Tablescape tuesday {what to look for at the thrift store}

Love the look of this shabby chic tablescape? 

For mere pennies you can recreate the look...
All you have to do is hit up the local Goodwill or Salvation Army and stock up on these goodies.

Brass candlesticks, You can literally find these everywhere for less than $2. What I suggest doing is getting some spray primer and paint in bright white. Then you can get some light pink long tapered candles to complete the look. (You can change the colors of candle according to your decor...snazzy!)

 It's true, beautiful bright white china is usually out of the budget BUT a saavy decorista can re-create the look of beautiful dinnerware by scouring the thrift stores for mis matched pretty pieces.  The trick is to keep your plates to the same accent color scheme (think golds + pinks, or silver + turquoise), after some time of shopping you will have build yourself lovely collection. It will look like magic on the dinnertable.
Clear mason jars are probably the easiest on the budget and will totally recreate that fishbowl look that elegantly embraces beautiful blooms. They can also serve as hurricanes for tea-lights when flowers aren't and will create a magical mood.
I firmly believe that mismatched flatware in silver is effortless. Literally they come in bundles at your local thrift store or flea market. Choose your favorites and don't worry if they look awkward, their individual beauty will shine through come dinner time.

Don't be afraid of purchasing random breakfast chairs from your local thrift. The more different each chair is the better. The key is to make sure that the chairs are really sturdy and have a strong base. They are unloved little guys who will look brilliant together with two coats of bright white paint and some light sanding. Once they are all finished they will give that perfect shabby chic look.
all images via flickr.

tablescape tuesday

  everythingfab. countryliving
I find it to be extremely exciting the minute flowers enter the table area. The fragrance of blooms puts me in a blissful state almost immediately. This week when you are preparing for breakfast or even dinner throw some flowers on the table. It doesn't have to be a big bouquet, just trim some from the yard or grab a few stems at the store and just see what kind of magic happens.

The Art of Living...how to be a fabulous hostess for weekend guests

Want to be the most popular hostess for friends and family?
My must have key elements...
killer seating + plenty of reading material
I have found that this combination will have guests always feeling uber comfy in your home. They have time to themselves and who doesn't love getting into a good book. I always get rave reviews about my book and magazine collection, they always come back for more!

Decorating for a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta + RECIPE

I love holidays (any excuse to decorate and I am on board) and Cino de Mayo is no exception. It's all about mexican food, drink and decorations. I am a sucker for Mexican Food so I love learning new recipes and finding new decorations for fun and festive get-togethers. 
Why not try some colorful mexican themed banners, fun colorful flowers + tablecloths?

Want to learn how to make tissue flowers like these?
Check out a step by step DIY here.
or check out how to make these here.


On the menu for my fiesta...Out of this world SHRIMP TACOS (my fave!)
This recipe is from Real Simple (where I get most of my recipes)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 limes, cut into quarters
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 6-inch corn tortillas
  • 2 to 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • bottled green tomatillo salsa


Directions

  1. Whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and cumin. Set aside. 
  2. Skewer the shrimp. (If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.) In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic.
  3. Preheat a gas grill to high; adjust to medium after 15 minutes. (If cooking over charcoal, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with gray ash.)
  4. Brush the skewered shrimp with the garlic butter. Place them on the grill with the limes. Cook about 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and the limes are browned. Remove from grill. Lightly salt the shrimp.
  5. Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, then place inside a paper bag to keep warm.
  6. To serve, pull the shrimp off the skewers and divide them evenly among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, sour cream sauce, tomatillo salsa, and a spritz of grilled lime.
  7. This is the method i use: Broil the shrimp and limes about 4 inches from the heat using the Total Times above. Wrap the tortillas in foil and heat in a 350° F oven for 15 minutes, or wrap them in a napkin and microwave for 3 minutes

Trust me...it is absolutely DE-LISH!




images courtesy of...
vintage domino
elizabeth ann 
martha stewart

tablescape tuesdays

Lately I have been drawn to the beauty of clear glass as the ultimate household staple...
Glassware can make such a difference when pairing with the perfect china and flowers.
I love changing colors up all the time (its the decorista side of me) and the perfect
way to ensure my success is by having a few bits of clear glass up my hostessing sleeves.
I will be ready for every occasion. 





images courtesy of...
eventpeeps.com
styleathome.com
maisonboheme
decorpad.com

Tablescape Tuesdays

Tablescapes are my favorite part of being a decorista.
Putting them together is such a treat. 
I am a domestic gal through and through and entertaining is one of the joys of my life.
I constantly search for inspiration for this part of me...
and this week, these are some of my favorites.
enjoy. xo
There is something so chic about all white, silver + pink with clear glass.

NYE bash ideas

Having a New Years party this year?
I found this video at Decor It Yourself for some cute DIY ideas for the home.
You should check out the website, they have tons of creative videos.



Also, here are some adorable NYE decorations you can find on Etsy.com


 These adorable decor gift toppers from MothtoaflameStudio

Happy New Year double banner from bekahjennings

Party Pom Pom Set from OrangeKisses

Masquarade Decor from SimpleJoyPaperie

Even New Years Party dresses you can find at OtherPeoplesProperty
Don't you just love Etsy?

hostess with the mostess

Right now I prepping for my holiday party tomorrow night. 
Lot's to do...
Champage to buy, napkin rings to pull out, flowers to arrange, and shoes to match my new outfit I got for the occasion.
Tomorrow the guests will arrive, and not only will I be wearing a glamorous outfit, 
I will be wearing one of my most favorite aprons.
But, sadly, I am desperately wishing I had a new one. 
Jessie Steele makes my favorite accessories for the hostess. 
You cannot miss her stuff.
Check her website out, they make the perfect gift for any hostess....trust me!