Decorating Thanksgiving Tables

Gather your family and friends for a Thanksgiving feast this holiday season. Here are some great decorating table settings and centerpiece ideas to dress up your table from CountryLiving.com. Thanks Country Living for these beautiful photos and great useful tips on how to dress up and decorate our dining room tables for Thanksgiving. 

Photo Centerpiece
Photo Display: Before the holiday, invite your guests to send you copies of family photos that you can then spray-mount to card stock. To age contemporary color digital photos, print them in sepia.

Pear Placecard: At each place setting, set out a Bartlett pear. From cream-colored card stock or manila file folders, cut out strips and write guests' names in gold or brown ink. Affix each with a ball-head sewing pin.

Candle Tray: A collection of brass candlesticks in varying heights also provides visual interest. The placement of the photos, which are nestled in a tray of nuts, is varied, too. Keep the candles the same length.

 Exquisite Table Dishes:

Family china may steer the table's theme, but introducing a few simple, con-temporary pieces can create an entirely new look that is as personal as it is inviting.

Table: Favorite items like colorful linen napkins or a family heirloom can inspire the overall look. Employ a sideboard to keep plates and glassware handy for the second course and the dining table uncluttered. Serving a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast can be an exciting prospect, especially when the entertaining is fuss-free. All it takes is a little planning and recipes that are delicious and simple to prepare. You too can host an unforgettable Thanksgiving.

Dessert Table (Oh yes, we must all have a dessert table for our Thanksgiving feast). Just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without some homemade pumpkin pies. ;)

This holiday, expand your entertaining space and move part of the party out of the dining room.

Step 1: Rethink your surfaces. Clear a side table or desktop in another room to create a cocktail bar or dessert station.

Step 2: Vary the height and size of your serving pieces. Incorporate footed compotes, trifle bowls, cake stands, and stacks of dessert plates to add dimension and visual interest to your entertaining surface.

Step 3: Corral your ice bucket, glassware, and libations on a tray that can be easily removed when coffee and tea are served.

Step 4: Mix and match your favorite china and glassware collections at the dessert station. Don't worry about continuing the theme you create on your main table.

Child's Play (When weather permits create a great outdoor dining setting for kids to enjoy on Thanksgiving and if mother nature is not on your side, then move it indoors.)

We all fondly recall holidays spent at the kids' table, joking with cousins and passing vegetables to the dog when no one was looking. To create special memories for the next generation, forgo the boring card table in favor of a fun, kid-friendly setup. In good weather, set the table outdoors (within your sight, of course), and offer plenty of treats and activities to keep boredom and squabbles at bay.

SETTING THE KIDS' TABLE

Giving Tree: Have the kids write down what they're thankful for this year on stamped tags, then tie to branches of fall foliage. Vase: Villeroy & Boch.

Sweet Treats: Thanksgiving-themed chocolate turkeys and lollipops make winning favors for tots. Glasses: AOH Design. Chocolate: Bissinger's.

Fun for All: Fill gift bags with rubber stamps and pads, then lay parchment paper on the table so the kids can play. Table: Pottery Barn Kids.

Happy Thanksgiving from our home in Charlotte, NC to your home where ever it may be. 

How To Add Christmas Lights To Your Tree

As we prepare our homes and businesses in the Charlotte, NC and greater metro area for the holidays, we may find ourselves wondering. "I'm stumped when it comes to lighting my Christmas tree? There are many ways to add lights to your Christmas trees but check out these great tips from BHG.com.  Professionals will show you how to light your tree efficiently and beautifully for the Christmas holiday season.

