Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Junior League Gala….(Decorator Chair)

My outfit and accessories 

A couple of pictures of mt hubby and I…

Junior league Member’s that could attend…We have 80 member’s

The center pieces for 30 Tables

 

The entry into the venue ….Is in the details, You should have seen the face of the venue manager as I was pouring sand! (I promise we cleaned it All up!) The glow of the lanterns walking up and the detail of sand just set the tone.

 

A little facebook message from our President, after the Gala! I was excited she loved how it turned out!

Another Junior League Gala in the Books…If you just starting reading or following me, I have been in the Junior League of Ogden for 3 years and the last 2 I have been Decorating Chair for the Gala. The Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year needless to say it a big event! If you haven’t heard of the Junior League, in a quick response… it’s a wonderful organization across the country that helps empower woman through charitable work in your community. I love being part of such a wonderful organization that really GIVE’s back while building friendships. This year’s theme was LOBSTER UP… (there is a whole story behind it) The President each year picks a theme, which is normally something they feel strong about and sets the tone for the year!  This theme set the tone HUGE for this years Gala (a Night in white at the Cape)  A Fancy way to have a Nautical Themed GALA!   

A big challenge in many way’s…     You don’t want it to be decorated to casual (it’s a Gala)  The budget is close to 0 and it’s a party for 300.  Beach party wasn’t the goal it’s not a Luau or birthday party. So my goal was to feel like a dinner party at a  house on the cape, on a summer night. Knowing we asked guest to wear white ( we knew we would get casual white to fancy white attire) I didn’t want it to feel like a casual Beach party.  SO sticking with white linens Layered with Natural colored Burlap and fish net. Then accents of gold, natural’s and blue & green sea glass. Helped give it the feel of the Sea without the Bright primary’s of Beach balls.  Another challenge was we don’t live near the beach so finding objects to barrow was basically another 0… SO I did a lot of DIY projects! The center pieces were bottles & jars I have been collected for years (knowing I would need one day!)  93 bottles total, 30 of which were wine bottles a fellow member had saved.  I will share my DIY project with you at another time…  I think they turned out Darling for 30 centerpieces on a major budget!     

I have told you guy’s I love to collect item’s ( I am not a hoarder..HAHA)  I love to entertain so I have a pretty big collection of items for party’s…. I really didn’t own much for this type of party…But I did have Longaberger Basket’s, Vintage Ice chest, Vintage Ironing board, Adirondack chair’s , Vintage coke crate and bottle’s, succulents, white flower pots, A big Boat book shelf and some outdoor lanterns, fire pit, 2 wooden pallets, Burlap and Burlap table clothes. 30 table frames (TIP: look to see what you could use to help with the theme even if it doesn’t scream the theme!)   This really helped fill in a lot of area’s at the venue. Then I only had to purchase some key Item’s to really help tie it ALL together.  SEE it does help to collect!

Items I did purchase: At Homegood, TjMax, Michael’s, Amazon, Lowe’s….

Fishnet, shells, sea glass, pebbles, white flowers, anchor, nautical flags, nautical flag banners (4), rope… lots of rope, 2 posters & frames, rope knots, fishing bobs, Lobster pillow and beach towel, 30 big battery Candles and 50 votive candles, Ribbon, Strands of lights, Taffy for Party favors!  

Donated or loaned: White linens from Model linens & Large tropical plants J&J nursery …..

Above I showed groupings that I placed through out the Venue to have a pop of THE CAPE everywhere you looked. Have any questions or need tips on planning a party with what you have on hand? Leave a comment I will be happy to help

My love of entertaining and decorating is how I can give my time and give back. This is how I use my talents to help others. Being able to Do something I love helps this charity raise money to give back to the community. We ALL have a talent or a gift that we can use to GIVE BACK…I Hope I inspired you to use your talent’s & time in a way that can help others.  OX, D’Arcy

Adding Spring Touches To your Home

After our long Winter I am so Happy to be adding Some touches of  Spring to Our home! I really Used what I had on hand and what I have been collecting over the years! I will be adding more as we get closer to Easter and there is a couple things I have in mind I would like to purchase!  I just wanted to show you a couple Tricks you can do buy moving things around and adding Spring colors to make a fun Spring Vignette & Spring tablescape! 

Here I took down our Black Mirror and changed it to a gold one I had in my bedroom! I think gold helps reflect the light and the shine reminds me of sunshine!(which I desperately need!) Add fresh flowers in a fun pop of color! Tip: See what fun color of accessories you might have lying around or in another room and match your fresh flowers to those! This really helps to tie items together. I knew I had Coral pink Hunter boots & some books and A candle I knew I could Play with!  (I did pick up the gold Home a couple weeks ago from the Target $3-5 bin) Really I didn’t know what I was gonna do with it. I just liked it 🙂 

In our Dinning room I pulled out My Great Nana’s depression glass that my mom gave to me last year knowing I love to entertain and am always playing with tablescapes! I love that there pink and that its a family heirloom!  Again I made sure my fresh flowers went with what I own and was going to be using. Tip: Costco has the BEST flowers at a great price and they last a long time, sometimes you can stretch out some of them for 2 weeks!  I treat myself to Fresh Blooms every week, It’s one of those things that just makes me smile and fills our home with loving touches!  Mixing my collection of Mercury glass votive’s and vases matched this cute bunny I bought a Homegoods a couple years ago! Tip: when your purchasing Seasonal items Don’t just buy it because its cute… purchase items that go with collections you own already (everyday collections) this really helps when you go to decorate for a season you have things that go together with ease. 

