Easter Dining

I am currently planning an easter afternoon tea for my family, complete with chocolate nests made by my youngest sister, hot cross buns, and easter cupcakes made by myself.  The whole idea of an easter afternoon tea got me in a creative mood, and I had a look at some of my favourite spring tables set ups.

This gorgeous vintage set up goes perfectly with calm, pastel ,easter shades.  This table has been set up as a side table which allows guests to view the display without making the main table look overcrowded.

Anyone who has been watching my blog will know that i am a huge fan of blue.  This light and airy design looks fresh and inviting

The essence of spring is really captured in this table design, with green elements against a crisp white backdrop.

Another of my favourite blue designs, this time using hydrangea's to bring the element of spring into the dining room.

This I just thought was a really cute idea.  The napkin has been folded to look like bunny rabbit ears, and I'll definitely be using this in my table set up!

This idea is fantastically original.  The moss acts as a runner down the centre of the table, making a fun table display.  This would be great for a children's easter party.

I love how the twigs become part of the cake display here, I'm definitely going to try this one out as well

And again those pastel colours, perfectly complimenting the oak farm table.  This design works well because of the simple layout.

I hope you've enjoyed these images, and now have lots of inspiration for your own easter afternoon tea!

Bringing the inside out

There's this classic saying that all interior designers will use at one time or another, and that is, 'let's really bring the outside in'.  Thats all very well, and I have to admit, as lover of the outdoors, I have probably used it myself, but now I'd like to introduce a new saying,  'Lets bring the inside out'.  There are so many interior accessories available, but not a lot of designers focus on the outside.  This post however shows you how you can decorate your garden and treat it as an extension of your home.

Bunting looks gorgeous outside, coupled with the patterns on the
table cloth, and the cushion on the seat.  This is exactly what I
mean when I say bring the indoor design outside.

I love this heart bunting, and it would be so easy to make!

This garden has been given a touch of magic with what i can only describe
as giant paper pom-poms.  I;m not sure where these can be obtained
but I will certainly keep looking!

This period style garden as absolutely gorgeous,
I'm already picturing it in my own garden.  

Although this does look a little bit like a wedding chair accessory,
I think with wilder looking flowers, this could look perfect!

I've never been a fan of paper lanterns indoors, but
here it works really well.

This is not the colour cutlery I would necessarily use in my home, but
here it works seamlessly with nature, picking up on the tones
of the foliage.

I love these bird table decorations, I expect they are pretty good
for keeping the table cloth down too, on a windy day.

Signage is slowly creeping out into the garden, it's become
a huge accessory indoors, so why no out?!

This is a little over the top, but why not!  If its
just for an afternoon, I can't think of anything nicer!

This just looks like pure luxury.  I love out door candles and lanterns
so this is my idea of summer heaven.

This bright cottage table looks fun and child friendly,
again the use of paper lanterns brings the design to life!

This is a painting which just epitomises the idea of english afternoon tea.
Its so beautiful, it is as good as any for inspiration.

The typical garden scene for an english manor.  The 1950's
radio somehow fits into this elegant design.

You really could be anywhere in this back garden.  The linen
sheet looks like its been raised up using bamboo canes,
making it an inexpensive, attractive and useful feature.

Nautical back in its natural surroundings.  

Another shadey design.

I love these lights, they're so pretty and dainty. 

Long lost memories of summer fete's are brought back
with this design.  The perfect vintage dining area.

It's what we do!

As a designer, I'm constantly looking for new inspiration.  These are a few images that have no correspondence whatsoever, apart from the fact that I love them all!

Gorgeous vintage, which has become my favourite design style.  Nostalgia has brought back a whole range of new designs, and I love mixing original with replica.

This is just such a cool idea.  The thought that must have gone into this must have been phenomenal, because the designer has found the exact shade of yellow for each piece of wallpaper.

This I just thought was a really clever creation.  Using a shot glass, a flower, a tea light, ribbon, and I would guess a lot of double sided sticky tape, this would perfectly compliment a summer tea party.

I love napkin rings, I think I get it from my grandma.  I love it at christmas time, when all the magazines show you how to make them.  But finally I have found an original way to make summer napkin rings.

Gold?

If anyone want's to use gold in a way that isn't tacky, Brian Yates is your man, or your supplier anyway.  Some of his collections have a gorgeous element of elegance about them.  These are a couple that i found after a quick browse

breathable glamour

total boudoir chic!

