for Autumn!
We are happy and proud to be the grandparents of four precious grands…girls ages 9 & 6, and boys ages 4, & 8 months! Having no less than four treats is a must any time of the year. Our little guy may not get to enjoy his treats just yet, but it won’t be long, he’s really growing. Because they live only a short golf cart ride down the hill from us, we are blessed to see them several times a week. The first thing our four year old grandson says when he arrives is , ‘I am thirsty’!
My table began with a centerpiece of wild narrow-leaf sunflowers, which soon had to be removed because of gusty winds.
The three oldest grands always expect a treat! Isn’t that what grandparents do? It is the parent’s responsibility to be sure they eat healthy, and we make sure they have treats! Have you tried the Reese’s Oreo miniature cups? They are a delicious treat of milk chocolate and white crème peanut butter cups with Oreo cookie crumbs. I am sorry to admit that RM and I ate all of them, they were a small package! Mellowcreme pumpkins on top are for decoration and a bigger sugar rush! Did you notice that a crow flew in to try and sneak a treat? He was quickly swatted away. Candy corn is a staple as soon as it is available. I love it as much as the children and their Mother do. I find that either you love candy corn or you strongly dislike it! What about you?
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies are topped with Mellowcreme autumn leaves in flavors of caramel apple, pumpkin spice, sweet maple, salted butterscotch, and spiced cider. These are also habit forming! Our patio looks out onto the garden where it is mostly brown and green now! Our son’s childhood John Deere tractor and trailer are loaded with a few pumpkins. My dear husband who could never part with our son’s toys brings them out for our grands to enjoy! They have been entertained for hours with their Daddy’s old toys!
Three years ago I found a set of four ‘critter plates’ at Hobby Lobby that was ideal for my fun child-friendly approach to Halloween! The critters came dressed for the party. Miss Fox is wearing stylish glasses adorned with autumn leaves. Long-time readers know that we live in the country on 22 acres. We have access and enjoy 250 undeveloped acres that include river-frontage that join our property. With this untamed forest, there are lots of animals that visit us daily. Sunday night we were enjoying being outside with our small group and the adults and children were entertained by the deer in the pasture. Our friends were surprised that we see them so frequently. Not only deer, but turkeys, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, rabbits, chipmunks, foxes, and unwelcome intruders like skunks, coyotes, and armadillos!
The critter salad plates were placed on pumpkin-colored dinner plates. I don’t have a lot of Halloween specific decor to choose from. Black and white checked chargers rest on slightly larger braided placemats. When I think of the Halloweens of my childhood, I always think orange and black. These days there are many options, but I continue the tradition.
Vintage hobnail glasses are serving healthy apple juice. WL and his Daddy came by just as I had finished taking the photos, and of course he was thirsty. The party was able to serve up a requested treat…apple juice was what he asked for!
Miss Owl is rather fetching in her brightly colored maple leaves!
It seems that the crows were interested in the table, hoping for a snack! One was quite brave, landing next to a plate!
The centerpiece changed three times because of the gusty wind. A large pumpkin filled in for the flowers that would have toppled!
Miss Raccoon seems to be smiling, maybe her sunflower makes her happy!
An old pumpkin finial made an appearance as the third centerpiece. It was a case of musical chairs with the centerpieces! Chex-mix with M&M’s and candy corn is the perfect sweet and salty treat! You may notice small packets lying on the table. These contain candy corn and each has a Bible verse printed on the packet.
Four year-old WL was taking in all the stuff on the patio on his short visit with his Daddy. He looked at the pillow and said, “PJ that is scarwey”! That was all I needed to hear to put it away!
I discovered the Candy Corn Crunch Popcorn at Walmart last year and fortunately it returned, because it was a hit with the grands! A spider web cloth topped an orange one, it was WL approved. Twig flatware seemed an appropriate choice.
I have many fond childhood memories of growing up in our neighborhood. All of the parents were close in age and there were a total of 19 kids that were near enough in age to play together. The house across the street had a large vacant lot and it was where we gathered. The games of summer included Mother May I, Hide-and-Seek, 1, 2, 3 Red Light, Red Rover, Red Rover etc., and Halloween was a special neighborhood event. There were no expensive costumes, but only fun masks. The parents made sure we had wonderful home-made treats such as candied apples and caramel popcorn. There were no worries about those treats being harmful, they had been prepared by child-loving parents. It was a carefree childhood in the late 50’s and 60’s! I think I just gave away my age. What are your memories?
