How to Set the Scene for a Derby

The Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching, so here are a few sweet and simple ideas to make your Derby viewing party a hit!

Lets begin with the bar set up. Mint Juleps are a must, if you want to feel as if you’re actually at the track watching the ponies. If your guests will be making their own drinks, keep the recipe in sight, just in case they need reminding. As far as the bar itself actually goes, if you can get your hands on some traditional silver cups, definitely scoop up as many as you can. Fresh flowers in pastel colors will dress up this area and add a touch of Southern flare.

(Photo Credit: ohdeedoh.com)

(Photo Credit: karaspartyideas.com)

Another Derby must, is of course, big, over-the-top, hats. If you want, ask your guests to dress the part. Ladies in the biggest hats they can get their hands on, and gents in bow ties and sports coats.

(Photo Credit: time-for-fashion.blogs.elle.es)

(Photo Credit: bowtiesandsunshine.tumblr.com)

To continue to set the scene for your Derby themed gathering, subtle touches are sure to bring your guests to “oohhs” and “awws”. Incorporate winner’s ribbons, on the back of chairs, but add your own twist. Use burlap for a rustic flare, and some decorative ribbons and sparkles to punch it up. 

(Photo Credit: hwtm.com)

(Photo Credit: hwtm.com)

(Photo Credit: freshhomeideas.com)

How to Decorate With Floral Patterns

What better way to bring the outside into your home this spring than by decorating with floral patterns? They are a great way to add freshness to a dull space. It can be a bit scary for some to branch out and go for a bold pattern but it can really pay off for your end result. 

 Upholstery

A good rule to go by with floral patterns is to try not to overdo it. Less is usually more with florals. For example, if you are talking about a couch, pillows, and chair for a living room, go with a solid for the couch and florals on the chairs and pillows. This will create emphasis and personality in small bursts without being too much. On the other hand, if you do want to go bold, using a floral on a large piece, like a sofa, can be beautiful.

Window Treatments 

Window treatments are another great place in your home to incorporate floral patterns. It can really add a light and airy element to your space by using them for your windows. One good option is to find a floral pattern that you love for your window treatments and base the rest of your room off of that. This way you can emphasize the pattern in the best way possible without feeling like you have any clashing elements. Try and pick out a color that is used least in the pattern and incorporate that into your furniture or rug

 

 

 

Rugs

Using a floral pattern on your area rug is a great way to add a ton of personality to your room without having to use the pattern in your furniture. This way the floral is concentrated to one area and you can just pull colors from the rug to pull together the rest of the space.

 (Photo Credit: www.companyc.com)

 

Another thing about florals some may not realize is there are floral patterns to fit all different personalities. There are very organic floral patterns that look very realistic and then there are more stylized florals where you may not even be able to make out exactly what the images are. This is a good thing to keep in mind depending on the look you are going for.

How to Arrange Your Porch and Entry for Spring

Spring is the perfect time of the year to take a fresh look at everything and liven up your home. Your porch and entry are great places to start doing so! They are the first places you see when entering a home so even making a few small changes can make your whole space feel different.

(Photo Credit: www.turnstylevogue.com)

Starting with the porch, try to change up the placement of your furniture if you have the space for it. Even if you just have one chair next to the door, try switching it to the other side just to create a different look. This will give you a jumping off point for the rest of the changes. Also, you can mix in some rustic elements like barrels as tables or outdoor lanterns for accessories.

(Photo Credit: www.oliverandrust.com)

Purchase a few new accessories for your porch like a wreath that incorporates bright and fresh colors of the season. Getting new cushions for your outdoor furniture would also freshen up the whole area. Indoor/outdoor fabric, such as Sunbrella, works best for the cushions and pillows because they hold up to the weather well. If all new cushions are not in the budget, maybe a new bight throw pillow for your existing cushions would do the trick!

(Photo Credit: findinghomeonline.com)

Moving into the entry, you can use the same principles you did for the porch. Re-arrange the existing furniture for a fresh look. Then take a look at your existing accessories and see what few changes you could make to add to them and create a fresher space. Something as simple as picking up a faux orchid for you entry table can make all the difference by bringing the outside in. Some good go-to pieces for your entry are floor vases, entry mirrors above console tables to reflect light, and artwork that sets the mood for the rest of your home.