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.

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.

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.

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

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.
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.

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. 
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.

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

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

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

Celebrate Winter!

I cannot believe it’s been a month since I last wrote a post! Much apologies friends. With the holidays, my AMAZING trip to Montreal and getting back to work in this new year, I have completely neglected Flock South. But don’t fret, I have some wonderful posts in the mix and come Monday, Flock South will be back in the saddle. In the meantime, I will be catching you up on some of my past posts I’ve written for 12th & Broad’s Style Scout.

First up, Celebrate Winter! (all photos via Pinterest)
Halloween? Check.

Thanksgiving? Check.

Christmas? Check.

New Years? Check.

January? Throw all the festive décor back into the attic, go back to the norm and wait out winter.

This is the pattern we have for every year. We celebrate our biggest holidays in one quarter, decking every hall we can find and then poof! It’s over. So much, so fast and then nothing during the grayest days of the year.

I’m depressed just thinking about this cycle. Nashville, and most of the south, is not big on winter. It’s not cold enough to get snow and not warm enough for afternoon picnics in the park. It’s just miserable enough to keep everyone inside complaining on Facebook, dreaming of warmer days.

To add to the misery, everyone strips their home of any and all holiday décor the second the clock strikes midnight on the New Year. It took us how long to get the house looking nice for the holidays? And now we are expected to just chuck it all away and wait until spring to spruce up our homes? Again, depressing!
This past week, I have been in Montreal, Quebec. Where the days are ridiculously cold and the skies are heavy with shades of gray. Winter is harsh in this city, and it’s just the beginning. And yet, the city sparkles. At a high of 8 degrees, people are out walking the streets with friends, laughing and enjoying the day. The city is lined with interactive art (Luminotherapie) to make your daily walks more enjoyable, public spaces have fire-pits and Adirondack chairs, and the homes & local establishments are decked in simple winter décor. Montreal doesn’t hunker down for the darkest days of the year, it celebrates the season with gusto.
Instead of committing to lackluster days and a sadly decorated house this winter, try something different and celebrate this time of year. Winter is about slowing down and enjoying the simple things, not hibernating. It’s about cozy fires, good books, comfort food, hot drinks spiked with spirits and evenings well spent with friends and family. So stop complaining about the cold and make the most of this season.

Here are some fun tips to make winter more enjoyable:

1. Decorate your home for winter. Keep a few winter neutral items from your holiday décor out. My favorite winter items are pinecones, winter greens & berries, woodland animals, rustic décor, wool throws, sheepskin rugs and lots of candles.
2. Create a winter wreath for your front door. The Wreath Recipe Book has beautiful wreath ideas for every season of the year.
3. Invite friends over and have a winter cocktail party. Try the many cocktails listed from 12^th & Broads How To Survive the Holidays – One Spirit at A Time. You don’t have to have a holiday to enjoy a fab drink.
4. Build a bon-fire outside and roast marshmallows. Another great excuse to invite friends and family over.
5. Take a class at the Skillery, Craft Course Nashville, Abrasive Media or Camellia Fiber Company at Hey Rooster General Store.
6. Bundle up and have a picnic in the park. Pack a hot lunch or grab some take-out, bring a few blankets, (don’t forget the flask) and enjoy the fresh air with friends.
7. Go to the many art galleries, museums and theaters this city has to offer
8. Enjoy the winter menu at local restaurants, like City House, Husk, and Treehouse.
9. Go to a sports game or play a little sport of your own, like bowling at Pinewood Social.
10. Hike Radnor Lake, it’s beautiful in the winter.