Valentine’s Day Dessert on Rue!

Valentine Dessert Party

I’ve been on pins and needles waiting (not so patiently) to share my latest styled shoot with you guys! The entire spread, featuring tons of my own party planning advice and details on my collaboration with Laura, of Laura Hooper Calligraphy, is now live on Rue. You also can find a bonus cocktail recipe on Glitter Guide for the “Think Pink” cocktail that I put together for the unabashedly girlie soirée! And, of course, a big, outrageously enthusiastic “THANK YOU” goes to Liz, of Sincerely, Liz, Inc. for the gorgeous photos. I couldn’t bring my visions to life without you, friend…

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Valentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert PartyValentine Dessert Party

Valentine Dessert Party

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The behind-the-scenes piece to this party that I can’t stop gushing over is Laura’s calligraphy starter kit (mentioned more in depth here on DGD). Perfect for newbies to the craft (like me!) the kit helps you to master the basics from the comfort of home—in your favorite jammies, no less. I can’t stop scripting away, and had a blast putting my new skills to the test with my own DIY name cards and hand addressed invitations. You must (MUST) give it a try yourself!

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With only a couple more days to go until Valentine’s Day, I’m planting a big ole’ digital sloppy kiss on you and all of the people who encourage me to go for gold each and every day! This life is such a good, good thing…Cheers!

Styling/Production: Carrie Waller Creative

Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy

Photography: Sincerely Liz, Inc.

Product Credits: Laura Hooper Calligraphy Starter Kitgold foil Valentine’s Day cards,
gold foil “Pop, Fizz, Clink!” printglass beverage dispensercake stand,
Martha Stewart paper lanternsMartha Stewart lace doily garlandsugar bowl

Thrift Store Score: A Kilim Rug

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So remember that time last week when I said that I didn’t have room for any more thrift store gems? Well apparently it perpetuated a second hand scavenger hunt, because I came home with yet another new-to-us treasure over the weekend. This latest purchase absolutely, positively could not have been helped.

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My sister and I were in nearby Charlottesville when it happened. She was there for a meeting with UVA Press, I was there for moral support, but once all was said and done we couldn’t help but make a stop at a couple of thrift stores. Circa was our first (and ultimately, last) stop of the day. Aside from the tempting trinkets, art and furniture, I happened to notice a pretty pattern peeking out from a pile of vintage rugs.

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Upon further inspection, my hopes were realized and out furled a gorgeous kilim rug – with a price tag of just $85. Sold, sold and SOLD! As you can see, it’s already a big favorite in our household. The kitties are head over heels (literally) for it, and so am I. It’s a bit of a departure for our house and style, specifically that red color, but the deal couldn’t be passed up and I love that it encourages me to break out of my home decor shell.

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Although you saw it there in our entry way, I decided that it wasn’t quite right and have since put it up in our bedroom. The orange CB2 area rug that used to live in that spot? It has moved to my studio. Who knows how long this game of musical rugs will continue, but I’m happy to finally be investing in some quality rugs—It’s about time!

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Oh, and before I sign off for the day, I just wanted to let you in on a quick blogging update. It’s not quite as serious as it sounds, but I’ve decided that I need to step back just a TOUCH from cyberspace, so I’ll be posting 3 times a week (MWF) instead of 5. In order to give some aspects of CWC my full and complete attention, I need to do a little shifting and this is one area where I’m willing to compromise. Quality over quantity, as they say! But don’t worry—that’s not a hard and fast rule. This week, in fact, I’ll probably have an extra post for you. Anyway, thank you for coming back to DGD day in and day out!! I wouldn’t and couldn’t do this without you.

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