A Magic Kingdom Wedding Reception

Julie and Rudi met while working at Disney World.  Tink must have been sprinkling her magic fairy dust because they fell in love and decided to wed.  Ken and June are Julie's parents, and my Sweet Mr. and I count them as two of our dearest friends.  When Julie and Rudi returned home to be married, Sweet Mr. and I were blessed to host a wedding reception for them in our home.

I was thinking 'Disney Princess,' Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty when I chose the soft blue Matelasse Tablecloth.  From there, the soft pinks, cream whites, blues, and apple green were just what I wanted to create a romantic and pretty tablescape.  The bone-handled silver chafing dish is another treasure from our Nana; it is one of my favorite serving pieces.  It's also makes a stunning, 'out of the box,' centerpiece.

Aren't Hydrangeas just the best!  They never fail to provide a stunning display. TIP:  Do you know how to 'prepare' or 'condition' hydrangeas prior to placing them in your container?  I learned to make a vertical cut 'up' into the stem to allow the water to disperse evenly.  It will prevent them from drooping prematurely.  The addition of cotton candy pink roses and apple green filler from Sam's gave me the soft romantic centerpiece that I envisioned.

The Black Starr & Frost silver presentation bowl was in Nana's home from the 1920's.  We are its generational caretakers, and I use it often.  It does require quite a few flowers to fill.  The Alencon Lace and silk tulle that you see tucked beneath the bowl is actually the shorter reception veil from my daughter's 2003, wedding.  The lace was once a part of my wedding dress, circa 1968.  I was beyond thrilled when my daughter wanted to use the lace from my dress. 

Okay, please, indulge sentimental me as I change horses in mid-stream.  This is a photo of the longer veil, designed to feature my wedding lace, that my sweet daughter wore during the marriage ceremony.  Still makes me smile.  Thought that you might enjoy it.

Okay, back to the business at hand...The large silver punch bowl, that lives in the corner of the dining room, was actually used as an ice bucket for champagne bottles waiting to be opened and placed in the pair of silver champagne buckets.  Nana's old silver and crystal chandelier reminded me of a crown, fit for a princess.  Along with the Val St. Lambert candlesticks, it added just the right touch of sparkle and reflection.  The chandelier was originally in Nana's house which was completed in 1920.  We've had it for many years, and whenever we've moved, it's moved with us.  It's actually a bit too tall to allow the recommended 36" space from the bottom of the fixture to the table.  It's another example of knowing the rule and choosing to ignore it.

I chose serving pieces and china to add a 'white-on-white' element to the tablescape.  Scallops, tiny ruffled edges, and lacy textures added to the romance.  The three-tiered hostess tray is Copeland Spode "Jewel."

The set of white metal pedestals with fitted glass cloches were a gift from my dear friend Cindy.  Check out her blog:  http://www.moreentertainingwomen.blogspot.com
She is so incredibly creative and talented! 

I put mini iced sugar cookies, decorated like wedding gifts, bells, diamond rings in the cloches.  The mini cookies are always a hit, and I never have any left at the end of the party.  I order them from the Cookie Princess.  Check her out at:
www.cookieprincess.com

The  textured edge of the Copeland Spode Jewel and Jewel "Heath & Rose" luncheon plates reminded me of lace for a beautiful bridal gown...so romantic and perfect for this tablescape.  The two-tiered Haviland Ranson ruffled and scalloped hostess tray held one of my favorite desserts, "Melting Moments."

I usually like to try to draw the eye up when I design a tablescape.  The forks seem to be pointing to the blue stoneware vases that I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby for $10.00 each!  I used the white Star Gazer Lilies, once again from Sam's.  Did you notice the napkin tower, that I created, sitting between the two vases? 

I love pretty vintage linen napkins.  These all feature delicate blue embroidery stitched into the assorted designs.  Each one was folded and fitted with a 'diamond ring' napkin ring.  So whimsical!  I used the Anchor Hocking three-tiered glass cake stand as a base.  I placed a silver tray on each level to dress up this utilitarian piece.  This arrangement reminds me of a frothy, feminine wedding gown, and my guests always enjoy it.

For our dessert reception, I only needed forks for the wedding cake.  I used my wedding silver, Reed & Barton, "Grande Renaissance" and my  Reed & Barton, "Francis I," which I cherish because it belonged to my mother-in-love.  Each time that I use her silver, I remember and am grateful for her generosity and her great skills as a hostess.  My mother and she taught me so much.

The Lalique "Love Birds," surrounding Nana's silver trumpet vase filled with pink roses, are waiting in the foyer for our guests to arrive.

The bride and groom's table is set with a light blue Matelasse undercloth layered with an Organza top cloth that I discovered at Howchow Finale for $19.00!  Wheeeee!  I filled our old Lalique rose bowl (yes, thank you, Nana) with more pretty pink roses.

Yum.

The wedding cake, a delicious "Ribbon Cake" from Raspberries & Creme, is in place and ready to be cut and served. 
 www.raspberriesncreme.com
  Grab your plate and load it with goodies.  It's time to party! 

This evening, I am linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.  Susan hosts what has to be one of the most enjoyable 'blog parties' in cyberspace.  I appreciate her skill and dedication.  Thank you, Susan!