Showing posts with label succulents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label succulents. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A Succulent Tablescape


Last week, Tourshi Catering had another gig at the Bluxome Street Winery and I was asked, once again, to come up with an interesting tablescape.

This is a working winery, so all the tables, chairs and tablecloths were rented. The rest, I brought in, including charger plates, candles, linens and centerpiece.

I have to admit, I'm running out of ideas! How do you entertain 15 gentlemen, creating a tablescape that is attractive and masculine?

I spied my succulent planter outside and decided that would be the centerpiece. Remembering that I found the faux rock planter at Joann's Fabrics, I went there hoping to find more. Sure enough, there were plenty in all sizes at 60% off. Score!

The rental company didn't deliver enough tables or the right sized tablecloths, so I improvised with this black and white stripe yardage that was on hand. It covers all the seams and brings the three tables together.

I arranged the larger plants in the middle and smaller ones on each side. Distressed candlesticks and votives complete the table centerpiece. Masculine? I think so...

Check back tomorrow for "le menu!"

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.
I'm also joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: Succulents


I'm a sucker for succulents these days!

I love them for their organic and rustic feel, and for how they always seem to be perfect planted in unexpected containers like above. Once a sconce for pillar candles, now repurposed to hold succulents.

Sandy Koepke
In fact, seeking out the unusual containers to hold these wonderful plants is half the fun.
I'm inspired by how Sandy Koepke uses succulents in her design.

Sandy Koepke
Here, she used colorful California pottery to hold a collection of succulents outside.

Sandy Koepke
An outdoor room designed by Sandy Koepke, using succulents. These plants were made for our climate in California!

My friend Lisa displays organic succulent arrangements on her windowsills. A collection of branches, moss and succulents, they are a wonderful juxtaposition to the silver collection in her formal living room. She retrofitted the sills with soapstone to accommodate them!

The first time I saw a succulent wreath was at Lisa's house. She knows a talented florist who specializes in succulents and will make just about anything. However, the wreath above is from Viva Terra and can be purchased online for $89.

They have two versions available.

It's hard to resist this little guy! Viva Terra again for $79.

I'm loving this driftwood container from Viva Terra! At $89 though, I don't think so!

They also have a trio of little plants for sale in cement containers. The three for $79.

I picked up my trio of succulents for my kitchen window at Home Depot! Only $5 each, they are so sweet in their crackled pots.

I just planted this container with succulents. It looks like it's made of stone, but is actually resin. I found it at Jo Ann's Fabrics of all places.

A similar version of my "rock garden" is available at Viva Terra online.

In the wine country, succulents are perfect because of the dry, hot climate most of the year.
We planted quite a few containers last year, including the cement pillars outside the living room doors.


I had these cement containers from Ballard Designs forever, and when I planted them with succulents, they came alive!

When I found this cement suitcase in an antique store, I knew it would be perfect for a succulent garden in Asti. It has held up well through the winter.

Succulents allow you to be creative. After all, how many plants can you make a wreath out of that will last almost forever! It's also fun selecting different varieties for arrangements. They come in so many different colors and sizes--all needing very little water!

Stephanie Williams Photography
Succulents have even become popular for weddings.

Stephanie Williams Photography
This particular wedding used succulents entirely. Click here to see one of the most beautiful weddings ever!

Martha Stewart
A wedding, or also a garden would be lovely with a succulent "kissing ball!"

Cottage Gardens of Petaluma
Succulents and flowers mixed together make for a lovely centerpiece for the holidays.

So why are succulents so popular? The "The Queen of Succulents," Debra Lee Baldwin says it is because they are easy to care for and draught tolerant. And because of their rosettes and geometric shapes with striking colors.

I couldn't agree more! Her two books are a must, and a great place to begin if you are considering succulents for your home and garden. Both books are available on my sidebar from Amazon. Just one of the many conveniences I offer!

So, how do you feel about succulents? Are you as crazy about them as I am?

Monday, August 2, 2010

Succulents in a Suitcase!


Look what I found last weekend at Sienna Antiques in Petaluma.
Although this cement planter isn't an antique, I didn't care because I immediately had plans for it.

Cast from an old suitcase, this thing weighs a ton! I knew it would be great planted with succulents. But first, it had to find a permanent home as it is too heavy to move around.

I decided to put it on this outdoor coffee table. The top is marble, which is great because there are drain holes at the bottom of this container. I don't have to worry about protecting the surface.

After planting the succulents, I got the idea to tuck in some lichen covered branches.

I added the stone candlesticks, brought in a few linen pillows, and voila!
I'm so happy with the final result!

Can't wait to sit here this evening and enjoy the new table top vignette, the view and a glass of wine with hors d'oeuvres.

Mr. A and I are taking a few days off and staying in the country until tomorrow. It's nice to have the time to do a little project like this, and just putter around. We're enjoying this unusual cool summer weather which is nice for working outside in the garden.

I'm joining Susan today at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
Then on Tuesday, I'm joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.
Also, I'll join Tiffany at Making the World Cuter for the first time.
On Wednesday, I'll join Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday.
Thanks Ladies for hosting!

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