the look

For my girlfriend's bachelorette, we'll be spending the weekend at a house in Calistoga. Thus, I'm going to let the natural beauty of the outdoors be the focal point and keep things with the tablescape simple.

A white color scheme looks clean and fresh. The table will be set with white plates, white napkins, and a versatile goblet-style wine glass that can hold white or red wine, or sparkling berry punch. The appetizers — hummus and cheese board — should be placed on a nearby smaller table with the punch bowl.

Candles set the mood and a gorgeous bouquet of vibrantly-colored flowers reminds guests that the occasion is special.

I'm torn when it comes to the technological marvels of ebooks — there's just something magical about opening up an old, worn paperback with notes scribbled in the margins from a past version of you, a dear family member, or maybe an intriguing stranger. I love the musty scent of the pages, the cover art, and the look of a mismatched literary collection on my bookshelves. So naturally, I'm all about books being used in engagement shoots and wedding tablescapes as the prop du jour. Whether they are on bookshelves, in hand, stacked on tables, or given as favors, a weathered book can add a touch of romance and history to your nuptials.

See more lovely interpretations of this look when you keep reading.

A wedding party in Toms shoes and neon plastic sunnies, plus a blissful couple bursting at the seams with excitement, made this wedding an event you just can't help but smile at. Throw in handmade details like the E+E wood coasters, courtesy of the groom, and the too-pretty hair/dress adornments made by a crafty bridesmaid, and you've got a beachy and rustic extravaganza. According to the bride, they were going for "J.Crew meets Anthropologie meets us" and wanted the day to be "a fun celebration of marriage that rang true of who we are." Mission accomplished.

See more pretty pics when you keep reading.

Break out the barbecue and the Summer servingware: it's finally Memorial Day weekend! If hosting a party, be sure to spruce up your outdoor dining area. Sweep the deck, mow the lawn, and plant potted flowers. Stick tiki torches along your fence or throw twinkling white Christmas lights in the trees. Skip a tablecloth and instead, set brightly-printed placemats in front of each chair. Serve the food on colorful platters and fill a pitcher with the spiked sweet tea. Place party buckets on the ground, and add ice, water bottles, beer, and white wine.

Are you gearing up to host a barbecue? What is your decorating plan?