tie-ing in the decor

The decor for Paul’s party came together really easily. If you want to do this yourself, here is an overview of what I did. Since the tie chandelier was a bit retro, I decided to use fairly neutral items and feature pops of old-fashioned maleness here and there.

The Idaho burlap for the tablecloth is from Joann Fabrics ($1.99/yard – yeah!) and the black & white checked napkins are from Sur La Table. I used Judy’s terrific rosemary sprig napkin ring idea from last fall’s SCENE magazine lunch (see posts tagged Girls’ Fall Luncheon) and oversized low bowls and plates from Crate & Barrel (so versatile!). The old-fashioned candy bars were purchased at Powell’s Sweet Shop (locations in Campbell and Los Gatos); I picked a different one for each guy.

The font for the invitation and placecards is Trade Gothic Extended and the stock photo image of the brown tie is from Veer.

The flowers*, of course, are from Emily Joubert Home & Garden in Woodside (http://www.emilyjoubert.com). I could not stop photographing them all afternoon, hence the many different views below! I asked Kat (EJ floral designer) for something masculine and she created two of the most beautiful arrangements I’ve ever seen. I love that she added many varieties of succulents – prickly and dangerous/yet inviting are very masculine qualities, don’t you think?

I repeated the succulents as candles on the cake trio – Paul really liked the aesthetic simplicity and the tie-in with the flower arrangements and aluminum potted cactus on the bar. The bar was put together by covering a beige plastic table with tin foil, then adding a few woven placemats to make it look more rustic. The gorgeous urn holding the beer is Arte Italica pewter; I love how it made a nice focal point and brought a bit more metal to the decor. I then used glass vases to hold pretzel slims, peanuts in the shell and chocolate-covered peanuts.

Lastly, I put together a small outside table for Dane and Tate; it was really wonderful to see the guys drag the boys’ table over to the main one so they could be part of the action.

If you want to re-create some or all of this and want a bit of help or advice, please contact me!

*flowers include red roses, hydrangea, cymbidium orchids, succulents, and fiddle head fern curls.