Cape Cod Wedding Venue: Highfield Hall

Highfield Hall amazes me every time I go. Built in 1878 as the summer home of the prominent Beebe family, the Queen Anne stick-style mansion is nestled high in the woods of Falmouth. The Beebes used the home until the early 1930s, after which it changed hands a number of time, serving as a hotel and theater before eventually falling into neglect. In 1994 a local committee raised nearly $8 million to save and renovate the building, which reopened in 2007.

It has every modern amenity but the meticulous renovation maintains the building's historic character and architectural details. If the story of the building and its glorious return from despair doesn't intrigue you, maybe its covered porches, giant fireplaces and a swoon-worthy grand staircase will: 

{ via Hemlines & Heels ... Check out the blue petticoat, too! }

{ Tim Cook via www.highfieldhall.org }

 

 { The Casual Gourmet }

Let's do a Great Gatsby style wedding here, with croquet out on the lawn during the cocktail hour.  Or a warm & cozy winter wedding inside the mansion.

To Favor or Not to Favor: That is the Question

What do you think about party favors?

From little baggies filled with dime-store trinkets to mini bottles of champagne, party favors run the gamut from the mundane to the sublime, but are they always necessary?

Far too often at the end of a party I watch catering staff throw away all the leftover favors. And really, when it comes down to it, how often do you use that singular wine glass engraved with "Emily & Chris 9.12.09"? It's tucked away in the back of your cabinet until you give it to the really clumsy guest at your next huge party.

Don't get me wrong... I love myself a little schwag. New pair of flip flops? I'll take 'em. Pretty candle, sure. But I just adore the favor that is so cute, so personable and so meaningful to the hosts, that it adds style to the entire event. Here are some of my favorite ways of thanking your guests:

 

{ Martha. Of course. }

 
I love that these potted orchids are both the centerpiece and the favor. I think favors should almost always do double duty: centerpiece/favor, placecard/favor, etc.

{ The Knot }

Making a donation to a charity in lieu of a favor has long been a 'favor'ite idea of mine. I've recently read some negative comments about this idea that surprised me. Evidently, somewhere, some guest actually wants something physical to take home with him or her from an event (evidently a full stomach doesn't count). Yeah, I think those people are bunk. If you are afraid that guest is attending your event, you can tie a little note about the donation to a decorated cookie or a bag of Jordan Almonds.

{ via }

Lottery tickets. At a wedding, attach them to a placard that quotes Willa Sibert Cather: "Where there is great love, there are always miracles." For added fun, hide them under the charger plate for your guests to find when your first course is cleared.

So here's my two cents on favors:
Birthday parties for the elementary school set - yes, a favor is required. Even if it's the plastic bag full of dime store trinkets.
Adult parties - maybe.  They are a 'charming custom, but are in no way required or expected,' according to the Emily Post Institute. If you are going to favor, make sure it's a reflection of who you are, and your inherent style.

And maybe try to make it edible. Those always seem popular. 

Happy Veterans Day

To all the men and women who serve: Thanks.

{ Really. Can a man in uniform be any more handsome? }

Love Is...Part 2

More Shoreside guest "book" ideas I've been collecting...

{ Make a Wish, Take a Wish. It fulfills my need for 

apothecary jars and seashells. }

{ 'Leaf' a thumbprint on a Wedding Tree via; or all over Etsy}

 { Vintage Cape Cod postcards }

{ Or have guests sign a object you could use to decorate your home, like an oar...}

{ ... or a pair of Adirondack chairs }

Need More Info.

Two new Cape Cod wedding venues have crossed my path. Does anything know anything about them? Photos of weddings there? Inquiring minds want to know. 

The Elnathan Nye house in Falmouth looks to be an old sea captain's house with a barn and room for a tent. According to the website, the site can accommodate up to 200 outside or 45 inside.  There are not too many venues on the Cape that can accommodate small groups or large groups... a place that can do both is a rare find.  And an antique house makes such a lovely spot for an intimate winter wedding. 

The outer Cape is also seriously lacking in wedding venues. Edgewood Farm in Truro might just become a new favorite. Meadows, barns, gardens... this place looks like it's got it going on.

{ A big ol' Sperry Tent nestled amongst Edgewater's pine trees. Nice. Very nice. }

Have the 411 on these places? Send it along. Would love to share with other Shoreside Brides.