Gail's "Rachel Ashwell" Inspired Girls Night In

My girlfriend gadabouts and I marked our calendars for the Remnants of the Past  antique show in Nipomo California at the beginning of October.  Beverly and Sandi have their birthdays then so we decided to head over for our anxiously anticipated adventure.  Sally, Linda and Ruth went too.  Cindi couldn't go but she was there in spirit since we went in her van.

We did have to get up before dawn to make it when the show first opened. We didn't want miss a minute of the fun.

There is a vendor at the show that produces these pumpkins with sayings on them.  So unique.

One of the highlights of the show was a book signing event with Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic.

Sally was having Rachel sign her book

Rachel shared her newest book and told of the journey she was on while publishing "Shabby Chic Interiors".  She was very personal and we felt like we had known her for years.  I guess we really have known about her for years because I mentioned that I had video recorded all her Shabby Chic shows on Style Network many years ago.   What happened to all our great decorating shows we use to watch?  Anyway, my friends said "We need to get together to  watch some of those shows so if you furnish the entertainment ...  we will bring the food" so that is what inspired our get-together last Monday night at my house.

I have a painted black dining table so I knew that was not going to work for a "Shabby Chic" tablescape so I layered a solid white tablecloth then a cream lace tablecloth (for the petticoat) and then I used a pink crocheted tablecloth that I purchased from The Tattered House at the Remnants of the Past show.

Since I have all of Rachel's books, they needed to be the base for the design on the table.

Since we would be seated on both sides of the table, I turned every other book to the spine side.

I chose a silver charger with a pale green dinner plate and vintage Homer Laughlin "Pink Rose" bowls.

This grape patterned silverware is so beautifully detailed, I wanted to include it.

 

The tablescape has items that remind me of the "Shabby Chic" look.  For instance, the vintage floral vase with the porcelain flowers.  The sheer pale pink gloves with just a touch of rhinestones and the vintage pale pink necklace with a beautiful clasp and pendant make a beautiful backdrop for the pink high heel salt and pepper shakers.

I had to include the pink crystal stemware and the vintage pink cloth napkins with the green crystal napkin rings.  The vintage salt and pepper shakers with the hand painted roses just add 

another element of Shabby Chic.

Since it was a "Girl's Night In", I had to include my antique beaded pink drawstring purse and the antique comb set painted by Christie Repasy. 

Just a sneak preview....I will be featuring a post on Christie in the near future. 

The hand painted pink rose teapot, creamer and sugar had to be included.

  

There are so many details that I think I will just give you an overall look.
This is my version of Shabby Chic because I don't think Rachael would have used so many items but sometimes for me.....more is better.

As you can see in the background, my house is decorated in Fall colors so it was a little strange adding all this pink and pastel colors.... I have done a Fall table in soft pastels so maybe that can be another post.

The three rose covered paper lanterns hung from the chandelier.

 

Several years ago, my friend Beverly at My Sew Sweet Studio made these slipcovers for my dining room chairs out of  my vintage chenille bedspreads.

My vintage pastel chenille covered dress form and crinoline slip had to be dressed for dinner.

Since we were having buffet style, I decorated my counter for the food.

In Rachel's style, I mismatched the tea cups and saucers.

I had to use my Rachel matches I purchased at her Shabby Chic store in 

Santa Monica California many years ago to light the rose printed candle.
Since the matches have a pink tip, I only use them for special occasions.

I don't know if you noticed but I did find some fresh roses from my daughter's yard to replace the silk flowers. .

The guests (Beverly, Linda, Me (Gail), Ruth, Sally, Sandi) arrived so let the video and feasting begin.

You never know what or who will inspire your next decorating project.

Thank you Rachel

for your inspirational talk and sharing from your heart.

Just a quick reminder that my One-Year Blogaversary Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, October 31st.  

If you would like to be included click here to enter.

I will be linking to the following blog parties:

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch


Simple Pleasures Thursday at  A Little of This and That

Vintage Thingies Thursday at The Coloradolady

Time Travel Thursday at Brambleberry Cottage

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home