Decorating with candy

The makings of a green-and-gold candy buffet.

For my High School reunion this past weekend, I was asked to put together something decorative for the sign-in table. While this was not a huge design project, I did want it to have some significance. I tried to think of a memory that most of us shared growing up and the first thing that came to mind was Ryer’s corner store, which was – and still is – directly in front of both the high school and one of the elementary schools in my home town. Every day after school, hoards of us kids would descend upon the tiny store (it has since been renovated to three times its original size),
Mr. Reyer would keep a vigilant eye on us from behind the counter as we pushed at each other in line, fighting for the chance to hand over our coins for Slush Puppies (my favorite was blue raspberry), Red Hots, Sweet-Tart lollipops, wax teeth, and bubble gum.

For this big-year-reunion, I gathered five large glass containers from Home Goods that looked like the grown-up versions of the penny-candy jars that used to line the shelves at Ryer’s, and then completely filled them with mostly green and gold sweets in honor of our school colors. I even found a chocolate lollipop with an image of our school mascot on it at a local candy store, JJ’s Haute Chocolat, where I also picked up some green and gold chocolate hearts that we scattered around the base of the jars.

Dessert bars and candy buffets like these are quite popular these days as an entertaining design trend. They are sure to grab the attention of guests (both young and old) at childrens birthday parties, Bah and Bat Mitzvahs, and other holiday gatherings.


Here are a couple of online sources for sweet ideas (and great conversation starters) to use at your next event ...


Save the Date for Cupcakes:
a design blog featuring all things sweet


Sweet Tables by
Dooby Design Group


New England Fine Living:
Images of Candy Buffets

Happy birthday to my baby

When our first born turned one, I spent the night before his big day painting this mural above his nursery window. My husband and I had created this room especially for our expected newborn ... raising the roof on our little Cape, adding newly plastered walls, new doors, a huge walk-in closet (can you say “hoping for a girl?”) choosing everything in it without the help of the internet (can you imagine?)

I remember being about seven months pregnant, browsing the aisles of Fabric Town, looking for something not-too-babyish to cover the nursery windows. I saw this playfully captivating, yet sophisticated in a painterly way, jester fabric. With its blue, red and yellow colorway it was fairly gender neutral ... just what I was looking for as we didn’t know if we were having a boy or a girl. When I was told that the fabric was no longer in stock, I went on a pregnancy-induced-frenzy looking for it.
It was for my baby! I had to have it!

I ended up tracking down a local Carole Fabrics distributor and managed to snag the last nine yards (an ironic amount at my stage of pregnancy!) by saying I was an interior decorator and it was for a “client” since he could only sell “to the trade.” Well this kind man (I forget his name, it seems like a lifetime ago!) took one look at my bigger-than-a-cute-baby-bump belly and said, “Why don’t I just place the order for you?” And he did, and that was the official start of my career as an “interior decorator!”



I thought this would be a fitting story to tell on this *One-Year Anniversary* of my blog (how it has grown!) Just like the entry to parenthood, becoming the caretaker of a blog has been a bigger job than I expected, at the same time providing many moments of joy, along with some sleepless nights (I love to write during those rare quiet moments.) And as it is with parenthood, I have been exposed to a whole new community of people that I have discovered are on a similar journey. We have connected through posts – mine and theirs – just like young moms making friends on the playground ... “Your blog is so cute!”
“So is yours!” “Where did you find that ...?”


I have also discovered that there are a lot of people out there looking for inspiration over a daily cup of coffee. Not unlike our weekly baby-and-me playgroups where girlfriends and I would gather to discuss strategies to navigating this new-mom-world that we found ourselves in, all the while diapering, burping and bouncing our little ones as we bravely attempted to finish a sentence while in a state of severe sleep deprivation. I certainly admire those of you out there who are doing a great job blogging while taking care of real live babies of your own. How fortunate you are to have this connection to the outside world (that doesn’t interfere with nap schedules) along with a forum to share your thoughts ... whether on family life, great design or a passing fancy. I didn’t even realize this world existed until my youngest was well beyond the age of being invited to join playgroups!

That first fabric is now a much loved quilt.

As I mark this special day (this time with favorite snapshots instead of hand-painted murals) I have many hopes for what my blog will be when it grows up. But like a good mother, I anticipate that it will have a life of it’s own. All I know is that I am enjoying its company, and I hope you find it to be amusing as well!

Tablescapes Spotlight: The Green Egg and WWS Woodworks

“Happy Eco-Birthday!”

There is so much that I love about this tablescape from the North Shore Design Show designed by Tracy Davidow of The Green Egg and featuring handcrafted pieces by William Smith of WWS Woodworks.

1. The cake. How deliciously-cute is that? And if you can’t bear to cut into it, there is a cupcake or two for each guest.

2. Sarfari Masks. At one of my favorite birthday parties, we gave all the kids masks like the ones that Tracy used for this earth-friendly event (her shop features many eco-aware items that are made from recycled materials). The pictures that we took of the masked children were wildly adorable!

3. Mini Red “Suitcase.” The tiny suitcases at each place setting are another favorite of mine ... they are great for containing all of those itty-bitty treasures that our little ones collect. Perfect for packing as an on-the-go toy chest (or entertainment at the ready). I highly advise one for each child! (available in a variety of colors)


4. The Table. I am always looking for farm tables, and this beauty by William Smith is a must-see. It has a smooth-as-satin finish while still maintaining its made-by-hand good looks.

5. Wordly Decorating. From the globe-inspired floor cushions to the “we are the world” mural, this party celebrates the connections we all share. Contact Tracy at The Green Egg for design resource information and availability.


I picked up four of these had-t0-have-them
twig pencils after the show ... I couldn't resist!
My boys thought they were cool, too.

Mention that you saw The Green Egg on my blog,
and you will receive 10% off your purchase. Enjoy!

More great works from William Smith ...

Ledge Trunk with gently closing lid makes a great toy box
and this golden baby cradle may also be used
to hold favorite dolls and creatures.

Iris Coffee Table by WWS Woodworks
This piece is stunning ... simple lines and beautifully crafted.

“WWS Woodworks is dedicated to preserving the environment, reducing global climate change and promoting sustainable forestry. A primary focus is to conduct business in an environmentally responsible and proactive manner. WWS aims to conserve natural resources, minimize waste, encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.”
– from the WWS website

Visit William’s website to learn more about his design philosopy. Contact him to arrange a studio visit, or to commission a piece for your own home or as a gift.

WWS Woodworks Studio/Shop
39 Liberty Street, Newburyport, MA
617-877-7447
wwswoodworks.com

baby gifts • birthday party gifts • clothes • beach toys • tees

Stop in for a visit or shop on-line.

19 Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea
www.thegreeneggshop.com
978-525-3445