Happy October dear friends. It is my favorite month and I delight in the beauty that October brings. As always, I am thrilled that you are joining me.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 ESV
I was hopeful I could set a table in the garden for the October edition of Monday Morning Blooms. The weather cooperated during the morning hours with partly cloudy skies. With rain predicted for the afternoon, I decided to take advantage of the earlier light and cooler temperatures. We did receive a small amount of much needed rain later in the day!
This Monday Morning Blooms is especially close to our hearts as we honor our dear friend Mary, who passed away September 27th. Mary brought so much of her own sweet personality and creativity to every Monday Morning Blooms post. Her flowers, her beautiful tables, and the warmth she shared with all of us gave us something lovely to look forward to each month. We miss her dearly and are so grateful we were able to share so many years of friendship with her.
I set the table the week before we left for our trip to Jackson Hole. Autumn weather has yet to come to our Appalachian Foothills, but it will! The charming pumpkin pitcher was a gift from my RM just because! He foraged the woodlands for beggar-ticks (the small yellow flowers) and goldenrods. From our garden we cut nandina, zinnias, autumn fire sedum, dried hydrangea blooms, and chaste tree blooms for an autumn arrangement. We will miss Mary’s easy to understand DIY’s for her gorgeous flower arrangements.
With breaks in the clouds, the sun cast a magical light across the table!
We were able to find a few pumpkins to stack and to give our garden that autumnal look even though the temps were near 100 degrees. After all, how can we celebrate fall without pumpkins?!
“In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October, no days so calm, so tenderly solemn, and with such a reverent meekness in the air.”
~ Alexander Smith
You often see this stemware appear on one of my tables. I call it my jewel stemware because its colors remind me of peridot, amethyst, and citrine! Yes, I sometimes have a vivid imagination!
I found this pumpkin tablecloth many years ago and I don’t have a clue where it was purchased. If I had to guess, I would say TJ Maxx.
Pumpkin napkin rings hold sage-colored napkins. The fall season is ideal for copper flatware.
The pumpkin-colored dinner plates frame Williams Sonoma ‘Harvest Pumpkin’ salad plates. This collection was only produced for one year in 2018. Each plate features a detailed still life of heirloom pumpkins, autumn fruits, and nuts against a dramatic and glossy black porcelain background with a gold rim.
Before we left for our trip, I was only able to accomplish a little fall decorating on the Sunshine Cottage Porch. I will be in full autumn decorating mode this week!
“October is the opal month of the year. It is the month of glory, of ripeness. It is the picture month.”
~ Henry Ward Beecher
If you look closely you can see sunflowers and zinnias in the background of the maple tree. Butch planted seeds in a small part of the raised bed behind the garden. He watered them a few times and we were pleasantly surprised when we began seeing zinnia and sunflower blooms. With little rain and temps hitting triple digits, we didn’t expect to enjoy a single bloom. Late planted marigolds are also blooming now!
“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”
~ Sarah Addison Allen
I invite you to join Lidy as she celebrates October the French way!
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Not to end on a sad note, but I am heartbroken that my dear friend Mary has passed away. Monday Morning Blooms began in March of 2018 as Floral Friday, and later that year, at Mary’s suggestion, it was renamed Monday Morning Blooms. I have been looking back over Mary’s floral arrangements and her talent and creativity are beyond amazing. I will miss her breathtaking florals and her stunning tablescapes. Most of all, I will miss her friendship.
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful week!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Happy October, my friend! I know this is your favorite month. Sweet Mary will be deeply missed. She was such an inspiration and talent. I always cherished the times when I was invited to be a guest on Monday Morning Blooms and Tea on Tuesday. Your floral arrangement and tablescape is a beautiful tribute to your dear friend. The pitcher is so pretty and compliments the stunning array of flowers perfectly. I always love seeing those WS pumpkin plates when you bring them out each autumn. The heirloom pumpkins against the dark background is so striking. I can’t wait to see more of your fall decor. Sweet friend, have a blessed day and enjoy these wonderful October days!
