Butterflies & Bombshells

Whether you are setting up a Mother's Day luncheon with your friends, including your favorite mothers of course, or you are having a small family gathering -- just adding a few simple touches can make it special.  

Take this beautiful Mother's Day inspired table.

Created from our wonderful Willow House staff.  This particularly table was showcased at our 2010 national meeting.

One of the 'oooos and aaahhhhs' of the table, of course, is the Avalon Accent Trees with reindeer moss and  butterflies.

Here is a little 'behind the scenes action' to show how they did it . . . 

Source ::: Plate & Pattern (Willow House corporate blog) --  Start by adding a styrofoam cone to the center of each tree. For the large cone, she added moss from the bottom opening, but since our cones were the same size and the Avalon Accent Trees aren't, the smaller tree was a little tighter fit. For that tree, she had more luck putting the moss in from the outside-in. For your pieces, just experiment to see which method works best. 

Ready for her close up . . . the Avalon Accent Tree goes mossy!

Add a few craft store butterflies and you have a stunning centerpiece for your buffet or garden table!

Vary the height of your trees with urns, hurricanes and pedestals of different heights acting as the base.  These centerpiece 'trees' have also been used as a door bucket here, and a centerpiece at my family's summer BBQ here.  

Here is where the butterfly theme meets the bombshell . . . 

Have FUN with you family photographs!
•  Use an earlier picture of mom and either scan it, crop it and print it large or take it to your local copy center to help you.
•  Cut out mom's portrait in the shape of a butterfly.  It doesn't have to be perfect!
•  Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the top corner of one of the butterfly's wings and thread a ribbon through.
•  Use plenty of ribbon for an elegant bow and tie it onto the ribbon plate.
•  How sweet is this?     

My mom (though she may of acted a bit embarrassed at the time) would of loved this!  

This is perfect for ANY ladies spring / summer luncheon -- so keep this idea in mind!  

The Gramercy Ribbon Plate is topped with accent plates.  One in a trellis pattern (which mimics the tablecloth) and our Verde Berry Bowl (currently on vacation -- ask me for inventory status).

Each berry bowl contains a sweet package for the guest.  Wouldn't this make any one of us feel special?

Yes, I think it would indeed.  Love the purple accents combined with the green and cream color palette.

Ice tea (are you from the South?  Why yes, it IS Sweet Tea, how did you know?), served in a Ruffled Glass Pitcher, with sugar cube and lemon slices ready for guests to help themselves.

So many beautiful details . . . 

. . . including the Vases filled with flowers, and the flatware wrapped within the napkin and tucked into the glass tumbler.

Though it never hurts . . . 

. . . to serve a jaw-dropping dessert!  Purple flowers top a gorgeous creme cake wrapped with a chiffon ribbon and proudly display on a ruffled glass cake pedestal.  YuMMy!  

Of course you can take the theme of any gathering to any length of extremes -- it all depends on how much time you have to prepare for it, AND what your definition of ExTreme is ;).

The folks over at the National Watermelon Promotion Board continue to impress me with the ingenious ways they encourage us to enjoy melons, if you haven't checked out their carving ideas lately, you should!

Source ::: National Watermelon Promotion Board

How about these adorable pretzel butterflies?  They are the perfect combination of a little salty & sweet and look very simple to make too.  To top your cupcakes with pretzel-winged butterflies . . . note the
• bodies are piped dots of blue buttercream
• heads are candy-coated-chocolate
• with licorice antennae

Yes, YOU can do this!! Source ::: Martha Stewart Kid's (adults like them too ;)

Most craft stores sell silk butterflies, or those made from feathers, look in the floral department near the foam and glass gems.  Often times these butterflies include a wire stem, making them easy to pop into an arrangement or attach to the stem of a glass.

To make this gorgeous floral arrangement, see the source ::: Southern Living Magazine

You could even add a Nest of Sweets to each place setting.  Don't limit the use of nests in your decor to just Easter.

