It was once again time for our annualPre Trick or Treat GatheringThis year marking our 15th year hostingthis neighborhood event.
I have come to really look forward to this simple partyas it is a lovely low key way to entertainand reconnect with neighbors old and new.
I have been doing this
front yard neighborhood event so long nowI had no trouble pulling it together after returning from Cancun days beforebecause
so much of the styling has been done before handand added to each year.Like the vintage baskets I use for lifts and levelsdown to the easy use of pumpkins and flowers!
My styling addition this year is a beautiful hand torn cotton buntingthat I finished this month.I simply took a wide jute ropeand tied and knotted hand ripped cotton strips all the way acrossmaking sure to have no space left in between to ensure a luxurious full effect.
I simply worked last year's bunting into the mixand a perfect backdrop for the table was made!
The whole backdrop began with hanging cotton panels across the garage door.Our house is a small tract homeso I have learned over the last twenty years herehow to make the very most of every square inchinside and out!
That is exactly how our annual front yard gathering began …I wanted to invite everyoneand
having a small space insideusing the driveway and front yardbecame the perfect place to host everyone that wanted to come!
I decided years agonever to let the size of my housedictate the size of my entertainingthere can always be enough room for everyoneno matter the size!
My little pumpkin seeding from the lovelyFrench Basketeerhad a place of honor on my table.I asked my husband before I left for Cancunif he would take care of it for meand
he did such a marvelous jobthe sweet thing bloomed just in time for the party!
It nestled in nicely with the simple tablescape.
Our neighborhood gathering is always a simple yet welcoming affair.
Fall breads and donuts are served along withapple ciderwinebeerand waters for those leaving after to go trick or treating.
The drinks station is set up on a vintage flea market cart.
I keep needed paper products organized in a straw basketsthat stores in my pantry as ismaking it convenient every year to pull out.
The front terrace was dressed in it's fall colorsand although they weren't captured in the photowe keep market lights upout front and in the courtyardsall year longso come the fall/winter season here in SoCalwe are always ready for impromptu parties
or simply sitting outside to enjoy the crisp cool season.
With the flip of a light switchthe courtyard can be perfectly lit with the market lightsthat we keep on dimmers so we can adjust the lighting for any occasion.
Now that are children are gone for the most partI have it on my listto share and gather in these spaces all the more.
To everything there is a season.I plan on welcoming this next one arms wide open.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