I didn’t have Napkins on hand that went with my theme…but I had left over burlap from when I reupholstered our dinning room chairs! So I cut 8 squares and rolled a paper napkin in the center. The bunny ear Napkin Rings Target $5 bin for 4! Score! This silverware We got for our wedding 21 years ago and I love that the gold touch is so” IN “! Sad I have Gold chargers that would be so perfect….but our Main kitchen is under construction and they’re packed up so good that I just couldn’t get to them! I am still looking so when I find…and I will! I’ll share a pic!  When I finished setting the table I did decide I would like egg cups…so I am on a mission! Always a work in progress…..

Lastly….Added some Outdoors indoors… I grabbed a couple of my outdoor planters and planted some spring plants…Ill have them inside until its safe to put outdoors! (if you live where it could snow until Mother’s day you understand!) I love having the color and greenery makes me forget we have snow on the lawn!

My Favorite Spring cleaning tools and products HERE plus some of my favorite home decor for Spring HERE on my Amazon shops!

Hope you enjoyed a peek into our home and grabbed a couple tips to try! OX D’Arcy

Quick Berry Shortcake Dessert

Quick Berry Shortcake for My Tuesday Tip

Now that Strawberries are in season I decide to share with you my Quick and easy Berry Shortcake recipe. I am a big fan of turning out pretty things but Quick! (the Libra in me) Here’s my short cut trick and the items  you’ll need….

Make’s 4 plates

Angel food cakes 4 pack (I like the little bunt cakes) This is my Quick trick… taste yummy and store bought!

2 cups cut up Strawberries

1/2 cup raspberries (plus 8 for garnish)

1/2 blackberries (plus 8 for garnish)

3/4 cup sugar

4 scoops of vanilla bean Ice cream (we like Haagen-Dazs)

Whip cream for garnishing top

bowl, Masher,measuring cups, Knife, cutting block, plates

First you’ll want to cut up strawberries, place in bowl, add berries (leaving out ones for garnish) add sugar and Mash…just enough to get juice but still have small pieces of berries.  Now add angel food cake to plate, pour 1/4 of berries over top of each, add a scoop of Ice cream and berries for garnish and top with whip cream. Can add a sprig of mint and a dash of powdered sugar if wish!  Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy one of my families favorite Quick desserts!

ox, D’Arcy

How to make a pomegranate cocktail for Cocktail Hour

Friday cocktail hour

How to make an easy pomegranate cocktail for Cocktail Hour. Always a hit & perfect for the Holidays.

ow to make a pomegranate cocktail for Cocktail Hour

 

 

Cocktail Party

One of My Favorite Cocktails… An excellent signature cocktail I made years ago for one of our Holiday Parties, and It’s been a big hit ever since.

The Vanilla Pom

I get more calls and messages about this drink, “How do you make or what was that signature cocktail you served?” This yummy drink is easy to create, tastes as if you go to a lot of work, and has so much flavor it will be a hit for you too! I love that it makes for a great pitcher drink as well. Use a Large drink decanter if you want to create a large batch. This does help make parties go even smoother. (just in case you don’t want to play bartender all night.)

The Vanilla Pom cocktail is super easy to make, and your guest will call you for the recipe.😘
You’ll want…to make a pomegranate cocktail for Cocktail Hour:

Recipe:

Pom 100% pomegranate Juice
Vanilla Vodka (this is KEY) This is our Favorite’s HERE HERE HERE
San Pellegrino or Club Soda (San Pellegrino is the first choice and makes a difference)
Ice
And lime or pomegranate seeds for garnish.

Two parts Pom, one shot of Vodka (vanilla Vodka is the key), ice & stir
Add 1 part Pellegrino, which gives it the right amount of sparkle. ✨
Garnish and serve

Bar Style

Do you need some excellent pieces for entertaining, maybe add to your bar or bar cart? I have picked out some of my favorite serving pieces, glassware, and needed parts to help you entertain with style and ease. Take a look below at some great finds.

 

 

I hope you enjoy your Friday night and remember to drink responsibly. OX  ❤D’Arcy

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like these.

Blood Orange Cocktail

Perfect Moscow Mule

Sangria Recipe

Spinach & Tortellini Soup 

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for your support! 

New Year’s Eve Bringing in 2017

Tonight we’re saying good bye to 2016 and Ringing in 2017 …. Are you having a party, Hosting friends , heading to a big shindig or staying at home watching the Ball drop?  Any way you choose to celebrate I hope your New year brings you blessings, love, dreams achieved and a healthy 2017.

