Vines, Light Bulbs, and Cardboard: Oh My!

23 January 2009

A visit to an Anthropologie is always an adventure – it’s like entering another world entirely. I could spend hours wandering from display to display (let’s be honest: I could spend hours gazing at the store windows!).

I can’t fathom the amount of time that must go into creating such unique and elaborate displays, or the hours someone must spend hunting for all the “props” on the floor that aren’t being sold: antique typewriters, old photographs and handwritten letters, scraps of ribbon and lace. I can’t help wondering where it all comes from, and what they do with it after the display is taken down – host a huge yard sale? Store it in a vast warehouse somewhere? Return it to the homes of company employees?

P.S. On this visit, I escaped with just six of these lovelies. To me, they are irresistible.

DIY Wine Charms

22 January 2009

Before the holidays get too far behind us, I wanted to pass along a quick idea I thought up for an open house this year {of course, it’s adaptable to any occasion}. I’ve never cared for most store-bought wine charms, and this version is simple and inexpensive to pull off.

If you’re anything like me, you have a drawer full of ribbon scraps just begging to be put to use! Choose a handful that match the season or occasion and start tying – I did a simple knot for the thicker varieties and a bow for the thin.

Et voila! No more tacky – or loud! – wine charms.

Mr. and Mrs. Coconut

22 January 2009

The first look of the day:

The second:

The third:

The beribboned bouquets:

I love so many details from the Coconuts’ wedding on Weddingbee, especially because Mrs. Coconut rocked three separate looks on the big day. See the rest of her planning details and recap posts here.

All photos by the talented Jason Angelini!

Board No. 13: Dainty Brunch

20 January 2009


{Click to enlarge!}

This board was inspired by the raspberry punch photo in the bottom row, then filled out with shades of orange and pale blue and pink. A morning brunch or early afternoon luncheon filled with dainty, elegant details like cucumber sandwiches cut on the diagonal, small chandeliers hung from low-hanging tree branches, and cheerful bunting strung from the porch roof set the tone for this intimate bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday soiree.

The Details:
First row, left to right:
Cut up old floral or striped fabric and sew to ribbon to create cheerful bunting {Country Living}; if you’re using this palette for a wedding, consider a soft, lush bouquet of pale orange, pink, and green {by Ariella Chezar}; petite, brightly colored macaroons piled on a milk glass cake stand make a pretty centerpiece and a delicious dessert {via Black*Eiffel}

Second row, left to right:
Letterpress might be out of the budget for an intimate get together, but your invitations can still include over-the-top calligraphy {CECI New York via Style Me Pretty}; vintage glass containers can be used to hold a variety of berry-infused lemonades or iced teas {photo by Sarah K. Chen}; set out papers and stickers in coordinated colors for a memorable guest-book {Martha Stewart Weddings}

Third row, left to right:
A vintage croquet set is an excellent after-lunch diversion {photo by Jose Villa}; fluffy, ruffly flowers like dahlias, ranunculus, peonies, and vintage roses look marvelous in simple mason jars {Country Living}; serve light food and take time to display it carefully, as with this salmon and spring pea side {photo by Francine Zaslow}; start collecting vintage embroidered hankerchiefs to pass out as favors at the end of the day {photo by Lifework Images via Style Me Pretty}

Fourth row, left to right:
A twisted ribbon adds extra panache to a simple favor box {Martha Stewart Weddings}; serve punch in a vintage bowl – be sure to throw in plenty of pretty sliced fruit {via Classic Bride}; hang vintage chandeliers from low-hanging branches for shabby chic ambience {photo by Katie Moos via Style Me Pretty}

P.S. Sorry this is a day late!