Board No. 11: Willow Ware

{Click to enlarge!}

So sorry for the late post, but I couldn't stop tweaking this one!

Anyways, I'm ready for a little summer - how about you? This board is inspired by the Willow Ware plates recently gifted to me by a great aunt, and works as my antidote to the dreary January weather outside. It celebrates pattern - checks, swirls, flowers, and stripes - and the beautiful royal blue of the iconic china. Enjoy!

The Details

First row, left to right:
This beautiful two-color letterpress by Ceci New York sets a classic, upbeat tone from the start {check out the fun wording on the Ceci New York site!}; use mix-and-match blue and white china found at flea markets and tag sales to set the table {Matthew Mead}; dress your maids in a bright royal blue to pack a design punch {photo by Sarah K. Chen via the Southern Weddings blog}

Second row, left to right:
Blue tumblers make for great centerpieces - use them to hold the bouquets after the ceremony as decoration for the cake or guestbook tables {photo by Leigh Miller via the Duet Weddings blog}; send guests home with homemade {or store-bought!} blueberry jam {Martha Stewart Kids}; groomsmen {or just the groom} will look especially dapper in blue-and-white striped bowties {photo by Jessica Claire}

Third row, left to right:
A hand-painted sign directs guests and adds to the elegant rustic feel {photo by Melissa Schollaert via Snippet & Ink}; colorful checked pinwheels and paper crackers in shades of blue are easy projects that add color without eating the budget {both by Rebecca Thuss}

Fourth row, left to right:
Add yet another pattern with an embroidered hankie sewn into a ring pillow {photo by Lisa Lefkowitz}; blue flowers can be hard to find, but this delphinium and viburnum berry hand-wired bouquet does the trick {Martha Stewart Weddings}; one more place to add pattern is in the groom's attire, as with this checked shirt and striped tie {Martha makes it work!}