• Consider using miniature clear (white) lights for your base lighting, then add strands of the new cool-burning large bulbs for color and variety. Or, add sets of novelty lights, such as flicker-flames, flashing lights, bubble lights, or other shapes.
• Buy lights with the same kind of plug, either stacked (like the white plugs above) or end to end (like the green plugs). Christmas tree lights are either stacked (like the white plugs in photo) or end to end, also called string to string (like the green plugs). Check the boxes of lights before you buy to make sure they're all compatible. 
• By using stacked plugs, you can join more strands than you can with end-to-end type plugs. Be sure to check the box for the manufacturer's recommendations, however. Usually you can string together three 100-light strands or six 50-light strands.
• For safety's sake, never plug more than two extension cords together. Instead, buy them in the lengths you need and make sure they can handle the wattage of the bulbs.Make sure the wattages of all the lights you use are the same; this prevents power surges and prolongs the life of the bulbs. 
• Plug in the lights before you remove them from the box so you can see if they work before you put them on the tree.Instead of wrapping the lights around the tree in a maypole style, mentally divide the tree into three triangular sections, from top to bottom, around the tree's cone.
• Plug in the first string of lights and nestle the last bulb on the string at the top of the tree next to the trunk. Weave the lights back and forth across the triangle, being careful not to cross the cord over itself. When you reach the end of the first string, plug in the next set and continue weaving the lights back and forth until you reach the bottom, connecting no more than 300 lights end to end. Repeat this procedure for the remaining triangles.
• Step back from the tree and look at it with your eyes crossed, or squint until the tree is blurry. Wherever you see dark holes on the tree, rearrange the lights as necessary to fill in. To remove the lights without tangling them, work in reverse.
• Artificial trees come in sections that open like an umbrella. If you use miniature lights, you can wrap them around the branches and leave them on permanently. Just be sure to light each section separately (that is, don't cross a section, or point of assembly, with a strand of lights).
• Use 50-light strands: the 100-light strands are two 50-light strands wired together, and the 50-light strands are easier to work with as you wrap the tree branches. In addition, the 50-light sets are less likely to burn out or have electrical problems. 

For Subdued Lighting:

Photo 1

• Use about 12 boxes of 50-light strands for a 6-foot tree and about 20 boxes for an 8-foot tree.
• Begin at the bottom of the tree close to the trunk. Allowing some slack or leader cord in the first strand of lights, separate the cord near the first bulb so it forms a loop. Slip the loop over one of the branchlets or greens near the trunk, and wrap the cord a few times around the green to secure it.

Photo 2

• Pull the string of lights taut to the tip of the branch, then work back toward the trunk, wrapping the cord over itself and the branch.
• Separate the cord again when you reach the trunk, and slip the cord over a branchlet to secure it. Carry the cord over to the next branch, wrap it around a green near the trunk, and pull it out to the tip. Wrap the cord over itself and the branch as before.
• Continue wrapping branches in this manner until you come to the end of the string. Plug in the next set, and keep going until you reach the point where the tree comes apart. Work any extra lights back along the branch rather than crossing the section. When you wrap the top section of the tree, don't wrap the lights around as many branches so the tree will look evenly lit from top to bottom.

For Moderate Lighting:

Photo 3

• Use 20 boxes of 50-light strands for a 6-foot tree and 30 boxes for an 8-foot tree. Follow the same procedure as for subdued lighting, but wrap the cord around some of the greens along the branch as you work back toward the trunk.

For Showcase Lighting:

• Use 40 boxes of 50-light strands for a 6-foot tree and 80 boxes for an 8-foot tree.
• Wrap the cord around every green as you work back along the branch.
• If you use floodlights to show off outdoor evergreens, use white, blue, or green lamps. Red, yellow, amber, and pink lamps will make the trees look a muddy brown.
• Don't try to hang strings of lights from the eaves with cup hooks -- in a strong wind, the wires may swing loose. Instead, use plastic gutter clips that hook onto the gutter and hold the wire tightly in place. Look for packages of gutter clips in crafts stores and hardware stores, near the tree lights and supplies.
• Be sure you have outdoor electrical sockets to plug into when you use outdoor lights.
• Don't worry about hiding the electrical cords -- just keep them organize neatly, and no one will notice them.

Thanks BHG.com for these great "How To Add Christmas Lights To Your Tree" this holiday season. 

Happy Holidays from our homes in Charlotte, NC to your homes. 

Tis The Season To Schedule Holiday-Christmas-Event Decorating

Tis the season to be thinking about holiday and  Christmas lighting and decorating in the Charlotte, NC and greater metro areas, including upper SC. Out goes the holiday of Halloween, in comes Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating. We love the holidays and our Holiday Decorating Professionals reflect our love for the holidays by adding warmth, style, creativity, and festive decorating in your homes or corporate holiday events. Let the experts of Innovative Holiday Decorating of Charlotte, NC take the hassle and stress from you this year by decorating your home, business, or special event this holiday season. 

Don't find yourself being wrapped up in holiday lights! 

