It’s no secret how much we love Lollipop Events and Designs. We are so inspired by them everyday and I think that they are some of the most talented ladies I’ve ever met! I loved them so much that they were the event designers for my wedding! I’m so excited that they helped out on my blog! Thanks ladies!

We are inspired by food styling: tables that look like people are supposed to eat at them. Not so overly manicured that you are afraid to set them with food. As event stylists we love to integrate food into the tablescape (Leila knows this VERY well from when we designed her wedding). We feel that we are selling an experience, and the experience at a dining table is to DINE.

Weird concept! We are not Pottery Barn display artists selling furniture or plates, we are selling laughter, celebration, and fun at the table. All of this surrounds the time honored tradition of eating. So we like to honor food by celebrating it and integrating it into the décor of the day.

Carefree, effervescent, lived in, a table should not be too composed. Just like a brand new pair of sneakers isn’t comfortable until worn a few times, we like our tables to feel thrown together (in the most beautiful way of course. And of course each element is placed to perfection, but it shouldn’t necessarily look that way!).  When you think back to some of your favorite dining experiences, often you think back to family dinners, your mom  or grandma cooking your favorite recipe in the kitchen, one that you now cook.

It is those kind of memories that we like to evoke at events. The feeling of sitting around a table with friends and family in a relaxed environment and ultimately celebrating, and we think integrating food into the tables adds to the feeling. We have a few favorite food stylists that inspire us, but one of our favorites is Leesa O’ Reilly

We are also inspired by these GORGEOUS cookbooks by Fran Warde. The tablescapes and food styling are mouthwatering (literally). The book is all about dining with friends and describes the ambiance, the table setting and the menu/recipes to entertain.

Food for Friends cookbook by Fran Warde

Eat Drink Live by Fran Warde

Heidi Swanson also wrote a lovely cookbook called Super Natural Cooking It is full of beautiful photos. We are so inspired by the pictures of lovely raw vegetables, green leafy salads, and tables overflowing with food.

May you be inspired,

Leila