It was a week a family, fun, preparation, and exhaustion. Florida came in to stay with us for a week. It is always a whirlwind when she visits. This time she came for her daughter’s wedding. Arriving a couple days early, we wanted to have a sips and nibbles for the Moms. A relaxing evening in the garden where nothing was required from these woman, that have worked so hard to raise these 2 amazing individuals, that have promised to share their lives. It was also an opportunity to allow the mother of the bride (Florida) to get to know the other moms better. It really does take a village! Mom’s, stepmoms, the bride and her maid of honor, the Aunt and the Nanna (that’s me)!
When Florida arrived I planned a simple family meal of brisket but, I wanted to set a pretty table outside. The weather was gorgeous. I created a table scape with an old galvanized tray that I had painted black. It is handy but there is absolutely nothing pretty about it. I wanted to create a table scape for the dishes I was using that night but, one that would work with different dishes the following night. Using the tray helped me coral all the accessories I wanted to use on the table and all I had to do was plunk it down.
The first thing I needed to know was if I could fit 7 chargers around this 56″ table. This tray is large and I wanted to make sure it wouldn’t infringe on anyone’s space. No problem. Next I started with a good foundation. A beloved quilt made by my mom’s best friend. It is all hand quilted with precision!
I changed out the small bouquet of pink flowers for a crock that had some yellow flowers for this table.
A cloche with a birds nest in it, a basket of eggs, a couple of clay pots, a pumpkin and an amber bottle. A set of 3 leather bound books and the vignette was done. Yes, I could have changed the tea towel to one more appropriate but I wanted to keep this table easy to swap out for the following night. No fresh flowers, just some fun accessories that I pulled from around the house.
The following day I just swapped out the quilt for another more neutral quilt that I use on my bed. Threw a Pottery Barn Topper on it and placed my tray back on the table. I swapped out the crock with yellow flowers for the terracotta pot with the faux roses in it. Add in a few buffet type pieces to coral silver and plates, and leave plenty of room for more trays of food and beverages. And I was done. Well, I had lots of appetizers to prepare but the table was definitely the easy part.
What resulted was a fun evening of interesting conversation a lot of giggles and some revealing comments from all parties.
This was just the first of a whirlwind week that culminated in the best wedding ever!
Next up wedding table scapes.
Thanks for stopping
Shelley
