Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out

Secret Garden Luncheon + Craft I love hosting lunch and craft parties for friends and neighbors - it's a great way to serve others and meet new people doing something fun and creative. Setting a pretty table and capturing those details helps make these luncheons memorable. I start with a theme and then plan the DIY craft, the menu, the invitations, the tablescape, and room decor. The secret garden theme fits perfectly during spring and summer months. I framed floral printed fabric in a small embroidery hoop and then printed the invitation onto vellum paper. After sewing the paper onto the fabric, I created an envelope using floral printed paper and sealed it with a wax seal. I used mismatched vintage tablecloths, mismatched floral napkins folded into roses, mismatched floral vintage plates, and then added faux and real greenery for the centerpeice and room decor. For the feature wall, I used coffee filters, for the vases I upcycled pickle jars and covered them with celluclay, and for the craft we made dried flower resin pendants. There is a goblet glass for the punch and a punch glass for water. Our lunch is finger foods, but a spoon will be used for the strawberry cheesecake mouse served in mini mason jars. There are many details, but the vibe is cozy and laid back, I want my guests to enjoy themselves and not feel like they're at a formal event. My luncheons have all the details of formality, but the feel is all about fun and comfort.

Your Adventure Awaits -velvet linens - gold flatware - Seagrass Chargers - custom agate calligraphy escort cards - vintage goblets - Vintage Brass Tapered Candle Holders - locally sourced flowers - view of Big Lagoon in Humboldt County, CA. - farm to table dining experience - glamping and campfires with friends

Blossoming Boho Backyard Picnic An easy breezy afternoon picnic under the apple tree with cucumber sandwiches, assorted cheese, artisan bread, homeade blueberry pie and butterly pea flower sweet tea. I started with a whitewashed vintage coffee table, added some new linens, mixed in somef boho pattern and textures, vintage dishes and finishe off with some fresh picked lilacs and candles for a put on a pretty sundress, go barefoot, sit on the ground and eat with your hands vibe.

Vintage Summer Provence Summer is the time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful warm weather with family and friends. Enjoying an evening alfresco style is what this time of the year is all about! My vision for this vintage inspired Summer Provence table was to create an elegant yet romantic setting that brings the light evening summer breeze right in for all to enjoy. My creative process usually begins with inspiration from either florals or an accessory piece. These gorgeous plates were my inspiration here. The colors spoke very easily to me and inspired my floral choices. White hydrangeas, vibrant orange roses, orange/yellow double peonies, white chamomile, and purple accents is what filled the beautiful gold chippy vase. I knew I wanted to add a nice white table runner with the blue Provence color to compliment the touches of blue throughout and to give the table an open airy feel to it. Vintage inspired chargers added the perfect touch to the romantic feeling I was trying to evoke. Thrifted white damask napkins folded in half and tucked under the appetizer plate allowed for the beauty of the plates to stand out. Then, I added thrifted vintage crystal stemware mixed with new old fashioned blue glass cups. A stoneware pitcher with little touches of blue were the perfect spot to hold the gold flatware and a crystal vintage bowl filled with sweet mandarins was a nice pop of color that added to the vibrancy of the roses. I used Eucalyptus as a centerpiece runner to compliment the green touches in the floral arrangement and in the plates. To complete the table, gold and crystal candle holders were the perfect fit for the light pink and soft blue candles that cascaded down the Eucalyptus runner.

A Cape cod summer in Kentucky I wanted to share my summer tablescape. I chose a patriotic theme because we have three patriotic holidays that fall in the summer months so it's only fitting. I just love the red, white and blue with the hydrangeas.  It feels so Cape Cod/Nantucket to me. I just love how it turned out don't you?    I first used these adorable bandannas that I found as placemats, I topped them with boxwood placemats, oversized red , white and blue napkins, white charger and the prettiest little blue and white plates.  I then topped the plates with a simple white napkin with silverware which I connected with these adorable patriotic wood bead napkin rings.  The napkin rings match the beaded garland used on my pitcher in the center of the table... I used eucalyptus, boxwood, blue hydrangeas as well as red and white candlesticks to line the center of the table.  Isn't it just lovely?   The flag on the wall behind the table also gives it the extra special touch this space needed.  Hope you love this as much as I do!   Happy summer!

