I’m a big fan of Pottery Barn and I’ve always wanted to take one of their decorating classes, so when I saw a bridal place setting class coming up, I forwarded it onto my friend Courtney. She is getting married this Fall (I’m one of the lucky bridesmaids!) and I hoped that we’d get some fun ideas for her wedding!
Courtney, her mother and I showed up at the mall early and all the shops were closed (such an odd feeling), but Pottery Barn was all set up for us to arrive for our little class. There were only seven people there, so it was easy to ask questions if you had any.
Our instructor went through a couple of different place settings, but I have to say that they were pretty basic things. I was hoping for more creativity and for a few ideas to spark our imaginations.
I did like the idea of using fresh flowers for these arrangements (they used fake), and using fresh fruit as an accent as well.
Next she set up a buffet using some of the beautiful serving platters that they have. I could just picture these overflowing with delicious food.
I really liked the idea of using this silver picture frame to hold a menu of what you’re serving, or a picture of the happy couple.
All of the pieces were great, but I particularly loved this little glass stand (left) and this large silver dish (right) which said “Together with friends and family is always the happiest place to be”. So sweet and true.
She used the bowl to hold these little bundles of napkins and cutlery together. These napkin rings were absolutely gorgeous and Courtney’s mom ended up buying a set while we were there.
One fun idea that I did like from the class, was taking this apothecary jar, turning it upside down and having a small bud vase inside. On the top, you can even place a pillar candle.
There were plenty of other charming displays around the store and I found myself loving every one. I need to brainstorm a way to make my own rustic potted rose bush like the ones in this photo.
This adorable bread basket display reminded me of my time in France a few years back. There were baquette baskets everywhere.
These little condiment jars were hands down one of my favorite sets. If I held more BBQs, I’d get them in a heartbeat!
I also liked these sweet little fake potted plants. I could use something like on the bedroom nightstand, where I can never get anything to survive!
I love my big old wooden mirror in the apartment and these reminded me of it. I especially love the one in the bottom left corner, with the big bolts. The combination of the big heavy wood frame and aged metal would be it a great statement piece on a white wall.
When we came back around to the table we’d done the class at, the instructor had finished the presentation with another variation on the setting.
I actually preferred the lush look it had this time around. The rustic jar and beat up pillar holders gave a great Tuscan feeling to the setting.
I was also digging all the beachy themed pieces that they had. It evoked dreams of what it must be like to have a cottage on the sea.
This is just about the prettiest outdoor furniture I’ve seen….and I could never have it. Too much white. Too much maintenance. What can I say? I’m a spiller. My dog has muddy finger pawprints. The boyfriend has been known to drop chocolate sauce on the couch. we’re just not white couch people.
But that doesn’t mean that I can’t admire this setting. It is beautifully paired with these sand filled hurricane vases.
The bathroom section had me wishing for a bathroom bigger than my little closet one. I have dreams of white fluffy towels and beautiful soaps!
I’ve really been in a rut lately with my bedding, so I knew that the bedding section would have me pining for new ones. I think I need to save up for some new linens!
The couch section also had me wishing for a larger living room. I’m noticing a trend here. I need to be thankful for what I do have, not what I don’t have….like an unlimited spending allowance at Pottery Barn 🙂
