Monday, May 10, 2010

Entertaining...




Hello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful, wonderful weekend!  And I hope that all of the moms were treated extra special and that you received a few extra hugs and kisses from your children {regardless of how old they are!}...always my favorite part of Mother's Day :)

It seems like I have been doing a lot of entertaining lately, and I wound up hosting Mother's Day as well.  It was a beautiful sun-filled day!  I tried to quickly snap some pictures of my dining room before my guests arrived, so I could share them with you...


...still loving my new chalkboard!...



I bought this old galvanized bucket last weekend at the flea market and it is perfect for chilling some bottles of wine...





These adorable burlap bags are something I bought from sweet Allegra's lovely etsy shop...


I was so awed by by how my dear friend Maria used tulle flowers to decorate the back of her chairs, that I was inspired to do something similar.  I wanted the place at the table where the moms sat {my mom and my MIL} to be extra special!  I had some tulle ribbon on hand, so I coffee dyed it to give it a bit more of a vintage feel and tied it to the back of their chairs, then added a little tuft of flowers...






I also used copies of pictures of them from their First Communion {since my daughter just made her own First Communion} as the place cards...and slipped them under the pink salad plates so they would show through.  The beautiful set of pink dishes that I have are a family heirloom on my husband's side and they are very special to me.  Mother's Day seemed a perfect  occasion to use them...



Each mom got a flower at her place setting and some of the little bird confetti that I use for my shop {yes I'm still obsessed with my bird punch!}...






Before I sign off, I would like to apologize for being such a bad blogger lately.  I have been a little overwhelmed with trying to catch up on everything ever since we got back from our trip a few weeks ago.  Your sweet comments are like gold to me and I hate when I can't find the time to come around and visit all of your blogs...it's such a special treat for me!  So, thank you for coming by and checking in on what my latest decorating projects are, I truly appreciate it.  I hope to have a little more time this week to visit everyone now that all the partying is over!!! :)


Have a beautiful week!!!



Tracey


102 comments:

Susie from Bienvenue said...

Sounds like the perfect day in everyway! Have a wonderful week my friend~

traci said...

good morning sweet friend. i hope you had a wonderful mothers day. i thought of you fondly yesterday. wow, your dining room looks amazing. the little touches are precious!! love the photo of the mothers. wow. thanks for sharing.

Martha said...

Tracey...it is just beautiful...you have a great way of making everyone feel welcome in such a personal way....loving your entertaining and so beautiful...the picture of your daughter was such a great touch:)

Happy Mother's day to you!

Martha said...

sorry I meant pictures of them...with your daughter just having hers...my mind was going too fast:)

Sandi said...

WOW everything is so beautiful Tracey! I am sure everyone felt very special with all you did!
Blessings~

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

So so pretty! Great photographs!
Hope you had a Happy Mother's Day!

Blissitydoodah said...

I LOVE what you did for the moms.
The chalkboard is waaaay too wonderful!

Maliva`s verden said...

Great photographs....Have a beautiful week U2;o)
Maliva

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

What a gorgeous post, Tracey. I really love how you decorated the chairs.

paige said...

wow tracey, what a gorgeous table!!!
i love all the special little touches.
just beautiful!
i'm sure each family member felt so very special
xo

Jboo said...

Oh my -- what a beautiful table and dining room! Love it! I love your little bird punches and was delighted when I found them in my package with my very very cool ampersand! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Janet
The First Communion pictures are so beautiful -- what a lovely touch!

Shaunna said...

Absolutely beautiful, Tracey! Decor AND photography...as always! Can I borrow you for my class reunion brunch I'm hosting in 3 weeks?? Can you work around renovation piles? :) Have a lovely day! -shaunna :)

koralee said...

Oh Tracey...everything was perfect...you are such a sweet daughter. Hope you were treated extra special as well...I am sure you were! xoxoxo

Katy Noelle said...

This is gorgeous! Just, absolutely gorgeous! I'm in heaven! Would you know what I mean if I said my heart is swelling with joy at the sight of all of this. I don't think that to think this way is shallow at all. I think the need, for many women, to make life beautiful ~ lovely ~ runs deep. It's just super beautiful. I'm so glad that you could wrap your well loved guests for this precious time in this shimmering cloud. Wasn't that what it was like?! =]

love, Katy

Eve said...