Thank you Shannon for your sweet comments. We always enjoyed you being our guest. I know you love fall also. Enjoy, these beautiful days!
Dear Pam, I’m crying tears in remembering our dear friend. Your scripture verse at the beginning was so appropriate, and your beautiful pumpkin filled vase is so pretty. How I love your stunning plates on that pumpkin enhanced tablecloth. I smiled at the description of your beautiful stemware. The ending of your post was so lovely in honoring Mary and her beautiful arrangements and how Monday Morning Blooms was evolved. Mary’s love spreads through all of us that knew her.
Kitty, I still have trouble believing it. Thank you for your lovely comments dear one. It was a hard post to write as you know with your beautiful post today! Take care!
What a beautiful October table, love the pumpkin vase full of autumn glory. Such pretty plates, too!
Thanks so much, Carole!
Oh Pam…we do miss Mary and her talented inspiration…I am so glad you mentioned the background for Monday Morning Blooms…but in spite of our sadness, life goes on and so must we. She will always be thought of each time there is a blog hop and of course Monday Mornings….as well as all the other times she shared her recipes and her tips for gardening and floral arrangements. She may be gone but certainly not forgotten. Thank you and our sweet Lidy for carrying on Monday Morning Blooms, I believe Mary would have liked that.
As for your October table…it is so you…and I love it. This is ‘your’ month and you always have such inspiration introducing the wonders and colors of Autumn. The quotes are warming to the heart as you show us glimpses of your October garden and of course the Sunshine Cottage. The pumpkins in the background (I know) are only the beginning. I adore the pumpkin pitcher with the lovely arrangement of flowers. Your description of ‘jewel’ stemware is perfect. And what’s not to love about the stunning black WS pumpkin plates? I also know you decorate for your grands, so I’m waiting to see what you and Butch have in store for us this year.
Hugs and Blessings my dear sweet friend.🥰🙏🏻
Thank you, Kari for your sweet and encouraging words. Yes, October is my month, it is my favorite. My sweet Daddy would have been 96 tomorrow. Last year we had a small party at our house. He loved pizza so that was our menu plus a peach cobbler, his favorite. Butch and I worked around the cottage and I worked inside getting it decorated for the grands. More work to do tomorrow. I will miss being in the blog hop tomorrow, but with our vacation it was more than I could do.
Pam, as always your table and flowers shine. The colors and autumn tones are perfection, I love the flowers in your pumpkin pitcher, set on that tablecloth with all autumnal colors. And how fortunate to have chose stunning pumpkin plates, I especially love the black back ground.
Like you, I am heartbroken about the passing of our dear friend Mary, she will always be in our hearts. Xo Lidy
Thank you, Lidy for your sweet comments. Yes, Mary will always be in our hearts❤️
Beautiful October table. We will all miss sweet Mary. Her kind soul and beautiful heart along with her creative talents. Heaven has some beautiful blooms going on in heaven. Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. Mary will be greatly missed in our blogging community.
Pam, your table is so beautiful and so bittersweet that this post also honors the memories of dear Mary. I have such fond memories of doing this “blooms party” with all of you. Mary was the sweetest soul. I remember her naming a wreath that hung in her beloved Potting Shed after me! She then sent me the “Shirley seed packets” She was always thinking of and doing kind deeds as you know! Still heartbroken and will treasure the memories of her.
Thanks so much, Shirley. You had a lovely idea starting our blooms party. Mary was always sending surprises to me. She would email me and tell me to expect something in the mail. She will live on in our hearts.
