Water Fountains – An Elegant Piece of Art

Even today, water fountains are included in interior and exterior decor and enhance the beauty of any place where they are used. There is nothing that quite compares to the soothing, peaceful feeling that water fountains can bring to your home. Inviting the soft sound of gently flowing water into a room is like bringing the outdoors in and providing a way for you to escape the tension and relax.

Water has always been an important resource for mankind. Other than its potable & soluble usages, it’s also used for adornment these days in the form of fountains. Historians point out that water fountains were initiated from the ancient Middle Eastern region, particularly from Egypt, where gardens were decorated with water fountains. Fountains were also found in Roman and Persian cultures. The Mughals who ruled India, had built many architectural wonders, like Taj Mahal, and their gardens were always decorated with lush trees and fountains. Mughal women tended to stay indoors most of the day and hence these gardens and fountains were a source of relaxation and recreation for them. Fountains have always been an integral part of architecture in the far Eastern countries too like China, Japan etc. where water is considered as a form of energy in Feng shui. In many countries, fountains have been the center of social life. People used to gather around them, while collecting water for drinking, cooking and bathing and they have also been a graceful mark of romance & friendship.

At times, you must have noticed a marvelous water fountain in a public space somewhere; a fountain so pleasing to look at, that you wish you could have taken it home. It might have been a stunning work of art, a poignant memorial, or just a symbol of peace and quiet in a busy world. Besides their calming effect, water fountains can add beauty, class and elegance to any room in your home. They provide an atmosphere of elegance to any place they are installed in. There are different types of water fountains available such as outdoor water fountains, garden water fountains, indoor water fountains and other types of fountains. The different styles of outdoor water fountains available these days can be customized to suit any environment where these fountains are installed.

Host Your Very Own Vintage-Style Garden Party

1. Put out the flagsCapture the very heart of the vintage English garden party by decking your outdoor space with a decorative flurry of bunting. And nothing makes a vintage statement better than this charming blue gingham and Union Jack bunting from Dotcomgiftshop. 2. Dress your table for successAdd a little vintage glamour to your outdoor table by dressing it up in a beautiful tablecloth. A splash of vintage-style floral will make your spread appear all the more deliciously chic. Get your guests’ mouths watering with this adorable tablecloth from the queen of florals, Cath Kidston. 3. Time for teaWith tea very much a garden party staple, make sure your event isn’t thirsty for style by selecting a vintage statement teapot to sit as a table centrepiece. Celebrating over a century of English craftsmanship, who better to be a guest at your garden party than Royal Albert with their exquisite Memory Lane bone china teapot, designed in the classic baroque Montrose shape. 4. A sweet treatNo garden party would be complete without a beautiful display of homemade cakes. But for hygiene purposes, it’s best to keep them covered up. Show-off your gorgeous culinary skills with this classic shaped glass covered cake stand from Cocomale, ideal for keeping cakes fresh throughout the day. 5. Hampers for old-fashioned styleFor a garden party on a smaller scale, you might like to consider investing in a traditional picnic basket and having a smaller spread on your lawn. This gorgeousOptima Traditional Picnic Basket from PrezzyBox comes in a lovely Cottage Garden design, with sustainable willow basket, cotton napkins, ceramic plates, cutlery, and a choice of wine glasses or cups.

6. Shabby? More like chic. Jazz up even the shabbiest of chairs and make them look inviting to your guests by adding a little vintage-style padding. These cute reversible seat pads from La Maison boast a vintage French floral on one side, and a candy stripe on the reverse – just perfect for elegant behinds!7. Service with a smileAs the perfect host, make sure your guests’ plates and glasses are never empty by serving up your delicious treats, from a vintage-style cake trolley. This beautiful rosewood carved trolley from Amazon, which comes complete with a detachable serving tray, and opens up as a table is ideal to make you the host or hostess with the mostess. 8. Shade with sartorial conscienceIn true English garden party style, weather is bound to be a topic of conversation, so offer your guests a little shade from the sun, with a decorative vintage-style sun parasol. Make a bold and glamorous vintage statement with this Victoriana-shaped cream umbrella with tassels, from Burford. 9. In full swingAdd a touch of vintage romance to your garden party with a feature swing bench, ideal for couples. Sneak away from the crowd for a little together-time this traditional regency-striped, swinging hammock bench from Amazon which comes with a weather-proof canopy. 10. Twilight-lightingAs the sun begins to set on your garden party and twilight settles in, create a warm, romantic glow from the trees, tables, and paths with some vintage-style candle lanterns. These pretty glass lanterns from Not on the High Street bear the words ‘Fete au Jardin,’ and have room for a tea light. What better way to leave a lasting impression on guests than with a little candlelit chic.

