Inspiration in Stages : tableware

Showing posts with label tableware. Show all posts

Sunday, December 21, 2014

ROOMS THAT INSPIRE: Our Christmas Tablescape for 2014

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. It was officially the last weekend to shop for Christmas. The traffic was insane in New Jersey, with last minute shoppers (including myself). Every year, for the past four years I have said I'm going to get my shopping done way early! And, yet, here I am. . . I also needed to decorate our tree and set up our dining room for our Christmas tablescape (ok, take a breath and sigh).

I am so looking forward to the short work week. I feel so burnt out; especially with a new puppy. But, it's a good thing because our Montgomery ("Monty") is the love of our lives. We look forward to our weekends with him because we get to spend more time with Monty.

Today's Rooms that Inspire, I wanted to share with you our dining room tablescape. If you had the chance to decorate early, this might be a little late for you this year. But hopefully, this will inspire you to create a look for your table next year.

My inspiration for this table was a pair of candlestick holders and a kitchen towel I purchased at Anthropologie. I love silver and gold and it was only fitting to create a tableware with that in mind. I added a deep purple for that contrast in color. And, that came last minute, during my flower run. I spotted ranunculus in the deepest purple and thought it would look lovely with the soft white palette of my other flowers.

Just so you know, this look was literally created yesterday. I whipped this table and decorated the tree in one day. I NEVER create a tablescape in a day. I did create an idea of it in my head for a few weeks (lol). But, like I've stated before, I just did not have the time to fit it in beforehand and the anxiety was building to get it done. So, I'm happy to share my table with you!

These are the candlesticks and a glimpse of the kitchen towel
(that I used as a placemat) from Anthropologie. Ornament from Pottery Barn

Dinner plate from Crate and Barrel (old); dotted dessert plate - HomeGoods;
Star napkins (H&M Home Store); flatware (One Kings Lane); gold bowl - CB2

Here are a couple of shots of me and Monty in front of the tree. I'll try to take better shots of our tree in detail. More to come.

Thanks for stopping by. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy holiday!

xo,

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

LABOR DAY GATHERING

Hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day weekend; spending the last of the summer days before the next season rolls around. We enjoyed our weekend with friends, as well as some quiet time before heading back to work.

For our gathering, we had a few close friends over for a barbeque. I created a patriotic tableware look for the labor day holiday. You can see the look in the picture below.

Mr. D. had his own little project he wanted to share. He created a surprise for my friend's daughter, Abbie. He built a "castle" with little tunnels and towers for Miss Abbie, using cardboard boxes. She was able to decorate her castle with paint he purchased and she spent the entire afternoon, painting away. She let us help her along the way too!

Love her pink foam door!

Miss Abbie at work

This little girl puts a smile on my face!

Thanks Uncle John!

xo,

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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.