A portion of this post was featured along with an interview on trends in entertaining at home in the January 2015 issue of “Kansas City At Home” magazine!
INSPIRATION: My “no boys allowed!” dressing room
The decor in our house is pretty unisex…except for my dressing room! This is the one place that has a definite feminine touch with all the girly-girl trappings one might expect: chandelier, lavish antique dressing table, fainting couch near a window (yes, ladies…we all have our drama queen moments!), a tricked out nail station, bulging jewelry closet, stereo system, television (hoping for a flat screen to replace the outdated one in there now…anybody want to help me “accidentally” drop & break it? 😉 ), flowers, vintage hat boxes, innumerable handbags, and SHOES. Lots and lots and lots of shoes!!! And did I mention HATS? My cup runneth over with chapeaus of all make and occasion. It’s the place to feel all Marilyn Monroe and vogue to my heart’s content!
(Click on any photo and then again to enhance/enlarge it for fine details!)
I started this Marilyn-Monroe-in-“The-Seven-Year-Itch”-meets-Madonna’s-“Blonde-Ambition-World-Tour” tablescape with a sleek, sexy black full-length tablecloth from LinenTablecloth.com. It’s like the little black dress of the room! Consider the fine jewelry store. The salesperson lays out your selections on a black velvet fabric. Why? To enhance the shine of the jewels! Everything on your table, therefore, is highlighted to the nth power when set atop a black linen.
What does every Material Girl have plenty of everywhere? Why, mirrors, of course! So I started this place setting with a 13″ round mirrored charger topped with sleek black plates. TIP: This charger is a slick little way to discreetly check your lipstick or make sure there’s no spinach stuck in your teeth during dinner! 😉
Imagination is key when setting a fun fantasy tablescape for any occasion. (This one would work well for a birthday, wedding shower, bridesmaids luncheon or girls night out dinner.) For this über-feminine, straight-from-the-dressing room tablescape, an ivory LinenTablecloth.com “clutch bag” napkin fold is set atop each plate with an oversized “diamond” clasp. The flatware is International Silver’s “Royal Danish” pattern. The stemware is Cristal d’Arques.
I found these fun Marilyn Monroe note cards at Michaels Craft Store and thought they’d make really fun place cards. Just imprint the name of your guest along the bottom of the card perpendicular to Marilyn’s! The acrylic “diamond” place card holders are from Hobby Lobby.
A true Material Girl is bound to flaunt lots of bling, so I used the same rhinestone ribbon runners used HERE to trail the length of both sides of the table. Matching votive holders are used all over the setting. TIP: You can buy the votive holders already blinged out, or simply make them yourself with remnant pieces of bling ribbon.
I took a few hat boxes from my dressing room to create the centerpiece. If using fresh flowers, line the hat box with plastic in case of accidental spills. Place the roses in small vases and arrange them to fill & slightly over-spill from the box. Here I put roses in the center box but kept the lids on the two flanking boxes. To dress them up a little more, I added ruby red magnetic bling often used for enhancing chandeliers and other light fixtures. TIP: You can buy the bling in the lamp department at Hobby Lobby. These particular hat boxes had metal corner guards, so they were easy to apply. TIP: If you want to do something like this but don’t have metal on your hat box, experiment with taping magnets in strategic places inside the box for the bling to adhere from the outside.
I always like to create a little coordinating vignette on the buffet behind our dining table if it isn’t being used for food display.
Rarely do I have a round cake with a large base (thanks to my step-daughter and nieces who are dragging their feet about getting married!), so my collection of silver cake plateaus is often called into service for other decorating. Here, I used a silver beaded-edge “hoop skirt” stand to add a little shine and raise more hat boxes in the center of the display.
When I was a little girl, I enjoyed looking at the elegant displays in jewelry stores. The hand displays were particularly intriguing to me. Here I used a pair of display hands to hold petite red rose bouquets, flash oversized “diamond rings” from a store called Stuff in the historic Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City, Mo., and to string long, dramatic strands of bling garland through the fingers across the length of the buffet.
