Printed Tablescapes

I've never been one for the norm...that includes tablecloths for weddings and events. Just because it is a wedding doesn't mean it has to be boring. Check out some of my favorites patterns. Bold prints make a BIG statement so pick out a few tables and dress them to the nines.

A Day in the Life - Mandarin Oriental Hotel

As a planner, we always see to it that our brides are pampered. So it was finally my turn to be pampered by the Mandarin Oriental Atlanta hotel. The event "A Day in the Life" gave me a snippet of the bride's day. A lot of my brides stay at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Atlanta the night prior to the wedding because of the amazing amenities such as a full service bar, five star cuisine and award winning first class service. There is no better way to get ready for the big day!

Last weekend, I checked into the hotel - can you say upgraded room? And, a tray full of macaroons with a sweet note greeted me upon arrival. That bed was heavenly. I slept like a baby - oh my! 

Day one, the first stop was the spa for a massage, steam room and whirlpool treatments. Later I had feasted on yummy cocktails and appetizers at the Taipan Lounge that featured live entertainment. Day two included a tour of the hotel and private residences followed by lunch and a cake tasting.  Life is good! Thank you Mandarin Oriental Hotel Atlanta. Contact Catering Sales Manager Mica Louis for more information for your next stay, event, meeting or wedding.

A Few of my Favorite Things

Its time to get back to work after a little down time.  Top on my list is after Christmas/New Year holiday sales. Here are a few of my favorites.

Entertaining essentials. You'll find everything you need to set a festive mood for the next soiree in our Party in a Box. In various jewel tones, the kit includes decor, drink ware and serve ware. Each box includes: 5 paper balls, 2 paper fans, 6 champagne coupes, a stainless steel cocktail shaker, a lacquered serving tray, 6 votive holders and confetti - 70% off at West Elm.

Drink Up - Check out these gorgeous Tinsel Stir Sticks on sale at Anthropologie.

Check out these Alphabet Tidbit Plates - so cute at only $3.99 at Pottery Barn.

Children at Weddings

Love them or leave them at home. The topic of children at weddings is always a hot topic. Some couples want adult only receptions and other embrace the kids. It is always important to create a comfortable, inviting environment for children if they will be attending the wedding.

Check out my children's table and some of the fun items I found on the Wisteria's website including fun toys. I started with a white linen (must have) and comfortable folding chairs with vinyl padded seats for easy wipe down. Provide the little ones with cupcakes, I found gorgeous cupcake stands on Horchow's website and let them pick their favorite icing, sprinkles and flavor. The Savage Garden provided flowers and the wood custom cotton candy holder. Photos provided by Jeremy Harwell.

Tips for Dealing with Guest Seating Chart

Seating wedding guests has to be the hardest part of my job as a wedding coordinator. Just as the stars must align in the sky, the RSVPs, table chart and guest count must also be in sync. Check out all of my tips on BBJ Linen's wedding planning blog.

Just Golden - Gold Flatware

Is it just me or do I seeing a fab new trend - gold flatware. Yes, it is everywhere including magazines, blogs and stores. So glad to have options and this is one option that I like. The look is high-style with a touch of class to take your table from drab to fab. I haven't seen any gold flatware at local rental companies, but I'm sure we will soon.

via Lennoxx 

Gold flatware

Pattern Linens

My latest obsession is pattern linens. I think they look great on any table at any event - long gone are the days of plain Jane solid colors and damask linens. The linens below are from Horchow - Legacy Home "Windsor" Tablecloth, "Raid" Overlay and "Seafarer" Stripped Napkins. Notice how the patterns work together to compliment the tabletop. Don't be afraid - pattern linens are your friend.

Stripped napkins, pattern overlay/underlay

Gourmet Tea Sugar Cubes

This is my newest obsession - handcrafted gourmet tea sugar cubes that have been transformed into color sugar balls, hearts or cup huggers shapes such as wings or cats. The artisan sugar are perefct of high tea or any special occasion. The cup huggers are designed to hook on a tea or coffee mug - genius. Oh how sweet it is!

Sugar Sucre Round

Sugar wings cup holders

Color Balls Tea Sugars

Silver Tablescape Design

These pictures are from a past photo shoot that I designed. Shopping, shopping, shopping - it was great pulling all of the pieces together and selecting the perfect accessories to dress out this table. My inspiration was a silver monotone color palette of silver. I added pops of color to the table with mini-desserts. I hope you enjoy the pixs as much as I do.

Displaying mini desserts in oversize spoons

Double duty - placecard and favor

Found these crown candle holders on sale - great addition to my inventory

Mix of animal sculptures

Table set for four

Flowers by Floral Matters and Linens by I Do Linens styling by Gail Johnson