Effortless Floral Bouquet....

It's the start of April and Spring is on the verge of being in full bloom across the South.  One of the things I look most forward to this time of year is when the bushes and trees begin to blossom and I am able to create fresh floral arrangements from my very own yard.

I have included a few images of what's in bloom in my yard, and if you live in Alabama or one of the surrounding states, you are probably seeing the very same blossoms.

Camellia Bush

Loropetalum Chinense Shrub

Encore Azalea 

Dogwood

Other shrubs and trees you may see in bloom is Forsythia full of yellow blooms, Tulip Magnolias, Star Magnolias, and of course the Redbud.

Once you have the blooms you want to use to brighten your home, you must have a vessel for which to display them.....this is an item I left off of my bridal registry that I certainly regret.

Since I don't have a wide variety of vases I have had to become quite creative in how to display fresh cut flowers.

Variety of Floral Vessels

For my current arrangements, I have chosen to use my great-grandmothers hand painted, emerald green tea pot and a recently acquired candy dish.....one item that is a necessity to create an effortless floral arrangement is a frog {shown at the bottom}.

For my effortless floral bouquets I used a variety of blooms cut at different lengths to create a layered effect for my arrangement.

Effortless Floral Bouquets

Teapot Arrangement

Effortless Arrangement with Frog

Easter Table

Enjoy your the rest of your Sunday, and create an effortless arrangement to brighten your home this week!

Taking the High Road to High Point...

A Travel Guide to High Point Market

April is one of my favorite times of the year not only because warmer weather is on the horizon and everything is in bloom, but it is also the time to see what is new and fresh in interiors at High Point!  I am completely bummed that I will be unable to make the trip up this April, so I am going to create my own guide for High Point Market right through Quill Notes.

Not only is market full of inspiration in itself, but if you are able to take a few days to make the trip up to High Point, there are a few other things that you simply must do while in the area and along the way.

Day 1 :: Biltmore Estate

A visit to the Biltmore, nestled in the mountains of Ashville, NC, is an absolute must when taking the high road to High Point.  This stunning estate will easily take a day to visit, but its grandiose architecture with rooms draped in luxurious silks & velvets and enough antiques to suit royalty, will make it well worth your time. 

Biltmore Estate Grand Entrance

You will notice all of my photos are of the exterior of the estate, which is no less impressive than the interior, due to the fact that photography was prohibited once inside the estate.

Biltmore Estate Fascade

The stunning and ornate architecture - 4 stories worth + the basement -  literally takes your breath away.

Italian Garden

Garden Sculpture in the Italian Garden

View from the South Terrace

I certainly wouldn't mind waking up to this view every morning.  

South Terrace Tea House

South Terrace

View of the Biltmore Estate from the South Terrace

Green Man Fountain in the Pergola beneath the South Terrace

My Mother + Travel Partner - Looking out the South Terrace

Wisteria covered Pergola beneath the South Terrace

Wisteria covered Pergola beneath South Terrace

Who wouldn't love a wisteria covered terrace? The attractive purple blooms draping in graceful clusters from a full, hardy vine is certainly a sight to see while relaxing in ones garden.  However, seeker beware as wisteria can overtake and become out of control if note pruned properly.

Quill Notes Tip ::  Create a pergola with its specific purpose being to display this hardy vine.  Make sure to research the best species to grow in your area and most of all how to prune and train it to grow how you'd like without becoming destructive to other structures or plants in your garden.

Looking through Walled Garden onto blooming Tulips

Conservatory

The arched windows of the conservatory are absolutely stunning.  It's like looking through a looking glass into a space bursting with life.

Conservatory window detail

Inside the Conservatory

In love with these Rococo style chairs + that grate!  

View of the Biltmore Estate from Conservatory

View from South side of Etsate

Biltmore Estate + Pergola beneath South Terrace

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate Architectural Detail

It still amazes and intrigues me at the ornate architectural details found at every corner of this grand estate.

Front Lawn

Biltmore Estate Architectural Detail

Love the stone pattern + layering of wood, stone and iron.

