Natalie Echeverria Archives

By Natalie Echeverria / Photography by Jaimee Itagaki / Styling by Jacqueline deMontravel and Hillary Black

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.

Plate Full of Berries — A bowlful of raspberries and blackberries makes for a classy treat.

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.

Breakfast, Brunch, Dining, Hillary Black, Jacqueline deMontravel, Natalie Echeverria, Recipe, Spring, Summer, Tea Time

By Natalie Echeverria / Photography by Jaimee Itagaki / Styling by Jacqueline deMontravel

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!

Cottage, Dining, Garden, Jacqueline deMontravel, Luncheon, Natalie Echeverria, Shabby, Spring

By Natalie Echeverria / Photography by Jaimee Itagaki / Styling by Jacqueline deMontravel

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.

Entertaining, Jacqueline deMontravel, Mother's Day, Natalie Echeverria, Table Setting

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8 Reasons to Love Berries

3 Reasons to Have a Spring Outdoor Gathering

Set a Beautiful Table on Mother’s Day

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