Source ::: Southern Living Magazine

 Wire silk butterflies to the stems of glassware.  Each guest could be a different colored butterfly, making it easy to keep track of his or her glass.

Source ::: Southern Living Magazine

To continue to carry the butterfly theme, don't forget the backs of your chairs. Create this look in two steps. First loop ribbon over each chair back, and tie it in a knot.  Then for the bow, make two loops with a length of ribbon, and secure by tying with the tails from the first knot. Insert a silk butterfly.

Source ::: Southern Living Magazine

I hope this post encourages you to have Fun with you entertaining and not to be afraid to take any theme to a bit of an extreme!

Take Care and Happy Mother's Day to All the MoMs out there! ♥

Linking up with :::
•  Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursdays

4 Sisters Brunch with a Pig

I've got a little story to tell you . . . the names may have been changed to protect the innocent . . . the facts may be embellished (literary license) for entertainment . . . but the rest of it, well, you can bet the farm on it.

There once were 4 sisters who gathered together for a special Mother's Day brunch . . .

They dined on the 'balcony' (fancy way of saying upper deck) on a table sprinkled with sunflowers, and one giant sunflower that was the center of attention.

Sunflowers were their mother's favorite flower.

soften the faux grass edge with reindeer moss and the tray with a extra long burlap scarf (actually just a fabric remant I fringed and use randomly throughout the year ;)

The 'Magic' Sunflower standing in the faux grass was super easy -- after I learned this fun trick from Jonathan Fong of Style with a Smile TV. All it takes is a metal surface (in this case, a gorgeous Covington Tray) and a magnet hot glued to the base of the flower stem (for fresh flowers you'll need to glue the magnet to a flat head nail and insert the nail into the flower stem). I've used Gerbera Daisies with great success, but since this sunflower was top heavy I used a larger magnet and even placed a few rocks around the base of the stem in case a breeze came through (I didn't want it to fall into my sister's fruit salad . . . or did I ;). Anyhoo -- the bigger the flower head, the bigger the magnet base I always say.

The youngest sister doesn't cook . . . but she sets a cute table.

And included a little gift at each place setting.

A pretty little fabric bag filled with jewelry.

Some of the sisters are bossy, so their stemware charms make them feel in charge.

Many trips to the 'beverage station' were taken . . .

. . . where they were greeted by . . .

. . . another proud sunflower (this one in a vase) and an old soda crate filled with succulents,

mimosas are a brunch staple

a Pig (planter) holding a bottle of champange next to a pitcher of orange juice.  Pigs always make an appearance when the sisters gather (long-standing 'who's the biggest pig humor). 

And of course . . .

MoM!  The lady who made their lives possible.

The sisters exchanged funny cards (tucked behind mom's frame) . . . kudoos to the one who brought the most hilarious and original card to the party!

The sisters will likely stay on 'the balcony' most of the day.  Brunching with a PiG and . . .

. . . thinking of the lady who loved sunflowers that brought them all together.

Resources for the wonderful pieces that dedicated their time and patience to this brunch ►
•  PiG -- a gift from a sister (of course) made in Mexico, she picked up at a locally owned West Texas import shop.
•  Tuscan (turquoise) Pitcher, and Tuscan Tidbit & Saucer, retired Southern Living at Home products
•  Gramercy Beverage Server, Willow House
•  Emerson Wine Glasses, Willow House
•  Frame of my gorgeous mom, a gift from my (oldest & wisest) sister
•  Sunflowers, Large Stemmed from Hobby Lobby; Small Paper (sprinkled on table) Pottery Barn
•  Juniper (green) Vase (with iron frame), retired Southern Living at Home product
•  Soda Crate filled with Succlents, garage sale find repurposed over here
•  White Tablecloth, efavormart
•  Burlap Table Runners, made from fabric yardage bought at Hobby Lobby
•  Covington Serving Tray, Willow House
•  Faux Grass & Reindeer Moss, Hobby Lobby
•  Black Rocks, Pottery Barn
•  Cabbage Leaf Placemats, Grandin Road (only seemed to be carried at Easter, every year)
•  Emerson Iced Beverage Glasses, Willow House
•  Gallery Flatware, retired Southern Living at Home product
•  Villa Stoneware Dinnerplate, retired Willow House product (ask me :)
•  Tuscan Accent Plate, retired Southern Living at Home product (ask me :)
•  Drake Firefly Lantern, Willow House
•  Sara Blaine Jewelry Bag & Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine, available here
•  Sunflower Garden Seat, Pier 1 Imports (many moons ago)
•  Pillows on Bench, Embroidered Scroll from Willow House