Here’s a little peek into our Space, My Hubby built our Bar for my Birthday last year and I really do need to do a post just about it! I love to entertain and it has brought us much enjoyment. This is where we spend or Sunday’s With family and friends❤️

For Tonight We are still deciding if we’re heading to our close Family friends for a party or staying home and chilling… We’ve had a crazy season in Retail and our Boys are not feeling so hot ( one has a concussion from a ski accident….. And the other caught my nephews cold over Christmas) so we’ll see what their wanting to do. We always spend New Years with our boys and lucky to have Friends that love to throw Family parties not just adults so tonight our plans our up to our boys….So your Thinking Why is our bar decorated? Well if you know me you know I love a chance to decorate & I found some cute New things this year & mixed with some old Things, I think I came up with a cute New Years Eve display to celebrate 2017 No matter what we decide to do🎉🍾

View of our Bar room, set up for Bringing in the New Year.

Festive decor garland purchased on etsy, cheers light available at Target, disco balls Ti pan, sip & cheers bottles anthropology, DIY champagne bottle , stir sticks and other accessories Target! Sequins runner Homegoods

New Year’s Eve 2017 a little peek at our festivities happening in our Bar

Champagne toast DIY glitter Champagne bottle , see prior post on how to make🍾

Every closet should have a little Black dress  this one I purchased at Nordstrom over the summer just to have on hand

if I was ever in need of a cocktail dress.

Perfect little black dress & accessories

Accessories statement Bracelet , Rhinstone earring's and Yves St Lauren lipstick

Cocktail dress by Adrianna Papell @ Nordstrom

Badgley Mischka Silver wedge with Rhinstone detail

With out knowing our plans for this evening I put together some outfit choice’s just in case… A girl needs opptions  and I like to be ready 😘 I really do suggest having a couple of little black dresses and some fancy not practical shoes in your closet, you never know when you might need! As for the shoes this could be cute on a date night with Jeans and a tee with a leather jacket…. Or in the summer with shorts and a tank❤️ Always thinking ahead….  I consider  this one of the basic’s Every girl should own. I post a couple days ago some cute top options that would be cute with leather pants and heels for a festive look with out being so dressy.   So do your self a favor and be on the look out for both…. I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into our Home & my closet.

No matter what your doing to ring in the New Year I hope you look smashing and  Make it a Great and festive night! Be safe and responsible ❤️D’Arcy

Getting ready for New Years Eve ….Nails, Champagne & clothes

New Year’s Eve nail and Diy Glitter Champagne bottle

Sparkle and Glitz

2016 is coming to an end….  Later this week All post My 2016  resolutions and how it turned out

(It was the first year I made any Resolution’s)  As we get closer to New Years Eve I thought I would share a couple things I did to get ready for the night. First thing was I had my cute nail girl do my nails In a fun champagne toast theme… I hadn’t decided what I was wearing so we went with a mix of  things. Red on 3, 1 white with rose gold & silver  glitter over white and a black nail with a hand painted silver flute….. Now I can pick any outfit and it will work knowing my festive clothes are All in those tones….

2nd was to create a DIY project with a bottle of Champagne ….. Everything looks better with glitter 💕 You’ll need a bottle, mod podge,  a brush and glitter of your choice ( I did gold , rose gold and silver)  spray sealer .   cover bottle in mod podge roll or sprinkle fitter on and let dry… Repeat if layering colors , let dry  then spray with sealant or cover with mod podge again let dry… Voilà a pretty Bottle for your New Year’s festivities 🎉🍾

3rd.  Finding a festive outfit in your closet…. Funny thing, I went into my closet and pulled all my sparkle or festive tops, any thing with beading, sequins or flash…. It all happened to be in the same blush, gold, white, cream family…. I am drawn to sparkles, beading and metallic so I had a few good choices to pick from out of my years of collecting. TIP it’s good to save classic dressy pieces.  I was only pulling tops or vest to see what I could come up with. I found some cute items that would go perfectly  with Black leather pants and heals…. Add some fun accessories and your set. Knowing  we are probably going to a house party , Where you want to look festive but not overdressed. (we were invited to a black tie cocktail party as well and will show that outfit tomorrow)  hope you find inspiration in this post and can dig up some great treasures in your closet.

Happy Last week of 2016 ❤️D’Arcy

How to make a Blood Orange Cocktail

My very Own Cocktail creation… The Blood Orange cocktail ( to make a mocktail leave out the Vodka) As many of you know I love to entertain …. One of my favorite things is to come up with NEW cocktail’s… Here’s one of my favorite’s The BLOOD orange cocktail perfect for Halloween Today! Hope you enjoy & let me know if you try it🎃 Happy Halloween my lovelies 😘 D’Arcy

You’ll need

Martini Shaker
3/4 cup oj
2 tbsp Earth & vine blood orange concentrate
Blood orange sparkling Soda ( target brand)
Shot of vodka ( grey goose is our pick)
Ice
Garnish with orange slice or candied orange wedge

Place Ice, oj & blood orange concentrate, vodka in martini shaker…
Give a good shake….
Pour into glass and top off with Blood orange soda and garnish with orange slice🍸