Sometimes I feel like my design is all over the place, because I like so many different looks and mediums, but one thing remains the same: group like things together. Case in point is the Christmas table centerpiece that I arranged. 

Looks impressive (if I do say so myself), but simple simon, really. Just follow the rule: like things together. Here is how you can recreate the look!

1. Buy a dozen roses at a discount store, and another bouquet, but make sure the second bouquet has at least two large, or three medium flowers that are identical. Also, I bought a bundle of tree greenery since it was Christmas, but you can use fern or something similar.
2. Since the flowers were purchased at a discount store, you have to slice off all the thorns and the bottom leaves. Fill your kitchen sink with water and cut each stem under the water. You might have to trim them again when you are actually arranging to get the exact length you want, but ALWAYS cut under the water. 
3. Use a container the same shape as your table, I used a ceramic rectangle. Tuck in wet florist foam and put in water and florist food (powder you get with your flowers). Foam should be soaked, but not covered in water.
4. Stick greenery in the foam around the outer edge, and when using a rectangle, the longest pieces should be on the end.
5. You have completed your bottom layer. Think of this arrangement as four layers.
6. Take the two or three identical flowers, (in my case, two large green cabbage roses) and center in the middle of the bouquet. This is your top layer.
7. Follow with a dozen roses surrounding the large center flowers. Remember you may have to recut the roses to the length you want.
8. Inbetween the greenery and dozen roses, position any other flowers you might have. I grouped small lime mums together and worked my way around, using like flowers in clumps and any single flowers that came with the bouquet. Fill in as needed.   
9. Viola, you are done!
10. Water daily. I make my arrangements the day before, but it should last 5-7 days if you purchase fresh flowers. Ask the store what day they get shipments. Some places will actually pull out the flower colors you want and save them for you!

Think dinner parties, Valentines Day, or look ahead to Easter!

Blessings, Ele

happy new year!

Happy New Year! 

  

This is my favorite room in my house. It gives me a calming peace. I have shown you this room before, but it has evolved the past year with more texture, shades of creams, and beiges.  2011 was a whirlwind year, with lots of changes, and Christmas brought home all of our children which in itself fills my heart with love and peace.  



Right now, this is my favorite item in the room. These wreaths are a hot item. with people selling them everywhere (online). I made mine. Glued the paper rolls to a foamcore wreath and added a little modge podge to the inside of the cylinders to give it a little visual weight and light gloss, (notice the shine).  The paper angel is an item I received in a swap from http://www.pamelajanes.blogspot.com

The wreath is attached to an old florist basket, filled with vintage ornaments and adorned with silver birds.   

Joy, Peace on Earth, and imagine.....the possibilities. What more could a girl wish for at Christmas and for 2012. These birds are real silver, so their aging patina is a nice compliment to the vintage jewels I added to their tail feathers. 

   

 

I'm excited about 2012, and I hope you are too! 

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

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