Wedding Blog

I am basing my tablescape on Martha’s famous red + aqua spread:

(from MS Weddings, Summer 2006)

However, I of course need the contemporary, less fussy version. Sorry to you bird-theme lovers out there, but I have this weird aversion to birds (more live ones than the cute ones found in wedding decor) that Mr. Lime can attest to. He’s seen me scream like a little girl running from birds. And it has nothing to do with the Hitchcock film, as I’ve never seen it. Anyway, I digress.

I will have a similar centerpiece, as I blogged about previously. Cheapo me will have basic, white linens. I can also get red napkins for no extra charge from my caterer. They will instead be folded in a simple, square pocket fold into which we will tuck our favors (which will be flat and square-ish).

Since I will have round tables rather than square, I figured some sort of aqua runner would work better than a square “placemat” of sorts, as Martha has shown here. I also wanted something a little special. Something with a fun pattern. Something with interesting texture. Did I mention I can’t sew to save my life? Even with Stitch Witchery? Nor do I have the budget to rent them from a speciality linen rental place such as BBJ Linen or Wildflower Linen (most of their selections are too fussy for me anyhow. Hmph. I’m just really jealous of their product, deep down ). I am, however, quite good with an X-acto knife. I have even learned how to operate one quite precisely even after having no sleep for days straight, although I also would say, “Don’t try this at home.”

One day, I happened upon the first wallpaper pictured. The second pattern’s sample was close behind. I had a brilliant idea to custom color the second pattern with the colors in the first sample. I received a prompt quote, which dashed my dreams of the perfect shade of aqua, fun circles of a medium size, and a pattern that was contemporary but not too trendy.

Thus began my search for commercial wallcovering (it comes double the width residential product does, is durable since it’s almost always vinyl, and usually well priced compared to even fabric). Here is my first short list. None of them were quite doing it for me, though. Please excuse the color shift and horrible photos taken not in natural daylight.

(All wallcoverings are by Wolf-Gordon, available through architects and interior designers.)

Try number two, from another manufacturer:

(All wallcoverings are by Twenty2 for Designtex, available through architects and interior designers.)

I also love the scale of the pattern and the circles themselves, of course, in this Maharam classic. Alas, the gray is too gray, and the blue too ice blue:

The search continues, but I’ve got to get the yardage ordered soon and cut up in time. As for the ribbon edging, we’ll see if I come up with the time and energy to do that. Lucky for me, these wallcoverings usually cut very cleanly with the correct care and blade. Any favorites, dear readers, in the context of my overall look + feel (from what little you’ve gleaned from my blogs, at least)?