On each end of the buffet is a tall, sleek, 36-24-36 hourglass figure black glass vase from Tuesday Morning. The vases are topped with red rose balls and swagged with more of the bling garland.
The chairs on each end of the table got a little special treatment: fun French-inspired pillows from my dressing room depicting those fabulous black gloves like every socialite of the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s used to wear. I added a pair of my own rhinestone-studded evening gloves for good measure.
Tea carts aren’t just for tea!!!
In a scene from “The Seven Year Itch”, Marilyn Monroe’s character is introduced to the martini:
Richard Sherman: There’s gin and vermouth. That’s a martini.
Marilyn Monroe’s character: Oh, that sounds cool! I think I’ll have a glass of that. A big tall one!
Quote Source: IMDB.com
I’m with Marilyn…I’ll have a big tall one, too! The vintage tea cart is set up with all the makings of a fabulous martini including vermouth, vodka, olives and plenty of shakers to quickly whip them up.
The china cabinet in the dining room often gets a little something-something to top it off, too.
One of the black velvet jewelry busts from my dressing room was brought in to this display weighted down with strand after strand of bling. Another hat box is filled with red roses and carnations and adorned with a pretty bling brooch from my Mom’s collection. A couple of other red rose balls complete the florals. This terrific black stiletto heel figurine was destined for my neighbor’s thrift store pile. She and her daughter thankfully thought of me before shipping it off, and it makes a nice addition! To give it a little extra kick, I tied a length of red ribbon ballerina-style down the heel. Sexy little number, huh? 😉
I wanted to kick 2014 off with a bang-up post since 2013 was such a royal bust. Since I felt like kickin’, I figured doing it with attitude in black stilettos was the way to go! 😉
Other posts on this site with lots of bling:
“Should Have Put a Ring On It”
“Princess Pink Birthday Dinner”
“Fairy Tale Wedding Shower – The Princess & the Frog”
“Bling Wedding”
“Mandarin Bling”
“Platinum & Pink Valentine”
“French Poodle”
“Rhapsody in Blue”
Other posts on this site with red roses or floral balls:
“Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon”
“Days of Wine and Roses”
“Love’s Arrow”
“Kentucky Derby Buffet”
“Derby Day Dining”
“Run for the Roses”
“Lauren in the Library”
“Float Like a Butterfly”
“Diwali My Way”
“Show Me State Dinner”
“Roses in October”
“One Shoe Can Change Your Life”
I am delighted to join these blog parties this week:
Susan’s “Tablescape Thursday”
You can also catch me over at BeBetsy.com!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
Alycia this is so beautiful as always and you haven’t missed a thing especially the lovely bling!!! What I really want to do is come over and live in your dressing room. It sounds outrageous and such a great place to get all pretty and glammed up!!! Hope you get a new TV soon, I would help drop it but I don’t think the hubby wouldn’t like me very if I did that as soon as I met you after hanging out on the fainting couch in the dressing room, LOL!!!
Cynthia
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Ahh sookie sookie! !! You my dear are the queen of table bling! I love every single element on this table. When I’m on the hunt for all things that sparkle I will refer to this post. Hat boxes, jewelry display hands, silver hoop skirts, vodka………….oh and I must have a fainting couch. Better yet, one for the Mr when he sees the bill!!!
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Oh My, MY, My goodness gracious! Your imagination and creativity is very much admired. I absolutely love everything, the bling and Martini is my thing! Seductive! The mirror chargers are beautiful and makes so much sense. Jet black & Red roses!!!! Ok, I have to catch my breath. I’ll have to adopt this for my birthday soiree. So I may be asking questions. It’s way late in the year so I’ll have time to look for and purchase. God, I have a lot to learn. Thanks so much for your inspiration…wait until my husband sees this! 🙂 Thanks my lady!!
