I’m in love with this Paris studio’s wallpapers. Minakani launched their walldecor line 2 years ago and offer custom size and exclusive motifs printed onto high quality non-woven paper. The beautiful and simple overlays of color and delicate yet whimsical style are are refreshing take on room design. I can’t wait to buy some for my bedroom! These designs can inspire any event theme from kids parties to a glamorous cocktail night.

It used to be that I could paint anything white and it would fit my décor. My sister used to make fun of me for my tiny obsession. For any of you who watch the show Portlandlia, my obsession reminds me of the hilarious skit, “We put birds on things”. I’d find an old picture frame that didn’t quite fit in my room, so I’d paint it white; a cool vintage statue of an owl, I’d paint it white!

Now I’m obsessed with gold. I love the level of sophistication it can add to any setting, but paired with the right color, and only using a hint of it, it can still be playful and fun. So, this goes out to you, Susie (my sis). You’ll no longer here me talk about white! You can also see this post on Brooklyn Bride where I guest blog from time to time.

Tablescape on The Decorista | gold flatware from West Elm | Confetti System Streamers | Foil Stamped Invitations featured on The Sweetest Occasion | gold painted chair from Anthropologie | artwork of Martin Pfeifle | Streamers from Martha Stewart | wallpaper by Verde | DIY star drink sticks | gold painted branches at Martha Stewart | gold installation by Carmody Groarke

At LS we pull inspiration for our events from anything and everything, especially art. Martin Pfeifle’s commentary on space and color translate very easily into an event setting, if you look hard enough. I love the colored paper hanging from the ceiling as a potential backdrop or partition. And, I’m a big fan of this pink spacial field turning into a table with one huge hit of color.

I love the holidays! More opportunities to host and break out my special cocktail menus and party dresses. I am so inspired by this Kate Spade shoot. What a great way to reinvent the holidays. Can’t afford a tree? Draw one. Want a new holiday idea? Go crazy with the glitter! How cute and delicate.

I ask you, is it too late to whip up a holiday extravaganza with only three weeks to spare? I hope not, because I’m on board to make this happen!

Photography: Alison Conklin / Styling: Styled Creative / Cakes and Cupcakes: Brown Betty Desserts / Paper Materials: Two Paperdolls

read on to hear more about the shoot from the Kate Spade team!

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This is long overdue, but we’re finally posting about the alternative wedding event we were a part of in September: Tilt. This was the first Tilt event, catering toward the alternative bride and groom. We were so excited when Swarm Gallery (the hosting venue of the event) asked us to style and participate in it. What a fantastic venue for brides and grooms to take in the overwhelming job of searching for cool/alternative wedding knowledge.

Check out a video of Tilt by Oakland North as well as more info below on the styling of the event.

For the styling of Tilt, we were inspired by a simple, sophisticated and playful palette of colors and whimsical decor. We received generous contributions for floral arrangements (provided by Clementine in Rockridge), calligraphy from Megan Cott, Air Plants for boutonnieres and decor from Air Plant Supply Co., furniture from Mignonne Decor, and decorated with these incredibly large and lofty balloons to make the space simply amazing.

Photos // Bliss Fotography or Local Social

We had so much fun coming up with creative ideas with Svea from Swarm, including a cake cutting from The Whole Cake, a casual fashion show from creations by Cara Borja, DJ’s and dancing by various artists including the group pictured below, The Solace Trio as well as DJ Extra Lars, Alex Jacobs and Tiny Home, a photo booth hosted by Magnolia Photo Booth Co., and food vendors both inside and out!

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I recently stumbled upon an identity for an interior design company, Almighty, designed by Demian Conrad Design. The identity uses an ancient Japanese tech­nique of dec­o­rat­ing paper by floating inks on water. The images are beautiful and uncomplicated and remind me of a topographical map. Check out a video below to see the process in action.

If you live in Oakland you may have seen the incredible (and free!) unusual dance performance last week along a nondescript white facade on Grand Avenue (otherwise known as the Great Wall of Oakland). This was the creation of Project Bandaloop, a phenomenal aerial dance troupe that uses urban walls and natural wonders such as Yosemite’s El Capitan for their canvas. Below are a few magical moments.

from The Great Wall of Oakland

from The Great Wall of Oakland

from Oakland North

from This That and More of the Same

Making navigation easy for your guests is key at any event. Whether your crafty (or not), or have a lot of money to spend (or not), your main goal is to make sure you get your guests seated. Don’t stress, we’ve compiled some great ideas to help you get started. Check out some of these clever ideas below. Included is a “how to” from The Knotty Bride on handmaking your own.

Photos // (top to bottom) unknown source, but awesome utilization of vintage library numbers // BHLDN numbers // diy from The Knotty Bride // Oh So Beautiful Paper blog // from 100LayerCake

I started today’s blog post by looking for all things yellow. But I came across so many amazing graphics that I had to narrow the the search – the focus for now is on textiles, prints and wall paper but I hope to have a part II or III that explores this dynamic color further.

I chose these 2D works because they are all singularly beautiful and yet could be combined to create a monochromatic but highly energized space or event.

Screen prints by Jessica Swift

(Left) Miss Print London / (Right) Unknown

(Left) Screen prints by Jane Foster / (Right) Fabric by Hancock

(Left) Marimekko & (Right) Stilla Fabrics

Our latest inspiration. . . travel. With destination weddings and events on the rise and parties and reunions centered around exotic travel, it’s worth a look to see how we might translate the idea of maps into our party decor.

P.S.-I Made This
If you’re feeling crafty, we thought these platters were cute enough to try on our own. A sweet and simple design from a newish book called “P.S.-I Made This…“. It’s filled with cute DIY inspiration projects from Erica Domesek.

Photos (clockwise) // MindOvrMatter, Martha Stewart, RustyCuts Minidress, map lamp from LolliePatchouli via Sweet and Lovely Things, Travel inspired wedding decor from LoveandLavedner, boutonniere from WhipperBerry, Umbu lamp, P.S.-I Made This… book