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Thursday, June 6, 2013

rustic & elegant: garden party details

Now that our graduation party is over I can finally lose myself in thick bags of garden dirt, flowers and of course, those dreamy visions of garden parties. I just can’t explain it, but during the warm weather months I become utterly captivated by images of garden parties. I don’t care whether they’re big gatherings or intimate ones, I just love to look for styling ideas for outdoor table settings.

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These days I’m really loving the natural look of rustic wood for the garden table. Like this one. Isn’t this table setting gorgeous? Very simple with only linen napkins, and yet so fresh and pretty.

What do you like best about this table?

My eyes are instantly drawn to the weathered bowl filled with lush ferns…and how about those white candlesticks poking out of that yummy lime moss? The minute I saw this photo I just had to try make my own version of the moss/candlestick section and share it with you.

I already had these four items.

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Just a few holes and some hot glue….

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Once it’s complete, just add moss (from the bag) through the centerpiece to make it look fuller.

Since I don’t have that beautiful big bowl I had to improvise (but I’m on the look-out for that bowl!) and instead, I used little pots of greenery wrapped in linen and placed them in the middle.

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My Moss and Candlestick Centerpiece

What do you think?

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It’s a smaller version (without the big bowl) but I think it would look pretty at night with the candles lit, don’t you?

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I added miniature clay pots with white stones and candles.

And here’s a few more ideas I’m loving.

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You’ve probably seen these wood slabs all over Pinterest but I never tire of them. You can order them HERE. And I think they look absolutely stunning with these butterfly dishware.

The bride and groom actually made these dishes with a Make-a-Plate children’s kit, can you believe it?

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Their wedding was unbelievably sweet, filled with tender, personal touches and you can read more about it HERE.

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This rugged wood table looks amazing with simple greenery laid down the center and paired with white dinnerware and napkins.

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I’ve seen similar tables with bunches of leaves from orange trees and fig.

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But look how pretty asparagus ferns look against the grain of the wood.

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White and green. It’s doesn’t get more classic than this.

 

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A lovely hydrangea tucked inside a napkin….

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And in case you don’t have the electrical outlets for twinkling lights like these…

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How about these mason jars and candles dangling from trees? I tinted my jars blue like these and it wasn’t hard at all.

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Oh my. When was the last time you made paper chains and hung them with lights? I have such fond memories of making paper chains I don’t know why I’ve never thought of hanging them outside.

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Well….

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Have I inspired you to sit outside with a cold drink?

to place some moss and candles on your table?

maybe?

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I love your visits.

Leslie

 

 

other photo credits: ruffled blog; style me pretty; absolutely beautiful things; honeyofthousandflowers;

 

16 comments:

  1. Leslie, inspired indeed! Can't go wrong with the outdoors or with twinkle lights! Your table settings are so inviting too!
    Liz

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  2. I just want to have a backyard party now! Love all of your ideas. :)

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  3. Beautiful ideas for entertaining outdoors. One of my favorite ways to entertain ~ alfresco dining. Love the idea of the moss and ferns down the center. Your table looks terrific. Like you, green and white is so classic. It's what I like in my shade garden. Thanks for the inspiration! ~ Sarah

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  4. oooh,I had to pin some of these. great job on your candle and moss centerpieces. love it! and that tiny pot with the nametag. so cute!

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  5. I love natural looks like this, too, Leslie! Your centerpiece turned out beautifully! We had a couple a large trees taken down this spring, and plan to make log slices like those to use in the centerpieces for my daughter's wedding this summer...

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  6. Such great inspiration, Leslie. I wish so badly we lived in a climate that made for great outdoor entertaining, but we'd all melt in our intense heat and humidity.

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  7. gorgeous inspiration, leslie. the moss, ferns, and candle combo looks so swedish lovely to me! wish i could cross the gardening stuff off the list, but it will be awfully slow going this year! hoping to plant some flowers and herbs in my window boxes this weekend if the weather cooperates.

    smiles to you.

    michele

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  8. Loved you arrangement. I especially liked the clay pot/rocks and the candle. So simple, so perfect.

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  9. So many wonderful ideas there. Love the centerpiece you created, love the mason jars. A perfect setting for a summer's evening.

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  10. I LOVE your centerpiece, and all the ideas you shared are stunning! :)

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  11. What a beautiful table! I love summer outdoor meals. We have big Sunday lunches under the portico here. I don't do much decor but the space is beautiful with a hibiscus mural I painted and some West African barbershop art. It's also cool in the summer heat with lovely arches looking into the (pool-less!) yard.

    I love the lights around that tree. I have lights in my jasmine arches but I'd love to wrap up a big old tree xx

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  12. HI LESLIE!

    Thanks for coming again to visit me and I am loving your ideas here! Our weather however, has not been too warm and my dreams of going out onto the deck and decorate my table are chilled out for the moment; we went out yesterday and I had to wear my winter coat!

    But the moss, the candles, all the linens, OH YES, this is what I love!

    Your comment was so kind. Have a super day! Anita

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  13. There is something so fresh about green and white isn't there? We made those mason jar lanterns for a wedding a few years ago and they were fun! We reused them a year later for another wedding and I still have some I use on the deck each summer.

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  14. Beautiful inspiration Leslie! I love your rustic centerpiece! Makes me want to throw a garden party!

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  15. Oh Leslie, how inspiring. I cannot wait until we get our stone terrace put in so that we can have a wonderful outdoor dinner with a lovely table setting! Great pics!!

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  16. Love your centerpiece! Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I'm pinning this!

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