Always a fan of “use it at the bridal shower/rehearsal dinner/wedding then use it back at home” concept, I nearly fell over when I opened the latest NapaStyle catalog to discover this jumble of vintage silverware stamped with a monogram. A 20-piece set (four place settings of a fork, knife, teaspoon, salad fork & soup spoon) of vintage monogrammed silverware, now clean, polished & perfectly mismatched into a set that’s as one of a kind as any family who uses it.

As the copy reads… “Just like your guests, each piece is one-of-a-kind, brought together by a single, elegant, unifying mark. A perfect gift for weddings, anniversaries and housewarmings, choose one initial and we’ll have it cleanly stamped on the handle of each piece. The utensils are genuine silver-plated and up to 90 years old – gathered from estate sales, vintage markets and antique stores all over the US and Europe.” Sold. I’ll photograph the full set when mine arrives so you can see! $169 for a 20-piece set. {Tip: Sign up for their newsletter & receive $10 off your first order.}

From the same company & also wedding-ready, authentic vintage utensils from the 1920s and ’30s sold as vintage silverware by the pound. Search no more for the ideal tableware for your vintage-style wedding celebration. Extra sets make splendid gifts after the big day, tied together with French ribbon & a letterpress card. Order more than one set of personalized silverware to combine your first initials with your last. Dreamy!!!

Posted in gift ideas, vintage | 1 Comment »

Recognize that vintage tea stand with the pink butterfly on top? How thrilled was I to see it featured on etsy’s front page last Friday morning? We’ll be adding more to the shoppe very soon, just in time for the holidays…

And what perfect timing.

My friend Aedriel (yes, you’ve read about her here before and can find her plates in our wedding gifts section) just introduced this most endearing plate.

On the table, on your wall, as a gift… it’s the perfect reminder to pause & give a little thanks.

Aedriel chose this quote to go with…

I’m thankful for the sea breeze that feels so good right now, and the scent of jasmine when the sun starts going down.
I’m thankful…

~Johnny Cash

You can see why I love her so much, huh?

The Grateful plate measures 8″; $20 each by Aedriel Originals.

Posted in gift ideas | No Comments »

Clint Eastwood does, as a matter of fact. And if you’re ever in Mr. Dirty Harry’s neighborhood, a.k.a. the glroriously scenic Carmel, CA, you can meet them yourself at Mission Ranch Hotel & Restaurant.

As the story goes… “The historic Mission Ranch Resort sits on 22 acres with spectacular views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Once one of the first dairies in California, the rich history of this 1800’s ranch was preserved and restored by former Carmel Mayor, Clint Eastwood. A longtime Carmel resident, Clint Eastwood rescued this landmark resort from condo developers, and renovated the entire property to provide a unique resort experience. The Inn now consists of 31 hotel rooms located within ten buildings on the property. While dining at the restaurant, known for its American cuisine and piano bar, you can watch the sheep graze in the meadow.” {Who doesn’t love grazing sheep?!?} Just 9 blocks south of downtown Carmel and 8 blocks from the beach, the views and quiet location make the ranch a haven for romantic getaways, weddings, and anniversary drives up or down the California coast.

Posted in honeymoon & travel | No Comments »

Have you been debating about snatching up a certain item on the site?

Having nightly dreams of splurging on necklaces for your bridesmaids or a vintage handbag just for you?

Tell us your wish by 8/20/2010. One wish just might come true…

Just use our Contact Us form, select “Item I’d Love to Find,” and tell us your wedding date & what you’ve been eyeing on the site.

We’ll announce our wish winner right here on the blog on August 31!

Posted in sales | 1 Comment »

Tracy Porter has an eye for goodness.

{And that’s an understatement!}

This vintage-inspired necklace is her latest treasure to catch my eye. Her fascination with kings & queens be praised!

If there’s a bride for every necklace, let her come forward for this alluring cast brass & crystal confection…

Artisan hand-cast in Istanbul, the necklace is, as Tracy puts it, “An homage to bewitching bygone eras… Hand-made & tarnished to perfection.” Of course!

She’s so very talented at transporting us to other lands with a single, decadent purchase.

Stolen Glamour Necklace, $498, by Tracy Porter.

Posted in bridal beauty, fashion | No Comments »

Salvaged mason jars have been hugely popular for rustic weddings for a while now. They do have an obvious yet practical charm.

We usually see them spilling over with blooming wildflowers or gleaming en masse filled with crushed ice & watermelon lemonade.

This time, they’re twinkling a soft yellow-orange above, set against a turning sky like fireflies at dusk.

Not to fuel a trend, but lovely is lovely.

And these we couldn’t resist.

Straight from the wholesome midwest & ready to hang; $38 for six upcycled glass jar lanterns, string of lights & hooks by treasureagain on etsy.

Posted in green, vintage | 1 Comment »

Happy 8/9/10! A most unforgettable day…

Posted in inspiration | 1 Comment »

Some wedding traditions seem to last and last…

Including an important young person (or 2 or 3 or 7 little ones) into the ceremony is definitely one of them! 

The custom petal cones we’ve been creating for flower girls lately have been so well received, we decided to add a new collection of custom ring bearer pillows to complement them.

Here’s a peek at our first two: a sparkly, tufted purple pillow with a glistening button at its center, and a traditional silver brocade tufted pillow with a very modern lucite button. We aim to step outside the norm, as far as you dare us to go. We’ll keep you posted when these & others become available in the shoppe, which is also when we’ll begin customizing our ring pillows to match your wedding colors or scheme.

Got a new tradition in mind? We’d love to hear about that, too…

Posted in O&B items | No Comments »

Yesterday I picked up an adorable vintage card from a little etsy shop called Vintage Arts Supplies. Now you can visit it, too…

I know my Sweetie would love to find one mailed to his office or left by his razor. But ephemera like these others from Marsh’s shop also make treasured save the dates, thank yous, or ”Will you be my bridesmaid?” notes.

These reclaimed blasts-from-the-past are eco-friendly, too. Add ribbons, buttons, glitter & your own sweet sentiments.

They’re just a few dollars each, no more than a store-bought card. And someone has carefully stored them all these years just for you. The feel, the scent, the old-fashioned artwork… there’s nothing like sending (or receiving!) a little vintage card.

Posted in green, vintage | 1 Comment »