Brian Yates

Travelling without the expense

I remember when the nautical theme started to make a come back a few years ago, and since then its developed so much, from the seaside bathroom, into the elegant living and bedroom design statement that we can see today.

Now I can predict a similar thing happening with the idea of travel becoming increasingly popular in design.  Old scripts, stamps, diaries and landmarks, feature heavily in this latest trend, and just to get you in the mood, here are a few that i have found:

Not just for Winter

Woolly blankets for most people will mean a cosy night in by the fire, a good book, and maybe a hot chocolate.  I say not always!  Here's how to incorporate them into your spring schemes, because we all know that english springs are not the warmest around!

The key is to go for a lighter knit.  A thinner woollen blanket won't create images of cold winter evenings, but simply look inviting and fresh against spring colours.

This loose knit throw is another good way of eliminating the typical idea that blankets should be stored away during the spring and summer months.

Now this one doesn't use any tricks or disguises, there is no way that this could be considered a winter blanket.  Its cool fresh colour would immediately give a spring feel to your living room, or patio.

The blankets above and below have a definite picnic rug appearance.  Perfect for sitting out in the garden, the traditional weave makes these blankets an ideal purchase all year round.

This blanket works well as a coastal accessory.  The open weave imitates fisherman's nets, and the sandy colour brings back memories of holidays on the beach.

Finally, although grey is often associated with the winter months, the cream tassels give this blanket every right to be included into a warm spring scheme.

How gorgeous is this?!

I came across this the other day, and just thought how cute it was.  Very delicate, probably very impractical, definitely very breakable but it's pretty!

Breezy Blues

Although I love the collection of images from my previous post, blue will always be my colour.  Blue gives you so many possibilities, nautical design, country chic with a duck egg blue, baby boys room, and my favourite, blue polka dots.  I find so many blue designs that inspire me, so I thought I'd put a few of my favourites on here.

This has an almost Mediterranean or greek feel to it.  The intricate pattern would be ideal against a plain backdrop.  I'm not too sure about the salmon sheet they've coupled it with in this image, but I love the use of the natural rug, I think they should have focussed more on the organic with this one.

WOOl!!!  I know spring is just starting to poke its head up from the ground, but there really is nothing more inviting on a cloudless evening.  If not to snuggle up in front of the fire, then at least for a an evening out on the patio!

Again, I just like this, it simply caught my eye.  It's not unlike the bedspread a few images up, and seeing as I have always been one for blue and white schemes, this cushion suits my taste very well.

And this is also a really lovely design.  I like the fact that the flowers have real detail, like a watercolour painting.  I have a friend who has a similar design on her curtains, and I've always loved them. 

There's that little boys room I was talking about.  this is so traditional, and also so Surrey!  The use of red white and blue has become more prominent in recent months, with the royal wedding just around the corner.  The state of the country has also had its effect on design here, with the union flag emerging into design to lift peoples spirits.  It reminds us to be proud to be british, even through the economic downfall has left people feeling disheartened.

And once again, there's that wool.  I'm sorry, it's just so cosy!  The colour keeps it fresh and out of winter spirits, but is still there for those chilly nights.

And now a little House of Fraser.

Although anyone with hay-fever may not find the image of flowers drifting in the breeze very appealing, for me this is the perfect picture.  I am instantly transported to a meadow, sitting on a picnic rug, perhaps painting or drinking pimms.

In the words of the Beach Boys, wouldn't it be nice!  Wouldn't it be nice to just hang this sign on your office door, sling on your flip flops and go sailing on the ocean.  One of my favourite so far from the nautical collection, purely for its 'one day I'll do it' factor!

I'm running out of describing words here, I'm so enjoying myself searching for these sort of designs.  This is just beautiful, it's so intricate, I can't stop looking at it!

And this?  Well I don't even drink hot drinks and I'd still buy this!  Its such a cheeky design, its like a grown up cartoon on flask.  Brilliant!

And can you honestly think of a better smell right now.  Beach walk.  All those memories, the smells, the warm evening sun, holding hands, walking back up a sandy path.  I think i'll be off to Cornawall this year!  You can give me all the Mediterranean holidays you like, I've spent some of my favourite holidays in Cornwall.

And that concludes this post.  I'm off to book a holiday!