A Family Wedding

My younger sister got married this past spring and I’ve yet to share the photos. This wedding was a labor of love and I was fortunate to have a dynamic vendor team that fit the couple and their personalities perfectly. Fun fact about these two; they met in elementary school and were close friends growing up. A few decades later and they were both in Fort Worth and the rest is history. Neither are big on crowds and they knew they wanted an intimate wedding ceremony. Katie told me, “We want it to feel like a beautiful dinner party.” So that’s what we did! The Drover came to mind immediately, and it was the perfect fit.

The couple chose to marry on a Thursday, which worked well for so many reasons. Most of the guests were attorneys and had flexible schedules, and the groom’s parents, along with several friends, came in from out of town. Traveling during the week is so much more relaxing. The rehearsal dinner was held at Joe T. Garcias so the groom’s parents could get the true Fort Worth experience, and afterwards the bride and ‘sister of honor’ (that’s me,) headed to the hotel for some quality sister time before the big day.

The morning of, a small group of girlfriends came over shortly before lunch to spend the day with the bride. Meagan Starr , an amazing hair and makeup professional with a personality that puts everyone at ease, did all the girl’s makeup and the brides hair and makeup. The fireplace suite was the perfect size for a small group, with great lighting for photos.

You know those people who just get awkward in front of the camera? Yeah, that’s our entire family. Having worked with Ellen Ashton many times before, I knew her style and personal approach would be just what Katie and Neil needed. She has a way about her that instantly relaxes her clients, just what a bride needs on her wedding day. Ellen came up a few hours before the wedding started to photograph the bride and groom separately and get all of those special detail shots.

Who loves a first look?? ME!! No matter how much time is allowed to get ready, a wedding day can feel a little frantic. Taking some time just before the ceremony to see each other, and feel the relief that the moment has finally arrived, can be just what’s needed before walking down an isle. Well that, and a quick glass of bubbles. :)-

While Ellen photographed the first look with the couple, I was running around frantic trying to finish up the ceremony and reception space. Did I mention we streamed the wedding live? We used the platform Eventlive to livestream the ceremony for our family living across the US and Scotland. Since the wedding was small, this was a great way to include everyone, especially relatives that couldn’t travel easily or had health concerns.

I had planned to provide all of my own rentals for the tabletop decor but it turns out that organizing a wedding, setting up for it, and being a sister to the bride was all I could handle. Thankfully Grand Events offers full service rentals and brought in their farmhouse tables, cross back chairs, and beaded chargers to the Vaquero Room. The room comes with tables and seating, but we wanted family style seating with a rustic look, and chairs that could double as ceremony chairs. Their delivery staff set up the chairs for the ceremony, and The Drover staff quickly set the chairs at the table during cocktail hour.

I am fortunate to call the multitalented owner of Ash and Son Designs and The Scout Guide Southlake Grapevine a friend, and she graciously designed all of the florals, and the napkins, cocktail napkins, robes, and chair sashes. The one thing the bride would not compromise on was the incorporation of gardenias in the florals. They were an investment, but the light scent of gardenia in the air was memory making for sure. The ceremony space was decorated with a simple geometrical alter, eucalyptus trimmings, and (gasp…) faux florals.

I wasn’t about to spend the ceremony parenting, so we asked our sweet babysitter to bring the kids up for the ceremony and photos so they could be a part of the special day. They were surprisingly invested and very excited to watch Neil become an “official” uncle.

Brad Thompson played acoustic guitar as guests arrived and the families took their seats. As Brad transitioned to the procession song, (the Schitt’s Creek version of Simply the Best!!) which he learned just for the couple, the ‘flower girl’ (my daughter) proceeded the bride while handing out celebration streamers in Texas A&M colors. As a devoted Aggie, it’s basically against the rules if you don’t include maroon in your wedding. #gigem. Our dad walked Katie down the aisle and her favorite judge, Honorable Judge Vincent Messina honored the couple by performing the ceremony after dad led a short prayer.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed passed appetizers and the couple’s signature drinks; Topo Chico for the bride, and Ranch Water for the groom. The family headed downstairs for our version of goofy family photos and.. more bubbles. We bid the kids adieu and headed back upstairs to join the party.

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What felt really special about this wedding was the level of connection. With just twenty people in attendance, everyone felt included. We sat together, prayed together, laughed together, and celebrated the new couple together. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic plated dinner and the staff at The Drover went above and beyond to meet the needs of each guest. Brad continued to play acoustic guitar throughout the night and with all of the French doors open with him on the patio, the ambiance was perfect.

One thing the couple didn’t care too much about was a large cake. In fact, the groom wanted cheesecake, which The Drover was happy to provide, and the bride wanted a very specific carrot cake, served only at Charlestons. LOL. Our dad brought the cake with him that afternoon, and I proceeded to royal screw up getting it out of the box. My sweet husband saved the day and we hid the damage with some loose florals. There are definitely perks that come with planning your sister’s wedding… the bride is far more forgiving when you destroy the cake!

Once the cake was cut and a few special dances were enjoyed, the evening came to an end. It was just what they wanted; a small ceremony and dinner with close family and friends.

