Cheers to the New Year!

{image via 100 Layer Cake}

As I look back on 2014, I am amazed by how quickly it has gone by and how much my life has been changed since the birth of our son in May.  Last year we were ringing in 2014 at a fancy restaurant with friends....this year we will be enjoying a quiet evening at home. I doubt we will even see the clock hit midnight as there are no more mornings where we get to "sleep in." I'll take the trade off though because the blessing we received back in May is bigger and better than we could have ever imagined. So, cheers to 2014 and to 2015 I say bring it on! I can't wait to see what is in store this next year. I'm hoping it will be as good as the last!! 

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year and many blessings to fill 2015!

Tablescape Tuesday: Thanksgiving Round Up!

Where has this month gone??? I've been so busy at work, I've barely had the time to notice that November is coming to an end and that Christmas bells will be ringing soon! BUT, before we turn our attention to Christmas, let's take a moment and soak up the beauty of autumn one last time. Here are a few of my favorite fall tablescapes, so if you haven't planned yours for Thanksgiving, hopefully these will inspire you!

image via {Occasions}

images via {100 Layer Cakelet}

image via {Style Me Pretty}

Which one is your favorite?? 

Tablescape Tuesday: Fall Place Setting

With Thanksgiving almost two weeks away, its time to start thinking about setting your holiday table! As I have said a million times before, Fall is my absolute favorite season. One of the reasons I love Fall so much is because of the vibrant colors that adorn nature during this time of year.  So take a cue from the outdoors this Thanksgiving and dress your table with color. I'm currently loving this place setting from Anthropologie...

image via {Anthropologie}

I think that having a classic set of white dinner plates is key for your party pantry. You can always change up your place settings with salad/dessert plates to match the season or theme of your next gathering. How are you setting your Thanksgiving table this year??

A Baptism Luncheon

Back in September when our sweet baby boy was baptized, the hubs and I hosted a luncheon in our home following the service. Since this was a very special occasion, I decided to use all my fine china and silver....and some of my moms too! I love having an excuse to get a little bit fancy since so often when entertaining we go the casual, relaxed route. Here are a few shots my friend and very talented photographer Kamin took for us to remember this important day!

This last image is one of my favorite pics.... looks like the little guy was a bit bored by all the hoopla! I'm sure when he gets older I will hear about how terrible it was that I put him in such a frilly gown and cap. I'm Southern...that's just what we do...sorry buddy!

Camille Styles Entertaining

Camille Styles' book on entertaining officially hits bookstores today! I pre-ordered my copy several months ago and am eager to see if it will be on my doorstep when I get home from work this evening. I can't wait to dive into the pages of this book with a tall glass of wine in hand. I've been a huge fan of Camille's blog for awhile now, and am so excited to have a beautiful book full of her entertaining ideas.

image via {Serena & Lily}

Spooky Chic Halloween

Since Halloween rolls around this Friday, I thought I'd kick off this week with an inspiration board for a spooky, yet chic Halloween fête. The kiddos aren't the only ones who can have fun celebrating this year! So, if you are in the mood to play hostess on Friday(sans kiddos), here is what I suggest for your gathering: lots of black, candles, masks, spooky foliage and decadent chocolate dessert.  

images via {coco + kelley, martha stewart, sweet paul, chateau de moissac, style me pretty, that inspirational girl, mod vintage life, the sweetest occasion, john cullen, perfectly imperfect}

Bloom!

I got back home late last night from the Bloom Workshop in Georgia, and I'm still smiling from all the gorgeousness I experienced there! Despite being tired from a marathon day yesterday of travel and learning, I am energized to breathe some new life and fresh ideas into this little old blog of mine. I constantly struggle with wanting to devote more time to writing and bringing original content, but just not finding the time or the energy to do it! But, that is my GOAL, and with me writing it here for you to read, I hope it keeps me accountable. Stay tuned for some images I snapped from the workshop...

Tablescape Tuesday: Where the Wild Things Are...

I can't believe how fast this month is flying by...(I know, I say this every month, don't I?)...and that Halloween will be here next week!  Even though my little one is not old enough yet to really enjoy trick or treating, and all the festivities that go along with Halloween, we will still be celebrating....and yes, of course he has a costume!! When I came across this adorable backyard Halloween bash, I immediately fell in LOVE. The vibrant colors, precious kids and those funky west elm plates....who wouldn't love this tablescape??

