The Magic Number 11

A repeat client, my mother, requested my assistance designing a tablescape for a four person dinner party this weekend. With such a small guest list, I knew my mother would have the majority of the materials needed to complete my design. I told her that I would be over as soon as I returned from my morning walk.

Sawyer Camp is one of my favorite places for design inspiration. Sure enough, that Friday morning was not any different. Due to the heavy winds and rain from the storm, there were broken branches and brush everywhere. I came across the most beautiful branch covered in moss. I am a strong believer of the "leave no trace" principle, but when I saw the clean up crew throwing the debris into the back of trucks, I knew that I was in the clear to take my new treasure that lay upon the ground.

I was so excited to design with my new found centerpiece. I drove straight to my parents home and started rummaging through the garage and linen closet. As expected, my mother had the majority of the decor needed to complete my design. I supplemented the missing pieces with a quick trip to the SF Flower Mart and Fantastico.

Overall- I spent $11. 56. Just to further the point- that is $2.89 per person. Check out the photos...

Pastels in Winter

As I strolled through the SF Flower Mart, I had a long list of "DOs" and "DON'Ts" indicated to me straight from the client for the 12 arrangements needed for her dinner reception. She had a very clear vision of what she wanted (something I can appreciate) and it was my duty to see it through.

The "DO" list: hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, tulips, mums, spider mums and filler all in a gold circular vase. The result= exactly what the client wanted.

Honeycomb Never Looked So Good

Happy 2010! Talk about finishing off the year with a bang- I was given the opportunity to design the New Year's Eve decor for a fabulous restaurant located in Belmont- VIVACE. This was a very special design for me, not only because it was my last design of 2009 and first design of 2010, but because I LOVE this restaurant. I have always been a huge fan of Vivace, so you can imagine my excitement when the opportunity arose to design for NYE 2010.

The client wanted the design to be unique, festive, and fitting for the restaurant. The challenge- to design for four separate space with very different layouts.

So away I went. I sourced purple and black honeycomb balls from Factory Direct Party to rig from the ceiling, sprayed clay pots and planted Irish Moss, designed special florals for the bar and hostess stand, and of course... my signature custom made flags for each table top.

Take a look...

Next Up- Valentine's Day... TO BE CONTINUED