The Laundress Linen Spray

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by Gracious Style and asked if I would be interested in doing a product review for them.  

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Free stuff?  Ummm, yes, please!  I was given several options of what I might like to review.  Ultimately, I selected the Fabric Fresh from the Laundress collection.  I was already familiar with the All Purpose Bleach Alternative from this line and knew it was amazing.  So, I decided to go with something else from their collection.  On the bottle it actually says, "Spray in the air, on yourself, and everything in your live that is fabric."  Isn't that cute?  

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The timing was perfect.  When I got the spray, we had house guests coming to stay for the weekend.  So, I decided to conduct my very own experiment.  

  There are so many little inexpensive things you can do to make house guests feel special.  You can include fresh flowers in their bedroom, 

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a stack of current issues of their favorite magazines or great books on their bedside table, 

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even a beautiful decanter of water to quench a midnight thirst.   

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or you could iron their bed linens and spray them with a wonderful scent.  Ironing bed linens really just cost you some time in the laundry room, but the results are a decadent hotel experience for your guests.  So,  that's what I did. . . 

I did not mention this little experiment to my sister-in-law when her family arrived for the weekend.  I truly wanted to see if she would notice.  

The next morning, we got up for coffee . . . not a word.  So, I asked,

  Me: "Did you sleep well?" 

SIL: Yes, slept great. 

Still not a word about the sheets.  So finally I could not stand it any longer.  

Me: Did you notice anything different about the sheets? 

SIL: Yes!  They were ironed.  So nice to get in a crisp bed.

Me: Did you notice anything else?

SIL: Like what?

Me: Like how they smelled?

SIL: You know, they did smell very fresh and clean now that you mention it. But it was subtle, not overpowering at all.

Me: Well, that's win in my book! 

I think a great linen spray does not overpower you.  That's the last thing you want when you get into bed.  You want a subtle freshly washed scent. Also, I didn't mention this but the scent of all the Laundress products is nothing like I've ever smelled before.  The only way I can describe it- a clean, slightly masculine scent - sort of a hint of a high end men's aftershave.  If that makes sense?   

Since my little experiment, I've been spraying our bed linens when I make the bed each morning.  It makes it feel like fresh sheets every night!  So, there you have it, my first product review.  Hope everybody has a wonderful day. M.

Hosting a Sip and See

OK, I realize my recent posts have been heavy on the entertaining side and light on the interior design side.  But, it's the summer.  And we tend to entertain more this time of year, so my posts reflect this.  Like the one today!

A couple of weeks ago, we hosted a baby shower - well, the baby (a girl!)  arrived early so we turned the shower into a sip and see for the family's new addition.  

My plan was to keep it simple and do one center arrangement of flowers on the table.  One late night Pinterest search later, and "keep it simple" was thrown out the window.  You know what I'm talking about here!  So many ideas, it's difficult to decide where to focus your time and energy.  

Here are a few pictures of my dining room table decorated for the party (pre-food) . . . 

Can you see the rain boots?

These were so fun to make, I took a pair of Hello Kitty rain boots, and created a simple monogram for the baby to place on top of the Hello Kitty logo.  Then, I filled them with summer flowers to complete the look.  

Here's the table decked out with all the food.  All these delicious dishes were made by two of the other hosts of the party!  It was a ton of work, and I'm so grateful they let me focus on the flowers! 

You may recognize the food offerings.  I tried these recipes out earlier in the summer on my study club which I posted about here just to make sure they were delicious.  There were around 20 couples at the sip and see, and it was during the dinner hour - so there was a lot of food to make!

I did want to show you this trick!  The desserts were store bought brownies and lemon squares.  One of the hosts spruced the lemon squares up by adding a fresh raspberry and a sprinkle of powered sugar.  Before I even knew what happened, I'd downed three of them.  So good.

We did a beverage station in my breakfast room. . . 

I also did these very simple cards for each of the food offerings and the beverage table.  They were so easy to make, and it's amazing how much they add to a table.

