FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: EXOTIC BOHEMIAN

Although it's still a bit early for backyard barbecues and poolside soirées, I'm craving a dose of brilliant color to break out of the winter entertaining doldrums. Camille Styles here, and today's fantasy takes a cue from the rich textures and dappled sunlight of exotic locales...

A rich palette of tangerine, cerulean & terra cotta recalls the spice markets of Marrakech, perfect inspiration for an early-spring get-together with a few good friends. Keep the bohemian vibe going by scattering poufs around low coffee tables that invite guests to stay and lounge awhile.

Continue the boho-luxe theme by incorporating a curation of interesting objets among brilliantly-colored flowers. Garlands of gerbera daisies draped offhandedly over chairs is an unexpected artistic touch.

The key to styling flowers for such a gathering is to keep it relaxed and nonchalant. Orchids cut to a shorter-than-usual length tones down any fussiness, and appear especially lush when bunched in distinctive handmade pottery.

Such a fête calls for exotic flavors that hint of warm-weather months ahead. This Greek-inspired saganaki combines grilled wedges of cheese with arugula and sweet plum. Hop over to Camille Styles to get the recipes for the rest of the exotic bohemian menu (including roasted beet salad with mint & tangerine-fennel pot de crème!)

*images: {row 1} the urban hippie, piaulin, jules bianchi, moroccan pottery {row 2} hostess with the mostess, karen mordechai, better homes & gardens, helen rawlinson's etsy {row 3} moroccan door, graham & green, karen mordechai, tulu. party images scanned from domino magazine & food and wine magazine.

Green Room

Nothing is more green than recycling. 

For those of us who collect antiques 

and shop for gently used wares,

we live the green life. 

Sometimes ordinary things can take on a new purpose.

We've all had a time when we used something 

for a purpose outside it's calling  . . .

A coffee cup pencil holder,

a jar holding buttons . . . 

What about bigger things?

Today I bring to you a set of things that

are not only being reused,

but in some cases rethought.

Including a few items from my own home.

But first, a history lesson.

In the 30s this building was an office space.

By the 50s, a small fashion studio

An now you call it home.

You have purchased this building, busted out some walls,

and renovated it. 

You sifted through the remains,

pulled from it some good pieces, and build some new dreams.

The local salvage yard and consignment shop

had a number of things you could put to good use, too.

Modern green living - the old fashioned way.

Doors turned room divider,

a trolley cart coffee table,

 windows frames as decor or a new mirror,
an antique dress form just like the one in my dining room,

a door as a table.

Also included:

4 pendant lights
a bottle, a jar and two styles of edison bulbs

Nesting bowls just like my own (2nd style is CAS-table)

A metal sign that used to hang at a store I worked at in South Station, Boston
(2 styles, worn and worn out)

a 'scissor' lamp with glass bulb,

and an accordion table I finally had to break down and buy I loved it so much.

Well there you have it. 

14 items.

This set is so big I am having to break it up by format.

** door screen footprint problem has been corrected for these downloads**

I hope you enjoy this set as much as I have creating it.

Perhaps it will inspire you to see thing a new way.

People that need to be thanked for their invaluable help:

Raven Shadow @ MTS <------- my hero

OrangeMittens @ MTS/Indigo

HugeLunatic @ MTS

HystericalParoxysm @MTS

Murano @ TSR

Helping to fix the problems with the 

dining table and trolley cart coffee table

as well as TSRW in general.

I also want to thank all the people who have helped me to test this set,

and, of course, Heidi @ Exotic Elements for inspiring the set with her unreleased finial! Release it! hehe

NOUVEAU NOMAD

With the brisk morning air we've had in Seattle the last few days, I'm getting ready for a serious wardrobe change, and this editorial has me inspired...

The crazy mix of layers in muted prints and patterns, accessorized with eccentricity (are those garden gloves i spy?) is such a fun way to cozy into the fall.

How to get the look yourself without going overboard? Layer on patterned pieces in classic prints and keep the palette simple. Top it off with burgundy lips and nails for a real mood-changer.

This look might be my favorite and is certainly serving as some serious holiday inspiration as well!

Maybe even a touch of fur??

*lachlan bailey for vogue china via fashion gone rogue