You’re Gonna Have a Fit!

It’s been two months almost to the day since I posted last…I’ve missed you! We have been busy as bees around here with wedding festivities for our youngest son and preparations for our daughter’s baby soon to be born BUT you just have to see this!

Here in the South one of the nicest compliments you can give is, “I just had a fit over it!”. Recently dear friends of ours gave a seated dinner for ninety for our son and his fiance. I can tell you these ladies did all the work themselves and put endless hours of thought, preparation, and work into this event and I just about had a fit when we saw it….I think you will too!

I felt as if I had entered a photo shoot for Southern Living and Southern Lady combined. The majority of the tables were set in a woodland theme on long sweeping porches on two sides of the house. Napkins were held by mini flower pots and each guest was provided a fan tied with satin ribbon with the bride and groom’s name on it.

The theme was evident from the very beginning when the invitation arrived in what appeared to be a brown paper sack addressed in calligraphy (of course :). The invitation itself was a replica of a vintage seed packet. Each guest received a tiny seedling planted in the mini pots as a favor. As the sun set candles surrounded by parchment paper provided a romantic glow on the tables.

Long stretches of tables with tulips in galvanized bucket- like containers provided seating for every single guest.

Oh, and don’t overlook the moss-covered fauna on each table. This little bunny is sitting on a bed of polished stones. Each “placemat” was made of astro turf.

The brown tablecloths provided the “earthy” background. Our boys have hunted together since junior high school and the hostesses knew the groom would revel in the theme. His favorites were this duck and a huge wild turkey!

A mossy little fox graces this table. The Mason jars were filled with water and garnished with lemon before dinner.

A giant moss butterfly provided the appropriate whimsy for the bar tucked away in a corner! Soft lighting in the surrounding foliage was beautiful after dark. I half-expected woodland fairies to pop out!

Tables of appetizers filled the patio area before dinner. The white Adirondack chair was a gift to the bride and groom. Each guest signed it and it was later covered with a finish to preserve the memories of the night.

My personal favorite was the gazpacho served in shot glasses! And finally a feast was served buffet-style…..

A tuxedoed buck and veiled doe served as the centerpiece for the buffet table!!!!!

It was a magical night none of us will ever forget….well, you know….. I just had a fit over it :)!

I’m linking this to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and to Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for Saturday’s My Favorite Things. I hope you’ll visit these two ladies and tell ‘em I sent you :) I hope to post the nursery on Sunday and I think you’re gonna have a fit!!! It’s good to be back….:)!! Thanks for stopping by…leave me a note!

EDITED--In my absence, Laurie has decided to discontinue her Saturday meme, so I won't be linking BUT still hop over for a visit. You won't be sorry!

Garden Party

Some people might call it a form of plagiarism. A harsher person might even call it downright theft. I prefer to think of it as inspired imitation :).

My spring Pottery Barn catalogue arrived in the mail not too long ago. Sometimes I find my catalogues as good a source for ideas as magazines. The moment I saw the front cover, I knew I wanted to duplicate the tablescape. The crisp yellow , white, and green color scheme, the clean lines, and the organic elements appealed to me.

The star of the tablescape was easy to reproduce. I bought 49 cent clay pots at Michael’s and painted them with sunny yellow spray paint—one coat was enough. I had some wheat grass seed and in seven days I was growing grass!! I have lots of plans for these little pots. I think you’ll see them in future tablescapes. For the price, I think they are good investment and the style is limited only by the available spray paint colors and my imagination.

I wanted the centerpiece to echo the plan—the colors, the simplicity, and the organic elements. I used my favorite short and squatty square vase for a variety of monochromatic flowers. The flowers are low enough to allow easy conversation and the drooping tulips draw the color down to the table. I used limes instead of foam or pebbles to anchor them.

By now, we all know that the white Gibson china from Big Lots is a tablescaper’s best friend. I call it the “little black dress” of tablescaping---dress it up or dress it down. I’m thinking of buying another set with a different edge design to mix things up a little. The wine glasses are simple and inexpensive (probably from a sale at Bed, Bath, and Beyond). I use them for everything from lemonade to ice water.

In keeping with the organic theme (and staying true to my southern roots) I used white cotton napkins. I found these in a variety of colors at Steinmart. I loved the simple detail, the ease of care, and the price.

I served ice cold water “spiked” with lime slices, but homemade lemonade or sangria would be perfect too.

I scattered lots of candles in a variety of shapes and heights all over the table. When the sun goes down they will provide a soft glow and the citronella will keep the critters away.

Now this is your place setting---come back tomorrow and I’ll be serving dessert. I’ve made some fun garden party cupcakes with the homemade fondant I told you about last week. I think you’ll “bee” happy if you do :)

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Click on the TT button on the sidebar for immediate transportation and inspiration!