I’ve always had a love for anchors or rather the anchor symbol. I find myself collecting little symbolic anchors, such as embroidered sweaters, towels, bracelets, necklaces, pictures, and little treasures to adorn my home. Why my fondness for anchors? For one, it reminds me of summer time, beach time, everything nautical and fun. But most of all its due to what it represents; an anchor provides stability or confidence.
As I was looking at some of my anchors one day, I thought to myself, “what are my real anchors in life”, “who are my anchors in life”? The answer came quickly, my family, and my friends, and the gospel. And with that thought on my mind, I just knew I needed to gather up my anchors and let my friends know just how much I appreciate the anchor they provide to me.
And what better way than to have an “ANCHORS AWAY TEA PARTY”.
I began by creating the invitation . . .
And then layering on the details with lobster and chevron paper, wasabi tape and lifesavers.
The next step is the table setting . . .
I chose to be a little more formal to bring in a bit more “grown-up” feel. I used a white linen table cloth, and then layered with individual blue wicker placemats, which brought in the nautical feel. Then I added gold chargers and my blue and white dinner plates followed by a navy salad plate and white dessert plate.
On each plate I carefully placed a “message in a bottle” . . .
This was my message to my dear friends.
Then I began my table scape decorating . . .
by adding seashells to glass bottles and tying twine around the tops . . .
some I added little nautical cards . . .
and other jars I filled with candles and lifesavers.
Candles were hung from the chandeler . . .
and a fishing net and banner hung from the window.
The front porch was also set for the party with a new welcome wreath, Betty with her nautical ensemble and anchor, and a boat cooler.
Some of the other decorations I added were, a picture of Molly at the beach which I placed inside a glass jar, a shadow box filled with anchor pictures, and one more blue and white vase filled with fresh flowers.
On the morning of the tea party I placed fresh flowers in wicker baskets and vases . . .
And then began setting up for the guest to arrive.
The center piece was our yummy sandcastle (homemade) bundt cake . . .
As each guest sat down they were greeted with the wonderful frozen strawberry lemonade, ice water with lemon and mint, shrimp cocktail, and cucumber soup.
For the rest of the menu we had a pasta salad with grapes, pineapple, chicken and cashews, with watermellon slices and homemade lemon-blueberry scones.
The best part . . . is always the laughter we share around the table.
After lunch we all went to another room where I had tables set out for my friends to take some time to be creative. I simply layed out 10 x 10 wood frames, sheets of awesome nautical paper, anchor pictures and sayings, ribbons, ink, modgepodge and then they just created their magic. I love seeing what these incredible women come up with.
Thank you so very much for letting me capture you on camera, your creations were just too great not to share.
So, my friends throughout the world, now you can see why I have a love for anchors.
I thank you all for adding to my fleet of friends because in this world we truly need as many anchors as we can get.
Linking up with Jann for SYC
And Ivyandelephants for some more inspirations.
I LOVE your teatime posts Trina! You are so very creative…The life savers on the invitations!!!! Oh my gosh, they’re cute! And the cake! Crazy cute! Thanks for sharing! Do your daughter and Molly live nearby now? It’s always so nice to see them in the photos!
Thank you Sue! I just keep wishing you could join us for one of these, you would fit right in and have so much fun. As for Tori and Molly, they were just here visiting for a few weeks, they actually took off this morning so it’s one of those really quiet and (hole-in-the-heart) kind of days. Guess I should start plainng my next party, right? Or better yet, my trip out to see you.
Like Sue, I’m enchanted by your creative posts, every time. Sweet photos, sweet ideas, and how nice to have a record of your event! Have to say, I’m fondest of your coordinated photo with your two special girls. Adorable.
Dan is my rock, and an anchor in that sense. Lately, I’ve wished for fewer anchors and obstacles that hold us here. But it takes both kinds to make a life, doesn’t it?
I sure adore those two girls too. And, Dan is definitely a great anchor in your life. Hopefully that other anchor will give you a bit of slack some day SOON.
Trina, this is such a great theme party and everything looks perfect! You have a way with your impeccable fashion style and decorating. I am just curious, how do you store all this decorations? I am always hesitant to buy any decorations that is not used all the time since I have no storage. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thank you Alice. As for the storage . . . good question. I store all my decorations in clear bins, that way I can easily see what’s inside them. I have a wonderful storage my husband has built for me with shelves in my basement. As for all the dishes, that’s another issue (I have such a fondness for beautiful dishes). I have a pretty nice size kitchen which I designed with lots of cabinets for dishes and then two built in hutches. Some women have huge closets, I would rather have a kitchen and hutch, I guess. Sure wish you could join us for one of these parties.
This is so nice!!! I can feel the love and laughter. Your daughter is beautiful and your granddaughter so sweet you want to eat her (kidding).
I like anchors too but not to the extend you do. I do however, have one anchor blouse as you might recall.
Great idea to have your guests / friends create something. Everybody loves doing that. By the look of it, I think you are a tiny thing. Are you?
Greetje
Tiny as in short? Yes, you could probably say that, I’m 5’3″ but that particular day I wasn’t wearing any shoes (except my fun boot-type cast for my foot) and my friends all had heels on so I did look a lot shorter (or tinier than most of them).
And you would have fit right in with that fun anchor blouse.
Oh Trina,
What a fabulous ship you sail! Baby Molly is again so adorable, and your daughter so very pretty. I lvoe watching this loving outpouring of creativity which I read as WELCOME FRIEND. All of the details, the navy wicker, the navy and white plates- the messages in the bottle!!- are just divine.
Every time I see an anchor, now, I will think of you. You are a blogging anchor for sure, and I wish I could have been there to RSVP YES!
and.. of course you look elegant and perfect in your summer whites.
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com/
You are such a sweetheart. If I send you an invite early enough maybe you could book a flight and join us, now wouldn’t that just be delightful?
You look great in all white. Love the pants, they are so chic and the sweater, bravo! I should say that as well about this table setting. Amazing! I love all of the details, the netting, the table settings, and the sandcastle.. so creative
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I love the creative way you used the anchor theme! I can’t imagine all the thought and planning that you put into everything. Fantastic down to the last detail. Thanks for letting us sail with you and your beautiful family! Gorgeous!
Hugs,
Patti
I like your blog!
salutes 50 years old
Trina, what a wonderful tea and I love the symbol of the anchor as well. I remember when our youngest son left for his mission we were assigned a topic that had to do with the anchors in our lives. Definitely our families and gospel! You look so cute in your white. Like a cute sailor!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann