Hello Spring with all of your freshness! The grass is deep green, the trees are budding and the flowers are beginning to bloom. We could not think of a better way to celebrate than by gathering together to celebrate the new season. We dearly love working with Carolyn of Willow and Mabel Garden Co - her greenhouse is all things warm and cozy even on chillier spring days.

We moved out all of her seed planting tables and brought in our farm tables. Filled them with fresh blooms from Carolyn’s spring flower beds, plus trays of fresh fruit and sweets. Then to personalize each place setting we ordered an amazing set of place cards from Mr P’s Place Cards and a local baker created the prettiest flower cookies for each guest.

If you’re planning a spring get together here are my top 3 tips for hosting:

Collaborate: It’s always better when we work together and Carolyn and I are proof that’s true. While she provides the greenhouse and flowers, I bring in the tables and decor. While Carolyn pulled chairs from every nook and cranny of her property, I provided the food and beverages. Plus we had help setting up, serving and cleaning up. Go gather a group of friends and say, let’s do this together!!
Go with the Season: Using what is in season allows you to save on your budget PLUS it naturally selects the color pallet you’ll be using. Bright pops of color mixed with greens along side muted shades of pink. No need to fret over what color pallette - just go with what’s growing! As for food, I create the menu based on what’s growing. We did a lighter fare of lemon squares (you can get our favorite recipe here!), roasted nuts, fresh berries, sparkling mineral water, Secco Grapefruit bottles from Trader Joes, and of course small bites of chocolate!
Keep it Simple: Now, I know what you’re saying…that’s not simple, setting up an entire greenhouse!! I agree, it took a lot of moving and setting up. Here’s the kind of simple I’m talking about - simply invite people to gather. You don’t have to have a greenhouse or even the perfect house, the best gift you can give your friends is yourself! It’s time to simply be together. Invite to whatever space you have available, fill the table with whatever flowers and greenery and candles and decor you have, fill the platters with what you like to make, or have your guests bring part of the small bites. Do whatever you need to do to keep it simple enough that you’ll invite people in.

Now, go forage and find whatever flowers are growing around your home, and invite your friends to gather together to simply enjoy the season!! And of course tag me, @kellywelk I love seeing the beauty you are creating. If you need more hosting help, decor inspiration, menus and more check out my book Dinner Changes Everything - your table is waiting for you!

photography by Bonnie Miller Creative