Entertaining With BASKETS!!

Source: brabournefarm.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

   

Baskets are a wonderful way to add texture in your rooms. I love a beautiful basket not only for how pretty they can be, and for the texture they add, but I love to  actually use them on a daily basis.

When I have guest in my home I try to make up a snack tray that stays out on my countertop so they can grab a snack any time they want…..

This is a tray that I did when I had some overnight guest using fresh produce of the season and pecans and walnuts.

I use this basket tray all the time, but sometimes it is too large for everyday use so I was thrilled when my friend Barb’s shop, “Farmhouse  Décor Shop” started carrying three different sizes…….

Set of 3 Round Willow Trays

$29.00
(10x3, 11.5x3.5, 15x4)

I keep the larger tray, which is not overly large at 15in. on my counter with healthy snacks for my family…….

 

Nuts and cranberries always seem to hit the spot for a little snacking. I use the lemons, and limes in my water throughout the day.

By keeping it corralled in the tray it looks decorative and not cluttered. I love that!

I used the larger tray to hold a platter full of fresh berries as part of our morning breakfast………



The smallest tray is the perfect size to hold dessert size plates in an attractive manner.

I can not tell you how much I love these little baskets. They are so versatile and I use them all the time. When not in use they can be used decoratively as well.

Be sure and go to her shop and order some of these baskets, you can thank me later for telling you about them…….

(just click on the above image and it will take you to her shop, you will find them under French Farmhouse Vintage)

Do you use baskets in your everyday life and for entertaining? What clever ways do you all use baskets? 
 

 

 

5 Years Of My Easter Tables

  

I am like the rest of you in that I love to create. I like to try and create something different from what I have done in previous decor, or decorations for special holidays like Easter.

I thought I would review what I have done in the past five years in order to make sure I do something a wee bit different for this years Easter table.

One Easter I did an all white theme……………..

This was the centerpiece. Fresh spring green grass, real gerbera daisies and white roses. One more special little element that any good spring arrangement needs, sweet little porcelain birds.

The next year I chose to do a whimsical forest scene. I wanted the bunny to look like a huge chocolate bunny. I chose little chicks, mushrooms and clay pots full of chocolate eggs…………..

 

Bright pink, bright yellow and white were my color scheme for this year.

I chose to use things from my garden by using rocks, moss and real flowers from the garden.

The next year's table started with an inspiration from Anthropologie…….

I started with this darling ceramic robin egg blue egg holder, which I can use in my refrigerator after Easter to hold my eggs.

I already had the striped quilt that I used as a table cloth and I had the bright yellow plates from the year before. So it was settled, bright yellow and blue it will be.

Next I needed to decide  what elements  would work with this color scheme. First came the obvious, eggs, some kind of yellow and white flowers, and for greenery some wheat grass.

 Yes, that will work just fine. Here is the table setting I did ..........

 

Daffodils, Daisies and Moss!!

 

I have used an all white, a bright yellow and bright pink color scheme. Then I used bright yellow and robin’s egg blue as my color scheme for Easter.

 

 This years table was very bright sunflower yellow and green. I chose to use galvanized metal containers to hold moss and little yellow button flowers and white daisies.

Last year I went for a much softer look. I chose an ice blue table cloth and all white tulips and dishes.

 

 

This years Easter table will be different from all of the above. I am going to use ice pink and white.

I love this time of year and I always get exctied when I start seeing the fresh Spring green grass and all of the pink and white blossoms on the trees.

 

Have fun finding your own inspiration for your Easter table.

 

Can A Bruise Be Pretty?

Source: southshoredecoratingblog.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Have you heard the saying, “ He is black and blue all over?”

I think we probably have all heard that one  that refers to a bruise. Can a bruise be pretty? Well, I think the colors of a bruise can be very pretty when used in a room.

Today I am going to talk about Black,White and blue all over, and I am referring to how it can work in a room.

Source: classiccasualhome.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Of course this has a lot to do with the fact that I love this combination for my own home and will be using it in my family room for my winter look.

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

I thought it would be fun for you, my wonderful readers to see other rooms that have inspired me while perusing cyber space.

Source: classiccasualhome.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

It won’t be a look for everyone, but it is a dramatic, handsome, sharp look, and one that I can embrace.

Source: adoreyourplace.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

As you look at all of the images, notice where the black is used. Sometimes it is subtly incorporated as in the above image by using it in the chairs.

Source: decorpad.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

There are times it is in your face!! Here it is used in the rug, chandelier, and the  chairs. A bit much for some and just perfect for others.

Source: decorpad.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

It is a real balancing act to get this combination right.

Source: decorpad.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

When using a high contrast mix like black and white you really have to use restraint, and look at the room in its entirety.

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It is not for the faint of heart.

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Sometimes just using black frames and one simple accessory like the suitcases will be just enough. Also notice how great the dark door knob looks on this beautiful blue door.

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Here it is used boldly as flooring. Even the blue is used boldly in this dramatic wall color.

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There is a lot of white and blue with just a touch of the black and white in this room. Love the little addition of the yellow here.

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It looks great for your wardrobe as well, especially when paired with wonderful gold jewelry.

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

In my observations I have noticed it is all about the balance when using strong colors, or any color combination for that matter.

Source: decorpad.com via Kathy Sue Perdue on Pinterest

Each individual needs to decide for themselves which color they want to speak the most loudly, or do they want all colors to have an equal voice.

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These are questions we all need to ask ourselves when ever we are combining any colors in a color scheme for a room.

It is very difficult sometimes not to get a look that is contrived or expected when adding colors in a room.

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Next time you look at a room in your home, do you have your colors dispersed in your room in a nice flowing manner, or does your eye jump from one color to the other like stepping stones.

You know me, I always have to give you something to think about!!  

Can you see yourself adding a high contrast color to your home. Is it hard for you to balance your color scheme in your home? 

Let me know what you think in the comments. I love your feedback!!!

If you would like to see more of bruise colored rooms go HERE to my Black, White and Blue all over board.