Christmas Brunch

Each year, my Nashville family gathers for a very special occasion: Cousins' Christmas Brunch.  As we all travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is a fun opportunity to celebrate the holidays together, a grown-up version of "the kids' table."  I chose a box mailer for the invitation with names in metallic on the front, tied with silver tinsel string.  Inside, the invitation rested on a bed of Christmas tree branches to give a nice holiday scent when opened. 

For the table, I wanted a very crisp and clean color palette: white tablecloth, silver chargers, Juliska Country Estate dishes, hammered silverware, grey monogrammed placecards, mercury glass votives, assorted glasses, white hydrangeas and roses with painted silver leaves and winter berries.  A small gift rested on each plate in a white lacquered box wrapped with white and silver tulle.  Cable knit vases, vintage ornaments and silver antlers added some texture.

I was pleased with the outcome of an etched vinyl applique which, similar to a sticker, was applied to an antique mirror.  This easily removable element added a nice touch.  I placed this on a small table to create a special mimosa corner in the room.  Here, I was happy to also debut my new favorite decorations: cut glass glitter reindeer with fur stoles adorned with snowflake and silver bell elements.  Bling on the holidays!

For brunch I served a breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, toast with sweet orange marmalade and zesty lemon cream cake.

We visited and laughed for a few hours before watching holiday movies and enjoying red-velvet cupcakes with eggnog filling and buttercream icing.  

It was a real treat to spend the day with loved ones and I had a wonderful time hosting.  The only downside to Christmas Brunch is that it happens only once a year. 

New Stationery

Today is a great day; it is the day my new stationery has arrived!  I have always enjoyed writing and receiving handwritten notes, a lost art form I believe.  Although it had crossed my mind a million times, I had never before created completely custom stationery, place cards or gift tags.  

For the last few years I have relied on nice but somewhat standard and widely-available cards.  When the talented Allison Banks recently designed my new monogram, it commanded a stationery redesign on my part.  

I chose an urban grey cover weight paper stock for the note card and a white cotton envelope with European-inspired back flap.  The same paper stock was used for the gift tag and place card.  All pieces were foil stamped silver with a matte finish.  I am looking forward to using these new cards this holiday season and beyond.  Have you recently made a change to your stationery?  Tell me about your experience! 

Custom Monogram: Allison Banks Designs

I have always loved monograms.  A few months ago, I decided it was time to commission a custom monogram rather than selecting standard styles each time I have something monogrammed.  This will not only make future pieces more consistent, but unique to me as well.  

I am so thrilled with my new monogram that I had to share the final sketch with you and  let you know about the wonderful designer.  Allison Banks, of Allison Banks Designs, did a beautiful job!  I wanted a stacked, intertwined look as opposed to the usual three letters with the two smaller on either side, last name larger in middle.  The stacked letters look more custom and special to me and I love the different textures of lines and pearls.  The shield can be included in the design or can be separated.  This design looks very crisp and fresh, but also has a vintage/antique feel to it, which will lend itself to a variety of uses.  I am excited to place this on bed linens, stationery, invitations, napkins, name cards, ribbon, etc...