I am so excited to be bringing in a guest party feature post for all of you today! Please welcome Jenn, as she has some beautiful Thanksgiving al fresco settings that are full of inspiration!
Hi everyone! My name is Jenn and I write for Arcadian Lighting, a website and blog that profiles top lighting trends from across the globe. Every day I get to write about home decor and interior design, and one of my favourite things to read about are light fixtures - I love chandeliers, modern lighting, and more. I also love stumbling upon inspiring blogs like Cherry Blossoms - I've had it bookmarked forever and was so excited to find out I'd get to write a guest blog for Heidi. Thanks for having me - enjoy! The holidays are upon us once again, and there's no better place to give thanks than outdoor among the beauty of Mother Nature. With pretty seasonal decor and a few outdoor lights to set the mood, enjoying Thanksgiving al fresco, beneath the trees or stars, is a cozy and intimate way of sharing a meal with loved ones. Here are eight sensational Thanksgiving al fresco settings.A table dressed in beiges and browns is in keeping with the outdoors, while herb centrepieces provide both natural beauty and fresh seasonings to the meal.
Vibrant hanging ceiling lights illuminate this Thanksgiving alfresco dinner table, which also features a bevy of blooms and antique plates with a floral motif.
Give thanks for outdoor wicker that resembles indoor chairs, lanterns that cast a soft glow, and lavender that looks pretty and smells fragrant.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving alfresco dining is the playfulness that lighting can create, like this pergola with a string of round bulbs and an elegant hanging lantern - it's time to celebrate early evenings!
Alfresco table settings should draw on the natural beauty around them, like this Thanksgiving table, which is accented in lavender to match the surrounding blossoms.
Take advantage of the bounties of autumn by incorporating pumpkins, gourds, and other fall-friendly accoutrements. Add a touch of sophistication to the setting by placing such items on pretty cake stands.
What Thanksgiving alfresco setting would be complete without the picturesque foliage of autumn as the backdrop? No light fixture needed here - just the setting sun and a few pillar candles.
This table setting strays from the conventional orange pumpkins and instead opts for orange clementines and floral arrangements, which keep things fresh and still really beautiful. Autumn is one of the most gorgeous seasons, and what better way to enjoy it than dining outdoors? If you find these Thanksgiving tables inspiring, check out Arcadian Lighting's website for more design ideas and a wide selection of light fixtures to choose from to brighten your outdoor festivities this season! (Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 5 years since I ran my first half marathon. I still vividly remember making the decision to sign up. The longest race I had done at that point of my life was a leisurely 5k run so the jump from 3.1 miles to 13.1 miles seemed awfully daunting. But I was ready for a new goal and a new challenge, so I forged ahead (and talked a co-worker into doing it with me).
I’ve learned a lot in the last five years and am a much smarter runner than I was back in 2006. That said, I miss the wonder and amazement I felt after completing that first half marathon. I miss the excitement I felt at the starting line of my first half, back in June of 2006. So in addition to the list of advice that will follow, my biggest tip is to enjoy the experience and to appreciate what your body is able to do on race day. Instead of focusing on your time, focus on how far you have come since the first day you started your half marathon training program! And enjoy the race and finish with a big smile on your face!
Here some other tips…
1. Resist the urge to start too fast. There is a lot of nervous energy at the beginning of a race and it is easy to get caught up in what others are doing. You know your body and what it is capable – force yourself to maintain a pace that is sustainable for the whole race. It’s better to have excess energy at the end so you can pick up the pace in those final miles!
2. Hydrate! In the days leading up to the race, drink lots and lots of water. Avoid carbonated beverages. Don’t consume alcohol. Avoid anything that could cause you to feel dehydrated on race day!
3. Find your inspiration. Put together a fun playlist for your iPod or think of a mantra to repeat when you are feeling the pain of those miles. When I ran my marathons, I wrote down a family member or friend’s name next to each mile on the pace bracelet – and I then dedicated each mile to that person.
4. Your goal is to finish. When you are racing at a new distance, your goal should be to finish. As tempting as it is, do no compare yourself to others! This is not easy to do. Regardless of what the clock says when you finish - be proud of the fact that you finished!
I wish you the best of luck, my friend! I will be cheering for you from afar!
Thank you so much Lisa for sharing these tips!
If any one else has a running tip or a good song they enjoy running to please let me know!
