Vintage Inspired Holiday Tablescape: Delight in Red & White

This is the darling tablescape my mom and I came up with to enjoy the quiet days after Christmas. She came to stay with us from Christmas to New Years, and one of the things we enjoy is chosing the dishes/tablecloth/placemats/centerpiece every few nights.

My mom brought Hester & Cook placemats with her because that's how she packs (clothes, shoes, placemats) and they were the perfect complement to my vintage Santa and reindeer. After we had set the table with her mother's Spode Jewel china, my mom noticed my antique paper house on the other side of the room and knew it would round out the presentation. 

I'll show you the vintage paper house a little bigger in this photo. It is the wonder of a pop-up. When you fold the two halves together, it collapses completely flat the size of a 12" record. I saw it and bought it on the spot. This is exactly the kind of thing I am looking for when I am antiquing. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Isn't it cute? It was just the three of us having split pea soup, but we had fun making it look special. We didn't have the big family dinners in Michigan that we love, but it was Christmastime during Covid and at least the three of us could be together.

#christmastime #antiques #christmastable #holidaytablescape #redandwhite

Little Mince Pies at Christmas

I made these darling individual mince pies as part of my Christmas baking this year. I got the idea to buy a jar of Cross and Blackwell mincemeat and enhanced it with fresh chopped apple and orange from Paul Hollywood of the Great British Bake Off. The BBC has posted his recipe here.

This bake was also influenced by another famous British personality, Nigella Lawson. She cuts her pastry into stars to top her holiday mince pies, so I knew I had to too. Before I slid them in the oven, I brushed them with an egg wash and sprinkled them with white sanding sugar. It gave the crust a delicious sweet crunch.

Can you see the little slips of parchment paper? I learned this tip by watching the Great British Baking Show. Individual desserts can stick in metal tins that are small and deep. If you crisscross strips of parchment paper in each tin before you fit the crust in, the strips will remain and provide a handle to lift the baked pastry out of the hot tin. It worked like a charm.

They didn't take long to bake and when they were ready, the three of us ate warm mince pies and watched an episode of the British series, Last Tango in Halifax on Netflix. When Dan started in on his second pie he said, "You have to make these every year now." Success!

#christmasdessert #englishsweets #christmas #britishinfluence #britishchristmas #mincemeat #christmasdinner #baking

My Best Thanksgiving Recipes Suggestions

Hello-hello! I've miss writing here so much. A few days ago I was chatting with someone about Thanksgiving and they asked me for some help with ideas for Thanksgiving. When I started rattling off ideas for a boozy cranberry mold, striped mashed potatoes and make-ahead gravy she seemed almost afraid to ask if I had all this posted in my blog yet. "This is what we need, Anne. I mean, could you do a quick post for us?" Absolutely. And I'm sorry that I've been in a fog so long.

Here is a list of the recipes I am going to share. Below you will find a photo of my version, a short description and a link to the website where they originated. If it is my own recipe, I'll send you to that blog post.

• Slab Pecan Pie
• Turkey 101
• Make Ahead Gravy
• Cornbread Turkey
• Boozy Cranberry Mold
• Turkey Shaped Butter
• Striped Mashed Potatoes

I found that a terrific option for Thanksgiving is to make a pecan pie as slab pie. The pieces are thinner and more manageable and complement a piece of pumpkin pie perfectly. More people can be served and it just works out well. I may never make a traditional shaped pecan pie again. Here's a link to Trisha Yearwood's slab pecan pie (I would leave out the lemon.)

Turkey 101 - Martha Stewart has been my turkey guru since about 1995 when my In Laws were flying up from Texas and I was in charge of Thanksgiving dinner. I followed the instructions in my Martha Stewart Living magazine called Turkey 101 (key feature is to drape the bird with cheesecloth and baste with wine & butter) and the turkey was moist and flavorful. I have never waivered in my preparation and it works perfectly every time. Thanks, Martha.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy by Ina Garten - This recipe has helped to take some of the stress out of our most important food holiday. Will there be enough drippings for the gravy is no longer a thought that crosses my mind every hour. By Thanksgiving day, the gravy is already made and in the refrigerator, ready to reheat when I need it. It is wonderful and I saves me from going to a certain fancy kitchen store to buy a jar of gravy. Which is fun if it's in the budget, but I don't need another errand right now. Thank you, Ina.

Who wouldn't love a cornbread turkey? Click for details and join me in making a ridiculous item for your sideboard.

After finding the recipe last year in Midwest Living magazine, I think I will forever make this Boozy Cranberry Mold. It is wonderful with the other classic flavors of Thanksgiving and the port wine adds the perfect festive note. I decorated some whole fresh cranberries with sanding sugar to add some snow-like sparkle. The lilac serving spoon is one that I love; it's an item from Sabre.

I like to have a Turkey Butter on the buffet. It used to be easier to find one in the refrigerated section of a nice grocery store, but I've had trouble lately. I bought myself a beautiful mold for chocolate and have started making my own. I mean, right?

I know that you friends and family will love these Striped Mashed Potatoes. I make them all the time and it is the only time this giant dish gets scraped clean. Even if your Thanksgiving is very small this year, this potato dish will work double duty as leftovers. Guaranteed to be as satisfying the second day.

I hope this post has served as a welcome resource for you. Happy Thanksgiving from the bottom of my heart.

#thanksgivingrecipes #beautyofeverydaylife #seattleblogger #recipes #thanksgiving2020 #turkey101 #finddelight

Sweet Peas in a Container Garden

This is my tuteur, exploding will Sweet Pea vines planted in a single pot on my deck. I strategically placed it near my kitchen window so I can be washing dishes and enjoying this. Even the hummingbirds can't believe it. Did you realize that you can grow Sweet Peas this way? Get to it! 

This year I planted 2 kinds of seeds, Renee's Garden "Spencer Ruffled" and Botanical Interests "Perfume Delight." They grew together and it was wonderful. Sometimes I would cut only the lavender and pink blooms for arrangements like this (below). You know how I am with unusual vases and the ability to gift someone some visual vitamins. I gave this arrangement to a friend back in July and she swooned upon receipt.

#sweetpeas #beautyofeverydaylife #gardenofdelight#flowerpower #visualvitamins bouquetaday #floralglory

My Basket Purse with Madras Plaid Patchwork Lining

 

All dressed up and no where to go! My creative juices are flowing and the fact that we can't really go out to eat or do anything doesn't seem to matter. I came up with a way to enhance this purse and I had to try it.

It was my first attempt at a drawstring closure (I used this great striped ribbon) and it worked out really well. I attached the edges of the madras plaid patchwork fabric to the top of the basket with FabricTac and I was on my way.

I love it! What do you think? I carried it to the car one day and my neighbor saw it and ordered one on the spot. I had to break it to her that I wasn't going to sell these, but I was really pleased that she instantly loved it. If you want to see what I can do, I do have my one-of-a-kind cigar box purses and Delight magazine bags available on Etsy. 

#makersgottamake #summerpurse #preppystyle #madrasplaid #summerstyle #basketpurse #basket #sewing #crafter #quarantine2020 

My Family Made A Birdhouse from a Gourd

I'd like to start this post by saying that my husband, Dan is a wonderful guy. He is the sole reason that the birdhouse you are admiring exists and he quietly worked on it with my mom until the day they decided it was ready to hang and they needed me for cord. I was in the background every step of the way, but I didn't really realize that it would work until it worked. Isn't it beautiful? 

My mom has loved birdhouse gourds forever and has collected a few over the years that were professionally dried, carved by an artist and made into a birdhouse or art. This last summer when the 3 of us were at the farmer's market, she chose 2 fresh birdhouse gourds and talked up the project of drying them to make a birdhouse.

Dan listened to her as she talked to her about drilling holes in the bottom, where it should be stored, how to prevent mold. I was on to the next booth of flowers. Dan carried the gourds.

Then over the next few months, the 2 of them worked on this project a few minutes here and there. They kept the gourds on top of my mom's refrigerator and Dan shook and scooped the seeds out periodically as it dried. He used a dremel to expand the hole and made a perch out of a twig crammed in a hole. It looked great! I bought a variety of cording with me and luckily it matched the tone of the dried gourd beautifully, because that it the kind of thing my mom and I love. So, Voila! 

We hung it on her patio and it is ready for occupancy. I found an article on growing and making gourd birdhouses to share for some great advice if this has inspired you.    

#birdhouse #gourds #birdhousegourds #farmersmarket

Master Gardener Plant Sale at UW Center for Urban Horticulture

Look what I got! Omphalodes cappadocica "Starry Eyes", a St. Ola Geranium, and a Geranium "Rose Madder"- I planted them in my front garden where I can tend them. You can also see that I got a stevia to try near my herbs on my deck.

Last spring I had a wonderful afternoon shopping the Master Gardener Plant Sale with my new friend Erica (you saw us judging the Northwest Flower & Garden Show together). This year the sale will likely be postponed due to Social Distancing Requirements. Stay tuned to this website for 2020 information. I still want to tell you about this great event and encourage you to put it on your "Future Fun" list.

The sale has an extensive plant selection and is a terrific place to buy plants because there are Master Gardeners on site to counsel shoppers and make recommendations. 

"You are sure to find a huge selection of plants: many varieties of veggie starts, herbs and tomatoes, perennials and grasses, and natives and ornamental shrubs and trees...Master Gardeners have been propagating and potting plants since last fall to ensure that you have a huge selection of perennials, fuchsias, unusual heirloom perennials included, along with ornamental plants including trees and shrubs, and natives." - Master Gardener Foundation of King County website

I want to share a terrific resource I found on the Master Gardener website - a link to a pronunciation guide at Fine Gardening magazine. It is fantastic. I made Erica laugh the other day when we were looking at a garden and I called said a plant looked like was "Needum more coloris," implying it was a choice the landscape designer made to enhance an overly green area of the garden. I do not know the Latin names of plants and I think that is okay. However, I do think this pronunciation resource is very helpful to anyone that is interested in gardening and I thank them for posting it. 

Erica was very interested in buying rare tomato starts at this sale and I enjoyed hearing her speak with Master Gardener Marcia Dillon about particular tomato qualities, flavor and performance. Passion and enthusiasm are wonderful qualities and I love when I meet someone and hear their voice soar. When you are the third wheel in a conversation and you find yourself wondering if you have enough sun for tomatoes, you know you've found yourself an expert.

That is the beauty of gardening and gardeners. Come rub elbows with some fantastic Master Gardeners at the annual plant sale outside the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture. I know you will start to look forward to it, just like I am.

#gardener #lovemygarden #gardensofinstagram #plantsale #plantsofinstagram #mastergardener #seattlegardens #seattleblogger #plantlove #beautyofeverydaylife #everydaylife #getoutside #plantsale

Leah Erickson: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seatlle 2020

Oh how I love the glamour of old hollywood. That is all I see when I look at Leah Erickson's stunning mannequin. The long sleek gown. The enormous I am a movie star coat. I absolutely love your design, Leah. She is everything.

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers

Zupan Markets & Coree Ryan: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seattle 2020

I can see her riding side saddle on a prized horse, can't you? Her fitted jacket looks like the finest deep green silk...but it's made from leaves. This bit of floral glory was designed by Coree Ryan of Zupan's Markets. 

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers

Garden Party: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2020

Does anyone else hear Berlin's song Masquerade playing in their head? I think it is so great that they designed a grande dame at a masquerade ball. The headpiece is a feat of engineering, the wispy mask makes me want to wear a mask and I never would have thought to layer orchids on top of white anthuriums to create a pattern- it's just wonderful. Garden Party Flowers created this sunshine yellow dress and they deserve your admiration. 

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers

Hazel Landscapes & Design: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seattle 2020

Oh the genius of making ruffle layers out of corn husks, and adding a pouf with flowers themselves. I think she is fabulous, Hazel Landscapes. You have designed such a beautiful place for her to shine too. Lush and luxurious.   

This flower child got warm in the sun and happily shrugged off her moss & lichen coat (don't miss the detail of pussy willow cuffs!). 

