Thanks for the thoughts everyone! Tribbix - using real oarlocks was my first idea, but I couldn't figure out how to fasten them to the wall so that they'd be sticking out the right way. I guess if I used either of the styles circled in yellow, below, with the 'top mount' hardware screwed into the wall, that might work. (Have the stem of that top mount thing sticking out from the wall and slide the stem of the oarlock into it.) I also considered buying 4 boat cleats (like the one at the bottom center of the picture), hanging them vertically, and lashing the oars to them with heavy twine.

Okay, after taking a good ten deep, deep breaths, it hit me how to hang the panels soon after I hit submit message! Since we had dinner plans, I was trying to get ready to go out, and figure out how to hang at least one panel before doing so. My progress so far: First panel pressed and hung before leaving for dinner:) Following our lovely and very relaxing weeknight dinner out (rare treat) at our favorite neighborhood Italian spot, I have now pressed and hung the second panel on the first window, LR: By way of background, DH has never met a drapery treatment that he likes, (says drapes remind him of a coffin, lol). Therefore, I am only "framing" my front facing windows in the spirit of marital harmony, thus the use of only two panels on each double window. The Foyer and LR drapes will never be closed. However, DR drapes (back of house) will be closed in the evenings during the late fall/winter when the leaves are gone from the trees. I ordered 2 extra panels which I will hang in my office window which will also be closed in the evenings. Office window faces the front of the house as well. Silly pet peeve, I like the look of all window treatments seen from outside front of my home to be uniform. I know ~ crazy. After I posted, I sat down for a minute to re-think things, and again looked at the rod, the pockets, etc. More importantly, I tried to block my incessent need to use the rings. Only then was I able to get out of my own way, and see that I needed to hang the panels directly on the rod via the tabs on the back ~ Much as suggested in your responses to my original panic post, only being pressed for time, I didn't get to read all of the responses until we returned from dinner! I feel as though I have gotten the somewhat pleated look I was trying to achieve. These drapes were a JCP steal, so I was so hoping to "make it work". After Loribee's post on a fall reno of her LR, I was motivated to get to a much needed fall update with regard to my LR/DR/Foyer windows. Especially motivated as I am doing it on the cheap! Although I ordered both the Ivory and New Orleans Red, I will be keeping NOR, returning the Ivory. I originally thought I would use the Ivory, however, the gold in the pattern was off in color against my SW Blonde walls. Not the best of pics, but you can see that I have used some binder clips from my office to hold the panels tight at the bottoms. Using those and starching the panels when I pressed them, should take/keep the shape I am going for. I will remove the clips once the drapes conform to my plans.lol As soon as we returned from dinner, I checked to see if anyone had posted suggestions. Although I had pretty much had it figured out, (I'd hung the first panel before we headed out to dinner), it was great to see the quick responses! Many thanks to all who posted. So nice to come here with a question and get responses very quickly. As you may have surmised from my post, I am an instant gratification-type gal, thus, my love for this forum! Thanks again!

Love it. Tons of images on pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=decorative%20plates%20on%20wall&eq=decorative%20plates&etslf=6085&term_meta[]=decorative%7Cautocomplete%7C1&term_meta[]=plates%7Cautocomplete%7C1&term_meta[]=on%7Cautocomplete%7C1&term_meta[]=wall%7Cautocomplete%7C1

Curtain brackets would look really cool. Like these ones, if you don't want it to stick out too far: Or, squared off black steel or iron hooks like this below. Be sure to check measurements to make sure the inside of the hook is the right size for that pole. You say you had wall studs mounted at the right height? in that case you'll be fine. anchors are not necessary when you have studs.