Fun & Festive 4th Of July Tablescape

July 2, 2018

Don’t you just love the Fourth of July? I sure do. From burgers on the grill, time in the sun and the fireworks show, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. We’ve got a pretty laid back day planned and will be spending the day at my brother’s. Even though we won’t be home on the 4th, I decided some festive decor was in order at our house. I jazzed up our dining room with a fun & festive red, white, and blue tablescape and also decorated the sideboard.

Fun & Festive 4th Of July Tablescape

Pulling this tablesacpe together was pretty easy since I already owned everything I used to dress the table. Like most of my tablescape designs, this 4th of July table is a mix of traditional and chinoiserie elements with lots of pattern mixing going on. The focal point of the table is the centerpiece arrangement which is a grouping of blue and white ginger jars. Using jars with different patterns adds lots of visual interest and gives the table an eclectic feel. And for a little contrast, I flanked the jars with a pair of tortoise hurricanes. Chinoiserie and tortoise are a match made in heaven!

The tortoise hurricanes are from Pottery Barn but are no longer available. I did find a similar hurricane and listed the source at the bottom of the post.

The place setting I created is pretty classic. I started with a solid red placemat and then layered a red and white buffalo check charger on top. My vintage Blue Willow dinner plates are the finishing layer and area great pattern contrast against the plaid. I added the red salad plate and blue and white ceramic coasters to fill in around each pacesetting. Both of these items were flea market finds. To add more blue and white to the table, I placed a blue and white table runner down the center of the table and used blue and white striped paper napkins next to each place setting.

I hung a grouping of festive paper fans over the sideboard mirror and flanked my favorite monkey dish with milk glasses vases filled with red roses. If you ever come across these paper fans pick them up because they are an easy way to add a dramatic punch to party decor.

I hope you enjoyed my 4th of July tablescape. And I hope it inspired you in case you’re doing some last minute decorating.

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TABLETOP SOURCES

Cherry Blossom Ginger Jar || Hexagon Blue & White Ginger Jar (from HomeGoods) || Small White & Blue Ginger Jar || Tortoise Hurricanes || Blue and White Table Runner || Red Placemats || Red & White Plaid Charger (from At Home) || Blue Willow Plates (vintage)

SIDEBOARD SOURCES

Paper Fans || Blue & White Monkey Bowl (thrifted) || Milk Glass Vases

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Summer Tablescape: Bright & Bold

June 20, 2018

It’s hard to believe that the official first day of Summer is just a few days away. In honor of the new season, I pulled together a light-hearted and tropical themed tablescape. To be honest, this tablescape has been in the makings for weeks. I finally got around to photographing it and the timing couldn’t be any better because this table screams summer entertaining.

Like so many of the tablescapes I create, the theme for this table is based on a single item–the palm leaf plates.

I’ve been spying these plates at HomeGoods for a while and finally decided they needed to come home with me. I purchased the small plates first and then went back and got the salad plates because I love the pattern so much. #homegoodshappy

The purchase of the plates led me on a hunt for a table runner and I found the perfect one at Hobby Lobby. Actually, I bought this gorgeous green malachite fabric and made my own table runner for less than $12.00. Unfortunately this fabric is no longer available but I found two similar options here and here.

Along with using wrapping paper as a table runner, making a runner using inexpensive fabric is one of my favorite entertaining hacks.

To add depth and dimension to each place setting, I layered the dinnerware. I used square wood charger plates (thrifted) as the bottom layer and then placed round woven rattan chargers on top. I snagged the round chargers at a store here in Atlanta that was going out of business. The additional of the brass rim makes them really special.

I pulled out mat wedding china and placed the white dinner plates on the rattan charger. Then I layered the two sizes of palm leaf plates.

I love adding a pop of color to my table settings and decided there’s not better combo for summer than pink and green.

To create a layered look with the napkins, I used hot pink dinner napkins and place these cute green and white lattice design paper napkins on top. For casual events, it’s ok to use paper napkins along with cloth napkins. Or use paper napkins alone.

My bamboo flatware adds another nod to summer and I just love using it to dress a table. (p.s. The 20 pc. set of flatware is on $35 and it comes in a lighter color as well)

pink napkins from World Market (similar color here)

My centerpiece was really easy to pull together. I used three of my milk glass vases along with these green candle holders I bought several years ago. You can recreate the look with this budget friendly set of candleholders.

My glassware is another HomeGoods find. These bamboo glasses are melamine (acrylic) but look like the real thing. They are perfect for outdoor entertaining and come in a larger size too. (p.s. I just spotted the same glasses at Tuesday Morning the other day–in case your HomeGoods is sold out).

Instead of buying fresh flowers, I filled the milk glass vases with silk stems I had in my stash. The color is a dead on match to the napkins.

