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?