Pinterest Party

Lately, I have been seeing the most enchanting tablescapes and get-togethers on Pinterest.  Whether a high-noon tea party, small gathering in the garden, or a midsummer night's dream dinner with friends, I'd RSVP to any of them:

Wouldn't you want to attend one of these fabulous fêtes?  Or perhaps you'd like to play hostess.  
If so, Annemarie's got some great tips for planning your own soiree.  Check them out here!

Designer Crush: Jill Sorenson

If I could describe the work of Jill Sorenson in only two words, it would be "whimsical chic."  She unabashedley saturates a space with brilliant color, texture, and pattern while maintaining an urbane aesthetic.  Her home here in the States features a spectrum of hues that I certainly fancy, but for those of you who favor a more monochromatic look, you'd go gaga over her abode in Sweden.  For your decor pleasure, here are some lovely images from Jill's portfolio, including pictures of her two homes:

Be sure to visit Jill's design website Marmalade Interiors and her blog Live Like You! 

How Do You Fiesta?

Who needs a piñata when you can have these yummy treats?

Sip on one of these beautiful refreshments while enjoying some homemade guacamole.

Having guests over this Saturday?  Send them home with a party favor that's easy to make and sure to impress.

Are you wanting to fiesta, Derby style?  Or perhaps its a Mexican soiree at Churchill Downs. Lindsay's got the tips to make your party weekend a success.

Not sure what to cook?  Check out Lisa's menu.  The choices are endless!

And if you still can't decide what food to serve at your fiesta, perhaps this will help.


* All collage images via Pinterest

Words for the Design Wise

Hello everyone and happy Wednesday!  I hope you are all having a great week so far.  If not, no worries.  The weekend is drawing near!  Speaking of weekend, last Saturday I caught up on some of my blog reading and while doing so, I came upon an interesting post by Sasha of Everything Fabulous.  Sasha's blog has so much personality and features a variety of topics, ranging from fashion and beauty to inspiration and green living.   It's definitely one of my regular reads.  Today, I thought I would share one of her interior design posts inspired by Bettina Prentice's NY apartment.  Enjoy!  

1. Display objects in odd numbers. Odd numbers always look better in vignettes that are supposed to be casual and look "natural". 

2. Hug What You Love! The idea is for your accessories and vignettes to highlight (hug) your statement pieces (that you love). A very simple way to highlight the shape of the frame is by placing shorter items near the bottom of the frame leading up to the taller arrangement which echoes the height of the frame. The accessories are basically just hugging that corner of the frame to give it more ooomph. 

3. The Rule of Thirds. You already know that you should use odd numbers, so the rule of thirds shouldn't surprise you! Everything looks better in groups of three! 

4. Choose 3 colors and split the number of items with one color having the most items, and the two secondary colors with an equal amount of lesser colors in the scheme. 

5. Varying heights is also important. A good idea is to stack items to create height. You can try shaping your vignette in a V, W, or M. This will ensure that you have various levels of interest. 

6. Choose objects to support the style and theme of your room. If your room is formal, a symmetrical design works best. If the room is casual, asymmetrical groupings are better. 

7. Stick to a theme. Group candles, for example, or family vacation photos. If the vacation photos are from the beach, add a seashell. 

8. Vary the textures of objects. Mix hard and shiny accessories with rough and natural. Use weathered wood or iron architectural elements to introduce an unexpected texture. Photo frames, which come in finishes from shiny enamel to beaded, offer an array of texture options.

Hope you find these tips as helpful as I did!

Design tips courtesy of Everything Fabulous Blog; background image via Lonny Dec. 2011

Weekend Notes

A little bit of blog readin'.

Lots of playtime with this cutie!

Enjoyin' this and that.

Discovering a new Instagram genious!

And finally catching some ZZZ's.

Images via Caitlin Wilson, Mimi + Meg, and Pinterest

Vanity Fair

via Harpers Bazaar

via Inspired Design

via MadeByGirl

via Luna and Chloe Style

via Rose and Rust

via Rue Magazine
  

via House To Home

 via Material Girl

 via Style At Home

Mornings would be so much more fabulous if I had one of these!