Anniversary party calls for dazzle
Dear Debbie: We are planning a special wedding anniversary for our parents, celebrating 50 amazing years. It will be at our family cottage. Do you have any ideas to make the decor spectacular in a very woodsy setting?
Frannie and Chris This is a very special event, and I imagine your parents will be thrilled simply to have their family and friends all together.
But this party shouts out for some dazzle, too! And you should have fun making preparations and setting the scene.
Trends for entertaining at home have relaxed over the years. Table settings have toned down, menus simplified, dress more casual. However, it’s not difficult to make this fancy. You have the perfect occasion to roll back the years and bring out the finery.
Look for silver serving pieces, some good china, and cut-glass accessories. If you don’t have any of these items on hand, check out second-hand and antique stores. You’ll be surprised at what you can find at bargain prices.
Room decorations can be as simple as vases and bowls of flowers and greenery lit up with fairy lights. Ask your guests to bring framed photos of your parents at past get-togethers that will conjure up happy memories. Set these out around the room so that everyone can enjoy them.
If you are looking for inspiration on making a glamorous presentation, visit juliaknightcollection.com.
Julia Knight’s serving pieces are elegant and full of whimsey. Shown here is a vignette from her Luxe Lodge Collection motivated by flora and fauna that suits a natural setting. There’s an antler tray and bowls, an oak leaf petite bowl, and, from the Peony Collection, a rectangular tray and bowl.
You can choose from a range of colours shown by each product on her site. Other items in JK Collections include a sea horse pillar candle holder, sea horse cocktail picks from By the Sea; lily bud vase and lily pad platter from the Flowers and Leaves Collection. Each piece is handmade and shows exquisite detail.
Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie at debbietravis.com.