Architectural Detail of Horse Stables

View of Biltmore Estate from Horse Stables

The Biltmore Estate

Fountain/Terrace  Detail across front front of Biltmore Estate

As you leave the main grounds, you cannot miss the tour of the winery.  Their champagne is absolutely divine as is their other selections of wine from sweet blush to dry red.

Hometown Favorite, Belle Chevre, Found at the Winery Gift Shop

As my mother and I were going on our way and leaving our tour of the Biltmore, we made a little discovery - BELLE CHEVRE!!!  This delicious goat cheese is made right in the heart of Elkmont, Alabama and right outside of my hometown, Athens, Alabama.  If you haven't already discovered this lovely treat, you MUST try it soon!  

Available for purchase here

Roadtrip Picnic

Everyone knows if you are going on a road trip, it's the #1 rule to have fabulous snacks for the ride!

Road Trip Muchies:
Belle Chevre Goat Cheese Spread here
Effies Crispy Corncakes here
Starbuck's Coffee

Stay tuned for Day 2 as I continue my Travel Guide to High Point!

Create a Refreshing....

SPRING TERRACE

Spring has FINALLY arrived, and if you are like me, you can hardly wait to freshen up your outdoor terrace to welcome the warm, breezy evenings ahead.  I did a little sprucing up on my back porch earlier this week - where I will be enjoying the weekend with a crisp glass of chardonnay and a good book.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I have currently been reading through Jennifer Boles recently released book, In with the Old, and I have been flooded with inspiration.  From orangeries to garden stools, I want it all - so this is exactly what I am using for inspiration in my guide for creating a refreshing Spring Terrace.

1. Potted Orange Tree

I am still on the lookout for this lovely fruit tree, but another alternative that I think is equally as lovely is the traditional topiary which you can find at just about any nursery in your area.

2. Garden Stool

Found some for under $100 locally at Home Goods in Birmingham & 

Southeastern Salvage in Irondale

3. Sisal Rug

Another bargain find... 8x10 for under $100 available at a Big Lots near you!

4. LED Twig Branches

Also currently available at Big Lots & now on sale for under $10!!

* Try mixing these in with fresh greenery or just drop them in an urn &

 let them speak for themselves!

Who says outdoors can't feel like an extension of the inside of your home?  After all, your terrace will be the spot where you will be entertaining, cooking bar-b-que, sipping coffee in the mornings or wine in the evenings or even taking a cat nap for the next few months..... 

I certainly think it deserves to be just as comfortable and welcoming as your favorite indoor space, but this doesn't mean you have to break the bank having custom drapes made - this is why we turn to painter's drop clothes!

Painter's drop clothes are an extremely cost effective way to soften the space around a screened-in porch or deck while holding up to the elements outdoors - they are also extremely easy to find..just check your nearest hardware store!

Image via House Beautiful

Add a few large grommets with a tailored hem and you have yourself an elegant and custom look at a fraction of the cost of custom drapery panels.

Now, if painter's drop clothes just aren't for you, and you really want to go above and beyond, then you must incorporate a folly,  a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, etc found especially in England in the 18th century, into your outdoor space.

Image via Dering Hall

This stunning folly, designed by renowned architect Bill Ingram, mimics a tartan tent & doubles as an outdoor pavilion.  I was so inspired by this design, I created my own vision of how I could recreate the look on a much smaller scale and of course within a budget.

Sketch via Cotton + Quill

Incorporating Cotton + Quill's textiles from the newest Terrace Collection, I used Shu Te's Chintz in Mint to create an awning with a pair of panels offering an inviting yet intimate seating area.  Pile bold pillows on a classic iron couch flanked with a pair of garden stools to create a lounge-worthy space.  

This would also by an opportune time to add that orange tree or topiary and create a garden right on your porch.  This look is ideal for a sunroom as well.

Side View of Seating Area via Cotton + Quill

Now, get in Spring Cleaning/Decorating mode and make it your weekend goal to create an outdoor space worthy of spending many of your days and night over upcoming months!

Happy Friday & Here's to the WEEKEND!