May is here and with it the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season. Since ambience is almost as important as the food (ahem), we have rounded up our favorite outdoor lanterns so you can concentrate on the menu.
If you're ever in Los Angeles, make it a point to visit La Brea Avenue's design district. This small, walkable stretch of inspiration (located between Melrose Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard) is densely packed with everything from quirky antiques to urban fashion. Start the day at Nick Metropolis, a warehouse filled with old movie props (and therefore the best photo props) we have ever seen. From there, we strolled and browsed everything from custom furniture to foreign finds. Between the fashion, food, and interiors, we left with loads of inspiration and new LA favorites. Click through to see our pics!
Wedding season is in full swing here at POPSUGAR, and we have everything you need when it comes to dresses, decor, bridal beauty, and more. Whether you're in need of bridesmaid tips, seeking savvy spending advice, or in the mood to check out the most memorable TV and movie weddings, look no further.
Click through now to see our ever-expanding 2013 wedding season coverage!
May is in full swing, and with it comes the official beginning of outdoor entertaining season. Since ambience is almost as important as the company, here are my top three essentials for entertaining in style.
Melamine plates
Melamine plates ($6 each) are a great option for outdoor entertaining because they are virtually unbreakable, lightweight, and dishwasher safe. Plus, have you ever tried to cut anything on a paper plate? Guaranteed fail. These resemble hand-painted Mediterranean ceramics, which make you feel like you are vacation even if you are just picnicking at the park.
Lanterns
Indoors or out, candles are a great way to add ambience to any gathering. Since candlesticks are too fragile and susceptible to wind, go for some ornate lanterns ($10-$25 for two) instead. I love these for their great shape, their range of colors, and the fact that they come in three sizes. Pair the small ones with flowers for a complete tabletop look and use the larger ones elsewhere on the patio or in the yard. Rock the casbah!
Glasses
The trick is to find good-looking glasses that aren't glass. These come in three colors and have a great pattern on the outside that will hide the wear and tear that acrylic glasses ($7 each) always seem to undergo in the dishwasher. I also love that they are large enough for drinks that require ice.
This weekend, take your DIY skills beyond the craft room into your living room! Always on the lookout for new ways to spruce up our space, we found homemade projects that will freshen up your digs in no time. Whether you're looking to fill your walls with art or add a few custom pillows, let your creativity roll with it. Even if your living room isn't due for a little something new, these projects can be easily adapted to any space. So what are you waiting for? Check out the 24 options that leave those daunting DIY rumors behind.
Prince may have monopolized purple in the '80s, but we're happy to report its comeback for this millenium. Think of it as the exotic lovechild of classic red and blue — a warm-meets-cool tone that plays well on both sides of the color spectrum. Be it bold jewel tones or ladylike lavenders that tickle your fancy, these pieces make a convincing case for purple accents.
Hey, girl, the time has finally come for your first apartment — congrats! While being granted your new set of keys is exciting (just don't lose them!), the list of essentials can be rather overwhelming. Making style the main priority (as always), we set out to prove that you can do it on a budget. Sticking with necessities — like plates that aren't paper — we found you ways to save without sacrificing style. And for the times when only the best will do? Well, we found those options, too. Sure, welcome the hand-me-downs, but with a little savvy shopping and this guide, you can furnish your apartment with enough cash to spare for that security deposit.
