Brocade Designs

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and there’s so much that Brocade has to be thankful for. At this time last year, we were celebrating our first year as a floral event design company. In the past 364 days, much has changed in our world, and much to give thanks for. I’d like to extend that thanks for a moment, followed by a repost of a blog on Thanksgiving Tablescapes written two blog designs ago

TO GIVE THANKS:
- To the 55!! Brides & Grooms that we have had a chance to share in your day: Thank you. Each one of your weddings was a joy, with your love a celebration– Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You are what we live for, where our passion lies, and who we aim to wow every weekend
- To the amazing vendors we’ve come to know this year and form friendships with– each one of you are amazingly talented and working with you has been such a gift in itself. Thank you!
- To the friends and family that have stood beside us as we’ve embarked into sometimes scary territory– opening a new studio, tackling 55 weddings, working every day (and night) and generally putting up with us when we’ve been cranky or wired on caffeine: thank you.
- A very special thanks to the key people in my life that stood by and were always there, no matter what, to lend a shoulder: don, boyfriend & photog extraordinarre, you don’t know what all of your hard work and support means– to my amazing mom, my incredible sister, my totally awesome second mom, Peggy, who was the first person to say “go for it and don’t look back,” and to my friends that stood alongside and cheered from the sidelines: Ashley, Kristin, Jessica– thank you so much.
- To my amazing team that has been there in crazy times and on insane wedding days: Our newest addition, Ronelle, is such a gifted designer and so talented– you are such a blessing, Jessica, Ashley, and Chloe– you ladies rock, and all the other people that have stepped in and lent a hand in times of need– Don, Latrice, Abby, Jenny, Peggy, Jamie– when it’s been all hands on deck, you have helped to make the difference and make each event fabulous
- To my friends and neighbors in downtown Nashville: thanks for your warm welcome and support– we love all of you and are so thankful that you have embraced and welcomed us
- To the fellow floral event designers that inspire and fuel our creativity daily: thanks for putting your work out there and being pioneers at what you do. You rock!

We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving, a safe & successful Black Friday, and a great kick off to the holiday season!

Last year, I posted this blog on Thanksgiving Tablescapes, which I’ve transferred over to the new blog to share:

Original Post Date 11.26.2009

I grew up with a gourmet chef for a mom– so Thanksgiving was a pretty serious day. It wasn’t just about a delicious meal amongst family and friends, it was also about presentation, articulation, and the overall beauty of the affair. The only day that possibly rivaled Thanksgiving’s dinner party status was Christmas’ Eve. But I digress.

It didn’t matter if it was a rich or lean year: every year, the table was set with linens, china, silver, placecards, fresh flowers (if fresh flowers were too expensive– fresh foilage from outside, leaves, berries, pumpkins and gourds). I remember one year– I think I was about eleven or twelve– the table was set in shades of aqua and orange, our names were written on placecards with gold metallic ink, my water glass was a blue art-deco glass goblet with a fresh wedge of lemon in it. Everything looked perfect, and I took that with me. It created an impression upon me, and influenced my passion for design and artful presentation.

Since last week I blogged about my ideas for my Thanksgiving menu & wine pairings, I thought I’d focus a bit more on my table design. So, here’s some fun inspirational ideas for how to spice up your Thanksgiving table from around the web:

I really think this idea is cute and one you can easily do yourself that I found on Country Living:

Simply buy 3X6 pillar candles (unscented for on the dining room tables) and brown paper from Michaels– Vellum works great. Then get either pre-made dyecuts or if you’re feeling crafty, cut them yourself. Or, you could trace & paint the letters yourself (I think that would look really cute!) Pin or glue the paper onto the back of the candle and voila– you’ve made a statement with your holiday table. Updated to add: we can totally make you some– just give us a call!

Feeling Crafty? Martha knows you want to impress your guests with orgami-inspired napkin folds, like this adorable Turkey Napkin:

The easiest way to take your Thanksgiving from a get together to a party: placecards. As a kid, this always made me feel fancy, and your guests will feel special, too. You don’t have do do calligrapy: print out a card on your computer in a pretty script font, cut it out to a shape that’s cute, then attach to a pear, pumpkin, or other fun fall shape:

Something that makes your party look really fancy is taking something ordinary and making it a bit more extraordinary– like these pumpkins spray-painted in gold. Paired with pretty blue linens, this creates a really unique and enigmatic design statement on your table). I really love the gold pumpkins:

Even the smallest artistic detail can make your Thanksgiving table into a work of art– but what will make it a masterpiece will be your friends and family sharing this special holiday with you. I wish you all a wonderful, safe, and happy Thanksgiving– and if you plan to shop on the day after, I hope you find lots and lots of deals. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be at Michaels

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Don’t forget– if you are attending Thanksgiving at a friend or family member’s home, it’s important to bring a hostess gift for the person laboring in the kitchen. A decorated candle, fresh flowers, or table centerpiece are great gift ideas– come see us for more inspiration