Journal

Longer sunny days call for dinner parties, and dinner parties call for a well-curated table. This month we were inspired by all things ‘New England coastal’ and created the most fun and refreshing tablescape.

Farms, fields, flower beds and festive gatherings are all at the pinnacle of beautiful production in June. As our garden shoppes shout the colors of the season, the floral atelier, too, adds to the cacophony with plans and preparations for wonderful events to come. It is quite apparent that June is here at fleurdetroit.   

After planning hundreds of weddings in my career, it was a very interesting feeling to become the groom planning our own special day. Finally putting myself on the sofa, and being asked all the questions that I so easily ask our couples.

The month that paints the hummingbird’s breast and fills flowers with nectar can never disappoint! As one who likes to garden, I look forward to May’s progress in my woodlands and meadow thickets. I spend the winter walking the gardens, observing wildlife patterns and planning for the planting season. The season is here! It’s time to implement all those garden wishes.

Look to the wonderful natural elements of spring to create modern, yet traditional table settings. Mixing modern with vintage creates a colorful and eye-catching memorable place setting to host this season.

Spring has arrived in Michigan and outdoors we have begun working with some of our favorite cold-hardy plants: pansies and hellebores.

Flowers have the power to invoke feelings among all. From a child picking dandelions to proudly take home and give to their parents, to lovers giving flowers to one another—reminding people how loved and appreciated they are.

Twenty years ago, I purchased a book of poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay to give to Joe on one of our first dates. I am fond of her work and wanted to share her genius. The inside joke with us now, twenty years later, is that he faked me out and pretended to read and enjoy the book back then. I have since learned garden and landscape books are the only books to be gifted to him.

It feels magical to see our Michigan gardens awaken in early spring with snowdrops, crocus and hellebores galore. Wildflowers and woodland hikes are not far behind. But have you visited Oudolf Garden Detroit on Belle Isle yet?

Faux bois, or ‘false wood,’ is an art form that replicates the look and feel of natural wood but is actually made of something else. While resin, iron, terracotta and other materials can be used, concrete with an inner structure built of iron rods and mesh is what started the 19th century French faux bois trend.

Heralding in the month of March and riding a free-born mustang both have a wild ride in common. Saddle up friends, March is here! What a burden the little month of March must shoulder—the rodeo between both wintery mixes and spring rumbles can leave the hardiest of souls bumped and bruised. Have faith! As all of us know, these four weeks eventually heed the call of Persephone. 

Whether it's a ladies brunch, a family dinner with the little ones, or a traditional intimate dinner for two—you can adapt your table setting accordingly. Applying the same design techniques but adjusting decor elements will allow for either a sophisticated or sweet Valentine's Day design.