KC Mama DIY: Patio Table

With the warmer weather during the last part of February, I found myself busily working on projects for our Southern Unique Elegance booth. We have decided that we need more furniture and that's exactly what we've been collecting! But, we're not just focusing on antiques. We're looking at all pieces that we think we would want in our homes and hope they resonants with customers who shop with us! 

So when we found this darling collapsible patio table at Michael's, we knew we had to tackle it! Think about anyone who lives in an apartment or condo and only has a tiny space for sitting. You still need a little table for gorgeous spring nights and cool summer evenings, right? And the fact that this one collapses for storage is even better! Or, you can take it with you for sweet picnic in the park! So many uses for this little table!

Anyone out there heard of chalk paint? It's sweeping the nation so we decided to ride the bandwagon. We picked our color, Sea Glass, purchased all the correct brushes and wax, and headed home with excitement to get started. And when I did, I immediately was annoyed! Can I just tell you right now that I am NOT a fan of chalk paint! I watched the videos, I applied all the tools and tips and tricks when painting of the table, and I still don't like it! I think it's a mindset. Chalk paint is so different than standard paint. It's applied differently. It's not as forgiving. And it annoyed me! The pros are the lack of odor and quick dry time and that's about it. Now, we didn't use the super expensive chalk paint brands. We used the Michael's brand name paint so maybe that's the difference. However, we have decided that for our next paint project, we're purchasing plain paint!

Here is the table from somewhat start to finish. I love the end result, it looks darling in the booth, but didn't love the process! And yes, I did apply the wax!

How cute is this? 

Are you a chalk paint fan or dislike it like myself? Any additional tips and tricks for our next project, if we decided to go chalk paint again? We have a coffee table coming up and we're looking at just standard paint for that one. Can't wait to share it! it will definitely be a transformation!

And the table is up for purchase! If interested, in live in the KC area, let me know. It could yours!! 

XO,

Andrea

Holiday Party Planning Guide - Tablescape

Earlier in the week we talked about picking a theme for your holiday gathering. Do you have one? I do! Remember, I'm going with vintage. A retro cocktail party, to be exact! My love for Mid Century Mod is bleeding pink and avocado green this season and I can't get enough of it. So, we've picked our theme, sent out the invites, and now it's time to start checking things off our master checklist.

Up next is decor. My house is decorated in fairly traditional Christmas flare. Green tree chocked full of Hallmark ornaments, handmade ornaments by mom when I was younger, and now handmade ornaments made by McKinley in school. Those are my favorites! But, I've added a little something old to this years decor. I put up my antique aluminum tree and all the antique Shiny Bright glass ornaments that we've found over the years. It's gorgeous! Oh, and did I mention that I have an old light color wheel? The whole look is perfection!

I have so many pins from Pinterest to share regarding a vintage inspired tablescape. And guess what? More than half are pink! I've never been a pink girl, but this year, I am over the moon for it! Maybe it's the whole Mid Century Mod thing or maybe it's the fact that Michael's has totally fed my obsession. I went in for ribbon the other day and walked out with an entire holiday decor of everything they had that was pink. Okay, not everything because there are still pieces I want, but let's say about 50%! Needless to say, I'm covered in pink glitter and I couldn't care less!

So here are the inspiring tablescapes I found on Pinterest.



 

And here are all the things I bought at Michael's!

I'm sorry, but there was no way I was going to pass up a pink Santa, at half off, wearing white fur! 

 
Isn't my aluminum tree gorgeous!!

So here's what I plan to do. I will add a white tablecloth to the kitchen table and arrange the bottle brushes, church, and a large glass hurricane full of pink and avocado green ornaments in the center of my table. I may even add candles. I have lovely silver candlesticks that hold tealights. And I plan on hitting up my local Home Depot to dig through their evergreen scrape pile like I did last year. The greenery lasted through the remainder of the holidays and allowed for a subtle hint of pine. I will arrange the greenery throughout the tablescape as well.

I will place the serving pieces around the table, black and white Christmas pieces I received as a gift from my aunt several years ago. And it just so happens that the pattern is very Mid Century Mod inspired, even though they came from Target! I plan on bringing out my bar cart, even though it's red, and decorating it as well. I may have to give that some thought regarding the clashing of colors. As Tim Gunn says, I will make it work.

Oh, and I found the coolest website that gives a tutorial on how to give everyday tumblers a little Mid Century update as well. Definitely going to have to give this a try! 

Lastly, here's a little sneak peek into a DIY drink stirrer I found that would look darling on the bar cart!

There you have it! My tablescape inspiration and the pieces I picked to create mine. Now that you have your theme, what would you use to decorate your table? Would you go completely DIY? Scour the amazing sales at places like Michael's is currently offering, or go brand new with your purchase?

I can't wait to hear what you're up to! What do you think of my party so far?

XO,
Andrea