Its time for Fall Elegance Y'all

What better way to beckon the new Fall season with a gorgeous color palate of cream, neutral tones and silver.  Elegantly warm and sophisticated, its a look that places you miles above the usual red, gold and orange.

And a candle that smells like a heavenly cappuccino is just the thing for those brisk, Fall mornings.  We have several new candles on hand that come in decorative containers that are the perfect decor accent.

For more silver touches, these whimsical, flattened spoons add a touch of playfulness.

And they are perfect by a framed photo or tucked here and there.  These would also make great place setting markers as well.  Or by tying one to a napkin, it makes a great napkin holder and a party favor too.

And if you are like me, well that red,orange or gold, usually does creep back in.  And when it does, what better way to add it than with this great pillow.  A gorgeous pumpkin/rouge color that brings that perfect touch of brightness for Fall.  And yet mixes perfectly with our creams and silvers.

Add a small footstool or two, we have those and some wonderful burlap pillows on hand.

New goods keep coming in daily.  From velvet pumpkins to Halloween cookies, come South to see what we have "in store" for you!

Lotsa Rain? Yep, Fall is in the Air

Yes, Fall is in the air. Cooler temps have finally arrived (thank goodness, cause 105 for 3 weeks in a row was getting old). And The Dove's Nest is dressed for Autumn. And Halloween.

Our entrance table greets you wickedly with a bevy of mice, spell books and glittery candelabras. Napkins and soaps and more await you, so come on down.

Cream, black and a touch of burlap can make your decor elegant and grown up, but still fun.

A little mouse plays peek-a-boo inside a spell book.

And with touches of moss and fall foliage, your home will have just the touch it needs, to look "in the spirit".

Oh how they scamper! Why not get one mouse...

...or two?

Nevermore quoth the Raven? Not these. With their glittery witches hats they keep an eye out for Halloween candy. We tucked ours amongst the moss and fall foliage into our great twig Chandi. You could get the same look at home. Just be mindful of moss and greenery against a hot bulb, not a good combo.

From top to bottom, we've got you covered. Here is a welcome mat that Hitchcock himself would be proud to put at his front door. Durable bamboo slats with wording on top bring cool and kitsch together for one stylish welcoming rug. Or use as a table topper. Tippi would approve.

And what is Halloween without a candle or two, flickering every so ominously. Let yours do double duty by being pretty and smelling wonderful! Zapp Spice is in and it smells of nutmeg and cloves, perfect for cooler weather and dreams of Halloween candy.

Halloween goods are disappearing fast! Don't be last, or you'll say "boo" hoo.

CAMP ROUND TOP

What attracts thousands of people twice a year, takes place in the middle of nowhere, has no official name, and no one person or organization running it? It’s Round Top, of course. By September 25 you will find dozens of circus-size tents selling decadent period furniture, old barns full of crumbling grandeur, and open fields where thousands of people gather for not only the largest antique show in the country, but an unparalleled Texas experience on a two-lane country road between Austin and Houston.It all began over thirty years ago at the Rifle Hall in Round Top, Texas. Originally founded in 1968 by Miss Emma Lee Turney, the crème de la crème of antique dealers began setting up shop for a weekend event, which quickly expanded outside of the hall and under a big tent. Over the years the show branched off to include the towns of Warrenton, Carmine and Shelby. Dealers also set up across the countryside between small communities, such as La Grange, Giddings, Brenham and Fayetteville. At last count there were about thirty-five separate locations housing at least 2,500 antique dealers, junkers and collectors.

My husband calls it “Camp Round Top.” We first started road tripping to the semi-annual show over a decade ago, and have only missed “camp” once in all those years. My favorite stretch to trek is between Round Top and Warrenton on Highway 237. The original show is only a four day event, but the best deals are found with the dealers that set up in the surrounding areas a week earlier. I thrive on hiking through the fields and negotiating with seasoned collectors for that funky treasure I’m sure I can’t live without. It is also in Warrenton where my husband, Andrew, helps Edward Foster, known at the show as “Rug Man.” They display turn of the century oriental carpets next to the roadside Warrenton Grocery, and sell room-size Oushaks to Highland Park and River Oak designers on a dusty two-lane road that, on a normal day, has just an occasional cattle trailer zooming past. Next to the rug booth is the historical Zapp Hall where a wonderful mix of dealers set up high quality collectibles. Outside of the hall you can rummage through chicken coops that have been transformed into chic havens, or giggle with the rowdy Junk Gypsies in their crazy tent full of vintage cowgirl finds. Each night there is live music and dancing under the stars at the makeshift shed they call Bubble Lounge, not to mention their famous Prom Night where gals dress in silly retro prom dresses and cowboys boots.

