french country farmhouse

french-country-decor

 

I’m excited to share a glimpse into this beautiful farmhouse that I toured in the Loire Valley of France. My brother told me about this amazing property and arranged a tour with the owner (one of his clients) while I was visiting. It is the quintessential french country farmhouse that so many of us dream of…rustic elegance at it’s finest. It is an experience I won’t soon forget – and I’m sharing the full story exclusively on Steller! If you’re not familiar with the app, you simply must check it out…it’s the latest and greatest way to share stories, and I’m obsessed. They’ve just released an update today, and Steller 2.0 is even better, with the addition of comments, hashtags, a snazzy new navigation, and more! Be sure to take a look at the full story, whether on the app or here. Be forewarned – it may leave you with severe wanderlust.

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dîner en blanc inspiration

diner-en-blanc-inspiration

 

The countdown to Dîner En Blanc Philadelphia has begun…less than 3 weeks to go! If you’re planning to attend the magical affair, I hope you will enjoy this little bit of inspiration. There are so many details, rules and logistics, it can be overwhelming! First and foremost, be sure you are properly registered-you most likely already received a letter with an overview of guidelines + instructions. I won’t get into the nitty gritty of it all, but want to share some of the items that I’ve had my eye on. Also, I recently discovered the Dîner en Blanc documentary which takes an intimate look at the event in Paris, revealing the behind the scenes planning as well as the actual event! If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend a viewing…it reminded me just how magical the evening is, and got me even more excited for 2014. I hope to see you there!

 

1…   fancy details can really set you apart…you’re sure to get noticed with a lace parasol!

2…   while it doesn’t have to be white, I love this one from crate + barrel (shown), OR the picnic for two basket kit

3…   a bit of sparkle never hurts, and can dress up a more casual outfit…statement brooch + sash buckle

4…   many attendees wear hats, or fascinators…I love mixing it up each year!

5…   a flowy white dress is my outfit of choice, but there are so many options for both men + women (too many to list).

6…   be sure to capture the magic…we all have our phones, but consider film with this fun fujifilm instax camera!

7…   should you choose to bring your own dinner (rather than catering), these weck jars will transport your food elegantly.

8…   don’t forget your wine + champagne!

9…   more importantly, don’t forget your wine glasses…because, well, drinking out of the bottle is not so classy.

10… first and foremost, go for comfortable shoes (i.e. low heels, wedges) so you can dance the night away!

11…  there are many chairs to choose from…shown is the bistro chair by terrain…more options on the pinterest page!

12…  porcelain dinner + salad plates by apilco are simple and classic.

13…  beautiful hemstitched linen napkins look beautiful on any table.

14…  these porcelain flowers make lovely napkin ties or table decor…you can see how I used them here!

 

items not shown (table, tablecloth, candles, flowers, etc.) can be found here

bonton paris

bonton-paris

bonton-home

 

One of the highlights of my Paris trip was a visit to Bonton. This three level concept store is a must-see, even if you don’t have children. The uber-chic boutique is impressive, housing their ready-to-wear clothing, decor, party supplies, toys, and even a hairdresser for the littles. Brought to you by the retail genius behind Bonpoint + Merci, inspiration can be found in every vignette. Don’t miss the vintage photo booth-the perfect souvenir! More inspiration + info after the jump…

 

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