change in direction

So, it's perfectly normal for me to get an idea in my head, be all about it, and then suddenly see something that makes me change my entire mind about what I want. (Is it just me or does this happen to you as well?) I created my inspiration for the Thanksgiving dinner settled on the color scheme and then......Then I saw this.

 

photos via 100 layer cake

Isn't it lovely.... Well, needless to say I am in a desperate search to make this look come together...or something similar. I changed my mind while I was at the wholesale floral market and all of their orange and red flowers just looked, well pitiful and predictable. And then my eyes landed on this lovely assortment of vibrant purple flowers and I knew that I had to make the change. And, I really think it's a change for the better. The room that my client (my mom) is having the Thanksgiving dinner in is a mauve, purple color and what better way to carry that theme throughout the house then to accent it with deep purples, hints and deep red and bright yellows? I hope she loves it....I'm sure she will! Pictures coming soon...

have a lovely weekend

Happy Friday lovelies. I plan to relax, enjoy some art and wine, go running in the a.m., and church and family on Sunday. Enjoy yourselves. (p.s. I've always wanted to be a ballerina.)

photo found here

daily inspiration: lovely wind

Things are quite crazy around here, so I'm going to my happy place. This photo is sure to take me there. So lovely...

photo found here

thanksgiving table inspiration

I'm working on a Thanksgiving table setting for one of my clients. They want to go for more of a traditional feeling with just the tiniest touch of modern. It's going to be a pretty long tabel as they are having several members of their extended family join them. (I don't have a final number but I'm thinking we're looking at about 15-20 people) Because of the numbers I want to make sure that the table doesn't look to cluttered. Here are a few images that I've found while browsing around blog world.

photos found here

I really want to include some small square glass vases and candles all along the table.  I'm also thinking that sunflowers would be a great flower to use on the tables. They're so bright and cheerful and they create warmth without being too Thanksgiving-y.

photo found here

 I'll be puttting together ideas all week. Can't wait to show you the finished product.

catching up

Wow, where to begin. The weather in Virgina is crazy. Things were pretty much shut down for four days here because of a Noreaster. (umm, it's November but whatever) My neighborhood is notorious for flooding so I was pretty much trapped in my house for three days. No work, no cable, no internet! But alas, the water subsided and here I am. So, I know I have a lot of catching up to do and will be settling back in to the blog world...Check back for more updates today.

photo found here

daily inspiration {sweetness}

Love is sweet. lovely DIY dessert bar for a fantastic wedding...

Believe it or not, the GROOM actually baked all of these sweets. He's a senior baker at a bakery - talk about having a sweet hubby! I especially love the cream and pastel pink macraoons. They are sophisticated without being too girly. This entire set up work wonderfully for a bridal or baby shower or for any special event. Say, a Lia Sophia party?!

coco lovely and carnation love

Carnations have such a bad rap. I'm sure many of you remember red or pink carnations being on sale for a buck a stem in high school during Valentine's Day. They were cute, they were cheap...you ended up throwing them away. 

Well, I'm here to tell all of you, don't turn your back on carnations. They are fantastic, and not to only be used for cheap valentine's flowers, or fillers in more expensive bouquets. Carnations have what it takes to stand on their own. And not only can they stand on their own but when designed in bunches they can be breathtaking.

Here's an idea I found over at Eddie Ross' blog. 

Using a simple base, such as a candlestick holder, or a vase, you can create a breathtaking display.

Take your candlestick (in this case) and top with an oasis floral foam sphere. {These can be found at Michel's or wholesale florist} The sphere needs to soak in water for 45 minutes and then drain on paper towel's. 

Take your carnations and trim leaving a good inch from the base of the bud. Firmly push the stem into the sphere. Continue around the sphere being sure to distribute the weight evenly. 

Keep working around the sphere until you have lovely finished product. 

Ta-da! A lovely centerpiece or statement piece for you to use at your next soiree. These would look fantastic at the holiday party. 

Richmond Bound

So excited about this find!

Eddie Ross is Martha sent and also a former contestant on Bravo's Top Design. I can't wait to see what awesome holiday ideas he has. {It's about time I use a vacation day!}

I'll be heading up to Richmond Monday afternoon and will stay with one of my girlfriends for the night. Hopefully we can have breakfast that morning and then I will head back home. Great opportunity to promote Coco Lovely and hopefully meet some fabulous people.

{I'll try to get pictures with Eddie. Hopefully I won't act too much like a groupie!}
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*update. I wasn't able to make the show becuase of the Noreaster that hit Virginia. Until next time Eddie Ross...You'll be in my dreams...

monday morning room

In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

How fantastic would it be to wake up every morning and get ready in lovely bathroom like this?

Looks like I will have to settle for my own modest bathroom today, but I am definitely keeping this in mind for the future... {p.s. that chandelier is killing me}

(photo via nuevo estilo)

Have a lovely weekend

Oh my! It's been quite a week here in VA. I will be working this weekend but hopefully will find some time to show you all of the fantastic pieces that I have picked up for the Holiday Party. I hope I can get it all done! Between work, and church and my moms birthday, I have quite the weekend in front of me. What are your plans for the weekend?

Enjoy your weekend everyone and I will see you all on Monday! xo!

daily inspiration: winter white

So, I'm throwing a little holiday party for coco lovely. I figure the best way to get my name out there is to constantly put together events and invite friends, family, and potential clients. Here's a little inspiration for my whimsical winter holiday party... You like?

 

 

 

pictures found via 100 Layer Cake

daily inspiration: Amy Atlas

Amy Atlas is such a design inspiration, especially for ladies like me looking to start their own design and event planning business. I found this wonderful interview with her over on decor8. Check it out for a little bit of inspiration.

 

handmade holidays

The holidays are coming!!! Seriously, who's ready for that? I still can't get over the fact that we are three days into November. But, and I know I say this every year, I am going to start my holiday shopping early. {don't laugh}

In fact, I have already started my holiday shopping, in a way. My first Etsy purchase wasn't exactly a success. I thought the chain would be much longer but sadly it was too short for me. But, I have just the person who would like it.

I would love to hand make some of my gifts this year. I think it would be such a nice touch especially considering everything that's going on in our Nation right now. {don't worry, I won't break into a political rant}. Check out this lovely gift idea found on Twig&Thistle. 

 

How cute {and budget freindly}would these be to make and give out as gifts? Perhaps I can recreate something similiar and it can be one of coco lovely's holiday gifts. Hmmm I like....

fall fiesta

Check out this fantastic inspiration board. I am working on a fall theme/fiesta housewarming party for one of my clients. I've done a fall theme and a fiesta theme before but I've never combined the two. Somehow, I think this inspiration board captures the essence of both. Whatcha think?

photo found here