Setting a Natural Spring Table

A few weeks ago we hosted a small dinner party in our backyard. I didn't have a lot of time or money to spend, but sometimes that turns out for the best doesn't it? I wound up clipping a few branches from each of the different trees in our yard and laid them out as a table runner on top of some plain butcher paper. The blue patterned napkins.... yeah, those are actually dish towels from Ikea. Pretty right? And that was basically all it took. We had a grand old time and ate ourselves silly on southern bbq, red beans + rice, cole slaw and king cake.

Of course, I haven't mentioned the cornbread. It's not a party if I don't go a little overboard on something... but more on that tomorrow.

 

photos + styling © cake. 2013

These images are for personal use only. If sharing them on your site, please credit CAKE. events blog and link directly to this post.

Simply Styled. | Derby Day

via home modern

Simply Styled. | Biscuits + Brights

via southern weddings

Simply Styled. | Sage + Lavender

via nib & zed

Simply Styled. | Easter in Neon

via making it lovely

Simply Styled. | Pink + Patterned

via sweet tooth // styled by somewhere splendid // photos by paper antler

A Rustic Winter Tablescape

A small touch of sparkle can be the perfect addition to a holiday table, and I love the effect of using Mercury glass in contrast to a natural setting like this one.  It has a subtle shimmer that catches the light and compliments the earthy hues and raw materials.  Mercury glass is currently trendy with major retailers as seen here and here and can also be created as a DiY craft project at home, following this tutorial.  Here are some styling tips for creating a similar tablescape:

1. Gather weathered branches and paint white. For a more rustic look, use a flat white spray paint and a gentle 1-2 coats of spray.  To achieve full coverage, you'll be better off painting the branches with a brush and white primer or semi-gloss paint (as the wood tends to suck up the spray paint rather quickly).

2. Set your holiday table. This table is an unfinished wood, and the green patterned runner incorporates a subtle silver, green and blue color palette. Silver chargers add a touch of sophistication.

3. Add your branches and intersperse with Mercury Glass candle holders (found here) and other items. This table uses natural pine cones, but glass ornaments would be perfect for the holidays.

4. A pop of contrasting color like these red pomegranates adds an element of fun and can be used as a placecard (as shown here).

photos + styling © cake. 2011

Modern Holiday: Neon + Neutrals

I've had mixed feelings about the neon trend, but when paired with neutrals like white and kraft, there's no denying it adds a certain cheer to the holiday season.  Try incorporating an idea or two from this roundup to add a subtle pop of neon in your home, or put it all together with some metallic accents for a vibrant and festive holiday party...

wreath + garland, via anthology.

cupcakes, toppers + tags, via martha stewart.

wall decor + treats, via somewhere splendid.

tablescape + masking tape plates via design sponge.

free printable tags via hey look.

geo ornaments via etsy.

A Handmade Wedding with Fox Details

I'm completely smitten with this wedding via Style Me Pretty, Mass.  The deep grey and rustic, woodsy details are just perfect for fall... and pops of bright color give it a touch of cheerful whimsy that would lend well to any party setting.  The fox masks are simply charming, and need I mention the crepe paper flowers? Love.

photos © Deborah Zoe Photo

From Deborah Zoe Photo via Style Me Pretty: Cass and Sean were married at her father’s home in Acton, Massachusetts. Cass created all the details of her wedding down to the bouquets for her and her bridesmaids. Every detail was thought out and planned by Cassandra and Sean to create a wedding that was uniquely them. The couple celebrated with close family and friends with cocktails by the pool and a BBQ under a tent in the front yard. They are a super relaxed couple who wrote their own vows and had an impromptu “first dance” with their two pups, Rockwell and Clementine.

Simply Styled.

via Hey Look

Simply Styled.

via Style Me Pretty

Styled Desserts with a Casual Elegance

Anneli Marinovich is an incredible photographer out of the UK, and was kind enough to share these photos from her shoot with Lilybox design.  The simple elegance and subtle details of this dessert table styling has captured my heart... and my stomach.  I'm fighting off a serious craving for some oreos and milk right about now.

photos © anneli marinovich

From Anneli: On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I joined the lovely Grace from Lilybox Design to capture on camera the dessert table heaven she had created. My mouth started watering immediately when I walked in and I had to remind myself of my “bikini body mission” a few times!! Between the red velvet cupcakes from the one and only “American cupcakes and cakes in London” – Hummingbird Bakery and the beautiful pink cake lollies, it wasn’t easy!! Grace did a fantastic job with both tables (yes she had styled two!!). The first dessert table was a neutral Oreo and chocolate cake oasis with tulips adding some white washed elegance. The second was a bright, colourful and pink with a white wedding cake decorated with pink peonies to round off the look (not pictured here).