Love your blog, but please, could you not turn on the "Send full posts" in the RSS? (You will find it under settings in blogger)

I often miss things in your blog because I can't see the full posts in the RSS-reader and I hate that.

Please?

It's me said...

Woww..what a lovely post...Tracey..........i really like it..........May I invite meself to come having dinner at yours .........it looks all soooooo nice !!! beautiful decorated !!

That chalkboard is the cutest!

Have a nice week my darling.....hugs from Ria

Die Rabenfrau said...

What a sweet idea to decorate these motnerly chairs! And your table was wonderful, too. I like the idea of putting fotos on the table, and I will also decorate the tables on my husbands birthday with fotos. Perhaps you would like to look in my blog next week, then I will post fotos of the party decoration.
Love from Germany
Rabenfrau

Morning T said...

Tracey- it is all just stunning! You are so creative and your home is so bright and yummy.

Happy Monday to you.
T

Theresa @ 612Riverside said...

Everything looks so pretty, it looks like a wonderful, relaxing and special setting. Theresa

Kathysue said...

Tracey, What a beautiful table setting and I love the idea of the picture under the clear plate, The bird confetti was the perfect final touch, just beautiful,Kathysue

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Wow, all your special touches are gorgeous! You sure know how to make someone feel special! Happy Mothers day!
Take care
Kristin

Kristin said...

absolutely beautiful! the pictures under the plates are divine! oh, and don't even get me started on your galvanized bucket girl!! if it ever ends up missing you'll know where to find it! ;0)
i hope you had a beautiful day!!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Tracey, When I saw your first picture I said,"Oh, how beautiful, I wonder what magazine she got that from". Then as I read it dawned on me that this is YOUR home. Oh, my! This should be the cover of a very upscale magazine. So beautiful. Love the chalkboard! I just may use that idea!
What a visual delight. Sound like your Mother's Day was just as lovely as your pictures.

Auntie Cake said...

You sure know how to make your mom and MIL feel special! Your dining room is beautiful, I so love it when you share pics of your fabulous home.! I hope you had the most wonderful day surrounded by loved ones. Your table and dining room looked the part!

And I have been struggling to get caught up with everything too, I think we all are, blogging will still be here when we get back!
Kate

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Travey,
What a lovely table you created for your Mother and MIL, how lucky to have them both. I'm sure they loved all of these beautiful details. I like that fireplace mantel. Hope you had a good day to!
Bon semaine,
Mimi

Preppy Mama said...

So beautiful. Hope you had a wonderful day as well!

Bonjade said...

Such beautiful table arangements you made....love your ideas....
Fine day

Anne Marie said...

when I see that you have posted Tracey...I'm so excited...like picking up a new magazine or something.....

your "eye" is so how i would love mine to be!!

love it all

(but especially your daughter's photo in the mix, because I did the same thing)

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Tracey,
It looks like you went above & beyond on your get together! It looks just beautiful. I love your chalkboard too, the frame is fabulous! All your little touches are very sweet ~ I'm sure all the mom's had a great time & felt very special.

xo,
Shellagh

AshleyR said...

It's beautiful Tracey! It looks like you did a great job pampering your mother and MIL. I hope you received the same special treatment in return. You deserve it!

Leah C said...

It looks like the perfect party! You make everything so lovely...down to every detail:) Truly a hostess with the mostess!

Annie Louise said...

I love, Love, Love when you share your decorating expertise with us. Beautiful display, what a wonderful sanctuary to celebrate in. Don't worry about being obsessed with your bird punch, I still use some when I decorate my house, that I received from you a few months ago when I ordered some wonderful goodies from your shop. Love your blog, keep sharing,
Jeanette

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Tracey, Everything is absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful table and I love the chalkboard.
Hugs,
Sherry

The Flying Bee said...

Everything looks so beautiful Tracey! I always love how you decorate and all your extra special touches you put into everything you do. The pictures are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

xo,
Adrienne

Villa König said...

Oh your pictures and your stuff are so gorgeous! I love the photo with the chair and little flowers! Hugs Yvonne

a.love said...

GORGEOUS photos and NEW inspiration for my new house!!!!
You are WONDERFUL!!
Thank you :)

Shannon said...

Your Mother's Day table looks great as is all that you decorate. I have missed all of your pictures but understand how busy you must be. It always seems that May and June get rather busy before the relaxing summer sets in :)

Florence said...

