Coffee with Creatives - December 16, 2024

Featuring

Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design

Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing

EPISODE RECAP

A Holiday Special: Crafting Your Perfect Centerpiece at G's Country Barn

Good morning, everyone! Happy Monday and welcome to today’s blog post. We hope you are all snug and warm after a bit of an icy start to the day. Whether you're reading this from the comfort of your home or a cozy café, we're thrilled to have you here.

Kickoff with Coffee

We begin our day as usual, with a nod to our favorite coffee mugs. Today, Tara is bringing back her beloved cactus mug, which has made appearances before and always brings a smile. And for me, I’m sticking with the trusty “not quite ready to talk” mug – a relatable choice for many of us, I'm sure.

"This past week, we had the opportunity to go and create some centerpieces to show you guys."

Now, let’s get into the real star of today's piece.

Creating Magic with Centerpieces at G's Country Barn

A Sneak Peek Inside

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting G's Country Barn, located in the charming Yantic River Plaza. It’s just a hop away from Backus Hospital, Stop and Shop, and the Norwichtown Green. G's Country Barn is a treasure trove of home decor and antiques that will have your home looking like it was curated by a professional. If you're in need of last-minute gifts for teachers and coworkers or beautiful decor, they've got you covered.

Festive Discounts and Events

Not only does G's Country Barn offer a dazzling array of decor, but they also have fantastic deals and festive events. Mention this video and receive 20% off an item. Plus, don't miss out on their next weekend event, where you can get your photo taken with Santa and contribute to a good cause by bringing a donation for St. Vincent de Paul.

"From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year."

Crafting the Perfect Holiday Table Decoration

Now, let's dive into the centerpiece-making process. Hosted by Tara and Alicia Gardner, the talented owner of G's Country Barn, we were guided through creating stunning pieces that will make your holiday table unforgettable.

Tara's Tips for Centerpiece Success

Getting Started

The base of any great centerpiece begins with structure. Tara started hers with a wooden snowflake, which not only added stability but also added height to the creation. If your table's length allows, consider using multiple snowflakes to ensure the arrangement is proportional.

Pro Tip: "You don't want to have a long table with a small centerpiece. Make your centerpiece proportional to the table. You can use a set of three for larger tables."

Building Awe with Texture and Color

Use a mix of textures and colors to create visual interest. It's all about building heights, stacking layers, and incorporating movement. Here's how Tara does it:

• Layer with Greens: Incorporate different types of greens to add depth.

• Add Pops of Color: Use ornaments, ribbons, or flowers for a splash of color.

• Balance Heights: Ensure nothing obstructive impedes the view across the table.

The Art of Proportion

The right proportion of a centerpiece can make or break the look of your dining table. Avoid sprawling arrangements that spill onto plates or encroach on eating space. It’s crucial to maintain a flow that accommodates place settings, glassware, and utensils.

Consider the Space: A tall room deserves a high-reaching centerpiece, which can be achieved with glass containers and greens.

Why Choose G's Country Barn?

G's Country Barn stands out as a hidden gem packed with unique finds, from farmhouse to rustic chic. It’s a store that reinvents itself often, so each visit feels fresh and new. They offer a hands-on shopping experience where you'll be assisted in assembling the perfect holiday arrangement—or even gift wrap—making your purchases even more special.

"You could be in there for a while just because there are so many interesting things to view."

One of the highlights of our visit was the beautiful array of artificial trees, which genuinely looked lifelike. These aren’t your average faux trees; they are carefully designed to mimic the natural look of snow-covered branches.

Video Recap: Our Visit to G's Country Barn

While visiting G’s, the enthusiasm and creativity were contagious. Although some items didn't fit with our initial centerpiece vision, it was fun attempting to incorporate them. If you're concluding your holiday shopping or seeking delightful decor, G's Country Barn is a must-visit destination.

Decorating Tips for the Festive Season

Tara has shared some additional tips to ensure your holiday decorating stands out this season:

• Volume is Key: Ensure your greens have volume, fitting the size and scale of your base, whether on a mantle or a dining table.

• Use Everyday Items Creatively: A cake stand can be used to add height to your centerpiece or create distinct arrangement levels.

• Repurpose and Innovate: Don’t pigeonhole items like wreaths into singular uses. They can be reimagined for varied decorative applications.
  

Upcoming Events and Plans

Our festive season is packed with exciting plans and projects. From working on interior design projects across various towns to wrapping up existing projects for clients before year-end, we're bustling with activity. This period between Christmas and New Year is a time of reflection, planning, and occasional family chaos, as we gather for the holidays.

Looking ahead, our final broadcast of the year will be up next week, followed by more inspiring content and guest features in the new year. We can't wait to continue this creative journey with all of you.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us today. We hope you’ve gained some inspiration for your holiday centerpiece and found our tips helpful. Don't forget to take advantage of the wonderful offers at G's Country Barn and visit them to find unique items that truly make your home shine this season. Wishing you a week filled with kindness and creativity. See you next week on our final episode of the year!

"Always remember, stay kind. Bye!"

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you more inspirations and ideas for your home decorating adventures. If you have any questions or want to share your own creations, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy Holidays!