Tabletop trends for 2010

Maybe due to the current state of the economy, more and more celebrations are done at home and it's becoming quite trendy. In these days, even if simplicity predominates, style and fashion should not be forgotten. If you want be “in” during in 2010, you will have to choose the right fabric in the right color palette.

During our visit to Wildflower Linen earlier this month, not only have we been dazzled by the amazing creations of Youngson Martin, but we also had the chance to discuss fabric and tabletop trends for 2010. As a former fashion designer, Ms. Martin is always on the top of all the fashion trends that are happening in Europe, North America and Asia. After having spent some more time in reviewing trend forecasts produced by specialized agencies and mixing them with what Wildflower Linen envisions is to become “en vogue”, we are thrilled to share the result of our findings.

The major change for 2010 is the definite move from shiny and glossy fabrics to a more mat feeling. Velvet and woven fabrics made out of cotton and silk are becoming more and more fashionable, reflecting the desire to create a soft and comforting environment. In term of pattern, prints are definitely predominant. The three main categories that are “in” this year are: Animal & tribal, Floral & organic, and Geometric & modern. The common denominator across these categories is: keep it clean and simple.

Velvet linen in mocha color from the new Wildflower Linen's collection (Photo courtesy of Wildflower Linen)

Organic pattern (New Wildflower Linen's collection)


Animal print (New Wildflower Linen's collection - Flower design by JL Designs)


Floral print (New Wildflower Linen's collection - Flower design by JL Designs)


Geometric pattern (New Wildflower Linen's collection)

The color palette for the next seasons will be mainly composed of low neutral colors of gray, white, champagne and earth tones with many color splashes of coral, lavender, apple green, peacock and metallic gold. Depending on the event’s theme, these colors may or may not apply. Colors forecasting is by no mean, an exact science. However, the listed colors represent a trend that seems to be consistent among different industry experts and designers. So be ready to be in the trend!

Display of the new Wildflower Linen's collection showcasing the color palette of the next seasons

Flower decor - Dianthus barbatus Green Trick ‘Temarisou’

White and light peacock blue (Photo courtesy of Wildflower Linen and Aaron Delesie)


Peacock and coral (Photo courtesy of Wildflower Linen and Imagery Immaculate)


Lavender and purple (Photo courtesy of Wildflower Linen and Karen French)


Champagne and coral (Photo courtesy of Wildflower Linen and Aaron Delesie)


Cover of the "PANTONE VIEW home + interiors 2010" forecasting report

A special Thank you to Desiree Patterson, Director of Sales and Marketing for Wildflower Linen, for her generous time in the preparation of this article. For more information on Wildflower Linen’s beautiful creations, please visit their website.

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Dazzling carnations with a modern twist

Carnations used to have very bad press. So bad, that most of the high-end florists would (and still) refuse to use them in their creations. It’s true that an arrangement made off carnation and leather fern is far from being edgy and desirable for the sophisticated buyer. However, the Cinderella of the flower world is about to be vindicated. Because of its natural shape, carnation works incredibly well when tightly massed with clean geometric shapes. So be ready for a change, modern arrangements featuring carnations are becoming more and more in style!

Because carnation is a rather inexpensive flower (wholesaler price of about $8-$10 a bunch of 25), it is a very good candidate for large tightly packed arrangements. If you were to do the same arrangements with roses, you would double your cost. So, unless you are planning your big wedding day or have a huge flower budget for your next event, carnations should definitively be considered considered as a modern and cool option.

The arrangement has been embellish with a beaded garland


The use of variegated carnation helps to add depth to this design

Carnations come in a lot of different colors and if you do not find a color you like, they can be dyed too. Finally, because they are quite hardy, carnations will allow you to prepare your arrangement the day before your event, resting assured that your creation won’t collapse before the end of the event.

The dazzling arrangement we are featuring in this article has a modern look thanks to the use of a geometric shape. If you have a big welcome table, you can create a very interesting display of multiple arrangements by using the same color palette, and playing with the heights and the geometric forms.

Modern carnation arrangement

Tall white vase (10” tall)
2 floral foams (bricks)
4 bunches (100 heads) of carnations
10 Galax leaves
4 6-inch floral sticks*
1 beaded garland*
* Available at craft or floral supply stores

Soak your 2 oasis bricks and stack them on the top of the vase. Insert the 4 sticks in the foam, making sure they secure the 2 bricks together. Place your carnation heads by alternating rows. Make sure that you insert at least 2” of the stem in the foam to allow the flowers to stay hydrated.

Once all flowers are inserted, place your beaded garland, starting from the bottom of the vase. You can tuck one end of this garland under the vase to secure it. Finish your arrangement by placing the Galax leaves. Create a focal point on the bottom of the vase then arrange the other ones along the beaded garland.

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Table decor with safari flair

A themed diner is a wonderful way to spice up any formal or informal gathering. From the menu selection, to the table décor, many elements have to be taken into consideration to recreate a specific ambiance. The choice of the theme is the starting point of a creative journey that can be intimidating, especially if this is your first project. However, no matter how much effort you will invest in the preparation of your event, you will always be rewarded by satisfied guests and great memories.

This week, we are presenting a Safari theme decor. Such ambiance can be easily recreated with few items that will make a statement about the theme. The dining table has been covered with a long piece of burlap that adds an interesting texture and suggests the idea of rustic and wildness. We shopped for simple natural place mats and safari inspired napkins that will accessorize white plates. Natural vine balls of different size have been dispersed on the table, and small lanterns can be included too, especially if you your event is hosted outside. Finally, some wall panels have been covered with a leopard paper wrap to add the final touch. 

As for the floral decor, simple arrangements with white Calla lilies are accentuating the table. Because Calla lilies originate from South Africa, they are perfectly suited for a safari theme decor. By shaping the elegant Calla inside or outside clear vessels, we were able to create a stunning décor with a small number of stems.

We hope the following pictures will inspire you in the near future, to host a diner around a safari inspired theme!

Safari inspired napkins accessorize the plates


The burlap creates an interesting tablecloth


Calla lilies can also be placed around a candle


 Calla lilies arrangements

Clear vases of different length
20 stems of white Calla lilies

Make sure all your vessels are spotless by rinsing them with a solution of white vinegar and water. Once dry, pour about 1” of water in each of them.

Working with Calla lilies may be a bit tricky as these beautiful flowers can have a “mind on their own”. However, with some patience and gentleness, you will be able to shape them as you went. What is important is to look for the natural bend present in the stem, and then to start working on accentuating that curve. By gently pulling up the stem many times in between your fingers, you will tenderize the fibers that will eventually allow the desired movement. Leaving the stems out of the water for half an hour before starting to work on them, will also be very helpful.

Organize your Calla lilies in the vases, always making sure the end stems are in the water. Play with the curve, and readjust the length of the stems to create the desired movement. You may have to rework the curve and the placement, but eventually, all stems will stay in place.

Calla lilies are quite hardy. Even with their acrobatic position, they will look good for a couple of days, provided that the stems remain in the water. So, do not hesitate to experiment with your placement. The end result will always be stunning!

Haute Couture Tabletops

Haute Couture has been associated for decades with clothing. Twice a year, the worlds leading designers showcase their newest creations on the Milan, Paris and New York prestigious runaways, and define with their own interpretations the trends in the fashion industry. Lately, Haute Couture has expanded well beyond the clothing line, to enter our home decor. Many designers, such as Armani or Versace, have created amazing furniture and accessories’ lines using their unique sense of style. Unexpectedly, tabletops are also now part of this trend thanks to the amazing work of an unusual company: Wildflower Linen.

Ms. Youngsong Martin was a fashion designer for 30 years before venturing into a virgin territory, Haute Couture tabletop linen rental. Like in every fairy tale, the beginning of Wildflower Linen seems to have been planned by some fashion angels. While presenting her latest line of sportswear in a Las Vegas trade show, Youngsong received a tremendous interest for the covers she had designed to cover the chairs at her booth. What could have been a small irritation at first, after all she was there to showcase her clothing line, did in fact lead to a fabulous business opportunity by filling a void in the industry.

A beautiful chair cover presented in the Orange County showroom

In 2001, Youngsong created Wildflower Linen and started designing her own fabric using her tremendous designer background. Over the years, she has developed over 500 luxurious fabrics that her talented and dedicated team, sew with great care to create amazing tabletops and chair covers. Her style can be defined as an artful play of texture, pattern and color that is sought after by many celebrities, brides and corporate planners.

To date, Wildflower Linen remains unique in the upscale rental linens’ sector. Every season, while Milan, Paris and New York are amazed by another fashion week, Ms. Martin launches her new creations according to what she envisions to become a trend. In fact, we can easily say that she defines the trend in Haute Couture tabletop linens and chair covers.

Samples in shades of pink

Samples in peacock and gold tints

Samples in black and white


A beautiful creation for the winter and holiday period

Like for every Maison de Haute Couture (Haute Couture Fashion House), every step from designing to final production is closely monitored to ensure the impeccable quality of the final product. Ms. Martin is working closely with the fabric companies to make sure that any required adjustments in terms of color, pattern or texture are made to fully execute her vision. All the other operations are handmade by a skilled team of fashion professionals in the Buena Park (CA) facility, which gives the company a great leverage regarding quality control.

The company currently has 3 showrooms located in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Orange County, and is planning to open in Manhattan soon. Every showroom offers an amazing display of Youngsong’s creations, beautifully organized by color and shade. Many tables are presenting the newest collections and can easily be undressed to allow the bride or the event planner to play with the different samples. The onsite talented staff can also be of great help to put together the fabrics to create an amazing look.

The new Orange County showroom


Frames on the wall are showcasing the latest creations


Flower arrangements designed by JL Designs


Lounge furniture are creating a casual and upscale ambiance


The W frame is the company's signature

Clients usually rent the linens for their events by choosing among the large offering of existing fabrics. Ms. Martin can also design custom chair covers that will match the event or the bride’s dress. It is amazing to see how much a décor can be transformed with these beautiful chair covers.

Because of its business model, Wildflowers Linen can accommodate large scale as well as more intimate events. Home entertaining is becoming more and more of a trend especially in the current economic situation. And while, we may not necessarily think about renting a tabletop for a family event, why should we deprive ourselves from presenting a fabulous and elegant table? Just a few elements can help to create a great impact as well as a beautiful memory of the gathering.

Haute Couture chair cover


Another beautiful creation


Chair cover and matching tabletop


Chair cover can be designed to match the wedding gown

The company and its owner are always on the go. Ms. Martin travels extensively to Europe and Asia to stay atop of the new color and textile trends. Aside from the opening of a new showroom in Manhattan, Wildflower Linen is also involved in designing the décor of a luxury hotel in Korea and will soon launch a retail line.

We invite you to visit the Wildflower Linen’s website to view the different projects the company has been working on, as well as to inspire you to bring fashion and elegance to your table in your next event.

The napkin ring is part of the new retail line




For more information on Wildflower Linen

Company's website and blog.

Orange County
3321 Hyland Ave, Suite G
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: +1 (714) 241 1628

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8687 Melrose Ave. G-285
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Tel: +1 (310) 360 9899

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San Francisco, CA 94107
Tel: +1 (415) 282 7727

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9623 E. Desert Cove Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Tel: +1 (602) 803 6690

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Tel: +1 (866) 965 775

Nevada
Tel: +1 (310) 614 2212

San Diego
Tel: +1 (866) 965 7775

Tennessee
Tel: +1 (805) 450 8574

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Topiary, a tree in bloom

Topiary trees are in! Although used frequently for special occasions, especially weddings, topiary trees are really fun to create for everyday purposes. They add a lot of glitz and glamour to every room and surely, will create a “Wow” effect. Make your topiary tree a focal point, and the compliments will surely flow.

Topiary trees are really easy to make and very versatile too. They can be made in many different themes from Country to elegant Victorian. Look for an interesting mix of colors and textures as you think about the theme you want to create, and you will never create two topiary trees that are alike. Topiary trees will give you endless opportunities to stimulate your creativity. How about that?

The most important thing when designing a topiary tree is to create a solid structure, otherwise your lovely arrangement is in great danger of complete collapse. Indeed, once soaked, the foam ball will become quite heavy. Add your flowers on the top of that, especially if you are using a tightly massed technique as we did, and you will really need to defy the law of gravity.

Here is another topiary made in a white monochrome theme that will appropriate for a more formal wedding.

One thing interesting fact when you study floral design, is that a good floral designer also need to be a good engineer. Yes, floral design can also be mentally stimulating, if you decide to go after an original and sophisticated structure.

For this project, we choose a spring theme that we re-create thanks to the use of pastel colors.

Fresh Flower Topiary

Tall ceramic container (7” tall)

1 ½ floral foam (bricks)

1 foam ball (4 ½”)

12” Cholla Wood

3’ wood dowel (7/16” diameter)

12 green roses

5 stems of green / white Lisianthus

10 stems of white spray roses

5 stems of pink spray roses

4 stems of Gypsophila

1 long steam of ivy

Moss

Florist wire

Soak your oasis bricks and shape it to fit the ceramic container, leaving enough space to add water. Cut the wood dowel in two and insert them inside the Cholla wood. The dowels will add extra support to the topiary structure. Insert the Dowels into the foam and make sure they touch the bottom of the container. Insert the edge of the Cholla wood in the foam. Soak your foam ball and secure it at the other end of the Cholla wood, making sure the 2 dowels are also well inserted in the ball. Your structure is now ready.

Use the Gypsophila to cover the sphere, creating a web to hide the mechanics. Insert your white spray roses, grouping them to recreate a natural flow. Then add the green roses and finally, the Lisianthus. Make sure you turn your arrangement as you design, to make sure you achieve visual balance in your placement. Finish your arrangement by inserting a few pink spray roses here and there.

Place your moss on the bottom part, and secure it with wire pins. Place your Ivy at the bottom of the tree, creating a focal point, and wrap it around the trunk. You can secure the ivy with some wire. Finally, place some short stems of the pink spray roses at the bottom of the tree. Theses roses will add some weight to the bottom part of the arrangement.

Stock Photography

The pictures featured in this article are available as stock photography. Please contact me for more information.

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A Country Wedding

This article has been moved to my new site L'esprit Sud Magazine.

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