Simple...yet perfect

To me a simple table setting is the most elegant. I love how this single gorgeous flower adds a pop of color to the table setting, but doesn't overpower the whole table. It's simple...it's perfect. Sometimes understated makes a bigger impact than a table dressed to the nines. What do you think??

Image via Jessica Claire Photography

Not Your Typical Place Card

I always love finding unique ways to set a table and make it different than your typical luncheon or dinner party. When I was on Martha Stewart's web site I came across this stylish way to seat your guests...its definitely not your typical place card.

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And then I got to thinking about other ideas to make your table more personalized and I thought, wouldn't it be fun to have monogrammed place mats? With a glass plate on top of this mat allowing the monogram to show through, you add a fun punch of personalization to your table.

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Image via Martha Stewart and Paper Cottage

Color Splash

I'm typically drawn to more neutral colors, but I absolutely LOVE this colorful tablescape. How much fun would it be to kick off your shoes and enjoy gathering with friends in this festive yet comfortable atmosphere? This has me day dreaming about throwing a summer picnic for my friends...

Image via Style Me Pretty

Flower Perfection

I am in awe of this amazing floral design. I LOVE how vintage bottles are used to hang flowers from the tent structure. Talk about creative and thinking outside of the box! I also love how the table and barrel give a rustic vibe to the decor.

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I've been meaning to start brainstorming on some ideas for the bar at my reception. I mean everyone visits the bar...multiple times... right? So, its got to be impressive! Perhaps I should use this idea as some inspiration ...

Image via 100 Layer Cake

What's for Breakfast?

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How sweet is this pancake breakfast? This would be such a fun party idea for a baby shower...a little twist on the traditional brunch showers we are so used to, and perfect for a small intimate group of friends.

Images via Design Sponge

More Easter Inspiration...

...for those of you who will be dining alfresco.

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I'm loving this tablescape from Martha Stewart for two reasons...

1. I am OBSESSED with peonies

2. The birds' nests add a rustic element(and you know how crazy I am about all things rustic)

Pastel Bliss

Hosting Easter this year? Here is a little inspiration for your table...

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Is it Summer Yet??

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I don't know about you, but I am so ready for warm weather to get here! I thought spring was supposed to be on its way at least...and now I hear that tomorrow it may snow in Alabama...again! The table decor in this image from Martha Stewart has me longing for summer and the Farmer's Market. I love this non-traditional way to decorate your dinner table for a party. And, the best thing about using food to decorate is that you can use it for your next meal instead of tossing them in the trash like flowers!

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Image via Martha Stewart

Picture Perfect

I feel like this tablescape is the perfect combination of two of my favorite design ideas...romantic and rustic. To me, the best part of this table is the carved out birch used as a vase for the gorgeous flowers! I think texture adds so much depth to a tablescape and there are so many ways for it to be incoporated besides the flowers. Try bringing in texture through linens, candles, glassware and place cards to make a statement at your next dinner party!

Tablescape designed by Monique Lhuillier, Image via House Beautiful

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving...mine was nice and relaxing once all the cooking and table decorating was done! I definitely ate way too much, so of course the diet is starting today :)
Below are a couple of photos I took of my Thanksgiving table. Its a mix of rustic and elegant...one of my favorite combos. As you saw last week, I spray painted pumpkins gold for place card holders, and I also used some extra pumpkins for the centerpiece. I combined my wood plates(used as chargers) with my grandmother's china, and I just loved how the china accented the gold pumpkins. Finally, I picked some bittersweet from the side of the road and used that in the center of the table, and the red berries brought out the color of the table runner's border just perfectly.

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I'm always a little sad when a holiday ends, but at least we have Christmas to look forward to now! I've got my tree up and its mostly decorated...just needs a few finishing touches. Have you started decorating yet??

Thanksgiving DIY Project, part II

I don't think I have mentioned this before, but I'm a little obsessed with burlap (hence the burlap background on my blog). To me, its the perfect element to add to a rustic (and chic) table. When I saw these burlap table runners on Style Me Pretty, I knew I had to make one for my Thanksgiving table. BUT, there was one big obstacle in front of me... I don't know how to sew! Unfortunately, I didn't pay much attention to the sewing lessons my grandmother gave me when I was little. Hindsight is 20/20, huh?
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I decided that instead of sewing fabric to the edge of the runner, I would glue it! Ok, I know that sounds unprofessional, but this project is all about DIY and for me that involves glue. I found a tube of clear glue that adheres to several different materials at Michael's and it worked perfectly! I was looking for a brown velvet ribbon, but had to settle for a deep cranberry instead. And lucky for me once again, I had some leftover scraps of burlap. Here is a sneak peek at the table runner...you will have to wait until after Thanksgiving to see the finished look.

Top 2 Photos via Style Me Pretty

Flowered Pumpkins

Even though Halloween has passed, you don't have to toss your pumpkins. I love to decorate with pumpkins through the thanksgiving season and these images are tempting me to cover my pumpkins in flowers!


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I've been given the task to decorate my parent's dining room table for Thanksgiving...um, stressful! I'm thinking about possibly decorating with flowered pumpkins. What do you think?

Photos via Better Homes and Gardens

Dining Al Fresco

I was reading Crystal's blog yesterday and fell in love with this tablescape she posted by Sharon Taylor of Sharon Taylor Designs. I don't know if its the chandelier, the hostas used as placemats, or the arbor overflowing with flowers, but I am enchanted by this gorgeous tablescape. I would love to be entertaining friends at this table, but it will be a few more weeks before dining al fresco is tolerable down south! I'm excited that fall is just around the corner...

Photo discovered via Plush Palate, originally from Coco+Kelley