Setting the Stage for Spring Celebrations

What makes a memorable event? While taking pictures for this week's post that question kept popping into my mind. I thought of my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary with a beautiful dessert spread and the most spectacular cake designed to replicate their wedding cake. Then there was my brother's wedding on the beach with the most beautiful centerpieces for a seaside celebration; family Christmas dinners when we ate from the "good dishes;" and Jay's 30th birthday with the SIX-FOOT burrito and laughter for days.
I could go on and on about memorable events and fun times with family and friends.  Whether it's a milestone, holiday, or just much needed time together, celebrating life is so important. 

What events are you planning this Spring? Are you hosting a Mother's Day brunch, a Graduation party, or a book club luncheon? Whether your event is a casual gathering of friends or a more formal affair, the tablescape sets the stage for the celebration. Today we're sharing some of our favorite tips and inspiration for styling a table to match the personality of any celebration. 

Cinco de Mayo - Mexican Fiesta

This would be so much fun for a birthday party, Bunco group, or even a Mom's group lunch.

Anytime I start a design project, I like to start with a blank slate. It keeps you from feeling locked-in to the way things were previously arranged and allows room for new ideas. So when we're setting the table today we'll start with a blank slate each time.

FarmTable
Step 1: 
Select your Table Linens.
For our Cinco de Mayo Table we're using a Fair Trade, block printed silk runner with ruffled flax place mats.
(It's a good rule of thumb to start first with your fabrics in any design project.)
TableLinens
Step 2:
Build your centerpiece. 
For this table we're using a dough bowl filled with decorative balls & everyone's favorite--RealTouch tulips.
DoughBowl
DoughBowlDetail
TulipsDoughBowlDetail
Step 3:
Add your place settings.
For our Cinco de Mayo Celebration we're setting the table with casual Casafina dinnerware.
At each place setting we're including a tea towel and Mud-Pie Dip Bowl for each guest to take home as a party favor.  What a fun way to celebrate your guests!
PlaceSetting
PlaceSetting
PlaceSetting
CandleRingonPlaceSetting
PlaceSetting
PlaceSettingDetailPlaceSettingDetail
PlaceSettingDetail
Step 4:
Bring on the chips & queso to get the party started!
Cinco de Mayo Tablescape
Graduation Party
Next up is a table all set for the Grad! We love a casual appetizer buffet that allows guests to mingle and makes an easy "come & go" event.
Step 1:
Select table linens and a color scheme that reflect the Graduate.
For our table we decided to keep the decor simple with a navy ticking runner. Notice that we placed the runner near the back of the table because we will only be serving from one side of the buffet.
NavyTickingRunner
Step 2:
Build the centerpiece.
Use items that reflect the graduate: favorite photos, trophies, or yearbooks are great personal touches.
Select items with varying heights to add interest.  In this arrangement, lanterns on each end provide the needed height to the table.
Then tie everything together with coordinating florals. Keep things simple so that the photos & personal items remain the focal point. 
GraduationCenterpeice
GraduationFrame
God is with her
Lantern
GraduationPartyTablescape
Step 3:
Select the serving platters.
While all your platters don't have to match, keep a cohesive look by using all white or clear glass. For our table we'll use a collection of our Mud-Pie serving platters.
Graduation Table Setting
Graduation Serving Pieces
Place refills on plates ahead of time so you have time to enjoy your guests during the celebration.
Have a great day celebrating all the Grad has accomplished!
Graduation Table
Mother's Day Brunch
Today's final table is all set for a beautiful Mother's Day brunch that Mom is sure to love!
Step 1:
Start with your table linens.
We're using a versatile black & white check runner. This fabric is one of our favorites and also comes in tan. The large print keeps the table from looking too busy and anchors the decor to the table.
Mother's Day Table
Step 2:
Frame the table with coordinating items.
Use pieces that don't match but have a similar style and coloring.
The focal point of our table will be the tiered server.
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Step 3:
Bring in the color!
We're using tulips and peonies in Mom's favorite colors.
Since we have the bold table runner, we're keeping the flowers all one color so it doesn't get too busy.
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Step 4:
Decorate the tiered tray.
A quick search on Pinterest will have your head spinning with all the ideas for styling these fun pieces.
Pick some of your favorite small items and have fun!
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Step 5:
Add your serving pieces for a family-style brunch!
Mud-Pie has some of the sweetest brunch items.
The grits bowl might be my all time favorite...
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Step 5:
Lastly it's time for the place settings!
This table called for our Pearl Cassafina place settings topped off with a Happy Napkin.
(We added a video at the end of the post to watch our video for folding the napkins so the words show just right.)
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
Mother's Day Bruch Table
And that's a wrap! The stage is set, and you're all ready to throw the perfect party. What events are you planning this year? What are some of your favorite celebration memories? Leave a comment below and let us know! 
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Rachel

1 comment


  • Deborah Armstrong

    Rachel and Joy.I sure do miss you both.I will try to get there maybe soon I hope.I have a lot going on as you do to.I just wanted to say hi my friends!!


Leave a comment