rustic

Simple rustic affair

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row 1: photo via snippet and ink
row 2: elizabeth messina photo via oncewed, porcelain utensils via caroline swift, paper sack menu via sunday suppers row 3: , burlap fabric via the paris apartment, hanging postcards via design sponge, dress via the english dept

I know a (really) cold front has hit the majority of the country right now so many people are dreaming of sitting by a fire or playing in the snow, but I saw this top image on snippet and ink and haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Since I promised today's post would be "lighter" I figured an inspiration board based on this image was perfect.

This one is all about staying simple and rustic. A lot of natural elements (fresh herbs, the dirt

floors, exposed wooden tables) with touches of off white porcelain and simple laid back fabrics (like burlap and thin white cottons.) As the party goes into the night, I see a ton of twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling and tucked into the shrubs and a family style dinner of different pastas, bottles of red wine, and oven fired home made pizzas covering the tables.

Has anyone else noticed a shift to the "simple" for big events such as wedding? It seems as though more and more people are realizing that the day isn't about coordinated favor boxes and towering flower arrangements, and instead are holding tight to what really matters to them. Personally, I think it's wonderful!

Have a great day, everyone!

Birch Wedding

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I got a message from one of my favorite college roommates* a few days ago saying that she'd had a dream that she got married and there were birch trees all around and thought it would be a good idea for me to write a post about. Well I couldn't agree more! I love birch trees. The bark is so beautiful and I love the clean lines of the trees. I think it's the perfect touch to incorporate into a fall or winter wedding and am so happy S decided to tell me about her dream. Hopefully this board will do it justice!

row 1: tablescape via bunnycakes, cake via oncewed
row 2: candle sticks via style me pretty, shrug via the english dept, Muscari birch ring "pillow" via Brides row 3: birchwood centerpiece via kurt cyr, birch vases via get married

*Not only is she just an awesome person, but we also took the same studio art classes together all summer long so I really got to know her better. We had only known each other for a semester when we decided to live together that summer but both wanted to stay in Athens for the summer so we just went for it and found an apt to sublease. Guess it was a little risky, and I can only speak on my part, but I'm happy we took the risk because she was such an awesome roommate! Now she's studying to be a nurse and I am so proud of her! She's going to do such an amazing job at it.

Dining Outside

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I love to eat outside.

My childhood memories are filled with images of my mom fixing my sister and I picnic lunches to eat in our backyard, watching from our outdoor dinner table as my dad shucked fresh grilled corn, and then of course all of us eating grilled chicken wings at my best friend A's house after a long day of swimming.

Even today, that love for eating outside remains. J and I love to sit on our porch (when it starts to get cooler) and eat dinner together. (We even have a chandelier hanging above our table so we can eat by candlelight!) With all that said, today I thought I would share a board inspired by outdoor dinner parties. I love everything about them- from the homemade desserts made from fresh berries, to the bright jersey dresses all the girls dress up in and of course eating at a picnic table with citronella candles burning all around. Nothing is too fussy- centerpieces are made up of collections of wild flowers or herbs found in your garden or backyard, and the napkins can just be simple cotton tea towels. The best part is that this is the exact type of party that doesn't need a special occasion or cost a lot of money- just fire up the grill, invite some friends over and remember the bug spray!

row 1:flowers via design sponge, table scape via hip hostess
row 2: escort cards via, dress via martha stewart weddings, dessert via santa barbara wedding chic
row 3: photo via i am a greedy girl, ice cream with love spoons via grey likes weddings

Garden themed

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Even though it has been (and looks to continue) raining here for what seems like for.ever, I still can't stop thinking about how pretty a laid back garden wedding would be. This board focuses on combining all that is green from a garden, such as various herbs and shrubs, with beautiful rustic touches such as a tree stump cake pedestal and outdoor chandeliers. Hope you enjoy!

column 1: herb centerpiece via martha stewart, chalkboard "I do" charger via hip hostess
column 2: photo via with this ring
row 1: tree stump cake stand via once wed, rosemary napkin holder via the knot, seed favors via
row 2: photo via nibs blog, bouquet via little winter bride cox and cox