Pam, your October table is beautiful! I love the tablecloth and pumpkin pitcher filled with colorful flowers. Your pumpkin plates are gorgeous with the black background. They pair perfectly with your pretty fall glassware. This had to be a difficult day for you because of Mary’s passing. I still am having a hard time processing this myself as a follower of her blog. Mary was a great friend to the blogging community and her followers. She had a gracious heart, kind spirit and wonderful sense of humor. She was so very talented and taught us all so much! We are blessed to have you carrying on the MMB tradition with Lily. Even though it is still a bit too warm for October, I’m in the Fall spirit and gathering up all things fall for decorating. I do believe we’ll be able to picnic into November! It’s going to be one of those years! Hope you have a wonderful week! Clara❤️
Thank you so much, Clara for your sweet comments. I know you followed Mary’s blog faithfully. I would always see your sweet comments. I am so glad you found me through Mary’s amazing blog ❤️
I adore your tablescape since I love fall here in NE Ohio. Of course, I have a pumpkin/gourd addiction. I can’t go anywhere with friends where the first thing I say “Do Not let me buy Another Pumpkin”!!! But, of course, my resistance is low! I adore your plates, in fact, I woujd kill for those! I’m also a huge zinnia fan and must plant every year so I admire your centerpiece. I’m so sad over losing our dear friend, Mary. I can’t even remember how long I have followed her blog. It seems forever and a day. RIP Mary. My prayers for her family. God bless and keep you and yours well.
Cookie, thank you so much for your sweet comments. I may have the same addiction. Yes, we hold Mary’s family in our prayers! She was a dear friend. God bless you and yours!
Good morning, sweet friend. I love your October Table. Your centerpiece in that pumpkin vase is filled with fall loveliness.
I know this was a hard Monday Morning Blooms, for you and Lidy. Mary was such an inspiration and such a dear friend. So many will miss her. We pray for her husband, family, and friends. And let’s not forget her pups. They miss her so much, too.
Hugs to you, dear friend. And may your new week be filled with many Blessings.
Thank you, Nancy. Yes, it was so hard without Mary. She was a sweet and multi-talented friend! Yes, praying for her husband and all her family and friends! Thank you for the hugs!
I love October, its winter I do not like. I will miss Mary, I followed her a very long time, the puppies were so sweet and I was so happy when she added them after losing her others. Thankful to the internet she will always remain.
Thank you, Nonie. Mary had thousands of followers and her talent and creativity were amazing!
Pam, I love your October tables. What a beautiful tablescape and a wonderful tribute to Mary. I am still processing her death, since she was still blogging in August. Prayers for her husband and family and prayers for you as well. We will miss her. Thank you for continuing Monday Morning Blooms.
Thank you Darlene. Mary was a special blogging friend!The blogging community will miss her and all of her gorgeous posts. I hope you all are doing well.
Pumpkins for one and all! Your table is beautiful and fresh for the new cooler weather!
Thanks so much, Leslie Anne!
I’m sorry about your friend, but memories are so precious to us. I love October too, but it’s the birthday and getting older that i’m not too crazy about, seems like I’m getting more tired than I use to but, glad I’m healthy and may even make it to 80, just two more yrs.ha! Loved your table setting and the pretty settings and flowers, thanks.
Thank you Marlene. When is your October birthday? I also have a birthday this month. Wishing you birthday blessings this month. I guess tiredness is a part of aging, but health is a wonderful blessing!
Pam Your post is so enjoyable and lovely. Here in New York the weather has been in the low 7os and high 60s. The trees are just starting to color.
You have a beautiful tribute to MAry who we all are missing.
Enjoy the glory and beauty of the Autumn season.
Happy October
Marilyn and Marion
Sounds like your New York weather is perfect. We will all miss Mary and her gorgeous blog posts. Thank you Marion and Marilyn! Happy Autumn!
Thank you sweet Pam for such a beautiful and thoughtful post today. The scripture you’ve chosen is always a comfort. Your flowers are so charming and tablesetting so stunning. Sending you hugs today…
Thank you Sue, and a special thank you for sending hugs!
Love everything on your table. Your flower arrangements should be in a coffee table book.
You have a gift for putting many different types of flowers and colors together then set a table that does along with the mix perfectly. Pumpkins are everywhere here and the mornings are cool but today summer is hanging in With a high of 88 today. You and Mary were close friends and I know it was a shock to learn she had passed. I pray her husband and friends will find peace in knowing she is no longer sick. She also was a many talented lady. Your Wyoming pictures brought back memories of our visit. Moose are extraordinary, looking animals. I learned not to get close and never get near her baby. Enjoy October even if it is still hot.
