BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

It's official. Summer is upon us in the Northwest and I'm so ready to host a little outdoor patio dinner party! In seeking some inspiration, I rediscovered this tabletop created by JL Designs, and I'm completely smitten...

Being a California girl, I am totally drawn to this mix of succulents and white modern accents - it couldn't be more reflective of the beach-meets-desert culture of SoCal.


Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink - whether your hosting 10 or 100! I think this one sounds particularly refreshing and the the little drink card is so perfect!


I love how much candlelight Carissa used along with the cafe lights...

Heavenly! Are you as inspired as I am for a little outdoor entertaining? Even if you only have a little patio in your apartment, there are ways to make it happen (I'm going to be shooting my own example soon!) I can't wait for late summer evenings around the table with good friends.


*photography by aaron young, paper elements by wiley valentine (love them!), and complete design by jl designs

DELICIOUS DESERT COLORS

So, completely loving this pattern from the Korento collection at Iittala...

The colors and illustrations remind me of spring in the desert - bold bursts of orange and green against a blue sky in an otherwise dusty backdrop. I'm so inspired to create a tabletop full of succulents stemming from this palette!

MONDAY, MONDAY...

Happy Monday!! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend - I finally decided to take a little time off to enjoy the holiday with family and friends, and today I'm playing catchup...

Maybe you're doing the same?? While you're at it, why not check out my premiere sponsors, like the fantastic resource for gorgeous furniture pieces, Interior Connector, the lovely Laura Trevey at Bright, Bold, Beautiful, and the Rug Store NE where they have tons of beautiful pieces to chose from for those of you in the UK - all definitely worth a visit!

And yes, that's my Easter tabletop above - it turned out quite fun with a bold green tablecloth, gingham runners, and playful tulips and jellybeans for loads of color. Definitely a departure from traditional pastels... I may never go back to those. Here's to a new week!

HAPPY (SUNSHOWERS + TABLETOPS) WEEKEND

Happy Friday my loves!! I'm happy for a little holiday weekend - even though it completely snuck up on me! I'll be spending the day running around gathering the pieces together to try and create a colorful Easter tabletop based on my Monday color inspiration post!

We'll probably be dodging sunshowers on Sunday, dressed in our best, but I'm looking forward to a little family time! Especially Easter brunch...

Do you have big holiday plans?? Enjoy!!

*images via tumblr (source unknown) and lonny

STAYING IN...

While the thought of getting all dolled up for New Years with friends sounds lovely... I'm scheming of a New Years just for two... and a sexy little tabletop to match!

Although ... I'm not sure many of the men I know would be super appreciative of all the effort that would go into putting together such a lavish setting (unless it came with a matching ensemble). Perhaps it would be better suited for a sassy bachelorette night?? Who's getting married? Let's plan a party! 

*photography by amy p. glassware zara home.  dinnerware ralph lauren. feathers z gallerie.

THE 20-MINUTE TABLE...

How to put together a very last-minute tabletop...

Throw down your fabulously wrinkled linen. Forage for last year's feather decor. Gather your current favorite dishes.

Rummage through Christmas decorations for frosted pinecones and icicles. Combine grandmother's silverware, Ikea black glass votives, and ever-present Moroccan tea glasses.

Line glass vase with textured wrapping paper. Tuck into icy wreath that you've had since college. Bask in the glow. Devour turkey and pumpkin pie. 

Happy Thanksgiving all!

A FOLKLORIC FANTASY TABLETOP

On my snowy lazy day yesterday I spent some time daydreaming up a little Thanksgiving tabletop worthy of a little imagination... 

The feathery dishes are ones I own and I hope to use this year... the rest? A lovely collection of goodies that create a pretty little 'forest' of of white porcelain animals and feathery trees nestled along modern glass decanters to reflect the light of plenty of scattered tealights casting a glow throughout. Add a little shimmer with gold chargers and tie it all together with luxurious twigware. Oh, and a sprinkle of snow, of course!



*resources: ceramic deer and decanters via z gallerie. stemware and charger via crate & barrel. dishes and feather tree at anthropologie. stemware by michael aram.

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: THE THANKSGIVING EDITION

It's almost here! (Really, where does the time go?) Julie from Chapman Interiors here today taking a break from my usual Interiors to Inspire to bring you a few refreshing tabletops that call for a feast of feasts - after all, this time of year, home is all about entertaining!

Fancy a more modern aesthetic? This first setting is for you - a DwellStudio table using a graphic approach with a traditional color scheme...

(square wine glass, lattice fabric, white plate)

Get a similar look by draping lattice-inspired gift wrap over the narrow width of the table, then top with your traditional white plates, a graphic napkin (I've found some fun paper ones at IKEA), a brown egg and some lovely gold-tone flatware  and you are on your way to a modern celebration.  Don't forget to grab some little pumpkins and give 'em a good coat of white paint for the centerpiece!

For those of you who love a nature-inspired tabletop... 

