A Pumpkin Patch Party

When I started blogging, I had no idea it would take me all over the place, to areas of the state I’ve never been to, nor would probably not have a reason to go to, except for an invitation.  One of my readers, Melinda, lives north of Birmingham, on Chandler Mountain and her hubby raises tomatoes and she has a little business of growing pumpkins.  And for several years, she’s had a Pumpkin Party, inviting friends and relatives, and friends of friends to stop by her house for a Fall pumpkin party the first weekend of October, with lots of good food and of course, pumpkins galore.

So, me and my hubby drove up to Chandler Mountain on Friday and really enjoyed seeing everything that Melinda and her sisters had put together.  On the way, we stopped by Williams Market in Trussville, to see if they had some fresh peach pies ready.   And they did.  If you want to get in a Fall mood, stop by one of the local markets for an eyeful of autumn color.

Scare crows, pumpkins and lots of mums.

The colors are a riot of explosion this time of year.They have the biggest pots of mums I’ve ever seen and grow them locally.

A quick snack of a peach pie and we are on our way up the mountain to the Pumpkin Party.

We followed Melinda’s instructions and went directly to her house,where she greeted us with a smile and a warm welcome.  She had really outdone herself and everything looked SO welcoming and Fall-ish.  Melinda was dressed in the color of the day herself.  Either that, or she’s an Auburn fan.

There were so many photo ops, I went crazy taking pics.

Just beautiful!

They live up on a  mountain and out in the country, in a beautiful setting by a pond. The tomato fields are on the other side.

And under a huge Wisteria-covered pergola, the food was set up.  This candolier had tiny pumpkins perched on top and hung in the middle of the food table.  So lovely!

The dessert table was spectacularly furnished too. She said that her sisters had helped her with all the food and it was all just scrumptious.

A beautiful place for an outdoor Fall party.

I loved this table!  They had everything looking so pretty.  Check out this old tool box piece that was repurposed as a plate and napkin holder.  Genius!  And the tables were covered in burlap.  Melinda, have you been reading my blog!?

Check out the thick vines of that wisteria.  And then feast your eyes on the gorgeous display of fresh veggies and dips, cleverly served in clay pots and pumpkins which were marked with a Sharpie to identify each one.  I love this.

We sat at this adorable rustic table and chairs and feasted on the bounty.  If food is involved, we will be there!

This little sweetie was so cute and really hoped that we would drop some morsels her way.

On the front porch, Melinda’s door wreath was beautiful.

And pumpkins for sale were abundantly scattered all over the porch.

Welcome to the party-goers.

Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere.

All sizes and colors.

So cute.

Melinda wanted me to come inside and take a peek and she had so many cute things to see.

I have to say, I’m glad I don’t have to decorate around these guys.   My hubby is not a hunter, but down South, many women have them around the house (I’m SO sorry!).

Melinda did some really cute things with these pumpkins.  Simply adding tacks gave them a whole different look.

She closed in one side of her porch for a long and narrow sunroom and really has used it to it’s full potential.

This white farmhouse table was so cute with the black chairs.

An old telephone table sits by the backdoor.

And a clever way to divide a space like this is visually with a piece of furniture.  See what’s hiding behind it?  An extra bed.  How genius is that?!

This was the window treatment above the bed, burlap and branches.  Too cute!

She said this was an old barn door from some relative, I think, that she used to hold old family pictures.  I love this idea!

Outside by the pond is a rustic birdhouse that Melinda made.  I love this too.

Welcome Fall with a pair of old outdoor chairs.

This is beautyberry growing abundantly and it has the most intense pink berries.

I hope you enjoyed going with me to Melinda’s Pumpkin Party on the Porch.  Thank you, Melinda, for inviting me, it was a delight to meet you and your family and to share in the Fall festivities at your beautiful home in the country.

So, if someone in the area wants to invite me to a special party or gathering, I’d be glad to hear about it. You never know, I just might show up, camera in hand.  That was so much fun!

I was lucky enough to get in on a Before and After contest this year at One Project Closer for my dining room redo. Now, they are voting for Favorite project out of all the ones featured, so PLEASE, my dear readers, go over and vote for me!  I’ll win a $150 gift certificate and you know what I can do with that.

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