I absolutely love all your touches to your decorating. Thanks for sharing. Florence

LuLu said...

You are the perfect hostess!!! Everyone must always LOVE celebrating any occassion at your gorgeous home! Love every detail,
xo,
LuLu

Privet and Holly said...

I really believe that LOVE is in the DETAILS, so your moms must have felt extra special and adored at this little luncheon with all of the wonderful touches that you put into it. I am COVETING your chalkboard in a major way {sorry}!!! Hope you are catching up.... I never seem to be able to! xx P&H

angela walker jewelry said...

Oh, I just love the old communion photos under the plates!! The mom's must feel so special and so well loved!! Everything looks just beautiful!
Health and happiness,
Angela
http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/

joAnna said...

Lovely - as always.

Love the photos under the plates - so cute!

JoAnna

Barbara said...

Your special touches when you entertain are completely charming, Tracey! I love your chalkboard. Actually saw a French one in a flea market years ago and debated, but did not get it. Such fun to post your menu that way!
I have a large white ceramic pot I use for wine (at night) or water (for coffees).
And here's something to keep your eye out for: those wonderful old white crocks. We had some friends that had two of them and always served bloody marys in one and milk punch in the other on New Years Day. I wonder if the lining in those old crocks is safe? Well, I'm still here after many years, so I guess so!

Secret Garden Cottage said...

Hi Tracey!
Oh my goodness!! I can't say enough how much I looove this room!!! It's so beautiful and all the personal touches really make it special. Take care :) ~ Jo

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Your presentation and photos are lovely. And I really like the idea of using their photos as place cards. Martha better start looking over her shoulder - you are definitely gaining on her!

Anne - Fiona and Twig said...

Wow Tracey, so much to love here!

You really outdid yourself with this thoughtful, loving spread.

And I had to giggle about your loving your bird punch, me too!! I sprinkle those little fellas on everything that'll sit still! ;-)

Hugs,
Anne

Dreamy Whites said...

Dear Tracey,
How are yoU?
Oh my goodness, You are so talented. I love how you tied ribbon to the back of your chairs with that little pocket of wax flowers in the middle. I am speechless. How do you do it.
I want to thank you for mentioning me as the inspiration for those bows. You are such a good friend. Your table looks amazing. I love all of your ideas, you put so much thought into everything you do. It really shows. I bet both mothers felt very special.
Those burlap bags are so cute!! I love those.
I have an obsession with galvanized buckets. I love what you did with yours.
Thank you for taking the time to share all of your great ideas with all of us.
Take Care,
Your friend,
Maria

b.ellen said...

Tracey! It has been awhile Looks like you had a delightful time in France and a wonderful Mother's day. Love the little sentimental details.The Ravioli Salad sounds absolutly delish! If you have time please share. I would love to serve it for a get-together I'm having in a few weeks. I completly understand if not. (: Time is so precious right now!
Blessings to you ,B

hometown girl said...

everything looks beautiful! i love the bucket for chilling the wine and the tulle on the chairs, all those touches are beautiful! i'm sure all the mother's felt very special! hope you enjoyed the day too!! take care! susan

Alice said...

So beautiful! I wish I still had time to do things like this. I love the tulle chair back decorations!

The White Farmhouse said...

Your table is simply elegant and beautiful. Love that chalkboard too! I mean, who wouldn't? I like the idea of using your bird punch as confetti. How cute!

My Grama's Soul said...

Beautifully done.....

Nuff' said.

Blessings,

Jo

Brenda@Cozy Little House said...

What a magical place you have there! I'm sure the mothers were both entranced by your table and chairs. Befitting a queen!
Brenda

Canadian Cottage said...

Hi Tracey
This is just simply gorgeous. I am new to your blog and I love it. What a beautiful dining room.
Janice

Fearless Nester said...

Your posts are always so full of loveliness that you should be a regular feature in a magazine. Actually you should charge admission (but ignore that I said that) because I love visiting here for free! How blessed your family is to get to enjoy all of your lovely touches, you must have really made their day! ~Lili

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Ah Tracey, your Mother's Day table looks so lovely. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to hear the comments you must have inspired with your attention to detail for such a precious Mother's Day gathering!

Susan said...

Oh.so.beautiful! LOVE.IT.ALL! What a beautiful setting for celebrating together! You truly are an inspiration! I was SO EXCITED to get a bird punch like yours for my birthday! SO FUN!
Blessings!

Gidget said...

Your table setting was absolutly Beautiful!!! Love your blog!

La Petite Gallery said...

That is a lovely way to set up atable and I like the Chair dressing.

Hope you had a wonderful Motherd Day


yvonne

Country Dreaming said...

Your table and surrounding area looked great. I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves!

Have a wonderful Tuesday>

Melinda

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Tracey

Such a beautiful post.
How special your mothers must have felt.

Your attention to detail is incredible.
Adored the dressing of the backs of the chairs and also the First Communion photo - so special to them.

I aspire to take wonderful photos one day too!

Thank you for sharing.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tracey,

Love your beautiful post and everything looks wonderful.
I especially loved the detail on the back of the chairs.... so pretty and such a lovely idea.
What an elegant celebration for all the Mothers and children.

Enjoy your week
Hugs
Carolyn

Jenny @ Baileyandme2 said...

it`s so pretty i don`t even have words. the PERFECT lunch spot!!!! hey, i was wondering what brand and what color the blue paint in your dining room is? my hus is gone this weekend and i would love to buy it tomorrow or soon. : )
thanks, jenny
ilovegk@gmail.com

Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic said...

I love the simplicity of your table setting...the pink glass dishes are fabulous!! Thank you for sharing your day with us.

Jackie said...

Oh Tracey, know you made your Moms feel so special. Unfortunately, not many people do those little extras anymore to make people feel lavishly entertained. Just loved everything about your table setting!

Social Couture said...

Everything looks so fresh and inviting. I love finding new blogs especially one as gorgeous as this one. I am definitely going to be sharing this one with my readers. Thanks for the inspiration. (I love the wine bags...such a cute idea)

Jeni said...

Aaah to be a guest in your home. It is so beautiful. If only we lived closer I would have to invite myself over.

Thanks for sharing. It was a treat.

Have a wonderful week!

Cornflake said...

Oh my! This is my first visit to your blog and I'm in absolute awe!

Do you know this is how I'd have my home if I had one!(lol, not at that stage in my life yet!!)

I was brought up on French this, French that, French everything and went to Provence every single summer growing up.

You have the best taste!
Hope the party was a success :-)

country rose corner said...

What a lovely thing to do for your mother and mother in law! I am sure they felt very special. Our mother days in England was in March.

Tina said...

What an absolutely gorgeous table setting:) I hope that you all had a wonderful day ~ Tina xx

manon 21 said...

Pour une journée parfaite.

Ravissant!

Amicalement,

Manon

Chrissy said...

Tracey I am gobsmacked...this post is so pretty,all the tiny details and all the love that clearly went into it....just amazing!! So excited about my pillow cover,hope you have a great day my friend! xo

Val said...

wonderful post ,everything is so beautiful!C'est la célébrattion d'un certain art de vivre...
Val

Ñaupa said...

Que bello tu blog!!! Me ha encantado!!! Tome prestado tu botón de enlace.
Cariños desde Argentina!!! Gabriela

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

A beautiful day had by all. Your post is so pretty, and you have beautiful ideas..

Sweet Old Vintage said...

The touches make the hosting a extra pleasure... It is always worth the extra touches... So pretty Tracey...

Jacqueline said...

Oh Tracey,
Both of your mum's must have been over the moon when they sat down at your beautiful table. It is just perfect. I adore your tulle flowers with the tiny pale pink flowers. You have that special something, that just makes everything so perfect.
I'm so pleased that your Mother's Day was a success. We had ours in March so, I have already been treated by my children. XXXX

Secondhandrose said...

Such a nice tribute to the mom's , so fresh and summery. I really enjoyed seeing it. Thanks,
karen

The Rural Socialite said...

Your entertaining vignettes are always bigger than life. I can't believe how beautifully every detail comes together. I love it!

Mary Ann said...

wow, love the clean look and the simplicity with elegance of the images you posted in your blog. enjoyed viewing them all! verbena cottage

Linda said...

Just beautiful, Tracey~ your guests must have felt so special with all your personal touches!

Fresh + Simple said...

Absolutely beautiful Tracey. All your decorating is truly kissed by France. I like all the little details, the chalkboard, the tulle on the chair backs.. and those little bird punches - clever!
:) Lara

mari said...

very lovely indeed!
i have been looking for that same paper punch. can you point me in the right direction?

