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!
30 December 2008
This simple project is a little late for Christmas, but I think it’s appropriate as a winter decoration, as well.
Here’s what you need:
— a chandelier (ours is over the dining room table)
— a pack of jingle bells (the ones I chose are gold – they were about $2.50 at Walmart, and I only used half of the package)
— a spool of fishing line
Once you’ve assembled your supplies, you can begin hanging the bells.
Cut a length of fishing line and knot one end through the bell’s loop (a single knot worked for me). Tie the other end to an arm of the chandelier with a double knot. Trim both ends of the line. Continue until the chandelier is as full of bells as you like, alternating the lengths of the strings and the size of the bells (if you have more than one size to work with). I strung three bells on each arm.
Et voila! A simple and festive winter decoration
{All photos by me – and I promise it looks better in person!}
29 December 2008
{Click to enlarge!}
In honor of the upcoming ball drop, I wanted to put together a sweet and oh-so-chic board. This New Year’s Eve wedding starts at 8pm. Guests kick up their heels swing dancing to a big band and feast on petite frosted donuts and monochromatic martini crudite. Blush, gold, black, and white are the colors of the evening. The bride and groom leave in a vintage getaway car at midnight after running through a sea of sparklers. The champagne flows freely {naturally}.
The Details
First row, left to right:
The Art Deco circles on the bottom of this invitation from {Hello!Lucky} kick off a night filled with bubbly {bubbly–bubbles–circles.. get it?}; your ladies will look lovely in a shimmery jacquard dress {Brides.com}; apply gold balls liberally to a staircase for a mesmerizing display (but only if no one will be walking down it!) {via The City Sage}
Second row, left to right:
Serve petite donuts and mini meringue puffs late night for a sweet end to the festivities {Brides.com}; silver flatware and gold glitter complement this board’s palette {Country Living}; a tie and bout in the faintest shade of blush looks elegant on the groom {The Knot}
Third row, left to right:
Pillar candles have become a somewhat standard non-floral centerpiece option, but slender tapers grouped together are unexpected {Brides.com}; rent or borrow a vintage Chrysler for some “something old” transportation {photo by Justin Marantz}; a shiny stack of champagne makes for an elegant, if somewhat precarious, display {Brides.com};
Fourth row, left to right:
Menu scrolls add chic-on-the-cheap color to reception tables {Ceci NY via Southern Weddings}; add a sparkly rhinestone brooch to dress up plain ballet flats {photo by Jose Villa}; serve winter white crudite (cauliflower, endive, white asparagus) in martini glasses at the cocktail hour {Brides.com}
What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? I’ll be in NYC celebrating a friend’s birthday {but NOT in Time’s Square!}.
25 December 2008
{Image from Martha Stewart Living}
I hope all you lovely readers are spending the holidays warm and cozy with friends and family. I know I have so much to be thankful for, and I’ll bet you do, too.
Peace, love, and joy to you and yours.
{Look for a New Year’s board on Monday! Posting will be spotty other than that for a week or so as we all enjoy the holidays.}