Spring – Dining Al Fresco

Much apologies for the lack of posts this week. I have family visiting, and I have not mastered the concept of working from home with house guests (especially when I’m having too much fun). Anyways, if you missed my 12th & Broad piece last week, here’s a chance to catch up. Enjoy lots of fun decor ideas for spring parties.

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Photo via Style Me Pretty

Spring has finally sprung! And, all I want to do is throw an outdoor party. For the last few weeks Nashville has experienced warmer days, lots of sunshine and gorgeous crisp air. After the crazy winter weather we had last month, this change in season is greatly welcomed.

This weekend is Good Friday and Easter (aka Passover), and whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it’s a great time to celebrate the new season with friends and family. After being cooped up all winter, I think entertaining al fresco is a must. Dining outside is pretty much my favorite way to entertain. The atmosphere is casual, everyone is at ease and there is no rush to leave – exactly how sharing a meal with your loved ones should be.

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Photo via Kinfolk and Pinterest

Below are a few décor tips on how to throw a great spring party. Instead of going with the same style, year after year, try something new. I guarantee your friends and family will appreciate the new look.

COLOR PALETTE

DON’T: Please, for the love of all that is holy, back away from the elementary hallmark pink, yellow and blue that is used every year for spring décor. Back away! Leave those childish colors to the Easter baskets.Color_Bad-horz2

DO: Apricot, Tangerine, Blush, Coral, Lucite Green and Sage.
These colors are fresh and flirty. Still whimsical, but modern and grown-up.Coral2-horz
Photos via Pinterest

TABLE DÉCOR

DON’T: Since we are on the topic of childish décor, let’s leave the bunnies, baby chicks, and little lambs to the kiddos as well. There is no need for a giant plastic rabbit to ever be incorporated in your decor, nor a faux grass runner on your dining table, or cheap throw away signs that tell everyone spring has arrived. Just don’t.
Bad Spring

DO: Keep the décor simple, fresh and let nature be your inspiration. There is no need for imitation, use the real deal and the results are timeless and beautiful. Flowers and greenery, seasonal fruit, handmade place cards, pretty linens and nice dinnerware is all you need. Simple is always better.Coral Table-horz
Photo via Burnetts Boards and Ruffled Blog

FLOWERS

DON’T: Tulips and daffodils are beautiful but they are not the only flowers growing in the spring flower bed. There are numerous varieties, in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. Do not limit your décor to two types of flowers because they are the poster-child of spring.Easter Tulips-horz

DO: Choose a sunny citrus floral arrangement with lots texture. Instead of the traditional single-variety tulip, create a mixed variety of florals in shades of dusty oranges, coral pinks and sage-greens. The colors are stunning together and will be perfect for a spring table. spring flowers_sfgirl-horz
Photos via SF Girl by the Bay and Brit + Co

COCKTAILS + DESSERT

Whether you are hosting an intimate brunch or a traditional Easter lunch, always have cocktails and dessert. These two items on the menu are what make a party, well, a party. They make a lot of smiles, and they bring a festive element to the décor.

DON’T: Mimosa bars have had their fun but it’s time to try something new.Mimosa Bar-horz

DO: Try a delicious Guava Sangria with a Touch of Sage Honey PalomaFrench 75 (similar to a mimosa, but so much better)Drinks
Photos via SB Chic, Design Love Fest and PDX Food Love

DON’T: Overly sugary sweet desserts in bright (chemically dyed) colors.Easter Dessert-horz

DO: Try a lightly sweetened but decadent dessert, like an orange sherbet cake, a naked strawberry shortcake or mandarin orange tea cookies.Orange Sherbet Cake-horz
Photos via Design Love Fest Pinterest Boards

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Pin Crush – Natural Light

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It’s time for a little Pin Crush. Today’s pins are all about natural light and daring windows. As the final bits of snow melt away, and the sun is shining bright, all I can think about is flooding my home with natural light.

Last night, I laid in bed (for more hours than I’d like to admit) dreaming about all the ways I could tear down an exterior wall of my home and replace with floor to ceiling windows. Some of my favorite design styles are from Australia and Sweden, where natural light is the essence of home design. They call it daylight-designs or daylighting. It is a design practice of illuminating the home with natural light by implementing abundant windows, skylights, high ceilings and reflective surfaces. It’s more than a window view, it’s an experience one feels throughout the home. No matter where you are, you are apart of the light coming in. Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Today’s collection can be found in the Abode, Black & White, White on White, Dine with Me and In the Kitchen Pinterest boards. Enjoy and be inspired! XOAtelier Creatrice3-tilePersonal_Bedroom-Windows-tilePersonal_Kitchen-Outdoor-tilePersonal_Kitchen Light Windows-horz

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Gold + White Gift Guide

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The gold and white gift guide is finally here! So many goodies for the home, I can hardly stand it! Seriously, this guide is damn good. If you aren’t sure about gold decor, put all your opinions on hold and be prepared to be converted…

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{From Left to Right} 1. Gold Gator Spreaders (Set of 2) 2. Glass with gold-colored trim 3. Halcyon Golden Jigger 4. Pression Gold-Rimmed Highball Glass (set of 2) 5. Noctua Bottle Opener 6. 24K Gold-Plated Cocktail Shaker 7. Aureate Plumes Pitcher 8. In Good Spirits Cocktail Shaker 9. Gold Tipped Flatware

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{From Left to Right} 10. Gold Leaf Frames 11. Gold Butterfly Chair 12. Sphere Gold & White Pendant

Candle Basket
{From Left to Right} 13. Pure Gold Candle (unscented) 14. Metal Brass Candle Holder 15. Metal Brass Basket

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{From Left to Right} 16. Gold Leopard Coasters 17. Camile Crocodile Gold Tray 18. Acropolis Bookends 19. Constellation Tray 20. All That Glitters Tiny Gold Container (set of 3) 21. Hollywood Coasters

Pillows-tile{From Left to Right} 22. Gold Metallic Floral Pillow 23. Luminous Dot Pillow (too good to not mention again) 24. Triangle Sequins Gold-Silver Pillow

Misc_tile{From Left to Right} 25. Gold & White Star Cotton Tablecloth 26. Stainless Steel Gold Beverage Tub 27. Mongolian Lamb Faux Fur Throw 28. Geo Salt & Pepper Shakers 29. Gold & White Table Runner 30. Gold & Stripe Baggu Weekender

*The gorgeous Geo Bottle Stoppers {top picture} can be found at West Elm.

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