Yesterday, we had a bridal shower for my niece. Our house was bought oh so many years ago because both my husband and I saw the potential for good parties in the space. Another way to put is, the house has flow. It is easy to move from one room to another. That said, my sister in law, who lives in Florida, asked if the shower could be at my house, here in New Jersey. The bride grew up in New Jersey and it was centrally located for our New York and Pennsylvania guests. No problem, she knows that I love a good party and that I have made so many, that it has become second nature to me. The hitch? The bridal party was actually in charge of making the shower, and I was just helping out. It went better than I had hoped and they were a delightful group of young ladies to get to know.
I will post pictures from the shower and tell more about it in the next post, but right now, I would like to tell you a little bit about the center piece on the table. Let me start with the vases and the concept, 2 vases, 2 concepts. The bride and groom are getting married on the beach in Florida.
So the centerpiece has a beach theme, however, her favorite flowers are orchids and I wanted to include them.
What you see here is an extremely large (almost 3 feet across, glass bowl/vase on a pedestal. Inside this bowl I first layered some beach sand, and then some sea shells and then some sea glass.
I then place a large glass vase down in the center of the globe holding the beach theme, filled it with water and then the orchids.
Everyone oohed and aahed and said it was beautiful, but of course they would...they were guests. What do you think? Did I nail it? Beachy...orchids included?
A little about the huge globe vase...it was an unexpected find at Marshall's, on the bottom shelf in the corner. I moved several items away to pull it out, thought of a million things that could go into it and what a statement it would make. Just imagine carrying it through the store and parking lot. They did not have a bag big enough to contain it, and yes I seat belted it in to make sure it didn't go flying through the car on the way home. As I was bringing it into the house my son looked at it and thought jelly beans...fill it with jelly beans...well, that would be expensive! It may wind up being a terrarium...home to a red eft. Possibly some pretty Spring bulbs like hyacinth, or maybe something else. What would you do with it?
This post is being linked to Susan's
Metamorphosis Monday at her blog Between Naps on the Porch. As well as Smiling Sallies blue Monday
for the blue sea glass. Tomorrow, there will be party pictures.
♥, Susan
I wish I could have been there.... :[
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | January 31, 2010 at 03:32 PM
I'm thinking a terrarium. Or maybe a little fairy world. You know I'm drawn to fairy gardens.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | January 31, 2010 at 04:46 PM
Maybe a terrarium with some fairies in it?
♥, Susan
Posted by: susan ericson | January 31, 2010 at 04:48 PM
This is SO unique! I love it! I would never have though to do this, and it is wonderful!
I love it just like it is!
Lou Cinda :)
Posted by: Lou Cinda1 | January 31, 2010 at 04:48 PM
Very creative! Love the orchids.
Posted by: Allison | January 31, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Very creative. Made a lovely centerpiece.
Posted by: Christi at A Southern Life | January 31, 2010 at 05:45 PM
Very pretty - love fresh flowers !
Kammy
Posted by: Kammy | January 31, 2010 at 05:57 PM
I say fill it full of margarita's. LOL. No just kidding. Looks lovely as a vase the way you've done it.
Posted by: Treasia | January 31, 2010 at 09:20 PM
That was a great centerpiece!
Posted by: debbie | February 01, 2010 at 05:56 AM
A perfect way to incorporate both things so special to the bride.
In Jr. High I would have made an awesome sand art project in it...but now? Hmmm....Sounds like you are creative and will come up with the most perfect idea.
Becky K.
Posted by: Becky K. | February 01, 2010 at 05:57 AM
No wonder people want to hold parties at your house; you're a thoughtful hostess! Happy Blue Monday.
Posted by: Sally | February 01, 2010 at 06:32 AM
A brilliant idea Susan!! I bet the Bride was SO pleased too! And that you stage for a wonderful time for all!
Guess what? I'm the proud mother of a orchid that is growing new stems right now. This is my first orchid ever!! It is SO exciting~
Hugs
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | February 01, 2010 at 07:18 AM
I wouldn't have thought of mixing those two elements together, but I'm definitely loving it!
Cindy at Lakewood
Posted by: PlantSome @ Lakewood | February 01, 2010 at 07:37 AM
Great job of incorporating the two vases.
Happy Blue Monday
Cindy
Posted by: cindy dodd | February 01, 2010 at 08:43 AM
What a fun centerpiece. I really enjoyed the shower post above this one. It is great when you get family and friends together from far and wide to enjoy a celebration!!
Posted by: ellen b | February 01, 2010 at 08:45 AM
I like your chandelier.
Fun in Reading
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Posted by: Linda jereb | February 01, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Hi Susan! I'm glad you had fun with the bridal shower, and I LOVE your beautiful centerpiece! My Dear Daughter would LOVE this too! I might have to show her this! Happy Blue Monday! ~tina
Posted by: Beansieleigh | February 01, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Susan~~~
I love the big vase. Gosh...you could do so many things with it. You can make all sorts of floral arrangements in it using silk flowers and floral foam. You can keep up the beachy theme in the summer with shells and starfish (I love to glitter starfish). I'd love to have something that big to play with!! You did a great job with the orchids!!
Happy MM!!
xoxo
Janie
Posted by: Jane | February 01, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Thank you...the sea glass pictures on your blog are just amazing.
♥, Susan
Posted by: susan ericson | February 01, 2010 at 10:56 AM
You are toooo funny..although..
♥, Susan
Posted by: susan ericson | February 01, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Beautiful chandelier! I like the center piece too.
Posted by: Joy | February 01, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Hi Susan
That is such a beautiful centerpiece! I love the purple orchids mixed with the sea theme. The large glass bowl is stunning! I can see it as a terrarium or a fish bowl, and could it be used aa a punch bowl?
Posted by: Pat | February 01, 2010 at 06:07 PM
OMG Susan, it took me a few minutes to figure out where the almost three feet was. The base is so unusual. Your idea for the centerpiece is beautiful and so appropriate for the event. Where did you find those orchids? Good job.
I am not able to come up with what to do except use it for the seasonal events with your decor. I love the vase. Your chandelier is beautiful too.
Hugs, Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | February 04, 2010 at 04:05 AM