Jardin Soiree: Treasures & Steals

Call me crazy, but I think the party planning and decor is where it's at when it comes to a get together. I like to make things pretty. And, well frankly, I like to shop. So being asked by Pier 1 Imports to scour their gorgeous stores for decor and throw a party? Now we're really talking- a match made in heaven. An excuse to invite people over, drink some wine and try new recipes, all just icing on the cake. How to finally throw this garden soiree? Perhaps a sweet high tea with tiered stands of cakes, outdoor tea service, and pretty finger sandwiches? Maybe a wine bracket of French vino? Guests can taste test and vote on dueling wines until a champion is crowned? Perhaps I am over thinking this and just have family over? Since I haven't really got a firm plan down, I focused on sourcing generally beautiful French-inspired decor to outfit the jardin soiree. Challenging at Pier 1? I think not. My big decision and splurge, was this gem of a bar cart, iron with beautiful red tile mosaic work, straight out of a Provencal bistro. It was the first thing I saw when I came into the store and it wasn't just speaking to me, it was straight screaming my name. I can't wait to roll this out for guests, fully stocked with wine and cocktails. The best part of all? It rings in at a budget friendly price. It was my party investment piece, but well worth it (on sale no less!). How else to set the scene Francais? I left no aisle unturned and no display unchecked. Vineyard vases (oversize and ah-mazing, though beware the fauna and your hair!), just beg for some tall floral arrangements as a centerpiece. Pretty woven placements, which I intend to use as trivets, framing warm dishes on the buffet. A bronze tub of wine chilling in the shade, each bottle topped with a different painted wooden stopper. Lace paper lanterns dipping down from under the umbrella, along with iron lanterns along the edges of the patio, keeping the bugs away and lighting the party after the sun goes down. I could have easily found enough goodies to redecorate the entire house, and perhaps a lion or two, to guard the front steps, but stopped myself at the last few perfect picks- a glass cloche food cover engraved with 'bon appetit', a covered cake stand atop carved wood, and a pretty glass dish complete with picture of la tour eiffel. Sadly, I had to pass up this crazy cool pagoda umbrella (above) and all the adorable buddahs (who doesn't need a little zen with a nine month old?), but they were more exotic destination and less pretty French garden party. Though I may be back post party;) Stay tuned, the soiree is finally happening next week and the final post is to come...suppose I need to figure out all those details, huh?! Check out my previous post on party prep here and to see more of my prep-adventures, be sure to check in often on instagram or the tag #findwhatspeakstoyou.

Find what speaks to you. Compensation was provided by Pier 1 via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pier 1.