Radford Loves a Warehouse Sale

I do not care much for Pottery Barn. There, I said it.

However, their annual Warehouse Clearance Event is going on now with classic pieces up to 75% off. I just can't resist a warehouse clearance. Check out this Pinterest Board with my picks for the best of this great sale!

xx

Nic

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!

xx

Nic

Video: Spring Projects!

The Convivial Jeanne Sparrow 

I recently had the Pleasure to meet with The Fun as All Get Out Jeanne Sparrow of U&Me This Morning . We chatted about a Couple of Fresh Spring Projects on this Remodeling on a Dime segment. 

A new life for a vanity Seat

Jeanne was a Blast to work with

And she has The Most skilled Corners ever

More on Economical Planters

WATCH HERE

My Little Green Thumb

Dolce & a Can of Thyme

I love to Garden. . . especially Herbs. There's just Something about it. City living Creates some challenges . . .But I am Not easily Scared. Nor should you Be. Arm yourself with a Bag of Potting soil, a drill (you need to add a few holes to the Bottom of your Container so Water can escape) and Colorful flowers & Herbs Read on . .

Garden containers & Planters are often times Costly. Frankly, they are Expensive and quite Uninspired .  That said- here are My ideas for Economical Garden Greatness .

First Love - Tin Cans . I adore Herbs grown in Vegetable cans. Perhaps it's the Cheeky nod. I'm not sure. . . but Label or Sans Label , Tin cans are the Most accessible & Easiest of all Garden containers.

Tin Chic

Colorful & Utilitarian

So Easy - So Fresh

Wine Crates & Barrels make the Perfect planter. The size allows a Decent variety of Plants and they just look like They were meant to Be on your Deck / Patio or in your Backyard.

Rosemary City Love

Effortless to Drill Through

Blends naturally with Your Deck

Household & Kitchen items work like Champs as planters.  Classic silver Ice Buckets & bowls are like Vintage Fashion for the Outdoors. You can find these items at Any Thrift Shop or Salvation Army. Try to Get into the Habit of shopping Thrift. . .not only Do you Get a great deal, you Also contribute to Your Community. You know what Im going to Say . . .Share the love .

Make your Pasta Proud

This little Tea Pot short & stout. . . 

feels Regal - costs Next to Nothing

A touch of Tarnish adds to the Character 

Finally, get out & hit up Garage Sales or a Flea Market. This is my All Time Favorite activity. Make a Day of it- pack a picnic & bring along some cocktails . . . You will not be disappointed. It goes without Saying- there will be Stellar people watching as well.  Garage Sales & Flea Markets will have all sorts of Funky finds which are perfect for Garden Containers. . . .

Bright Birdcages make an Unforgettable Statement

Retired Wash Basins are Sturdy & Deep

Reclaimed Desk drawers . Lighthearted Brilliance 

Life to a No longer Tired Suitcase

Reminds me of my Sandbox as a Kid . Genius 

Get out & Get to it ! I can't Wait to hear all about Your Garden Finds. Send me a note and Share the love.

xx

Nic