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Tracey
Your photos and decorating are as beautiful as ever... love the chalkboard and love even more that we are having Italiano for cene.... I'll be over quick smart.. haha

Hope you had a wonderful mothers day.. sounds like you did... take care.. xxx Julie

OH.. and I am still LOVING those grey curtain.. too beautiful

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Tracy, I have seen your fabulous blog name on other people's comment pages and now, you have graced mine. Thank you for coming along; it is impossible to make the rounds to all the fabulous sights available, or else I would have come here much sooner. You have a beautiful, dreamy and perfect blog here and I am enchanted! I must, I must put you on my blog list when I get home tonight. Thank you for your enthusiasm and kind words. Anita

Morning T said...

Tracey- Thanks so much for posting my giveaway on your sidebar. I've had quite a few new visitors come my way thanks to you!
Hugs~
T

Gúa said...

WOW! Such a beautiful post!
You´re a real artist! And I´m so happy that you share it with us..:)

Thank you!

Huge hugs from Sweden, and all my best to you, always...

Farmgirl Paints said...

Hi sweet girl! Lovely post as always. That last pic. with the old pics under the pink plates was just gorgeous. It's always a breath of fresh air visiting you:)

Mary Ann said...

such dreamy feeling when i visit here...thanks for dropping by...btw, i added you to my bloglist...verbena cottage

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

What a lovely table setting, and such a beautiful time you all must have had! :) Love those pretty pink plates!

It was so nice to meet you at dinner recently & I've really enjoyed visiting your blog! Hope we can get together again sometime. Have a wonderful day today :)!

Blessings,
Stacey

Queen Bee said...

As usual...everything is absolutely lovely. Ravioli Salad sounds divine..recipe please....

Many wishes for a wonderful rest of the week...blessings to you!

Denise

paperbird said...

i think it is all too beautiful and now i am feeling like my table setting was a little shabby!

The Little Red Shop said...

Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail are just breathtaking, Tracey! Your guests of honor must have felt precious, indeed!

Happy Thursday!

: )

Julie M.

Cindy said...

Wow, Tracey, your dining rm looks just marvelous!!! I love the way you set your table, it looks so pretty. You made is so special for the Mothers in your life. I hope you were able to enjoy yourself as well.

Alicia ~ time worn style said...

Just beautiful, I'm sure your mums had a lovely day!
alicia

A Refocused Life said...

So elegant. What a special way to celebrate and honor your mother.

Modern Country said...

Hi Tracey!

You know what, it seems like you are the most sweet person anyone could know!! You not only entertain your family, you Inspire all of us with fantastic images from your beautiful home, you leave warm and thoughtful messages (THANK YOU!!!) and you are able to let us feel welcome and good about ourselfs. I love that!!

I love your new chalkboard also. No wonder you are happy about it :) I was thinking about making one myself, for the kitchen area. The bootle of wines are so pretty as well, I thought I might try to get my hands of them. They lables are beautiful!! We are mad about France aren`t we :)))hihi

Have the best weekend Tracey, I am so glad you are here :)

Lots of hugs, Aina

Note : I thought I never told you, but I liked so much your cards, thoughts and experiences from your stay in France. We plan taking a vacation this year, and our goal is Provence! We hope the opportunity presents itself both in time and finances to complete this trip. It seems like a wonderful country to explore..

Sarah said...

Hi Tracey,

I just stumbled upon your blog and I am overwhelmed by the beauty of every single post. You are so incredibly talented, from your photography to your aesthetic. Additionally, you seem like a really fantastic woman and I look forward to your inspirations in the future.

Sarah

Rebecca said...

Hi Tracey
Loved your table! So much imagination you have not to mention talent. Beautiful!
Blessings
Rebecca

Les Cotrions said...

I love your table Tracey! Each detail is just perfect and reflects your faboulous style! What a nice party for your mother day!
A nice Sunday to you!
Vale

julie said...

wow tracey! no wonder you have trouble keeping up with a hundred comments! you popular girl you! i have to tell you how beautiful your mothers day decor was! every little detail! i wish i could of been there! you made it extra special for them! i am so glad you showed us! miss ya! xo

Julie Pishny said...

Hi Tracey,

My favorite thing which was very difficult to narrow down was the sweet poseys tucked into the paper cones on the back of the chairs...simple and sweet. Always a pleasure to visit your blog...hugs.julie