Styling a Coffee Table with Chairish

When it comes to styling my home, I tend to be a bit of a minimalist- in both color (neutral always wins it for me) and accessories. And when I do buy trinkets and decor, it has to be something I really love to look at. But I do love putting together areas of my living space that pop a little more, and give the entire room a nice balance of visual interest. One of the places I love to do this is with a coffee table, so when Chairish approached me about my take on styling one of their gorgeous vintage coffee tables, I was all in. 

Chairish is an online resource, and basically a design lovers solution to buying and selling vintage furniture across the country. The company features beautifully curated pieces, and includes everything from art to decor to rugs and lighting too. I was asked to share my tips on styling, using one of the gorgeous vintage coffee tables available in their shop right now. My heart jumped a little when I saw this four drawer black lacquer lovely, and it was so fun to put together a collection of accessories and must-haves that would make this gem shine. 

I started with the necessities: the items that would ground the entire look, while also keeping everything together. This white hexagon tray is dainty and functional, and I thought it provided a nice juxtaposition to the masculine lines of the table. 

My next go-to is books. I love switching out really great coffee table books periodically because they are constant conversation starters, and tend to be lovely to look at too. I have both of these books- Erin Gates’ Elements of Style and Coco Chanel by Lisa Chaney- and both of their black and white covers are the perfect amount of neutral yet stylish for this table. I also love mixing in other trade style books, whether they be for entertaining or even just photo books. My biggest requirement for a really great coffee table design is that it’s both functional and beautiful. 

From there I will always have a candle and flowers. I love finding soft, floral scents that aren’t too strong for the room, and it’s always a bonus for pretty containers too. This Cucumber Pop candle would be a great way for a subtle addition of color in the mix, and I love how the rim is in gold, pulling it together with the neutrals too. 

Finally, we can’t forget ‘les objets’- the accessories that really speak to your personality and finish off the entire look. I loved this lacquer box (perfect for the functional purpose of concealing anything from remotes to the small items that have no place to go) and this vintage brass wishbone for style and luck. 

It was so fun to find pieces to style this beautiful table; Be sure to check out their entire collection of coffee tables here. 

Favorite Fall Wedding Ideas

If I had to choose one favorite wedding season, it would be fall. It might have something to do with the crisp cool temperatures, aromas (pumpkin spice anyone??), or my slight obsession with textures (and the pairing of them):

Pillows: West Elm | Stool: World Market | Pink Stone Coasters: West Elm | Hammered Metal Decanter: Bed Bath and Beyond | Pretty Macaroons: L'extravagance | Fall Wedding Centerpiece: Jacin Fitzgerald

Colors: My go-to colors that are inspiring me right now are jewel tones with a touch of neutral + light pink. I think it keeps it ethereal while still adding the right amount of bold elements. 

Textures: Fall is your ticket to using all sorts of textures and patterns without anything looking or feeling too busy. Along with the more expected (warm) textiles like fur, I love the idea of incorporating other elements like stone or crystal to mix it up and keep it interesting. 

Gold: Need I say more? Gold goes with everything. Use it. 

Comfort Food: The fastest way to your guests' hearts is through their tummies. Take advantage of the cooler weather and serve both sweet and savory comfort food. Now is the time to get a little decadent and experiment with a menu that touches all of their taste buds. {And hot toddies are never a bad idea either}

Flowers + Foliage: Whimsical, natural, and textural. This amazing centerpiece by my friend Jacin Fitzgerald says it all. 

Beaded Wrap: Bhldn | Peaked Lapel Tuxedo: The Black Tux | Gold + Pearl Cufflinks: The Black Tux | Rockstud Ivory Pumps: Valentino

A fall wedding is also the opportunity to get jazzy with your look for the day. Statement pieces and bold accessories are such a beautiful addition. 

For her: Boleros and caplets are all great additions (both for style and comfort), but how about this stunning beaded wrap? And imagine, some killer shoes and a classic, ethereal gown. 

For Him: Who can go wrong with a black tux? This classic look is both dramatic and stunning at the same time. While suits became the norm of summer weddings, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this iconic look this fall season. Pair it with some eye-catching cuff links and I'd say this couple is camera-ready. I recently came across The Black Tux, an online tuxedo rental company, and was so excited to see quality, well-fitted tux, suit, and accessory rentals available to men wherever they're located. If you haven't discovered it yet, take a peek- you'll be glad you did! 

What are your current favorite trends or ideas for fall weddings? 