That's what we are here for! We want you to enjoy your holidays with your family and friends creating a lifetime of wonderful memories. Plus, with us decorating for you, this gives you lot's of extra time to be shopping for those special Christmas presents, baking, and visiting others in our communities to spread some holiday cheer. 

Our team schedules holiday and Christmas installs from November 1st to December 20th! Our company will shop for decorations or lease decorations; we install, decorate, and take-down your holiday and Christmas decorations. We offer custom affordable holiday and Christmas decorating, event and seasonal decorating. 

Our holiday decorating services can create a simple or elaborate display whether it‘s for your home or a corporate business event function. It can be a stress reliever to enlist the services of a Holiday Christmas Lighting Interior/Exterior Decorator. We can add Christmas lights, create and decorate all kinds of Christmas Trees to; traditional trees, rustic trees, contemporary or modern trees and whimsical trees. Why? Because our Holiday Decorating Professionals utilizes our decorating skills and our creative minds by adding a new twist to your holiday decorations!

Call or email us today to schedule your free Holiday - Christmas - Event consultation and let us take the hassle out of your holidays! 

Tonia Mosteller
Professional Holiday-Event-Seasonal Decorator
Charlotte, NC and Greater Metro Area, including upper SC
704-651-8878
tonia.ihdecorating@gmail.com

How To Decorate For The Holidays With Christmas Wreaths And Garlands

Decorating Our Homes For The Holidays In Charlotte NC! 

As we prepare our homes for the holidays, many of our clients new and old ask us these important questions. How much Christmas Garland do I need? How do you measure for wreaths and garlands? Well, thanks to the great information provided by BallardStyle Studio.com and some helpful insights from Innovative Holiday Event Decorators of Charlotte NC, share below some great tips on how to measure for wreaths and garlands to dress up your home for the holidays.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

The size of wreath needed for your front entrance really depends on the look you want. For a bold and festive feel, go large! If you prefer a more reserved look, choose a smaller size.

For a standard 36 inch wide front door, add dramatic impact with a wreath 28 inches to 30 inches in diameter. On the other hand, a wreath 20 inches to 24 inches in diameter creates a classic, understated look.

For oversized doors, we recommend a 30 inch to 36 inch diameter wreath. This large size will carry the appropriate scale in relation to the front door.

Typically, the larger the wreath, the higher you should hang it on the door. Since large wreaths usually weigh more than small wreaths, be sure to use a sturdy metal hanger or a securely fastened nail rather than plastic hanging fixtures.

What to do with miniature wreaths? Use your imagination! Decorate door knobs, candleholders, bureau knobs, and other place you happen to notice needs a little sprucing up for the holidays.

If you don’t wish to put a nail in your door, there are alternatives – try an over the door hanger or the 3M Adhesive Hangers all of which are available at your local home improvement store or local craft store. It is a great way to hang a wreath without damaging the door.

CHRISTMAS GARLAND



Measuring an arched door for garland.

The trick is to make sure you have enough garland to accommodate the top arch. We have a simple solution for this.
HEIGHT – Measure from the ground to the top of the door, then double the number to account for both sides. Example: 10-ft. H door x 2 = 20 feet
WIDTH – Measure from the outside trim of the door across to the other side, then calculate one-and-a-half times the width to cover the arch. Example: 10-ft. W door x 1.5 = 15 feet
TOTAL – Add the HEIGHT measurement and the WIDTH measurement for the total amount of garland needed. Example: 20 feet (HEIGHT) + 15 feet (WIDTH) = 35 feet of garland

Add one foot to your total if you’d like the garland to puddle at the bottom.

Measuring a standard door or double doors for garland.

Simple math is all that’s required to be sure you have enough garland for your fron entrance. This solutions works for double doors as well. Just be sure to measure the width across both doors, including trim.
HEIGHT – Measure from the ground to the top of the door, then double the number to account for both sides. Example: 10-ft. H door x 2 = 20 feet
WIDTH – Measure from the outside trim of the door across to the other side. In our example, the door is 4 feet wide.
TOTAL – Add the HEIGHT measurement and the WIDTH measurement for the total amount of garland needed. Example: 20 feet (HEIGHT) + 4 feet (WIDTH) = 24 feet of garland

Add one foot to your total if you’d like the garland to puddle at the bottom.



Measuring a staircase banister or mantel to swag garland.

