Sweet Tea & Linen {Exclusive Feature and SURPRISE}

Carolyn of Sweet Tea and Linen is one of those people you meet who just fills your life with joy and gratitude.

When I first approached her to create for me a custom burlap tablecloth and ruffled burlap table runner for my Mystical Mermaid {Signature Party}, she instantly was not only willing and able, but she did so with such grace, confidence, kindness.

{image by Open Shade Studios}

And when a couple months later I asked her about creating a gorgeous three-tier pink tablecloth for the Nutcracker Suite Ballet {Signature Party}, she didn't hesitate for one moment. Instead, she shared in the excitement of the beauty she was going to create.

Today you get a chance to learn more about my absolute favorite custom table linen designer, as well as have the opportunity to win a $50 gift certificate to her shop!

{Question} Tell us about how you started Sweet Tea And Linen, and where the name came from?



{Answer} After closing my interior decorating business in 2009, I wanted to find something I could do from home but still be creative. After much urging from my family, I decided to open an Etsy shop in early 2010. When choosing a name, I wanted something a little bit shabby and a little bit southern. Sweet Tea and Linen just seemed like the perfect mix.

{Question} What do you love most about your work for Sweet Tea and Linen? Do you design and create new items often, seasonally, or do a lot of custom work? We would love to learn a bit more about what makes you passionate about what you do!



{Answer} While I love designing items myself, my true passion lies in designing with the customer. It is so fulfilling to be able to take a customer’s idea or vision and turn it into a beautiful one of a kind item. I draw inspiration from my customers and try to keep new designs in the shoppe and always keep a few seasonal items on hand but the majority of my work is custom.

{Question} How would you describe your decorating style at home? We all would love to know, bet it is beautiful!



{Answer} Being a decorator by trade, my tastes are constantly evolving. I would have to call my style Shabby Chic Eclectic. I love the juxtaposition of classic French pieces mixed with industrial chic and clean lined accents. And of course, anything skirted or ruffled makes me swoon.

{Question} The big question everyone wants to know: how do you balance work and family? What are your priorities, and how do you keep them in order?



{Answer} I am blessed to have an amazing husband who is my biggest supporter. While I try to balance home and work, sometimes work takes precedence and he is always there to cook dinner, start a load of laundry or feed the dog.

{Question} What trends do you see big right now with your products...ruffles, pom poms, fringe, clean lines?



{Answer} Pom poms are popular right now. I love the whimsy they lend to pillows and table runners. Ruffles are timeless and are still my favorite. Whether a short pleated or long flowing ruffle, a girl can never have too many ruffles!

{Question} We just love what you create...any previews of new product designs you may be launching in 2011?


{Answer} I plan to work with more fabrics in 2011. While burlap will remain a staple, I want to incorporate linens, silks and maybe even some bamboo fabrics into my designs. I will also be debuting a line of ruffled scarves.

                                         {image by Open Shade Studios}

 {Question}You have some beautiful products for the holidays. Any tips for how early we should place our orders?



{Answer} Since I sew all of my items myself, custom orders for Christmas would need to be placed by December 15th to ensure delivery. I do have several items in the Etsy shop that are ready to ship and those items can be ordered as late as December 21st.

{Question} What are your 3 favorite items in your shop?

My ruffled burlap table runner has always been my favorite piece. It is so versatile and has really become my signature piece.



My True Love Wedding Date Pillow. I have one on a chair at the bottom of my stairs, I can’t help but smile each time I walk past. It is a sweet little reminder of that special day.



Rosettes. Burlap and fabric rosette are a staple item in my home. They are great for dressing up pillows, lampshades, tote bags or to wear on a coat or scarf.

{Question} Any tips for our readers styling a table for a birthday party or holiday party, in regards to types of how to use linens?


{Answer} I love the look of a long tablecloth with a coordinating table runner. Whether it is a sweets table or a table that will be used for dining, keeping the linens consistent in color and theme will deliver a beautiful anchor for your table scape.

{Question} Just for fun, a chance to get to know you better:


I am a simple country girl at heart. We don't have children so our pets are our kids. Things that make me happy are: beautiful days on the lake, time with friends and family, a tall glass of southern sweet tea and ruffles!



Your Favorite Color: At the moment, Grey. All shades from lavender to charcoal. I am positively in love with grey.


 Your 3 favorite blogs and/or websites to read on a daily basis:
Facebook. It is my little portal to the world. I can link directly to my favorite blogs like Kate Landers Events, LLC, and stay "in the know" on the latest news and happenings. I am honestly not sure I could do without it.

Velvet & Linen. I could spend hours just drooling over Brooke’s designs. Her blog is filled with fantastic photography and decorating tips.

Brighton Cottage. She is amazing! Her house is my dream space and she is practically superwoman..kids, job, hubby, home..all while looking fabulous. She also happens to be my incredibly talented cousin and a huge inspiration behind Sweet Tea & Linen.


Your Favorite Vacation Spot: The Texas Hill Country. We always take our dogs with us when we travel and there’s a B&B in Wimberley that has become our favorite spot. Gourmet breakfasts, hiking through the hills and day trips to Marble Falls & San Antonio.


Your Favorite Holiday Dessert: It would have to be my Aunt’s fresh homemade pumpkin pie. It is positively divine!

Your 3 Favorite Places To Shop:  Etsy is the first place I go when I need a gift or just want to treat myself to something special. It is important to me to support fellow artisans and handmade items are so much more meaningful when it comes to gift giving.

Resale Shops. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt. It is so exciting to find once loved treasures and breathe new life into them. I have a few that I visit weekly and every couple of months I take a day off, load up on hand sanitizer and scour every shop within 50 miles.

Pottery Barn. I adore PB! I am always so inspired when I visit.
 
 
 

 
 
 
Thank you so much Carolyn for giving us a glimpse into your beautiful, sweet, ruffled southern world!
 
 
 

 
 
Now for a SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!
 
 
 
One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Carolyn's shop, Sweet Tea and Linen.
 
To Enter:
 
Visit Sweet Tea and Linen, and come back here leaving a comment telling us your favorite item, and what you would love to see added to the shop.
 
That's it! {Must be 18 years of age or older to enter}...but...
 
For SIX ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (YES, REALLY!)...
 
1. Become a fan of Sweet Tea and Linen, and leave us a second comment here letting us know (you only need to tell us this ONCE, and we will automatically award you THREE additional entries for doing so!)
 
2. Become a fan of Kate Landers Events, LLC, and leave us a third comment here letting us know  (you only need to tell us this ONCE, and we will automatically award you THREE additional entries for doing so!)
 
All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, December 15th.
 
Thank you, and GOOD LUCK!