Woodland Weddings

Etsy is great for finding really unique vintage and handmade items. There is so much stuff out there, it can be a little overwhelming. So now the good people at Etsy have launched Etsy Weddings to help you navigate through the reams of suppliers and resources available.

There are sections on all the latest trends, diy tips and advice on planning your big day. There's even an etsy registry so you create your own etsy gift list and start dropping a few hints to your nearest and dearest.

Inspired by the idea of a rustic woodland wedding, above are a few cuties I spotted and put together in an etsy treasury I'm calling Wild in the Woods. Follow the link to the treasury to find the individual item details and shops. My favourite has got to be the little deer cake toppers. So cute.

What do you think of Etsy Weddings? Do you have any favourite shops? I'll be sharing a few more of mine in the weeks to come, do stop by and have a look xx

Simple vases - Fishbowls

Another instalment of simple vases...This week its all about fishbowls. As a florist, I have to admit these are a very useful little vase. A great curvy shape, simple and clean, they've become a modern classic.

They're so versatile too. When brides are on a budget, the ubiquitous Gerberas in a goldfish bowl is often the go-to choice du jour for table arrangements. Its something that your local florist can either do cheaply for you, or you could hire the vases, buy the cut flowers and pop the flowers in yourself on the day.

Another simple option is Calla Lily twisted round the inside of the vase, with a few grasses. Its so simple, your florist will really make it look its best, but it is one you could attempt to DIY. Just mind you don't snap the stems, as those Calla Lily's can be quite expensive.  In spring, Tulips would be a cheaper alternative to the Calla Lily's, and work in the same way, spiralled around the inside of the vase.     

I love this shot of Tulips. Crisp white tulips, a few stems of grass and simple table settings keeps this clean and fuss free.

For something a little different and dare I say, rustic, you could try vines, or branches inside the vase.  In this case, the use of a couple of Lily heads tucked into the arrangement, gives the finished vase a slightly Ikebana feel.  Simple, modern and minimal, and very effective.

I love succulents, and they look great planted in a fishbowl. Some wood-chippings, pebbles, or stones that co-ordinate with your theme, are all you need to complete the look. Love the little flag - it could double as a nifty table number for wedding tables.

And lastly, why have one fishbowl when you can have three. Groups of fishbowls look great.

For a wedding, make the top table table stand out by having a group of three bowls of different sizes, with different arrangements of themed colours and flowers in each.

Or stick to the same flowers (in this case, Cymbidium Orchids) but use different sized vases and stack them one on top of the other for a very striking centrepiece.

Failing that, goldfish centrepieces anyone?

Piccies from here, here, here, here & here

Simple festive vases

As the festive season approaches I've been thinking about Christmas decorations, and how I might decorate the table this year. Always fun. Continuing with the theme of simple vases, I was wondering how best to wrap vases to give them a festive feel.

I love the idea of of wrapping a vase with red and white striped candy canes to give your Christmas table setting a quirky touch. Really sweet, literally. And you get to eat them after, or pack them away and hang from your tree next year.

And if you're on a budget (cos who isn't this year?) you could gather twigs, cut to similar sizes and tie with raffia around a straight sided vase. For added festive spice, try cinnamon sticks. They smell so gorgeous and Christmassy too.

If you want a little more colour, add a band of pretty wrapping paper or wallpaper to co-ordinate with your scheme and trim with ribbons, beads or tiny bells. I love the simple colour combination here - it looks very fresh and clean and a tad scandinavian.

Images found here, here and here

Simple wrapped vases

Want to give new life to an old vase, or create unusual table centres? Try wrapping. There are so many ways to decorate or cover a plain vase. Here are just a few for starters:

Have a rifle through the cupboards and experiment with fruit, and vegetables. For best results use a straight sided vase (jam jars would be perfect) and either tie with raffia or ribbon or glue your materials to a piece of fabric or twine, and secure discreetly. 

Asparagus tips tied with raffia look fab. Savoy cabbage leaves would look great too, but don't prepare too early otherwise they could smell, well,... a bit cabbagey! 

Dried food stuffs would obviously work well - think herbs like rosemary, and sage leaves. Combined with hessian or linen these would look really sweet and rustic - I do love a bit of a rustic!

Other than fabric and food, another simple and effective way to wrap a vase is using yarn, wool, or garden twine. Secure with a small knot to start with and leave a long thread to tie off later. Then just wind away until you've covered a little or a lot.

Oh, did I mention how partial I am to a bit of rustic? Well these birch covered vases are totally up my street, what do you think? Although not widely available in the shops as such, Birch bark does come in flat pliable sheets. Just wrap around your vases to give your table a beautiful woodland feel. Simple.

photos from Pintrest - here, here, and here 

Introducing...Cherry Brandy

Need something to warm your cockles on a blustery Autumn day? Well just feast your eyes on these beauties.

This fabulous rose is Cherry Brandy - gorgeously spicy and vibrant, its perfect for autumn and looks fab with rustic earthy tones, rich reds, browns, or more vibrant limey greens and citrusy shades.

If you're looking for flowers to compliment a mocha or chocolate brown theme for your wedding, these would work really well.

I wouldn't be averse to using them as a contrast to some of the shades of purple and plum that are around either. Just imagine how they'd zing out against aubergine bridesmaid's dresses. Scrummy.