Cheers to Katie and Neil. xoxo

Venue: Hotel Drover

Hair and Make Up: Meagan Starr

Photography: Ellen Ashton Photograpy

Florals: Ash and Sons

Linens: Ash and Sons

Catering: 97 West

Rentals: Grand Events

Music: Brad Thompson

2018 Year End Review...or Year In Review

It’s halfway through the year and I started this post in January. #threekids.

The photo above is from the Christmas card we sent out this year. You’ll notice a few things… the most obvious being that there’s an extra child in it. Maybe the next being that not a single soul is looking at the camera. Because that’s my life now. When you have 3 children, 2 things will happen. Never again will all the people in your home be healthy at the same time, and you will never.ever.ever get a photo of your whole family looking at the camera at the same time… until all of them are old enough to understand what a bribe is, and that it should be taken.

So, what’s been going on with Pretty Little Plates this year? If I remembered anything of the last year I would tell you, but it’s been a total blur. Just over a year ago we welcomed Madeline Elise into our home, officially making us a family of 5. I heard my husband say often during the last year, “3 is a game changer,” or “3 is wayyyyyy harder than 2.” I honestly didn’t know what he was talking about. It seemed the same to me. Young kids are hard. 2 is hard, 3 is hard, 1 being extremely hyperactive is hard, it’s all just hard. So I kept my head down and just got through it. Fast forward to this year when our oldest son started full time pre-kindergarten, and our youngest two started 2 days a week at day school. Um…HOLY CRAP. I had NO idea what type of stress I had been under the last year until it was lifted from me. Having 2 kids at home during the day rather than 3, and then getting those 2 short work days back….changing my life over here. I think about the last year and I know I worked. I had weddings, I did some styled shoots, got a few things published. But I couldn’t tell you what any of those things were. I made exactly ZERO blog posts, I did nothing to my website, attended NO networking events. I basically kept the business on life support.

A few things did have to change based on our new family situation. Sadly, I moved out of my space on Camp Bowie with Grit & Gold. I loved my time there, I really loved the ladies who worked there, and enjoyed the sharing of creative minds. It became too complicated to pack for events when I had to visit 2 different locations to get what I needed. Finding childcare for 3, or lugging them all with me, it didn’t make sense anymore. So, we made the decision to move all of the rentals close by the house and now I meet clients at my home or up at We Works Fort Worth. I miss the studio but I must admit… We Works is an exciting and creative space to work as well, when I actually make it up there.

I also cleaned out my inventory this year. I was hoarding some plates that just weren’t up to my expectations in case I had a large wedding pop up, but I Marie Kondoed everything and I’m left with only what I love, and a commitment to myself to just say no to giant weddings.

Other than that, not much has changed. I’m still here, still doing weddings and other events and still loving every minute of it…there are just fewer minutes of it. A few years ago I would have sworn to you that my kids were going to need less of my time pretty soon and I’d be back taking on more and more weddings, but that’s just not what God had planned for us and that’s ok.

The BEST Boozy Eggnog

Merry Christmas Eve!!!  We are deep deep into the holiday season and this post is a little late, but if you caught my IG post from yesterday you already know why :)  

The holidays are the perfect time to pull out grandma's punch bowl set.  I myself have not been gifted my grandmother's punch bowl set...yet, (that's a hint dad, you know you don't need it, I NEED it!)  so I picked up my own at our local antique mall last spring.  When it comes to punch bowls I prefer a classic cut glass look, thick and durable.  You can also find silver bowls, which I love for iced punches.  I'm linking a fantastic article here from Southern Living that has a ton of festive holiday punches, with and without alcohol.  I've been through two recent holiday seasons while pregnant so I'm a huge fan of a spiced mocktail.  

So, pull down that punch bowl set, give it a good wash, and get ready to serve hands down the best, booziest eggnog you've ever made. 

• 4 Cups Bourbon (use actual bourbon y'all.  It doesn't need to be Blantons, but not the cheap stuff)
• 2 1/4 Cups Sugar
• 12 Large Egg Yolks (these will be raw, so use a quality farm fresh egg.  We use Vital Farms, which are widely available.)
• 8 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream (you read that right, 8 cups)

Pour the bourbon into a large mixing bowl (or just use the punch bowl from the start.)  Add the sugar and let it sit out several hours, or overnight if you have time to wait.  Make sure the sugar is totally dissolved into the bourbon before you move on to the next step, you can stir it often to help with this process but it's not necessary.  

Once the sugar has dissolved into the bourbon, separate all 12 egg yolks out (NO WHITES!  Although we accidentally did this the first year and it wasn't bad... just super frothy) into a mixing bowl and beat until they are an ugly yellow color.  Fold the egg yolks into the bourbon-sugar mixture and let sit for at least two hours, but overnight if you can wait.  While you're waiting, keep this mixture in the refrigerator because of the yolks.  Give it a good stir every so often.

Add the 8 cups of cream to the mixture and again, let it sit for two hours, overnight again if you can wait, stirring periodically.

Get a little agave or maple syrup on the rim of your punch cup, and then dip in cinnamon (like salting a margarita glass)  Ladle in about 4 oz of eggnog, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.  More than two glasses of this stuff and you might turn into Cousin Eddie so drink with caution, it's STRONG.  

**It does seem like this recipe takes days to make, and that's true, but you can also make some major short cuts to get this ready for tonight or Christmas Day.  I hope you enjoy!

