Simple vases - Fishbowls

Another instalment of simple vases...This week its all about fishbowls. As a florist, I have to admit these are a very useful little vase. A great curvy shape, simple and clean, they've become a modern classic.

They're so versatile too. When brides are on a budget, the ubiquitous Gerberas in a goldfish bowl is often the go-to choice du jour for table arrangements. Its something that your local florist can either do cheaply for you, or you could hire the vases, buy the cut flowers and pop the flowers in yourself on the day.

Another simple option is Calla Lily twisted round the inside of the vase, with a few grasses. Its so simple, your florist will really make it look its best, but it is one you could attempt to DIY. Just mind you don't snap the stems, as those Calla Lily's can be quite expensive.  In spring, Tulips would be a cheaper alternative to the Calla Lily's, and work in the same way, spiralled around the inside of the vase.     

I love this shot of Tulips. Crisp white tulips, a few stems of grass and simple table settings keeps this clean and fuss free.

For something a little different and dare I say, rustic, you could try vines, or branches inside the vase.  In this case, the use of a couple of Lily heads tucked into the arrangement, gives the finished vase a slightly Ikebana feel.  Simple, modern and minimal, and very effective.

I love succulents, and they look great planted in a fishbowl. Some wood-chippings, pebbles, or stones that co-ordinate with your theme, are all you need to complete the look. Love the little flag - it could double as a nifty table number for wedding tables.

And lastly, why have one fishbowl when you can have three. Groups of fishbowls look great.

For a wedding, make the top table table stand out by having a group of three bowls of different sizes, with different arrangements of themed colours and flowers in each.

Or stick to the same flowers (in this case, Cymbidium Orchids) but use different sized vases and stack them one on top of the other for a very striking centrepiece.

Failing that, goldfish centrepieces anyone?

Piccies from here, here, here, here & here

Simple festive vases

As the festive season approaches I've been thinking about Christmas decorations, and how I might decorate the table this year. Always fun. Continuing with the theme of simple vases, I was wondering how best to wrap vases to give them a festive feel.

I love the idea of of wrapping a vase with red and white striped candy canes to give your Christmas table setting a quirky touch. Really sweet, literally. And you get to eat them after, or pack them away and hang from your tree next year.

And if you're on a budget (cos who isn't this year?) you could gather twigs, cut to similar sizes and tie with raffia around a straight sided vase. For added festive spice, try cinnamon sticks. They smell so gorgeous and Christmassy too.

If you want a little more colour, add a band of pretty wrapping paper or wallpaper to co-ordinate with your scheme and trim with ribbons, beads or tiny bells. I love the simple colour combination here - it looks very fresh and clean and a tad scandinavian.

Images found here, here and here

The Dormy House Shoot

A few weeks ago I was invited along to help out on a shoot for The Dormy House with Katie Sellers (check out her website for some truly inspiring images) The shoot was at a location house in New Cross, which has fabulously high ceilings, sash windows, old radiators and a great staircase all of which make for very photogenic backdrops to any product or editorial shoot.

On this occasion we were going to be working on catalogue shots for The Dormy House, a furniture company run by the lovely Anna Trinder and family. They were looking to update the catalogue, and to get some festive cover shots for the autumn/winter launch.

The floors and walls can be a bit wonky in some of these old location houses but I think it was I who was a tad skewiff in this one! Lovely lamps though.

Pretty little dressing tables. I L.O.V.E the platinum crushed velvet stool, after all velvet is the touchy feely fabric de jour don't you know?! There is something so pretty about these soft greys, silvers and winter whites, they gave the finished shot the feel of a crisp winters morning.

A luscious Christmassy cushiony bundle and below, serious bag envy! I want that satchel.

Deliberating over how best to shoot the study desk and chair combo. You would not believe the infinite number of variations we tried for this shot, but we got there in the end!

Many of The Dormy House products are available in different colours and paint finishes. I'm loving the new French Grey and Katie's printed luggage tags.

Katie admitted to having a bit of a thing for birds, and claimed to have them all over her home in different forms. I fell for this sweet bird print by Karin Akesson available from www.alittlebitofart.co.uk

The final shots on the last day, and photographer Darren Chung moves lighting into place, while Katie makes the final tweaks to the Dining table.

All packed up and ready to go. Thanks Katie and The Dormy House peeps for a great few days.