I love the away my table turned out. It has a preppy vibe but still feels classic and pulled together.

I’ll be in Oklahoma the next few days helping my mom with a garage sale and packing up her house. In just a few weeks she’ll be moving to Atlanta and will get to enjoy my tablescapes in person.

Thanks for stopping by today. I’ decided to do a little decorating for the 4th of July so I’ll be sharing that with you next week. Stay tuned.

Party Planning–Gold and Purple

September 1, 2014

Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day!

I’m still in DC visiting family but wanted to let you in on a little project I’m working on. I think I’ve mentioned before that I sit on the board of directors for a non-profit agency. In addition to my role on the board , I also serve as the event chair for the agency’s largest annual fund-raising event, Vintage Affair. The event attracts over 400 people and includes a live and silent auction, dinner services from the areas top restaurants, wine tasting from vineyards across the world and live entertainment. One of the components of the event that I’m currently working on is the decor.

Each year, based on the theme of the event I create décor for the dinner tables and auction space.

The theme for this years event is Uplifting Our Community and the colors I’m working with are purple and gold. Here’s a look at some of the décor ideas I thinking about…

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As a play on the word Uplifting, I’m going to incorporate balloons into the tabletop décor and I’m thinking about something like these gold painted balloons.

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Gold dot steamers are always a fun party décor element and might look great as streamers across the table.

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These paper streamers would be really fun as a backdrop for a photo booth area.

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All of our desserts will be passed by servers but glittered cake stands like these could be fun for the take-away treats we are planning.

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Paper dollies are such an easy an inexpensive way to dress up dollar store glass vases and when spray painted gold they add the perfect touch of glam and elegance to a tabletop.

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I really don’t have anywhere to use gold dipper feathers in the décor but I’m keeping this idea on hand just in case.

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I’m thinking of possibly using these Ikea frames which have been painted gold for some of the signage at the event.

The event takes place on Oct. 18th so I’m in full party planning mode and I’ll be sure to share pictures of the finished party space when it all done.

Entertaining 101: Four Ways To Create A Color Story For Your Party

August 19, 2014

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I love sharing entertaining tips with you here on the blog. Today I thought I’d share an idea that can help you create the decor for your next party or shindig (love that word)!

When it comes to party decor, there are no set rules to follow but there is one sure-fire way to create a decorative look that is stylish and dynamic, and its all about the color palette you choose. Here are four easy ways to pull together the look of your party…

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NINE Party Place Settings You Can DIY

July 31, 2014

When it comes to entertaining, creating beautiful tablescapes and place settings is an essential part of the decor. You table decor can be elaborate and over-the-top or simple and classic, and the best part is that there are so many beautiful place settings you can make by hand with a few basic crafting supplies. Here’s a round-up of inspiration photos and the steps to DIY these looks for yourself.

No. 1 Dollie Name Card

When it comes to crafting, I don’t think dollies get the credit they deserve. Paper dollies come in different shapes and colors and can easily be turned into a vintage inspired name tag that can adorn the center of the plate. If you’re using glass plates, place the dollie under the plate and it can stay there throughout the dinner service.

Get the Look:

Paper Dollies (this site has a great selection of colors and shapes)

(to create a keepsake paper favor, I recommend using a vintage cloth dollie instead of paper)

Ultra Fine Sharpie Pen

No. 2 Gold Rimmed Plate & Napkin Ring

Turning a clear glass plate into an elegant serving piece is as easy as gluing gold beads around the rim. And to compliment the plate, how about making a gold ball napkin ring?

Get the Look:

Gold Beads (use E6000 glue to secure the beads to the plate rim (E6000 is not food safe so only use for the plates for decor or as a layering plate)

Plastic Belt Buckles (look for vintage buckles at flea markets or you can find them on Etsy)

No. 3 Clip Board Menu Card & Place Card

I love this idea not only because I love clipboards but because it is just too darn cute. Pick up clipboards at the dollar store, spray paint them to accent your table and clip on the menu and a name card. If you want to use the clipboard as a party favor, I recommend adding a monogrammed pencil that can go with it.

Get the Look:

Small Clipboard with open clip, Small Clipboard with closed clip (I buy almost all my clipboards from thrift stores so keep an eye out for them when shopping)

Personalized Pencils (better quality), (cheap price)

No. 4 Striped Plates

This is a really fun and easy way to add a pop of color to your party table. All it takes is a little acrylic paint (you choose the colors) and you’ll have place settings that pop.

