Fall Dining in a Farmhouse Kitchen
Although the dining room is typically the room we use for formal dining like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, I like to dress up the kitchen nook for special dinners with hubby.
We have just enough room in this nook for a cozy table and chairs.
The table has a leaf so we can actually seat 6 people in this space.
Truth be told, we eat most of our meals in front of the T.V.
I’d like to get back to sharing more meals at a table and bring back the fine art of dining.
Fine dining which means meals cooked from scratch and a pretty table setting.
A matelasse bedspread is used as the tablecloth, while landscape burlap takes on the role of a runner.
Lots of neutral gourds take center stage, while a gray pumpkin perches on a slice of tree trunk.
The large, old oval mirror on the left was a recent find for $24. It’s not staying here though.
It will be replaced with open shelving (at least, that’s the plan for now).
These photos were taken as the sun was beginning to set.
I opened my camera shutter a bit longer to capture ample light.
It’s amazing what you can do with the right camera settings.
In fact … let’s turn off the lights in the kitchen …
The lights are off, but I still have the shutter speed open for a second or two.
I think I’m going to write a future post about camera settings.
I’ve learned so much from taking the course at www.shootflyshoot.com.
What was too much to comprehend, became easy to break down and understand.
Tweaking the settings a bit more gives a cozy glow at the kitchen table.
You can see how dark the room is without the lights on.
Changing the camera settings one more time allows me to reduce the amount of light being captured.
It now looks like we’re well into evening. It’s fun changing the mood with the camera.
Flip the lights back on and open up the camera shutter and you’d think it was a sunny morning!
I firmly believe with the right camera and the right settings, you can get enough light into your photos.
I started shooting the photos at 4:00 and was finished by 5:00. This photo was taken closer to 4:00.
My camera is a Nikon D3000. I have two lenses … 18-55mm and a 35mm lens.
I’m still learning (there’s so much to learn) but I enjoy every minute of it.
How about you? What are some of your photography frustrations?
First let me say that i love your nook. It is perfect for intimate dinners or sunny breakfasts. Your decorations are perfect and I’m already thinking of where I put my quilts so I can find one for my table.
As far as taking pictures, I really need to go to the site you noted and get some tips…or get out the directions and follow them.
Hallo Jennifer!
Thank you for visiting me on http://idavonkatthult.blogspot.de/!
Your table looks gorgeous! I love pumpkins at this time of year and yours are especially decorative.
Greetings from Idas Bloghaus!
Ida
Very pretty tablescape and very pretty pictures, Jennifer! I try to make an effort to have us sit at our dining table to eat, but with my hubby in retail and his hours depending on where he has to travel within the district, there are a few nights a week I’m on my own. I prefer to watch tv while I’m eating on those nights. We are gearing up for the holiday season, where that will probably be happening a lot more lately, but meanwhile, when he is home for dinner, I try to make it nice. I even use real dishes instead of paper plates! : )
Thanks so much for linking up your post to It’s party Time – love how you decorated your space! You really have a great eye for design and decor, your space looks so warm and inviting!
I love your farmhouse kitchen dining area.You did a great job ohotographing it too.
Carolyn
Beautiful dining area! Love it!
Great photos Jennifer!I still have allot to learn on taking photos! My husband and I used to sit in front of the tv to eat.That was before our daughter was born.We have been sitting at a table to eat ever since she was born.I don’t think I could ever eat that way again.We are lucky too because on some nights we sit at our kitchen island for a more informal dinner.And at breakfast time too!
xx
Anne
Love the nook, love the bead board, love the settings, and thanks for the tip on camera work. Enchanting!
What at rule beautiful space! What color are your walls?
Great photos!! Would love to learn a few things from you on taking pics, adjusting ISO, etc. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous dining nook! Look forward to more info.
I am in love with this! It looks so cozy and inviting. We eat in front of the TV most of the time as well and we’re trying to get away from that!
I just bought a Nikon D3100 this past July and I am enamored with it! I still am learning how to use it, so I’m going to check out that link you posted. I only have the 18-55mm kit lens, but I’d like to get a 1.8 50mm lens so I can shoot better in low light.
I love this dining nook and the pretty table you set. It’s a perfect spot for an intimate meal. My camera peeve is shutter speed and lighting. I don’t have a clue about it. I shoot everything on Auto. I really need a course and a better camera that has a better zoom too. Have a great week! Pamela
Your kitchen and dining area is simply charming! … And I just really need to take the time to learn how to use my camera properly!
And a lovely nook it is ! Papa and I also eat watching TV at our TV trays in the living room , heck it’s only the two of us these days ! Holidays are at our country kitchen table especially when the kids visit . Have a good day !
I must confess that we too eat in front of the TV on some nights. What a lovely table you set.
Great idea, That is a very romantic touch to dress up a nook.
Your table is beautiful! I love your creativity!
Visiting from Debbiedoos party and looking forward to following.
Have a great day.
Pam
Gorgeous – pinned some! 🙂
Your breakfast nook looks so pretty! When we renovated our kitchen, I didn’t replace the cable for the t.v. that the previous owners installed. I love to have candles and music when we’re eating, but not the television.
I’ve still got a lot to learn about my camera, but the SFS class has been a great help.
