Radford Design Inc.: event

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Dinner Party Love

I love a dinner party. Sharing my home & table with friends and family is always something I look forward to. Styling your table need not be expensive nor maddening. Stay away from batty "themes" & keep it real with items you already own. Here's how. . .

You know I'm going to say it . . .

Hit up those Flea Markets. Here you will find plates, glassware, silver serving pieces & flatware. Don't be afraid of a little tarnish. Tarn-X is your best friend and besides- it adds a little character!

These trays were $7 each

Less than a minute later these loves have a new life

Doilies from the Dollar Store
Fear Not. It's a dollar

Milk Glass vases are easy to find in second hand stores & markets. I just adore the crisp white against fresh flowers. You can also readily find various glass containers for candles or flowers.

I found this vase for $3

Milk Glass & Vintage Bottles
Charming

just add votives

Do yourself a favor and grab a bunch of Mint Julep cups. You will find yourself using them for everything. I even store makeup brushes in one. Pencils in another. Sometimes chopsticks. Occasionally cigars. These little fellas are your entertaining & decor staple.

any flower, grass, leaf or herb will do

Empty wine bottles & simple glass containers are a Stress Free & budget friendly alternative to expensive floral arrangements. The key is to keep your flowers monochromatic and add tons of candlelight.

This table was put together in under 5 minutes

Simple is better. Consider glassware as vases.
You already own plenty.

The total cost of these flowers? $12
varying height & containers stretch your flower dollar

Burlap. The cheapest & chicest of all fabrics

From a previous party
vase = free

Candlelight is a must. I always like to use black candles as they are unexpected, edgier, and add a touch of glamour. The best way to ensure the glow is to incorporate at least one votive per guest.

Black tapers offset the sweetness

3 votives. 3 guests

Stock up. 5 for $10. IKEA

Table linens are a great way to either mellow out the scene or amp it up. High impact. Low cost.

Graphic Love. $20 for set of 4

Kavita Napkins Set of 4 $12

Jonathan Adler Talitha table runner $34

Prakesh tablecloth $18

$40 Union Jack tapestry
Makes for one fabulous tablecloth

Adore. Set of 4 for $28

Inject texture & pattern with plates & accessories. If you keep with a standard white setting and mix in pieces you will save on both time & cash. Layer in the unexpected for a custom, not cookie cutter, effect. It's ok if you can't find a complete set. Mingling different patterns with simple white dinnerware is charming & smart.

IKEA 365 series. The prefect canvas. $4

A fabulous base. NeoBaroque Dinnerware $24-32

Not the same.
This is a Good Thing.

Chevron adds a punch

Gold rimmed glasses I found at Market
$6 for set of 6

A Shot of Color $12-16

Touch of Glam Set of 4 for $24

HomeGoods has the best selection of
White Dinnerware on the cheap
This love was $3

Modern. Classic. Acrylic. Set of 4 for $16

Watercolor Petals $14-24

Above all, Relax & Enjoy yourself & company. Dinner parties are for getting together. Not stressing. If all else fails- Keep it unpretentious. And remember, simplicity leads to elegance.

leave the fuss behind. Have a glass of wine & enjoy!

Cheers!

Nic

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Radford Loves a Wedding

One of my dearest friends is to be married next June in Three Oaks , MI. Ann Marie is not your average gal . . . and surely not your Run of the Mill Bride . She is a Remarkable Mélange of Clean Lines, Traditional Elegance, and a shot of Punk Rock . Needless to Say, I am Honored & Stoked to Style her Wedding. Set in a Breathtaking Winery, this intimate Gathering will feature a Rustic Backdrop with both Vintage & Modern Details. A perfect blend for a perfect couple. Stay tuned . . . Cheers!