The spiny hedgehog is not native to North America, at least I don’t have to worry about visits from this critter. She is wearing a red and green leaf tiara with berries!
As the afternoon progressed, the wind became still and the wildflowers made one more appearance.
Be sure to visit each of the talented ladies for fun, creativity, and inspiration!
Panoply – Spellbound Halloween Tablescape
Home is Where the Boat Is – Stay for a Spell
Everyday Living – Fo(u)r the Love of Treats
Hyacinths for the Soul – “Caw, Caw” ~ Spread Your Wings for Halloween
Me and My Captain – Harvest Moon? We Have A Ghost Of A Chance To See It Tonight!
Life and Linda – Haunted Manor of Dark Secrets
The LIttle Yellow Corner Store – A Witch’s Brew Tablescape
My Thrift Store Addiction – Frightfully FAN-tastic Wine and Cheese Buffet
The Cat’s Whizkerz – We’re All Batty Here
Red Cottage Chronicles – Spooky Halloween with Cheesecloth Ghosts
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – A Little Bit of Ghoulish Glamour
Olla-Podrida – A Hauntingly Charming Halloween Tablescape for Two
The Bookish Dilettante – Happy Pinktober Tablescape
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a treat-filled week!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Adorable Pam! I remember those cute critter plates, perfect for your four grands and keeping the ‘Happy’ in Halloween. I fondly remember those Halloweens growing up when we made our costumes out of sheets, cardboard boxes, or by raiding our parent’s closet! So many delicious treats and cute details at your table from the pumpkin head finial, flowers and candy filled jars and cute gnome serving tray. I’ll have to look for Reese’s Oreo miniature cups! Thanks so much for the Halloween fun this morning. It’s always a treat to have a seat at your table. 🍽️🧹🎃🧡
I remember those kids games which also included statue maker and Chinese tangle. Those were great years for kids to grow up, basically no worries and fears amounted to “what if our house catches fire and we have to tie sheets together to climb out our second story bedroom? “
Thank you Marilyn! It was a great time to grow up!
Halloween was such fun as a kid — easy costumes (well, maybe not so easy for mom who had to do them!), lots of candy and fun! You have that spirit right here, Pam, with such a fun table! I chuckled at the centerpiece dilemma. That’s happened more than once to me, but the pumpkins and delightful snack vases were a wonderful and clever diversion from your original sunflower plan. And those plates are the cutest ever! I can only imagine the little ones were delighted (once that “scawey” pillow was removed! It’s fantastic!
Thank you, Jeanie. Yes Halloween should be fun with lots of candy!
A very fun and HAPPY Halloween table, Pam! The critter plates are perfect for the grands, as are all the treats (PJ and Da are tricksters, eating all the oreo peanut butter cups!, and where did you find candy corn with bible verses?). It’s funny how the crows can deliver both a creepy and less scary, more realistic vibe to Halloween, yet the pillow is what WJ thought was scarwey! I guess that also has to do with those of us of a certain age (brings to mind Tippy Hedron in The Birds). Our neighborhood and Halloweens were also the stuff childhood dreams were made of, but I won’t even drive through my old neighborhood now! My brother still goes to the church in our old neighborhood, but it’s really in an area that has become quite sketchy.
I love all the centerpieces, but I think the sunflowers were my favorite.And yes, I am in the camp of liking candy corn, especially mixed with peanuts!
Pam, thank you for participating in the Halloween hop. I love seeing your al fresco tables with views of the garden too!
I love the outdoor setting and those woodland plates. I also love all of the colors and that popcorn in particular. I’m going to have to find out where to get some of that. Nicely done.
Your grands eyes must have been popping when they saw this table Pam! So many delightful treats, adorable animal plates, and bright colors all overlooking the beautiful garden and pumpkins beyond. I know you all will have a lot of Halloween fun this month!
Thank you Jenna! The grands love it, especially the treats!
Your critter plates are adorable, perfect for your grands!
Yes, Halloween was a fun and wholesome time when I was a kid too. We never worried about homemade treats, and popcorn balls were always a hit. We did costumes, but all homemade not store bought, other than accessories like a tiara for a princess. We put together things from our closets, or grannies closet. An old green sweatsuit became an elf costume with some red ribbon bows. It was all about creativity and fun.
