A Spring Affair

We've finally busted out of the low temps and are embracing the 70's nearly every day for the next coming week.  Spring has sprung here on the coast, and it has me ready to be outside.

With the warmer temps, comes more visitors (a perk of living by the beach), and I am excited.  Spring and summer are the perfect time for hosting guests and gatherings...especially outdoors.  As you may have noticed, design for us don't stop in the home.  Pillows and furnishings are great, but we love a beautifully done shower setup or tablescape too.  Here are a few images that have me inspired and ready to play hostess in my home...or backyard.

I love the idea of a brunch gathering or shower.  Especially one that involved a pancake "cake" like this one featured on Camille Styles.

Here's a great idea of using a runner (either fabric or kraft paper) as an entry sign like seen here on 100 Layer Cake-let.

Make inexpensive mylar balloons shine with a metallic paint pen and a beautiful script (tip: recruit your friend with the best handwriting) shown here via Hello May.

Switch up your normal table decor with changing your white tapers to gray ones.  This has bee a favorite I've seen lately.  Image via Southern Weddings

Think small.  Even a small gathering can have a big look if you make everything mini--like these desserts at Desiree Hartsock's wedding shown on Inspired by This.  Think mini cakes, mini banana puddings, macaroons, etc.

One thing to always remember when trying to create a stylish and cohesive design is the color palette.  Here are a few favorites for spring.

Cheers to new gatherings and memories made at the table!

A Dinner Story -with Serena & Lily

I've long been a fan of Serena & Lily.  They have a wide range of great items: furniture, wallpaper, baby goods, accessories... you name it.  And they also have great sales.  And y'all know I'm always looking for a good sale. 

This week while I was perusing their sale items (that are currently an EXTRA 20% off with the code SALE20 until April 21st), I became inspired by several of the items and thought "Oooh I could make a great dinner party out of these finds!"  And since I love sharing a good deal, I had to share with you guys!  Everything* listed below is on sale with the exception of the pillow, but it was too good to not include!  Tip:  Adding throw pillows to the head chairs at the table is great way to bring color and texture to any dinner party.  

*All items are from Serena & Lily except the drinking glasses and all prices listed are BEFORE the extra 20% off.  

1 Table Runner -68.00, now 21.99 /// 2 Brass Candlesticks -32.00-38.00, now 10.99-14.99 /// 3 Water Glasses (set of 12) -16.80 /// 4 Wood and Lacquer Tray -118.00, now 37.99 /// 5 Leaf Napkins (set of 4) -38.00, now 18.99 /// 6 Throw Pillow Cover -68.00 /// 7 Dinner Plates (set of 4) -58.00, now 29.99  /// 8 Placemats (set of 4) -88.00, now 22.99 /// 9 Gladiolus arrangement (they always have these flowers at my local grocery!)

The overall look has a collected feel that is casual and chic with fun patterns and warm tones reminiscent of a summer sunset.  Now who's ready to throw a summer soiree?  Summertime is almost here!  Can I get a hallelujah?  

I hope you all have a happy Easter!

A Fall Table

Dining out is always a nice treat.  But dining in can be just as much fun with the right ambiance, food and company (not to mention more cost effective).

My specialty is the ambiance.  I'm not going to lie.  I'm not much of a cook.  I'd rather bake, especially now that I'm 35 weeks pregnant and have a sweet tooth the size of a small child.  No pun intended.  

But I digress.  Ambiance.  If you ask me, ambiance can best be created with a beautiful table setting and nice lighting.  The rest is a just the cherry on top.  Of a sundae.  Preferably a brownie sundae.  See how bad it is these days, guys?

But seriously, fall is one of my favorite seasons because it is a time for gatherings.  And one of the perfect places for that is around a nicely decorated dinner table.  You don't have to stick to the standard orange and reds of the season when it comes to decor.  In fact, you'll make more of a statement if you don't.  Here's a yummy vision I've been dreaming of lately (aside from a pint of cookies 'n cream ice cream).   

1. This gold flatware set will bring a warmth and sophistication to any table. 

2.   Place settings are all about layering.  I'm a firm believer is having a simple, white set of dishes (fine china or casual) that you can intermix with fun patterns and textures like this salad plate from Target.   

3. This gold rim stemless wine glass adds the perfect amount of bling without breaking the budget.

4.  Every centerpiece doesn't have to contain flowers.  Gather up some pumpkins and add a little teal and metallic paint for a new twist on a traditional fall look.

5.  This wine carafe with an oak stopper will bring an organic feel to your table and can be used as a serving accent for every season.

6.  Take the guessing game out of where to sit and create a personal touch at each place setting by writing your guests' names on a leaf instead of a place card.

7.   Don't forget about the napkins!  They are an easy way to add some color and detail to your table.  This velvet trim jute napkin is a great example.  

8./9.  As with your place settings, lighting should also be layered on your table.  Have a good mix of height variance, votives and candlesticks to create a nice ambiance.  These vintage blue votives and brass candlesticks (check antique and thrift stores for similar finds) will bring the perfect color and glow to your non-traditional (and fabulous) fall gathering.  

Now, who's inviting me for over dinner?