Corporate Place Cards

Leadership Brentwood held their Business & Economic Development Day last week. They had multiple panel speakers and needed professional and readable-from-a-distance place cards.

Spice Up That Fall Wreath.

This cute wreath is from Joann's (it was buy one get one free!) I decided to spice it up a little. Christmas Village this past weekend gave me a great idea - using a monogram. So, with a trip to craft store for spray paint and ribbon...this is how it started.


And this is how it turned out.



For those who are intimidated by making your own bows - here's a little How To. It is VERY simple.


1. Start by making a figure 8 with your ribbon.
2. Continue to stack the ribbon on top of itself, making multiple figure 8's. (On the last one, leave a tail.
3. Pitch it in the middle
4. Secure with a bread tie.
5. Wrap a piece around the center to cover up your tie (and make your second tail).
6. Cut the ends to have a clean finish.

Stay tuned...I'll show you how it will transform again at Christmas.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes.

Setting your table for Thanksgiving can set the mood and make your day feel special. Keep it simple - without a lot of clutter. Add a little something special with a favorite serving piece or dine by candle light.

Sink Organization.

Love this organizer from Oxo - it cleaned up and organized my sink area and gives the sponges time to dry out in between uses.

China Cabinet Redesign.

Last year, my china cabinet looked like this.



Just like my grandmother and mother's china cabinets were organized. I inherited 12 place settings of china from my Nana, and it is one of my most sentimental possessions. Wanting to display as much as I could, and using a more modern layout, I stacked all the plates and lined up the stemware so most of it could be on display. This also freed up a lot of space below in the drawers and shelves for linens, candles, etc. and brings more balance and depth to the overall look.

This is the after...

What I Want For Christmas.

The key to a small house (with an owner who loves to collect kitchen gadgets) is organization. I love these magnetic strips and containers for spices from Ikea. They are really a great buy and are so much less expensive than any others I've found. Hopefully, Santa will fill my stocking with them this year!

Current Obsession: Feathers.

A few years ago, I remember that feathers were going to be all the rave in bridal fashion. (It usually takes a little while for it to trickle down to the South... and it is finally here!) Ostrich feathers are a popular choice, but I love peacock feathers for fall weddings...definitely goes with all the popular jewel tones this season. For your Spring 2010 brides...peony's and ostrich feathers...like above are stunning.

Feathers are elegant...used in many a Victorian affair. I tell many brides when they are planning their wedding, a theme can help. Feathers can be incorporated into many places...bouquets...hair pieces...place settings...your dress...even your invitations. Now you don't have to go all Carrie Bradshaw on us...feathers can be a great detail for the fashionista in all of us.