"A Fruitful Sunset in the PNW" Make It Count: It's no secret that Summer means vibrant colors, fresh fruit, and al fresco! We work hard for our Summers in the PNW and so when we get outside to gather around the table, we mean business. Incorporating these elements in our entertaining and tablescapes are a must! Details Matter: Use fresh flowers from your local Farmer's Market, along with little touches with big impact, such as a runner tied with a bow, or using fruit for the individualized place card holders. Break Tradition: And of course, the food! Be original, yet stay on theme. Instead of traditional strawberry shortcake, I went with peaches and cream (and rosemary for garnish)! - YUM! And for some added fun, I used vintage style Creamsicle Sodas...anything on theme and color works! It All Adds Up: How do those little touches come together to create a big impact? What makes your table “Cottages and Bungalows" magazine worthy? Taking it little by little, step by step, in your preparation. Consider leveling up every little component of your table until you have a masterpiece that is sure to bring in your friends, family, and of course, the compliments! Check out @somethingbluefarmhouse for more ideas and inspiration! Photography: @pacificmistphotography

Romantic Outdoor tablescape for Two Under A Tree- Karins Kottage I started with your basic brown card table and turned it into a masterpiece! Covering the table with gauzy cream colored tablecloths set the stage for a romantic evening. The vintage yard sale wooden chairs added cottage charm to the entire setting under a tree in our backyard garden. . Placesettings= Using gold chargers highlight my cream colored French Eiffle tower dinner plates. The purple goblets add color and a little sparkle. Striped linen napkins look so pretty casually placed beside the plates. For the gold flatware, I wrapped each set in strips of burgandy velvet fabric that I cut to look like velvet ribbon. Centerpiece- Cuttings of honeysuckle vines from our garden made for a simple but elegant centerpiece when mixed with lots of little votive candles. A large mason jar is filled with all kinds of purple pink and yellow flowers growing in our garden.

A Cozy Christmas Tablescape This neutral, thrifted tablescape is sure to make your home and guests feel cozy this Christmas! Follow this step-by-step tutorial to recreate this look from home decor Instagrammer, Krista Kelley @faith.and.farmhouse . -Gather your supplies: The first step to a great tablescape is to gather all of the items needed. For me, that meant going thrifting and pulling items out of storage. For this tablescape I used a faux cedar garland, vintage brass candlesticks, votive candles, thrifted ironstone plates, glass stemware, jute chargers, cloth napkins, thrifted brass bells, twine, old hymnal pages, and black silverware. I used what I had on hand and thrifted some pieces, so it was not an expensive tablescape at all. -Add your centerpiece: Drape a real or faux garland along the center of the table and add candlesticks and votive candles. I used a faux cedar garland and vintage brass candlesticks. -Start with a base: Include plate chargers or placemats with some sort of texture to add depth to your tablescape. I used round, jute placemats but galvanized chargers, lace or patterned placemats would also be good options. -Use unique or vintage dishes: A classic white or ivory is always a great choice, but choose something with a little bit of added detail, like these scalloped gold rims. -Include cloth napkins: Neutral, cloth napkins are both pretty and functional and play an important part in the look of your tablescape. I added a little brass bell and twine in place of a napkin ring on mine. -Don’t skip the details: Add vintage sheet music or hymnal pages under your silverware for a cozy little detail. Also, add glasses and flatware in something other than silver to add texture to your tablescape. I chose Christmas songs from an old hymnal that I found thrifting, but other songs could be chosen to match your theme. Black flatware and thrifted glasses complete the table setting. -Invite your friends and family over: Having company over for dinner is an essential part of the holidays. Gather together with your loved ones at a cozy dinner table this Christmas!

“Red White and Gingham”, an elegant patriotic tablescape, perfect for Memorial Day or July 4th! Design Inspiration: When you think of a patriotic table, you might envision a table filled with flags. But with this tablescape I wanted to try something a little different and honor Memorial Day by using a combination of colors, shapes and patterns: red “firework” carnations, white linens, Wedgewood blue plates, star cookies and blue and white gingham as a contemporary version of stripes. The vintage pieces in the table give a nod to the past, while the gingham, fresh flowers and desserts gesture to more modern times. I love how timeless yet current it looks while also celebrating an important day in American culture and history. Process: I started with a white base: a white floral tablecloth along with a grouping of white ginger jars and a Wedgewood vase for the centerpiece. Anchoring the jars and vase grouping are 2 vintage blue jasperware candleholders, and I also tucked some crystal candleholders in between the jars. I then created 3 floral arrangements with 2 of the ginger jars in the centerpiece and the vintage Wedgewood trumpet vase. Blue and white hydrangeas serve as a base for the larger floral arrangements, with a sprinkling of white roses in between. For a dramatic and festive statement, I chose 2 different hues of red carnations and made them jut out of the arrangements, in order to emulate shooting fireworks. In the smaller arrangement I used classic white roses and more red carnation “fireworks”. For the place settings I kept it simple by layering 3 coordinating vintage blue Wedgewood plates atop blue gingham placemats. I rolled white napkins and tied them with a gingham bow, leaving a pocket at the top to hold a single red carnation. For glassware, I paired navy goblets and crystal wine glasses. At each setting, I placed vintage silverware and cutlery. I also created 2 dessert displays for the table. I added some star cookies, blueberries and strawberries to a small vintage Wedgewood rectangular tray, and on the other side of the table I used a vintage Royal Albert platter to serve more star cookies and berries as well as blueberry thumbprints and vanilla pirouettes. As a finishing touch, I tucked any fallen petals around the ginger jars in the centerpiece, to give an effortless look.

