Have you heard?

Have you heard? It's not a dream...Gatewood Hall Gracious Home is expanding!! We will be nearly doubling our square footage to take over the downstairs space where Wrapsody in Blue is currently located. We are so excited (and a little nervous to tell you the truth!) however, after alot of careful consideration we have decided to move forward with our business plan to bring you, our valued friends and customers even more great merchandise and services! We anticipate opening our new first level in early September if all goes as planned. We just returned from the Atlanta Summer Market and have nearly 20 new wonderful lines along with some fabulous new entries from several of our current vendors!! We really have some great things planned so please hang in there and we will keep you up-to-date on our progress. THANK YOU TO OUR LOYAL FRIENDS & CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAKE THIS EXPANSION POSSIBLE! This Friday, Saturday & Sunday stop in and see us we are having a store wide sale... Get this! 20% off the entire store, that is anything that is currently in the store. Now for the fine print..special, custom orders and previous sales do not qualify for the discount. All sales are final. Help us make room! Out with old...and in with the new! See you this weekend!

GH Does Weddings!

Did you know that Gatewood Hall does weddings? We do! This is a project that Shawn completed last week. The beautiful non-traditional wedding held at The Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville, Georgia (http://www.plantation-events.com/). The wedding for Ashley Strickland and Caleb Paquette was held on a beautiful summer evening in the North Georgia mountains. Shawn said that this was such a fun project because the of the wonderful natural and rustic mountain setting. The reception was in a beautiful barn and the tables were set with Ivory colored tone on tone linens with a burlap overlay. Shawn and Kelli used honeysuckle vine and various mosses to create a base for beautiful floral arrangements that included Hydrangeas, Queen Anne's Lace, Bells of Ireland and local Fern put together in galvanized containers with a beautiful green patina. Old fashion Bell jars were filled with birdseed and white candles to create a little sparkle.

The bride's bouquet was a simple and elegant hand-tied arrangement of mini green Calla Lilies with fresh Lavender stems. Oh., I loved this idea...because the bride didn't want a traditional wedding cake she opted for individual homemade mixed berry cobblers (her Grandmother's recipe) placed on tiered pedestals. How unique and special is that?!

Shawn put these beautiful arrangements on the barn entrance doors!

They look absloutely beautiful! Mother of the bride Fran Strickland and her daughter Ashley. Congratulations and thank you for letting us play a part in your very special day!

Happy Fourth of July

The 4th of July is just around the corner! We have the store all "done up" in red, white & blue and there are several fun things going on around beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia this holiday weekend.

In the store we have a few patriotic vignettes set-up (thank you Brandon Luaces for taking some great photos for us!) In the bedroom Kelli created a new Pine Cone Hill display bed that would look fantastic in any home or cabin. I love the rustic and equine accessories that she chose to set the Americana stage. If you haven't seen it yet the Ralph Lauren book (on the chest above) is a coffee table essential for those with a keen appreciation for the world of Ralph Lauren. This breathtaking volume celebrates Lauren's commitment with an intimate view of his professional evolution, design philosophy and personal passions. Over 700 photos show an ever-expanding exploration of American style.

We also have a great Independence day table setting! White and pewter Match dinnerware, with rustic twig chargers and traditional, red bandanas for napkins are fun yet classic. I used boxes of sparklers with each guest's name and tied them with a piece of natural raffia for place cards. The stemware is by Mariposa and is made from recycled Coke bottles. It's really fun so come in and be inspired.

As I mentioned there are so many things going on this weekend!

Today, July 2nd- Humanity of Blue Ridge, a great new clothing store right on Main Street next to Repaz is opening so go in and check out our interior design and merchandising. (See yesterday's post for more details). Owner Linda Rice has chosen some fantastic lines and cool products so you have to go in and see her to find a great new July 4th outfit. Be sure and tell her we sent you!

Friday, July 3rd- The Blue Ridge Business Association is blocking off Main Street and presenting "Rocking in the Park". 5pm - 9pm There will be three live bands for your entertainment. Most of the downtown stores (including us!!) and restaurants will be open late.

The always wonderful Multitudes Gallery, 11 Mountain Street is featuring an artist's reception with the theme "Roosters Rule the Hen House...Or So they think" 6pm - 9pm. Featured artists include Betty Wassmer, Ande Cook and Robert Miller. For more info http://www.multitudesgallery.com/

Saturday- July 4th, The Old Timers Parade sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association starts at 10am on Main Street. Of course there is shopping at Gatewood Hall with some great food tastings and some "Firecracker Specials"! Finally, to top it all off are the fabulous Fireworks above Lake Blue Ridge! There is live entertainment, great food (especially at Otis and Matilda's Marina Grill) just head out to the Lake Blue Ridge Marina. Fireworks usually start at dusk but, get there early!! Happy 4th of July!! See you this weekend!