Thank you Alice for your sweet comments! I definitely am missing and will miss Mary. Her talents were beyond amazing. Yes, you are correct never get close to a moose or any wild animal especially with babies. They are highly protective. Surely we will feel and see autumn soon! Take care, my friend!
This is such a gorgeous table, Pam. I love every element but the flowers! Wow! Sweet RM and then all these extras. I love the pumpkin vessel too. Fantastic.
I never visited Mary’s blog but I’ve seen others mention her passing. It sounds like you were better than just blog friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jeanie, thanks so much for your sweet comments. Mary and I had been blogging friends for many years. I will miss her.
Pam, I was so shocked last week when I read of Mary’s passing. She was so talented and always inspirational. If I remember correctly, I found you from reading Mary’s blog first. I am so sorry you have lost a dear friend.
The morning light on your autumn table sure makes it look cool even though the thermometer says otherwise. I have always admired the way you forage around your property and come up with an absolutely stunning arrangement!
Roxanne, I think Mary sent lots of readers my way! I will definitely miss her.
Thank you for your sweet comments. As you know autumn is my favorite season.
Pam, a beautiful table and floral arrangement. It has a bittersweet edge all the while, given Mary’s sudden passing, and the love of the fall season you both shared. There is an incredible void that can never be filled where Mary once occupied in the blogging community, and on so many levels. i know she inspired you and made you a better blogger for it. We can each only hope for a similar touch of her magic when arranging tables, flowers or growing things in our gardens. As with the season of fall, I realize life has its seasons too. Thank you for acknowledging Mary in today’s MMB and carrying on with this beautiful series for this time being.
Rita, your comments are so sweet. Yes, Mary inspired me and encouraged me in so many ways. I photographed the table prior to her passing away, otherwise I could not have done it. She will always be in my heart. The void she left is huge and I hope her archives will be available for many years.
Pam, your fall table is beautiful and the flower arrangement in the gorgeous pumpkin pitcher is stunning. I love how you honored Mary today and I think she would be so pleased that you and Lidy have carried on with MMB. Her passing has left a hole in our hearts and in the blogging community in general, but I know that she will always be remembered. I have those WS salad plates too and I didn’t realize that they only brought them out for that one year. They look lovely paired with the pumpkin colored dinner plates, sage napkins, and that beautiful pumpkin table cloth. Kudos to you for setting this in 100 degree heat and you would never know it looking at the table. Happy October to you my friend, and I’ll miss you tomorrow.
Thank you, Kim for your sweet comments. I didn’t know you had the WS salad plates. I have often wondered why for only one year. Mary was multi-talented and everything she touched was magic. She will be greatly missed by her thousands of readers and our blogging community. She will always be in my heart when I prepare for Monday Morning Blooms and Tea on Tuesdays. She was a dear friend. I can’t imagine the Halloween blog hop tomorrow without her skellie couple Rod and Rowena. I just couldn’t get everything together to join. We have been on vacation in Jackson Hole, WY. Thank you, my friend!
Thanks so much, Kim. I did not remember that you had the WS pumpkin plates. I think it is strange that they were only offered for one year. We were on vacation in Jackson Hole and there just wasn’t enough time for me to put together a Halloween table. It won’t seem right without Mary’s skellies Rod and Rowena. She had so much fun with them and entertained all of us with their antics and her humor. She was so talented and creative. Everything she touched was magic. I will miss her as well as her thousands of readers and our blogging community. Thank you, my friend!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful fall inspiration today; each pumpkin and autumn detail is just lovely. My heart truly aches for the loss of Mary. It is clear she left a lasting mark on the community with many talents. Bringing beauty into the world, just as you’ve done today feels like such a meaningful way to honor a creative soul.
Your heartwarming comments are sweet and encouraging, Mary!
