Tablescapes | Heirloom DC

Sunny days, vibrant landscapes and refreshing bites make Summer picnics a must. What better way to celebrate Summer than with a delicious homemade meal in nature’s perfectly landscaped setting with friends, family and probably a little Rosé?

_{Photo by Renee Hollingshead}

Whether you’re heading to the shore for a beach weekend or parking down on the edge of the Potomac, these tips from Heirloom will assure you’re all packed and ready for the perfect celebration.

Create refreshing bites

_{Photo by Renee Hollingshead}

This Summer has been a hot one. Which means our food and drinks need to be refreshing! Our first bite of choice….Watermelon, Feta and Mint skewers. These are easy, delicious and always a crowd pleaser.

Run to your local farmer’s market and pick up some Mint, Feta and Watermelon. Cut the Watermelon and feta into bite size (but thick) pieces. Place the Watermelon on the bottom, layer a leaf or two of Mint, and then place the feta on top. Add your skewer, and voila! We like ours with a little bit of olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Looking for something with a little crunch? We’ve opted for homemade Tzatziki sauce with delicious corn tortilla chips. Everyone loves a nice balance of salty and sweet, and these two bites will be sure to leave everyone smiling (and just the right amount of full).

_{Photo by Renee Hollingshead}

Picnic-Scapes + Style

We love the look of a vintage basket with some floral accents to hold all of your eats and treats. The great outdoors is an ideal backdrop for a beautiful picnic tablescape. Toss out your tired old checkered blanket with a setting as gorgeous as your view. Go simple. A nude tablecloth with woven baskets, delicate rustic accents and flowers from the garden will make your tablescape shine.

Wooden plates and cutlery lend a rustic, outdoorsy feel. And, of course, be sure to bring along enough wine glasses, champagne flutes, or beer mugs for your merriment.

Enjoy your summer over a cozy picnic. Check out more of our blog posts for some delicious summer recipes to get inspired! Cheers!

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_{Photo by Renee Hollingshead}

As the spring sun shows its face more consistently, you’re probably getting ready to throw (or attend) one of life’s biggest events. A memorable spring wedding nods to the latest trends, while remaining entirely yours, tailored to both your personalities. After all, lasting memories are based on how the experience made everyone feel. Did you laugh? Was everyone smiling? Were bottles popped? Did the smell of your main course take over the room? Will your guests tell everyone about it–including your grandchildren?

If the story is worth telling, it’s probably because of the details. What follows are some of the most popular trends to look out for this wedding season.

Take the Celebration Outdoors

Outdoor wedding ceremonies are becoming more and more common during springtime. Mild weather is the “happy medium” for men and women, where you won’t be shivering or glistening. Women often wear more vibrant dresses, but nothing flashy enough to upstage the bride, of course. Men normally opt for lighter material suits, such as linen and cotton blends and even chambray. If you’re attending an outdoor wedding, remember to prepare for rain (but hopefully not–though they say it’s good luck)!

Blend Styles Together

Why settle for a single theme at your wedding? For those who don’t like to live under constraints, good news: the new trend is to be yourself. Many couples are mixing and matching design themes on the big day, setting a new standard for style. For example, juxtapose rustic furniture with elegant decor to create a bold and unexpected feel. Integrate these themes further with your dinner menu!

Photo by Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

April Flowers, Too.

One of the best things about spring is the gorgeous scenery. You are bound to see a wide array of lovely, vibrant plants at nearly every spring wedding you attend: in vivid centerpieces, abundant bouquets, and colorful tablescapes. You can even give your guests a plant as a favor, leaving your special day blossoming long after the party’s over.

April gets bad publicity, since people harp on the rain. But don’t forget, that’s when DC’s famous cherry blossoms unveil their full beauty. With peak bloom usually observed between late March and early April, cherry blossoms make a stunning backdrop–and a beautifully seasonal addition to your table. Other popular spring flower varieties include dark delphiniums and irises to contrast a light color scheme, or pink gerberas and peonies to enhance it.

Photo by Emily Clack

Match Your Menu to the Season

As springtime approaches, many are concerned with their summer beach bodies. When selecting your menu, consider the time of year and match your options to the season. Offer fresh and organic options, such as a buffet of veggies or a delectable spread of natural, candied fruit–fresh from a local farmer’s market. Don’t be afraid to put some seasonal twists on classic side dishes–like a brussel sprout salad–or work a spring theme into the specialty drink menu. Remember to make yourself part of the experience at every turn!

Keep an eye out for these spring wedding trends in 2016, and take note of how hosts blend them with their own style to create something that lasts into the ages. Then, talk to Heirloom about striking the ideal theme for your wedding– focusing on the little details to create an unforgettable experience.