Intimate Rustic Wedding Reception.  One of my close friends was recently married in Las Vegas, but when she and her new husband returned home, she wanted to host a small informal wedding reception for her family and friends.  And, when she asked me to help, I was thrilled.  I love weddings, but, aside from my own, I haven’t had the opportunity to help design any in real life!  

She grew up on her family farm, in a semi rural area, and still has ties to her farm roots, so I played on that for the decor.  I also wanted to add a soft touch of shabby chic to the decor.  I reached out to my friends at Oriental Trading Company for some decorations, and my friend and I started designing her dream dessert table. 

The reception was at her home, and was hosted as an open house, allowing her guests to come and go as they chose and not overwhelming her house with 20 or more people at one time.  We purchased a simple cake, cupcakes, and mini pies from our local grocery store.  I brought candies, champagne, wine, and lemonade as well. 

 

 

 

 

The decor was simple, rustic, elegant, and inviting.  A wood plank table topper was placed on a folding table.  I used a ruffled table cloth under the table topper to soften the look.  The backdrop was white washed barn wood, and linen curtains with shabby chic bunting from Oriental Trading Company criss crossed across the wood.  Her new last name happens to start with an R (like mine) so, I brought my Heidi Swapp marquee R to hang on the backdrop as well.  

In lieu of of a cake plate, I placed the cake and mini pies on a small hay bale.  I added battery operated fairy light to the hay bale for a soft glow.  Simple floral arrangements were placed in mason jars on each side of the hay bale.  A glass drink dispenser filled with lemonade was perched on an upside down crate.   On the opposite side of the table, I used my milking stool to hold small jars of candy.  

 

 

 

To keep the cake pretty and untouched for the bride and groom’s first anniversary, guests ate the cupcakes, and I replaced them as needed.  Glass milk jar bottles were placed in a small apple bushel basket, that I refilled as the jars were used.  I was able to keep the table looking full all day long by simply replacing the drink jars and cupcakes as they were used.  

 

Before the rain came, the guests were able to play ring toss, yard tic-tac-toe, and yard Jenga. 

It was a lovely day for my friend, her new hubby, and their friends and family.  

 

Styling and photography: Everyday Party Magazine

Glass Milk Jars, Bunting Candy Sticks: Oriental Trading Company

Chocolate Caramel Creams: Goetze’s Candy