Stories & inspiration
The Blog
Timeless homes, beautiful gardens and design worth knowing about.
Browse by
All posts
Garden
Curbside curiosities
Design notes
Crystal Moore Crystal Moore

How I hosted 16 ladies this week

It doesn’t take long after feeling the quality of Provvista to understand why it is becoming a popular plate and serving wear for interior designers and tastemakers. 

I had the honor of welcoming founder, Kathryn Brantley, to Charlotte for a special luncheon to celebrate the latest collection of dishware. Friends, family and local tastemakers gathered for an authentic morning laughing, being nourished and hearing the story behind the lovely brand, Provvista. 

Designed in Georgia and made in Portugal — available online and in select shops. A fun fact is that Bee is the beloved aunt of interior designer, James Farmer, and you’ll find her dishware and pieces throughout his coffee table books and home. You can shop 15% off anything on her site with code “GARDENANDGRACE15.”

Follow along on Instagram to stay in touch on the latest — it’s so good.

Read More
Design notes Design notes

3 Easy Tips: Spring Entertaining Made Simple

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to gather friends and family! Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful—just a few thoughtful touches can make it effortless and fun.I’ve put together three simple tips to help you set a beautiful table, host with ease, and entertain in style. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a backyard dinner, these ideas will keep things stress-free so you can enjoy the moment.Ready to make spring entertaining a breeze? Check out my top tips!

Spring is the perfect time to gather friends and family for a relaxed, joyful celebration. Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch or an alfresco dinner, these simple tips will help you entertain with ease and style.

1. Staples to Dress the Table in Every Season

A well-set table sets the mood for any gathering. Keep a few timeless essentials on hand—neutral linen napkins, classic versatile plates (use code GARDENANDGRACE15! for 15% off mine!), and simple flatware. In spring, add fresh touches like a floral centerpiece, pastel-colored lighting, or woven placemats for a light and airy feel.

2. Easy Ways to Effortless Hosting

The secret to stress-free entertaining? Prep ahead and keep things simple. Have a folding table (or two), folding chairs (I love these bamboo chairs) on-hand, and a space in mind that flows nicely from the kitchen or grill. Choose dishes that can be made in advance, set up a self-serve drink station, and don’t be afraid to mix store-bought items with homemade touches. Guests appreciate a relaxed host far more than a perfect party.

I keep the florals as simple as possible but never go without them. Here I did yellow tulips clustered in the center with fluffy hydrangeas around the edges in a wicker urn (linking it here). It’s so easy!


3. No-Fuss Dresses to Entertain in Style

Comfortable and chic is the way to go. A breezy midi dress, a lightweight wrap dress, or a flowy maxi in cheerful spring hues will keep you looking polished without effort. Bonus points for machine-washable fabrics—because spills happen!

Favorite Low-Stress Recipes for a Crowd

Nothing makes hosting easier than a menu of crowd-pleasing, low-maintenance dishes. My go-to favorites include deviled eggs (always a hit!), classic pasta salad, warm blueberry cobbler, and juicy all-American hamburgers fresh off the grill.

Grilling not only fills the air with a welcoming aroma but also creates the perfect moment for the men to gather, chat, and enjoy a drink before sitting down to eat. These dishes can be prepped ahead or come together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.

With these simple tips, spring entertaining can be as easy as it is enjoyable. 

Read More