At the end of the party, we had party favors (just a chocolate mint or two) to grab on your way out.

We had so much fun celebrating this sweet baby girl's arrival.  She was an angel the entire party, and it was a great getting to share this special evening with some very proud parents.  

Have a great day!  I promise to share more interior design stuff with you later this week. M.

Put Together a Dinner Party

Recently, we hosted a dinner party in honor of a summer clerk who has been working at my husband's law firm.  In the summer months, John's firm hires law students in an effort to give them a feel for practicing law and to help them decide which firm is the best fit for their personality and lifestyle.  It really makes for a fun summer for everybody involved; and since I adore dinner parties, we hosted a first year law student and his beautiful wife for a little "get together."  

Normally, there are lots of cookouts, wine tastings, and baseball games, all of which, are outdoors.  So, I decided it would be nice to have a seated dinner inside with the AC blasting.  I love the outdoor thing, but who are we kidding - temps here in Birmingham are in the 90's long after the sun has gone down.

So, with my mind on keeping it as cool as possible, I planned a menu (love planning a menu).  Honestly, when someone says, "We are having people over for dinner.  What should I serve?" My eyes light up!

The Menu

Chilled Corn Bisque 

with an avocado shrimp relish

Chilled Salad of Mixed Baby Lettuces

with spiced pecans, blue cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette 

(served on a chilled plate)

Crab Cakes Topped with a Citrus Butter Reduction 

paired with Asparagus Risotto and sautéed haricot verts/baby carrots

Homemade Peach Ice Cream 

served with a small butter cookie

I made the peach ice cream (recipe is here), but the rest was catered.  So, no recipes this time.  But, if you love the idea of planning a fabulous menu, here are a couple of my secret weapons for planning a party.  I love to mix in some new ideas with some tried and true favorites just to make the party more interesting.

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Here is just one example of the many menu suggestions included in this book.

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Another favorite is this one by Michael Leva and Nancy Parker.  It is full of menu ideas, flowers, and table settings for entertaining. . .  Not to mention is makes a great coffee table book.

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So in addition to my chilly seafood menu, I decided to keep the theme going with my table.    

Do you remember the DIY post on painting shells for a fabulous accessory?

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  Well, I actually did a variation of that for my table.  I picked up five of these shells from Home Goods (they were in the discount area for $12 each).
TIP: When creating a table scape, always repeat the accessories to tie the table together.

But when I initially put them on the table, it seemed like it was too much white.  When I took this picture I had yet to place the flowers, but they too were white, so I knew it needed something.

  So, I ran outside and gave them all a dose of glam with some left over gold spray paint.  Here's what I ended up with for the final table scape.

The flowers are from the grocery store and I had everything else.

Oh, I also did some fun chocolate treats on the table for nibbling between courses.  I think these are also a fun alternative for those who don't want dessert and would rather have coffee and a simple piece of chocolate.  

I will see you Friday.  I have redesigns for the rest of this week and then I plan to finish up a few additional projects.  My kiddos are at camp so I'm totally focusing on interior design for the next few weeks.  I will try to remember to snap some pictures so I can share a few projects with you.  Have a great day. M.

A Toast!

After my longest break ever from blogging, I'm rested and full of anticipation for a fantastic summer.  So, let's all raise our glasses to Summer.  Here's to . . .

Hosting More Parties

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Whether it's pre-dinner cocktails, a casual cookout in the back yard with neighbors, or dessert at our place after a dinner out.

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The more parties you host, the more comfortable you become having spur of the moment get togethers.  And these are always the most interesting of parties.

Trying Something New

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Oh the possibilities are endless . . . food, fashion, interior designer, outings, activities - you name it!

I adore this amazing maxi dress with a halter top - that would be new for me.

Should be fun to come up with something totally different!  Like maybe painting a room black?!  Who's in?

