It's no surprise, Easter is gonna look a little different this year, but it's not going to stop the celebration! Are you planning a teeny-tiny brunch on Sunday? Take a hint from this GORGEOUS inspiration set up by a seriously dynamic group of creatives with Pottery Barn back in south Georgia. Infuse the table with soft, organic colors and a little greenery just the way RachelLovesTroy perfectly captured it.
The fact that this set up is still ALL THAT is proof. Design is timeless and you really don't have to do anything different this year! This Easter means a more intimate celebration with the people in our household here in our new house in Roswell in Atlanta. But, just like the happy feeling I get when I see the floral composition in the excerpt below that I worked so nervously to create for Pottery Barn back in the beginning of my career with Camp Makery reminds me of a REALLY good time on a rainy, spring day with new friends ~ this year's holiday is going to be one to remember in it's on special way.
See the Holland tulips, American Grown Certified ranunculus, Ecuadorian Rosaprima garden roses, foraged olive branches and pine of the effortless, internationally sourced floral compostiion in cut/paste below. Then, hop over to Easter Entertaining Made Easy to see how PRETTY they look - doing their thing SO GOOD - on top of my FAVORITE handcrafted cake stand in he PB Cake Stand Collection.
Tomorrow, y'all! Dressing up, making some yum treats, putting flowers on the table and gonna make it a good time right here by ourselves!
Yours Truly,
CGH
EASTER ENTERTAINING MADE EASY
Written exclusively for Pottery Barn by Christy Hulsey, Colonial House of Flowers with Camp Makery
Whether it’s with 2 or 12, the best parties (at least in my experience) are the simple ones you actually enjoy. Thankfully, Tristen Needham from Design Studio South joined me with Colonial House of Flowers to lay down the must have elements for a seriously stunning Easter affair. All of these tips make the most impact for the least amount of effort. Skip the stress! You can entertain for Easter and throw a party that’s inexpensive, chic, elegant, and polished in a flash.
TIP: Use the same colored fresh flowers. Arrangements with flowers that are all the same color are impossible to get wrong. The blooms can quickly be grouped by themselves in baskets and containers. Clip and pop white tulips into a creative container like this Beachcomber Wood Handled Basket for a look that is hassle free and stunning. Shop at your neighborhood flower shop, snip a few petals from your garden. Add greens for a natural, organic look.
2021 Update: You can also support a local business by purchasing potted plants or centerpieces from them and getting them shipped or arranging a pickup. This could also lead to a fun afternoon activity should you choose to spend some time in the garden outdoors.
In my home, my daughter, Beatrice and I, shopped the Mayesh/Cutflower Market together. We picked out Hellebores and Olive Trees yesterday. And, we're planning on going to small outdoor neighborhood Easter egg Scavenger Hunt because even when trying to keep our distance we feel connected to our new neighbors.
TIP: Add candles for elegance. I usually stick with neutrals like white. When it comes to lighting up a festive party and setting the mood on the fly, it’s hard to beat the immediate impact of delicate votives.
TIP: Allow guests to serve themselves at the bar. A drink dispenser full of a signature cocktail is fun and practical. Or, simply leave open wine bottles about the table and let guests fill their glasses while you mingle. It will go a long way towards saving you trips to the kitchen during the party. Sliced vegetables submersed in the water adds sophistication.
TIP: Always have the makings of a signature cocktail on hand. This one via From the Kitchen of Azure is a great take on a grown up punch that everyone will love:
1 bottle red wine (I like Cameron Hughes)
1 bottle margarita mix
2 quarts ginger ale
1 lime
Directions: Mix equal parts of the first three ingredients together. Chill. Squeeze have the lime over the punch just before serving. The remaining lime can be sliced to float in the dispenser or as a glass garnish.
TIP: Stick with white dinnerware. Drab? Not on your life. White dishes are the basis of great tables. You can layer on napkins, place cards, a menu, a flower or even a cutting from your backyard.
TIP: Keep the desserts simple. I have Brownie Brittle and pralines by the bag at all times. Add warm caramel sauce, fresh berries or whipped cream to the top, and these simple treats are instantly elevated to fit any event’s ambiance.
Spring is the perfect season to get together with friends and family. Hopefully these tips will make it fun, intimate, warm, chaos-free and enjoyable — without breaking the bank, too!
Vendors:
Flower Selection: Mark Jackson, Mayesh Cutflower Atlanta | Floral Supplies: Syndicate Sales | Floral Design: Christy Hulsey, Colonial House of Flowers | Styling: Amanda Currier, Colonial House of Flowers, Statesboro, Georgia| Small Bites: Brownie Brittle | Catering: Southern Soul BBQ, Saint Simons Island, Georgia | Venue: Georgia State Railroad Museum Savannah, Georgia | Calligraphy: Low Country Paper Co | Photography: Rach Loves Troy | Styling: Tristan Needham Design with Design Studio South
Does this get you in the mood to pull together some flowers and make a centerpiece? Check out the Mayesh Design Star How To Arrange Flowers Tutorials and shop our CHOF at Home Collection of vases that ship right to your door!