Xo,

Brandi

Inspiration | Forest Destination Wedding

I think I'm officially inspired by all of the fun vacations I want to take this summer. I immediately thought of all the amazing destinations for a wedding. I was brought to a warm, sunny place with pine trees and rustic surroundings. Of course, I'm still a lover of those tropical sunsets and warm beaches, but the warm vintage feel, and soft earthy colors of a forest, make it my favorite destination of the season! The rich greens mixed with soft color pallets, wooden textures and a variety of whimsical flowers, sure is dreamy huh?

sources 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Enjoy & happy day!

Kim

Pinterest Inspiration | Patterns & Pastels

A mixture of patterns and pastels, need I say more? I'm in love! I'm all about the mixing and the matching of stripes, polka dots, and of course, colors. I also think it's safe to say that I'm slightly obsessed with floral print these days... Do you love these combinations as much as I do?

Images via | Pinterest

You can find these images on my Pinterest boards, Wedding Decor Favorites, Wedding Attire Favorites, and Any Party is a Good Party. Check out what we are all are pinning these days, some pretty fabulous inspiration if I do say so myself! Brandi's pins, Michelle's pins, Annie's pins, and of course the Soiree board. Enjoy!

 

Here's to staying inspired!
Kim

Inspired Party | A Birthday Celebration

With spring comes sunshine, warmer weather, brighter colors, and around here, birthdays (including yours truly!) So of course I have party planning on the mind. I pulled together some inspiration for my dream birthday celebration, check it out!

1. Vintage bottles of any sort are a unique statement piece, and I love the idea of painting them and filling them with an assortment of flowers, if you know me it's too hard to pick just one! This is perfect, and a totally doable project!

2. Of course chevron print, and obviously gold everywhere! Gorgeous gilded table runner, turning a simple birthday get together, into a golden celebration! (I wouldn't mind a pretty present wrapped in this paper!)

3. A little noise never hurt anyone, and how cute are these? I would have to have these gold polka dot noise blowers, and I think it's safe to say, the colors are some of my favorites!

4. Over sized balloons with ribbon, silver and more gold? I'm all about it.

5. My favorite drink, a greyhound, better yet? A rosemary greyhound. Looks yummy!

6. It wouldn't be a party without the party shoes. These polka dot Keds for Kate Spade just screamed CELEBRATION! And did I mention... gold?

Six easy finds to help pull together a swanky event? I'm officially inspired for the entire season by these golden designs, mix and match patterns, and bright color palettes. It's fun and festive! Enjoy!


Happy day,

Inspiration | Wedding Wednesday

With the green of spring all around and this season's fashion trends making headlines I was inspired this week by the fashionable colors and natural blooms already popping out this season! So here are some ideas for spring inspired dresses and accessories for your maids on the big day.

Bridesmaids Dresses from the Donna Morgan Collection | Ballet Flat By Steve Madden | Earrings from Mod Cloth | Clutch by BCB  | Pearl Necklace by Kate Spade  | Headband By Kate Spade

Inspiration | Love The Season!

Aaahhh, December! Cold weather, cozy blankets, warm drinks, crackling fires and L.O.V.E! What more could you ask for!? Check out this gold inspired winter theme. Its sparkle and elegance all in one with a little holiday flair!

Love the Lights! | Place Setting | Gold Dipped Feathers | Cake | Shoes

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram (#soireeweddingsboise) to check out what is keeping us busy this holiday season!   

Happy Holidays!

Table Faves | Thanksgiving II

Here are some of my favorite ideas for this years Thanksgiving table scape! My ideal setting is casual and simple yet stunning. Spending time with my family is what I am thankful for and what better way to show your appreciation than to host a beautiful holiday event that will create everlasting memories and will bring joy to those you love!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Happy Holidays!

Inspiration | Winter

With winter nipping at our heels, I can't help but imagine myself sitting in front of a warm fire with a delicious hot drink and the snow falling softly outside. Who wouldn't be inspired by this!? See below for some winter wedding ideas that I hope will inspire you!

Winter Scene | Yummy Drink | Invites | Tablescape | Cake Table | Groom and Bride

See you soon!

Inspiration | Fall Table Design

My favorite part of this season has got to be all of the festivities! I love getting friends and family together... Good food, pretty colors, and great company. I've been inspired to do a little fall decorating, and what's better than a gorgeous tablescape. I'm ready to put on a little fall themed dinner party, just to try these fun designs!

Sources  1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Enjoy those fall festivities!

Inspiration | A Day for Remembrance

Due to this day back in 2001, I decided to take a break to commemorate those who were affected. We will always remember! This has always been a very inspirational quote for me...

