07 November 2011

Garden Cottage Wedding Decor

There is something very appealing about the fresh and romantic look of a cottage in a rambling garden. If you are looking for a wonderful theme for your wedding décor, garden cottage style would be a beautiful choice. The comfortable, yet pretty, look of an English garden makes for a warm and inviting wedding reception.
When you start designing your garden cottage wedding, it will be important to choose the right venue. An outdoor setting is ideal, but an indoor location could work as well. Just be sure to choose a reception site that has plenty of natural light, and is not too modern or formal. Definitely shoot for a late spring or a summer wedding.
Cottage style is always cozy and inviting, and often a bit cluttered. Don't be afraid to really fill up your space with little knick knacks or small floral arrangements in the various nooks and crannies. If your venue space feels too wide open and cold, warm it up with accents like decorative fabric screens and potted trees in the corners.
Painted furniture is one of the cornerstones of garden cottage style, so if your venue does not have this type of thing, plan to rent it. For the reception seating, white wooden slat chairs would be ideal. If you have the space (and the budget), it would look great to create a lounge seating area with whitewashed wooden side tables and coffee tables, along with overstuffed armchairs in a faded floral or a stripe design.
Flowers are naturally one of the most important parts of a garden cottage theme. They should be lush, abundant, and informal. You want the centerpieces to be full and overflowing, but simply arranged, rather like you just plucked these beautiful blossoms from your own garden and popped them into unfussy vases and other vessels. Us the types of flowers that grow in yards, not greenhouses. Great choices include roses, peonies, and lilacs.
The bride and her attendants will want their attire to fit in with the garden cottage theme. Look for dresses in feminine fabrics, such as lace and chiffon. You want to choose gowns that are beautiful, but not excessively formal. For example, the bride could wear something like a handbeaded chiffon draped over a silk crepe. A little sweep train would be just right. Another option would be a simple strapless gown created from a delicate lace.
The bridesmaids should wear equally pretty attire. Colors like pale pink, sage green, or lilac would be wonderful for their dresses. For the bridesmaid jewelry gifts, the bride should look for graceful and elegant pieces. Dainty drop pearl and crystal earrings and pendants would be ideal, especially with the matching bracelets. Gifts of bridesmaid jewelry are a great way for the bride to thank her attendants while adding the perfect finishing touches to their wedding ensembles at the same time.
Every bride wants her wedding to be pretty and romantic. A garden cottage theme is a great way to have a wedding that has a feeling that is romantic and distinctive. The relaxed backdrop of an English country cottage will make for a warm and inviting reception for you and your guests.

05 November 2011

10 Top Garden Accessories

Are you looking for a way to draw interest to your garden? Are you ready to make your garden the one that everyone notices in your neighborhood? While you are planning your garden or just looking to freshen things up, give some thought to garden accessories. There are many things you can do without spending a lot of dollars!
1) Lanterns: For adding a touch of romance. Choose aromatic candles or scented ones for chasing the mosquitoes away! Lanterns can be used on tables or along the meander path. There are as many ways to arrange them as there are different styles.
2) Fake Flowers: Well there are some areas where plants refuse to grow. So why not get creative with metal flowers? Keep 'em guessing is my motto.
3) Containers: Available in a variety of different styles and shapes. They can be moved anywhere and switched out any time to go with your color scheme or the season. Place cone tea lights within the planters and create your own work of art!
4) Bird Feeders: Many types are available today Feeders will attract birds to the garden bring with them their beautiful songs.
5) Obelisks and Trellises: Can be works of art or as simple as bamboo poles. They can be used solely for effect or for function. A great way to define space and support plants. Allow your favorite flowering vine climb around this garden accessory. Tastefully placed they add structure and beauty to your landscape.
6) Gazing Balls: the gazing ball has become one of the most must have garden accessory. From stately classic gardens to quaint cottage garden yards, gazing balls can be found. Highly reflective one are ideally suited to show off your garden from different viewpoints.
7) Rain Chains: A simple item that adds the delightful sound of running water and vertical interest to your garden. A beautiful and functional alternative to the typical closed downspout.
8) Bird Baths: A must have item for any bird fancier. Bird baths can be hand crafted works or art or just a simple dish. You are giving them a place to play and bathe while you enjoy their company.
9) Bells and Chimes: Gardens are best appreciated for visual appeal and fragrance. You can add the dimension of sound to your garden with chimes and have a soothing, peaceful feeling Bells and chimes are a dynamic element in the landscape, forever changing with the slightest breeze.
10) Wall Plaques: This accessory takes over where plants leave off. the do not distract or overwhelm. they provide interest when plants are not at their most striking.
When it comes to placing accessories remember "quality over quantity". Quality does not mean expensive, garden accessories can start at less than $10.00. Skillfully placed, a piece will guide the eye and add to the beauty of the plantings. They enhance the yard and bring interest to the garden.