Red Cardinal Christmas Tablescape Any chance I get to combine my two loves of Christmas and tablescaping is a win-win in my book so I was excited to put together this red cardinal themed Christmas tablescape for Cottages & Bungalow’s Tablescape Contest. My inspiration began with two red cardinal figurines that my mom recently gave me. Red cardinals have special significance to many as their sightings are often associated with a visit from a loved one who has passed away. I felt this theme was especially relevant at Christmas when we remember those who are no longer with us. The red cardinals were nestled into a wreath that surrounds a glass hurricane shade set over two votive holders. I created a trio of these centerpieces to line the middle of the table and placed them on a red and green plaid runner that also has a cardinal print on each end. A white tablecloth provides the backdrop and is the foundation for my layered place settings. A red placemat is topped with a faux cedar round placemat and complemented with a white charger, holly rimmed dinner plate and a plaid salad plate. Red cardinal print napkins fit my theme perfectly and a bit of greenery with an ornament add extra embellishment. Candy Cane Cocktail fills the hobnail glassware and black handled flatware adds some contrast to the table. I love to make my own placecards and printed some coordinating “red cardinals in a tree” design which were set inside small white dishes with a candy cane and some greenery. Additional candles were placed between the centerpieces to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Although I’m planning to recreate this tablescape for a Christmas in July gathering, I love it so much, it just might be going into my repertoire for a future Christmas. Lori Rohde IG @dining_delight

Tablescape Name: "In the Garden With Peter Rabbit" Ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved Peter Rabbit…all Beatrix Potter, really. While this tablescape is not overtly Peter Rabbit, meaning that it doesn’t use the well-known illustrated character in any way, it is a nod to him and incorporates some key elements from the story in a creative way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Let’s start with the centerpiece: A Watering Can! “And [he] rushed into the toolshed, and jumped into a can. It would have been a beautiful thing to hide in, if it had not had so much water in it.” – from The Tale of Peter Rabbit This particular watering can, by Hearth & Hand from Target, was a nice neutral base for filling with some bright, colorful Spring flowers, like these daffodils I found at my local grocery store. I wanted to add some height and additional texture, so I stacked it atop two slices of wood I had from our old tree. I then tucked in two little bunnies just hanging out on the wood slices – perhaps resting like Peter! Next, the Place Settings “…he might have got away altogether if he had not…got caught by the large buttons on his jacket. It was a blue jacket with brass buttons, quite new.” – from The Tale of Peter Rabbit As a nod to Peter’s poor lost jacket, I used blue and white plates topped with blue and white stuffed gingham carrots. The tablecloth also has a bluish tint to it, but is actually mostly gray. The vintage J&G Meakin “Dresden Blue” Ironstone plates were a thrift store find, and the carrots were from an Easter garland I purchased at Homegoods last year on clearance. The garland was too long to hang anywhere in my house, so I pulled the carrots off and used some on the table and some in my entryway decor. The distressed white chargers were from Hobby Lobby several years ago at Christmastime, and the white cloth napkins are by Hearth & Hand from Target. I just tied it all together with some simple natural kitchen twine. The utensils are our everyday ones, and the crystal glasses were a wedding gift I only pull out for photoshoots! Ha! The “Place Cards” “Mr. McGregor was quite sure that Peter was somewhere in the toolshed, perhaps hidden underneath a flower-pot.” – from The Tale of Peter Rabbit For a simple but cute place marker, I wrote names on popsicle sticks using a fine tip sharpie and stuck them in tiny flower pots filled with potting soil – one for each place. Not difficult at all, but fitting with the theme! It would be cute to have a little plant growing in there, but I didn’t have any that tiny available at the time I put this tablescape together. Spring Garden Accents “First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes…[Mr. McGregor] tried to put his foot upon Peter, who jumped out of a window, upsetting three plants.” – from The Tale of Peter Rabbit I thought it would be super fun to get some carrots with the greenery still attached and use them as decor! To get them to stay upright I tied them with a little bow of twine and placed them in glass jars on either side of the watering can. We cooked them up and ate them with dinner that night, haha! I love it when things serve dual purpose. Since Peter ate some radishes from Mr. McGregor’s garden, I definitely had to incorporate some of those bright cheerful veggies in this tablescape! I thought it would be extra fun to have them “spilling” out of a pot – just like the plants Peter tipped as he scampered out the window! Unglazed terra cotta pots are typically safe for food and don’t contain lead, however to be safe I lined each of these pots with trimmed-down ziplock bags before placing the veggies inside (shown in photo). You can also thoroughly wash and dry the pots before use. Don’t use pots that have been previously used for chemicals, fertilizers, etc, as those compounds can soak into the terra cotta. Please note that glazed pots may contain lead depending on the manufacturer. “But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper.” – from The Tale of Peter Rabbit Had to include some blackberries in those pots too! I layered some fresh eucalyptus stems from Trader Joe’s underneath for added depth and to tie the individual pieces together (connect them, if you will). There you have it – a Spring Tablescape inspired by Peter Rabbit’s adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden! Please note: I had to reduce the image file sizes considerably to be able to upload them online. I have larger file sizes available.

