Tag Archives: centerpieces

An Evening Under the Tuscan Stars (In your own backyard?)

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An Evening Under the Tuscan Stars

My In-laws had just returned from an Italian holiday, celebrating their dual 60th birthday’s. Upon their return, they spoke fondly of Tuscany… the food, the ease of life, the romance of it all. And thus, my inspiration for their California-Birthday-Bash was conceived. With a few easy decor staples, I effortlessly transformed our backyard into “An Evening Under the Tuscan Stars”. 

Each place-setting received a mini-bottle of Aged Balsamic Vinegar. While multi-colored napkins, clean, white plates & a stripped runner (cut from the fabric store) helped to complete the look. Arrangements: fresh sunflowers and ivy placed in Italian pottery, that I purchased at a local pottery store…no trip to Italy required :) I finished-off the tables with bread sticks, olives, Olive Oil, blu’ Italy mineral water and of course, Chianti…and “perfecto” a quintessentially Tuscan table emerged!

We had personalized wine labels made with a picture of the Birthday Couple from their trip to Tuscany. A neat touch. 

Tuscan Decor: Add whole lemons, to well, everything. Including your chilled wine.
Lemons are my styling staple! 

String some lights, cue the Opera singer, uncork the Chianti…. & you’re transported. Even if it’s into your own backyard! Bellissimo! 

Robert Evans Photography

“Green Tea”

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“Green tea” anyone? Anything can be turned into a living garden…for example, I wanted to create an Alice-in-Wonderland-Spring-Tea-Party-Garden.  Doesn’t everyone? First, I went on the hunt for an inexpensive silver-plated tea set. (Check thift stores, antique shops, even yard sales!) I snagged this beauty at the Pasadena Flea Market! Next stop, the garden center. Here, I picked-up Baby Tears, Gerber Daisies, & Moss. And finally, the planting and placement…I chose a shady spot under my Carrotwood tree, hydrated by a perfectly placed sprinkler. Voila, with a little imagination…a whimsical spring garden emerged!