Thanks so much for stopping in :) this post is being linked up with ►
•  Between Naps on the Porch, Tablescapes Thursday
•  504 Main Tickled Pink Friday
•  Chic on a Shoestring Flaunt it Friday
•  Serenity Now: Weekend Bloggy Reading
•  Stuff and Nonsense: Friday's Unfolded
•  At the Picket Fench: Inspiration Friday
•  The Shabby Nest's Frugal Friday
•  French Country Cottage, Feathered Nest Friday
•  Thrifty Decorating, Thrifty Thursday's
•  Saved by Love, Thrifty Thursday
•  The Shabby Creek Cottage's Transformation Thursday
•  Brandy Craft's Get Your Brag On
•  Embracing Change Creative Inspirations Party
•  DiY by Design Swing into Spring Party
•  Coastal Charm Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
•  Salt Tree Open Call Tuesdays
•  Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Tuesdays Treasures
•  Addicted 2 Decorating's Addicts (not so) Anonymous Party
•  Seasonal Sundays with The Tablescaper
•  Six Sisters Strut Your Stuff Saturday
•  Petite Hermine Sunday Linky Party
•  Organised Housewife Linky Party
•  My 1929 Charmer Sunday's Best
•  Under the Table & Dreaming's Sunday Showcase
•  Funky Junk Saturday Night Special Patios
•  Simply Klassic Home - Simply Klassic Sunday
•  Tator Tots & Jello Weekend Wrap Up Party

Celebrate her day with gift ideas for every kind of mom

From gardeners and fashionistas, to cooks and crafters.  Are you are looking for something special as a gift for others or for yourself (in any price range)?  If so, let me assist you with one of kind service that my personal online store can provide . . .

For the Antiquer | Chloe Necklace, Earrings, Ring, Julia Necklace or Zara Twist Collection
Charming  labradorite and immaculate 18-karat gold vermeil bows tease with flirtatious sophistication. Julie and Zar include smokey agate beads for an instant classic.  $90 - $150

 OR -- our Aldrige Wire Cloche will add some organic style to her home, tuck in a vase with a single bloom for an enchanting botanical look. $60

For the Writer | Olivia Antiqued Bowl
Mom can keep up with her correspondences the old-fashioned way and have a place to store her stationary and favorite reads with our looping ironwork bowl.  Perfect catchall on a console table or nightstand. $50

OR -- our Estate Tiered Rack . . . I double dog dare you to write 'Get Your Priorities Straight' on the card ;) $28

For the Spa-Goer | Belle Meade Entertaining Stand will hold all her lotions and potions, and her collection of perfume bottles, beautifully $100

 OR -- our French Wire Tiered Stand, she can corral all her toiletries in this feminine catch-all. $60

For the Beach Bum | Moroccan Pierced Luminaries
She'll mentally sail away to the shore with these enchanting pierced luminaries. The champagne color gives them a warm glow, and their fun size makes them easy to place in any space -- she wants to dream of her vacation.

For the Lounger | Scrollwork Oversized Throw
Swap her old tired smock for this chenille blanket -- incredibly soft and cozy, and the chocolate color accented in spice, warms up any decor.

For the Techie | Galveston Memo Board & Must Have Holder
Let her know that you like her old-fashion form of texting. $40-$60

For the Pet Lover | Braided Wrap Bracelet
We're chomping at the bit for this braided wrapped bracelet, handmade with suede leather and and brass medallions. Choose either black brown as shown with peridot resin beads.