Thank you Carole! Halloween was definitely a wholesome time during my childhood!
I know the grands had a wonderful time choosing treats from the table. They all look delicious! Your critter plates are adorable! This is the type Halloween celebration every child enjoys as well as the adults! The table is reminiscent of fun times. I like seeing orange and black for Halloween. Your gnome platter is so cute! Maybe next year WL will enjoy the Halloween pillow as it is just perfect for the occasion. I can understand though that a 4 year old would find it scary. That just makes WL more precious ,because he has a sweet personality, and doesn’t want anyone to be scared. He and all the children are just so thoughtful and caring. Enjoy your day. We’re getting much needed rain! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara! WL has a darling personality, he does not meet a stranger. Both of our girls are shy! Send some rain our way, we need it❤️
How adorable Pam. Your grands are in for a treat! Lots of goodies and those darling critter plates. The orange and black is so traditional and definitely makes a statement. Your gardens are a perfect backdrop for this very cute table. Yes Halloween was fun when I was a child. We played all of those games too. Always a pleasure joining you on these fun blog hops.
Pam, all the comments share how I feel~ and I love reading Halloween memories! What a fun and delightful table scape (I’ll visit the others too!)!
I love all the details and sweetness (not scaaawry…aww). I’ll admit my sweet tooth is craving some of those treats! Pam, where did you get the little packages with memory verses? How pre ious!
Those critter plates! Oh my!
I love you dearly, Pam! Have a sweet and blessed week!🍁🍂💚🙏 🎃
Thank you Karla. It is hard for me to resist candy corn! The candy corn packets with scripture came from a grocery named Food City, maybe only in the Southeast! Love and hugs🧡🙏🏻💛
You’re welcome, Pam! I’m going to put candy corn in my trail mix! What a great idea! I’ll check for those packets, too. I love you! ❤️🙏🏻💚🤗
Count me in on the candy corn Pam…I have a couple bowls full of party mix AND candy corn that I cannot resist as I walk by. Ugh! But I don’t care. LOL. And yes, those days of yore were the best weren’t they? I remember everyone of those games although Red Rover sometimes left me with a sore belly. LOL. I remember trick or treating with home made costumes…some of us had great imaginations, but then we had to return all items to their rightful owners which was just a fun. I love how your table looks out at both the Sunshine Cottage and your beautiful gardens. What a glorious view you have. Your table is adorable with all those sweet treats which I would be eating if I were seated at your table. They all look so good. I like all the centerpieces…each has it’s own unique quality. I agree with WL on scary items. The black and orange accents are typical Halloween for me…Remember when we made the crepe paper chains of black and orange in school and got to bring them home? Your animal plates are so cute and the crows give the right vibe on the web tablecloth. Always fun reminiscing …guess it is our age? LOL. Blessings Always🍁🐿️🎃🌻🧹🍽️👻🌛🤗
Oh Pam love it all. The animal plates are just adorable. I love that you used wild flowers in your table decor. The treats are amazing and the view spectacular. Wonderful and so pretty.
Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. I must stop eating the treats 😉
Such darling little creatures at your table, Pam! It’s always a pleasure to see your lovely garden and beautifully styled table setting. Adorable! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Love everything! Your table is an inspiration and your treats are amazing! I will look for those cute Reeces and pumpkins to place on top! Such a charming place for you all to celebrate, thank you for having us over too. 🍂🧡🍂
As always, your comments are heartwarming! Happy Autumn, Sue!
I just want to spend a day in your backyard!!! It is so beautiful!! My grandson’s would love your table as much as I do – as they are both animal and treat lovers as well – perfectly set for both with the adorable animal plates and all the delectable treats!! I do have to pass on the candy corn though – not a fan – I love the looks of it and it brings back many fond memories – but I would rather decorate with it than eat it. Your childhood memories sound very similar to mine and Trick or Treat was such a huge event in our neighborhood. How special that your grands are so close to visit often!! I am loving that I am living near mine now and get to experience their school programs and sporting events with them. They are a blessing. Enjoy your Halloween, keep supplying them with lots of treats like a good grandma does!!🧡🎃🐈⬛
Your table may never recover from the many treats. I don’t care for candy corn but has a child anything with sugar met with my wide eyed love of the sweets. That said everything else on your table has me craving goodies. It says trick or treat out loud so maybe there will be some left over for October 31st. At my house I’d have to hide them. Your grands surely know about this table right? Love those grands❣️
Thank you Alice! I think I will have to buy more goodies! Butch and I both love sweets. The grands were here last night for dinner and everyone enjoyed the goodies! I also made a peach and blueberry cobbler that was a big hit❤️
Yum!
