Ombre — gradation of the same color — has been a rising wedding trend recently. Here are some of the many ways that the concept can be incorporated into a wedding or other celebration.
Maggie Austin Wedding Cake
Martha Stewart ombre centerpiece
ombre runner - photo by Johnny Miller via Martha Stewart weddings
ombre tablecloth via Pinterest
Ombre umbrella from Green Wedding Shoes via OneWed
Reception Banner - Shannon Lee Images via Style Me Pretty and OneWed
Spring has sprung and we’ve been enjoying some nice, sunny weather which has coaxed me outside to survey my lawn and garden. While the landscaping around our house still needs a lot of attention, there are a few spots that I am proud of — my herb garden is one of them. I am in the process of plotting and planning what to put in there when the weather gets a little warmer. In the meantime, though, I’ve been doing a lot of weeding and tilling to prepare. This gardening caddy idea from Martha Stewart is a clever way to keep all of one’s gardening tools in one spot. I might have to try it out!
Martha Stewart gardening caddy
I am not a fan of traditional chair covers and ties, but these chair back covers, or “jackets,” can be really beautiful. You can use them on all of the chairs at your party or just guests of honor chairs.
BBJ Linen Acorn Contour Chair Back
Select Rentals Vienna Chair Cover
Cloth Connection Champagne Lamour Gathered Chair Back Cover
Cloth Connection Fuchsia Tangerine Brocade Chair Back CoverSelect Rentals Vienna Chair Cover
chair covers via Tara Guerard Soiree
Mosaic Ivory Cascading Chair Back
DIY Lego Travel Box by Finley & Oliver
This DIY Lego Travel Box idea from Finley & Oliver is brilliant. Heading on a roadtrip with the family? Create a couple of these to provide entertainment along the way. I think they’d also make a wonderful gift.
The new Williams-Sonoma catalog came in the mail today. I fell in love with this Easter table setting — especially the egg topiary trees. I think they would be fairly easy to make, but they are also available on their website with either ivory or robin’s egg blue eggs.
Williams-Sonoma Easter Table
Do you remember making papier mache projects as a kid? One of my favorite projects was making a globe by papering a balloon. Ah, the memories. Ah, the glue everywhere.
Here’s a papier mache project for grown ups and kids alike — papier mache nests to hold dyed Easter eggs. Aren’t they so pretty?
papier mache nests via Country Living
I can’t believe Easter is just around the corner. Every year I try to pull together little Easter baskets for my husband and me. This year, I am tempted to make these adorable Easter treats instead. Check out the instructions on Everything Fabulous.
Cathal Armstrong's menu via Epicurious
One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area is Restaurant Eve. I particularly love going for lunch and every time I do I leave so satisfied. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.
Behind all great restaurants are great chefs and Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve is no exception. That’s why when I found this Irish feast on Epicurious designed by him specifically for St Patrick’s Day I couldn’t resist sharing it. Doesn’t it look delicious?!
How does one say “Bon Appetit” in Irish?!
fun mix-in ideas from Better Homes and Gardens
I made a classic champagne punch for a dinner party the other night and it was a big hit. Champagne (or prosecco for that matter) makes for such a festive start to a party. You can make a punch, or a classic champagne cocktail like a French 75, or offer mix-ins for guests to create their own bubbly beverage. This list of mix-ins from Better Homes and Gardens has some delicious options.
Cheers!
Cranberry-Cherry: Combine 3 cups cranberry juice, 1/4 cup Triple Sec, and 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice. For each serving, pour about 1/4 cup cranberry juice mixture into each champagne glass. Add about 1/4 cup Champagne, filling glass nearly to the top. Gently stir with an up- and-down motion to mix the drink without destroying the carbonation of the Champagne.
Gordal/QueenLavender Syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water slowly in a saucepan to dissolve sugar. After the sugar dissolves and while the mixture is still hot, add a pinch of lavender; cover and steep up to 2 hours. Strain the syrup through a sieve. Refrigerate in a sealed container. Add a one-count pour into a flute of Champagne and add a lavender flower head as a stir stick.
Citrus Punch: Stir together one bottle of Champagne, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, one bottle of dry white wine, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Place a sugar cube in each champagne flute and top with the Champagne mixture.
Cranberry Juice: Place one sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute, pour 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice over the top, and fill each glass with Champagne. Finish with a wooden skewer of fresh cranberries as a stir stick.
Pomegranate Juice: Splash 1 ounce of chilled pomegranate juice into 3 ounces of chilled Champagne. Float pomegranate seeds in champagne flutes, if desired.
Peach Puree: In a blender, combine one package of thawed frozen peaches with 1/4 cup sugar; blend until smooth. Stir in 2-1/2 cups orange juice and 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice. Stir with a bottle of Champagne.
Ginger-Infused Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup light-color corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 3 tablespoons finely snipped crystallized ginger. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup vodka; cool to room temperature. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Strain to remove the candied ginger; discard ginger. Add a one-count pour into a flute of Champagne.
Brandy-Soaked Pomegranate Seeds: Soak pomegranate seeds in brandy for 4 hours. Float in a flute of Champagne.
I had the pleasure of working with a very special couple and their families on a beautiful summer wedding at St Mary’s Church and Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria. Ashley & Ben met at college where they were both athletes and are now both teachers. Their families are amazing and I had the best time working with the mother-of-the-bride in pulling together all of the details for the wedding day.
Rodney Bailey captured the day beautifully, including special touches like a painting done by a family friend especially for the occasion and a special signature drink named after the couple.
Congratulations, Ashley & Ben!
Venue: Belle Haven Country Club
Photography: Rodney Bailey
Florist: Growing Wild
DJ: Chris Laich
Hair & Make-up: The Elegant Artisan
Baker: Connie’s Cake Creations
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.