Dinner On The Grounds

In honor of my friend's 30-ish birthday today (wish him a happy birthday on Facebook or Instagram), I had to write about his new book and how much love I have for the new addition to my JTF III collection :))) 

Did you guys see my friend James Farmer on QVC a few weeks ago? James and his new book Dinner on the Grounds were featured on the network, and he did a fantastic job! James had prepared several dishes from DOTG...fried okra, dirt cake, and even my grandmother Mama Doris' banana pudding. I got such a kick out of David Venable saying in his TV voice "Mama Doris' BANANA puddin'!"

In case you missed the awesome on-air interview, check it out by clicking here. 

James is beyond talented, is the best friend ever, and family to me. With every one of his books, I become more and more proud of him, and I love that he shares his talents with all of us through these gorgeous pages full of poignant stories, sentimental anecdotes, and tried-and-true recipes. This book, as I wrote about here, is especially close to my heart (I say that every time another one of James' books arrives!) because this one features two of my family's most special occasions, as well as my personal artwork. The book, divided by occasion and menu, inspires me to make ordinary meals extraordinary with James' beautiful tablescapes.... linen napkins, centerpieces, fresh ingredients, and friends and family - life's best moments celebrated together.

You may remember the post I did on my brother Brince's rehearsal dinner. It was an honor to design this special night for him and his fiancé, my now sister-in-law Laura Lyn. And the party is featured in DOTG along with their wedding. How fun is that?!?!

After I  designed and created their rehearsal dinner paper suite (invite, response card, place cards, menu cards, labels, etc.),  James asked if I would contribute my personal artwork to Dinner on the Grounds.  I was immediately blushing - both honored, humbled and maja nervous. 

So, with menus in hand, I set out to paint the delicious featured dishes James had prepared and photographed for DOTG. Definitely my first time painting a hot dog or a shrimp! I had a ball painting each one....ripe strawberries, layered dirt cake, fresh herbs, and much more.

Along with the food items, I designed and painted a "crest" of sorts featuring James' monogram,  inspired by his logo on his website and blog. So, as you can imagine, this book is especially special to me, and I am honored to have contributed to my dear {birthday} friend's latest work.

Here are a few peeks of the book:

The glorious cover...hydrangea, tomatoes, magnolia and silver....if you know James, then you know this couldn't be more "him!"

His tables and food, photographed by his super talented sister and one of my dear friends Maggie, are exquisite! 

The inside of the front cover is a scattering of the menu cards that I painted. My talented friend Lauren of Parkway Press arranged and lay them out for publishing. 

Here's the rehearsal dinner for my brother and sister-in-law.

Read more about it here.

And here!

Their menu card

And here's their absolutely fabulous wedding! 

Brince and Laura Lyn married in August on the most beautiful, mild, gorgeous day - especially for late summer in South Georgia!

Laura Lyn's perfect touches were everywhere, the barn was incredible, and their food amazing! 

See more of her wedding deets here. 

Don't forget to get your copy of DOTG here! 

And Happy Birthday to James!

Dinner On The Grounds

In honor of my friend's 30-ish birthday today (wish him a happy birthday on Facebook or Instagram), I had to write about his new book and how much love I have for the new addition to my JTF III collection :))) 

Did you guys see my friend James Farmer on QVC a few weeks ago? James and his new book Dinner on the Grounds were featured on the network, and he did a fantastic job! James had prepared several dishes from DOTG...fried okra, dirt cake, and even my grandmother Mama Doris' banana pudding. I got such a kick out of David Venable saying in his TV voice "Mama Doris' BANANA puddin'!"

In case you missed the awesome on-air interview, check it out by clicking here. 

James is beyond talented, is the best friend ever, and family to me. With every one of his books, I become more and more proud of him, and I love that he shares his talents with all of us through these gorgeous pages full of poignant stories, sentimental anecdotes, and tried-and-true recipes. This book, as I wrote about here, is especially close to my heart (I say that every time another one of James' books arrives!) because this one features two of my family's most special occasions, as well as my personal artwork. The book, divided by occasion and menu, inspires me to make ordinary meals extraordinary with James' beautiful tablescapes.... linen napkins, centerpieces, fresh ingredients, and friends and family - life's best moments celebrated together.

You may remember the post I did on my brother Brince's rehearsal dinner. It was an honor to design this special night for him and his fiancé, my now sister-in-law Laura Lyn. And the party is featured in DOTG along with their wedding. How fun is that?!?!

