A Very Brady Potluck

This print titled "Red Plastic Plates" by Ann Toebbe is an ode to her parent's midwestern dining room, recreated from memory. The original artwork was made from small pieces of paper, hand-painted, cut and glued together in a collage-like fashion. Aside from the quirky décor and mismatched furniture, the different perspectives make this quite an interesting image.

I came across this print on 20x200, one of my favorite sites for affordable art prints. Best summed up by their own equation: "(limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone," 20 x 200 introduces two new pieces to their collection each week starting at just $20.

Anyhow, the 70's retro/country (read: Brady Bunch) feel of this room struck my fancy.  I can totally imagine throwing a dinner party with this theme. The long table with the yellow cloth and red place settings are easy to replicate. Pear placemats tie in the green and complement arrangements of wildflowers punctuated by candles under various-sized hurricane vases.  A buffet table with a macrame lace runner and neatly arranged ceramic pears serves as the perfect staging area for a friendly potluck. Printed chocolates with retro patterns are an easy takeaway gift for your guests.

Clockwise from top-left:

Ceramic pears by ElementClayStudio on Etsy

Black-eyed Susans in a handmade pottery vase, photo by Penny Sanford

White lisianthus, photo from Better Homes and Gardens

Glass hurricane vases in assorted sizes at CandleSquare.com 

Red dinnerware from the Pier 1 Holiday collection

Pear print placemats by Orla Kiely for Target

Vintage star quilting patches from bonblu's Etsy shop

Macrame lace table runner in "Catherine," from Authentic-Macrame.com 

Swatch of Canary Kona cotton fabric from Hart's Fabric

Chocolates by Choxie in Target stores everywhere

FK 150 Sideboard, designed in 1973, still produced and sold by Lange Production

Whale Flowers

A couple of months ago Design*Sponge had a post about artist Katie Vernon, a fantastic illustrator inspired by creative floral designs. This original piece, aptly titled "Whale Flowers" is just one of several prints on sale in her etsy shop ($25). Human-faced whale aside, the gorgeous color palette and interesting variety of blooms commands your attention. 

Lately, I've been a huge fan of subdued colors and floral patterns, so this really hit the spot.  Although this style may seem more suited for Spring, I'd venture to say that any of the below pieces would fit right in with your fall wardrobe if paired with knit tights, boots, a leather jacket or an oversized scarf. Play up the earth tones, mix and match the muted colors, and don't shy away from bold patterns--let the flower whale guide you.

Pistachio cream lace dress from Ruche ($72.99, awesome online boutique!)

Coral embellished ring by Isharya ($190)

Bronze leaf headband by IceCreamCandy on Etsy ($36, tons of other cool designs)

Chiffon Blooms ribbon necklace from Ruche ($29.99)

Vintage mandarin orange maxi dress from chickdowntown.com ($150)

Ruffled Suede flats in warm maize from J. Crew ($138)

Tissue stone necklace tee from J. Crew ($125)

Prized rose ring from Anthropologie ($178)

Silk blend floral top from Heritage 1981 ($24.90)

Yellow cherries lace bow tie skirt form Ruche ($36.99)

Floral field ruffle top from Forever 21 ($15.80)

Catalina bolero from Anthropologie ($118)

Gold eattoo-etched ID case from Urban Outfitters ($14)

Nail polish in Hushed Blush by Revlon ($4-5 at various stores)

Ombres 5 Lumiéres, "Garden of Eden" palette by Yves Saint Laurent, $56 at Sephora