One of my favorite little nooks of Emma's room was this corner. I found the table at HomeGoods and had paint custom-matched to the legs. Painting unfinished wooden chairs this mossy green made the mismatched grouping look like a set. This gave Emma a wonderful spot for coloring and playing school.
And, of course, it was the perfect space for tea. Emma and Mary Ashley love hosting each other for little parties in their rooms. I think love of hospitality was born in my childhood, as my sister, Jennifer, and I enjoyed hosting each other, as well. We gave each other so many baby showers, complete with petite cakes baked in our Easy Bake Oven.
For Emma's room reveal, we did a little better than this with cookies from Lisa Stone at Flourish Bake Shop. Her confections have added sweetness and beauty to so many of our celebrations. Based on our fabric selections, she designed an adorable array of coordinating cookies.
Fresh flowers, cloth napkins, and glass bottles wrapped in scrapbook paper completed our setting. Tea is served!
I think incorporating a little spot for entertaining is a great addition to a child's decor. Whether they welcome Mommy and Daddy, siblings or other children from the neighborhood, children can practice extending a sense of welcome in their little world. Through their play, they learn the joys of service and the blessings of friendship. And through making up menu items (pimento-chocolate-lemon sandwiches anyone?) and decorating the table, they develop appreciation for the grace notes that add beauty to our time together. Those life lessons are worth a celebration!
"I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends." ~ Nancie J. Carmody
Photos by Allison Hilyer. Used with permission.
