Thursday, July 28, 2011

An Unfinished table setting....Secret Garden Cottage




Hello...
I hope you are all enjoying your week!
I first want to thank all of you for the facebook love!
You guys have always made me feel so welcomed no matter where I go....
THANK YOU!


I wanted to share a few pictures of a table setting I was trying to put together...
Usually it takes a couple of times for me to get it to where it looks right.
I have a tendency to do everything either too simple or too cluttered.
There isn't ever a happy medium with me...
I thought I would show you the first table setting I came up with..
It turned out pretty boring.



That is why when I was asked by KT Merry to be apart of her editorial shoot,
I was rather nervous.

It honestly ended up being one of my funnest experiences, that happened because
of having a blog.....
I learned so much by working with these two talented girls...
Sara taught me a new way to wrap vintage silverware....
I used to work as a waitress in this very small restaurant in Hot Springs, MT
when I was in high school....
I have always been wrapping my silverware like we did at the restaurant.



Last year I had posted a french farmhouse inspired table setting where I used blueberries in my drinks.
I was so disappointed in how that turned out, because the berries would always sink to the bottom of the glass....
I recently learned a trick on how to make these guys float...
I will share that tip next week with my follow up post.
Thanks to KT and Sara


As you can see it looks very unfinished, but the truth is this was what I first came up with.
If you are working on something in your house, whether you are rearranging a room, trying out a new paint color, or
seeing if you like the table setting you came up with...
take some pictures of that area or room and put it on your computer.
You might be surprised how much this process will help you see your home or project with a different view.
I always have to take pictures and then see it on the computer screen and then make changes.
I have been doing this ever since we moved into this house,
long before I started a blog.  
This process has helped me tremendously.
Photographing a room helps me see that maybe I need to edit or add something...

Next week I will show you some changes I made to my table setting, 
and share some of those tips I recently learned.

On another note...
I want to share a link to a blog I think you will LOVE.
I have always loved Jo's home, and especially love her farmhouse kitchen.
I actually haven't ever seen the before pictures of her kitchen though, until the other day.
My sister is doing some remodeling on her home,
and we were both looking through Jo's blog for inspiration.
I think you will be inspired too....
We are hoping my sister's husband will be inspired by her kitchen makeover too : )

Have a wonderful week!
Take Care,
Maria



62 comments:

WhiteWhispers2u said...

So how did you get the berries to float, I would love to know.I think you always do an amazing job and would love for you to come to my home too and help me with my style~Cheers Kim

Blondie's Journal said...

Your dishes are lovely! I, too, used mismatched silver...I love collecting it! So, how did you get the blueberries to float?!

XO,
Jane

Jessica Nicely said...

I LOVE this table set up! I wish this was my kitchen!! :)

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Your setting is just beautiful! I have to go see how the berries are floating :) I love Jo's blog, she is so sweet and talented! I hope you take picutres of your sisters remodel for us :)
Have a wonderful Thursday~
XO
Kristin

Anonymous said...

Hi Marie ~ You have the beginnings of beautiful table setting...can't wait to see it completed! I love Secret Garden Cottage also - her home and photography are so inspiring!

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

I think your table settings are always so beautiful~ Love Jo's blog too! xo Rachel

French Farmhouse 425

Anonymous said...

Oops! I meant to say Hi Maria! Sorry for the typo Maria!

Anne Marie said...

Jo is such a nice person, and I am so happy to call her my friend - like you!!
She has amazing talent styling her kitchen and her home, and am so happy for her being featured with Fifi as well.
(can't wait to see how the blueberries float - must be frozen?)
Hope you are doing well Maria - talk soon!

xo+blessings,
Anne Marie

martinealison said...

C'est toujours un véritable bonheur que de vous visiter... Ces petites baies qui flottent comme un bonne ambiance dans l'air... j'arrive pour partager votre déjeuner!!!
Gros bisous à vous.

SimonasKitchen Simona Cherubini said...

I love hydrangea flowers, they look tender and strong in the same time!
Very cool atmosphere! Simona

Tricia said...

Your table settings always look beautiful. I can't wait to find out your berry floating trick. I could've used it the other day. I love Jo too...she one of my very best bloggy friends :)

Tricia

Jessica Curry said...

I like the style you chose for your floors, very rustic. Your designs are so clean and refreshing.
http://www.currydesignshandmade.com/

Amy Chalmers said...

