My New Orchid Crown … and a Magical Party

I greeted summer  this weekend 

with my newest creation

an orchid crown.

Wanting to put  yet another spin on my 

beloved silk maxi

I have channeled a bit of 

Freida Kalho inspiration

with the creation of

a new orchid crown for summer.

Fashioned off a basic headband concept

it makes for the most perfect

hot weather wearing.

I simply styled my freshly washed hair

back into a low pony

and 

wrapped the hair into a low chignon.

I wanted a perfect outfit 

for an evening I was sure 

to be magical ...

I had the true pleasure 

to be invited to the

French Basketeer's 

home to celebrate the visit of 

Karena of 

The Art's by Karena blog.

And yes …

it was once again

one of the magical encounters

that happen not only from blogging

but 

InstaGram

as well.

I have followed Andrea 

of the French Basketeer

since the holidays

so I was well aware of her styling mastery!

Absolutely everywhere you looked

that evening ...

there was styling magic.

I only wished I had taken even more pictures.

I was so torn between

wanting to truly experience each and every part of the evening

and 

documenting it all as well.

Trust me

I'm no slouch in the styling department

but I was beyond amazed at the poetry

Andrea created for the evening.

I felt like I had walked into 

a literary novel

where everything was not only breathtaking

and

 delicious

but

all the guests

diverse

 and

ever so interesting as well.

My words

barely do the decor justice.

200 yards of tulle was hung

to create a perfectly intimate area within the courtyard.

Just watching the tulle drapes

dance gently in the sun dappled summer breezes ...

A table dressed to perfection

with a view of a cobblestone path 

meandering beyond

into the historic 1920's property.

Simple yet lavish

floral arrangements of 

the palest pink and white hydrangeas 

lined the table.

Votives and illuminated towers

waited for night fall

and 

eager tales being shared among the lucky invited guests.

Andrea generously let us walk around her property

which is quintessential Laguna Beach whimsy and history.

And the ocean views …

were actually rivaled 

by Andrea's culinary mastery.

I am still dreaming of this salad of 

burrata cheese, tomatoes, basil and reduced balsamic

with the perfect surprise ingredient

a slice of roasted peach.

My very favorite salad

made even more so 

with this fruit addition!

Each course of Andrea's Slow Cook  meal

was a true delight

from the home made pasta

to the hens

and

 magnificent deserts!

But I must say

my heart is still  absolutely in love

with her tablescaping

done to perfection!

From the exquisitely mixed chairs

glasses and plates

succinctly rimmed with gold

crisp white linens.

The table came to live

with the dancing candlelight

after night fall.

Thank you Andrea

for a most 

magical summer evening.

You are a true culinary artist

and

style master

 through and through.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life