Neighborhood Gatherings

It was once again time for our annual

Pre Trick or Treat Gathering

This year marking our 15th year hosting

this neighborhood event.

I have come to really look forward to this simple party

as it is a lovely low key way to entertain

and

 reconnect with neighbors old and new.

I have been doing this
front yard neighborhood  event so long now

I had no trouble pulling it together 

after returning from Cancun days before

because
 so much of the styling has been done before hand

and 

added to each year.

Like the vintage baskets I use for lifts and levels

down to the easy  use of pumpkins and flowers!

My styling addition this year is 

a beautiful  hand torn cotton bunting

that I finished this month.

I simply took a wide jute rope

and

 tied and knotted hand ripped cotton strips all the way across

making sure to have no space left in between 

to ensure a luxurious full effect.

I simply worked last year's bunting into the mix

and 

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 home

so I have learned  over the last twenty years here

how to make the very most of every square inch

inside and out!

That is exactly how our annual front yard gathering began …

I wanted to invite 

everyone

and
 having a small space inside

using the driveway and front yard

became the perfect place to 

host everyone that wanted to come!

I decided years ago

never to let the size of my house

dictate the size of my entertaining

there can always be enough room for everyone

no matter the size!

My little pumpkin seeding from the lovely

French Basketeer

had a place of honor on my table.

I asked my husband before I left for Cancun

if he would take care of it for me

and
 he did such a marvelous job

the 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 with

apple cider

wine

beer

and 

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 baskets

that stores in my pantry as is

making it convenient every year to pull out.

The front terrace was dressed in it's fall colors

and 

although they weren't captured in the photo

we keep market lights up

out front and in the courtyards

all year long

so come the fall/winter season here in SoCal

we are always ready for impromptu parties
or simply sitting outside to enjoy the crisp cool season.

With the flip of a light switch

the courtyard can be perfectly lit with the market lights

that we keep on dimmers so we can adjust the lighting for any occasion.

Now that are children are gone for the most part

I have it on my list

to 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 joy

as you style your life

linking up with
Savvy Southern Style