Oh I love your eating nook! You have a wonderful farmhouse style! Love the burlap tied on the ends…the whole space is gorgeous 🙂
Your table is so pretty! It’s been hard to break the habit of eating in front of the TV with just my husband and me but you’ve inspired me! Wow, I can’t believe how you were able to play with the light like that. I signed up for that course too, but my pics don’t look like that. I guess I’d better watch those videos again?
Lynn
Your dining nook is so pretty–I love your new round mirror and the lovely neutral pumpkin and gourds in your centerpiece. Your photos are lovely, Jennifer. I still have a point and click camera, but I’m saving up for an SLR. My biggest problem is light when taking the photos indoors, and a particular problem are the grey rainy days that are common here in the Pacific Northwest, which do not lend themselves to great light for indoor photos. When we have a sun break, I bring projects outside and shoot pictures like crazy 🙂 Have a wonderful new week!
Love that beadboard and table setting! I have the same pretty pastel pumpkin and I love it. I am so frustrated with not being able to take good pictures, I’ve taken one class but need more. So many times I love what I see in real life but then not so much in the photo. Thanks for the tip!
The fine art of dining has certainly been lost at our house most days. I hope you can get back into it again. I should try a little harder myself. Your table sure is a great start and your images capture the mood beautifully.
Liz
A very pretty table — love the milk bottles! We DO dine at our breakfast room table most days — there is just something to sitting down at a real table properly set that makes a meal more special!
I must admit in our youth we DID dine in the living room — all the time — and I was not happy but . . . once the child came along I insisted and once we started we continue!
So is that real wine in that glass at 4:00 in the morning?
Bliss
Amazing gorgeous decor in your dining room, and I’m especially in love with the floor!!! Saw your feature at Cozy Little House and had to come over for a visit, going now to look around your blog some more. Thanks for sharing! Mary
Hi Jennifer, your kitchen nook is gorgeous! I’m pinning!!
Your kitchen dining nook is charming! Love the table setting with the burlap runner and lovely centerpiece.
Cute idea for candle holders.
Mary Alice
So pretty. Would love for you to link to my party Welcome Home Wednesday T http://www.vintageonadime.blogspot.comDeb 🙂
You would certainly get me back to the table with a tablescape like this! It is 100% charming!
What a beautiful eating area. The details are just perfect.
Your little breakfast nook is so charming and cozy and you’ve dressed her up just perfectly! Love your table coverings and all of the fallness you’ve placed on top. We eat in front of the TV too! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Hi Jennifer,
Your kitchen table looks so lovely.
Loved your vignette, and great idea
to put the candles on top of those cute lil bottles. Your table is a great addition to your kitchen hon.
Just lovely. Happy Dining!!
blessings, Nellie
That nook and setting is gorgeous. All those lovely pumpkins ….So eat dinner in front of the TV and just go sit there for some pumpkin pie! 🙂 AND perhaps a little whipped cream 🙂
This is so beautiful, Jennifer! I adore the soft, creamy colors and your tablescape is gorgeous. You are so talented at putting things together and your photography is amazing! Someday I’m going to have to get a better camera. Thank you for such an inspiring post!
Love, love, love it all. Your table centerpiece is fabulous. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Jennifer, Your nook is so pretty and I love the built-in cabinet. Thanks for joining the Open House party.
Such a pretty dining nook. I’d love to sit there and eat…so cozy.
Love your kitchen and dining so far!
Pat
May I ask what color yellow that is in your cozy little nook?
I love the mirror hanging there.
Just lovely! I once had a breakfast nook like yours, and loved it. Your table setting is so pretty.
-Revi
That’s a beautiful nook and table setting. Your pics are so pretty. I’m still learning to use my camera too.I may treat myself to that Shoot Fly Shoot course for Christmas.
So gorgeous and wonderful inspiration
Everything looks so beautiful. I love your nook and the creamy white goodness of it. Spectacular!!
Ruth
I don’t know which I love more, your kitchen or your photography skills! Both are fabulous.
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful space at my linky party last week – I am featuring it today on my blog here: http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/11/its-party-time-features-11042012.html
Would love if you would share any other of your fabulous projects or recipes again at “IT’s Party Time’ linky party open today at: http://www.settingforfour.com/2012/11/its-party-time-11-04-2012.html Have a great Sunday!
oh, its gorgeous!!!
I was a photographer back in the 35mm SLR days and loved, loved playing with my camera settings. Now that we’re in the digital age, I have two cameras that I use (not professionally) and they meet most of my needs. I hope one day to have a higher-end camera and a couple of good lenses so I can, once again, play with my settings. I love the control it gives you when taking photographs.
Your eating area is so warm and inviting. I love it.
Your whole kitchen is looking gorgeous Jennifer and I love this sweet eating nook. Thanks for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m featuring you today.
What a lovely home! Your blog is lovely too.
Congrats on being featured over at Marty’s “Tabletop Tuesday” blog party! I bought the ShootFly course but have not had time to watch it yet…your pictures are encouragement for me to take time in 2013 to view the series.
What a beautiful post! Your blog is great.
Jennifer, your table is so pretty and I love how you did the candles. Your photos are beautiful and I appreciate you sharing what you’re learning! My living room seems to be my big photography challenge. Terrible lighting and I can never seem to get my photos to look the way I’d like in that space. I just have a point and shoot, but still want to make the most of what the camera is capable of. Trying to learn! : )
Happy Thanksgiving week to you!