40 Years of Gratitude Dinner Party

My husband turned 40 this year.  Initially his plan was to host a huge party for friends and family, but as the date got closer and it became apparent to us that our life was about to get a lot more complicated, he opted for a smaller dinner party in our backyard.  The idea was for him to invite the 40 people (and their spouses) that have meant the most to him over his 40 years.  He spent the month up to the date hand writing letters to these people, letting them know how much they meant to him and the influence they had on his life.  Guests ranged from parents and friend's parents, to high school teachers, to fairly new colleagues and friends.  

When I think of my husband, I see a man impervious to the passing of time.  He's the sort of guy that appreciates old things, accessorizes with a pocket square, and has a collection of eye glasses.  He likes music on vinyl, heating things up on a stove instead of the microwave, and buying old instead of new.  He's classic.  So that was my goal for this party.  I knew I wanted to create something memorable for the invitation and Illustrated Weddings blew it out of the park.  They are a local company, who also owns Lola Lorena, so I was able to order all of my signage and paper products through them.  I invested in the illustration, and then we were able to use it throughout the party.. and a framed print made a very special gift as well.  I think there is a fear out there that going custom means blowing your budget, or shopping local is going to cost you way more.  That's just not true.  Yes the illustration was a small investment, but it wasn't crazy and it provided that personalized touch that brings it all together.  And the paper products... they were actually LESS expensive than going with a larger online company.   It also helps to work with someone who can use their firsthand knowledge on things like paper upgrades and envelope liners.

The evening of the party was beautiful, not too hot or cold, and not a cloud in sight.  I did have an alternative location picked out just in case though.  As guests arrived they were directed down the driveway to the backyard.  Big Mike and Reagan James both played throughout the night.  If you haven't heard Big Mike around town, he can do anything.  And Reagan James, I still can't get over the fact that she agreed to come!  Her voice in absolutely incredible and it's crazy to think that she's only 18 years old.  Guests were greeted with photos of my husband through the years, and a cheeky sign suggesting they might want to use bug spray.  We have our yard sprayed biweekly but some people, like myself, are major mosquito magnets and it can really ruin an evening.  HD Liquid Catering provided the bar as well as our amazing bartender, Betty Cocktail.  I love HD because although they will build the drink menu you ask for, they create custom drinks as well.  There's no need to come up with all of the ideas yourself... I explained my vision and what the vibe for the evening was and they did the rest!  Betty crafted several signature drinks and and made her syrups and mixers from scratch.  I don't think I need to stress how important it is to use a TABC certified bartender, even at a house party.  Safety first y'all!  Pretty Little Plates set up the bar back and glassware display, featured some of our newest glasses for the cocktail hour.  I've slowly been building a set of glassware that is more appealing for the bourbon drinker and classic cocktail crowd.  Heavier, easy to grip, short or no stem, strong colors like browns, ambers, shades of greens and thick cut clear glass.  This collection definitely has the groom in mind, and those that like a nice cigar after dinner.  

Winter Loves Kate

I knew I wanted to keep the dinner tables simple and masculine.  Moss Floral was able to guide me on making the most out of my floral budget and nailed my vision.  A simple greenery runner and tons of brass candlesticks softened the tables and provided huge bang for my buck.  Bonus.. the greenery stayed fresh for dayyyyys, I reused it all over my house. :)  For tabletop rentals I chose to focus on creams, golds, browns, and greens.  Of course I used our rentals, pulling our ironstone plates as well as patterns that had a heavy amount of gold.  We kept the glassware simply on the tables, a unifying wine glass and clear and green for the water glasses.  This party was under 100 people and because my husband is a big foodie we didn't want to cut corners on the wine pairings.  I was able to set up a tasting at Total Wine and make sure the wines we chose would go well.  I was surprised at how affordable the wine was, it's an area I actually came in under budget!  The food was served family style using our serving dish rentals and that reinforced the ambiance that D wanted... close family and friends just enjoying a nice meal together.  Feastivities provided the sides and passed hors d'oeuvres, and a friend smoked tenderloin for everyone.  I felt bad telling people they couldn't hire him for their own party, it was beyond delicious.  If you are trying to keep your food costs reasonable, but also keep your work load realistic, having a caterer provide the sides only is a great way to do this.   During dinner my husband said a few words and handed out his letters.  Does anyone like a long drawn out speech when you just want to eat your food?  We don't either.  

Winter Loves Kate

Our large rentals came from Taylors.  I love to use them for house parties because their delivery and set up fee is so reasonable.  It really takes the pressure off when all of the heavy items are set up for you.  My husband built his bourbon bar himself out of our old coal furnace that we pulled form our basement during our home renovation.  We set out cigars and bottles of his favorite bourbons (don't forget the large ice cubes and maraschinos!)  He also built the dessert bar I requested.  #superspouse  I should have asked him to make it even larger because I couldn't fit all of the fabulous treats that Hurley House provided.  I'm not exaggerating when I say there wasn't a slice of cake or bite of cookie left by the end of the night.  Their bourbon soaked carrot cake was ordered with the birthday guy in mind, but everything was amazing.  We provided take away boxes and bags for guests who wanted to take seconds home (also a great diet tip if you're hosting a party!  I'm definitely doing this again.)

