The kids and I have just returned from summering in Kansas with my husband, and while I was out there I helped decorate for an afternoon welcome reception for a group of military spouses.
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
We used a lavender and wheat theme since both of those are quintessentially Kansas, and the decorations turned out so beautifully that I wanted to share them. This decor scheme could easily work for a wedding or shower, too.
First of all, let me give a special shout out to Renee of Cornerstone Photography for allowing me to use some of her images! You’ll see a few photos throughout the post with my watermark on them, but since I didn’t have my big camera with me, those are just snaps from my phone. Renee’s photos are so much better!
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
We set up the sign in table with a framed invitation. I created the invitation using PicMonkey and TF {talented friend} Lisa had one framed for each guest of honor. The name tags were lovely but I opted not to share those to preserve the privacy of the attendees.
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
Since there were four honorees, we set up four separate bar top tables for their guest books, which also helped with the flow as guests came through the receiving line and then signed the books.
I know our civilian friends sometimes laugh at the fact that I have a guest book in my house, but it’s such a great way to keep track of all the fun times we’ve had! The rule of thumb is that you bring your own guest book to one of these events if you’re the guest of honor; it’s a smart way to keep all of those signatures in one place.
TF {Talented Friend} Jennifer came up with the idea for the flowers and masterminded their assembly.
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
The centerpieces consist of a sheaf of wheat–that’s legit Kansas wheat, by the way, obtained by TF Karen through methods we shall not discuss here–surrounded by lavender, then surrounded by white roses. We used rubber bands to hold them together and glued white burlap around the dollar store vases, and then poked a little baby’s breath in between.
The lavender also made the room smell heavenly!
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
We tied a few stems of lavender with raffia and placed them on each napkin.
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
The theme was carried over to the buffet line:
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
TF Karen was in charge of gifts: the lanterns and the boxwood wreath. All of the unit pins are on the burlap bow–isn’t that a great idea?!
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
TF Holly loaned most of her house to use as decor: the frame, the wreath, the white platters, and more, plus she was the point person for the entire beautiful event.
| Photo credit: Cornerstone Photography |
On the way out, guests took a bag of homemade lavender soap home with them.
I didn’t call out every TF by name, but it was a big group effort, to be sure. It was also tremendous fun working with a team of extremely talented women, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the afternoon was as special as our guests of honor!
Thanks for stopping by~
This is absolutely stunning. The lavender and wheat decor is gorgeous
Thanks so much, Marty!
Gorgeous. I bet the room smelled heavenly.
It sure did! Thanks, Lauren!
Everything looks beautiful.
Glad you guys are back home safe and sound.
I’m trying to get my mind right, because school starts back for teachers (Greensboro NC) on the 15th.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Oh, wow–summer flew by, didn’t it? I’ll be thinking of you on Wednesday, Rebecca!!
Oh my I can smell the lavender in my mind. Abbsolutely stunning!
Thank you, Heidi! It was a huge mess to work with, as you might imagine, but impossible to beat that heavenly scent!!