INSPIRATION TO REALITY: BOHEMIAN TABLE STYLE

I absolutely love bright rich colors, rustic floral arrangements and worldly inspired decor. That's why creating this roundup for a bohemian dinner party was such a pleasure. It's always a lot of fun to look at beautiful pictures of perfectly designed tabletops, but another thing to make it happen at your own house. I hope this post will be the start to making these fantasy parties a reality in your home. 

{Craftzine, Lanterns, Moroccan Tea Glasses, Floor Cushions, Ikat Pillow, Floral Arrangement, Toile Plate, Chalkboard Place Cards, Vintage Antler, Votives}

DIY DAFFODIL CENTERPIECE

I love daffodils! And the best part is how ridiculously inexpensive they are here in England. Yesterday I bought 6 big bunches for only £6 at our local corner flower stand. AMAZING! I was hosting a brunch and wanted to display them as the centerpiece but was at a loss as to how to make them look elegant, yet short enough for people to talk over. I was scouring the apartment for vases to put them in when I had a brilliant idea: shot glasses. For whatever reason, this apartment accumulated quite a collection of plain shot glasses over the years (male flatmates). I had hidden them on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet, but decided to dust them off and give it a go. The result: a beautiful center piece that was functional yet sophisticated. I think I may just have to give this a go again on Easter Sunday.

All you need are sharp clippers and as many shot glasses as you can get your hands on.

1. Fill glass 1/2 to 2/3 full with luke warm water. 

2. Cut stem on a diagonal so the flower section is 3-4 inches in length (the size will vary depending on the height of the glass). 

2. Place 2-3 stems in each shot glass.

3. Group them all together in 2 close lines down then center of the table.

Note: Change water every 2 days. Do not mix daffodils with other types of flowers. They should stay in their own vase because they give off a compound that is toxic to other flowers.

{photos by Julia Ferguson of Room for Dessert}

A SUCCULENT CHRISTMAS

Who said you had to decorate with pine, holly and mistletoe?

{photos via 100 Layer Cake, Flora Grubb Gardens, Project Wedding}

STRING GARDENS

How cool are these String Gardens? Plants are suspended into hanging works of art, a variation of the Japanese botanical style, Kokedma.

{photos via String Gardens}

FALL TABLE STYLE

I absolutely love the fall... the falling leaves, the crisp air, the way the sunlight changes. It's a great time for design as well.  I just adore the deep, rich jewel tones, and earthy colors that are associated with this season. I've collected some fall tablestyles that I hope will inspire you for your next autumn dinner party (or get you to start thinking about how you're going to decorate for Thanksgiving).

{photos via Coco + Kelley, Martha Stewart}

FLOWER TABLE STYLE

I love the idea of having only one type of flower to decorate your table.  Use a single type of flower as a place holder, scatter them down the center of the table or group them together by color to make a beautiful and effortless dinner come to life.

 {via Martha Stewart}

ITALIAN BOUQUET

I love this Italy inspired bouquet by Studio Choo that I saw over at Design*Sponge.  When I look at it I can just see the peachy-pink buildings, overgrown wild roses scaling up trellises, and vineyards with wildflowers covering the hillside.  Okay, I'm ready to pack my bag and head to Italia.

{photos via Design*Sponge}

SUMMER FLOWERS

If this bouquet doesn't symbolize summer than I don't know what does.  I just totally adore the raspberry and wild rose combination.

{via Frolic)

SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER BOUQUET

I picked some roses in the garden and was in need of a small vase, but all of them were in use.  I improvised and used a salt and pepper shaker instead.  So easy and so cute!

{photo: Julia Ferguson}

IN FULL BLOOM

The backyard at my mom's house in Marin is in full bloom.  I love sitting amongst the roses, the air sweet with their perfume, sipping a cup of lemonade and reading a book.  Life doesn't get much better than this.

{photos: Julia Ferguson}

DIY: A CLASSIC ENGLISH HAND-TIED BOUQUET

I have always adored cylinder vases.  When I saw this gorgeous bouquet in Southern Living, I fell in love.  I was then even more thrilled to find that that they offered step-by-step instructions on how to create this charming spiral look yourself.

{photos: Southern Living}

RUSTIC FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS | SAIPUA

Saipua, a Brooklyn based floral shop, is creating the most beautiful rustic floral arrangements.  Thought you might want to take a look...

{photos: Saipua}