(white container, pheasant feathers, manzanita branch, textural plate)

Using organic textures and natural elements, this setting is still sophisticated without being stuffy. I'm really loving this simple clean palette paired with the softness of feathers. To pull it all together purchase vases and dinnerware in white that have a natural texture to them, then use branches in the centerpiece for the height, placing feathers along the outside edge of your container so you don't have to invest in so much plumage.

And finally, for the traditionalists who aren't afraid to indulge in a fabulous palette of color...

(cobalt wine glass, blue and white table cloth)

This gorgeous sparkling table from Eddie Ross is the perfect inspiration! He's paired deep cobalt with warmth of the seasonally appropriate ochres and rusts. So lovely and inviting. The key here is that strong pop of blue from the glasses combined with vintage brass elements to create a timeless table. (Tip, if you have a not-so-dripping-with-crystals chandelier over your table, try swagging strands of crystals just for the evening to sparkle things up a bit!)

Get your gobbler ready! Because the time has nearly arrived...

Cheers!
Julie

*images via: graphic modern, rustic feathers, eddie ross' sparkly traditional

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: LOVELY LILAC

Hello readers! Crissie here, back with some more tabletop inspiration...

This week's hostess isn't afraid to take risks, that much was clear the moment she opened the door in that stunning one-shouldered Marchesa number, and it didn't stop there.

For this, the grandest of fall meals she chose to throw a playful twist at the traditional color palette. Isn't a little shock of lavender just what the holiday table needs to keep the family smiling?

And whoever said she'd only be able to wear her lilac eyelet Brian Atwood heels in the spring is most certainly eating their words right along with their turkey.

Cheers to shaking up traditions (and a few martinis, of course) and to a wonderful Thanksgiving for all!


*Photography by Randi Brookman Harris, dress Notte by Marchesa, earrings by Monica Vinader, bag by Rampage, shoes by Brian Atwood

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: A GILDED THANKSGIVING!

'Tis the season to be thankful, my dears! Camille from Style Notes here, and today we're dressing up the Thanksgiving table in all its gilded glory. This is the perfect holiday to put a spin on tradition, so we're trading in the usual brown + orange tones of fall for something a bit more glamorous...

Our inspiration comes from an elegantly nostalgic palette of glittering gold with rosy pink accents. I'm imagining a table set with vintage gold-rimmed china and tons of warm candlelight that casts a flattering glow on the faces of family and friends gathered 'round.

Set a pretty place setting that's refined without feeling stuffy. A blush pink runner feels a bit more modern than a full-length tablecloth, and low loose bunches of garden roses are just right at any time of year.

A buffet overflowing with autumn's bounty is a dramatic centerpiece to the Thanksgiving feast (and makes serving a whole lot easier on the host!) Use platters & vessels of varying heights to add visual interest.

Pass around a tray of hot apple cider with orange zest and star anise for the ultimate comfort sip. (And if you're feeling extra spicy, add a dash of rum!)

To set a special occasion tone, create seasonal place cards inspired by falling leaves. It's a gracious tabletop touch that allows the hostess to create the perfect seating chart. Get the DIY details on crafting these little lovelies here.

An indulgent ending to the Thanksgiving meal is a given, and this is the perfect time to break tradition and think outside the pie. This spiced apple cobbler with pumpkin ice cream is brimming with fall flavors; serving it in individual footed compotes adds a dash of chic. Hop over to the menu to get this and a few of my other favorite Thanksgiving recipes...and I wish each of you a joyful day full of great food & counting your blessings!

*images: {row 1} martha stewart, betsy dunlap, rebecca thuss {row 2} martha stewart, instyle parties {row 3} 100 layer cake, skippy designs, williams-sonoma. table & buffet, instyle; cider, williams-sonoma; place cards, camille styles events.

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: TAO OF GROOVE

Happy November! Camille from Style Notes here, with the latest dose of felicity in our Fantasy to Fête series. Today's inspiration board is a fresh, happy take on an autumn palette... c'mon, who says parties at this time of year have to be all about the falling leaves and turkey?!

I'm envisioning this board for a modern cocktail party with a classic combo of green & white, punched up with crisp black for graphic interest. Invite a few friends to mix, mingle & nosh on Asian-inspired hors d'oeuvres, turn up a playlist of lounge-y grooves, and enjoy a festive evening before the chaos of the holidays begins.

Keep things simple by setting a monochrome table with white dishes... add pops of energizing color by layering bold napkins in cheery chartreuse. Low glass vases full of fragrant herbs and white pumpkins are a sleek spin on tradition.

Even last-minute gatherings can be elevated by sending hand-written invites. Use a bold green sharpie to scrawl the deets on heavy white cardstock, then pop into a coordinating square envelope for an effortlessly chic touch.

For the most surprising presentation, serve chilled sake-tinis in hollowed-out cucumbers. Add a cucumber swizzle stick, & sip!

Since cocktails are the star of this party, offer two specialty drinks: make batches of this spicy ginger gimlet in advance so that guests can serve themselves once the party in full swing.

Satay is perfect mingling food: it's easy to eat with one hand while balancing a martini glass in the other. The chicken is marinated in bright Asian flavors like ginger & soy, and it's substantial enough to satisfy after-work party guests. For the full menu with recipes, hop over to Style Notes. And stay tuned for our next Fantasy to Fête... traditional turkey gets a major dose of style!

*images: {row 1} katy perry by lara backmender, sarah ridgley, williams-sonoma, blush events {row 2} eclectic images, brides, karen wise {row 3} brides, williams-sonoma, johny miller {row 4} matt armendariz, paper moon project. all menu images from williams-sonoma.

FOODIE FASHIONISTA: BRINGING NEW INSPIRATION TO THE TABLE

Hi lovely Coco + Kelley readers, it's Crissie from bug&Bear. This month kicks off the Holiday season, and in honor of the fabulous time of year I'm taking a little step back. Instead of bringing you outfits inspired by the food on the table, I'll be sharing outfits inspired by the tablescapes themselves!

First up? This adorable Halloween Party set up spotted on Somewhere Splendid...

The hostess of this fête has an eye for details- she likes to keep things simple, but never skimps. Nothing thrills her more than a pop-of color or a do-it-yourself touch for a delicious finish to her table and her ensemble...

*Dress by Miu Miu, clip from Monsoon, clutch by Imoshion, shoes by Buckle, belt from Linea Pelle

FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: PUMPKIN PARTY

Camille from Style Notes, here - Hope you're all dreaming up the perfect devilish costume, 'cause today's post is full of inspiring ideas for a very chic All Hallow's Eve! In our last Fantasy to Fête post, we created a macabre, almost-Gothic style Halloween party. This week, we're lightening the mood with a bit of whimsy that'll leave you grinning almost as much as the jack 'o lanterns lining the porch steps.

Who says October 31st must be dark and brooding? This party is all about FUN, from the tissue paper poms floating above a decadent dessert buffet, to the piles of gorgeous pumpkins arranged in a yellow to orange ombré pattern. And just in case you've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to don these flame-colored pumps...now's the time, my dears!

The inspiration comes to life in the living room with a canopy of lanterns overhead. Pearl River has a great selection; buy loads and dangle from the ceiling with fishing line at multiple levels.

Aren't these b*spoke invites positively bewitching? Lucky for us, the free download is available here.

Decorate the self-serve bar & buffet with a few bunches of rust-colored calla lilies leaning languorously in glass vases. Flickering orange votives & a few strategically-placed plastic snakes & spiders strike a playful-chic balance.

Mix up a pitcher of Sinister Cider Cocktails, and garnish martini glasses with black licorice sticks. Set out cocktail napkins, extra ice, and a couple bottles of wine so that guests can help themselves and you're free to mingle.

I love the Victorian vibe of a vintage iron terrarium. There are lots around the web, but I'm particularly enamored with the grand scale of this one. Fill it with cupcakes now; plant a gorgeous indoor garden later. For the full menu and all the recipes (including these mini carrot cupcakes), hop over to Style Notes. Hope that you all have a wickedly wonderful Halloween!

*images: {row 1} amy atlas, martha stewart {row 2} martha stewart, brides {row 3} dress design decor, coco+kelley, style me pretty, martha stewart. invitations, twig & thistle. all other party photos, instyle parties.

THE FETE...

I've been teasing you all with shots from my birthday dinner over the weekend, and am so excited to finally share them with you! Shall we begin with some bubbly...?

When my 30th started to approach, I knew that I wanted to celebrate it with an intimate dinner for my closest friends, and that I wanted it to be perfectly 'me'. I started out thinking that I wanted mostly black and white with metallics for the tabletop, but when I saw the cover of the latest Martha Stewart Weddings, I knew that a pop of pink and red would add the perfect punch of color!

My second piece of inspiration? The gorgeous Kate Spade heels that I barely snatched up before they disappeared forever. Their multicolored glitter reminded me to add that touch of playfulness to the table... in fact, I'd say the entire look was influenced by that infamous Kate Spade style.

And here it is!! The gorgeous tabletop! (If I do say so myself.) It's exactly what I envisioned in my head and I couldn't believe how well it turned out considering that the pieces all came together that morning. 


Of course, I couldn't have done it without the help of some very talented and wonderful people, like my florist, McKenzie Powell (whose arrangements are still making me smile sitting on my desk as I write this post!) and my photographer Char Beck who obviously did a fantastic job!


I also couldn't have completed this look without the help of my good friend Sheena who owns a boutique rental company called Totally Tabletops. Her polka dots made the setting! I'm lucky enough to have restaurant in my family - my father owns a little Italian place called Rialto here in Seattle - and he was kind enough to let me take over for the day.... and night. (What are dad's for, right?) And finally... a HUGE thank you to my amazing intern, Jennie, who basically just kicks ass at being my right hand gal. 

I'll be putting more photos up on the coco+kelley facebook page later today - there are so many good ones it was hard to choose and I want to share them all, so be sure to swing by this afternoon!

Thank you all for your birthday wishes, and there will be plenty more birthday celebrating to come this week!

xoxo,
cassandra