Design a lovely brunch table setting inspired by the beauty of a blue-skied day outdoors.

With a crisp spring day as inspiration, throw a casual brunch table setting where the colors are the main event. Keeping things casual, this table, set at French General, a European-influenced accessories and craft shop in Los Angeles, California, is thrown together with no-fuss embellishments that get their frills from scallop-edged dishware and bright vivacious color. Owner Kaari Meng says that what’s important is the true joie de vivre theme—enjoying the colors of the season, the fresh natural elements and the people who will fill the table. “When setting your table, think about what you already have, things tucked away at the back of your china cabinet. Pull them out and give them new life by using them for a simple meal.” To craft your own brunch table setting, consider these tips:

Color:

Choose a few bold colors to carry out the theme without overwhelming the brunch table setting. Here, a rose red is perfectly paired with a heavenly blue recalling a field of red—roses or strawberries since they are coming into season. Creamy white balances the bold color and adds a delicate touch.

Settings:

Since there aren’t many elements on the brunch table setting, choose dishware with more intricate details. “I tend to pull lots of old ironstone, which blends with everything,” Kaari says. “Think about using special salad plates or platters to mix things up a bit. Have fun with your glassware—using elegant hand-blown glasses makes everything look festive or a set of mismatched old water glasses can look very elegant.” Here, dinner, salad and dessert plates are layered to highlight their similar lacy edges. Each element on the table carries a scalloped detail, from the tulip dessert glasses that hold sweet treats to the cake plate and the antique Cameo Ware by Harker Pottery.

Linens:

“I always begin by layering the table,” Kaari says. “Whether it’s new or old textiles, I start with a tablecloth and then add on from there. I like to add a colorful striped runner and some simple linen placemats as well as some old linen napkins—maybe even embroidered with an initial or two.” Here, a casual cotton tablecloth in a garden floral is offset by another tablecloth in pink-on-pink plaid folded to create a quick and easy runner. Don’t have a complete set of napkins on hand? No need to worry—a mix of linens adds to the casual feel. Here, a few pieces matching the tablecloth are mixed with antique grain-sack linens in creamy white and red.

Flowers and Fruit:

A generously-sized arrangement of hydrangeas recalls a grouping of lush white clouds. Red roses punctuate the bouquet, adding fun bright details. Apples arranged on a cake plate add more color for a quick and casual addition to the menu. Rosebuds are added to the decadent cake to create a true piéce de resistance to the meal.

For more information on French General and Kaari Meng, visit frenchgeneral.com.

Be inspired by Fourth of July treats and the colors of the American flag.

It is a day to celebrate American style. The Fourth of July is a holiday built around nostalgia, and traditions reign. There will always be red, white and blue; parades; fireflies caught in jars and the tastes of summer. We put a sweet spin on our celebration by creating Fourth of July treats: cupcakes donned with sparkly sugars in patriotic colors and star-shaped shortcakes livened up with fresh cream and berries.

For the setting, contributing editor Diane Sedo favors ruby glass on the table, which works with her Wilendur red rose tablecloth. The yard is fully mature by now, so green grass sets off the bright colors perfectly, and nothing says Independence Day better than buntings tied to a white picket fence. The scene beckons golden-haired dogs being chased by children in paper pirate hats.

Star Shortcake

Makes 6

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold
3/4 cup milk

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the milk with a fork until the mixture forms a ball.
5. Knead dough several times on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut with a 3-inch star cutter.
6. Place on ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

For the fruit filling: 1 cup blueberries and/or 1 cup raspberries mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar.

To assemble: Cut the slightly cooled shortcakes in half. Place some fresh cream (or whipped topping) on the bottom half of the shortcake. Add 1/3 cup of the fruit. Top with remaining shortcake. Garnish with a dollop of cream and fruit.

Now with spring in full swing and summer on the way, outdoor gatherings and picnics are here to stay. For the meantime, anyway. With so many to host and attend, you’ll be racking your brain for quick food inspiration. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover why you should serve berries at your next soirée.

They’re quick. When planning a party, you’ve got a million things on your to-do list. Berries are a low maintenance food, making hosting that much less stress-inducing. Just give the berries a light wash, unpack them into a charming bowl and serve. It doesn’t get easier than that!

They’re super. A superfood, that is. Berries–all kinds–are packed with antioxidants that help ward off illnesses. Antioxidants are also known to improve your health and combat the adverse effects of aging. Your guests will thank you for keeping their health in mind. Remember, a handful of berries a day keeps the doctor away.

They’re good for the heart. All berries seem to be heart-healthy fruit, but research shows that blueberries may reduce the risk of a heart attack. However, generally speaking, berries are high in fiber, lowering the risk of high cholesterol. Even guests with a family history of heart disease can benefit from this.

They’re juicy. The water content found in berries is high and food with high levels of water make you fuller faster. Since you won’t feel the need to eat as much, berries can aid in weight loss and guests with strict diets will be grateful to find something tasty to snack on.

They’re versatile. Give your guests the gift of creative leeway with a bowlful of berries. Berries can be eaten alone or sprinkled into salads, yogurts, ice creams, and wherever else life takes them. Guests can mix and match for a refreshing bite or to add some texture.

They’ll keep you on your toes. Sort of. Studies show that berries can reduce the rate of mental decline and memory loss, meaning that guests are more likely to remember “that exquisite berry salad” they had at your get-together.

