Being a blogger in Southern California is such a treat. Now that the weather is getting warmer, there’s no shortage of exciting summer events to attend and it’s fun to see what new home products are around the corner!
With summer tips in tow, Aleah and Nick Valley of Valley & Co. wedding and event design hosted an inspirational workshop at West Elm’s San Diego location in Mission Valley last Thursday evening. What a cute pair these two are!
Surrounded by West Elm’s finest summer picks, Aleah and Nick guided guests through simple party DIY’s (including butcher paper table runners and napkin rings stamped with champagne-cork polka dots!), refreshing beverage options, unique seating arrangements (for those nights by the backyard bonfire) and a great insight into how to host the perfect summer dinner party.
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Some of their tips:
- Always be present to welcome your guests and make sure they leave with something special (like a s’mores kit)!
- Offer your guests rolled blankets in their seat if dining outdoors to prevent a potentially-chilly evening from ending early
- Don’t fret too much over your tablescape layout. Oftentimes the best way to decorate is to adopt the “picnic method” and simply stack and group plates, silverware and other items that will get used then anchor down the design with a few visually interesting elements (like a patterned table runner, a few place mats turned the opposite way, and something unique like a twisted piece of driftwood or an oversized birdcage). Key: it doesn’t have to be perfect!
- If you opt to create place cards for seating, make sure you think about each of your guests and their personalities. If someone is timid, place them next to someone they know; or introduce people you feel will naturally get along.
At the end of the evening, each attendee was treated to a delicate airplant to take home (above – I placed mine in a mason jar), face time with the brilliant couple and a chance to browse the goodies in the store.
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Big thanks to West Elm (as always!!) and to the talented Aleah and Nick for such a fun and informational night!
Visit Valley & Co’s website and blog, and check out West Elm online for their latest markdowns (I think I need a pebble terrarium or two).