To swag garland down a staircase banister or across the mantel, use the same strategy as above. Measure the LENGTH of the banister or the WIDTH of the mantel, then calculate one-and-a-half times that dimension. Example: 6-ft. W mantel x 1.5 = 9 feet of garland. Many of you want to know whether garland should drape over the sides of the mantel or not? Well, there are no hard-fast rules when it comes to hanging garland. It is up to you. Whatever you want to do – go for it! Hang garland the way you like it.

Measuring a staircase banister or mantle to swag garland.

To swag garland down a staircase banister or across the mantel, use the same strategy as above. Measure the LENGTH of the banister or the WIDTH of the mantel, then calculate one-and-a-half times that dimension. Example: 6-ft. W mantel x 1.5 = 9 feet of garland

Measuring a staircase banister to wrap garland.
Measure the LENGTH of the staircase and the HEIGHT of the newel post from the handrail to the floor. Simply add the 2 dimensions and double that number. Example: 10-ft. L staircase + 3-ft. H newel post = 13 feet x 2 = 26 feet of garland

If all of this seems too complicated, use a ball of string, wrapping it as you would the garland. When you have the look you want, pull the string off and measure it with a tape measure. It can be that simple!

At Innovative Holiday-Lighting-Event Decorating in Charlotte, NC we like to share with our clients that,"It's important to choose the right garlands and wreaths that showcase the interior and exterior of your homes or business. The holidays are a special time of year, so make sure to add your personality into your holiday decor to create a warm and festive holiday display for your family and friends during the holiday and Christmas season. 

Thanks to the wonderful information provided by BallardStyleStudio.com, your windows, doors, and stairwells will be dressed up for the holidays this season! 

Happy Holidays from our home in Charlotte, NC to yours!

Charlotte NC Holiday - Event - Seasonal Decorators

Charlotte NC Holiday - Event - Seasonal Decorators

As fall moves in so do the holidays, and they are approaching us fast! Peggy Johnson of Redesign + More and Tonia Mosteller of Innovative Holiday-Event Decorating in Charlotte, NC are here to tell you to start planning for your holidays in North and South Carolina! Stores have been decorating for the holidays since July...yes, we said, JULY! This means, decorations are going to move fast too! If you are finding it difficult to plan for your holiday event, dress up your homes for the fall season and Thanksgiving holiday or need help adding some festive cheer to your home or business…then you need to meet the decorators of Charlotte, NC and schedule a free holiday/seasonal/event consultation this holiday season! 

Not only can these delightful ladies and their teams dress up your home or business on the interior, they can also add some sparkle with the exterior and outdoors by adding some Christmas lighting and holiday decor. Their companies provide residential and commercial services to all of Charlotte, NC and the metro area, including upper SC. 

Meet the holiday-event-seasonal decorators of North Carolina and Upper South Carolina. Now, keep in mind these ladies also do Real Estate Home Staging and Interior Room Redesign/Design. They are filled with passion about their work and it shows to the attention detail they give to homes and businesses throughout the holidays and all year long. 

Tonia Mosteller

Innovative Interiors & 

Holiday-Seasonal-Event Decorating

Charlotte, NC 

704-651-8878

Tonia writes: I love Christmas, it's been my favorite holiday since I was a very young girl. Creating memories with family and friends, it's priceless. Decorating homes and businesses for the holidays, events, and the seasons are a true passion of mine. I believe beautiful spaces can be achieved through creativity, even on a small budget. I am thankful for the gifts God has given me, because I can share them with others. Creating memories for a lifetime.

Peggy Johnson       

Redesign + More

Holiday-Event-Seasonal Decorating

Charlotte, NC 

704.880.7901                                   

Peggy writes: During the holiday season sharing your home with family and friends is a wonderful way to bring in the holiday season. Holiday, event, and seasonal decorating allows me to bring out my creative side. It allows me to create beautiful, festive homes and offices. I get very excited about the holiday season. Simple love decorating for the holidays and seasons! My philosophy is to give each of our clients a special experience during the holidays.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year and we all enjoy having our homes decorated for the Christmas holiday season. However we don’t always have the time or the energy that’s needed to create an inviting & festive atmosphere.

We can decorate using themes, keep it traditional, add in a little whimsical and incorporate your special holiday decorations. Services available to residential and commercial clients for interior and exterior holiday decorating - seasonal decorating - event decorating & Christmas outdoor lighting installations.

