Spring Soiree

Table setting by Victoria Pearson

I don't know what it is about spring and warmer days that makes me want to celebrate. Maybe it's that the winter is on its way out and summer (my favorite season) is on its way in. Or maybe it's just my own willingness to be out in the world more, when I don't have to brave bone-chilling winds and "wintry-mixes".

Tablescape by Eddie Ross

Either way, it makes me want to get together with the people I care about and have some fun, and these table settings - done in a variety of bright and cheerful colors - are a great place to start for getting some spring soiree inspiration!

Yellow table setting by Eddie Ross

Dining room and table setting by Alberto Pinto

Funny, but this color scheme makes me think of Mardi Gras! Ha! I love these colors together, though, and the fabulous orchids as centerpieces.

Tablescape by Kelly Wearstler

Lots of gold, grounded by wood and other earthy accents. In typical Wearstler style, this spread is glamorous but with a very LA casual coolness about it.

Dining room and layout by William Yeoward

What post about table settings would be complete without mention of Mr. Yeoward? With collections ranging from table linens and crystal to dining tables and chairs (and several books on the subject), Yeoward's joy for entertaining is unmatched!

Dining room by Dan Carithers

Dan Carithers shows how a more neutral theme can still be festive. This setting, with its casual gingham, comfy chairs, and earthy china (all energized with a pop of color from the cheery chrysanthemums), is sure to make his guests feel right at home!

Table setting by Dan Carithers

Our last two photos of the day come from the brand new online magazine High Gloss. Created by style maven and fellow blogger Paloma Contreras (of La Dolce Vita), High Gloss is a one-stop shop for photos and ideas on interior design, fashion, and intriguing travel destinations. A must read for sure!

Dining room and tablescape by David Jimenez

How sexy and fabulous is this setting? The lighting is the real star here: with ambient light emanating from the lamps and picture lights around the room, and accent lighting on the table from the votives (which are reflected in the mirrored tabletop). I think just about anyone could look good in this kind of setting!

Table setting by David Jimenez

I love how well the orange, from the flowers and china, works with the blue-green of the wall color: such an elegant and modern palette! I would love to get an invite for this fête!

Have a great Thursday, everyone! The weekend is almost here!

Style Definition

William Yeoward's most recent book

William Yeoward is quite the creative personality. He has collections of china and crystal, lighting and linens, even furniture. He is British through and through (and was even granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as a supplier of glassware to HRH the Prince of Wales), but he is not the least bit stuffy or pompous. His homes showcase his playful demeanor and joie de vivre, as well as his love of nature and graciousness to his guests.

Margot cushion on chair covered in Louisette Damson fabric

Yeoward's collection of fabric for the exuberant Designers Guild firm (helmed by Yeoward's colorful - but kindred - spirit, Tricia Guild) showcases his style: velvets and linens mingle to create patterns bursting with personality.

Collection of cushions from William Yeoward's line with Designers Guild

I've been flipping through my copy of his wonderful book, William Yeoward at Home: Elegant Living in Town and Country this morning (which displays much of his fabulous fabric collection), and I realized how much I identify with his style. I think he is bit more daring than me (and, perhaps, a bit more modern), but his love of playful, comfortable, and colorful interiors certainly hits close to home.

One thing that Mr. Yeoward does not shy away from is the mixing of patterns. Here I have brought together my own random assortment of pillows (some old, some new) on my newly inherited settee (casually covered in a blush-pink slipcover/sheet).

The lamp is antique (a lovely hand-me-down from my mother), the vase is actually an old jug from my family's milk business, Turner Dairy (which was sold and renamed in the early 20th century), the aqua shell dishes are by Bamboushay Pottery in the BVI, and the picture is one I took in Portofino, Italy, just a few days after my 21st birthday.

I have turned my dining table into a library table, of sorts, covered with a vintage barkcloth drapery (in a fabulously colorful ostrich-feather pattern), some design books (Michael S. Smith's Houses, Elle Decor's Style and Substance, and a vintage English interiors book I found at a discount store recently), and my lovely tulipiere.

Connected to my living room is a small, bright, breakfast room where I house my dining chairs and a small table for quick meals. Both tablecloths are vintage: the pink one is from the home where I grew up whereas the blue-green one was found in an antique shop in my hometown. The pillows are custom, the prints are also from my childhood home, and the plates on the wall are vintage Franciscan.


My living room couch with custom pillow and Sferra throw


I can only aspire to have the creativity that is so brilliantly illustrated in Mr. Yeoward's homes and creations, but I am thankful to have them as inspiration all the same. 


William Yeoward "Gosford" Dinner Plate


This plate, alone, epitomizes the whole color scheme for my living room: blue, purple, green, and orange surrounded by gilded accents. Perfection!

Here's to those who inspire us!

Have a lovely weekend!