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Ok…your table was brimming with fabulous bling and couture and then you end it with the rose topiary stilettos….pass the tall martini…I can just imagine how much fun you had creating this tablescape fit for the queen of diamonds..Marilyn would have been so honored to have a place of honor at your table…not a detail missed down to the wonderful velvet jewelry bust. Cheers to a great 2014 with a tall vodka and vermouth martini!…and I want to see more of that fabulous dressing room of yours!!!
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Alycia, you have done it again! I love the attitude you exude in your tablescapes. We girls need some of that, don’t we? What a fun atmosphere you’ve created with your bling and black. I love how you added the strip of bling over the black cloth – under the plates. The mirror chargers are genius, too! The red accents are stunning. Thank you for getting us ready for Valentine’s Day in style! 🙂 Cheers, my dear!
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Oh, DAAAAAHLING! This is so FAAAABULOUS!!! I love the bling with the black, white and red. You’ve tied everything together so beautifully. So glad to see you “back in the game”!!! I’m missed your inspiring tablescapes!!! ❤
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All your tablescapes are beautiful, Alycia, but you have outdone yourself with this one!! It is spectacular!!! Thank you!
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WOW! This is so over the top, beautiful, sophisticated, and oh so blingy. Alycia you are incredible! I love the black tablecloth with the diamond blingy runners and the mirrored chargers. Wow, then there are the roses. Add it all up and you have gorgeous!
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Wowza! I’m a pearl girl, but you’ve definitely captured my attention with all the bling and sparkle in this ‘scape!! Alycia, you have such exquisite taste! The clutch napkin fold would be so cute at a casual ladies luncheon (or Mother’s Day) as well. Cool close up photo of the martini. After seeing the pillow and hat boxes, I’m thinking your dressing room might be a fun place to visit!!
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I love it, Alycia! Just simply gorgeous!
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Love the theme and all the bling! One of your best inspirations. Very fun!
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I love this! I have already filed the fantastic cloche handbag napkins and the rhinestone ribbon runner…what great pieces…for future tablescapes. Thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay
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Bling is an understatement…..you’ve done it in spades. What fun you must have had putting all this together, smiling the whole time as you found one more thing to add. Reading your descriptions are as much fun as looking at the finished result which, of course, is done with attention to every little detail.
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Woo hoo this is fabulous! Marilyn and Jane Russell would both have loved this! This is so chick and feminine- I love it! Your imagination was in full creativity mode for this one- love the jewelery displays, hat boxes, drinks and flowers & that stilleto shoe! Bling bling bling!
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Hi Alycia! Another fabulous scape with every detail firmly in place! From the rhinestone runners, to the hat boxes, the gloves, everything is absolute perfection! Of course you WOULD have a pair of black velvet rhinestone gloves. I hope you are staying warm. Dianne
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If men can have their man caves you can most definitely have your dressing room with the fainting couch and ALL!! You go girl!! I LOVE this sexy and romantic table scape and you topped it off with the red ribbon going down the heel of the shoe. I hope your health and PT are going well, and hope you’re good as new soon. Take care and we’ll be talking soon!
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Wow….just wow! What a classy blingy table. Love the gorgeous colors and the hat boxes! Oh and if you hear noises coming from your dressing room that’s me playing dress up with your hats! What a great space to get away from testosterone….LOL Oh, you can always do what I do when something needs to be replaced….spill that cocktail on it 🙂 Tell hubby it was my fault.
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One of your prettiest posts ever! When I see a huge bunch of red roses I swoon. I love black, white and red on a dining table. And then you added diamonds! You outdid yourself. As for your DRESSING ROOM? You have one? With a tricked out nail station too? Help me, I need that fainting couch right now!
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Oooo La la…love this table and the added decor in the room. So romantic and sparkly. Love all the details, Alycia. Forget the tea cart, I need a liquor cart! Love coming and seeing all your attention to detail girl…your the best!
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Wow, this is so elegant, Alycia. I love all the bling that is so you. I can see this table done in pinks for a younger girlie girl, too. I had to look twice, I first saw what looked like the Playboy bunny silhouette, then realized it was Marilyn’s dress…have a good laugh over that!