The original show may still be a huge draw, but halfway between Round Top and Warrenton is the mother of all antique shows at Marburger Farm. With over 400 dealers from 39 states, you simply have to see it to believe it. At 10:00 on Tuesday morning, before the original Round Top show begins, hundreds of SUVs, limousines full of Houston housewives, and die-hard buyers with trailers in tow, begin lining up in both directions down Highway 237. We all file into the 30-acre farm like well-trained soldiers, and pay $25 per person for the privilege of early buying. I swear every year I’m not going to pay to get into the show early, but I just can’t seem to resist. By 9:30 a.m. I have wormed my way behind the security ropes next to wealthy trophy wives, fellow shop owners, top designers and even celebrities. There are groups who come strapped with walkie talkies and strategically send their forces into four tents, each large enough to cover a football field, five big-top circus tents, and twelve vintage Texas buildings. It doesn’t matter if Dennis Quaid or Martha Stewart is standing next to you, opening morning is serious business. I usually have Rachel Ashwell and her Shabby Chic entourage on my heels, and if I can’t make my mind up fast enough, Mary Emmerling will come through and swoop up my new found treasure, before I can ask “how much?”

After a long day of shopping we head back to base camp, where the Outpost at Cedar Creek sits on a beautiful 48-acre compound, just five miles from Round Top’s town square. It has 6 guesthouses perfectly placed on the property, and each one is wonderfully appointed with the finest linens and perfectly placed furnishings. The inn has been featured in most every magazine you can name, and recently won Best Inn in the Southwest & West. Each morning all the guests walk up to the great Texas barn, called Rangers Lounge, and eat a fabulous breakfast before heading out for the day. We all meet back at the end of the day and talk about our finds while drinking a glass of wine as the sun sets over a fresh-mowed pasture.

Of course, the day is far from over because a trip to Round Top is not complete if you don’t eat at Royers Round Top Café. Bud Royer is an institution in Round Top, and his family-run cafe is half the fun of going there. While helping yourself to a bottle of beer, on the honor system, everyone sits on bales of hay in front of the café waiting for Bud to call their name. The café looks like the kind of place that only serves chicken fried steak and hamburgers; but behind the old screen door, Royers can dish out one of the best steaks around, and has a great wine list to boot. We got to know the Royer family a few years back when Texas Monthly Magazine voted The Dove's Nest and Royers Round Top Café two of the top ten best small-town restaurants in Texas. We also published our cookbooks with the same company. If you are lucky, Bud will seat you at one of the community tables, which can be the highlight of your trip. Over the years, we have made great friends with many of our nightly dining companions. One year he put us at a table with actress Mary Steenburgen.

You just never know who is going to show up in Round Top, Texas...population 72.I hope you get the opportunity this fall, to come experience Round Top. The Zapp Hall show in Warrenton opens Saturday, September 25 www.zapphall.com. Opening day at Marburger Farm will be Tuesday, September 28 www.roundtop-marburger.com, and the original Round Top show starts September 29 www.roundtoptexasantiques.com. See you at camp!

RESTAURANT RANT

Its the most wonderful time of the Year!

No, not Christmas, although that is a wonderful time. But Back to School! OK, maybe not wonderful for all, but for some. And especially for you, as we have some great new BTS merchandise that you are gonna love!

'Hachie Mom Custom Tee Shirt

Show your colors and show your Spirit as a 'Hachie Mom! Or a Lion Mom. Whatever the school or colors we can create a customized shirt (or bag) for you. We now do personalization at The Dove's Nest and we are always happy to ship as well.

Let us make a custom bag or tee for you! Many styles to choose from.

A cute little design, or monogram can be created for you for tees, bags, towels and more.

Miley has one and so does Taylor Swift, now you can get one too! MOGO!

And of course, you'll need a bracelet to go with that terrific new tee and the new hot thing is MOGO! Yep, Miley thinks they are hot, and so you will you. You can make the band customized by adding your choice of charms. Three bands together will make a head band. No end to the fashion possibilities here.

Calendars can keep track of all those games and practices for you.

And you'll need a new calendar to keep up with all those social events that will soon be happening. This one is cute, chic and works. A magnetic base makes it easy and fun to change each month and day's and they hold notes, photo's, fun numbers and more. Stylish and practical it makes great decor as well as a calendar.

So come by the shop and see some of our great new BTS goodies and fun. We look forward to seeing you!

New Views at The Nest

Outside the temps may be soaring, but inside The Dove's Nest you will find really "cool" new merchandise for Summer. Our new Trade Winds collection is wonderful! This great colorful line includes matching kimonos, bracelets, bags, carry-alls, wraps and more. Fun for a bright summer look that is hot!

Mix in a few things, like a frame or a lamp, to freshen up your existing Summer decor. Boxed paisley soaps make a great hostess gift, as do the fun colored trays. Sushi or oysters would be great served on our fun cobalt fish plates.

Need a pretty new outfit for date night? Nothing says summer cool like linen. And we have some great new pieces just in. Oh so summery in pale blue and white. But lots of great styles and other colors to choose from as well. Add some great jewelry and you will turn heads.

Hand made goodies are gracing our funky, new cool, neutral area in the back of the store. We've got a great new mix of vintage, new and hand-made which is just a little bit different.

These great pillows are so cute and perfect for adding a few vintage photo's or jewelry pieces of your own. They look perfect on an iron bench or stacked on a white linen bedspread. What a great way to show off those precious family heirlooms.

We've been busy here at the Nest. We've just returned from Market and thoughts of Christmas are keeping us cool in these 90 plus temps. We've got some great new goods lined up and you know, Fall really is just around the corner.

-Cindy