{images via the effortless chic}

Tablescape Tuesday: Fall Bliss

Have I mentioned that I love Fall? I'm seriously head over heels, crazy in love with Fall.  I thought it had arrived down South a few weeks ago, but alas it was just a tease. I can still drink my pumpkin spice lattes and pretend though, right? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the cool weather that rolled in today is here to stay and that the leaves will be turning beautiful shades of reds, oranges and yellow soon! Here is a gorgeous tablescape from Style Me Pretty that exudes everything I love about Fall, and for those of you who plan ahead out there, it is great inspiration for Thanksgiving!

{images via Style Me Pretty}

Pumpkins Abound

One of my favorite things about fall is that it is pumpkin season. I get positively giddy when they start to pop up at our local farmer's market, grocery stores and garden shops. If money were no object, I'd have them overflowing on my front porch like this...

{image via Country Living}

But, let's get real for a minute....I don't have $100++ to spend on pumpkins! Grabbing a porch full adds up quick. Last weekend I headed over to our local farmer's market to check out their selection and buy my first pumpkins of the season. For $30, I came away with this look for my porch...

I chose a mix of colors and sizes for this simple, but festive arrangement. While I do love the classic orange pumpkin, I prefer cinderella pumpkins (perfect for stacking), white pumpkins and the occasional gourd.

How are you styling your porch this season?

Tablescape Tuesday: Glamping

Although I enjoy the outdoors, I have to admit I am just not a camper. Glamping, however....I can get into that! So, when I came across this tablescape for a glamping dinner party, I immediately fell in love. As you've heard me say many times, I love to entertain outdoors during the fall season. In the South, when the sweltering summer days come to a close and the crisp fall air descends, its the perfect time to gather outside with friends for dinner or just cocktails. This party has me wanting to style my own glamping tablescape for fall. My favorite part just might be the gold dripped mason jars.....

images via {Style Me Pretty Living}

Want to create your own glamping tablescape? Here are my tips for achieving this look...

1. Dinner Plates 

2. Lantern

3. Placemats...I had to throw some gold in there:)

4. Plastic Cutlery

5. Plaid Napkins

6. Mason Jars

7. S'mores Kit

Autumn

Autumn seems to be slowly descending on the South (finally!!) and I couldn't be more excited. This is my absolute favorite time of year. Cool weather, pumpkins, changing leaves, roasting marshmallows, football...you name it, it all makes me happy! Here are just a few images I'm loving that capture the beauty of autumn...

images clockwise via {Project Wedding, pinterest, tumbler, 5th and State, pinterest, This Insignificant Life, The Sweetest Occasion, All that is Sweet in Life}

Pear Thyme Mimosa

My husband and I are hosting a lunch in honor of our sweet baby's baptism this Sunday, and I just can't host a party without a fun cocktail! I discovered the recipe for a Pear Thyme Mimosa on Glitter Guide awhile back, and decided to serve it at a friend's baby shower. It was part of a mimosa bar where I also had o.j. and cranberry juice. I thought for sure the pear mimosa would be the least popular of the three but to my surprise it was the one everyone wanted to drink. And, I do have to say it was delish!! SO, it didn't take me but about 30 seconds to decide that it will be the perfect drink for our lunch this Sunday. 

{Image via The Glitter Guide}

PEAR THYME MIMOSA

1 chilled bottle of Prosecco or Champagne
12 oz. pear nectar
4-6 sprigs of Thyme

Fill each glass with 3 ounces of peach nectar and a sprig of Thyme. Top with Prosecco or Champagne and add an additional sprig of Thyme to garnish. For entertaining, combine chilled wine and pear nectar in a pitcher with 6 sprigs of Thyme. Cheers!

Tablescape Tuesday: Dinner in the Woods

Fall is probably my most favorite season of the year, and I think, the most perfect time to entertain outdoors (for those of you who live in the South!). While fall temperatures haven't quite hit here in the South, I feel like its getting close and I CANNOT wait!! This gorgeous tablescape has me day dreaming about fall, its beautiful colors and textures and hopefully cooler weather that is just around the corner...