Jo has the best kitchen! I always know that if I look at the pics, the "mistakes" jump right out at me...like a secret advisor on decorating.

Unknown said...

tes photos sont toujours magnifiques!! tu es géniale!!

Erin said...

Absolutely beautiful!!

Lars John Anderson said...

Sometimes simple is the best :)

Thanks for sharing all those links.. off to check them out!
I hope you have a good weekend!

-Heather :)

Alessandra said...

I'd love to have a kitchen like that!!
So beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I adore your home Maria...you have no idea how you have inspired me so much, especially with having children, I thought it wouldn't be possible to achieve the decor style I was going for and it most certainly is! I love Jo's blog and she is such a nice and welcoming person and her kitchen is AMAZING! Have a lovely weekend! Xoxoxo

ChiPPy-SHaBBy said...

Maria...
Any Styling you do is ALWAYS Top-Of-The-Line FaBuLouS!!! You "tweak" things Just Right!!!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

Unknown said...

Hi maria,

Well I think I might be in heaven.

It looks picture perfect to me.
I love hydrangeas they are the most wonderful bowl flower.

Love your floating fruit - did you use soda water or just bi-carb of soda. It's a great effect I wonder if cherries would do the same (sans stems)?

Lovely as always

x
Loulou. (Australia)

Send Flowers Online said...

May I just say: Glorious!!! your table decoration is wonderful.

Poet Whale Studio said...

I know but I'm not telling how to float...in water blueberries.

Gorgeous table!
Totally soothing and uplifting.
Just what I need after the end of chat session with a phone rep. lol

Twinkle Terrior said...

You are AMAZING!!! I love stopping by your fabulous blog :)

Deborah said...

Lovely setting!!
I love your..dreamy whites!!
The blueberries in the drinks are so cute!

Deborah xo

Anonymous said...

Maria,I love your home and the table and setting are stunning..Simple yet so tasteful..Beautiful..
Janet

Deborah said...

Love, love, love it! Simple is best sometimes for me! Love the mismatched silver,. too! Keep up the great work. Lovely home and pics

Tee of Vinnord Cottage said...

your pics always blow me away, and I feel the need to go out and buy hydrangeas whenever i see your fantastic decor :D

Keep it up, you are a true inspiration!

Also loved, and drool continually, over the spread you have in "Romantic Prarie"... sigh. Love the whitewashed walls with the sparkle of fresh greens in between. I would do alot of crazy to get hold of some of your pieces! :)

Anonymous said...

The table setting is perfect, especially the dishes. Thank you for sharing as I will try to replicate in my own home.

Enjoy the weekend,
Jenna from www.sequinedsunsets.blogspot.com

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Your posts are always so....dreamy!!! And I LOVE Jo! I'm new to "creative blogging," and she has been so kind in her helpful messages to me. :) Can't wait to see her spread in Fifi's next book!

Take care & have a great upcoming weekend!

~Jessie
http://acozycottageinthecity.blogspot.com

under spanish moss said...

We love the table scape, just beautiful! Can't wait to learn how to make the berries float.
Angela and Renee

Lara said...

Such beautiful full room photos, and plate detail shots, Maria! Everything you share is a true treat! :-) In my next house, I want to have lots of near floor-to-ceiling large windows like you have.. that natural window light must be such a joy to be around on a daily basis and to photograph in!I look forward to reading about your table styling tips.. and I can't wait to receive the cute, little floral patterned pillow I ordered from you!!! I have the perfect spot for it just waiting. ;-)

Lara

Jessica Monte said...

Beautiful! I really do need to learn more about proper place settings. Your table looks gorgeous!

Heaven's Walk said...

Well, I think your table looks sweet, summery, and spectacular, Maria! Simplicity during the summertime is perfection at it's best. I adore the photo of your dining room, and the one of looking into your kitchen, which I've never seen before. :)

xoxo laurie

Unknown said...

Your blog is very dreamy! Amazing photos...so pretty! Do you mind if I share them on my blog?
Daisy

Burlap Luxe said...

I love "Jo Jo's" blog and her Kitchen!!! Do you jsut love that center island, she said she toted that island around until she had a kitchen big enough for it, If that was the only thing that fit in my house I would make sure it was mine! :)

Thank you for the post and your beautiful simple decor, it is my favorite look! I too love it simple, and as little clutter as I can, it took a gew years to perge and I plan to stay this way :)

xxo
Dore

Tracey Ayton Photography said...

