entertaining

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a new favorite entertaining staple

If you follow me on Instagram you proably have seen I’ve added a new favorite to my collection of entertaining staples – these gorgeous rectangular water hyacinth placemats from Pottery Barn that Santa left under my tree for Christmas!  Anyone who knows me knows I love all things Ina Garten and these placemats remind me so much of the ones she uses…

thx+2018+1

getting ready for thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is in two days!!!  I’m not quite sure which I’m more excited about – eating my weight in turkey and fixings or setting my table.  This year I’m keeping it simple on both counts; the older I get the more I crave simplicity in every aspect of my life and that most certainly includes entertaining! …

fall+ent+2018

adding fall touches to your entertaining basics

I’m probably the only person on the planet that isn’t high fiving fall’s impending arrival (I’m always holding on to the end of summer with both hands), but this year, despite the steady 90 degree temps, I’ve already started to introduce little touches of fall to my daily dinnerware and serving pieces.  I always keep my entertaining basics…

summer+ent+must+2018

summer entertaining must-haves

Summer is in full force around here and there is nothing I love more than having friends over for a swim, a bite to eat and a few cocktails.  While most times it’s impromptu and usually eaten off paper plates while chasing kiddos, there are still times I like to put a little more effort…

mth+day+table+2

mother’s day table + gift ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and this year, I’m ahead of the game for the first time in forever with gifts for my own momma and some of my closest friends already wrapped and ready to be given!  I’ll be spending the day this year with my mom and my aunt, which is…

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easter table

One of my favorite parts of any holiday is going all out with my table setting; it’s one of the things my family has grown used to anticipating whenever it’s my turn to host and I love it!  I always loved helping my mother set out dining table growing up and now I am thrilled to do…

bamboo+flatware+2

my 5 favorite basics for a beautifully set table

Thank you all for entering Tuesday’s giveaway!  And thank you once again to Lauren Marttila for offering up one of her gorgeous prints for us!  Marcie Newman is the lucky winner of “Lineup”!  Are giveaways something you guys would like to see more of?  If so, leave a comment below! Switching gears here for a minute…

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christmas table setting

Red is a color I love to wear but rarely ever use in decorating.  While I tend to stick to silver, gold and white when Christmas rolls around, this year I just couldn’t resist a little pop of red when planning my table for Christmas dinner.  I found this linen hemstitch table runner last year at TJMAXX and have…

thx+must+haves+2017

entertaining essentials for the holiday season

The only thing that excites me as much as eating dinner on Thanksgiving is how I’m going to set my table for the big day!  Some of my favorite holiday memories are centered around the table and how much more special is it when that table is decked out to the nines?  Lydia has even gotten…

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diy: mini pumpkin taper candle holders

Despite being more of a spring and summer girl, fall in the south is my favorite time of year to entertain.  There’s no pollen or mosquitos so you can actually enjoy the cooler temps and beautiful evenings dining alfresco or even just sipping a cocktail or a cup of coffee on the porch under a…

decor-books

my favorite entertaining books

We’re back from our whirlwind road trip to Newport for the wedding of the centurey and I’ve been so excited to get back to blogging!  Amidst the bags to be unpacked and the mountain of laundry to be tackled, I’ve also got to plan a menu and table setting for a small get together this…

photo-backup

my favorite, budget-friendly entertaining must-haves

I really thought I’d be sent to labor and delivery yesterday morning after my 38 week checkup, but instead I’m going on week three at 2 cm and 50% effaced, so it’s back to regularly scheduled programming for a little while longer.  I don’t know if it’s my nesting urge or the fact that I…