Vegetables...for decoration!

If you don't like to eat vegetables...you can decorate with them! I love this unique idea for decorating your fall table. If you aren't an expert on flowers, this would be an easy alternative! And, unlike flowers, these don't have to go in the trash after your party.

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When I came across this idea on BHG's web site it reminded me of an article I recently saw in Flower Magazine. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the image online, so this scanned version will have to suffice. In this article, florist and event planner Sandra de Ovando has designed a table that mixes both food and flowers harmoniously. Her table (complete with food) looks to me like more of a work of art than something edible.

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So often it seems that I go to an event where the food is served in silver chaffin dishes or on boring platters. I get so excited to see a more creative way of serving food, especially when the food compliments the decor. If you are planning an event, I urge you to think outside of the box when it comes to displaying your food, and to consider about using food as a decoration!

Photo via Better Homes and Gardens and Flower Magazine

Salt Harbor Designs

Now that Halloween is over, I guess its time we start thinking about Thanksgiving before Christmas takes center stage. Thanksgiving is definitely one of my favorite holidays because
A) I LOVE food (especially my mom's squash casserole that is always present on T-giving)
B) I LOVE spending time with my extended family and
C) I think it is SO important to stop and remember all that I am thankful for.
When I think of Thanksgiving, I immediately think of gathering around the table for a delicious meal. Last week I came across some fabulous inspiration for a Thanksgiving table, and now I think I am officially obsessed with Salt Harbor Designs. I first saw Jennifer's work on Style Me Pretty and I immediately knew I needed to start following her blog. I just can't get enough of her gorgeous designs!! Salt Harbor was recently asked by Wrightsville Beach Magazine to design a fall table and they did not disappoint. I love the rustic elements incorporated into the design and may have to copy a few ideas for Thanksgiving!
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I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lanterns...trunks used for seating...church pew...and baskets full of pears. For more details on the design click here...

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Photo via Salt Harbor Designs

Fall Masterpiece

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I was over on Clover and Bee yesterday and stumbled upon this gorgeous fall tablescape. I'm speechless!! I mean is this serious eye candy or what??! Natalie from Hello Darling in Chicago is the designer behind this AMAZING masterpiece, and let me just say WOW what a talent! I've never really loved the color orange, but the combination of colors she uses in the linens and flowers makes this table warm and inviting (and so chic!). I am literally sitting at my computer swooning over the combination of textures that add depth to the table. From the succulents to the driftwood to the pine planters to the hanging candles and finally to the orchids...this table had me at hello!
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Photo via Clover and Bee

Wreaths

Whenever I think of wreaths, I think of the classic Christmas greenery wreath with a big red bow. BUT, wreaths don't just have to be for Christmas. I'm loving these fall wreaths you can put up in September until you are ready for your Christmas wreath in December! Wreaths are a great way to decorate the entrance to your home when having a party, but also something you can enjoy long after the party is over!
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Photos via Dried Floral Shop and BHG

Wishes

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I love love love this idea! I can only imagine how much fun it would be to look back at all the wishes from family and friends on your wedding day. Compile all the wish cards into a book after your wedding and this could double as your wedding guest book!

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Photos via Style Notes and Style Me Pretty
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Flower Inspiration

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I'm having a dinner party tonight and of course I want to have fresh flowers at my house, but they can be SO expensive. I came across this idea on Martha Stewart's web site and I think I may have to give it a try. I also want to incorporate pumpkins and gourds after seeing so many great images on BHG's web site, which you may remember from this post. Wish me luck!!

Gourd-tastic

I am so excited that October is here, because now I feel like I can break out the gourds and start decorating! I am loving all these ideas on how to decorate with gourds....they are so fantastic! I'm having a dinner party next week and I think I might need to put together a few flower arrangements in gourds. What do you think? I can't wait to get my hands on some mums too!

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Photos via Better Homes and Gardens

More Wine Please

Over the last few months, I have been on the planning committee for the "Wine Opener" fundraising event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation...which is being held TONIGHT! I am excited to attend the event to see it all come together, and don't worry, I will have my camera with me! But in the meantime, I thought I would share some fun wine inspired images with you...
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Photos via Letterpunch Design, Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart, Artisan Events via Style Me Pretty, Perfect Wedding Guide, Pottery Barn

Star Struck!

