Ombré Goes Outside

Feminine vibes, colors, and friendships combine for the perfect alfresco evening.

BY STACIE STANDIFER | PHOTOS BY MARY CRAVEN DAWKINS | EVENT & FLOWER DESIGN BY MARY SPOTSWOOD UNDERWOOD

Whitney Morris and her family have been living in the Green Hills neighborhood since 2003. They love the area for its proximity to so many retailers and dining options as well as the access it offers to other parts of the city. The location is ideal for hosting, and they have an outdoor set up that provides an instant setting for ambiance and fun.

Keeping any home “party-ready” involves having distinct gathering areas, and Whitney’s curation of accessories and furnishings brings an instant welcoming feel year-round. She considers plants to be a big part of that equation and sources her containers, as well as the things planted seasonally, through local specialty sources Hewitt Garden Center and Creekside Garden Center. She also loves to shop locally at her favorite stores, like Ash Blue and Providence Interiors, for unique treasures to add a special touch to the space. Adding surprising elements like the pool globes sourced from Frontgate also elevate the space when it comes time to entertain. “What we love about our outdoor space is that it is usually “party-ready” within minutes. We just freshen up the flowerpots, pull out the blower, dust off the cushions, light some candles and it's golden. Our friends bring all the good vibes and energy and at the end of the day, that's all that matters,” says Whitney. “If you have an outdoor space of any kind, use it! Nothing is too small. I feel like there are so many good options to ramp up a space that accommodates any budget these days. For example, just adding simple string lights and/or candlelight changes up the mood. And of course, potted plants and trees soften up any area.”

Here, Whitney shares details of a party thrown for a special member of their tight group of friends. The inspiration started with the space and the desire to celebrate one of their own and grew from there.

FIGURE OUT YOUR HOSTING STYLE

I am typically more of a plan-in-advance type. However, I'm working towards being better at spontaneous gatherings. It's a challenge for me to let go of some of the planning things that don't matter at all at the end of the day. What matters most is the group of people I curate. The rest falls into place. As I've gotten older, I'm more attracted to a smaller, intimate gathering rather than a large event. This party was exactly my jam- I wouldn't change a thing. It was a perfect evening for great friends to come together to celebrate a special woman.

I'm more attracted to a smaller, intimate gathering rather than a large event.

HELP IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA

Mary Spotswood Underwood was the creative visionary behind it all through her company, À La Bonne Femme. All of the friends in this group helped her vision come to life by setting the table, setting up the lighting and helping with the florals. It was fun to see all of our hard work come to fruition. Mary Spotswood is a dear friend of the birthday girl, so she curated the perfect evening. The rest of us worked as her willing "assistants". Mary Spotswood is one of the most talented people I know, and she is my consistent go-to source for her culinary expertise, floral artistry, and overall party planning. One from our group describes her as ‘a mix between Martha Stewart and a fairy godmother’- she comes in, sprinkles her fairy dust and everything is beautiful and delicious. Beyond her creativity, she is also the kindest, most compassionate, and giving person I know.

THEMES, LOOKS & SERVING DETAILS

The florals for this birthday celebration were a focal point. It was Mary Spotswood who sourced the blooms from local suppliers to create an ombré inspired runner as an over-the-top colorful centerpiece for the table. Deciding where you want to go with color, texture, and overall presentation is the first step for most when entertaining. Bringing in someone like Mary Spotswood takes all of the complications out of the process as she does all of this and ties things perfectly for a well-executed overall look. She’s not the typical event stylist. In fact, she holds degrees and certifications in Fine Arts from The University of the South as well as in culinary specialties earned at London’s Le Cordon Bleu. With her experience and expertise, she brings all facets— from food to floral- together in a way that reflects sought-after party design featured in high end magazines. Everything she puts together (big or small) is photo-worthy, which is always important when making decisions for an occasion when everyone will likely be snapping keepsake memories and social media captions.

Deciding where you want to go with color, texture and overall presentation is the first step for most when entertaining.

Outdoor Gas Lanterns – Carolina Lanterns

Outdoor & Pool House Design – Van Pond Architects; Landscaping – Old South Landscaping; Pool Tile & Plumbing Fixtures – Kenny & Co.