Our holiday - event - seasonal decorating services can create a simple or elaborate display whether it‘s for your home or a corporate business event function.

Our team of professionals will create a customized holiday decorating plan that will enhance the unique features of your home or business. We can use your existing holiday decorations or purchase new decorations. Schedule your free holiday or event decorating consultation today!

Let our team of Interior and Exterior Holiday Decorators take the hassle out of holiday decorating so you can relax and enjoy the holidays.

Holiday - Event - Seasonal Decorating Companies in Charlotte, NC.

• Home & Corporate Business Holiday Decorating Services

• Custom Holiday Decorating Plan

• Holiday Home Staging

• Decorated Wreaths

• Decorated Garlands / Swags

• Decorated Staircases

• Decorated Christmas Trees

• Fireplace Mantels

• Front Entrances

• Holiday Displays

• Holiday Centerpieces

• Holiday Shopping

• Holiday Gift Wrapping

• Holiday Event Decorating

• Outdoor Exterior Holiday Decorating  Christmas Lights

• Affordable Budget Holiday Decorating

• Holiday Photography Prop Decorating

Holiday - Event- Seasonal Interior and Exterior 

Residential and Commercial Decorators - Charlotte NC

Adding festive holiday decorations and outdoor Christmas 
lights to your home or office!

Happy Holidays from our homes to yours!

Top 10 Best Fall Places In NC To See Color!

TOP 10 BEST FALL PLACES!
TO SEE BEAUTIFUL COLORS IN NORTH CAROLINA!


Fall is here and it's one of our favorite seasons! Our fall foliage is gorgeous in the Western North Carolina mountains. Okay I may be a little bit biased but it's so true!!! NC is a beautiful state and we have so many great places to visit during this beautiful season. You can see fall color from Blowing Rock, Asheville, to Great Smoky Mountains, and beyond in North Carolina. You are sure to have a beautiful show of fall color this 2012. My family and I are planning our October weekend to the mountains, so I'm on the internet looking for "peak times" in NC on the places we love to visit. The pictures you see on this blog post are from last year but I'm sure the fall color will be just as glorious if not better this year!




My husband, and I coming back from Mount Mitchell in NC, and we witnessed some glorious fall color along the way!



Our favorite ride is along the Blue Ridge Parkway during the fall and capture the beauty of mother nature. Remembering how much fun we had last year camping in NC during the fall and stopping by our favorite places along the way. While searching on the Internet, I found this great article of "Top 10 best list of the places to see colorful mountain scenery." So guess where we will be this fall season?! Of course, one of our favorite places...Asheville, NC was listed in the top 10! Actually we've been to all of the top 10 listed on this article from Mark File, editor of RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide. Now, while you are in Asheville, NC you must stop by Sunny Point Cafe! Oh my gosh....it's the best organic place to eat and it was featured on GMA! My family and I make it a point to visit every time we are in Asheville! :)


Seasonal Fun and Fall Color Report 2012






Traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC is the best during the fall season!


Looking for the best places to see color this fall? Please read the article below of the "Top 10 list of the best places to see colorful mountain scenery" from Mark File, editor of Romantic Asheville.com Travel Guide.

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After a summer of generous rain and sun, fall foliage color this year should be brilliant in western North Carolina. And with a 5,000-foot elevation range near Asheville, the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains have one of the longest-running fall shows in the country. Peak color begins in early October in the highest elevations and ends in the lowest valleys by early November. According to RomanticAsheville.com Vacation Guide, these are the best places for fall views:

1. Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of top scenic drives in the USA. Stop at overlooks, picnic and hike. Best color is the last three weeks of October, varying with elevation. So if you don't immediately see color, keep driving!

2. See the first fall colors from Mt. Mitchell, highest peak in eastern America, with panoramic views from the observation deck.

3. Picnic while soaking in spectacular 360-degree views atop Craggy Pinnacle, accessed by a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.

4. Visit Graveyard Fields for some of the most brilliant color on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Relax by the waterfall or walk through the highland valley. Nearby, hike mountain balds at Black Balsam Knob for endless views.

5. Capture the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina, Linville Falls. Nearby, see stunning views of Linville Gorge from Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.

6. Watch elk graze in Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each fall, male elk make their legendary bugling calls.