Get the Look:

Clear Glass Plate (in order to serve food off the plate, you’ll be painting the underside of the plate so make sure the surface is smooth)

Frog Tape (if you really want to get crafty use their Shape Tapes)

Acrylic Paint–you can pick from high-gloss, metallic, pearlized, glitter or satin finishes (this paint is even dishwasher safe)

No. 5 Decoupage Plates

Decoupaging your own plates is a great way to create inexpensive decorative plates. Just about any paper embellishment can be adhered to the plate surface, to fit with any entertaining theme you have going.

Get the Look:

Ceramic Plates ( check thrift stores, especially if you’re OK with a mis-matched look)

Decal or Paper Embellishment (you can also find these at Michaels or JoAnn Fabric)

Decoupage Glue (this is water-based, non-toxic, food safe and top rack dishwasher safe)

No. 6 Chalkboard Plates

This is one place setting idea that you will be able to use over and over again and mix with any decor theme throughout the year. Painting plates with chalkboard paint is super easy and a great way to personalize your table.

Get the Look:

Plates (this project definitely calls for thrift store plates since the entire plate will be covered up–you don’t need anything fancy)

Chalkboard Paint ( I like to use paint in a can but you can also use chalkboard spray paint) (tips on applying chalkboard paint)

No. 7 Personalized Plates

I love all things personalized and this place setting is right up my alley, especially for a holiday party, special celebration or even a New Years shindig. If you have good penmanship you can create this look by hand using paint or a sharpie, or for a more temporary fix you can get crafty with your Circut machine or use craft stickers.

Get the Look:

Solid Colored Plates (as long as the plate has a solid colored center you can use it)

Alphabet Stickers (the options are endless) or your Circut Explore

No. 8 Painted Plates

Ok, you could go out and buy plates in different colors and save yourself some work but DIYing is much more fun. I love the idea of combining plates in different colors to create a bold color theme for your table. You can use a single color family or vary each place setting for a more colorful table.

Get the Look:

Clear Glass Plates (paint your dinner plate one color and the salad plate another, and paint the backs of the plates so the food surface is usable)

If you want to add a metallic rim, use a Sharpie to color in the rim before painting the rest of the plate

Glass Paint (dishwasher safe)

No. 9 Glittered Charger Plates

How many times have you passed up scratched plastic charger plates at Goodwill? Me, about a thousand. The next time I see some of these I will definitely be getting them so I can DIY a set of beautiful glittered chargers.

Get the Look:

Plastic Charger Plates (if you can’t find any at the thrift store, Michaels carries them so look for a sale)

Glittered Paint (paint the backs of the plate and you’ll need to seal them with an acrylic sealer to make them hand-washable)

You can also use a glittered spray paint (I’ve heard this stuff is not easy to work with)

decoupage loose glitter onto the plate (mix glitter with decoupage glue and paint onto plate) If you do this you’ll definitely want to seal with a sealer to prevent having glitter everywhere

I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get crafty and have a party!

So, which of these DIY party place settings is your favorite.

Party Inspiration: Kentucky Derby Style

May 2, 2014

I can’t believe that this time last year I was in Kentucky to attend the Kentucky Derby. Boy was it am amazing experience.

Despite a little rain (ok, it was a down pour) we had a great time and enjoyed seeing the people, the hats and the festivities.

Even though I didn’t spend a lot of money on my hat like many people do, it was special because I made it myself.

This year we’ll be watching the Derby from Atlanta but I still plan to wear my hat and wear a fun and colorful outfit.

For all of you that will be watching from home and want to turn Derby day into a party, I thought I’d share a few key essentials for the perfect Kentucky Derby Party.

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Entertaining Idea: An Oscar Party for Two

February 28, 2014

Happy Friday! I hope your week was great and that your weekend is filled with sunshine and good times.

My weekend is going to be jammed packed. Tomorrow I’ve got a couple of marketing projects to complete for companies I work with, I’ve got blog post to write for next week and I’ve got to get all my ducks in a row for the Design Bloggers Conference which is just days away. Despite all that I’m looking forward to Sunday evening and the Oscars. I of course watch the Oscars first for the fashion, second for the jewelry and third to see if my favorite movie wins the big award. My husband reluctantly watches because I ask him to but this year I’m giving him even more incentive.

Make Life Lovely

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A Collection of Entertaining Ideas plus a few entertaining ideas

February 17, 2014

Good day to you all. I’m thrilled to see the sun out today and can’t believe that after all the snow and cold we’ve had it’s going to be 70 degrees on Friday. Madness I tell you. I am so ready for spring and nothing puts me in the mood for warmer weather more than the idea of ENTERTAINING…spring style!

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I’ve been looking for new entertaining/party inspiration and came across some awesome ideas that I knew I had to share with you. And to make todays post even more thrilling, I thought I’d also share a few entertaining tips to keep in mind for your next big shin-dig!

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