Blue and White Summer Table Setting

Sometimes the best table settings are created by just using what you have around the house.    Simplicity often times really is the best and easy way to entertain.  This past weekend my son had a birthday, and he invited a couple friends over for dinner.  Now that my son is all grown up, I decided it would be nice to set a beautiful table for his dinner.  What are some of the elements I like to use to create a successful table setting for my guests?

Well like decorating a room you have to start with the layers.  We have an outdoor table that I covered in a lacy blue and white tablecloth.  I like to use this tablecloth a lot because it matches the cushions on my outdoor furniture and pillows. At the beginning of summer, I also went to Joanne's Fabrics and purchased some of the clear plastic vinyl to put over the top of the cloth to help keep it clean for summer use.

After the tablecloth was covered, I added a few lanterns that I use in my yard for decoration.  They have battery operated candles and add a little extra light for evening gatherings.  The shape of my table is rectangular so I placed two evenly spaced in the center of the table.  I grabbed my handy go to green glass vase and looked around my yard to see what was flowering.  As luck would have it, I had a couple giant white Annabelle Hydrangeas and into my vase, they went.  I put the Hydrangeas in between my lanterns. 

Next, I added some herringbone rattan chargers that I picked up on clearance at Pier 1 about a month ago for a design project.  I liked the color and texture of these chargers, and they just reminded me of summer.  On top of the chargers, I added my white dinner plates.  I pulled out the silverware and wine cups from the cupboard.  I also added some navy cotton napkins to finish the place setting.  The final touch was to add a couple extra votive candles and light them up.  As the sun set, we ate our dinner by candlelight.  Spending time with family and friends is always the best kind of summer fun!

Take care,

Christina

A PERSONALIZED PHOTO GIFT IDEA

Black and white photo printed on canvas anchors this wall display.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, you might be trying to come up with some gift ideas to give your loved ones.  One of the ideas that I stumbled upon a while back was to create personalized photo mounted images.  I have a close friend who is a photographer.  One year for Christmas she gave me a beautiful photo she had taken of me at a local winery.  The photo had been printed on canvas.  It was a very thoughtful gift, and a nice reminder of a day well spent.  I really loved the idea and decided to try it myself.

So last Christmas, I set out to try this on my own.  My nephew had gotten married in the fall. I thought it would make a really nice Christmas gift for him and his new bride.  I was surprised at just how easy it could be done and to see which options were available.  For example, you can have your images printed on canvas.  You can have them printed in color or black and white. You can also have them printed on wood or iron.  The results are very personal images that can be displayed as nice pieces of art in your décor.

Here’s how I went about it.  I went to www.samsclub.com, but I know there are other sources for this type of printing as well.  Once logged in to the photo department, you click on photo mounted prints, and you can select either wood or canvas options whichever you prefer.  I’ve tried both, and they all really look nice.  Then you just follow the instructions to upload your favorite images. You simply select the size of photo frame you want.  Next, you will get to see a preview of how your print image will look.  At this point you have the option to adjust the image or edit to your liking.  Once you have everything set the way you like it, you simply send the order in.  After about a week or so the images are ready for pick up.

Once you’ve picked up the images, you can then bring them home and decide where you want to hang them.  I recommend purchasing a pair, or a trio to create a nice display on your wall.  You could also print one large photo piece to hang over a table or to complete a wall vignette in your space.   So far I’ve given a few of these gifts away and everyone has loved them.  So give it a try, a wall mounted photo or two, it's a great gift idea!

Take care,

Christina