7. Drive the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway in Pisgah National Forest and stop at Looking Glass Falls.

8. Hike in DuPont State Forest to see three waterfalls, or hike to Cedar Rock for mountain views.


9. Explore the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate by foot, bike, car, river raft, horse or Segway. See colorful fall gardens with thousands of mums.

10. Ride the elevator or hike to the famous Chimney Rock with 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure. Peak fall color here extends into early November.

For details on these and the weekly fall foliage report for western North Carolina, visit the 500-page free online travel guide atwww.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm.

Mark File
Editor
RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide
336-430-4245
mark@romanticasheville.com

This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information visit http://www.webwire.com.



Fun fall day at the Biltmore House Asheville, NC.

Thank you Mark, for helping us all discover the best places to visit in NC for fall color in 2012! Counting down the days....picnic in the great outdoors, my camera with extra batteries, and my family gathered in the jeep for some fun filled seasonal fall memories in NC!!!



This will be us again this year, traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC!
So I will post our pictures from our 2012 Fall -Seasonal trip later this month! ;)






Professional Holiday Decorating Services - Affordable Holiday Decorating - Commercial Holiday Decorating - Seasonal Christmas Decorating - Event Decorating Services - Charlotte NC - including South Charlotte - Weddington - Concord - Mt.Holly - Huntersville - Cornelius - Davidson - Belmont - Lake Norman Statesville- Mooresville - Hickory - Winston Salem North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Late Fall Scenic Drives in NC!

Here is the last post on viewing places in NC for fall color, thanks to Explore Asheville again for providing this wonderful information on "Late Fall Scenic Drives."  My husband and I have traveled to all of these places listed below in NC, and they are absolutely beautiful during the fall! So grab your car keys! Happy Fall and make some great memories!

LATE FALL SCENIC DRIVES in NC!

Chimney Rock Park

Chimney Rock Park, located in Hickory Nut Gorge, offers expansive views of the gorge and Lake Lure. The quickest way to Chimney Rock Park from Asheville is via I-26 East to US 64 East to the park.

Reems Creek Valley

Follow US Highway 19/23 north to the New Stock Road exit. Turn right at the light and left at the next light, onto US 25. Follow this highway less than one mile to Reems Creek Road and turn right. Drive five miles to Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, site of a working 1830s-era farm once owned by North Carolina's Civil War governor, Zebulon Vance. From Vance Birthplace, turn left and travel half a mile to Ox Creek Road, winding through the picturesque community to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn south on the Parkway. You may want to shop for mountain handicrafts at the Folk Art Center and drive a little further south to the North Carolina Arboretum before returning to Asheville.

Hickory Nut Gorge to Black Mountain

From Asheville follow I-26 South to US 64 East and into Hickory Nut Gorge. Continue on to Chimney Rock Park, the setting for the movie “Last of the Mohicans.” Take in the views of Lake Lure, where Patrick Swayze danced in the film “Dirty Dancing.” Head back to Bat Cave and pick up NC 9, a true mountain road with spectacular views of the cliffs around the Lake. Wind your way to Black Mountain and explore the many galleries and artisan boutiques that make this small town worth the stop. From Black Mountain, take US 70 through the Swannanoa Valley back to Asheville.

Kimberly Avenue/North Asheville

Located just north of downtown Asheville, Kimberly Avenue will be canopied by the orange tint of sugar maples. A drive offers views of the historic Grove Park Inn perched on the hill above the street. From downtown Asheville, take the Charlotte Street exit off I-240 and proceed north on Charlotte. Turn left onto Edwin Place and follow through the light as it turns into Kimberly Avenue. Follow Kimberly to Beaverdam Road. Turn right and drive through the scenic Beaverdam Valley before circling back to Asheville.

North Carolina Arboretum

Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum is nestled amidst one of the most beautiful natural settings in the US and is a great place to see Mother Nature's fall color finale. The Arboretum is located south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393, or take I-26, Exit 33 (formerly Exit 2) and proceed 2 miles south on Highway 191/Brevard Road.

Thanks www.exploreasheville.com for all of the great information and directions to get us from Charlotte, NC to the mountains! Article courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com.

