Apothecary Jars

There are so many wonderful uses for decorative glass jars, lolly (or candy) jars being just one!

I love the idea of filling the jars with fresh or dried flowers as an alternative floral centrepiece. Bouquets of lavender tied prettily would look great in the jar.

How amazing do these apothecary jars look filled with seashells?

Vintage photographs- a special way to honour your loved ones.

Thank you to Living with Lindsay for the idea and image!

A twist on the guest book- have guests write on pretty paper and drop their note in.

Don't forget about the rooms beyond the reception venue; pretty soaps or shells would dress up any bathroom.

At a fragrance event I attended last week, the room was filled with small decorative jars filled with silk fabric (a pale pinky-peach in this instance) which looked fantastic and was a great way to bring the colour theme alive.

Even better, all these ideas work perfectly in your home once your event is over- the perfect reasoning for when the budget is being squeezed! Christmas decorations, Easter Eggs, decorative balls and even indoor plants all look great and extend the life of your jars beyond the one event.

Images: Destination Hardware, Maison, Pottery Barn, Martha Stewart.

Candy Bar Jars

Searching for the perfect mix of decorative and practical jars for your candy bar or table decorations? Look no further than Brown Button Trading, a gorgeous online store which ships worldwide- how perfect is that?!

After some tips for your own candy bar or dessert bar? See here for a how-to including yummy lollies. And see here for more candy bar inspirations.

Of course, apothecary jars aren't just for yummy lollies, up next is some more wonderful inspiration for gorgeous glass jars.

Elie Saab Haute Couture 2009

Elie Saab 2009 Haute Couture
I always admire the Haute Couture designs, designers letting their imaginations run wild, the wonderful fabrics and the exquisite detailing.

Aren't these gowns amazing?

A wedding in the French Countryside

Thank you to Dustjacketattic for pointing me in the direction of this unique and stunning wedding set in the beautiful French country side, just outside Paris.
The bride, Kelly d'Halluin (nee Kapica) was inspired by an 18th-century pastoral festival,the fête champêtre for her wedding to Nicolas d'Halluin.

This vision came to life at the seventeeth-century Château de Breteuil, where three hundred guests enjoyed cocktails in the gardens, a candle-lit dinner at a single long table on the terrace and dancing in the Château's grand salons.

"Arty, decadent, a bit Oscar Wilde and Cecil Beaton with room for natural imperfection" imagined Kelly who styled the event herself.

Stéphane Chapelle, a renowned floral designer mixed butterflies from Deyrolle, grouse feathers, orchids, ferns, mint, and peonies tied with antique ribbons to create the fantastic bouqet.

Crystal vases were filled with bouqets of sweet peas, roses, mint, mushrooms, and dainty grass racemes gathered in leaf-lined crystal compote.

I personally love the dedication to the theme; the mint green with chocolate touches are carried throughout the styling of the whole day; the flowergirls pretty mint dresses with chocolate sashes, the place settings and even the grooms vest.

Image credit: Veranda via DustJacketAttic

Monday's Muse: Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger, German actress and former model and ballerina oozes grace and style on the red carpet. YSL, Chanel, Marchesa and Ralph Lauren are her fashion favourites, little wonder when she counts the designers as personal friends.

Images: Style.com, Elle, Grazia.UK

Feeling sorry for myself

I have the flu... for the second time this winter (not counting the pre-wedding bout of glandular fever!) So un-fun!
Being sick would be much more pleasant if I was snuggled up in one of these beautiful beds.

Image credits: Canadian House & Home, Domino mag, Peter Mansen.
(I'm sorry I don't have all the references so if one looks familiar just let me know and I will give credit where credit is due!)