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers

Ondine: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seattle 2020

The floral designer's company name Ondine means "little wave or sea witch" in French and it represents her love of the sea and her island roots. I love the antique colors and vintage vibe she conveys with her beautiful creation, which won the People's Choice Award from the public. 

Look at how she wove sea grass to create a shell-like base. So inspired. I commented on Instagram to the designer, Hannah Rindlaub, that the gown reminded me of something Jane Seymour would wear in the movie, Somewhere in Time, a romantic movie set in Michigan (yay!) in 1912. Have you seen the film? It's one of my favorites. Congratulations, to the team at Ondine.

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #barbies #hendricksgin #SLOWflowers

Seattle Floral Design: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival 2020

Here comes a masterpiece! Seattle Floral Design outdid themselves with this floral gown. She could glide down any grand staircase and the guests would know that the party could finally begin. 

Isn't this mass of blooms gorgeous? And I think it was so smart of them to show depth by highlighting under the skirt with deep raspberry blooms. Swoon. 

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #barbies #hendricksgin #SLOWflowers

Tobey Nelson Events: Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival 2020: Seattle

Where's Puck? That is the first thing that came to mind when I saw the incredible floral creation by Tobey Nelson Events. This nymph could be right out of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

She has fishnet stockings made of grass. And not fussy little nets, but big beautiful long diamond fishnet stockings. This is art.

And did you see that her boots are made of cushion mums? Did you notice that they made her some birch bark boot cuffs? I can't handle it. Can floral mannequins go down in history? I love these ridiculous and oh so perfect touches.

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers 

Smashing Petals: Fleurs De Ville: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seattle 2020

This beautiful creation is called Annabella by Seattle florist, Smashing Petals. Her description reads "Our demure ingenue Annabella is wearing a gown inspired by John Galliano for Dior. Her blush pink and white dress is beaded and ruffled with carnations, baby's breath and roses. The paparazzi have chased her into a woodland meadow of cyclamen, the shyest of flowers."  

Has Little Bo Peep Lost Her Sheep? I can imagine her gathering up her skirts to bound across the meadow. I love how this designer managed to drape and gather the floral skirts as if they were being supported with real crinolines. Is duct tape the Spanx of floral mannequins?  

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

#nwfgs #fleursdevilles #seattle #gardenshow #floraldesign #floralgown #colorstory #flowerinstallation #finddelight #seattleblogger #floralglory #SLOWflowers

Fleurs De Villes: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival: Seattle 2020: Flirty Fleurs

This beauty named Anastasia said "Stop, In the Name of Love" to me all week. Her neckline looked like a heart to me, hence the love and she so clearly wanted us to stop and absorb her striking pose. She had a dynamite leaf dress, embellished arm cuff and intricately woven parasol. She was prepared for the Seattle weather, but it didn't dare rain a drop. Created by Flirty Fleurs - all I can say is wow! 

The collection of floral mannequins is an installation arranged by Fleurs De Villes, who "combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke, utterly unique displays, for experiential events like none other." 

I enjoyed listening to Fleurs De Villes founders, Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley, discuss their company with SLOW Flowers creator, Debra Prinzing in her podcast, just weeks before their Seattle debut. 

Hendrick's Gin was a sponsor of the Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and they had a beautiful bar area and floral cocktails adorned with edible flowers available for purchase. My impression was that it was designed to looked like the mannequins, in their floral glory, were guests at Seattle's biggest garden party. Well done.

I have long talked about encouraging people to find delight at the intersection of two things that they love. As I stood at the show, I realized that my appreciation for the gowns of Fleurs De Villes at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is because for me, they hit a bulls eye at the intersection of flowers and Barbies. 

I love Barbies and have such happy memories of combining just the right clothing, jewelry and hair styles to make my dolls look their best. I played with joy, imagination and freedom. When I walked among the Fleur De Villes mannequins, I had flashbacks of some of my favorite gowns, high heels and sheer nightgowns - all fabulous and all made for an 11 inch doll. I love that the whimsy of Fleurs De Villes allows local floral designers the chance to give in to their joy and imagination and the freedom to create custom couture. The result makes us all swoon.

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