Professional Holiday Decorating Services - Affordable Holiday Decorating - Commercial Holiday Decorating - Seasonal Christmas Decorating - Event Decorating Services - Charlotte NC - including South Charlotte - Weddington - Concord - Mt.Holly - Huntersville - Cornelius - Davidson - Belmont - Lake Norman Statesville- Mooresville - Hickory - Winston Salem North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Mid Fall Scenic Drives in NC!

As I mentioned on a former blog post from "Early-Fall Scenic Drives in NC, Explore Asheville.com" they continue to share helpful information from their website on places to visit mid fall in October. I'm so excited and can't wait to take tons of pictures! I better make sure to pack extra memory sticks! ;) Below is more information on mid fall scenic drives provided by Explore Asheville! Now, make your fall driving list and enjoy the beauty of mother nature this season and make some great fall memories!

MID FALL SCENIC DRIVES In NC!

In mid-fall, the fall color is moving to new elevations and there are many splendid scenic drives and day trips for soaking in the autumn beauty. Here are some suggested drives for mid-October.

Waterfall Country

From Asheville, head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and exit onto US 276, following it south. Along the way, stop by Sliding Rock, the Cradle of Forestry with its many interpretive exhibits and special programs, and Looking Glass Falls. The Looking Glass Rock trailhead (parking on the left), provides access to a 3.1 mile trail set amidst brilliant fall color. Continue on 276 to NC 280 north to NC 191 along the banks of the French Broad River past the Biltmore Square Mall and the Western North Carolina Farmers Market and on into Asheville.

Hot Springs

Take a trip to Hot Springs via NC 63 west through Leicester and to Trust, where NC 209 intersects with NC 63. Take NC 209 north to Hot Springs and return by following US 25/70 to Weaverville, and connect with I-26 which leads back to Asheville.

Maggie Valley and Cherokee

US 19 from Maggie Valley to Cherokee boasts several excellent leaf-viewing sites. To get there take US 19/23/74 west from Asheville. A return trip to Asheville via US 276 through the Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway offers many overlooks from which to enjoy the autumn panorama.

Happy Fall!!!




Professional Holiday Decorating Services - Affordable Holiday Decorating - Commercial Holiday Decorating - Seasonal Christmas Decorating - Event Decorating Services - Charlotte NC - including South Charlotte - Weddington - Concord - Mt.Holly - Huntersville - Cornelius - Davidson - Belmont - Lake Norman Statesville- Mooresville - Hickory - Winston Salem North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Early Fall Scenic Drives in NC!

EARLY FALL SCENIC DRIVES IN NC!

Cool and crisp days are here...gather your family or friends, pack a picnic and don't forget your camera! We are counting down the days...for our weekend to the NC mountains to see some glorious fall color in 2012!

Our last year trip to see beautiful fall color in the NC mountains!

Thanks to the great website of www.exploreasheville.com, here is a wonderful article with "Early Fall Scenic Drives" in NC! So I am making my list of the best places to visit this fall season! Thanks Explore Asheville for the the helpful website and the article below! 

In the early fall, the best scenic drives are at the highest elevations in the Asheville area. Here is a list of great fall scenic drives for late September and early October.

Grandfather Mountain

Visit Grandfather Mountain to view native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and picnicking and test your courage on the mile high swinging bridge which also provides a great vantage point for viewing autumn’s rich colors.

DIRECTIONS: From Asheville, take I-40 East to exit 100 (Morganton). Take NC 181 North straight to the park.

US Highway 19

From Asheville, follow US 19/23 north from downtown, taking US 19E to Burnsville. Continue your drive along 19E to the town of Spruce Pine, stopping along the way to take in the spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet. To return to Asheville, take US 19E back to Burnsville and US 19/23 south into the city.

Pisgah National Forest/Cold Mountain

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville toward Mount Pisgah, where you will find picnic areas, hiking trails and a restaurant. Travel north on US 276 through the magnificent Pisgah National Forest, which affords a spectacular view of Cold Mountain, made famous by the novel and motion picture of the same name. Continue on US 276 into Waynesville. Take US 23 north to US 19/23/74 east, which will return you to Asheville.

Up next, Mid-Fall and Late-Fall places to see fall colors in NC from ExploreAsheville.com

Wishing you and yours a fun filled "fall day"! 

May you create wonderful fall memories too! 

Tonia Mosteller NC decorator of

Innovative Interiors - Holiday - Event - Seasonal Decorating Charlotte, NC. 



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