Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Wedding Details

I had the honor of helping my daughter with the planning  of her wedding. I love party planning and a wedding is the ultimate!
Her family nickname is Birdie (it's a long story) and she agreed we could use that as the wedding theme. The wedding was held in April at the Flower Farm www.flowerfarm.com. It was a perfect setting and even has chickens to carry the theme further. She grew up in a rural setting, as a young girl, and loves it. 
I will share some of the details with you here. Maybe you will take an idea or two with you for your next party or special occasion.


A small chalk sign in the entry welcomes guests.


The welcome and gift table on the patio of the entrance to the reception.


And they lived happily ever-after...a fun way to share pictures of the bride & groom growing up and their courtship. The birdcage is a perfect place for the guests to put cards.


This print of a tree with two birdies lets guests put their fingerprints and add their names.
We bought this one at www.michaels.com.



Cut out birds in different shades and patterns of blue, the color theme, were placed in a nest for the guests to write a message and hang them on a wire tree. They will be great keepsakes.


The centerpieces on the tables were all different tablescapes made up of moss, birdhouses (from www.joann.com), my milk glass vases from my collection (see my collection Blog), nests, moss, flowers, birdies and more. The salt & pepper shakers were even little white birdies.You can find them at www.partypail.com. Many of the items can be purchased at our store at www.wrenelizabethgifts.com.



This is another tablescape using a real nest we found.


The bride and groom's sweetheart table.


The bride's sister and matron-of-honor painted and his this little thrift store gnome as a surprise.
  

The cake topper was a gift from the bride's sister-in-law and brother. The bride hand painted it to match her wedding color. The cake was a delicious as it is gorgeous! It was made and designed by the talented Brita Geiger from www.britasconfections.com. She added fresh flowers with a perfect designer touch. Could it be any more perfect? You will die for Brit's chocolate cake!


I glued faux moss to a ready made cardboard N to honor the groom's, and now the bride's, last name. The arbor was decorated with faux flowers and bows.    


The ring bearer carried the rings in a nest that is actually two nests together with a few faux flowers added and ribbons to tie on the rings. The flower girls carried our hydrangea baskets. What cute kids!


A great photo of the rings in a tablescape nest.


I love making bouquets, especially for my daughter's weddings! I added the butterfly brooch as a keepsake for the bride. It's the small details that make it so special.


The favors were our bird card/photo holders. The bride and groom selected a special thank you message for their guests. We used the same nest stamp on the back that was on the invitation.

I hope these ideas will inspire you. Party decor is such fun, especially when there is a running theme throughout.

Melin


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Patriotic Holiday Decorating

I love the Patriotic holidays! You know, it starts with Memorial Day, the official start of summer, then comes the Fourth of July and finishes nicely with Labor Day, the official end of summer. I used to just bring out all my red, white and blue for the Fourth. Now I realize I missed a great opportunity to enjoy the pomp and circumstance longer. If I decorate for Memorial Day and leave it up through the Fourth, at least.
I hang my big flag out front. Remember, I live where it snows in June. It just did, in fact, a few days ago. I wish I could let it fly all year long but it does bring a smile during these precious summer months. I also put little flags in my newly planted porch planters and also red, white & blue pin-wheels, for fun. It doesn't cost much to just add a few patriotic touches to your home.
Inside, I hang plaques, plates, garlands, stars, ornaments and place figures all around my home. It just makes me feel good to see the glory of my country all around me. I think too of those that fight for our freedom, including the families that are apart while we enjoy our barbeques and fireworks. We are desendants of Francis Scott Key, so I love things with the Star Spangeled Banner on them.
You will find goodies on my website, at Target, Dollar Tree, flea markets and the like, especially this time of year. I keep my eyes peeled year round for special treasures. 
So, go buy a package of small flags and see where you can put them around your home. They will lighten your heart.
Melin