What's more summer than red white and blue?

Feminine lunch- in Started out with a light pink table cloth, added a soft touch of blue charger (with a conch) Then added a beautiful vintage French limoge plates. A touch of whimsy with the place cards. Floral arrangements with hydrangeas, roses, peonies mixed with chinoiserie & Herend vases. Candles for ambiance and charm. Blue monogrammed napkins to anchor the color ways, a yellow champagne glass because champagne is always a good idea. Thank you, for the opportunity to create a tablescape and share. Michelle

Beautiful Citrus Tablescape. I had been wanting to do a tablescape using citrus, it just feels so refreshing to me. I knew that I wanted to use lemons, kumquats and grapefruit. I decided to use colors from these fruits-yellow, orange, peach and pink for the floral arrangements. I used two of my vintage silver three tiered trays with the floral arrangements near the middle of the table, I added vintage crystal candlesticks in the center of the table. Two vintage silver candelabra were put nearer to the ends of the table. Then a “garland’ was created with greenery and fruit. I used pink/peach roses, pink and yellow cottage roses, Freesia, peach, orange and yellow Ranunculus, Hypericum, Italian Ruscus, white Hawthorne, pink/peach Stock. It is a wonderful combination. I decided to do my tablescape in our outdoor dining pavilion. In the Spring, the wisteria is blooming. It’s just magical. I love how it drapes so beautifully all around the pavillion. Our dining pavillion seats sixteen to twenty people comfortably and it’s a wonderful place to dine outdoors, even when it’s chilly outside, as we installed heaters in the eaves. We made the large table from a tree that we had to remove from the garden area. It's wonderful. For the place settings, I used silver chargers, gold rimmed dinnerware and topped it with a peach colored linen napkins. I added gold rimmed wine goblets, cut glass water glasses and the vintage silverware that I got from my grandmother for a wedding gift. This is my favorite tablescape that I have ever put together. It is elegant, yet it has a lovely garden party feel to it.

How To Create a Patriotic Tablescape Creating a tablescape is a fun way to celebrate any occasion! It’s very easy, it just requires time and a little patience. Today I'm showing you my process for creating a patriotic tablescape. Think anything red, white and blue! Let's get into the tutorial, shall we? 1. First start with a runner on your table. Whether you place it down the table, across or even scrunched in the middle, this is your base. I’ve used a flag here. 2. Next create a focal point, then taper items around it. Here I have placed a vintage tin with hydrangeas and flags as my centerpiece. I always use risers to create different heights when displaying objects too. This adds interest to the table and keeps the eye moving. For this outdoor tablescape, I mixed in vintage tins, candle stick holders, votives and fresh greenery. I even found these unique patriotic flashcards and used antique floral frogs as their base. Sprinkle in flags too wherever possible! 3. I like to add chargers (made of different materials) underneath plates for extra interest. Try using fun printed napkins in contrasting colors, ball canning jars for drinks and add bright paper straws for an extra pop of color. 4. Make it a relaxing and welcoming space. Add fluffy pillows to chairs, cozy throws and lanterns for added ambiance. Use what you have and have fun in the process. Enjoy! Please join me for more home, garden, farm and vintage fun via: Instagram: @SouthernHomeandfarm Web: www.SouthernHomeandFarm.com