GARDEN PARTY

I’m so excited to share this post with you! I found all of these beautiful products at HomeSense this past week. I was on the search for some outdoor dishes and things for when we barbecue on the beach and also for the backyard too. I had found a beautiful tablecloth and napkins from HomeSense the week prior (see the fabrics from my post Sunday Blues), so I had in mind exactly the look I was going for – something bright and cheerful but elegant as well. To me, summertime means water and sunshine – what better colors than blue, green and yellow to capture that? As luck would have it, I found the happiest looking dishes from Cynthia Rowley (her housewares are fabulous) in all 3 colors. I also scored some gorgeous blue and white placemats as well and a beautiful little blue glass water pitcher. I’m a sucker for color and pattern and layering is one of my favorite things. Found objects from around the house finish off my tablescape as a gorgeous centrepiece.

How I created the look: First I put the table cloth as the base for all of my layers. I then added the placemats – two completely different patterns and also slightly different shades of blue. No worries – If you remember my post about mixing patters (Monday Mix), the key is scale – one larger, one smaller. But even similar size patterns can work together. The diamond pattern against the damask is also a very striking contrast. Next, I added the dinner plates but I decided to layer them with my favorite ikat print bowls from West Elm – yes,  in two different patterns – all good!! The different layers and patterns will help tie the whole look together. Don’t be afraid to experiment. It creates interest and really says a lot about the hostess ;) I used my horn-insprired flatware and favorite water goblets to give a slight nod to nostalgic times. Lastly, another layered pattern with the napkins gives the finishing touch and I decided to go with a wooden ring to compliment the exotic flavour of all the different textiles.

This is the centrepiece. Again, I used some of my favorite things that I’ve collected over the years. They’re all beach inspired and work beautifully together. Coral, some pineapple and shell shaped candles, and a hurricane lamp. The textures all compliment each other and notice that because they’re all white, they don’t compete with all of the other patterns and textures on the table. The hit of gold mercury glass at the base of the hurricane adds a touch of glam too.

Ok, I admit that for some people all the layers and patterns are too much for them to handle! You can easily create a look with a few of these items on a solid table cloth, or remove the bowls if it’s too over the top for you. The important thing is that when guests come to your home and see a table that is set with some special details, it makes them feel special too. The fact that you took the time and put some thought into giving them a wonderful dining experience, really goes a long way. And who says you can’t treat yourself too?

Here’s another view of the full tablescape, oh, and my nifty little water pitcher. I love how the lemons add a sunny hit of color too. Also, PLEASE ignore my un-pressed white tablecloth – I was pressed for time to finish this – no pun intended! By the way, here’s a tip: I added the white tablecloths to hide the legs of the table – my first attempt at this did not have them and there is a very big difference. With them, it adds much more richness and a sense of luxury.Here are two more views of the yard. We just love the peace and quiet we get back here and our friends and family love it too. I like to think they feel like they’re in a far away place where all they have to think about is what’s for dinner. Another lucky find are the navy stools in the below photo – also a HomeSense find from this weekend. I have many of these and I don’t think I could ever have enough, 13 and counting!I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed creating it for you! Remember that taking a little bit of time to create a truly unique dining experience really does leave a lasting impression.

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