Red, White and Blue!

When I see the colors red, white and blue I think of the American flag and our country's patriotic holidays. While we have several that honor and celebrate our country and its armed forces, the one I think of more as a celebration is America's birthday - the 4th of July. Maybe you place a wreath on your front door. Or perhaps you create a patriotic vignette on your porch or patio. Maybe you fire up the backyard BBQ grill, plan a picnic to watch the fireworks or set up a table under the stars. Whatever your reason to decorate, the colors of red, white and blue will generally find their way into your festivities in some way.

I created this table setting a couple of years ago for our 4th of July family get together. It's one of my favorites...mostly because I was able to use two of my favorite dinner plate choices:  my sister's Blue Willow (which she inherited from our grandmother) and my Red-rimmed White. They were perfectly suited for both each other and the occasion. With so many blocks of solid color, the Blue Willow added just enough pattern to make the settings interesting. The woven chargers kept the look informal and the red napkins were placed with the Blue Willow plates for a little contrast.

The centerpiece was a mixture of both fresh and silk flowers and greenery. I enjoy using a combination of fresh and silk. I can't always find the fresh flowers I want in season, but fresh greenery is generally available in abundance.  And it's usually FREE! I used an antique, tarnished coffee pot as my container. The lid was hinged to stay open which made for a unique visual. As you can see from the pictures three small American flags along with red flowers, white flowers and greenery composed the arrangement.  Star-like votive candles completed the centerpiece. I was very pleased with the patriotic atmosphere.

While this was for an indoor meal I would have no problem placing this exact setting in a gazebo or on a patio.  It works for both indoor and outdoor celebrations.

Show your patriotic spirit this 4th of July!  Here's to the Red, White and Blue!

Father's Day

I was looking at my calendar yesterday and realized that Father's Day is in just a couple of weeks. I will add that to my list of events that need some planning and engage my muse in some "inspirational" conversation.

In the meantime I will share a table setting I created for my father a few years ago. It happens to be one of his favorites...and mine. You see, my father has always been fascinated with ships. Especially the tall ships in full sail. He also loves books! As it happened I was able to use items belonging to him to help the centerpiece come to life. This made the table setting even more special.

The ship models were painstakingly put together by my father many years ago. They have survived four moves - three of which were state to state - and currently reside on the shelves in his office. The books were chosen by title to fit the theme, and dust cover for color. They also pulled double-duty by adding height to the centerpiece.

The scavenger hunt around my parents' house continued into the entry hall where my mother keeps her shell collection. A few carefully selected shells and driftwood brought added texture, color and visual interest. Some antique silver items (pilfered from my sister), colored glass "stones" (from my stash) and tea lights achieved my goal of finding theme-related pieces. I love to use items I find around the house!

Due to the more detailed centerpiece, I chose very simple place settings. Black chargers, white plates, clear water glasses and alternating napkins in ocean tones completed the table top.

It was a Father's Day dinner and the table was all about my father. Mission accomplished!

Rehearsal Dinner Deconstructed: Final Thoughts

It is always bittersweet for me when an event takes place and the packing-up begins. I love the planning process and seeing the vision come to life. From the first phone call and email to the event itself, planning this rehearsal dinner with the mother of the groom was so much fun! And that is as it should be. Don't get me wrong; it takes a lot of time and a great deal of work, but it's worth it. While I was very pleased with the end result, knowing that the groom's mother and the groom himself were pleased was the most important thing.

Whatever the event or occasion I like to think "outside the box". And this rehearsal dinner was no exception. Sending an invitation box was inspired! It introduced the event perfectly and we remained open-minded to other unique ideas during the planning process. Upholstery fabric, slate tiles, double old fashion glasses and pebble tiling sheets were used, but not for their intended purposes. They instead became napkins, coasters, vases and place mats. Be original! Use your imagination! It can make the event or occasion more personal and more fun.

While we were on our way home, my sister asked me if I would have done anything differently.  I hadn't had time to think about it then, but now I would probably answer her question with a "no". It was perfect just the way it was! Oh, there might have been some little things like the way the napkins were folded or "hiding" the cut ends of the manzanita branches; but our planning had been so successful that second-guessing the end result wasn't an issue. I love it when a plan comes together!

Many thanks to Lynn, Peggy, and Amy for your individual efforts.  And to Wendy, the groom's mother?  You are awesome to work both for and with!

I would also like to thank [again] Dick, Wendy, Crawford and Shannon for allowing me to post this series. It was a wonderful evening!  Heart.

The happy couple recently celebrated their first anniversary.