My In-Laws' 50th

On June 12th, 2011 my in-laws celebrated with friends and family their 50th wedding anniversary. My husband and I hosted this along with our children, aunts, and friends. It was held in, what we call, our choir room at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. My mother-in-law was 17 when she married my father-in-law that was 19. They are two fine christians with a strong marriage that have experienced many ups and downs, including the death of a child. Congratulations, Freddie and Frances!

In the hallway we displayed pictures from the past and present.








I was given the idea by a friend to buy a tablecloth and allow the guests to sign the tablecloth instead of a book and let the couple keep it for a keepsake.









Prior to the event we asked the guests to be prepared to share, in writing, a memorable moment(s) with the couple. I printed a title and provided lines on cardstock. I plan on taking all of the beautiful cards and stories and making a book for them. I placed the cardstock in the tray below. There are those candlesticks again!






































I got the chance to use that drink dispenser again! Here it is filled with ice water and lemon slices.














































The cake was made by their niece Jessica, Didn't she do a great job! I was very pleased with the gladiolas. Wish the pictures were better, sorry :(

"Borrowed" Candlestick Idea

I took a before pic on the candleholders but it is on another camera that is not here(of course) so maybe later. Anyhow, I sprayed these ivory ,they were originally that green and burgundy that we all have had in our homes at some point in the last decade! A couple of weeks ago I attended a wedding that had the most unusual decorations that I just loved! Each table at the reception was decorated differently with burlap and moss being the common thread. I saw the cups and saucers in several areas and fell in love. My husband's aunt had a career in the army traveling all over the world and she would buy bone china cups and saucers to commemorate the location. Luckily I inherited them. There are so many it is impossible to display them all and I have tried several places. Any ideas? Am loving these for now. What do you think?

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Coffee Scent All Day

Last week I showed you the treasures I bought when I went "junkin". Well, here is what I did with the copper looking tin. I poured coffee beans into the container and spread them as evenly as possible. I then added tea lights to it. I am not a coffee drinker but I LOVE the smell of coffee. The wonderful aroma of coffee permeates the room! I got this idea from my daughters' friends, Aimee and April. Thanks girls!

Straight from the consignment store:



After:






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Treasure Hunting

On Monday, we had a "snow" day without snow but ice in certain parts of the state so my daughter and I went "junkin" or "treasure hunting". Here are my finds:
This is a "copper" like metal tray for $14.

A metal urn
I got this "Southern Living" candleholder for $2.00! (Repeat Street consignment store)


On Tuesday I had to go to Brandon and happened upon yet ANOTHER consignment store called "Forget Me Nots". I have fallen in lovvvvvvve with this place. I walked in for the first time to find a coworker there. She told me they really rotate their inventory well. The prices were great!


Maybe I will let you see where these items ended up in the near future!
Happy New Year!

New Love

Before the holidays I made several trips to Steinmart and every time I looked at this beverage dispenser with the strongest desire to purchase it. I had a party coming up and I could just think I soooooooo many ways to use it. THEN, I am invited to a party and guess what? There it was AGAIN! I knew then that it was a sign, I have to have it!! I just worried that I would not use it enough to justify the $70 purchase. But, when I went to get it I got 20% off! I am also hosting my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary in June and knew it would come in handy. It has dual spouts that enables you to serve two different types of liquids. Each side holds at least a gallon in each side.




The bottom section can be filled with decorative items for whatever occasion.

Also, I LOVE, LOVE these flameless candles I found at Kroger, they were $9.99 a set.
Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I am looking forward to a great new year!

Linking to Between Naps on the Front Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Christmas Craft, Recipe, and Tradition Party

In November an idea just popped in my head to have a craft/recipe/tradition party. When I mentioned it at work many thought it was a great idea . I asked each guest to bring one of these : Christmas craft idea, recipe, or a tradition that she enjoys. I have to say, in the past I have had some pretty "sad" parties that are not even worth mentioning but we. had. a. BLAST!!! The everyones' ideas were so awesome. This is Martha sharing how to make her wonderful Cream Cheese Cookies. She brought each of us a sample of them wrapped in the cutest bags! They tasted wonderful!Melissa told us about how she and her sister(one of my principals) make cookies and candies for the holidays. She brought peanut butter and crackers dipped in almond bark. They were great.

Monica shared with us how to make one of her beautiful bows. Many people pay good money to have bows tied for them.
Carla, one of our art teachers, shared jingle bells ornaments.
Laura( one of our assistant principals) brought a tin with a "Fireside Drink Mix" inside with chocolate covered spoons for stirring.

I did tell my coworkers that they were more than welcomed to come and "steal" ideas. They were not required to share if they did not want. Freda, the comedian of the bunch, shared a picture of a hospital bed. Her husband said that it has become a tradition for them to go to the hospital every Christmas with one of their parents! She is such a hoot!

Ira showed us how to take a painted bucket , fill it with garland, and tie a bell etc. on the side. It turned out beautiful. Sorry that I do not have a picture of the finished product.
This is just a sample of the ideas. Many other recipes were brought and sampled. I highly recommend hosting a party such as this. I was totally blown away by the amount of participation and fun we had.

Merry Christmas!

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Linking to House of Grace Best of 2010 Craft Party