a.forte's blog of Spain Hill Farm: tailgate

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Viola Gold - A Style Revival Steeped in History and A Giveaway

the altered past, viola gold, pocket squares

Do you know the history of the pocket square? It actually goes all the way back to ancient times, up through the late 1700's when, it is said, Marie Antoinette convinced her husband, Louis XVI, to command that all handkerchiefs be 16 x 16 inch square. Carried by true gentlemen, they were the symbol of wealth and class.

However, let's skip ahead a little to when they were actually used more for fashion not hygiene. The early years of the 20th century found style savvy gentlemen wearing pocket squares with sleek suits and hats. Its popularity remained over the next three decades before its use began to wane...until now. The pocket square is, once again, becoming the icon of style for the gentleman. The hit show, Mad Men, may have something to do with reviving the pocket square.

Here in the South, my friends, Kristen and Travis, of Viola Gold, are helping reintroduce this throwback trend. Named for Travis' tiny hometown of Viola, Tennessee, the company began in March of this year and has been a big hit with the 20-somethings on up.

Viola Gold offers pocket squares made from high quality cotton and linen as well some that are repurposed from old shirts of great quality and design.

Pocket squares are not only rich in history, they are stylish and versatile. Wear them with suits as well as more casual attire. From the board room to the Saturday afternoon tailgating party.

And, ladies, they're not just for the men. The Viola Gold pocket square is for us too! Check out this stylish look!

I know. These are great! AND, as a thank you to my wonderful readers, I'll be giving away one pocket square of your choice! Check out their website ViolaGold.com Then, enter below for your chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!!
Angie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

After the Hunt Tablescape

Hello and welcome to this stop on the fall blog tour. Our first week's theme is tablescape. If you're popping over from The Striped House or Concord Cottage, I'm glad you're here! If you missed the first two posts, you can check them out at The Striped House and Concord Cottage.

My tablescape is a little out of the box. I wanted to do a hunt version of a tailgate picnic. I've always loved plaids and tartan prints so pulling this together was pretty easy from things I had around the house. Warning: this post is loaded with photos so you may want to grab a cup of coffee before we get started.

Ready? Good, let's go!

This is set in my back field (which looks prettier in photos thanks to strategic staging!) I used an old farm table along with two folding camp stools for the dining area. Everything, except for the Tilley hat, came from thrift stores. I pick up plaid wool throws whenever I find them.

The tailgate of our old (early 80s) truck was used for a serving area. You may notice my DIY pendant lights that I posted about here.

Did you know you can check with local wine and liquor stores to see if they have any wooden boxes?? I check one frequently in my area. He's always glad to pass along any he has sitting around. The Jack Daniels box was a display box that originally had clear plexiglass in the front. I removed the plexiglass and painted it on the reverse side with #Krylon Looking Glass paint. I love that stuff! And, I love how the box turned out. It reminds me of a vintage bar mirror.

I also ~~hoard~~, uh, collect vintage plaid thermos and picnicware. (I also have a blue plaid set just for tailgating at my daughter's college) :)

The fowl barware glasses are a set I picked up at the thrift store, along with the decanter. There is actually something in the decanter but I used gin, which happens to be clear. Bad planning. (I actually have to interject here...I love vintage barware and an occasional fruity drink but gin...blech! Sorry gin drinkers. I'm not sure why we had gin in the first place so I wasn't too upset to pour it out after this.)

The bamboo cane...$1 at the thrift store. I'm telling you, if you don't shop thrift stores, you're missing some great stuff!

You've got to have your compass when hunting...as well as a bug book and magnifying glass. Ok, maybe some serious hunters out there would leave the bug book and magnifying glass behind.

Soup and chili are two great tailgating dishes. Use a variety of thermoses and attach labels with the contents.

The old crock jar holding the vintage silverware belonged to my grandparents.

The sun was just about to set but it was making for some great last minute photos before the light was gone.

I hope you enjoyed tailgating after the hunt. Here's an easy to Pin version to save on Pinterest for later!

Be sure to continue the Fall Tour tomorrow and see the great tablescape Vicki and Jennifer of 2 Bees in a Pod share!!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS