Wedding Reception Part 2

The bride and groom went on a Caribbean honeymoon, so my huge collection of seashells found their way into large glass vases. I am fascinated by the array of whites, creams, and blush colors of seashells, not to mention the textures.

 At the wedding, the beautiful bride wore an elegant gown of lace  with sparkles, so added to the seashells was a little vintage ba-da bling from my jewelry box. It's the "use what you have" decorating style. 

Adding real white roses to the arrangements provided for an elegant and cohesive feel. I didn't want a bright pop of color that would take away from the seashells, and picture displays. The roses were tucked inside small vase, placed in the larger vase. Yes, a vase in a vase.

Silver candleabras and mercury glass candle holders were added to some of the tables, another touch of elegance. Every table did not look exactly the same. For me, it adds interest, and again....use what you have.

Have a blessed week,
Ele

Reception Decor

My Mission: Decorate an outdoor wedding reception
Style/Color: Elegant, shades of purple, and pink
Specs: Bride and groom were married a month earlier at an outdoor venue in the bride's hometown. This reception will allow the groom's friends and family an opportunity to celebrate with the couple.

I wanted to incorporate photos of the wedding day into the table design, so guests could view the beautiful event. A couple of years ago, I purchased  a large stack of silver trays at a thrift store. It was time for these silver beauties to shine, well, partially shine. The silver trays received several coats of black chalkboard paint, as black is always an elegant backdrop. It also toned down the glare of the trays from the sun, just a little. Remember, it's an outdoor recepton. 

Magnets were made out of clay roses, (yes the inspiration was the brides head piece), and bits and bobs of bling.

Monogram medallions were added to the trays. A mix of paper, a pop of color, and a glittered letter(s) adds a personalized touch to the reception decor. Paper is not a budget buster, and all you need is a scissors, and a couple of punch out tools.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the reception decor. Next week I will post more! 

*Clay roses are made by Lorena of Rose Chic Friends

Looking for Spring

It's the time of year when I start to look for Spring and unfortunately, where I live, it's buried under several feet of snow. The logical thing to do is to find a beach in Mexico, a comfy chair, a hardcover copy of Wuthering Heights, and at various intervals stand up, click red high heels together and say, "I don't want to go back home, I don't want to go back home, I don't want to go back home". 

  

Mexico, comfy chair, book...all realized, and wonderful. The clicking of high heels... apparently does not work without a fairy godmother, so back home I go. 

Once back home, I again looked for Spring.

This time I found it in the summer grass of a photograph of  dd,   

     

a milk glass pedestal with seashells,

 a glass vase filled with treasures of the ocean,

 a starfish accompanied by tarnished silver,

 and speckled blue eggs in a white birdcage.

I guess Spring can be found, if we look really hard.

It's not too early to display some of those items that help you "feel" like it's Spring. Do you remember where they're stored? If not, remember, you can always search for Spring on http://www.etsy.com/

PS: Thought you might ejoy seeing a couple of pictures of a wedding reception being set up on the beach. After dark, the torches and lanterns were lit. It was a gorgeous sight.

Blessings,

Ele

Dining Room Update

Dining room makeover (almost) complete.

If you want to see what the formal dining room looked like before go here. I really did like the room before. I just felt a change was needed, and wanted it to coordinate with my sitting room here, (scroll down).

The items in my home are my treasures. My treasures are vintage, antique, almost new, and may only be beautiful to me, but they each have their own story.

When I redecorate, I incorporate my "treasures" into the design. Do you do this? Do you have things you LOVE and just have to make them part of the design, or do you start totally new? I can't start new. It's not me. Read on, and I'll share.

My seashells...

...fill the base of a very large glass vase. A reminder of wonderful vacations with Mr. Pink Heaven, and my children. Laughter, relaxation, love, and warmth are inside this vase.

The walls have been painted a soothing pale shade of blue and new white flowers top off the seashells. I reupholstered the chair backs in the same fabric as the sitting room couch. I actually haven't recovered the seat cushions yet. Because I like to mix and match, I am looking for a darker blue in the same hue as the walls. What to you think?

The antique chandelier (70 years old) from my husband's grandmother's living room. The stories of his childhood, hang from our dining room's ceiling.

A new mirrored dresser graces the corner, (yes, I said new), and a vintage picture gets a new coat of white paint.

On top of the dresser, I have displayed a Swedish Art Glass heart vase from someone I "heart", my favorite teapot, (picked out by my pink girl), and faux cuppies made by Shannon of Paint Mine Pink. Don't you love the reflection? Isn't the mirror with silver trim a great look against the blue?

More of my treasures include...

...vintage china plates from three grandmothers, a plate from the church where Mr. Pink Heaven and I were married (27 years ago), a few plates from friends, and a plate from the church I attended as a child, with my grandmother.

Remember the inspiration picture?

It received a fresh coat of white paint, (the original pic I took is a little washed out....geez!).

A new table runner with white embroidery brings in a little texture.

Vintage teacups.....

...that once belonged to two of my great aunts. They were Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded on the Midwestern prairie. I'm sure the teacups can tell many stories. Another treasure, a coffee pot painted by my husband's great aunt.

Three generations of vintage plates on my wall. A plate from my mother's first set of plates, a plate from my grandmother's dishes, and another from my great grandmother. Can you hear the families gathering around the table? Children laughing? Families praying? My great grandmother had 13 children. It's a miracle the bottom plate, which is hers, survived.

Now, I said my formal dining room was almost done. Besides the bottom chair cushions, I also need to sew drapes, curtains, and/or valances. I'm not sure what I want. Any suggestions? Take a look at the windows.

I really don't need to cover the windows, as I live out in the country. It doesn't matter to me if the cows look in, ha! The window on the left side of the room looks into the sun room. I'm sure there are many great ideas out there. Help me out!

Happy Mothers Day!

Blessings to all of you,

Ele

My Favorite Table

Fav Table-

CRAFT TIP: The table (originally stained wood) received a coat of white flat paint. I used gold Pilot paint marker to write (cursive) flower names in Latin and English.


Wait at least 24 hours for the writing to dry and further embellish with Plaid Gold Wax Metallic Finish. I used my finger to wipe the wax on the edges of the table. I also lightly wiped the wax across some of the writing.
I have more Birthday treats to show you, so be sure to come back later in the week.

Blessings,
Ele