New linens!

I'm so excited, my linens arrived today from Linen Tablecloth and they're even better than I expected.  I got 20% off plus free shipping for orders over $50.  I've set one up on my kitchen table to see how it looks and now I can't wait to use them!  Photos will be up soon.

Snow Day!

We had snow AGAIN last night (with more to come on Friday, but that's a different story) so schools were closed and folks called out for work.  However the streets were clear in my neighborhood, so I swept off the car and headed into the office.   There weren't many cars on the road which made for an easy commute.   However I was surprised to be WOWed by the beauty.  The snow gently covered all of the trees and in the soft morning light everything seemed to just glow.  It's hard to describe how picture perfect it was.  I'm so glad that I made the drive in! 

In my mind this equates to the reason we decorate and throw parties and change our environments.  New "accessories" really open our eyes to see something different in our ordinary surroundings.  I really enjoy my profession, but wonder what purpose it serves.  Is it just frivolous?  After a morning like this I don't think so.  I think changing decor and creating special events makes you take a step back and take a new look at your world just like the snow changed the nature around my usual commute.  Taking time to mentally note and enjoy a place is important, rather than just having one day just run into the next. 

We as designers create the special time and atmosphere that enables our attendees & clients to have this same experience and the time to pause and enjoy it.

Tablescape: Very Valentine

February is now upon us, have you made your plans with your Valentine?  This beautiful tablescape would be just the thing for a romantic Valentine's dinner.  Notice the unusual serpentine table and tall chairs.  What really makes this setting special are the multiple fabric textures in the custom fitted tablecloth, chair pads, and chair covers.

Designed for the tabletop competition at TSE 2010.

Source of inspiration

The latest issue of the Pottery Barn catalog had this adorable bird house salt & pepper shaker.  I finally used the gift certificate I've had for eons and purchased it as the inspiration for an upcoming shower.  Can't wait to share the photos!

New Find: All-natural dinner plates

These great plates and bowls from Verterra are about as green as you can get!  They're actually fallen leaves that are gathered and processed into disposable dinnerware.  I'm using these for an upcoming event and am so excited about displaying something that is both good looking and environmentally friendly.  After use don't toss them in the trash, they can be composted and will degrade in approx 2 months according to the manufacturer.   

TSE 2010 New Orleans pt 2

My favorite table at the showcasing event was the one from Sasha Souza.  And not only did I love the finished tablescape, but I helped create a little piece of it!  It was fun working with such a great team.  Leah Lowery is a floral wonder, seeing Sasha's vision and making it come to life. And her other office leads are cut from the same mold, Suzanne Dement from Tennessee and Kim Laga from Denver.

I thought I would just be helping get things set up, but they asked me to arrange some of the beautiful flowers.  Above are two of my contributions (the small yellow arrangements).  Thanks Sasha for the opportunity to participate!

TSE 2010 New Orleans

I've just returned from The Special Event in New Orleans where I was SO inspired by my instructors and colleagues!  Here are some new products I can't wait to use...

The Butt Sketch
Port A Jane,
Acrylic Candelabra from Kool Party Rentals