I’m so sorry you (and many others who loved her) have lost your dear friend, Mary. She certainly left a legacy of love, creativity, inspiration, and encouragement. / Pam, your tablescape certainly provides the atmosphere for autumn, even if the weather felt more summer-like. That gourd pitcher overflowing with fall blooms makes a striking centerpiece! LOVE it!
Thank you Nancy for your heartfelt message! Your sweet comments are encouraging.
So sorry for your loss. Years ago I too lost a very dear friend during this time. Her memory is still sweet, and I know we will have a happy reunion i Heaven. Your table is absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the sweet message and comments, Jocelyn!
Pam, I’m so sad to hear of Mary’s passing. My heart is broken for her family and friends. I’m sorry, precious friend, for your loss of a dear friend. Mary was such a sweetheart. My heart just dropped when I read this. I can’t imagine how deeply you feel that loss. How beautiful the memories and pictures of the adoring tablescapes and the Monday Morning Blooms legacy.
I’m sorry that I’m not here often–but you’re always in my heart and prayers.
Thank you for sharing such beauty and carrying her beautiful tradition of extending it to all of us.
Sending so much love and prayers, precious Pam. ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🍂🍁💕🫶🏻😭😭
Thank you my sweet friend. I am sad and heartbroken. It seems impossible for me to keep up with reading and commenting on blogs, I understand. You have to take care of yourself. Let’s talk soon!
Pam, thank you for honoring your friend Mary in today’s post. I was so saddened and shocked to read of her passing last week. I followed her blog for many years and loved her potting shed decor, Christmas tree decorations, and news of her pups and Lake Norman. I pray for her husband, family, and friends. It is still hard to process she is no longer here. Your fall table is beautiful.
Both of your comments posted.
Pam, thank for honoring Mary in your post. I was saddened and shocked to learn of her passing last week. I followed her blog for many years and was always inspired by her creativity. I pray for her husband, family, and friends during this difficult time. I know the pups must miss her terribly also. Your fall table is beautiful.
Mary was a long-time blogging friend. She was a talented and creative lady. I am heartbroken. and sad. Thank you, Rachel for your heart-warming comments!
So sorry for your earthly loss! Great tribute to your talented and Beloved friend… Beautiful tablescape as ever, you are an inspiration for me. God bless and comfort you all. Sorry for my English.
Maristella,I think your English is excellent! Thank you for your heartwarming comments, my sweet friend’
Pam, your table setting is a beautiful nod to autumn. I especially like the pumpkin container of flowers, but the WS plates are beautiful too! My condolences to you for the loss of your friend Mary. I’ve been a follower of hers for a couple years and that’s how I got on your page. I was devastated to hear of her passing, I was waiting for her posts and just thought she took a vacation. I did not know Mary but I sure felt she was my friend. She inspired me to do and make many things. I will miss her and her blog, my heart is broken and my thoughts are with her family and of course you.
Love your beautifully set fall table. It is so pretty no matter which direction you are looking at it from in your pretty garden. Your tribute to Mary is lovely, she will certainly be missed. I know that the dry summer has been hard on the garden and that you need rain but I hope that you don’t receive too much rain in the storm that may come your way.
Thank you, Karen. I am so happy you are back. Our weather could be severe here with high winds and possible tornadoes. We could be without power.
Pam, a beautiful table and your florals are so gorgeous. I have always admired your WS pumpkin plates with the black background. A lovely tribute to our wonderful Mary, who inspired us all. We shall all miss Mary for her special tablescapes, wonderful recipes, flower arranging and so much more. I am still in shock about Mary’s passing. Heaven has gained a special angel with so many talents. Mary will always be in our hearts and memories for every blog hop from now on. Blessings
Thank you, Linda! Mary was a special friend and she is missed!
Such glorious autumn photos!
The link party for TFT didn’t work last week, so I came over and found one of your lovely posts to feature.
Thank you for faithfully linking up over the years.
Happy fall!
Thank you, Amber and a special thank you for hosting all these years!