Chase me!

It's race time in Georgia! I'm excited to partner with this year's event team to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Columbus' Steeplechase and get you ready for that tailgate. Polish the silver and press those linens because in just a few days, the boxwoods will go up and the party with go down as one to remember.

Photo Credit: #chaserace

Photo Credit: #chaserace

I don't know about you, but my life is nuts. I have way too many things crammed into each week, kids who have activities, groceries to buy, laundry to clean, etc. Even though my friends and I don't have much time to plan elaborate tablescapes and fancy meals, we still love the idea of going to the race, setting up a pretty tailgate, and enjoying a gorgeous day with our families.

My talented friend Lisa and I hunted and gathered some of mother nature's best treasures last week and came up with several different inspirations for how to create a gorgeous tablescape on a dime. The oh so talented Dori Nix captured each detail beautifully...her images will give you the confidence to sneak to your neighbor's yard before the sun rises and snip a few of those awesome blooms...not that I'd know anything about that. So risky!

I should point out that this lovely silver container is...wait for it...plastic! Nobody's ever noticed. Shhh...don't tell. Use it, wash it, re-use it, or toss it! You're so welcome...

Try mini pumpkins as place card holders or tie your silverware with a sprig of rosemary.

Save your money for the catering! Look to the side of the road for your centerpiece. We used magnolia leaves (and spraypainted a few gold for a little extra), these amazing purple berries (Can someone tell me what they are?) and extra greenery from Lisa's yard. How simple, free, and pretty is that?  

 Make sure to recruit handsome helpers. We added a few blue hydrangeas to the mix.

How adorable are these individual vases with the wood tags?! They're less than $5.00 here.

Try filling a bowl with gourds for color and texture, if you're not a plant person. 

Now for the food...Feast your eyes on this list of amazing options. JK Culinary knows how to make your tastebuds dance...race on over to the phone and place an order quick! Save me a bite!

I love these flags! They are so fun and make me feel like a kid.

Speaking of kids...Don't forget the littles! Here's what I'm thinking:

the child's guide to steeplechase by mbplummer featuring Zara Home

Unison white blanket / Piccadilly white basket / Zara Home silver placemat / Zara Home engraved napkin ring / Joules Horseplay shaped cushion pink, $32 / Williams Sonoma food drink / Zara Home kitchen linen / Zara Home drinkware / Vintage Milk Bottles / Red White Paper Straws / J.Crew Girls' Aigle® riding boots

Come on out to Callaway Gardens, November 1st, and help support the arts. Don't forget your hat!

When I grow up...

Hello, you.

I've been thinking about how to simplify life lately. Then I realize every "simple" idea I have is complicated. So hypocritical of the voices in my head...

I have an incurable idea-itis. Some mornings I hop out of bed, grab a coffee, and am unusually organized...super-mom. Other times, I wake up and just want to be Janis Joplin...I'd make a terrible Janis Joplin. 

Dreamers. 

In this exact moment I'd be content with a little bakery; the kind you find in the movies- quaint, but pretty. Everyday, beside my better half (usually this is the wife, but we like to do things backwards), I'd make warm delicious fritters and fresh baguettes...and other things that are made in bakeries. 

It'd be the place to spend a rainy morning, or to enjoy a slow weekend brunch, or maybe it'd be where folks satisfied a late night sweet tooth. Even the old grump with his worn cardigan and disheveled hair (there's always one) wouldn't be able to resist our special chocolate croissants.

photo credit: c philippeau

To bee-bop down the sidewalk to "work" beside the ones I like/love most, to serve and visit with good people, and to snack on chocolate and carbs all day; This is my (current) idea of luxury.

I'd risk failure and figure to see if it could play out as in my daydream. 

There I am. Image found here

As we'd say in the South, What'chu chewin' on?

Actually, forget that last line. I've never heard anyone say that...but all the bread and pastries made me think of chewing and that seemed like an appropriate metaphor for contemplating. 

creating with #mancrates

Hello from my virtual wo-man cave! I'm so excited to share a collection of items that I curated through Polyvore for a company called Mancrates. You might want to check out their manifesto and keep this in mind for Christmas or father's day.

We have a nice "man room" in our house, but it's a bit sad. I think the fully paneled library we inherited has lost touch with its former self, as it's now less whiskey sipping and more sippy cup. If I could snap my fingers and transform Mac's not-so-sacred-space, I'd incorporate some of these elements. (Selfishly, I created this with things I'd use if I were a guy...Mac is way more of a classic gentleman than I...but I digress.)

mancave by mbplummer featuring framed wall art

Black chandelier / Floor lamp / Kartell table lamp, $435 / Yerra cowhide rug / Wood wine rack / Leonardo red water glasses, $10 / Radius Design fireplace accessory, $49 / H M window curtain, $48 / Diptyque scented candle / Word wall art / Ethan Allen wall art / Rosanna wall plaque / Kate Spade wall art / West Elm framed wall art / Framed wall art / Rosanna wall plaque / Media shelve / Knoll furniture / Black accent chair / Kelly Wearstler round end table / Oval side table / Flamant Richard Chess board, $1,040

I obviously can't squish this whole room concept into a box and deliver it to your house, (BUT!) I can suggest a few extra gifts that might make the dude in your life feel bad to the bone. (Don't forget to click above for easy to order happy's like Diptyque's awesome candles or some cool wall art). 

kick it 80's style with a BOOMBOX! what?! 

and some tapes to play

can't afford the actual stuff? This will keep him in the cool

You're not the only one hoping for a rock this christmas. 

glasses that are decorative and functional

this oversized chess piece is so cool and a fun manly accent

Shoot...now I want to get busy on "our" man cave! Thanks #mancrates for this fun challenge and also for the great gift inspiration! Speaking of man...I gotta run and get supper started before mine gets home from work! Brats, veggies, and...whisky?