After dinner Big Mike and Reagan picked the music up a bit and guests wandered over to the bourbon bar and the Photo Booth set up.   A few months ago I bought an app called SimpleBooth.  They do have a professional version but the personal version was all I really needed.  It was about $40, which seems pricey for an app but it was so worth it!  I fashioned an open air booth out of a tripod lamp stand and a ring light, and attached my iPad to the center.  It was fun for guests and really fun for us to look at later on when everyone left.  People can get crazy when they don't realize anyone else will see their photos, ha!   We spent the rest of the party out on the lawn under the cafe lights, enjoying the music and company.  

Last but certainly not least, when you work hard on something, and all of the people you hired work hard too, you want to remember that time.  We are so thankful to Winter Loves Kate for photographing this party for us.  She came early and snapped the detail shots that I really want, and she stayed throughout the party to capture the birthday guy and his guests.  She weeded out the photos and really delivered to us a story of the evening and we are so grateful to have the beautiful memories.  

Overall it was truly an awesome evening and it couldn't have gone better.  My husband loved it and I was happy to play party planner for him.  

Productivity Tips for Small Business/Work At Home Parents

I have children...wild children.  And I work from home.  What that's saying?  If you fail to plan, you plan to fail?  I spent several years failing miserably before slowly getting it together.  Here are a few tips I've learned along the way.

Set Office Hours and stick to them.  Whether you have an office outside the home, have an office space in your home, or like me, have a hybrid situation (I do the bulk of my work at home, but I meet clients at my office space,)  set hours as though you report to a supervisor.  You will get much more done allocating blocks of time to your business than wandering around your house stopping to work periodically.  If your children's schedule changes frequently, schedule your hours weekly on Sunday nights.  Keep a list of action items so you never show up at your desk and say "Why am I here?  What should I do?" 

Ignore your Inbox.  If you work from home, chances are email is the primary way you communicate for work.  So if it's that important, why would you check your email at stop light, while on a run, or at the grocery store?!  I get it...unread emails are so tempting.  I used to check them in the carpool line, the bathroom (gross,) and yeah, in the car.  The problem was although I was physically reading them, I wasn't focused enough to retain the information and actually get back to the person who emailed me.  Worse, I was distracted with my kids and in the car.   Do not mindlessly check your work email account.  Take it seriously and give it your full attention...later.  It may help to remove or hide the email app you use from your phone's home screen.  

Until you stop Ignoring your Inbox...Choose a time (or multiple times) in a day that you can devote to your email communication.  Give it at least 30 minutes, not just to read but to give a meaningful response.  As soon as I put my kids down for naps, I go to my desk and check email.  Nothing gets missed and I retain and respond to what I read.  I check it again quickly right after we put the kids to bed and after that, I leave it to the next day.  To be clear... this is my work account.  You better believe I'm like "What's the latest sale at Anthro???  Gimme more email!" on my personal account.  Yeah, I still check that one the bathroom because kids.  Quiet time.  None.

Make communication with clients a priority.  Let your clients know when you are available to do business and when they will expect to hear from you.  Make it easy to find.  Put it on your website, use an auto reply system for your emails, or include it in your voicemail message.  Then actually follow through with that you said.  Think about who you choose to do business with.  For me, I research my options and reach out to those I think might work.  9 times out of 10 I go with the person who gets back to me first, and the person that communicates with me the best.  (Read: gets back to me in a timely manner and actually answers my questions.)  My old method of checking email on the fly was KILLING my communication with potential and current clients because I wasn't returning those emails in a timely manner.  I also had a serious case of phone call phobia.  I HATE talking on the phone, so I would ignore it when it would ring and then never check voicemail.  That's a little self sabotaging for a small business owner don't you think??   Now my "office" hours are clearly posted on my website.  I let clients know when I'm available to meet them in person, as well as when they might expect to hear back from me if they send an email.  I also have this information on my voicemail.  When I sit down to work after I put my kids down for naps, I check those emails and voicemail and I get back to every single person with the information they requested.  

Utilize your chosen calendar.  Do you have a calendar on your phone?  Use it.  Allow whoever you share childcare duties with to see it.  For me that's my husband.  I can see his calendar and he can see mine, this way we can anticipate any conflicts in our schedule and know if one of us needs to pick up the slack for the other.   Do you prefer a hard copy calendar?  That's great!  But learn to use the one on your phone anyways.  You know you aren't carrying that big old day planner in your clutch when you go out on a date right?  It's pretty useless to you if it's sitting on your desk back at home.

Plan your day or you'll waste it.  I'm sure there are lots of ways to plan a day, prioritizing your tasks, etc... but for me, I just start with a list.  I keep a long term list going with big items I know won't get done quickly and need to work on overtime, but I make a daily list before I go to bed.  It frees my mind so I can sleep peacefully, and I always wake up with direction.  With kids the day can slip away very easily without a plan and your working hours will be the same way!  I get two days "kid free" to work.  I have to get a lot done during that time and my list keeps me focused.  I do the quick tasks first and then go for the more time consuming ones later but that's just my personal preference.  

