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Table settings and flowers…check!

So, being home this week, I’ve been finalizing a lot of things here at home before I have to go back to California for my last quarter of my first year at my MBA program (was that confusing?). I have lots of DIY projects that I’ve been documenting this week, like last Sunday’s hair clip. So DEFINITELY stay tuned for fun with mossy monograms, flowergirl bouquets, blooming branches, and some info on my vendors!

We finally decided on the colors for our table linens this week…we’ve decided to go with an ivory underlay with a chocolate brown runner and sage green napkins. I’m keeping with my favor of a single, fresh plum at each plate…though it’s not quite plum season yet, so I replaced them in these photos with a beautiful purple anemone.

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Close up of one of the 28 little birdies I bought (for $.75/each) at Michael’s last week to decorate the tables with.

These table numbers were super easy, and cheap. I picked up (on clearance, from Pottery Barn) a set of 14 birch slivers, for $4. The stamp set (by Martha Stewart) was $9, and I colored the ink in myself. Total cost for 14 table numbers = $13! Plus, I loved the way the wood grain picked up the ink…it makes it look as though the numbers are stained on!

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For vases, we are using silver pieces of different levels, purchased at flea markets and antique stores, or just found around the house! This little tin cup was the perfect size for a couple of perfect spring anemones.

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This centerpiece featured one stem of white hydrangea, one stem of matsumotos, wax flowers, 3 roses, several anemones, and a curly willow branch. Total cost (not including vase): $18! Not even purchased in bulk, which would save you a significant amount of cash! This adorable old cracker tin is also from the collection of my gracious parents.

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This was the other alternative we liked…featuring two pots of lemon thyme and a single stem of hydrangea. The herbs were about $4/pot, but would be cheaper in the early summer months.

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A pewter goblet, courtesy of my parents!

Again, to repeat my earlier advice regarding DIY centerpieces…don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll be far less stressed when it comes to the big day: you’ll know which flowers survive best in your arrangements, what level of centerpiece you like, and it will also make it a million times easier to order flowers if you’re doing so through a wholesale florist.

Also, scrounge around some flea markets and antique shops to try to find vintage alternatives to vases. There are some great choices out there, if you’re in the market to make your reception tables look individualized and cozy!

I hope you enjoyed seeing our table setting. Sneak peek for next week (I’m a poet!):

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-B