I'm sure my friend Kathryn will laugh when she reads this, but I get star struck every time I see her book (well, now its books) on the shelf in my local Barnes and Noble. Kathryn Williams in print...and she is friends with me...how cool is that? I feel blessed to have so many talented friends that constantly amaze me with their accomplishments. Not only is Kathryn an amazing writer, but she is an amazing friend, and for that I am thankful! Her second "young adult" novel, The Lost Summer, was published in July, which made for a great excuse to throw a party!


Dori Thornton from The Social Office put together a fabulous "book release" dinner party that tied in with the theme of the book--summer camp. Invitations for the Camp Southpoint Supper were designed by Nicole Speake of Nico & La La. Unfortunately, I only have a few photos, so for some of this you will just have to use your imagination! As guests arrived at the venue, they were greeted by a tent outside, a sign reading "Welcome to Camp Southpoint" and a couple of other painted signs pointing to the "Lake," the "Barn," and the "Riflery Range." How clever is that??

The tables were decorated with care package centerpieces, bottles of bug spray and pixy stix. Camp food was of course the inspiration for the menu, which included hamburgers, hot dogs, mini grill cheese sandwiches, hash brown casserole and green beans. For dessert, freeze pops and "dirt cups" with chocolate pudding, crushed oreos, and gummy worms mixed together in mason jars were served. Oh and let's not forget the signature cocktail -- "Bug Juice"-- a mix of vodka, sprite and hawaiian punch. Mason jars...signature cocktail...this party is right up my alley.

Packages with ingredients for s'mores were piled on top of a trunk at the exit for guests to take with them as a parting favor. YUM! What I love so much about this party is that every detail was thoughtfully executed. I want to throw a camp themed party now! I know everyone out there reading this blog is not an author of a camp novel, but this is such a cute idea that you could incorporate into a birthday party for your child. Happy planning!

Game Time

Well, the countdown is officially over...college football begins tonight! My boyfriend has been counting down the days with excitement, which of course is no surprise. In Alabama, football is like a religion. Weekend plans revolve around football. Fall weddings are purposely planned on "off" weekends or better yet, most die hard football fans wouldn't even consider getting married in the fall! Its pretty crazy, but thats the south for you...especially Alabama. I have to admit, I do get into football games, mainly because I love a good tailgate! When I think of game day food, I think of BBQ sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, and chicken fingers. Why not get a little more creative this year?? How adorable are these little footballs(am I allowed to use adorable and football in the same sentence?)!!??



Use your team of choice to help plan your menu. Are you rooting for Texas? Have a taco station, guacamole and chips, and a margarita bar.

Big LSU fan? Make some gumbo, or grits and grillades for a twist on game day food. Maybe throw in a hurricane cocktail and some moonpies too!

Whatever your team, get creative and have some fun this year with your tailgate. Below are a few images from Southern Living to get you started...

Photos via Southern Living

Dress it Up!

I started collecting Juliska's white berry and thread dinner plates a few years ago, and I absolutely LOVE them. I think its essential to have a set of white dinner plates because they can be so versatile. You can host several different parties with the same plates by just changing up your linens. Plus, with white dinner plates, its fun to bring in color with linens to dress up your table!

I love using this linen from Pomegranate Inc. for backyard cookouts in the summertime.

This cute linen is from Target and would be so perfect for lunch around the pool.

And of course, this red and white checkered linen from Williams-Sonoma is just right for a barbeque.

For a more formal dinner party or bridal shower, these monogrammed white lines from Matouk are an elegant touch!

Photos via Pomegranate Inc., Target, Williams-Sonoma, Matouk

I'm in love...

...with Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair...

... so naturally I swooned when I saw it used at a wedding as the chairs for the bride and groom.

Complete with the initial no less. How fabulous is that??!! 

Photo via Philippe Starck and Diamond Affairs for Style Me Pretty