Have a wonderful week.
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Welcome back Ms. Lady.. You sure kicked this year off with the right bling bada boom!! Let me start by saying you teased me with the dressing room.. (Please, please, please show me more ). Chuckles.. So I can continue to drool… The table setting is completely fab! Where on earth did you get the rhinestone runner.. The sexy stiletto .. To die for…everything about this reeks Hollywood glam …
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WOW x WOW x WOW=Fabulous!!! Baby U R Back! Better than Ever! Luv ALL the elements. Might “steal” shamelessly, a “few” ideas. Just picked up 7
13″ octagonal centerpiece mirrors at Ross, after Xmas. Had hoped to re-purpose them as chargers one day. Think this might B the day!! Now if I can only find a fainting couch….but wait I don’t room for one :). Continue to enjoy your special retreat. Upward & onward with the PT also.
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What a fun theme for a table! You did it up right too. Love the idea of the mirror charger. Certainly makes a statement.
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Amazing!… the bling here is fabulous! I love the theme you chose for it…DIMONDS!!! What a fantastic tablescape with all the black and it brings out the dimonds even more so! I adore the mirror chargers…umm…thinking maybe I could have them made or just even cut…GREAT!!! I’m so happy you are tablescaping again, my friend,as you are the ‘Lady of Tablescapers.’
Big hugs,
FABBY
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Diamond is my birthstone! I love this table, it is so elegant and glamorous. So glitzy and just stunning! It belongs to Hollywood!…Christine
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What fun ! Thank you for sharing your closet as well. Love bling. 😉
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As if you need stilettos to kick anything up, Alycia! LOL Now that we have a peak into you via your closet (what a closet!!), we can readily see that this table is so you!! Not only do I love this fun table, but I love the tales you weave for us with every table–entertainment plus inspiration! 2014 is off with a bang for you for sure!
Speaking of mirrors to check your lipstick, etc., do you know about the mirror app for your phone so you can try to do the same???
Here’s to you and 2014, Alycia!! Hugs and best wishes to you, ~Zuni
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You go, girl–this is so amazing! I want to come to this party 🙂 And your dressing room is completely drool-over gorgeous–wow!
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Love that BLACK!
Respectfully, Senator Yvonne S. Wilson (Retired)
>________________________________ > From: Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One >To: y.wilson@sbcglobal.net >Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 2:03 PM >Subject: [New post] Diamonds Are A Material Girl’s Best Friend > > > > WordPress.com >Alycia Nichols posted: ” The decor in our house is pretty unisex…except for my dressing room! This is the one place that has a definite feminine touch with all the girly-girl trappings one might expect: chandelier, lavish antique dressing table, fainting couch near a window (” >
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Beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated with drama and excitement as only you can do. Pinning such a great tablescape. You have outdone yourself again.
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Oh you are back, girlfriend… You. Are. Back. This table is so perfectly Alycia that I can’t stand it. I loved every single element and must have broken the world’s record for slow scrolling so I didn’t miss a tidbit. I loved the mirror chargers with this. (Laughed about the spinach in the teeth..,) I also loved the bling (especially that red!) hanging everywhere. The purse napkins are wonderful. Years ago you did something with those, and I have been planning to use the idea for a luncheon club ever since.( I would do it this time coming up, but I think I’m doing a regular “envelope”: again instead. My luncheon club IRL friends haven’t had that one here.)
Finally, I just love your dressing room and now officially want one, complete with chandelier of course. You just have to have a chandy in a dressing room. It’s a rule.
Love your style so much. No wonder you are the professional, and the rest of us are rank amateurs.
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Absolutely gorgeous! Love this! In fact, I am doing a similar table for a Valentine brunch for the Cloggers. The colors are the same, except I slipped in the zebra. Your attention to details never fails you. Love the vignette and the martini tray. What a great concept using Marilyn. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you my friend have blinged these table up. The clutch napkin is super cool! Your dressing room is fabulous. A great place to bling up and have fun.
