November 23rd, 2009 § 1 comment
Thanksgiving is just days away. If life has kept you running a mile-a-minute and you’ve not had a chance to focus on your Thanksgiving tablescape, try this simple votive idea on for size.
A votive wrapped with vibrant fall leaves and tied with twine can make a nice addition to a buffet or dining table this Thanksgiving.
lovely leaf votives, from Better Homes & Gardens
November 11th, 2009 § 5 comments
Working with Lindsay and John on their October 3, 2009 wedding at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia was such a wonderful treat. Couples like Lindsay and John are the reason I love my job so much — madly in love, sweet and kind to one another, fun family and friends, and a desire to make their wedding day special not only for themselves but for each of their guests.
The Bride and her mother worked exceptionally hard to ensure that each guest would feel welcome. From pashminas for each of the women attending to plentiful hors d’oeuvres to special touches like chocolate-dipped strawberries to accompany the wedding cake.
The decor of the wedding was inspired by the venue — historic River Farm. Colonial-inspired touches like iron lanterns lining the walkway and hanging with garland from the top of the tent played up the history-rich setting.
Congratulations, Lindsay & John! What a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple!
A gorgeous fall bridal bouquet
The maid of honor holds a hand-tied bouquet featuring cala lillies
The feather-trimmed boutonniere echoes the feather on the bride's gown
programs were tied with luxurious satin ribbon in coordinating colors
Adorable flower girls prepare the way for the Bride
The Entrance of the Bride
napkins were adorned with a single orchid
The tent at River Farm featured brown and gold hues and was accented with lanterns and romantic florals
Touches of gold were included in the tablescape
Lindsay and John are married!
The beautiful couple
Venue: River Farm
Catering: Windows Catering
Flowers: The Enchanted Florist
DJ: Aaron with Chris Laich
Photography: Amy Raab
Makeup: Victoria Stiles
October 22nd, 2009 § 0 comments
My husband and I took a last-minute trip to Massachusetts this week. We stayed in Boston the first half of the week while he attended a conference for work; the latter part of the week we’ve spent at the Inn at Castle HIll in my hometown of Ipswich.
The Inn oozes hospitality and when I was here earlier this year, it inspired me to write this post on ways to make your overnight guests feel comfortable and welcome.
On this most recent visit we were charmed by the Innkeeper’s offer to build a fire for us each evening in the main sitting room. Relaxing by the hearth in overstuffed chairs, sipping coffee and playing Scrabble, we could not have been any more at home.
So as you welcome guests into your home this Fall and Winter, be sure remember the treat a bright, crackling fire can be. Follow these simple reminders on building a great fire.
Fireplace tools are a necessity for tending to a fire. Since they are always on display in one’s home, be sure to choose not only functional but stylish sets.
Rivet Hearth Tool Set from Restoration Hardware
Wood Holder from Pilgrim Home & Hearth
Fire tool set from ACHLA Designs
Accessories like these can make your next fire even more memorable:
Wrap dried herbs in newspaper to make fragrant firestarters
Pine Mountain Firecone Basket from Gumps
October 8th, 2009 § 1 comment
Dessert has been on my mind these days… which quickly leads me to thinking about wedding cakes. Here are a few that I love for Fall weddings:
All too often brides feel obligated to choose a white wedding cake. But why, when there are so many beautiful options for a chocolate-frosted cake?
Fall Cake featured on Brides.com, photo by Miki Duisterhof
gorgeous fall cake from Alice's Tea Cup, courtesy of Brides.com
Marzipan and gum paste embellishments can be a nice way to add a pop of color to a cake.
Marzipan-embellished Autumnal Cake featured on theknot.com, photo by Modern Wedding Photography
Asian-inspired cake in autumnal hues featured on Martha Stewart
Chestnut and golden-hued cake from Cakework, featured on InStyle Weddings
This vibrant orange cake taps into a traditional Fall color in a modern way.
four-tiered cake by Chocolaz Artisan Cakes, featured on InStyle Weddings
September 9th, 2009 § 0 comments
With September upon us we are officially entering Fall Wedding Season. Palettes change from summery tones to deeper autumn hues; hydrangeas make way for zinnias and chrysanthemums; and warm evenings are replaced by cooler nights and shorter days.
Speaking of those cool nights, if you are having an outdoor wedding, consider offering guests a way to ward off the chilly air. Warm apple cider is a great start, but don’t stop there. Why not offer a wrap for the ladies to cuddle up with?
Pashminas are fine, but they are a little “been there, done that.” Instead, offer something a little more current like these unisex scarves from American Apparel. They come in a wide variety of colors and since they are unisex, the men can take one, too!
Even better? For the savvy spender in all of us, if you buy them in packs of three you save.
American Apparel Sheer Jersey Scarf
If American Apparel seems too declasse, you can always ratchet up the luxe factor with these lovely wraps from White + Warren…
White + Warren Pima Cotton Travel Wrap
White + Warren Wrap Scarf
September 1st, 2009 § 0 comments
Animal prints are everywhere this Fall — from gorgeous Donald Pliner shoes to Fendi bags to Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses. But why should this trend be limited to just our wardrobe?!
Check out my guest post on Second City Soiree for tips on how to incorporate this fashion trend into your Fall entertaining plans.
