Photos by Mary Costa Photography
Stepping into the vibrant world of Palm Springs is always an invigorating experience, a true feast for the senses with its iconic mid-century modern architecture, lush desert landscapes, and an undeniable aura of relaxed glamor. My recent trip for the much-anticipated Meet Make Do event was no exception, a creative retreat that truly delivered. While I may be a tad overdue in sharing all the delightful details of my desert escape, the anticipation has only built, allowing me to meticulously gather the most beautiful photos and captivating insights. Over the next few days, I’ll be unveiling a comprehensive recap of the entire adventure, but first, I simply couldn’t wait to reveal a particular highlight: an impromptu styled shoot. This enchanting project came to life through a spontaneous collaboration with the incredibly talented Jenn of Scout Blog, right on our very first day in the sun-drenched haven of Palm Springs.
Working with Jenn was an absolute dream come true and an experience I had long yearned for. She possesses an unparalleled flair for styling, effortlessly transforming concepts into breathtaking visual stories. To call her a “gold medalist” in the realm of styled shoots would be an understatement; her expertise and intuitive eye for design are truly inspiring. As someone who has always harbored aspirations of becoming a professional stylist for events and photoshohoots, observing Jenn’s creative process in action was not just thrilling, but incredibly educational. Her approach to composition, color, and texture is masterful, offering invaluable lessons in the art of crafting aesthetically pleasing and impactful scenes. This collaboration was a pivotal moment, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of professional styling and fueling my passion even further.
Our creative journey began with brainstorming a core aesthetic, drawing inspiration directly from the inherent charm of Palm Springs itself. We envisioned a palette brimming with bright, cheerful colors, infused with sophisticated touches of glam that perfectly mirror the city’s unique blend of retro cool and modern luxury. The aim was to create a tablescape that felt fresh, inviting, and distinctly Palm Springs. Jenn, with her innate talent, took the lead on curating the majority of the tablescape’s foundation, skillfully arranging elements to create a cohesive and visually appealing layout. Meanwhile, I enthusiastically dove into a DIY project I had been eager to try: crafting geometric fresh flower pendants. These innovative floral accents were designed to add a unique, contemporary touch, suspended delicately to bring another dimension of botanical beauty to our setup. I’m excited to share a step-by-step tutorial on how to create these charming pendants in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!
The success of our floral design was undeniably elevated by the incredible generosity of Flower Muse, who sent us an absolutely spectacular selection of fresh blooms. Their array of vibrant and exquisite flowers provided an abundant canvas for our creativity. We were also incredibly fortunate to have the discerning eye of Brittni from Paper & Stitch blog lend her excellent taste in helping us select the perfect varieties. With such an amazing bounty of roses, ranunculus, and various complementary greens and fillers, we were like kids in a candy store, completely immersed in the joy of arranging. We had an absolute heyday playing with different textures, heights, and color combinations, allowing the natural beauty of each blossom to shine while contributing to our overall vision of a luxurious yet playful Palm Springs floral tablescape. The quality and freshness of the Flower Muse florals ensured our setup looked vibrant and photogenic throughout the entire shoot.
Beyond the magnificent florals, another element that truly stole the show and effortlessly encapsulated our chosen theme was the fabulous pineapple vase. Can we just take a moment to appreciate its sheer charm and how perfectly it integrated into our setup? This isn’t just any vase; the pineapple is a timeless symbol of hospitality, warmth, and tropical allure, making it an ideal choice for our Palm Springs inspired tablescape. Its unique texture and shape added an intriguing focal point, while its subtle golden hue and the fresh flowers nestled within provided just the right pop of color, harmonizing beautifully with the other bright elements. It wasn’t merely a vessel for flowers; it was a statement piece that contributed significantly to the tablescape’s narrative, bringing an extra layer of playful sophistication and reinforcing the relaxed, luxurious feel we aimed to achieve.
One of the most surprising and delightful contributions came from Jenn herself, who, despite claiming not to be a “DIY’er,” crafted these stunning sequin fabric placemats and beautifully threaded linens with an astonishing speed and finesse that left me utterly convinced otherwise! Her work was impeccable, adding an instant layer of shimmering glamor and refined texture to our desert-chic tablescape. The sequin placemats caught the light beautifully, introducing a playful sparkle that elevated the entire setting from casual to celebratory. The meticulously threaded linens, on the other hand, offered a subtle yet impactful detail, enhancing the bespoke feel of our design. Seeing her effortlessly create such exquisite pieces made me realize that perhaps everyone has a hidden DIY talent waiting to be discovered! Nevertheless, to maintain balance in our creative partnership and for the sake of acknowledging my own contributions, I’ll humbly continue to embrace my “DIY’er” title, especially with those geometric flower pendants I was so excited to create.
Every element, from the radiant fresh flowers and the chic pineapple vase to the sparkling sequin placemats and our modern DIY geometric pendants, converged to create a harmonious and captivating Palm Springs tablescape. It was a true reflection of the city’s spirit – effortlessly cool, vibrantly colorful, and undeniably glamorous. This impromptu shoot became a vivid testament to the power of creative collaboration and the magic that unfolds when passionate individuals come together. The experience left me feeling invigorated and inspired, and I can’t wait to share even more insights from my Palm Springs adventures over the coming days. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for upcoming posts, including that promised DIY tutorial, as there’s much more beauty and inspiration to unveil!
This entire incredible experience, including the Meet Make Do event and this delightful styled shoot, would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the dedication of our hosts. A huge thank you goes out to Bing for their invaluable sponsorship, which played a crucial role in making this gathering of creative minds a reality. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the phenomenal hosts who orchestrated such a memorable event: Kelly, Brittni, and Chelsea. Their hard work, vision, and hospitality truly made the Meet Make Do experience unforgettable for everyone involved. Their commitment to fostering a community of creators is truly commendable and deeply appreciated.
Details of Our Palm Springs Styled Tablescape:
glasses, plates & flatware: West Elm
sequined placemats: DIY by Jenn of Scout Blog
flowers: Flower Muse
runner and linen napkins: DIY by Jenn of Scout Blog
photos by: Mary Costa Photography