Journal

A summer dinner party is a great time to play with your tableware and create a spread that’s both practical and playful.

Summer was too eager this season, slamming into us in June, with hardly a chance to acclimate to the extreme temperature changes. Through the soupy heat, and amongst the anticipation of sunshine and new growth, my migraines were rife—in sync with the ridiculously overactive thermometer.

Our landscape design team recently completed a full redesign here in nearby Birmingham, MI. The scope of the project includes limestone installations, horticultural procurement and placement, as well as furniture and accessories for the 80-by-120-foot backyard.

Planting herbs is a simple way to add fragrant beauty to your garden and have ingredients on-hand for the freshest addition to recipes.

The haze in the air at midday, the chirps from the crickets in the high grass, the chill from a sweaty glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, mosquitos telling never ending stories too close to the ear—these are a few of the many moments in the overture of a July day.

If you're looking for a simple and rewarding beginner planting project, a tabletop succulent garden is a great start! Succulents are water-storing plants that require minimal water and care. Succulents can easily adapt to dry humidity, and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Raven Oaks Farm, a certified organic farm is his latest brainchild and passion project. As with the other companies, his Midas touch has struck again. There is an environmental ethos carefully thought through, which underpins the historical reverence yet has a modernity to the direction taken.

Longer sunny days call for dinner parties, and dinner parties call for a well-curated table. This month we were inspired by all things ‘New England coastal’ and created the most fun and refreshing tablescape.

Farms, fields, flower beds and festive gatherings are all at the pinnacle of beautiful production in June. As our garden shoppes shout the colors of the season, the floral atelier, too, adds to the cacophony with plans and preparations for wonderful events to come. It is quite apparent that June is here at fleurdetroit.   

After planning hundreds of weddings in my career, it was a very interesting feeling to become the groom planning our own special day. Finally putting myself on the sofa, and being asked all the questions that I so easily ask our couples.

The month that paints the hummingbird’s breast and fills flowers with nectar can never disappoint! As one who likes to garden, I look forward to May’s progress in my woodlands and meadow thickets. I spend the winter walking the gardens, observing wildlife patterns and planning for the planting season. The season is here! It’s time to implement all those garden wishes.

Look to the wonderful natural elements of spring to create modern, yet traditional table settings. Mixing modern with vintage creates a colorful and eye-catching memorable place setting to host this season.