Five Ways to Make Your Yard a Reflection of You

Do you want to make your yard a beautiful reflection of your unique style and character? Are you looking for easy ways to make your garden more than flowers? You can transform your outdoors into a personal space that inspires others in your neighborhood to be creative too. By finding the right yard and garden d?cor, you will discover simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up your home. Garden FountainsMany homeowners love the idea of having the relaxing sound and beauty of a garden pond or waterfall in their backyard. However, this is often difficult due to cost and space. You can gain the benefits of rushing water sounds and the soothing feel of nature by adding a small or medium sized fountain instead. A popular choice in garden d?cor, these pieces make a tremendous difference in the feel of your yard with little cost. The range of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles will fit perfectly into any garden theme. The addition of water will also draw birds and small animals, bringing yet another touch of nature and peace to your outdoors. Wind ChimesFrom the lovely tinkling sound of aluminum wind chimes, to the lower, mystical melodies of bamboo or wood chimes, this is a wonderful addition to your yard d?cor. Not only can you choose from a variety of sounds that add some of nature’s music to your yard, but the style you need to match your decor will be easy to find. Choose a standard chime with pipes, an all-American theme, a d?cor of crosses or pipe organ sounds, a country and barn piece, or glass chimes in almost any form. Add some melody to your life!Bird HousesA great example of a simple form of yard and garden d?cor that draws in and gives home to wildlife will always remain the traditional bird house. While outside you can enjoy the touch of color and personality your chosen birdhouse brings, and more importantly, you will love seeing the birds and their families take refuge in your yard. This can be a joy for adults and an especially fun time of learning and watching for children. Add to it a traditional bird bath, or go creative with an entire bird “village” or humorous bird diner. Stepping Stones, Signs, & PlaquesAccent your home with a colorful stepping stone or sign. For the front yard, you may want to find a welcoming piece that invites visitors and gives a sense of hospitality. Just a few small signs can give your landscape an individual flair and homey feel. Go with an artistic and whimsical look, or create a theme of birds, butterflies, or country. Since cost on these items is low, you can find just one perfect item or go with several to complete the look you are creating. Vases & Flower PotsYour garden may be full of gorgeous flowers, but why not bring a bit of the color and scent to your patio or front entrance? Outdoor pots allow you to have flowers anywhere, while adding the style of the pot itself. From oversized to small, flower pots vases make it possible to move your flowersnew locations simply for change or to find the best spot of sun or shade depending on the season. These are just five simple and inexpensive ways to make your yard a place of personality and creativity. Take a look at improving your landscape with yard and garden d?cor today.

Don’t Forget The Wedding Flowers!

Next to her gown and cake, a bride tends to spend a lot of time picking out the right flowers for her dream wedding. Why would she not when without flowers, no wedding would be complete. For hundreds of years, flowers have been an integral part of wedding ceremonies and receptions. The ancient Greeks hold the first actual recorded use of flowers in weddings where the bridesmaids are tasked to create decor that includes the bride’s bouquet, boutonni?re, garlands, and poesies for guests. May you have grand or intimate, indoor or outdoor wedding, flowers is sure to be part of your celebration. Like most celebrations, the first thing you need to put into consideration in planning weddings is the amount you are willing to spend. For those on a tight budget in the Philippines, you might want to check if your church of choice has already “packaged” flowers in the overhead cost. You can also take a quick trip to The Flower Market (the Philippines’ most popular resource for flowers purchased in bulk) to have a good grasp of how much the raw cost is. If you need to choose where to spend on flowers between the church and the reception, go for the later. It will be celebrated longer (the wedding itself lasts for only two hours max while the reception’s two hours minimum) and can create a wonderful atmosphere paired with good food and an engaging program. After deciding on how much to spend (and no alterations please!), look for your flower supplier at least a year and a half in advance. Do your homework by conducting background checks and interview your choices (best done in person). Once you have decided on whom to get, work on your color scheme and arrangement. The location, season (thank heavens we only have two here in the Philippines), wedding theme, and bridal gown should all be taken into consideration. Three major displays should be appropriate for ceremonies held in medium sized churches. These flowers are set-up by the entrance and by the altar. Do make sure that the seats by the aisles are encrusted with minor displays as well. Skipping such will make the venue too bare. Whatever your decision is, make sure that you and your supplier understand and take note all of your ideas and specifics. Do request for sketches or simple models before you sign a contract. If your supplier can provide you a model, have someone take your photo next to or holding (whichever is appropriate) it. That should give you an idea if your supplier can actually dispense your agreed design.

Don’t Forget The Wedding Flowers!

Next to her gown and cake, a bride tends to spend a lot of time picking out the right flowers for her dream wedding. Why would she not when without flowers, no wedding would be complete. For hundreds of years, flowers have been an integral part of wedding ceremonies and receptions. The ancient Greeks hold the first actual recorded use of flowers in weddings where the bridesmaids are tasked to create decor that includes the bride’s bouquet, boutonni?re, garlands, and poesies for guests. May you have grand or intimate, indoor or outdoor wedding, flowers is sure to be part of your celebration. Like most celebrations, the first thing you need to put into consideration in planning weddings is the amount you are willing to spend. For those on a tight budget in the Philippines, you might want to check if your church of choice has already “packaged” flowers in the overhead cost. You can also take a quick trip to The Flower Market (the Philippines’ most popular resource for flowers purchased in bulk) to have a good grasp of how much the raw cost is. If you need to choose where to spend on flowers between the church and the reception, go for the later. It will be celebrated longer (the wedding itself lasts for only two hours max while the reception’s two hours minimum) and can create a wonderful atmosphere paired with good food and an engaging program. After deciding on how much to spend (and no alterations please!), look for your flower supplier at least a year and a half in advance. Do your homework by conducting background checks and interview your choices (best done in person). Once you have decided on whom to get, work on your color scheme and arrangement. The location, season (thank heavens we only have two here in the Philippines), wedding theme, and bridal gown should all be taken into consideration. Three major displays should be appropriate for ceremonies held in medium sized churches. These flowers are set-up by the entrance and by the altar. Do make sure that the seats by the aisles are encrusted with minor displays as well. Skipping such will make the venue too bare. Whatever your decision is, make sure that you and your supplier understand and take note all of your ideas and specifics. Do request for sketches or simple models before you sign a contract. If your supplier can provide you a model, have someone take your photo next to or holding (whichever is appropriate) it. That should give you an idea if your supplier can actually dispense your agreed design.