Written exclusively for Pottery Barn by Christy Hulsey, Colonial House of Flowers with Camp Makery
Photography: Rach Lea Photo
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, Camp Makery and Rach Lea Photography 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.
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:
Calligraphy: Low Country Paper Co
Photographer: Rach Lea Photography
Styling: Design Studio South,
Flower Selection: Mark Jackson, Cutflower Atlanta
Floral Supplies: Syndicate Sales
Floral Design: Christy Hulsey, Colonial House of Flowers
Styling: Amanda Currier, Colonial House of Flowers
Small Bites: Brownie Brittle
Catering: Southern Soul BBQ
Pralines: From the Kitchen of Azure Rountree
Venue: Georgia State Railroad Museum
beautiful!