Freeze Frame: That Old Black Magic

I’m starting a series of articles featuring tablesettings and interior design ideas using picture frames, hence the title “Freeze Frames”.  There is so much more you can do with a frame beyond showing off your kids and vacation photos.  The best part is you never need a matched set or have to invest in custom sizes or have to spend a boat load of money.  In fact, resale shops like Goodwill offer a huge selection at dirt cheap prices.

For my Halloween place-setting, I started with a 12″ x 15″wood frame and painted it black.  You can use a brush, but spray paint is much faster. I “framed” black felt that has a touch of sparkle, and strips of orange ribbon.  Get creative.  Choose fabrics in a color or pattern that you love, use photos or make a collage from magazine clippings.  Pick  a theme and run with it. As you know, I’m a big proponent of white dishes.  With a basic white dinner plate and you can add any and every color.  Since this is a Halloween dinner, I pulled out my square, black salad plates and polka soup bowls. Orange napkins add an extra splash of color, although I could have used black with orange ribbon. In keeping with my frame theme,  I found an assortment of mini frames painted silver that I used for a Christmas project years ago.  A bit of orange paint and the stacked trio becomes a pumpkin stand.

It will become a place card if I add a name to the pumpkin or I could carve out the top and insert little candles.

I’m not a fan of silk flowers, but these fall leaves don’t look too fake when scattered around the table.

Next time I will show you how to dress your mantle or create a centerpiece using more picture frames and pumpkins.  In the mean time, please share with me your favorite recipes for a Halloween dinner.  It’s my Mother-in-law’s birthday and the party is at my house this year.  I’m always interested in trying new things.  My family is great about tasting foods I’ve never prepared before.  It’s wonderful that they are such good sports!