Take advantage of alternative childcare options.  Sometimes last minute things pop up.  Know what your alternative childcare options are.  In our city there are two awesome places parents can utilize for those unexpected moments.  One is an indoor play space filled with fun no tech toys.  I can take the kids, grab a coffee and sit in the corner to work while my kids are safe and occupied with quality toys and other kids.  Our other option is a drop-in childcare.  Best idea ever!!!  My kids are preregistered, I sign them in with my fingerprint, they provide meals if I request them... it's awesome!  They charge by the minute so I only pay for the time I use, and it'a actually less expensive than hiring a sitter.  The kids love it and they aren't glued to a television, which is something that's been a slippery slope in our house so we try very hard to stay away from it totally.  

***New tip: Online Grocery Shopping.  I wrote this post a few weeks ago and from then to now, our family has grown unexpectedly by one little lady!  I now have NO child-free days until May so I’ve had to fine tune my day.  I took a look at how I used my free time and realized most of that time was spent at Target.  I know... I’m a cliche.  After a tear-filled rant to my husband about being completely emotionally exhausted and feeling like my business was going to go down in a ball of fire, I jumped online and 1. Bought an Instant Pot. 2. Signed up for Amazon Grocery.  3.  Committed to Sunday evening meal planning and 4. Committed to mindful and reduced shopping.  I tend to buy on impulse only to return at least half of it.  The impulse part is fast, but the running around town returning is a major time waster.  Instead of using precious moments to relax and recharge, I was letting it slip away from me only to slack during my work time because I was just so “done” with the day.  

What about you?  Do you have some work at home parenting tips?  

Antique VS Vintage VS Retro

As an avid Craigslist peruser, I see a lot, a LOT of items labeled incorrectly as either antique or vintage.  It's kinda annoying y'all.  So let's dive into some definitions and get.educated!

Antique: In order to refer to something as antique, it must be proven to be at least 100 years old.  If the item can't be dated, it shouldn't be referred to as antique.  Many pieces of china can be fairly easy to date based on the back stamp.  A quick Google search and some reading can be very helpful.  Glassware on the other hand, is more difficult and you'll need some help.  There are no real stamps so an expert will look for things like bubbles in the glass, asymmetry, and rough edges.    

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1. The first picture is an example of the many back stamps that the china company Copeland Spode has used over the years.    2 & 3. The plate pictured in the next two photos is an example of a verifiable antique Copeland Spode plate, based on the known dates the specific back stamp was used. 

Many antique items, such as china patterns, were produced for decades.  A great example of this is the Christmas Tree pattern by Spode.  Everyone knows this plate.  It's been around for a long time, and the earliest plates will soon reach "antique" status.  But the pattern is also still sold at Macy's, so even though the pattern is the same, the newer plates most definitely are not antique.  It's a safe bet that if the plate says "microwave safe" on the back, it's not antique! :)

Vintage: An item that is not yet 100 years old, but widely recognizable as being from a specific period time.  A vintage items should speak to the era from which it came, but anything less than 20 years old should never be referred to as vintage.  And just because it IS older than 20 years but younger than 100 doesn't mean it should be referred to as vintage.   

1.  The left photo is Franciscan Madeira is iconic 70's glassware, a truly vintage glass.  2. These soda fountain glasses are everywhere.  They could be new, could be old, but they are definitely nondescript.  

Retro: Related to, or being in the style of the past.  A retro item doesn't have to be old at all, it can be brand new!  Two words: Urban Outfitters.  Never has there been a store that has made a business of retro. We also seem to use retro as a way to refer to things that are out of style, but still maintain some sense of cool.  

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The picture on the right is Kurt Russell with a beard and a mustache.  The guys on the left also have beards and mustaches, and one even has a cool retro sweater that I bet he paid a lot of money for at Urban Outfitters.  If Kurt Russell wore that sweater would we call it retro?  Or would he be one fall down the stairs away from a senior living facility?  You decide.  Retro is definitely a subjective term, whereas antique is very clear, and vintage has some loose guidelines.  

Sometimes a retro item, like the record players sold at Urban Outfitters, can renew interest in an actual vintage item.  "Wow, I really love playing these new records on this new record player that looks like the one I had as a kid... how cool would it be to go find an old record player at a garage sale?  I bet those things sound even better."  And now I can't buy a record player at a garage sale to save my life because every 26 year old in skinny jeans is lined up at the door before I get there. 

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1. An antique phonograph 2. A vintage record player 3. A retro record player

I often buy "retro" items for my daily use.  If you follow me on Instagram  you may have seen my Dollar Spot find from Target; a reproduction hobnail pitcher and glassware set.  It's in the style of older Depression Glass, but it's new.    I may have mentioned I have two boys so if I bring something into my own and actually want to use it, I have to be ready to kiss it goodbye at any moment.  ;)

I'll leave you with this humorous piece from Apartment Therapy regarding Craigslist postings:

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Depression Glass: The Walmart of Glassware

Delicate, feminine and pretty, Depression Glass is a well recognized table top item.  It's one of my personal favorites and in a house full of boys, I like to pull it out when I host showers or have my girls over for wine.  It can be delicate and easily broken, so I keep it far away from my little trouble makers.  

