I’ve been obsessed with vintage glass cloches lately. I bought several this summer from my favorite antique store in the Hamptons, called Nellie’s. I love them in a collection together on a table and I’ve been using them a lot for outdoor entertaining to cover cheeses and cakes. There seems to be a trend in weddings too with using cloches for centerpieces. Event and floral designer Matthew Robbins used similar glass terrariums and apothecary beakers in his beautiful wedding (see below) and many are following. If you can’t find vintage cloches, or you’d like to source them for … Read more
Archive for the ‘Greens’ Category
pumpkin vases (in a pale palette)
It’s easy to have your pumpkins become your table centerpiece. Hollow out the pumpkin like you usually would and leave the top lid with stem off. Use any container or vase which is just a bit lower than the top of the pumpkin so you don’t see it, place inside the pumpkin and arrange your flowers. It’s best to have some foliage or cascading greens to cover up most of your cut top, this will make it look more clean and finished looking. Fall hydrangea, mums and ferns could also work well in an arrangement. We also loved this gray … Read more
this week’s color palette: green & gray
This week’s color palette is inspired by a walk through a beautiful tree lined street. We’ve talked about nature being the best source for color inspiration but sometimes buildings, weathered shingles, paths etc. can play a big part too in the landscape. If you are stuck when selecting a palette for your home, try going through some of your favorite vacation snap shots. A vacation is usually when you are most at ease and comfortable, so if your surroundings and colors inspired you, why not try to incorporate them into your home. Above are Benjamin Moore Paint colors, from top … Read more
silhouettes for weddings, celebrations and family trees
The art of silhouettes is said to date back to the 1600’s when artists entertained royalty by cutting silhouettes of them in their hair pieces and fancy dress. Silhouettes became very popular in America in the late 18th century as portraits up until the invention of the photograph. Now there are only about 10-15 silhouette artists in the country. One of them I had the pleasure of meeting this past weekend, Ms. Deborah O’Connor. She cut my daughters’ profiles and I was so impressed with her detail. Having a silhouette cut for your wedding, anniversary or a special celebration … Read more
this week’s color palette: a fall harvest palette
The leaves are starting to change here in New York and pumpkin fields are full. This time of year I love bringing out my Black Clay Pottery, black tumblers, flatware and decorative owls. Also setting the table with Terra Cotta Hurricanes and votives on our outside patio brings that garden feeling to the tabletop and act as a centerpiece. I like selecting muted color pumpkins for the table instead of the bright orange (which I usually save for pumpkin carving). Natural color linen table runners keep the table soft against the dark plates … Read more
edible chocolate mushrooms, leaves and acorns- andie’s edible sweets are amazing
Andie’s Edible Sweets on Etsy.com has the most amazing sweets. The beautiful items on the shop are like miniature pieces of edible art. Impress your guests at thanksgiving with a leaf cake (with edible leaves) or put out these nut flavored candy acorns as treats! Branches, feathers, mushrooms, owls- they all can adorn a gorgeous fall buffet or wrap tiny bags of them as favors. They also have snowflakes as we head into winter or gorgeous chocolate seashells or even edible scrabble letters. Take a look at the shop on etsy.com- you won’t believe your eyes!
simple favors- they don’t just have to be for weddings
Favors at weddings don’t have to be so expensive. A simple little token for guests to take away with them is always a gracious gesture, but don’t stress; If you can’t find a gift that you want to give you don’t have to give a favor. If you can’t think of a personalized favor, a favor of a local treat is always a great idea- local candy or fudge, honey, maple syrup etc.. Also, you don’t have to be hosting a wedding to give your guests a favor; You can give your guests a favor whether the gathering is small or … Read more
how to create a simple buffet for entertaining
Setting up a casual buffet for entertaining friends at home can be simple. I like to bring a table that I usually use inside- outside for two reasons. One, it feels homey and creates a unique look. Two, it allows your outside patio table to be used to actually sit down and eat with your guests. If you don’t have an extra table, you can use anything from an old dresser or a cardboard table and drape it in a nice simple ivory cloth. Use everyday items from your kitchen like cutting boards , cereal bowls and tumblers as food … Read more
How to plan the perfect baby shower (hint: start with the mom-to-be’s favorite colors)
An outdoor baby shower luncheon hosted by her best friends and family is any girls dream. White Peacock Events planned and styled this pretty shower, they said, “we wanted it to be girly and elegant”, and the talented Melissa Mlejnek photographed all the fun. (Don’t forget to hire a professional photographer for such a memorable occasion so you and your guests can just relax and enjoy!) What’s the best way to start to plan a party like this? By starting with a color palette. The momma to be’s favorite colors are gray and lavender so that became the … Read more
design and travel come together at designtripper.com
I wanted to share a site that I love to browse for design inspiration and travel called designtripper.com. Created by a former publishing editor whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, the New York Times etc., Meghan McEwen seeks out compelling places all over the world and shares her insight and great eye for design. Looking for an amazing vacation spot surrounded by lavender fields? This site can also help you find unique places to stay. As well as her travel site Meghan has opened her own bed & breakfast called in Detroit called Honor & Folly. I … Read more