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Friday, September 11, 2015

The Art of Settng a Gorgeous Table

My friends and I were treated to a wonderful time in the city last night. 
 My friend, Mariterese, who is a fabulous cook, is also an extremely talented tablescaper. 
I knew I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed!.
 


As we enter the kitchen, we see a beautiful table set for a buffet.
 




 
 
A wonderful nectarine , blackberry, candied walnut and spring green salad enhanced by Mariterese's own recipe for blueberry balsamic dressing.

 
 
The beautiful antique tray is holding the tarragon sauce, ready for the slow roasted beef tenderloin.
 
A slow roasting tray of sweet potatoes is also in the oven.
 
 
 
I walk into the dining room and my heart stops- I mean completely skips a couple of beats.
Cold chill bumps run down my arm and I grab my camera.

 
One of the most beautiful tablescapes that I have ever seen is sitting right in front of me.

 
Three arrangements of zinnias, roses and calla lilies march down the center of the table on a pastel plaid fabric.



Green and gold banded service plates sit upon gray and white square trays with
an antique graphics design.
 


Soft romantic roses bowls await the delicious salad.
 

 
Petite boxes of macarons sit at every place setting as a guest favor.


 
The vivid colors in the arrangements create a floral tapestry for the eyes to feast upon.

 
Miniature arrangements are fashioned into mercury glass goblets for every guest place setting. 
 
And as another thoughtful gesture, they are given to the guests to take home.


 
Silk crinkle napkins are tied on the side of each place setting.



And for dessert, a glorious coconut cake has been flown in from Charleston, South Carolina, in honor of the friend Jill's birthday!
 
Decadent, creamy, light morsels of cake are devoured by nine of us.

 
 
A wonderful evening-  close friends, fabulous food and an enchanting magical setting.
What could be better?   Absolutely nothing!

Sunday, August 30, 2015

A Perfect Wedding- It takes a Village!

 
 
It really takes a village to make the dreams of a young bride's wedding come true.
Walking into a chillier than normal hotel room , full of white and green flowers, the groom's mother and friends are creating beautiful floral arrangements for the next day.  The rooms smells wonderful and the flowers are amazing. 
 
 
 
 


Mercury glass vases hold arrangements of hydrangea, roses, queen anne's lace, hostas, and silver sage.  Lovely, indeed.

 
Receiving our instructions from Penny, the bride's mother, her friends create floral covered
candlesticks for the gift table.


 
And embellish the birdcage for cards.
 
 
 
The groom's mother made delicious butter mints in the bride's chosen colors- blue and silver.


We place them on an antique silver tray and embellish it with roses and their petals.  



 
The simple white tiered cake is embellished with sugar magnolias, roses and fresh sweet peas.


 
The brick walled terrace is embellished with tussie mussies of the chosen flowers.

 White lanterns  line the fountain where cocktails will be served.
 
 
 
 
 
Now entering the cocktail hour, the bridal party.( Note Molly- in the back! carrying a little bundle of joy.  She just gave birth to a sweet baby girl- the first niece of the bride!  And she fit in the bridesmaid dress!!!)
 
 
And now enters the bride and groom- from the terrace above.
 
 

 
Beautiful, lovely, sweet Kate.



Could she possibly look any happier?

 
All smiles-

 
Wearing a drop dead gorgeous beaded gown

 
With one of the most beautiful dress backs that I have ever seen.

 
And the perfect coiffure- a softly upswept style- embellished with flowers.


Notice the beautiful details of the bodice.

 
Smiling up at her new  husband- can you tell she loves him?  So much!!!
 
 
Entering the dining room for dinner, a soft romantic glow is cast over the room.
Full of white linens and white flowers, it is a romantic bride's dream.


 The food is simple and good- a mac and cheese station- yum! A real hit with the guests.

Menu signs were designed and made by the bride for each station.
 


 
Caprese  Salad- made by her sister's true love.


Grilled chicken and fruit salad
 
 
Mediterranean Salad
 
Add a little Pork Loin and Apricot Sauce and an open bar, and you have the perfect combination.


It was an occasion for all to gather and celebrate-

 girlfriends-

 
 
nieces and nephews

sisters-  
 
And finally- the proud parents- who were  so proud of their beautiful daughter
and so happy to be celebrating with family and friends- Penny and Greg.  
 


 
 
And to the newly weds- wishing you a long life of happiness and joy together.
 
 
Congratulations to Kate and Craig.