Oh Pam, what a fun, treat-filled table!! That’s my kinda party. I am a candy corn lover and especially mixed with peanuts..mmmm! Your plates are so cute and my favorite one is the owl. I do love those long stemmed wildflowers. I know your grands love coming to your house!
Oh and yes, our Halloweens were so much fun, with almost parades of kids, and going into homes for homemade treats. Weren’t we lucky to grow up in the 50’s and 60’s?!
Thank you, Kitty! Our growing up years were the best!!
What a cute table with all the treats! I know the grands were so happy with the decor AND treats. I like your plate stacks featuring the darling plates with critters sporting fall flowers. Every little detail is pretty! Happy Halloween!
Pam, how lucky those four littles are to be so close to you and Butch. They must delight every time the venture over. I fondly remember my own childhood Halloween times, walking the streets of the small town in which I lived. Everyone knew everyone, and many greeted us by name. They were our neighbors, our teachers, our parent’s friends, and our friend’s parents and grandparents. Scary was never part of my childhood Halloween. Still isn’t here! I’ve plenty of Halloween things. Should I pack a box and send it to the Sunshine Cottage? Ha! Ha!
Seriously, I think my precious niece secretly cringes at the thought of what I’ll leave behind. That said, I’m currently stitching a few Halloween pieces. Wish you would pull your stitching out and share it with us.
Darling critter plates. They must bring giggles around the table. I’ll look for those tasty treats. A friend recently had peanuts and candy corn as a snack at the stitch retreat we had a few weekends ago. I’ve long been addicted to candy corn, so this is a welcome idea of how to cut back on the sugar. Guess the salty peanuts aren’t all that healthy either. Oh, well!
Happy Halloween, Pam. Love your wonderful setting!
Pam, your alfresco table is just delightful! I love the child friendly approach you took, and I’m sure the grands were tickled pink with it all. The plate stack is so pretty and those salads are adorable – they remind me of a collection that Pier 1 had many years ago. Love the placemats too. The treats look sooo tempting and this is definitely a table fo(u)r the love of treats. The wildflowers and pot of mums are beautiful especially with the garden and Sunshine Cottage in the distance. Our Halloweens were so fun as children and we would be hyper excited weeks in advance just thinking of all the sweet candy; it was such a great time to be a kid. Thanks for the memories. Happy October and happy upcoming Halloween!
Oh Pam! I love all the fun at your Halloween table. So happy!
I am glad your flowers made a visit back to the table but your treats centerpieces were perfect!
Your Grands must love coming to your parties! The treats are outstanding!
I loved your table! 😊
Thank you Nancy. I am so happy you came by for a visit!
Pam, your tablescape is ‘un-boo-lievably’ good! It has me spellbound. And I want to enjoy several of those yummy, sweet treats!
Thank you Mary! The treats are the best part!
Hi Pam, How cute! I loved hearing your story of where you live and how you share your area with so much wildlife. I have them too. In fact, our turkey family takes a stroll every day and papa decides to peck on our basement windows. It vibrates throughout the house. I took a video in case he decides to break the window and we have an insurance claim. But it is always wonderfully entertaining to have all of these critters. Your critter plates are the perfect selection Your treats started a craving Yum Happy Halloween with the grandchildren
This is my kind of Halloween table if I had to decorate. I’m with WL, that pillow is scarwey! You’re a Great PJ
Thank you, Nancy! I am not big into Halloween at all.
Pam, you have this sweet tooth swooning over here! Your table is adorable with just the right amount of Halloween fun for your grands. I love the three centrepiece ideas, all looked right at home! Happy Halloween!
You have such a gift of creating such beauty! It’s hard to believe we are already in October again, but here we are. Such a wonderful time of the year!
Thank you, Cheryl! October is my favorite month🧡