Woodland Wonderland

There are so many ways to create a rustic woodland feel in your home. The same goes for events but you want it to be subtle. Try not to overdo it. Sometimes I see events, both weddings and parties, that are a little over the top. When creating a nature theme its best to present the design as authentic as possible. I mean, that's the beauty of nature. It's natural, organic and simple. So when there is a plethora of natural elements such as trees, plants, grass and other real or handmade items inside an interior space, it just doesn't look right. You might as well go outside and have the event there. I don't get the point.

Besides, I personally think it often ends up looking tacky, cheap and way too crafty. If people want that look, fine, but just know having the event outside will always be more authentic. If you want that woodland, garden theme than take a few elements you love from nature and showcase them in the simplest ways. Remember, a little goes a long away and too much can take away or distract your guests from the true meaning of the event.

Also, be careful not to be so literal. I saw an episode of My Fair Wedding last week that, in my opinion, was unsuccessful. I think David Tuterra is a good designer but he always seems to do too much. This one particular show, the California bride wanted a winter wonderland wedding. Already, she has the location against her. David set up the ceremony outside and along with other winter elements, he had a few girls in weird winter costumes move their hands around like it was snowing. It looked horrible and tacky. I thought she said she wanted a winter theme, not Halloween!

The reception was held inside a large modern hall located on a university's property. The place was nice but the brick red rug threw the whole theme off. Although I thought the birch trees, lighting and various beads were too much it wouldn't have looked as bad without that rug there. I was waiting for Santa to arrive, haha. Everything was white and here you had this red rug that you couldn't miss. This is one reason why I don't like renting halls or other venues like this one. There are certain elements the venue has you cannot change. So you either have to work around it or have an eyesore.

Here are some inspirations to lead you in the right direction.































Poppies & Posies Events

Finding Inspiration through Nature

Finding inspiration for any event or project is really important. It helps bring out creativity and push you to come up with amazing ideas. Nature is one place I have always trusted to give me inspiration. Whether it was a painting, a poem or designing an interior space, Mother Earth has never let me down. The fact I love about nature is it will never die or get old and certainly never become outdated. With the beautiful elements of nature, you can create spectacular designs that will stand the test of time.

I took a photograph in New Hope a couple of years ago that popped up while I was looking through old work. This scene has always been in the back in my mind because I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I loved how the building was old and had ivy growing all over it. It showed a sense of age and vintage appeal I really connected with. Although a bit overgrown, the grass added a nice element to the space. The green tones and softness in its freedom brought a nice texture to the water behind it. And how can you not love the view of the trees across the water. You can't see it here, but there is a bridge to the right that introduced a hard element to the area, making the naturalness almost fantasy like.



As an inspiration, this setting brought images of moss, dew and various neutral tones to the surface. While playing with these pictures in my head I came up with a conservatory theme. I love this idea for a room in a home, especially for a foyer or a sitting room. This, for sure, will be something I explore in my new home.

When pulling inspiration from the photo, try not to be so literal. I would recommend bringing in wood furniture that has a rustic, aged feel. Gray blues would be nice on the walls. This would mirror the sky and water. Incorporating real plants is a must. I imagine leafy plants and herbs in terra cotta pots and various clay vessels. Showcasing vintage crates and cheese boxes will bring more vintage appeal. Laying down moss inside of them would look earthy and raw.

I wouldn't include metals so much as I would glass but bronze and rusty finishes would be fitting. Old jars of all sizes and colors would be great. Fill them with small rocks or pebbles, even tiny succulents would work. You want the room to feel lush without being congested. Be careful not to modernize it to much. This theme is not about being modern or contemporary, it's about authenticity. Floors should be natural elements such as wood, brick, stone or cork. It will help tie the whole space together.

Here are some more ideas and products that will inspire this theme:















Weathered Birdhouse


Illusorio Console


Bodhi Desk


Mirrored Dresser


Garvey Chair


Banda Armchair


Aged Herb Pot








Vanuatu Twilight Wallpaper


Are You Being Served Wallpaper

Table Goodies

The table setting is always an important element of an event. It doesn't have to be crazy. Actually, it shouldn't be crazy at all. If you are designing the table people will be eating at then I recommend you don't put flowers or any decorative items in front of their faces. Guests should be able to look at each other and talk. I am not a big fan of events where the host is blatantly trying to impress everyone with elaborate designs.

If you are trying to spice up a table with a buffet or dessert, all you need is a few pops of happy to bring smiles to everyone's faces. Just remember, when food is near don't include candles that smell. Why have them compete? The food should smell tasty enough!

Here are a few cute and unique ways to brighten up a table at any event. Keep it simple and you already get two thumbs up.