EASTER: Tablescape Inspiration

Spring brunch tablescape via Freutcake for Anthropologie

Image via Anthropologie

Image via CandyPop Style

Image via Southern Weddings

Image via Style Sizzle

Image via Kelleynan

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Are you hosting Easter this year?  For those who need a little inspiration for their table decor, I've rounded up some of my favorite tablescapes, shown above.  Call it . . .  a little inspiration for you and me.  Well, not necessarily for "me" this year.  We are going to our in-laws so I'm off the hook.  But, definitely adding these to my idea book, when hosting future Easter Sunday dinners.


Thanks for stopping by!

xo,

MY FIVE FAVORITE THANKSGIVING TABLE DESIGNS

With Thanksgiving a week away (I can't believe it!!),  I hoping I'll have time to whip up a Thanksgiving design, to show you.   Since we won't be hosting Thanksgiving this year, the ease of not stressing over the planning, prepping and designing has  been a comfort. 

While browsing the web, I found some of the most creative Thanksgiving tablescapes out there.

Here are five of my favorites:

1.  This tablescape's warm color tones, left me in awe!  I love the modern-rustic design.

I love this color scheme and flower arrangement.

Fall autumn colors in soft hues (via heavenlybloomsblog)

2.  Succulents displayed as the centerpiece, give this table design an organic feel.  Love it paid with cream colored dinnerware and gold accents.

via Style Me Pretty

3.  Rustic and simplistic design.  Feels so light an airy.

via Cooking Channel

4.  A twist on the traditional Thanksgiving color scheme.  Adding shades of blue and gold give it a more modern feel.

Martha Stewart

5.   Loving this modern gold and black Thanksgiving look!  The black and white stripes pop against the cream, gold and green color palette.  Would love to create a look of my own.

via Giggles Galore

xo,

THANKSGIVING INSPIRATION TABLESCAPES

This year, I won't be hosting Thanksgiving at home.  Our plans are to go to spend Thanksgiving at my Titi Margie's home.  While there is a small sense of relief; not having to plan, prep and cook, I'm a little sad I won't be decorating our table. But I do welcome the much needed break and get to admire some fabulous and creative tabletop designs.  I found some inspiration pics and sharing same with you.  Let's take a look:

Love this nature inspired look (with touches of gold) from fellow blogger, Griffanie.  It reminds me of a similar look I created last year; seen here.  And, let's not forget about the gorgeous herringbone table!

You have to see the woodsy/rustic holiday tablescape created this year from Griffanie.  I am loving the marbled runner created!!

Apartment 34's Thanksgiving tabletop is more casual but not boring in the least!  The rich, deep colors displayed in this design are so beautiful. Lately I've been inspired by rich, deep colors and thinking of added same to my own creative looks.  This is one look to add to my idea folder.

Waiting on Martha created a Thanksgiving table for Ballard Designs . . . you go girl!  It is stunning.  I love the outside setting and the floral designs.  It's so festive for Thanksgiving. I only wish we had the luxury of eating outside for the holidays (lol).

What are some of your favorite looks?

xo,

HAPPY (FRIDAY) HALLOWEEN: "Pink and Black Gal-loween" Tablescape

 

Friday is here.  And, it's Halloween!  I'm excited to share with you a tablescape which I collaborated with my sister, Rose from Design by Occasion.  We are calling it:  "Pink and Black Gal-loween".  The "gal" is for the girly girl in us, as well as the pink tones incorporated in the design.  This table setting is perfect for a few of your gals who enjoy a little glitz and glam.  Here you can enjoy a signature pink cocktail drink, nibble on a few desserts and enjoy the scenery of glossy black pumpkins, embellished masks and an amazing floral design.

 

While this is not your traditional Halloween, we stepped outside the box when coming up with the design.  The idea of pink, reminded me of Glinda, the good witch and the black represented the wicked witch of the west.  And, how fitting of an idea; especially when two sisters are creating the look.  Not to say one is good and one is wicked (we both have a little of each - lol).

