FANTASY TO FÊTE: SPAHHH...

Inhale & exhale, my dears...today is about indulging in some serious tranquility. Camille from Style Notes, here with the latest edition in our Fantasy to Fête series.

Today's mood board is inspired by crashing waves, sea glass bottles and salty air, all in serene shades of emerald & sky. This "fantasy" has all the makings of the perfect spa party; an afternoon of pampering with a few of your besties. Serve up a menu of at-home spa services: manicures, massages & good old-fashioned cooling cucumbers over the eyes. Add light, seasonal snacks & fruit smoothie shots, and you've got the makings of an unforgettable bridal shower or birthday party.

White orchids can't be beat for their modern, striking simplicity (don't they just make you want to say OM?) Create a comforting haven with soft lighting and flickering votives scattered about the room.

Set up a narrow table with a chair on either side as a manicure station, and either hire a pro or DIY and take turns playing nail technician. To really bring on the pampering, hire a couple of masseuses to do full body massages in separate rooms, or ask them to circulate casually and give neck and shoulder massages.

Ask guests to bring robes to slip on and get comfortable, and provide flip flops as party favors. Fruit smoothies in shot glasses are a yummy way to detox and are extra dainty served in shot glasses. Get the healthy recipes for raspberry-vanilla & citrus cream smoothies.

Treat your friends to a seasonal menu that will leave them feeling as pampered as they look. Lemony asparagus soup served in tea cups; curried chicken wraps sliced into little pinwheels, & a trio of fruity sorbets are light & refreshing. (Get the full menu with recipes here.)

The very thought of a day like this is already making me more relaxed! The perfect excuse to get the girls together.

*images via {row 1} ceci new york, style me pretty, tara donne {row 2} style me pretty, rebecca thuss {row 3} martha stewart weddings, jo malone {row 4} atlanta bartlett, ashley meaders, style me pretty. spa images from instyle parties. sorbet from cannelle et vanille.

DRAWING ROOM

Curtains drawn back with a floral garland and a bar with a drawn facade? So adorably playful and perfectly genius!
What a sweet entrance this would make for a fabulous (and quite girly) party! And, so easily done at your own home, too. Just rig up the entryway with a curtain rod and drape lengths of fabric to the floor. Faux flowers wired into a garland and sewn on would probably be the hardest part. If you're talented enough to sketch up your own facade, kudos to you! It's a perfect way to disguise a table that might not perfectly match the decor.

How fun would this be for a (dreaded) Valentine's Day shindig?

PS - have you seen trailers for the movie? Killer cast.

*image from elegant bride via perfectly put together

Just One Little Birthday Wish...

For the last week or so I've had friends and family asking me what it is I'd like for my birthday. Well, the day is here, and I can honestly say that there isn't much to want! I feel incredibly blessed in many ways to be where I am.

*our entryway bookshelf*

Those who have been following for a while now know that one year ago I moved back to Seattle from Los Angeles in order to focus on launching coco+kelley as an interior and event design company. Since then, this blog and my few clients have brought so many rewarding opportunities - the most important being the fact that I get to wake up and do what I love every day!

*the current fall inspiration board above my desk*

Well, about a month ago I decided it was high time to take the plunge and dive into this thing for real. I quit my other side projects to focus on making the most with what I've started here. And, with a bit of hard work by my amazing designers at Cooper Multimedia (highly recommend them!!!), I am so excited to announce that coco+kelley now has its own website!
The philosophy of the company is based on the content you see here everyday - bringing effortless glamour to every project while helping our clients (locally and virually!) take their inspirations and translate them into interiors, tabletops, wardrobes, weddings... just about every aspect of their lives!

*a color inspiration board for a client in los angeles*

So, if there's one birthday wish I do have its this: Visit the website. Share it with your friends who have just moved into a new home, your newly engaged BFF who doesn't know where to start on her wedding, the couple hosting their first Christmas, your mother who hasn't changed her furniture around since 1987... anyone who could use a little stylish assistance in their life! You'll be supporting me, this blog, and my business in the best way possible - spreading the word.

*and, yes, finally a shot of my bedroom ... almost done*

And, of course we'll be celebrating my birthday all week long with some fun little giveaways, so be sure to visit everyday for your chance to win some festive goodies!!

xo,
cassandra

Something Old, Something New...

I love new ideas in the wedding world, and I thought this one was quite cute!

Why not take the "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" saying to a whole new level and create some signature drinks for each category?

*Something old: Borrow a traditional drink from your family or his.
*Something new: Have your favorite bartender or restaurant create a signature drink just for you!
*Something borrowed: Maybe a favorite drink recipe from a friend's soiree?
*Something blue: If the idea of a blue drink seems a little scary... just add a few blueberries to your champagne.

Cheers!

Photography by Michele M. Waite