Color Me {Countryside Chic}

After this weekend, I am feeling a real sense of calm. I spent Saturday indulging in a few of my favorite activities like garage sale-ing, crafting, and a much needed mani/pedi. I decided not to stress about the day which really helped a lot. I used the mentality that if it doesn't get done, is it really that big of a deal? The answer was no, which helped to relieve some of the stress from the week. I wanted to carry the peaceful feeling through to this week with this naturally beautiful rustic inspiration board. The open country fields and down home feel bring a much needed sense of calmness. I can imagine sitting in a rocking chair with a glass of sparkling lemonade staring off into the sunset as I clear my head. If only I could go there now...

Have a peaceful Monday!

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is just a short week away, and I've got my table all planned out.  This year I'm going with a simplistic rustic feel. Thanksgiving is the ultimate holiday to go rustic in my book. A centerpiece of branches is perfect for guests to hang what they are thankful for on. I've laid out felt leaves in the middle of the table along with a silver sharpie so each guest can take one and write what they are thankful for and hang it on the branch. Somewhere towards the end of dinner, you can pick a leaf off and read what it says. I plan on setting up the meal as a buffet but by tieing guests silverware with a piece of twine they won't have to worry about carrying that on top of their already full plates. Keep the colors fall like and neutral using reds, oranges, and browns and whites. What I love about decorating for Thanksgiving, is you don't have to look farther than your back yard for all the items you need! How will you be decorating your table this year?

Lusting After {Wine Barrels}

Ever since R started brewing his own beer, I've been a little reluctant to let all of his brew stuff into the house. That was, until I started getting something out of the deal, like wine, and the possibility of wine on tap. Since this opportunity got laid on the table, I've been dreaming in Cabernet red and hoping to fill my life with vintage wine barrels. While I don't exactly have room for them, I wouldn't mind incorporating them into any event possible. Whether cut in half and used as small end tables, acting as the legs for your bar, or adorned with arrangements and serving as cocktail tables, I love how you are instantly transported to wine country just by looking at them. And who knows, maybe one day, I'll be able to fit a couple in my house. And maybe they'll even be filled with wine!

Makin' Waves

Hi sweets! As promised, I'm back today with a fun DIY. It's not exactly event related but it's a great way to escape from the everyday and just be creative for a while. If there are any two things I love more than events, it's making a house a home and the beach. 

On a weekend getaway back home, my Dad, R and I went micro brewery hoping around the Jacksonville Beaches. One of our last stops was this rustic, beachy spot called The Green Room. I feel in love with every bit of decor they had. From the pallet boards lining the wall, to the pour concrete bar top and floor, the wine barrels for cocktail tables, I was smitten the moment we walked through the door. One of the pieces they had hanging on the wall especially caught my eye. This collage of waves painted on pallet boards was so eye catching and one of a kind. What I loved most about it was that you could tell it was handmade and not printed or mass produced. After a bit of begging trying to get the bartender to sell it to me, I finally settled for a picture and knowing that I had an afternoon craft ahead of me. 

So, with some spare pallet boards, a measuring tape and a wood saw in hand, it was time to get to work. After determining my measurements and gathering the rest of my supplies, I was ready to paint. Not usually, the artist, what made this project so great for me, is that imperfection was actually the key. It's what makes it so unique and what makes me so proud to hang it on my wall. Here's the measurements and supply list...

:: Supplies ::

Paint in the colors of your choosing (I choose 3 shades of blue and a yellow)

Variety of brush sizes

Pallet Boards in the following measurements...

       (1) 24" piece

       (3) 18" pieces

       (4) 8" pieces

Create! 

Goin' to the Chapel

I have great news! I have just found out that one of my best friends is getting married in August. With such a short timeline, planning must begin immediately. The summer nuptials will take place in North Carolina, the perfect setting for a rustic southern soiree. The inspiration behind the big day is a casual, laid back event full of fun and laughs. With friends gathering from across the country to share in their special moment, this isn't only a wedding but a reunion of sorts. The outdoor affair will feature vintage touches, handmade details, and a bit of southern flair. Imagine a rustic barn, warm candle light, white blooms, and summer fun including corn hole, late night dancing, and bon fires complete with s'mores when the sun goes down. With a color scheme of greens and white, the natural, rustic feel will be naturally fun too. Can't wait to share more details of her big day as time approaches!

Lusting After {Vintage Keys}

I was in an antique shop a couple of years ago and stumbled upon a big bucket full of hundreds of vintage keys. They were all sitting there like someone had just thrown them all away and I kept thinking there had to be something they could be used for. I bought a couple and made them into necklaces, but always wondered what other ways they could be repurposed. Recently it dawned on me that they would be a lovely vintage touch at a wedding. What's so perfect is they are so small and subtle, you could use them in 100 places and people wouldn't think you were having a key themed soiree. Tie them on escort cards, centerpieces, menu cards, and what ever else you can think of. You could even attach one to a key loop and make a vintage inspired key chain for your guests!