After I  designed and created their rehearsal dinner paper suite (invite, response card, place cards, menu cards, labels, etc.),  James asked if I would contribute my personal artwork to Dinner on the Grounds.  I was immediately blushing - both honored, humbled and maja nervous. 

So, with menus in hand, I set out to paint the delicious featured dishes James had prepared and photographed for DOTG. Definitely my first time painting a hot dog or a shrimp! I had a ball painting each one....ripe strawberries, layered dirt cake, fresh herbs, and much more.

Along with the food items, I designed and painted a "crest" of sorts featuring James' monogram,  inspired by his logo on his website and blog. So, as you can imagine, this book is especially special to me, and I am honored to have contributed to my dear {birthday} friend's latest work.

Here are a few peeks of the book:

The glorious cover...hydrangea, tomatoes, magnolia and silver....if you know James, then you know this couldn't be more "him!"

His tables and food, photographed by his super talented sister and one of my dear friends Maggie, are exquisite! 

The inside of the front cover is a scattering of the menu cards that I painted. My talented friend Lauren of Parkway Press arranged and lay them out for publishing. 

Here's the rehearsal dinner for my brother and sister-in-law.

Read more about it here.

And here!

Their menu card

And here's their absolutely fabulous wedding! 

Brince and Laura Lyn married in August on the most beautiful, mild, gorgeous day - especially for late summer in South Georgia!

Laura Lyn's perfect touches were everywhere, the barn was incredible, and their food amazing! 

See more of her wedding deets here. 

Don't forget to get your copy of DOTG here! 

And Happy Birthday to James!

My Talented Friends!

Maybe I am partial, but I really do have THE most talented friends! How lucky am I to have them as friends, confidants, and family - all who inspire me, push me, and make me want to be better. It's all about who you surround yourself with, right? Creative minds, beautiful hearts, their entrepreneurial spirit, young leaders....they're all awesome. 

So, in homage to their incredible talents, I am sharing them with you today - designers, bakers, business owners, wedding planners, painters, artists, photographers, jewelry designers, authors, and more. 

First up is no stranger to Bellissimo and Bella....my dear friend/buddy/bff/big brother/designer in crime - James Farmer. James' latest book Dinner on the Grounds just hit shelves and if I do say so myself, it's AMAZING! Recipes, anecdotes, stories of his family and childhood, gorgeous photos...geez, now I am gushing.

There may be a bit of artwork by moi among the pages too. :)

Not to mention my brother and sister in law's wedding and rehearsal dinner are a feature as well.

If you don't already, you've GOT to get this book (and all of the others too!!!!)

His books are amazing, his store is precious, his interiors are divine, and his landscapes are awesome. 

Follow him on Instagram at jamestfarmer and jamesfarmerinc

Follow his blog All Things Farmer

And visit his website James Farmer Inc.

Next up: James' beautiful sister Maggie. My childhood friend who I adore! She has photographed many of his books and is a super talented photog! And she just happens to have Napp - one of my Henry's best buddies. Maggie is the epitome of sweetness and grace - and she always makes me laugh.

Visit her website Maggie Yelton Photography to get a load of her talents! It's amazing how she captures the perfect moment.

That brings me to my darling sister-in-law Laura Lyn. I just love her.

She's good at everything, and maja organized, and beautiful, and she has a gorgeous voice, and is smart, and sweet, and gosh....you get the picture. :)

She's all these things and a fantastic wedding planner. You need it? She can do it!

Her wedding to my brother was perfection. She left no corner untouched, no base uncovered, and no amount of fun left behind. From the engagement to the wedding {and after too!} she was an incredible bride and planner.

Contact her to know more! And don't forget to follow her blog! 

Speaking of photographers....have y'all seen my friend Ashlee Culverhouse's pics? She takes make-me-cry pictures of my Henry as well as insanely beautiful weddings, parties, family photos and babies. She's one of my favorite people and I love that I get to see her so often back home. Her farmhouse is absolutely adorable, she has a slew of precious animals, and she's got her own wedding coming up which is sure to be amazing.

Follow her on Instagram at ashleeculverhouse

Here is my angel in a few sweet moments that she captured:

One of my very best friends, Renee, has been nurturing her second-job as a painter, and is set to open her own Etsy store! Her chic paintings are thoughtful, abstract, full of personality and love. I am lucky enough to have one in my home! And you should too! 