Depression Glass was produced in the United States in high volume during the 1920's and 30's.  It came in colors such as pink, green, pale blue, and amber, as well as clear, white (milk glass,) jadeite, red, aquamarine, black, yellow... you get the idea.  Lots of colors, although pink and green are by far the most well known.  Have you ever walked into an antique store and wondered why it looked like there was a smoke shop in the corner of the store?  (and I mean the Colorado kind.)  It's because dealers (the antique kind, not the Colorado kind) are trying to highlight the authenticity of green depression glass, which glows green under black light.  They may also be trying to show off Vaseline Glass, but that's a topic for someone else...I don't care for the stuff.  

Prior to the 20's, glassware was mostly hand-poured, pressed and polished.  Only wealthy families owned fine glassware because it was so expensive to make.  And just like today, what wealthy people have, other people long for.  Manufacturers saw an opportunity and evolved their processes in order to make the glassware more cost effective for the average family.  What I'm trying to say is... the stuff was cheap.  CHEAP.  Poorly machine-made, full of flaws, Family Dollar cheap.  But it made the common folk feel fancy so it was OK with them.   

Unfortunately for everyone, the Great Depression hit a few years later and suddenly, what little money families had to spend on pretty glassware was tied up paying essentials like food and shelter.   As a way to lure people out to spend the little money they did have, places like movie theaters or the local fair would offer a free piece of glassware with the price of admission.  Everyone likes free!  It was easier to justify frivolous expenses when you could take home something pretty that you would never buy otherwise.   Even grocery stores got in on the action, giving away stamps that customers could save up and turn in for glassware.  Grocery stores actually still do this for various kitchen items like cookware.  Brookshire's anyone??

The irony is, what started out as knock-off, super cheap glassware has turned into highly desirable collector's items.  Those same flaws are actually used to identify certain patterns and brands of Depression Glass.  Many patterns were so beloved that they are still replicated today.  You can actually buy a brand new replica glass, which is far and away better quality than the original!  

So, if Depression Glass was cheap, flawed, and widely available, why is it so desired today?  There are lots of answers to that question, the simplest being that what seems desirable, IS desirable.  I've owned Pretty Little Plates for 5 years now, and what I used to be able to get for next to nothing,  has now become increasingly rare and way more expensive.  The more likely reason is that this type of glassware evokes a sense of nostalgia in the collector.  Depression Glass often represents early childhood, or like myself, time spent with a much loved grandparent.  

So that's your History-Light lesson for today PLPeeps! 

Year in Review: The momboss Struggle

I'm taking the blog in a bit of a different direction today and doing a little reflecting.  If you prefer to keep it pretty tabletops and etiquette... stay tuned for next week and I'll get back to business.

2016 was a busy year for the little PLP family.  You may have seen this:

Working with the wonderful Hilary Rose Walker and the Magnolia team was definitely a fun highlight, and working with them repeatedly was even better!  (Yes the Gaines' are just like they are on TV: goofy, funny, kind, and genuine.)  We were able to provide china, glassware and serving pieces for the feature article in the debut issue of the Magnolia Journal  as well as a few other projects.  

We also finally debuted an online catalog for our current clients and vendors.  The catalog features all of our current rentals (minus brand new buys) so clients and planners are able to exactly what they are renting, and style head tables and parties down to the smallest detail.  I feel very strongly about transparency and am proud to be able to show clients each and every rental we have, we aren't hiding ugly plates at the bottom of the pile! ;)  

In addition to the online catalog, we built up our clear and colored glassware collections to match our plate inventory... and began offering flatware rentals for head tables and photo shoots.  I almost forgot... probably my favorite change of 2016, we updated the logo and redid the website!

So along with lots of other little things... published styled shoots, our great new office space with the Grit and Gold Collective, working with fun new vendors, and having the sweetest clients around, 2016 was a great year.  In fact, even writing about some of our growth I'm feeling more positive about that statement so let me say it again...it was a great year and I'm so thankful for that.  But you know what it wasn't?  It wasn't a year full of tremendous profit gains, my book of business didn't bust wide open, I didn't have my rentals maxed out every weekend.  

So why is that?  It begins with the fact that Pretty Little Plates is a small creative business, emphasis on small.  I'll let you in on a dirty little secret... I'm not paying for private school educations, a big mortgage, and some Louboutins on my salary. ;)  When I started 5 years ago, I'm not even sure I was paying the electricity bill on my salary.  I don't have a giant warehouse and fifteen employees, I notice exactly what pattern of plate doesn't get returned because I am the main person that goes through the stacks day in and day out.   Growth is hard and growth can be slow.  And the reason why (for me at least) is this: 