Pink and gray-pinstripe fabric set the theme for the black, white and gold tones

Black and white stripe dinnerware, layered with a floral design pattern
add the ying and yang of masculine and feminine. 
Topped by glossy black pumpkins for added drama.

Embellished masks help decorate the table to for a stylish and glamorous look.
And, of course, tasty treats for the occasion.

 

 

It was so much fun collaborating with my sister.  Even though we created this design together, we both were inspired in different ways. Take a moment to head on over to Design by Occasion for more.

Photos by Jo Ann DiGiacinto//Styling by Jo Ann DiGiacinto and Rose Angel Lopez via Design by Occasion.

Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

xo,

END OF SUMMER, GARDEN PARTY: LADIES LUNCHEON

This past Saturday, I hosted a luncheon for some of my lady friends.  Call it an, "End of Summer, Garden Party".  It was a great excuse to gather around and catch up on things.  My theme was: "All Things Pretty".  Whether it was a pretty dress, pretty decorations, décor, food display or our pretty little selves, we celebrated it all!

Special thanks to my talented sister over at Design by Occasion, who created the invitations for my gathering.  It was the right touch of floral and whimsy I was looking for.  Thanks sis!

My design for this gathering was feminine, floral and whimsical.  From vintage style napkins, lace table cloths, birdcages and a hot air balloon; with colors of blush, cream, green, white and gold. 

When hosting your next event, think about the theme you want to create. It's always a good idea to plan ahead. I like to give myself a month or so, because I may change things up as I'm creating my look.  Also, think about your menu for the amount of guests you will be having.  And, as many times as I feel I won't have enough food, I end up having leftovers. But, I would rather have leftovers, then the nil.

With all the planning and prepping, there are some things you can't control. The first is the weather. If hosting an outside event, the weather may not be in your favor. Make sure to have a back up plan (moving it inside or have tents set up if your don't have any overhang protection). Second, there will be last minute cancellations or no shows from your guests.  Those things are expected and out of your control.  Do your best to make any last minute adjustments without stressing. 

I have to admit, while it was A LOT of planning and prepping, I wouldn't think twice about doing it again.  I loved every minute of the planning process and happy with the end result.  I love seeing everything come to fruition.  Although, next time, I would love to spend less time in the kitchen and enjoy more time with friends.  But, my friends were there to pitch in and help! 

Special dedication to new friends and old.  I enjoyed the great company, filled with laughter and fun.  Love you ladies! 

Take a look at some of the highlights captured from that day. 

Now, for the full reveal:

Setting up . . .

Checking things twice (okay, maybe more than twice)

Looks right. Feels right.  Okay, I'm ready! 

As favors for my guests, each one received an African Violet miniature plant

 

Ceramic tags via CB2

My friends from work, who also happen to live in New Jersey

 

Vintage style glasses in pink from Crate and Barrel (no longer available in this color)

Gold flatware via One Kings Lane; vintage napkins via Ebay, clear plates via IKEA,
blush plates via Crate and Barrel, and doilies via Jo Ann's Fabric

 

Loving seeing them laugh.  Brings a smile to my face.

 

 

My dear, sweet friend, Annie took this photo (thank you). 
Her daughter, Abbie joined the ladies for this shot!  Isn't she a cutie?!

 

 

 

Event styling: Yours truly

Invitations:  Design by Occasion

Birdcages: Michael's Craft Store

Fabric for tables:  side table (white lace tablecloth via H&M Home); dinner table, Jo Ann's Fabric

Flowers: Trader Joe's, Metropolitan Plant Exchange and some from our garden

Pink and white striped straws: HomeGoods in Delaware (stopped there while vacationing in Rehoboth)

Gold keys:  Marshalls

30 inch pink balloon and net: BonFortune (Etsy)

Photography:  Yours truly, Mr. D and Katie Leonard

xo,