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Doing Something Thoughtful For Someone

You don't have to make it elaborate, just thoughtful.  I promise the person will be more appreciative than you will ever know.

Even if it's a small as taking the time to tell someone that you think about them - do it!!

 

Getting Outside More

Whether it's a glass of wine in the late afternoon when you get home from work, a leisurely walk, even watching the sun set on a summer evening, make an effort to take it in.

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Thinking Red, White and Blue
Summer is the perfect time of year, to consider a patriotic nod to our country.  Do it in style!

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So glad to be back online.

 Let's see what we can get into this summer, shall we?! M.

My Weekend - Riddle Solved

Sorry for the tease on Friday!  I just couldn't resist.  We attended the 27th annual Steeplechase (get it "steeple + chase = steeplechase") at Callaway Gardens on Saturday.  

My very generous Mother-in-law treated us to a day at the races!  This was my first Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, and it was absolutely delightful!  This event is hosted each year to benefit the arts in Columbus, Georgia to include the Museum, Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and the Springer Opera House.

 We were lucky enough to have a tent right next to the 2011 Race Director, Charlotte Hare, and her family.  It was a stunning vantage point with lots of space in front for the children to play between races and a couple of strategic jumps just beyond for an exciting afternoon.   

The weather could not have been better, and I must say, the people were incredibly kind and gracious.  

 The day started with the Midland Fox Hounds' parade. 

Then the bagpipers kicked off the ceremony for the day. 

 Those are our tents in the background.

 Each race was announced with a bugle blast from this fellow . . 

and the first race we saw was a pony race for children (no jumps). 

I thought the boy on this tiny pony was the cutest thing ever!! 

My daughter who rides here in Birmingham was completely smitten after the very first race.  I could not pull her away for a single moment of looking at hats, flowers or anything in between.  She stood on the rail all afternoon! 

I did talk my nieces into going with me to see the sites.  I have to say this event was the closest thing I've seen in awhile to tailgating in the grove at Ole Miss where I went to school.  Just look at this gorgeous arrangement in a pierced silver basket, no less! 

 Then it was time for the real races.  I took these pictures in front of our tent as they made the jump.

The entire event was at a very relaxed pace - lots of socializing along with refreshments and yummy treats between races.  

This dapper fellow relaxed at the tent next to us!  

 I happened to snap this picture at the very moment this jockey made the jump and bobbled out of her saddle.  Up until this point, I actually thought it looked really fun.  I quickly realized it's very dangerous!  She did, in fact, fall straight on her head and rolled a few feet.  Luckily, she got up and walked away from this fall unscathed, but her horse never stopped.  

I loved the look of this arrangement in this old copper basin.  It was stunning in person. 

This amazing arrangement was in the main tent located right in front of the finish line.  

 Close to the end of the day, we were treated to a special tour of the stables (this was a highlight for my daughter).  This beautiful horse had just finished a race and had won!  They were in the process of cooling him down.  Based on the looks of these stables, the horses are treated like royalty! 

This cute girl (did you see that bird on her hat!) actually helped organize the event and was in charge of the hat contest.  So, with my nieces in tow, we made our way to the judges table for a look at the contestants!  

Look at some of these hats!

I think this hat actually won the overall category!   This lady was so sweet.  One of my nieces just flat out asked her if she could try on her hat and she, without any hesitation, popped the hat on her head!

Needless to say, she created a monster and both of them preceded to ask every lady in the crowd if they could try on their hats!

One other thing I thought was fun, this milliner and his wife were selling hats at the event.  So, if you did not come in a hat and were feeling left out, you could make it right!! 

 My nieces saw it as just one more opportunity to try on a few hats.  I've never seen such posing in all my life!

 Check out the hand on the hip.

 Overall, it was a very special day.  This event is held annually each Fall.   We had such a marvelous time I am sure it will not be our last time to attend.  If you are interested in a fun fall day, click here for more information on next year's Steeplechase.  I saw one tent called "Girl's Weekend" and it really made my wheels start turning!  M.