Ohhh your pictures are always so calming ....... I can't wait to see what your secret is to make those pesky little blueberries float.

cathypentonatelier said...

WOW!! What a gorgeous blog you have...take care c

Tinas bo said...

Hello!
I've just found your amazing blog and i put myself directly on your following list!
You have such a beautiful home!!

Hugs Tina

Mona Kay Gorman said...

Oh, I just love the bottle carrier &uour beautiful hydrangeas!! Not that I don't love everything else, of course!!

Carrie Ann Eddleman said...

I agree, taking photos is the best way to see if you actually like something, works great for outfits too. Hugs-Carrie

Melissah said...

I just discovered your lovely blog and have signed up as a follower. I've just put the finished touches on my new blog ‘Coastal Style’ and have added you to my blogroll. I had a lot of fun putting it together so maybe you would like to check it out if you have a spare minute.
http://coastal-style.blogspot.com/
It will have lots of inspiration on beach houses, resortwear, summer food, travel and anything ‘beachy’.
x
Melissah

Eeva said...

The room is beautiful, the setting is beautiful, everything is just amazing! You've got it....

Marie Söderberg said...

Your posts are amazing...jus like your blogname dreamy..like it / Marie

web designers said...

Full of white and superb collection of each and every stuffs, I really impressed with your collection. Well, First time I seen this much stylish and simple white chairs. I really like its design. It is excellent and looks very attractive to keep in dinning room.

Natasha @ Northern Light Design said...

Hi Maria,
just a heads up... i linked to your online store as well as your blog from this post (http://so-much-more-than-nl.blogspot.com/2011/08/august-is-here.html).

Happy August!

silly blahgs said...

everything you show is amazing. i love your style and want everything in your home! thanks always for sharing. lovely, simply, lovely.

Fairfield House said...

Maria,

I love the beautiful details on the vintage silverware. Thank you for suggesting we photograph the process of projects and review the progress online. That is a brilliant idea and one I will be using. Looking forward to your completed table setting and your tip on making blueberries float! On my way over to Secret Garden Cottage now.

Your Friend,
Deborah

Vintage Home said...

I love seeing other people using miss matched silver!
Great looking table scape!...Can't wait for more!

Lore♥ said...

Me encanta todo aqui
es fantastico
muy delicado
adoro venir a tu blog
y encontrarme con tantas cosas lindas
abrazos
Lorena

Susan Durup said...

Hi Maria.
Very beautiful and inspiring pictures ..... it is an incredibly beautiful kitchen you have, and I think I just borrow a few good ideas.
I wonder.... Who is the lucky winner of Jeanne Oliver camera bag? "Someone" waiting very eagerly - if she could be the lucky one and get THE LAST BAG :-). Sincerely a big fan. Susan

darla said...

I love the mason jars!! the blue berries look so cute inside :)

Ricki Treleaven said...

I look forward to reading the blueberry trick! :D Lovely post. Your blog makes me so happy!

Unknown said...

Hi Maria...I have to tell you I went thru Hot Springs last month on my way to Lakeside Mt. Do you know it?
Your tablescape is perfect! Can't wait to hear how to make the blueberries float.
Enjoy your day~SueBee

tiina said...

Beautiful pictures. <3

<3 mariella
www.fsnlux.blogspot.com

Meadowlark said...

The floating blueberries?

hotelsdesignmonde said...

WOW, wonderful pics! I'm discovering your blog and I love it! Thanks to share your nice pics with us!
ps: I'm now a new follewer ;-)

PALMICHULA said...

Todo es tan precioso y con tanto romanticismo, me encanta.
http://cosasdepalmichula.blogspot.com/

Living Beautifully said...

I just discovered your website and I am in love!! So glad I found you- love what you do! Definitely a follower :)

Living Beautifully said...

Posted about you on my FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Beautifully-One-DIY-Step-At-A-Time/196218240420159

Living Beautifully said...

Blogged about you as well ;)
Thanks again!

http://livingbeautifullydiy.blogspot.com/2011/08/dreamy-whites.html

tanya said...

You inspire me!

Victoria Mische said...

I have to admit that overall I'm really impressed with this particular site especially on your table settings! It is easy to observe that youre enthusiastic about making this stuff and that's what I want in every blogger!