Flair...

...my book order just came in!

Flair by Joe Nye...of course I loved the title, but it is also such a wonderfully illustrated book that showcases how to use "old" things in an updated but classic way for entertaining.

It is also a great guide on all of those pressing entertaining questions and easy to read tips...and how to put entertaining into a wonderful perspective!

******
...a few excerpts and pictures...

 

"What my mother taught me is that you don't necessarily have to do anything fancy or complicated to throw a successful gathering.  I believe that anyone can entertain well, if they do it stylishly.  With common sense, some basic knowledge, and a playful spirit, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that's more impressive than one you can buy pre-packaged in a store."

"As a host, it's easy to forget that 'thoughtful' and 'lovely' aren't the same as 'perfect.'  I've seen flowers presented in water pitchers, soup served out of coffee cups, and admired plenty of hand-written, filled-in invitations.  As long as each gesture is done neatly and thoughtfully, I believe it's fine- often even better- if not everything matches, isn't fancy or expensive, and doesn't look as perfect as a display in a store.  Casual is elegant, as long it's not sloppy."

...about his sister's wedding when he was 19 years old:

"We did everything ourselves, it wasn't perfect, not everything matched, and yet I still think of this as one of the loveliest parties I have ever attended.  When I'm feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work and planning I have to do for a gathering, I think of my sister's wedding party to remind myself of how the most wonderful events are not always the most lavish, the ones with the best food, or most expensive flowers.  They are the ones where the host has put in some care and creativity, and so obviously enjoyed everything from the first minute of planning until the very last guest has gone home."

So refreshing to hear that...and can actually be a lesson about more than just entertaining!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Caroline

Sold: Resin Antler Taper Holders (Set of 3)!

...Oh, not a huge fan of these photos...but this set of 3 Resin Antler Taper Holders sold at the Franklin Antique Mall!

...still one more fun set left (see below) at the Gas Lamp booth!

Take care,

Caroline

Getting there...part 2!

...this time at the Franklin Antique Mall.

....love this vintage china cabinet in this wonderful new white finish!

...the re-finisher did another amazing job...look inside the cabinet...everything is clean, white and updated!

...a vintage side table re-finished in white...there are actually two of them!

...perfect to hold the candles for now!

...loved this new metal bamboo style tray table!  

...found this shell at an estate sale...perfect to hold so many little things in!

...this one too!

Take care,

Caroline

Getting there...

....fell in love with this vintage faux bamboo china cabinet!  The professional re-finisher did an amazing job on it!!

...my favorite table with the curvy legs!

....a long capiz shell tray...perfect to hold eye-glasses, jewelry...or business cards!

...a red frame to add a great  pop of color!

...ceramic tree branch vases...so perfect to hold a single flower!

...resin antler taper holders...set of three!

...fabulous geometric milk glass vase holding some beautiful greenish/blue shells!

....vintage hobnail milk glass vase holding some fabulous shiny white shells!

...gorgeous metal mirror!

....the vintage ceramic elephant plant stand/side table made it!

...the candles being set up! 

...all of the above is at the Gas Lamp Antiques and Decorating mall...this week will be finishing it and starting on the Franklin Antique Mall.

Also, excited to start "Flair" an e-newsletter....which will showcase:


 ~Decor trends
~Our new inventory
~Fabulous items at Gas Lamp Antiques, Franklin Antique Mall and other stores around Nashville/Franklin....
...In addition, will interview some wonderful merchants and artists!


...to come in September/October...

Take care,

Caroline

My Weekend Plan!

Love...love...love this quote I found over at Table Tonic's blog!

I am one of those people that just wants to always "do" something versus wait:)...this may come from being the baby of the family and always having to wait until I was old enough to do what my brother was able to do!

It also sums up this week...and the past few months...as I am putting some of the final touches on and loading many of my items into my "little stores" on Saturday.

I have loved having a little vintage furniture business for the past 2 years...but wanted to do something a bit more...create something unique that you may not always see in antique stores and engage others in creating homes that use both old and new...in an updated...but traditional way....traditional with a twist you might say? 

...looking forward to seeing how it all comes together!

Have a wonderful weekend!  

Caroline

Love this...

Just received the September issue of House Beautiful...and loved when I saw the above bamboo china by Juliska. 

So classic, chic and fun...may have to add this to my wish list!

Take care,

Caroline

An inspiring store!

via Lonny 

I just love how pillows can add so much to a room...such a great pop of color and pattern!

Lulu and Nat via Annechovie 

pillows via Table Tonic 

I just discovered Table Tonic via a favorite blog of mine, Annechovie...and fell in love with the Table Tonic shop...especially the pillows!!  Adding a few of these colorful pillows can add so much to a room!

Take care,

Caroline