Mary Carol Garitty's Home Tour

Have you been to Atchison Kansas? Not only is Atchison the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, it is also where Mary Carol Garrity resides. On Saturday, my MIL and I got up super early, jumped in the car and drove three and a half hours to Mary Carol's Home Tour and Fall Open House. Was it worth it? In a word: Yes! She lives in a lovely Greek Revival home nestle in a neighborhood not very far from her stores. Get ready for some inspiration! This is the entrance:

I really liked the metal orbs on the urns

The tour only included the down stairs, but that is ok, there was plenty of beauty to absorb on the first floor. This is the sitting room. Plenty of places to sit, talk and relax....you know, if I lived there.

This table and plant acted as a divider for the two conversation areas in this long narrow room.

Hello.

Sideboard behind one of the sofas

In the next seating group, this large painting commanded your attention above the sofa. And on the sofa, love the Greek key pillows

The ottoman that I can only assume is covered in an antique rug, probably turkish, really added a lot of character to the area.

The fireplace at the end of the room. Another fantastic painting.

The whole room. Gorg.

The next room you enter is the dining room. The walls are painted a deep navy, but because of the wainscoting, it's not too dark at all.

This vignette on a marble top sideboard was simple and beautiful, and of course with this large floral which I couldn't help but love.

Another buffet in the back of the room, in this picture, you can really appreciate the color of the wall, along with another beautiful vignette.

In the breakfast room, beautiful built-ins full of silver, dishware and glassware

Into the kitchen, which was not very large at all, but functional all the same.

Outside in the back yard, a tablescape with a large urn and floral

Side view of the portico

Just lovely.

Mary Carol was nice enough to stand with me for a photo...which of course is now my Facebook profile picture. :)  Please! Don't judge how bad I look! I've never been photogenic. 

Well, I was certainly inspired, how about you? We shopped for the rest of the day at Nell Hill's and Garrity's so plan to get even more inspiration! I'll be showing you those pictures soon! 

P.S. The winner of the candle from Goose Creek Candle Co. is:
Cassandra! Email me!

Nell Hill Excursion

Before the Luncheon with Colin Cowie began, I was able to capture some shots of Mary Carol's Kansas City store. All along the front of her store, big wreathes hung at each window-love the apples!The interior is quite beautiful....go ahead, take a look...

I love this chair!

Look at these linens!!

I am always inspired when I leave this wonderful place! If you can get there, do....you'll be happy you did.

If you didn't win, look for my cute gingerbread men over at my Etsy Shop, I've got them listed! Click on my sidebar!

Thanks for coming by!

Boy, after the luncheon with Colin, next week is going to be b.o.r.i.n.g! ;)

Luncheon with Colin Cowie

Luncheon with Colin Cowie.
First, I would like to say that this man is the James Bond of Party Planning! From his dashing good looks and charm, right down to the world travel and cocktails, this man is oozing 007! Throw in tablescapes and I was a doe eyed girl!! Hold on til the end of the post...you'll see a picture of me with that very look on my face.....
Secondly, picture quality is low due to low lighting, but you'll get the gist.

I think this man has been in front of a camera a time or two....whatta ya think?

The next three pictures are some of the centerpieces done by the Nell Hill staff designers-beautiful!

A portion of the tables

The atmosphere was high energy, fast paced music, lights, and mingling....not me though, I'm taking pictures! Some one actually asked me if I was a photographer for the event......hmmm...my lens isn't THAT big! :)

The 70 tables were set...10 people per table...and the event was sold out The menu was very nice, I cleaned my plate!Pistachio Cheesecake for dessert
Colin showing interiors, hotels, tablescapes and party planning, and his own personal homes...it is hard to photograph the screen...




Colin on stage

OK, now I must tell you just how incredibly nervous I was...hence the look on my face, and don't ask me what was going on with my hair! * H e l l o * Earth to Michelle, your limbs do move, brush that hair out of your face before they take the picture..................

oops too late!

Along with Celebrity nervousness, I was experiencing anxiety watching a total stranger hold my camera...I don't care if you're a Bond girl or not...do not drop my camera!

Thanks for visiting! This was a great experience! I am so lucky to be able to go to such an event!

Come by again soon, I took even more pictures inside Nell Hill's...I hope to post them soon!