Quote Provided By...

 Stay inspired!

Room to Wedding | Naturally Modern

This room is combining two amazingly different themes! In nature the lines are sinewy and have movement. On the other hand, when designing to create a modern feel, designers tend to use strait lines and more geometric figures and shapes. It's edgy and different yet tends to create a serene feel that I absolutely love! Notice how they pull the colors out of nature and use them to accent the room! And this cake! The general direction of the layers rise up in an angular line but the cake itself has amazing movement!

Room | Table Scape | Cake

As always, happy planning!

Inspiration | Fun & Games

What's more fun than a wedding? What about a wedding filled with games! I absolutely love the idea of incorporating all different unique games at a wedding. It could be a fun way to design your invitations, and would get your guests interacting from the very start, all the way until your special day. Board games, word games, even yard games, can all be incorporated throughout the big day. And I just love the idea of everyone playing fun games all night long!

Sources | game board menu | scrabble dessert sign | board game stationery | ring toss

Here's to a fun filled day!

Inspiration | Praying for the fall weather!

Well it is that time of year yet again and as I sit here pining for the cooler weather I am inspired! Here are some fun new ideas for a fall wedding or even party! Stay tuned for more fall inspired posts as the season progresses!

Escort Table | Escort Cards | Bouquet | Centerpiece 

Best regards from the girl yearning for Fall!

Room to Wedding | Textured Statement

Split faced travertine is one of my favorite statement making finishes. The focal wall in this dining room has a texture that demands attention without being too garish. Instead of using bold colors or patterns to make your statement, you can use bold textures! These examples are simple by definition but the different textures make them stand out creating a unique and impacting look!

Room | Ring Pillow | Wedding Dress | Treats

Happy middle of the week!

Enjoy!

Some History Behind Wedding Traditions

I am a sucker for history and as we blaze through wedding season and I witness all of the amazing wedding day highlights, I find myself wondering why some of these traditions exist. Here is some insight into a few of those significant little details that make your wedding day so very special.

1. The Bridal Bouquet

Brides used to walk down the aisle with different herbs to ensure that she was protected against anything that would create bad luck or sickness. Unfortunately, those herbs included dill and garlic which didn't have that great of an aroma. Brides modified this tradition and started to use beautiful floral arrangements making the bridal bouquet what it is today. The flowers also stand for fertility and happiness and well smell a bit better too!

Photo | Info

2. The Wedding Ring

The wedding ring dates back to Roman times, although the whole diamond aspect didn't come along until the 1920s. It is one of those traditions that has stood the test of time. The Romans believed that the ring finger had a vein in it that went straight to the heart and that the circle represented eternity. Now how romantic is that!!

Photo | Info

3. The Best Man

The meaning of the best man is somewhat different today than it was in the past. In history, the best man was a strong and reliable fighter chosen to guard the groom so as to ensure no other man could steal the groom's bride. When the women became scarce in certain towns, the bachelors would become quite desperate. Thank goodness those barbaric ways are in the past!

Photo | Info

So when planning your special day keep in mind all the great stories behind those little details.

Happy Friday!

Inspiration | Day of Makeup

I love these looks because they are timeless! Whether you opt for a retro red lip, smokey eye or you go for a natural look, remember to keep your signature personal touches. You can make each one of these your own!

From left to right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Happy planning!

Inspiration | Summer Heat

With a vacation planned to sunny Arizona just a week away, I am having a hard time thinking about anything other than sunshine, being poolside, and more sunshine - which is where all of my inspiration is pulling from, the warm sunshiny colors I see when I think of a much needed, very warm vacation!

Also, cold drinks don't sound too bad for the summer heat. Look at this yummy looking recipe for a signature cocktail! 

Sources : tablescape | signature cocktail | dress | arrangement

Enjoy!

Room to Wedding | Pink and Blue

This color scheme is in demand right now concerning all aspects of design. Because these colors are so bold, especially together, there are a few things you can do to make sure that this motif is sophisticated and not silly. Like the room below, adding different shades of blues, greens and accents of dark wood furniture is the perfect example of how to create this look without going overboard.   

Room | Setting and Cake | Invites

Happy Tuesday!

Inspiration | Bohemian

The hairstyle below is what inspired me this week. I love how simple an elegant it is, yet it makes a statement that could move mountains! This Bohemian style is relaxed and whimsical with an elegance all its own. It is perfect for the free spirited bride and her playful hubby to be.

Hair and Veil | Ceremony | Setting | Bouquet | Cake

Enjoy!