styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
It starts with crocuses, the garden waif that’s aggressive enough to break through thawing winter soil. Colors soon burst onto the scene. Garish Easter items take over candy aisles. Open your doors and it sounds like an aviary from the wail of birds. These are the notes to take to your Easter tablescape.
Pastel trimmed dishware by Pip Studio directs the scheme. Accents and treats complete the look.
Every month has a theme. For March it’s a time of transition. Consider its adage, “In like a lion, out like the lamb.” Though, from the past March’s I’ve experienced, the lion essentially mauled the lamb and took over. In the spirit of unpredictable weather, layers allow you to dress for flighty elements while still looking pulled together.
Dubbed “Jane Eyre Dressing”, the layered look captures the needs of the cool and damp climate of the British Moors, which effectively keeps you warm with an attention to classic detailing. Furry dogs as accessories recommended.
Clothing that can be worn with other clothes add warmth while having that immigration to the New World appeal. While it may not be because travelers had to dress in their belongings to save room in their steamer trucks–yesteryear’s version of pricey baggage fees–it creates an elegant and tailored image. Look for pieces made of durable fabric, neutral colors and can be slipped on and off without looking like something prurient.
March is that in between month that’s as transitional as a teen. Just because you’re ready for spring doesn’t mean winter is about to relinquish her season. This is why Margot Shaw’s new book, Living Floral, Entertaining and Decorating with Flowers, is the ideal salve for those who crave the nuances of nurturing weather. Create your own uplifting environment with flowers. And what better way than to cull ideas from tables and settings of such tastemakers as Charlotte Moss, Cornelia Guest, Susanne Rheinstein and event designer Tara Guérard among others. The range in seasonal styles is sure to inspire. In fact, no setting is complete without flowers, an edict to live by.
Lily Pulitzer table cloth with floral runner. Photograph by Julia Lynn.
From Charlotte Moss’ personalized foreward to tastemakers who share their floral schemes, the underlying message is personalization. Such an approach will allow guests to know your true self. Says Cornelia Guest, “Don’t redecorate a room or put your pets elsewhere–your guests are coming to your house, and it’s where you live. Sharing a glimpse into your life is a part of entertaining and is as important as all the other aspects of your party.”
Pink table runner embellished with flowers en plein air. Photograh by Becky Luigart – Stayner