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Alicia, Wow you did it again! Love this table with all the black, red and bling. I could sit here for hours devouring all the details and any food of course. What a great idea – great job!
Blessings,
Carol
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Lady A!!!
Ohhhh waaaahh!! what a fantastique TS. Graciousness… so me here and not to mention those tall sleek vases? I wanted to steal that from you §:-) LoL*
So elegant with the color choice. Hmmm… guess, I think what a great TScaper’s thought.
Hope both you and Mr. 21 are in the best of everything. Let me know if you need some tips for a good and friendly recipes and easy to cook.
Happy weekend ahead.
GB,
/CC girl
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Over the top fabulous!! Yes, I’ll have a glass of that too!! Your dressing room is envious, wow and what a great inspiration for your table! I LOVE the Marilyns, Alycia, such a great idea and really sets the sexy mood of it all. LOVE it all!
Jenna
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I love this Alycia, from the convenient martini/tea cart to the cloche handbag napkins and blinged out ribbon runner! Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend and I’ll take a big tall one too 🙂
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Your table is over the top gorgeous! I think I need to come over and hang out with you and see if your creativity will rub off on me! lol Your table is so beautiful. I love all the bling! I have never seen the bling ribbon before so I will be on the look out for it. Your dressing room must be a fun place to get all decked out. You and your table shine!
Blessings My Friend,
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Wow, this is just gorgeous! I could stare at this for a long time to see it all.
Great work.
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What a fun and fabulous table you’ve set!! You’ve really nailed your theme! BTW, Thanks for visiting and your kind words.
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Oh my goodness!! You have gone far beyond accessorizing just a table!! We now have shoes, necklaces, pillows, gloves and more!! I think you have thought of everything here!! This is such a fun post! fabulous darling!!!
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What a lovely, lovely table! I love the centerpiece, just gorgeous! Pinning! ❤❤. Hope all is well for you in 2014!
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Alycia, you have done it again! I love all of the sparkle. The tablescape is exquisite.
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Wow! This is gorgeous! I love the red with black and white! I also enjoyed having a peek at your dressing room!
I must tell you I loved what you wrote on Debbie’s (WoW blog) about the swooping comments! LOL!
Katherine
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They certainly are mine.
And since I lack the rocks I compesate by knowing true diamonds in human shape like you…
I love wach and every detail on this one. I bought one of those bling “things” for Christmas but ended up not using them. I’m sure they’ll come out some other time… one should never regret having bling in storage in my thinking ahahahah. And why did I buy them? Because the store where I bought them have turned simple votives – some pretty boring – into amazing votives that shouted YOUR title on this post.
Amazing Coincidences.
Going to rumage through your blog in search for inspiration for mother-in-law’s (belated) birthday luch I’m throwing on Sunday. Black won’t do. She’s that kind of in-law that would mention if I was throwing her funeral party or something… same as with Linda’s purple… If I didn’t love her son so much 😉
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Teresa
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Hi lovely lady.
Wow this is one of your prettiest posts ever! When I see a huge bunch of red roses I swoon. I love black, white and red on your dining table you did a Beautiful job putting this one all together. Wow then you had added diamonds! You outdid yourself.
xxoo
Diane
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I have a friend that is a huge fan of MM. She would really enjoy your post. She has a lot of movie poster artwork of her in her living room and loves to decorate with black and red too.
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So happy you have your space. You deserve it! Quite the rocking table!!!
– The Tablescaper
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What a fun table setting! And I really want a bar, I mean TEA cart too!
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Fabulous bling! One cannot have too much bling when partying. The black and white vignette on the buffet with the red flowers are great! Love the entire look behind the decors and it would be so fun to attend a gathering with a fun theme! Terrific job.
Thanks for sharing this on #simplybebetsy galleries!
Sharon and Denise
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I’m pretty sure this is either the first or second table I saw on your blog, and fell in love. Congrats to you, how exciting! I hope you are recuperating….Hugs!
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