I am not going to tell you where I live, because I know that you will want to move here, just because I have great neighbors!  Neighbors are like family – you can’t pick them!  But I consider myself blessed to be surrounded by such lovely people.

One set of neighbors happens to be young, generous and willing to hang out with old folks like us!  They are hard-working and fun-loving.  They are also quite knowledgeable about wine, due to involvement in wine events for a non-profit organization, and travels to the Napa and Niagara wine regions.

They host an annual wine-tasting event right in their home, complete with wine barrels, nice food, wine descriptions, guessing games (guess the number of corks in the vase) and favors.

Circular wells were drilled into the wood and filled with lovely tea lights.

My mom bought me some of these cheater tea lights.  I love these little lights – they even flicker!  I get a little nervous about using candles in my house.  I only use them when I entertain.  Since I thought this barrel-piece makes a lovely, dramatic centerpiece, I put the cheater lights in so I didn’t have to worry about anyone burning their hands or the bread basket catching on fire.  That’s not to say I won’t use real candles in it.  I think it would be perfect on the table for my next Tuscan Dinner Party.  (You can check out my summer party here.)

I thought that the wood of the barrel would not be set off by the fake wood of my table.  So I made a rustic table runner out of – you guessed it – a coffee sack!  I like the way it looks.  It’s simple, but helps define the centerpiece.  Also, when I do use real candles, it can help protect the table surface in case of any drips.

My husband and I consider ourselves sooooo lucky to have neighbors who are like family to us.  Thank you guys!!!