Lusting After {Driftwood}

Hi there! We made it through another week and boy was it a long one for me. It left me dreaming of white sandy beaches and relaxing with refreshing cocktail in hand most days. Longing for the beach made me wish my house was filled with more stray pieces of driftwood that always remind me of lazy summer days. With their rustic, natural feel, driftwood takes me back to place that is so calming and refreshing. It got me thinking, why don't I use it more often? A plank running through the middle of long table adorned with candles and some lose buds would be perfect for an intimate dinner party or wedding. On of my favorite uses is to paint it in bright colors with sayings and pictures to use as a sign. In fact, in the small town of Hope Town in the Bahamas, all the street signs are made of old driftwood pieces. It's absolutely charming! But the uses for driftwood aren't just limited to fabulous soirees, it's a perfect home and store accent as well adding the perfect natural element to make guests and customers alike feel relaxed and comfortable. 

I hope you get a chance to "drift" away this weekend and enjoy! xoxo

Color Me {Peach}

I'm not sure if I've shared with you or not, but R has started to brew his own beer. It's been an adventure thus far and we've definitely made some errors and brewed some pretty interesting beers. Everything we've brewed up to this point has been a little darker and heavier than my liking. But, this past weekend, we finally brewed a beer just for me, a peach flavored wheat ale. My soon to be Southern Peach Ale has left me inspired, wanting to cover everything in shades of peach. This beautiful shade is the perfect combination of pink and orange. It's light, subtle, and a wonderfully refreshing shade for both spring a summer that can add a touch of glam when mixed with gold accents or feel a bit rustic with vintage wood details. Trying to take it glam? Metallic gold vases filled with peach peonies or gold leaf accents on invitations or escort cars adds the perfect amount of pop. Opting for a down home feel? Family style tables with long vintage boxes filled with peaches is just what the planner ordered! 

Hope this leaves you feeling just peachy! 

Color Me {Lilac}

After two days of blistering cold, by which I mean highs in the mid 50s, my desire for spring time temperatures has been solidified. And, with warmer temperatures, comes brighter colors. Never a fan a purple, lately I've been lusting after lilac. Whether on its own or paired with shades of green or turquoise, lilac is a fresh shade for spring. It ties in beautifully no matter the feel of your soiree. It's a perfect compliment to both a rustic rumble or a glam gathering.

Get Creative {Branching Out}

You go to a wedding or a party and everybody expects there to be an abundance of flowers everywhere. Well how about this time, there's not. We are going (technically everybody else is in it) into fall, and branches are abundant. And, I'm feeling for my next party I want to walk outside, pick some up off the ground, or maybe rip them from the tree, decorate them and use them as a center piece. How gorgeous would it be to have branches lying on the table with little votive candles stuck between each little branch? I promise that's not considered a fire hazard. Or maybe roll them in glitter and stream crystals through them. Talk about glitzy glam. Seriously, there are a thousand different ways you could use branches, and as long as you branch out, it doesn't really matter. 

*Images: {Row 1} 1, 2, 3 {Row 2} 1, 2 {Row} 1, 2

All Mixed Up {Vineyard Wedding}

I'm fully aware that this is not a cocktail, but this wedding is inspired by all time favorite drink, wine! Thus, it totally fits under this category. Kinda. Anyways, like any girl, I've been planning my wedding since I was little. Clearly I don't want the same wedding I wanted when I was five. Now, I'm dreaming of a gorgeous vineyard wedding. Being surrounded by vines of ripe grapes, maybe sipping on our own special blend of grapes, what could be better? Plus, as the weather continues to improve and be less stupid hot, it would be amazingly gorgeous to spend an afternoon and evening outside enjoying friends and family at my happiest place on earth (You know after 21 the happiest place on earth changes from DisneyWorld to some place where you are surrounded by tons of adult beverages.)!

All Dressed Up

Normally I try and create a whole look for you. And normally it's a little more affordable than this dress. But, I'm kind of obsessed with this J.Crew frock. I mean just look at the ruffles! This dress is pretty and sweet, natural, and sure to make you look like the breathtaking beauty that you are! 

Indulge In {Italian Tapas Party}

Maybe it's in my blood. Or maybe it's just delicious. But, I love Italian food.  And I do not take the word love lightly.  I mean let's be honest. Last month in New York, I went on a cannoli tour of Little Italy. Literally I ate about 8 cannoli.  They were all so good. But, in case you are ever there, the best one is some little place on the corner called Caffe Roma. I don't care what anyone says to you, or what the signs read, Caffe Roma is the best.  Hands down. Anyways, now I'm distracted thinking about cannoli and completely forget about the meaning behind this post. Food fitting for a beautifully rustic soirée. And back to it being in my blood (I am actually Italian.), when I think about rustic, my mind automatically drifts to the Italian countryside. Therefore, I feel nothing is more appropriate than some delicious Italian hand helds. The basic idea behind a rustic inspired event is that nothing is artificial, and the same should go for the food. Stuffed mushrooms, risotto balls, crostini, and cannoli are all ideal (and not to mention delish!). The natural ingredients and vibrant colors of these foods make my taste buds water. Don't forget the wine, because we all know no event is complete without it! Piacere!

*Stuffed Mushrooms, Risotto Balls, Crostini, Cannoli

Color Me {Rustic}

I'm currently dreaming of throwing an event filled with rustic charm.  Thoughts of exposed wood, burlap accessories, twinkling lights, and galvanized metal fill my head. The feel of this event is so relaxed and inviting that guests can't help but feel at home! It reminds me of my trips to Italy and how authentic everything was. Raw, rustic, natural, and charming, this theme has it all in my book! 

*Horseshoes, Table