The Tea Room

Decorating a Cottage in Pink and Green

During the summer when I was in grade school, my grandparents would take my sisters and me to what would now be considered a very shabby chic cottage.  I've been remembering those summers lately.  Since decorating rooms and homes in pink and green is so popular, it's fun to look at this color combination in a specific setting.  Pink and green are the perfect color choices for decorating a cottage. 

Adding floral throw pillows to seating on the front porch welcomes visitors and introduces the cottage theme.  Inside, more floral motifs in a variety of pinks and green are showcased in window treatments, upholstery, and even an area rug.  Light streaming in from the window and fresh cut flowers celebrate the spring and summer seasons.

   

Using bark cloth and vintage linens in floral patterns of pink and green in the kitchen lends cohesiveness to the color scheme.  Choosing one type of flower, for example roses, add to the charm and quaintness of cottage decor.

 

Choosing toile fabrics in pink and green or choosing only one floral pattern to use in a bedroom is another way to effectively decorate a small space.  Window treatments, headboard, and a prominently placed pillow show careful thought in  fabric choices as well as paint in a bedroom. 

 

Adding just a few pink accents to an all-white powder room is just the right balance of decorative elements.

Invite friends to join you for cake and lemonade on sunny porch where even the frosting and beverage celebrate pink and green.

Before the summer sun gets too hot, enjoy balmy days in and about rooms of pink and green.  What a charming combination of colors, and especially in a cottage setting.

 

 

Originally published on June 5, 2009.

Photo credits:  Country Living and BHG.

Tablescape ~ Embroidery and Cupcakes

What is not to like about this table?!  Country cottage in all its charm.  The motif on the hand-embroidered tablecloth is plates and no two are alike.  Add real plates, fill them with flowers, cupcakes, and a couple of napkins and the party is nearly underway.  Does summer get any better than this when it comes to having tea?

 

Credit:  Photo from Country Living

 

Autumn Floral Arrangement ~ Little Mums

 
Chrysanthemums, or "mums," are quintessential autumn flowers.  Mother Nature blooms them in many shades -- from white to bronze to deep orange-red.  For an informal yet seasonally appropriate arrangement, empty a pumpkin or ghord, fill it water, and place a cluster of mums right inside.  What a lovely centerpiece for a tea party, too!

 

Credit: Photo from BHG 

 

Originally published November 3, 2010. 

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

It's 4th of July weekend for those who live in the U.S., and that means a 3-day weekend for some.  The holiday falls on a Saturday this year.  However you choose to spend it, there is much fun to be had this weekend!

Credit:  Photo from Martha Stewart.

 

Originally published July 3, 2009.

Easter Tea ~ Garlands of Pastel Eggs

 

Easter is a great theme for an afternoon tea.  Creating a springtime theme of chicks, bunnies, and pastel eggs pays tribute to this special holiday.  Whether the tea takes place outside or inside, greet your guests with festive garlands such as the one in this photograph.  Pastel eggs are strung end to end, and the garland is hung by cheery yellow ribbons.  A footed glass dish and glass hold more eggs.  What a festive vignette!

 

Photo: Martha Stewart 

Originally published on March 30, 2012.