{Images via Flowerwild Designs}

Tablescape Tuesday: Moroccan Flair

I just love this bright and colorful Moroccan table that was featured recently on Camille Styles' blog. The mix of patterns and color make for a bold statement that will surely have your guests feeling the itch to travel to an exotic destination!

{Images via Camille Styles}

Floral Inspiration for James' Baptism

My sweet baby James is going to be baptized in a couple of weeks, and we've planned to have family, and a few close friends over to our house for lunch after the church service. I've started to compile inspiration for the flowers I want to have around the house and I'm loving the idea of a very organic/natural design. I feel the need to incorporate some blue, but am thinking I will stay with a mainly white and green color scheme...

{Images clockwise 1,2,3,5 via Rosegolden Flowers, 4 via Martha Stewart, 6 via Jose Villa}

I haven't done much flower arranging since James was born, so it will be fun to dive back in with this special project!

Calypso St. Barth

I am beyond excited that Calypso St. Barth opened up a boutique in my hometown last week (insert squeals, clapping and me jumping up and down). I'm pretty crazy about this luxury lifestyle brand, so I decided to pull together a collection of a few of my favorite pieces for Fall...

1. Nuvolina Wool Blend Scarf

2. Side Zip Suede Bootie

3. Love Suede Pillow

4. Clara Suede Tote

5. Bailey Druzy Dangle Earrings

Party Puppy Style!

Ever since I had my son, I have to admit that I have been very neglectful of my sweet furry friend Dixie. She has been my love for the last 8 years...its crazy how a baby can push your pet so quickly to the back seat. I thought for sure I would still have time to give her love and attention, but she is lucky if she even gets a hello from me these days. Thank goodness for my sweet husband who takes great care of her every single day! If I were able to juggle motherhood and being an awesome pet owner, I would for sure be hosting a party like this one I saw on Style Me Pretty Living for Dixie...

{all images via Style Me Pretty Living}

Can it get an cuter than this??!!! Dixie gives a woof woof in agreement!

Tablescape Tuesday: Pink Peony Picnic

Pink peonies...jumbo balloons...streamers...gold crowns...now this is my kind of party! This sweet tablescape was featured on 100 Layer Cake-let, but despite it being planned for a little girl's birthday, I think I would be quite content with being the guest of honor!

{images via 100 Layer Cake-let}

To check out more fabulous details from this party head on over to 100 Layer Cake-let!

Macaroon Cake Topper

{image via Cupcakes and Cutlery}

I'm always looking for creative cake toppers or banners to add a special touch to cakes. I LOVE this idea with macaroons, especially since its one I haven't seen a million times. Just use a little edible ink to write a personal message and voila, you have a fabulous and delicious cake topper. To check out more on this cake topper, head on over to Cupcakes and Cutlery for all the details!

Tablescape Tuesday: Floral Runner

I wish I could click my heels three times, open my eyes and find myself magically sitting at this gorgeous tablescape. I love the idea of a floral table runner instead of a massive floral centerpiece. I always hate it when I can't see the person across the table from me because the flowers are in the way! This alternative makes a statement without dominating the setting.

{images via Le Magnifique Blog}

To see more swoon worthy images from this styled shoot, head on over to Le Magnifique Blog. Prepare to be blown away by the gorgeousness!!

Happy Fourth!

{image via Huffington Post}

Happy Fourth! I hope you are enjoying this holiday wherever you are this year, and most importantly are thankful (as I am) for the freedom we have in this great country. That is definitely something to celebrate!!

Cocktail Time

{image via Pretty Plain Janes}

Today is my sweet sister's birthday, so in honor of her and July 4th, I thought I would post a fun cocktail. I mean, who has a birthday without a sipping on a special drink??? The weather has been so warm this week that I decided a refreshingly cool drink was in order. Hop on over to Pretty Plain Janes to get the recipe for this Red, White and Blue Wine Spritzer! 

Patriotic Treats

I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth, so of course, dessert is always on my mind whenever I'm planning a party. Here are some of my favorite ideas for July 4th...

{original source unknown, seen on pinterest}

{image via Woman's Day}

{image via An Edible Mosaic}

{image via i am baker}

{image via The Cake Blog}

What sweet treats will you be making for your July 4th celebration this year???