Arden Prucha Photography

Yup.  Those are tiny people.  I'm a mom.  I work from home most days, and what that really means is I work during nap time, after 7pm, and on the weekends.   I'm lucky to have an incredibly hard-working husband, so when he gets home from the office he's somehow magically ready to jump right back into parenting mode, and then seamlessly transition into supportive husband mode when I have events, but it's not easy.  In our family, the littles take priority over my business right now and my husband's company takes priority over my business as well.  Don't misunderstand, if you work with Pretty Little Plates, you absolutely get our best work.  But I find myself having to turn down projects, and say no a lot, and honestly, it kind of sucks.  My job is not at the top of the family totem pole.  Ouch.   I'm a highly competitive person, focused and driven to a fault so this is hard for me.  This phase of my professional life has been hard.  Personally, I am doing what I know is God's plan for our kids and our family and that feels overwhelmingly right, and I feel overwhelmingly blessed to even have options when so many parents don't, but that doesn't mean it hasn't come without a sense of loss professionally.  What gets me is... I chose this!!  Why do I feel so... weird about it sometimes?  I can't be the only one that feels that way right?  Transitioning from #girlboss to #momboss?  I would LOVE to be so busy in 2017 that I hire more help, or I'm able to book every single weekend solid, but the truth is that's not likely.   The reality is that I will need to continue saying "no" pretty often.  I want to cherish this time and not spend my days wishing I was somewhere else, and most days I do a good job of that.  The emails wait until the evening, the calls go to voicemail unless you happen to get me during a nap time or on a Wednesday.  But there are those days were I crave the pressure of a deadline, or wish I was out hunting for that perfect glass.  Did you know rambunctious three year olds and crying babies aren't super welcome at auction houses?  Who knew??  They won't always be little bitty so for now I strive to be content and soak up the snuggles... but when these kids get to elementary school, it's on y'all.  ;)  

Hale Pollock Wedding

So, these two may be rolling up on their second anniversary, but who's counting.  I'm a little behind but they are too cute so I had to blog about it.  Shannon Schultz planned this wedding so of course every detail is perfection, and how could it not be with such a fun couple.  I love this bride!   We both have an affinity for the vintage, airstreams, and of course Josh Weathers.

Oh look what I found.... I couldn't resist.  It's the sweatier, end of the night, I insisted on doing my own make-up for my wedding (?????) version of the same photo.  Haha.  What can i say, Josh makes you want dance until your foundation melts off.   

Dark Romance

Tzahhia from Keystone Events contacted me about doing a shoot at Fort Worth's favorite new venue, Brik.  She mentioned it was a vision she'd been excited about for a long time, and that it was a little different... but I was totally stunned when i saw the final imagine.  GORGEOUS!  It's definitely different and I dig it.  100 Layer Cake featured this shoot last week so I'm finally able to share it!!  Visit the link to see the full shoot.

Cue the Coupe

“I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”

— Coco Chanel

Dyan Kethley Photography

The coupe is a shallow, wide-mouthed stemmed glass commonly referred to a champagne coupe or champagne saucer.  Or, if you grew up Southern Baptist, we call it a sherbet glass.  :)-  Coupe is pronounced "coop," so now this blog post title doesn't sound as clever does it?  

The coupe arrived on the scene way back in the 1600's when it was basically a bowl sitting on a stand which had to be picked up with both hands when sipped out of.  It became popular in the US during the 1920's as the champagne coupe when Americans were drinking a much sweeter champagne.  In fact, a sweet syrup was often added to it.  The champagne we drink today is much dryer and Americans especially, love the bubbles in their bubbly.  For this reason, the coupe is not the best glass to drink champagne out of because the opening is much too wide and causes the champagne to quickly go flat.   It is in fact, the worst glass to drink champagne out of.  

Let's take a detour, because I like a good tangent... I'm sure you aren't surprised to hear the flute* is actually the best shape to drink your average champagne from because the long narrow shape prevents the champagne from loosing that festive fizz.  The flute is delicate, fun, and creates a memorable experience and that is what champagne is all about... the drink embodies celebration and special memories.  *The exception to this would be if you regularly buy champagne over $40-50 a bottle.  These champagnes are best enjoyed out of wine glass because the shape will allow the aromatics to open up (just like they do with wine!)  If you're like me, my budget prefers a $25 or less bottle and let me tell you...drink that out of a wine glass and you will quickly understand why I travel with my own champagne flutes.  Yes.  I'm serious.  Totally.  If you like champagne and you do not own at least 2 proper flutes, I beg you to go buy them right now.  You are missing out and it's criminal.  That's all I'll say about it.  

Thanks to the resurgence of speak easy style clubs and prohibition era cocktails, you can once again find drinks served in a coupe.  Instead of champagne, specialty cocktails such as an Aviation or Sidecar are fabulous in a coupe.  Coupes are perfect for a signature Bride or Groom's drink or a special cocktail at a shower or dinner party...they are just fun!  As a society that often over consumes, I think we forget to savor and appreciate, or make special the little things in life.  A well-make cocktail or a fine champagne can only be more appreciated by using that perfect special glassware to enhance the experience.  

Citrus Summer Brunch

It's safe to say I am in love with everything about this shoot.  I love that it uses my favorite plates, I love the colors, I love the florals, I love the concept and I LOVE the vendor team.  If I went any further it would just get sappy so I'll stop and trust that you'll head over to Style Me Pretty Living to check out the feature.  You may recognize some of DFW's most popular fashion bloggers, Katey McFarlan and Accessory Jane... that is, if you aren't distracted by the gorgeous colors that Silver Lining Events + Co put together or the delicious healthy food from Kara Stout.  

Enchanted Winter

Way back at the beginning of this year Kaitlynn from Blue Dress White Rabbit contacted me about doing an enchanted winter themed shoot.  I never direct people to my red transferware because it's an acquired taste and not one that most brides jump to, but Kaitlynn actually requested red plates so I was excited!  Everyone I worked with on this shoot was new-to-me, included the venue, so it was extra fun to meet another group of talented vendors.   This was the first shoot I took our newest little guy too and I have to brag; he's a pro.  Not a peep. :)-  A few months back (yes I've slacked over the summer with blogging)  Artfully Wed  published the shoot and it turned out beautifully!  Jannet Blas did such a great job with the photos.. my favorite part is the model's headpiece!  

