Food Styling

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I love when I get to host a dinner party or gathering. Putting smiles on people’s faces makes it all worth it but I find a lot of fun in decorating the space and styling the food. Everything you serve should look good. In terms of baked goods, pretty is what you should always shoot for. No one wants to eat food that reminds them of something gross. If you’re like me, you won’t go near something if it smells bad or looks unappealing. It just ain’t gonna happen!

I recently had my fiance’s cousin and her boyfriend over for dinner. Even though I was in the kitchen cooking and baking all afternoon, it was worth it. They loved everything and we all had a great time catching up. For dinner I made Veggie Quesadillas with Spiced Corn on the Cob and Salad. Then for dessert I whipped up Vanilla Cupcakes and Whoopie Pies (which was a first). I was glad to know they were a hit.

A thing to remember when you are serving food of any kind – it’s all in the presentation. If you just throw stuff in a bowl and lay it out, it will look that way. It’s nice to show you care and want everything to be special for your guests so jazzin it up a bit is the way to go. You don’t have to crazy, simple always comes out of top, but just a few little additions and your table will be beautiful and picture perfect!

Here I used pretty white decorative plates and flowers to brighten up my dessert table. The cupcakes stood on a cake stand and I placed a bud vase in the middle with smaller flowers. All the colors came together and made a gorgeous spring presentation. Yummo!

{Due to the dreary day, the area lacked a lot of light. So if you can get past the shadows, enjoy the photos}

Garden Sanctuary

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Now that summer has arrived get out your green thumb and show the Earth you care. Displaying plants and flowers in your home is a great way to liven up any space. This year I wanted to create something unique so I put together a garden sanctuary by the brightest window in my home. Instead of using traditional materials I chose vintage crates, birdcages and old jars. I included some branches and other accessories that matched my theme.

For the plants I chose some succulents and moss I purchased on Etsy, lemon verbana from a local garden center and some rocks. I LOVE how it came out!

 

Attention Bookworms

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Today technology seems to take over everything. Being in the creative field I can sure appreciate it but my love for handmade items and vintage style will never fade. Between the iPad and the Kindle and other e-readers out there, it’s hard not to get distracted. However, let’s not forget how wonderful books are. There is nothing like holding a book and disappearing into another world. The paper between your fingers, the excitement of turning the page and yes, being surrounded by them in your home. Books are awesome!

One thing that comes hand in hand with a book is a bookmark. Sure, you can use scrap paper or something you found around the house but having one that looks nice makes the experience a little more special. Check out my new vintage inspired bookmarks for sale in my Etsy shop. I will creating a whole line of bookmarks, all different styles and shapes. These are the first 2 in the corner series. Spread the word!

Birdie Corner Bookmark

Butterfly Corner Bookmark

Woodland Wonderland

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There are so many ways to create a rustic woodland feel in your home. The same goes for events but you want it to be subtle. Try not to overdo it. Sometimes I see events, both weddings and parties, that are a little over the top. When creating a nature theme its best to present the design as authentic as possible. I mean, that’s the beauty of nature. It’s natural, organic and simple. So when there is a plethora of natural elements such as trees, plants, grass and other real or handmade items inside an interior space, it just doesn’t look right. You might as well go outside and have the event there. I don’t get the point.

Besides, I personally think it often ends up looking tacky, cheap and way too crafty. If people want that look, fine, but just know having the event outside will always be more authentic. If you want that woodland, garden theme than take a few elements you love from nature and showcase them in the simplest ways. Remember, a little goes a long away and too much can take away or distract your guests from the true meaning of the event.

Also, be careful not to be so literal. I saw an episode of My Fair Wedding last week that, in my opinion, was unsuccessful. I think David Tuterra is a good designer but he always seems to do too much. This one particular show, the California bride wanted a winter wonderland wedding. Already, she has the location against her. David set up the ceremony outside and along with other winter elements, he had a few girls in weird winter costumes move their hands around like it was snowing. It looked horrible and tacky. I thought she said she wanted a winter theme, not Halloween!

The reception was held inside a large modern hall located on a university’s property. The place was nice but the brick red rug threw the whole theme off. Although I thought the birch trees, lighting and various beads were too much it wouldn’t have looked as bad without that rug there. I was waiting for Santa to arrive, haha. Everything was white and here you had this red rug that you couldn’t miss. This is one reason why I don’t like renting halls or other venues like this one. There are certain elements the venue has you cannot change. So you either have to work around it or have an eyesore.

Here are some inspirations to lead you in the right direction.

Poppies & Posies Events