With Fall here and the holiday season knocking on the door, we could all use some tips for entertaining. For me flowers always take center stage and I almost never use fake flowers. Fresh flowers, however, can really be draining on the budget. When hosting dinner parties I like to splurge on wine and the meal itself while keeping the costs for flowers as low as possible. With this practicality in mind I created 4 easy Fall-inspired arrangements under $50, which I thought many of you might find useful. Some of these arrangements will last long after your party. To keep costs even lower, I used vases collected over the years, mostly from thrift stores and gifted arrangements.

Orchid + Berry trio = Delicate Exquisite Express

It isn’t Fall without some berries and these snow white berries compliment the burnt orange and yellow hues in the orchid creating a delicate arrangement. Cymbidium Orchid $34.50 + Snow Berries $13.50 = Total cost $48!

Lily + Oregano = Herbed Sophistication

The dual toned leaves in the ornamental oregano are reminiscent of changing colors of leaves on trees pair beautifully with Calla Lillies. Pinkish tones in the oregano are highlighted by the richer jewel toned purple-pinkish shades of the lilies. The fragrance of the oregano is perfect for dinner aromas. Oregano $9 + Calla Lily $23 = $32.

Romancing the Rose 

You can never go wrong with a classic all-rose arrangement. It screams elegance without looking over-the-top. Separating into three vases gives it a modern edge. 12 Gray Silver Finesse Roses = $22. I love the dual shades of the petals which is so Fall! Tip: make sure to cut roses at a sharp angle of 45 degree or more to make them last longer.

 Ballsy Minimalist

Moss balls might be the easiest house plants to maintain, need no watering, and last about a year. Place similar sizes ones in one large bowl or place various sized ones on several clear glass cylinder vases. Chic and minimalist, they are sure to be a conversation starter. Moss Balls 4″ $10 (2pcs) 6″ $15 (2pcs) 10″ $15 = $40

For a modern look I chose three vases to make multiple piece centerpieces but each of these arrangements would look just as pretty with only one vase. My tip, use the same type of flowers in each vase for an elegant and less-fussy look.

Hope you found this helpful. Which one is your favorite? Which one would you steal and how would you change it to suit your style?

xoxo

 images: Manvi Drona Hidalgo

Over the weekend I came across a new online magazine – Kinfolk, a guide to small gatherings, and I was instantly in LOVE!!

The magazine is about entertaining for smaller more intimate groups, including dinner for one, two or few, recognizing that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. {swoon!} they had me at “guide to small gatherings”!

The simple, less contrived and absolutely beautiful tablescapes took my breath away. I felt like each visual (photographs and videos) transported me to the scene of the party as a guest. Not to mention the tablescape designs that popped in my head should they ever ask me to contribute.

Congratulations to editor/art director Nathan Williams and his team (which includes Chelsea Fuss of Frolic) for an incredibly inspiring magazine!

Kinfolk: Breakfast for Two from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

images kinfolk magazine

Lovely things I came across this past weekend and some inspiration to kick-start the week.

Ranunculus framing the entrance on this porch make it look absolutely DIVINE.

This bohemian-inspired boat party sure looks fun and comfy. I love parties on boats and would love the opportunity to decorate a yatch party.

Tufted lovelyness in aqua shades…

This picture from House Beautiful is inspiring me to add pops of burnt orange to my decor.

Perfect Sunday afternoon at Sequoia (Georgetown waterfront) where they served mango margaritas by the yard! I couldnt finish mine, but it was so refreshing.

I am in LOVE with this new (to me) food + photography blog desserts for breakfast. Stephanie seems just my kind of girl living her best life and her photography is DELISH.

From my mother-in-laws garden, I just LOVE the way these succulents look in this strawberry jar.

Have a great week ahead, friends.

xo

images: Thisisglamorous, pinterest, house beautiful, desserts for breakfast, and me.

Bright summer color palettes, spheres and natural elements = inspiration for summer parties.

A single peony {the very first to bloom in our garden} in a bright orange vase {blogfest swag} and moss sphere from my local florist on a vintage candlestick.

Pink carnations in a lion’s head soup bowl.

Did you get a chance to see my dear blogging friend Monika’s MARVELOUS Seattle home tour in the latest issue of Rue magazine? Isnt it adorable? LOVE the mixing of high and low end pieces with her Swedish-inspired style is fab. Playful yet refined. I cant wait to visit her lovely home someday.

My fav bit was the pic of mon and william, abs stunning. Monika’s home is proof that when it comes to having a great eye for style you either have it, or you dont.

Have a great week. xo

styled and photographed by manvi for mochatini

Pops of color, hot coco and a bouquet of ranunculus are helping brighten up this rainy Wednesday.  Thought these recent favs on my pinterest boards might help perk up your day. Enjoy!

all images via pinterest