How valuable is Grandma's china?

How cute is this little graphic?  I've linked an article published in Country Living, highlighting some of the most popular types of floral china in US history.  Chances are you've seen at least a few of these at grandma's house or during a holiday dinner gathering.   

So, how "valuable" is the china you have?  When pricing china, the first thing you need to remember is that there is a difference between value and worth...and sometimes it's a big difference.   

Value:  "What it's worth to me."  Value is not a real number, but more of an individual or societal preference.  If you are emotionally attached to an item, chances are you feel it's quite valuable  For me, my college sweatshirt is pretty darn valuable, but most people would find it virtually worthless.  Along those same lines, many people assume that as a buyer of antique china and glassware, I am very interested in Waterford pieces.  This isn't the case.  I don't really care for crystal personally and have no interest in renting it through PLP, so it doesn't hold a lot of value for me.  However, I know that as a society people feel Waterford is valuable, so if I found myself with a set I would know better than to just give it away for next to nothing.  

Worth: Worth comes from the viewpoint of the owner or buyer of the china and what they expect to sell or buy it for, or pay to replace it if damaged.

In an ideal scenario, you find a buyer that values the china as much as you do, and feels that the price you have set is worth paying.  I can tell you from experience that the stars rarely align in this fashion.  More often than not, people are selling china because a relative has given it to them and they don't have room for it or won't use it, or they truly need the money.  In these cases, they tend to over-value the item beyond what others feel it's worth.  The most dreaded phrase I hear when china hunting is  "Replacements.com says it's worth...."  Well no, not really.  Replacements.com is selling just that.. replacements.  If you have a full service for 12 and break a dinner plate, it] may be worth it to you to pay $50 to replace that one plate.  You value your complete set, so the higher cost of the individual plate worth it.  It does not mean that you should take your 12 dinner plates, times it by $50 and try to sell them for $600.  China is always worth more individually to separate buyers than it is as a set to one person because the value lies in the completed set.  

In my opinion, the best way to price china is to comparison shop.  Look on Ebay, Craigslist, talk to local experts and see what others are selling at.  Ebay actually has some very helpful buying guides.  It may take a few pricing adjustments but eventually you'll find the sweet spot- that magic price where you feel you've made some good money and the buyer feels they've gotten a great deal.   At the end of the day,  your china is only worth what someone will pay for it.  

Caroline and Michael

I love working with Grit and Gold because I can always count on seeing beautiful details from their events.  Caroline and Michael's wedding was no different.  I love the bride's lace gown and florals from Oh Deery.  Using china as a statement piece to the table is always pretty, but I also love it when the china is just that subtle detail that the observant guest notices.  

Jeffrey and Laurel

Meet Jeffrey and Laurel.  This couple was lucky enough to have access to their venue the day before, so Jeffrey came to pick the china up himself.  In a sedan.  450 plates and 300 pieces of glassware.  Not.gonna.happen right?  WRONG!  This groom is a mathematical/Tetris master and managed to get ALL of the china in his car.  I was impressed.  These two were so sweet, so it was great to see that Melissa Shook Photography keeps an active blog so I could see how gorgeous this wedding turned out!   You've got to see the bridesmaid's dresses... can I get one??  SO cute.  When I read Laurel's thoughts I was so flattered to discover that PLP china and glassware were her favorite addition.   

I Love You a Brunch

Another fabulous shoot designed by Jen Rios.  This brunch themed wedding was shot for My Wedding Magazine and you can see the full spread in their Summer issue.  This was my first time visiting  Mopac Event Center and I completely fell in love with the mix of rustic and industrial with a touch of feminine. 

This seating area by Urban Antiquities is killer.  Green couch envy!!

Who loves a good pun... um, me.  

Jar Cakery

Bohemian Jewels

I'm about to show a little bias here, but this shoot is basically my favorite. That couple, those flowers, that green couch.. I could go on.  I love everything about it.  So it was total icing when Katie messaged me a few weeks ago to say that Green Wedding Shoes wanted to publish the shoot.  Did I mentioned I looooove GWS?  Heart eyes all over this.  Check out the rest of the photos here.

Watercolor Gardens

This lovely pastel shoot was published on Hey Wedding Lady and Aisle Society this past week.  Jen Rios Weddings called and asked if I had any plates that reminded me of watercolors and I did.  One.  One single plate.  So we added some blush glassware to the mix and viola, I contributed!  In truth, the blurry lines that give china a water colored effect aren't all that popular in older plates, unless they are very, VERY old.  That's a secret term for those of us who deal in vintage and it means "very, VERY expensive." :)-   Fun fact, the model in this shoot also made the beautiful marbled and gold trimmed ring dishes!  

Lakeside Elopement

This dreamy elopement shoot was featured on Joy Wed a few weeks ago and I'm just now getting to blog about it.  I almost, ok totally feel like I cheated on this one because all I did was pick the china.  I was not part of the crew that woke up crazy early, drove a crazy distance, and braved nature to accomplish this gorgeous look.  Can you believe those trees and that water??  LOVE.