For the Artisan | Gail Pittman Alfresco Collection
Our bold medallion design in a neutral color palette is perfect for large group entertaining or inimate gatherings with family.  Dishwasher, freezer, microwave and oven safe up to 350°. $24-$70

For the Crafter | French Wire Carousel Caddy
For a sewing kit, it's a perfect fit.  But try it again for pencils and pens, or use it on a buffet and serve away!  The caddy's removable glasses are fantastic for decorating, serving or corralling odds and ends.  $55

For the Fashionista | Bali Scroll Lemon Quartz Collection
Our elegant Bali Scroll Jewelry Collection by Sara Blaine gets a refreshing makeover with big, bold chunks of sun-drenched Lemon Quartz. $90 - $350

For the Baker | Adair Upside Down Cake Stand (with or without the dome)Her delicious confections will look even tastier atop our sturdy ruffled glass pedestal.  She can even flip it over to use as a tray, chip & dip or vase. $50-$80

 OR -- our Belle Meade Canister Set (large enough to hold a 5 pound bag of flour) or any other of our wonderful canisters for all her pantry staples. $50-$163

For the Wine Lover | Gramercy Wine Butler, Carrigan Wine Stoppers or any of our many wine gifts or even a subscription to Food & Wine Magazine.
Slip a couple of bottles of her favorite varietal inside, and voila! The perfect gift. $10-$33

For the Gardener | Coronado Stone Planter
Her garden will grow in abundance thanks to this Vintage inspired yet modernly refined planter.  Made of real stone with a whitewashed finish. Its intricate scalloped sides and beading on the bottom complement its simple yet sophisticated design. $30

For the Traveler | Covington Serving Tray
She can stash photos & her travel mementos in style tucked safely under the removeable glass top.  She'll not only travel in style, but now she can serve in style too! $73

For the Porch Sitter | Floral Embossed Oil Lamp For less than $25 she won't be easily bugged.

For the Hipster | Layla or Emma Agate Stone Necklaces
All the cool kids are wearing them. Now, Mom can, too. $30-$120

For the Entertainer | Riverstone Stacking Platters or Tapas Set
Four petaled bowls nestled together create a rose in full bloom; separately, Mom can use them to set out snacks. $55-$63

For the Cook | Annabelle Cookbook Stand and our many cookbooks and / or magazines
Hold a cookbook open, or use this iron piece to showcase a family photo album or scrapbook. This lovely iron stand includes a deep tray to hold even large books, plus weights that keep pages in place while she makes your favorite dinner :) $43

All Photos shown are courtesy of Willow House can be found on my website, as well as in our current catalogs (psst. . . I am happy to mail you one).  Additional items used within the photos are of product that is also available for purchase -- so don't hesitate to ask if you are seeking something in particular.  ☼  I may be able to find it for you -- wrap it for you and ship it for you -- even if it isn't currently available on my website due to outages at our Alabama distribution center.

☼ Pick Your Own Special ☼

 Create your own special -- ANYTIME in ANY MONTH!

•  As a customer, when you spend $39.96 (or more) you qualify to pick ANY catalog item you want that is $39.96 or less for 50% off!

•  As a customer, when you spend $125 directly with me on a purchase [not already associated with a party] I will enter your order as a single party order. This will allow you to choose ANY catalog item you want for 50% off!

•  As a customer, when you spend $250 directly with me on a purchase [not already associated with a party] I will enter your order as a single party order. This will allow you to choose ANY catalog item you want for 50% off, ANY catalog item you want for 70% off AND receive a % of the sales in product of your choice!

If you are new to my blog (which in itself is rather New :) Please Know that I have no plans to talk about Willow House with each post.  But with a special holiday at hand I cannot resist but to share some fabulous finds with you that also happen to be perfect Mother's Day Gifts.

If our photos inspire you, you will want to check out our My Style Share website -- where we take our wonderful products and bring them to life everyday!   Here is my direct account if you are interested :)

Let me know if I can answer any questions and Thank You for Stopping By!   

Linking up with Homemaker on a Dime's: