This giveaway is now closed!
Following from my Darcy Miller interview last week, it's with great pleasure and excitement that I discovered another amazing store on OpenSky - Lulu Power's Al Fresco Entertaining Collection! Full of stunning items for the hostess with the mostess, Lulu's inspired product choices and styling of the collection oozes rustic, effortless chic!
Lulu Powers is one of US's most sought-after caterers, thrilling clients like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Arianna Huffington and Bill Clinton with her inspired take on entertaining. And I couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity to "pick her brains" in an exclusive interview for Bird's Party Blog!
Check out all of Lulu's amazing styling tips below + your chance to win a $50 Shopping Spree at Lulu's OpenSky store!
1) Where did you draw inspiration from for styling this collection?
This collection was inspired by the French Provence. My family used to vacation there in the summer and I was immediately reminded of my time there when setting up this collection. It's very provincial.
2) Can you give any styling tips for helping readers re-create the look with ease?
The great thing about this collection is its shop-able. There's nothing I hate more than seeing something great in a magazine and not knowing how to recreate it or where I can buy it. OpenSky allows inspired individuals to emulate their favorite designers. Everything from the fabulous numbered cutting boards to the glass cloches on my OpenSky page. And this collection is so easy to recreate. Even if you're on a budget, you can recreate my tablescapes with things you already own. Use cutting boards around your house or turn over vases and make your own cloches.
3) Do you have any suggestions on easy to prepare recipes or dishes that would compliment this collection?
The great thing about alfresco dining is it requires very little cooking! Think traditional and easy dishes that can be elevated in small ways. For example, a ribbon salad with green and yellow zucchini. Using an ordinary vegetable peeler, peel zucchini into ribbons, toss it with equal parts olive oil and lemon, a little freshly grated parmesan, salt and paper to taste, and a sprinkle of truffle salt on top.
Also, use cutting boards to artfully display an array of fruits and cheeses served at room temperature. Voila!
Also, use cutting boards to artfully display an array of fruits and cheeses served at room temperature. Voila!
4) If you absolutely had to pick, what 5 items from the collection do you consider a "must have"?
That's a tough question. Right off the bat, I'd have to say the Stainless Steel Straws. They make being "green" ever so chic!
The set of 3 Tasting Boards are also a favorite. They're whimsical, which I love, but also possess history which is a great story for any party or gathering. They're made from European timber that was salvaged from buildings constructed in the mid to late 1800s. How cool is that?!
Lastly, I'd definitely have to say the Demijon Cloches. They're gorgeous but totally practical. Living in a mild climate, I entertain outside as much as possible. These cloches help keep my food fresh and the bugs away until my guests arrive. The fact that they make a gorgeous presentation is just an added bonus!
5) What was the most enjoyable part of this whole process for you?
Being a designer I love creating a beautiful setting for entertaining. Being able to do that without cooking is even better! With the wide array of wooden boards, trays and platters along with the glass jars, domes, ad cloches I had so many different options for a tablescape.
With all the gorgeous products, I'm confident I could create a dozen more alfresco tables.
With all the gorgeous products, I'm confident I could create a dozen more alfresco tables.
I love all of this stuff!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like The 5 silver place setting
ReplyDeleteI would buy the set of tasting boards to maybe host a wine & cheese party
ReplyDeleteI love the wire basket and stainless straws!
ReplyDeleteclayandamy@sbcglobal.net
I really like the Grain Measure by Europe2You. They have a lot of neat stuff!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Round Hardwood Trivet! I could use!
ReplyDeletetamilynn59@yahoo.com
The mixing bowels..I can never have enough mixing bowels
ReplyDeletethe new vintage cake stand! love it!!
ReplyDeleteI joined open sky
ReplyDeleteLove the Spanish Olive trays.
ReplyDeleteI follow Open Sky, Birds Crafts on Pinterest. I also follow your blog via GFC.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm hosting a dinner party in August. These ideas are very helpful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! I'm hosting a dinner party in August and these ideas will be very helpful!
ReplyDeleteSet of 4 Assorted Gelato Bowls by Rosanna
ReplyDelete5 piece silverplate place setting
ReplyDeletelove the Giara Multicolor Bottles, they r beautiful!!!
ReplyDeletethe Giara Multicolor Bottles, perfect for decorating!!
ReplyDeleteI like the round hardwood trivet!
ReplyDeleteI love the Giara Multicoloured Bottles...our house has a lot of colour and they would look so cool.
ReplyDeleteI joined OpenSky.
ReplyDeleteI Follow OpenSky Pins on Pinterest.
ReplyDeletePinterest: pinterest.com/lover2387/
I Follow Bird's Party Pins on Pinterest.
ReplyDeletePinterest: pinterest.com/lover2387/
I Follow Bird's Party on GFC
ReplyDeleteLove the cloches! They make bug-repelling look so stylish!
ReplyDeletelove the stainless straws. very smart!
ReplyDelete