New @ Something Vintage: Ruffled Antique Lace Tablecloth

So those of you who know me,  know that I am an aspiring hoarder and can't throw anything old away.  Really, it just breaks my heart.  So I have this pile of vintage linens that I can't use because of holes, stains, etc.  So rather than pitching them (which I could never do!), I set out to repurpose them in a ruffled lace tablecloth.

The lovely Vanessa from Vanessa Grant Events on Etsy is a peach and agreed to repurpose up my antique linens to make this amazing lace ruffled tablecloth for a photoshoot that we are participating in next week.

I had to post a photo of it on the blog because I literally just received it i the mail and it is even more beautiful in person.  This is going to look stunning in photoshoot, I have no doubt.   Thank you, Vanessa!

After next week, the lovely tablecloth will be available to rent for tea parties, weddings, or other fabulous events.

How cool would this be one a dessert table?!!  No other rental company has anything like this :)

Our Reclaimed Barnwood Farm Tables

I mean, I could take a boring photo of our lovely reclaimed barnwood farm tables sitting in a field somewhere, but hey, I figured why not take a photo of everyone chowing down while seated at one?! This is a photo of my neighbors in DC enjoying some grub at the French country inspired baby shower we styled.  Mind you this is after we've all be eating for a while and enjoyed a mimosa or two, so the set up is a bit messy but you can definitely see our new tables.

When I received the tables, the surface was unfinished and hand-planed reclaimed pine barnwood.    I topped with with 100% pure tung oil to bring out the lovely old grain.  The beauty of old growth wood can't be matched with today's new wood, even if you scuff it up and distress it. The grain is just so gorgeous...I could go on and on.   Plus, the wood is reclaimed so we are sticking to our pledge of being as green and eco-friendly as possible. Seriously, how amazing is this table?!

More pictures of the tables to follow...perhaps a bit more professional looking :)

I spy chicken wire chargers made by Something Vintage.....

Sneak Peek: French Country Baby Shower

This weekend, we styled a lovely French country themed baby shower brunch (we called it "Brunch du Bebe") for Sandra and Jean Paul.  The adorable parents-to-be did not know the gender of the baby but had decorated their nursery with a mural of an orange bird in a tree, so we chose orange as an accent color.  Check out these cute details--we made chicken wire plate chargers (for a rustic, country feel) and mounted on framed chicken wire these little birds made from old French book pages.  We also built buffet table from old pallets and hung the lace ribbon curtain (made from antique lace linens) from old pieces of picket fencing.  Isn't this a lovely set up for a nice fall day?  I'll take two croissants, s'il vous plait---courtesy of the delicious French bakery Le Caprice.

The shower was held at Wangari Gardens, a community garden right by the couples' home in Washington DC.  This is a photo that I took, so please ignore my lack of photography skills. The shots from the real photographer Anne Robert (who is UBER talented) will be much better!  Promise.  Stay tuned for more...

Instant Style: Macaroons on Vintage China

These macaroons from Paul Bakery Cafe in DC are lovely by themselves but we are really loving the look of them on vintage china.  The colors in this adorable vintage plate compliment the colors of the delectable treats.  Rather than using plain china next time you serve macaroons or desserts to guests, try serving them on a fancy antique plate. It's guaranteed to make your company swoon!

 

Time to Make the Donuts!

It is hard to resist a donut.  Coupled with their irresistible taste and high cute factor, you can understand why these single serving delights are making an icing-dipped splash as the latest event trend. 

The ring is the most recognizable shape of these little, tasty pastries but they are also easily adapted to fit your sugary needs.  So when planning your event, think about all the interesting variations that the donut offers: twisted, filled, frosted, powered, holed or sprinkled.  Available in all sorts of flavors, they can be tailored to fit your party theme, color or vignette.

Served on pretty china, they are the instantly upgraded to fancy desserts for baby showers and tea parties. Stacked in tiers they can rival any traditional wedding cake.  Put them on sticks and they are transformed to fairground confections.  Tied with homemade bows, they can be bagged and given out as whimsical party favors.  And who wouldn’t like to ante up to a donut bar and throw back a few?

“Donuts. Is there anything they can’t do?” – Homer Simpson

Photo courtesy of www.greenweddingshoes.com

Photo courtesy of www.projectwedding.com

Tea Party Attire!

Tea Party Attire by somethingvintagerentals

Once you've returned your RSVP card to an afternoon tea party it's time to decide what to wear. Whether this is your first tea or you're a seasoned veteran here are some tips and reminders!

1. A dress or pants-suit is a great base to your outfit. Choose a color and style appropriate for the season and your age. Spring and Summer tea parties tend to be more informal, while Autumn and Winter teas are more formal.

2. Read your invitation for specific accessory requirements. Do you need to wear a hat? Gloves? Is it a playful or children's tea party where costume jewelry is encouraged? If there are no special requirements we suggest finding authentic vintage pieces to accompany your outfit.

3. For an outdoor tea party wedges and flats are the practical footwear choice.

4. Bring a light jacket, sweater, or shawl. If the tea is formal, exposing your arms might be considered taboo. The weather or air conditioning could also create a chilly environment; this way you'll be prepared!

5. Wear a smile and bring a positive attitude. You'll surly meet new people at the tea and will want to make a great first impression.

Foraging for Flowers: DIY Wedding Flowers

Foraging for herbs and veggies seems to be all the rage these days, especially in high end restaurants like Daniel in NYC.

That got me thinking, why not forage for flowers for events and weddings?  There are so many pretty flowers that grow wild--even those that were once considered weeds, like Queen Anne's Lace (love, love love!).  So when I visited my in-laws in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho I couldn't resist giving it a try.  It certainly doesn't hurt that they have lambs ear growing wild everywhere!

Check out this great bouquet that I picked while taking a walk around their house!  Not too shabby.