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

The Birthday Boy

Fall has arrived! Frost covered the car windows this morning, and it just doesn't seem right. Our summer was really short, especially because of the devestsion in our area. Later this month, I will recap some of the decorating events I have been involved with this past Spring and Summer, so keep in touch, I promise I will deliver. 

First of all, I want to share with you my niece's blog. She is the mother to my favorite little boy in the whole world. Click on the link below and you will see how this fabulous mother decorated her son's first birthday party. Keep in mind that their home was lost in the flood, and are living with relatives. They are waiting to move into their Fema trailer. Still, this pretty mama managed to create decor for a wonderful party in the park. She did it totally on her own, well....with her handsome husband (my nephew), and little man by her side. The guest of honor's aunt and uncle made the super cute rocket ship in the last picture. ENJOY!
http://domesticdiscoveries.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-love-you-to-moon-and-back.html

Destination: Holy Matrimony

When my pretty niece married her handsome pilot, the ceremony flew to new heights. Where am I going with this? To destination Holy Matrimony, of course. 

This airplane themed vintage wedding had everything from flight attendants to lip smackingly delicious retro soda. (most of the picture credits go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/ashley.duchsherer)

Flight attendants gave pre-wedding instructions as wedding guests enjoyed peanuts and orange juice.  

After arriving  at "I Do," guests were treated to a reception that was a feast for the senses.  

milk and cookie buffet

Placemats could be folded into paper airplanes. 

Flags could be raised if more food was desired.  

An airplane themed wouldn't have been complete without a fly by!

Unfortunatly for my niece and her husband, and many other Minot residents, the flood of 2011 hit the week after this wonderful wedding. Their "new" home, as well as thousands of others, has been ravaged by flood waters. Upon return of their honeymoon (which included a stop at American Pickers), they found 5' of flood water on the main floor of their house and mold beyond belief. Needless to say, their honeymoon cottage has become a disaster zone. One day at a time, and the sweet smiles that their "oh so wonderfully fun" wedding bring to those of us who attended, will help everyone survive this flood disaster. Prayers for everyone bearing this burden.  

Minot Flood 2011

What was once a small river running through the middle of my town has turned into a lake. 

A lake that has inundated 4,000 homes. 1,000 of these homes are not repairable as water measures 6-10 feet on the main floor. 11,000 out of 40,000 people are displaced. 300 dogs are now living in the shelter. Water for consumption needs to be boiled. Water is to be rationed, and some homes that are dry, are exactly that...without water. 

For many, this is the first day of the rest of their lives. 

Although, I am one of the lucky ones, my heart hurts for my friends and family members who are wounded emotionally. As my niece said, "I wish I could just hug my house."

Get Your Nest On

My house has been invaded by guys; carpet layer, floor refinisher, carpenter, and plumber. The plumber was not my choice, but I was forced delighted to add another remodel project to my list, due to a leak. What to do, after getting a couple of rooms back in order? Get out my silver birds and help them get their nest on. 

I layered a bird nest on top of seashells. The silver glittered bird is actually a Christmas tree ornament that I embellished with a jewel and seam binding.  

More Christmas tree birds getting their nest on. The real silver glitter is starting to tarnish. I know it's in style (even to let your silver tea service tarinsh), but I'm just not sure how I feel about this patina. There's something totally gratifying about polishing silver, and yes I'm serious. How do you feel about this?

Welcome Spring and get your nest on. 

I sincelerly hope you are having a nice week, and that you are not experiencing flood waters.

Blessings,

Ele