They’ll look great on your table. With such a vibrant array of colors to choose from, berries will add delight and interest to the tabletops upon which they are bestowed.

They’re delicious. Let’s face it. Berries are delicious and with so many different types to choose from, everyone can find something to enjoy.

There’s no better time to revel in nature than in the spring. Pack a picnic lunch, head to your nearest nature getaway, or invite a few loved ones over for a spot of tea during high noon–the point is to enjoy the great outdoors. Not convinced? The following are reasons why you should throw (or attend) a spring outdoor gathering.

Celebrate the season. Think about all you’ve had to overcome in the past few months–chilly weather, strong winds, dry skin. It’s time to give yourself a break and enjoy mother nature’s gift of sunshine, life, and whatever else spring means to you. Throw a spring outdoor gathering simply because you can and because no outside element is going to stop you.

Be in the company of loved ones. Show your loved ones how much you appreciate them with a spring outdoor gathering. Bask in one another’s glory over finger sandwiches and a bowlful of berries. Your guests will be honored by your thoughtfulness and you’ll have a reason for getting the ol’ gang back together.

Celebrate your hard work. Why not show off your newly planted garden or that great recipe you just discovered with a spring outdoor gathering? Even better, treat your guests to a new dish featuring some delicious new fruits and vegetables from your garden. Your outdoor party will be raved about for months!

This light-filled space is as fresh as the air that flows in from the ocean below it. For Lucy and Tony Torres, former residents of Birmington, Michigan, their bright and airy home in San Clemente, California, is an enchanting oasis where birds sing in the distance and cool breezes and garden scents fill the air.

Lucy’s signature style combines romantic chandeliers and collections of crystal with antique, chippy French furniture in shades of cream and white for a look that is both collected and sophisticated. The finishing touch is a light color palette inspired by the natural views. “It is always changing,” Lucy says, “[The palette] is peaceful; there are many different shades of green, blue and aqua—soft shades and bright shades too. I love them all.” Here’s how to get a look that seamlessly blends elegance with comfort.

GET THE LOOK:

Mix and match. Combine styles and eras for a look that appears carefully collected over time. Scour antique stores and flea markets for pieces that are truly unique. Don’t be afraid to set an antique French sofa across from an oversized couch.

Unify found pieces with white paint. When mixing styles, pick one element that will tie them all together. For Lucy, picking furniture in shades of white helped to achieve a harmonious design.

Make a statement with structural pieces. Lucy’s penchant for architectural pieces adds elegance to her living spaces. Columns, ornate stone furniture and grand garden urns find their place indoors for a stately feel.

Add sparkling surfaces. Give your space some glamour with mirrored surfaces, elaborate chandeliers in all sizes and crystals sprinkled throughout. Try adding candelabra and silver candleholders for elegant mantel and table displays.

Accentuate the architecture. This room highlights the exposed wood ceiling and beams by allowing it to retain its natural color. Bring attention to structural details in your home by painting in a different shade than the rest of the room.

For more information on Lucy Torres, visit myparisfleamarket.com.

A well-cooked meal can go a long way, but a well-set table can go an even longer way. This Mother’s Day, enjoy an exquisite brunch in the comfort of your own home. Here are six additions to a beautiful table for any mother to enjoy.

This table is simple and sophisticated—perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch!

Keep it soft. Color scheme is always important since it sets the tone of your meal. On Mother’s Day, use a soft color scheme to achieve a sophisticated look. Soft pinks and various shades of white will complement the season best, but any muted shades will do.
Stay simple. Don’t fuss over your mantle. On Mother’s Day, you’ll want to keep your decor looking as clean as possible. Ditch the embroidered mantle for a simple white one or a bare wooden table—just make sure that your table is in good shape if you decide to go with the latter.
Use your shiniest silver. Silver trays and utensils will make great accent pieces for your Mother’s Day brunch. Make sure all silver is polished and untarnished.
Bring out the china. Treat your mother like royalty this Mother’s Day and serve your best dishes on your finest china. She’ll love the extra effort you’ve put in to ensure she feels like a queen.
Use fresh bouquets. Fragrance the air with a subtle hint of flowers. Use a vase of colorful flowers as a centerpiece for your table. The flowers will add a pop of color while maintaining classiness and will complement the season. And remember, at the end of the day, your mother will have a beautiful bouquet to walk away with.
Light candles. Even unlit, candles will bring a sophistication to your table. Use candlesticks as an additional centerpiece.
Want to treat your mother even more? Here are more ideas on how to spend Mother’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a day when we celebrate the love we have in our life whether it’s a significant other, relative or friend. Show your sweethearts how much you care with a yummy treat.

Wrap your cookies up in something just as sweet!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix well. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for two hours. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Leave one inch of space between cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350° Fahrenheit.

Cool for one hour before frosting.

Have fun when decorating—let your artistic side show!

Icing Glaze Recipe

• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoons of milk

Combine powdered sugar and milk in a bowl and stir until smooth (the icing should not be too runny). Add more powdered sugar if necessary to thicken the glaze. Tint with food coloring. Use a separate bowl for each color needed.

Frost the cookie with the icing. Smooth the top with a spatula dipped in water. Use the edge of the spatula to scrape off any icing that has run over the edge of the cookie. The icing glaze hardens in a couple of hours.