Renee loves to travel and has the best style - her wardrobe is to die! Her travels and her love of all things stylish totally translate into her art.

She takes custom orders and works with your color palette, size needs, and look.

Follow her on Instagram at reneebouchon 

Check her out here. 

My sweet friend Havolynne has begun making it a bit easier to shop for those statement jewelry pieces - her shop The Adorned Collection is chock full of fabulous finds! 

Fun necklaces, chic bracelets, and great earrings - she's a taste maker and oh-so-stylish!

Follow her on Instagram at adornedcollection 

Speaking of awesome jewelry, my friend Natasha designs and constructs the most fabulous pieces! She's got pretty necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in fresh colors and finishes to add to your everyday outfits! Natasha's outgoing, laid back personality and her natural beauty translate into her work - you'll love all of her pieces, promise!

Check out Take Out Jewelry! 

And follow her on Instagram at takeoutjewelryco

You've all heard me rave about my friend Linsey's cookies! Along with her mom, she's created Two Crazy Cookies - a must-do for your cakes and cookies. And well, any food you'd ever want, too! Everything they make is delicious! Linsey and I have known each other for almost 20 years and she's just as sweet as her confections. 

Check out their Etsy shop here.

Another amazing baker on my list is my friend Amanda of Buttermilk Pie Co. 

I don't think I really ever knew how much I loved pie until I had hers. 

An allergy keeps Amanda from trying her own specialty, my favorite, The Pecan Pie. Yes, that is capitalized because it should be. :) 

She's a sweet, driven, talented business owner and I am happy for her success!

Every pie on her menu is divine....and guess what, they also come in minis and tassies - so you can taste them all! 

Her website recently launched, so even if you aren't close by, you can have one too! 

Follow her on Instagram at buttermilkpie 

And last but definitely not least is my dear friend Sara Lloyd. I have been writing about her for a long time (her handmade hand bags are still my favorites!), but she's just launched her new resort line with her sister Molly. I just adore them both and am happy to call them both "friend."

They're the sweetest, and I am tickled for their new venture! 

Check them out here. 

And here.

And here too!  

Oh and don't miss Molly's custom paper line as well! 

My Talented Friends!

Maybe I am partial, but I really do have THE most talented friends! How lucky am I to have them as friends, confidants, and family - all who inspire me, push me, and make me want to be better. It's all about who you surround yourself with, right? Creative minds, beautiful hearts, their entrepreneurial spirit, young leaders....they're all awesome. 

So, in homage to their incredible talents, I am sharing them with you today - designers, bakers, business owners, wedding planners, painters, artists, photographers, jewelry designers, authors, and more. 

First up is no stranger to Bellissimo and Bella....my dear friend/buddy/bff/big brother/designer in crime - James Farmer. James' latest book Dinner on the Grounds just hit shelves and if I do say so myself, it's AMAZING! Recipes, anecdotes, stories of his family and childhood, gorgeous photos...geez, now I am gushing.

There may be a bit of artwork by moi among the pages too. :)

Not to mention my brother and sister in law's wedding and rehearsal dinner are a feature as well.

If you don't already, you've GOT to get this book (and all of the others too!!!!)

His books are amazing, his store is precious, his interiors are divine, and his landscapes are awesome. 

Follow him on Instagram at jamestfarmer and jamesfarmerinc

Follow his blog All Things Farmer

And visit his website James Farmer Inc.

Next up: James' beautiful sister Maggie. My childhood friend who I adore! She has photographed many of his books and is a super talented photog! And she just happens to have Napp - one of my Henry's best buddies. Maggie is the epitome of sweetness and grace - and she always makes me laugh.

Visit her website Maggie Yelton Photography to get a load of her talents! It's amazing how she captures the perfect moment.

That brings me to my darling sister-in-law Laura Lyn. I just love her.

She's good at everything, and maja organized, and beautiful, and she has a gorgeous voice, and is smart, and sweet, and gosh....you get the picture. :)

She's all these things and a fantastic wedding planner. You need it? She can do it!

Her wedding to my brother was perfection. She left no corner untouched, no base uncovered, and no amount of fun left behind. From the engagement to the wedding {and after too!} she was an incredible bride and planner.

Contact her to know more! And don't forget to follow her blog! 

Speaking of photographers....have y'all seen my friend Ashlee Culverhouse's pics? She takes make-me-cry pictures of my Henry as well as insanely beautiful weddings, parties, family photos and babies. She's one of my favorite people and I love that I get to see her so often back home. Her farmhouse is absolutely adorable, she has a slew of precious animals, and she's got her own wedding coming up which is sure to be amazing.

Follow her on Instagram at ashleeculverhouse

Here is my angel in a few sweet moments that she captured:

One of my very best friends, Renee, has been nurturing her second-job as a painter, and is set to open her own Etsy store! Her chic paintings are thoughtful, abstract, full of personality and love. I am lucky enough to have one in my home! And you should too! 

Renee loves to travel and has the best style - her wardrobe is to die! Her travels and her love of all things stylish totally translate into her art.

She takes custom orders and works with your color palette, size needs, and look.

Follow her on Instagram at reneebouchon 

Check her out here. 

My sweet friend Havolynne has begun making it a bit easier to shop for those statement jewelry pieces - her shop The Adorned Collection is chock full of fabulous finds! 

Fun necklaces, chic bracelets, and great earrings - she's a taste maker and oh-so-stylish!

Follow her on Instagram at adornedcollection 

Speaking of awesome jewelry, my friend Natasha designs and constructs the most fabulous pieces! She's got pretty necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in fresh colors and finishes to add to your everyday outfits! Natasha's outgoing, laid back personality and her natural beauty translate into her work - you'll love all of her pieces, promise!

Check out Take Out Jewelry! 

And follow her on Instagram at takeoutjewelryco

You've all heard me rave about my friend Linsey's cookies! Along with her mom, she's created Two Crazy Cookies - a must-do for your cakes and cookies. And well, any food you'd ever want, too! Everything they make is delicious! Linsey and I have known each other for almost 20 years and she's just as sweet as her confections. 

Check out their Etsy shop here.

Another amazing baker on my list is my friend Amanda of Buttermilk Pie Co. 

I don't think I really ever knew how much I loved pie until I had hers. 

An allergy keeps Amanda from trying her own specialty, my favorite, The Pecan Pie. Yes, that is capitalized because it should be. :) 

She's a sweet, driven, talented business owner and I am happy for her success!

Every pie on her menu is divine....and guess what, they also come in minis and tassies - so you can taste them all! 

Her website recently launched, so even if you aren't close by, you can have one too! 

Follow her on Instagram at buttermilkpie 

And last but definitely not least is my dear friend Sara Lloyd. I have been writing about her for a long time (her handmade hand bags are still my favorites!), but she's just launched her new resort line with her sister Molly. I just adore them both and am happy to call them both "friend."

They're the sweetest, and I am tickled for their new venture! 

Check them out here. 

And here.

And here too!  

Oh and don't miss Molly's custom paper line as well! 

Inspiration Avenue 2014: A Room Thomas Jefferson Would Approve!

A few weeks ago, I had the most fun day helping James Farmer install his space on Inspiration Avenue at the Cathedral Antiques Show. 

Just one day shy of the Snowpocalypse of 2014, we spent the bright, sun-shiney day hanging plates, pictures, and setting a beautiful table. 

Held at the Cathedral of St. Phillips on Peachtree in Atlanta, the week of the antique show is filled with two tours of homes, two parties, and new this year, the Inspiration Avenue.

James was chosen as a designer in this new concept, and I was happy to be a part! 

Along the first floor of the cathedral were large booths filled with antiques dealers - rugs, furniture, paintings, china, silver, and the like! 

Along the second floor, in the Sunday School classrooms, were the I.A. vignettes assigned to the designers. Each design team was to chose an historical figure on whom to base their room, or to be inspired by. It was a fun challenge and exciting opportunity! 

James, being uber-talented and great-at-everything, was drawn to Thomas Jefferson.... At the same time, I had been thinking this too! 

Our minds just think alike! ;)

So, TJ it was! 

After researching Mr. Jefferson, and planning our mood boards, we visited the space to decide just what we'd need. The Sunday School walls were purple. A nod to Radiant Orchid, perhaps?

However trendy, we didn't think Pantone's Color of the Year quite applied to TJ, and went with the tried-and-true Palladian Blue. 

Soft yet vibrant with just the right touch of green, it provided the prettiest backdrop for the collections James amassed for display.  

Here's our space before:

And here is how James felt Thomas Jefferson may have dined today...

Stay tuned to All Things Farmer for more info on all the pretties in this space!