Back in the late ’90’s, we had the pleasure of touring the California coast, and it’s a trip we will never forget. The highlight, by far, was the Napa Valley region. The scenery was unsurpassed in its beauty…the food was inspired and fresh (I never knew peaches tasted like that!) …and the climate was perfect. I’m not one to return to places I’ve already been, but I would happily make an exception in this case.
A few weeks ago Alex Mitchell, the lovely Community Hostess at The Fairmont reached out to me. They were understandably impressed with my friend Penny’s table from last year and thought it might be fun for me to highlight a few wedding tables and designs to complement one of their California locations, so naturally I choose Sonoma.
Let’s begin with our arrival at the elegant and stately Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.
Imagine having your wedding take place at this beautiful and idyllic setting, which includes the only luxury spa resort in the country that includes its own thermal mineral water.
The beautiful Sonoma County weather almost guarantees your ceremony won’t get rained on, and what bride wouldn’t love walking up this rose petal filled aisle?
But now it’s time to head inside for the reception, so let’s have some fun with a few tablescapes!
Coincidentally I attended a tablescape event last Friday (you can see the events from last year here and here) and thought I could gather some inspiration while there, and I was right. π
When I think of the Napa/Sonoma region, what comes to mind are natural textures, simple but elegant floral arrangement, and colors and materials borrowed from nature.
Let’s step inside and see what awaits, ok?
It was difficult to pick just one table to highlight, so I didn’t! This next one would be lovely for a casual event, whether it’s a Bridal luncheon, or even a wedding for a client that loves and appreciates natural elements.
Sunflowers, distressed painted wood and hand blown pottery in earthy colors all come together to create a whimsical, cheerful table, perfect for breakfast on the porch the morning after the wedding.
Add some drama and height with a real or faux tree and place some ‘birds’ throughout for a fun and dramatic display.
Now we can’t forget the all important fireplace, can we? And neither did Sharene. Remember I mentioned she was chosen to decorate a mantel at this event? As expected, she outdid herself.
Decorated with traditional elements and antique silver vessels, this look would be right at home in the beautiful but elegant Fairmont.
This table was one of my favorites. Every attention to detail was meticulously tended to, and it all came together to produce one beautifully rustic but elegant table design.
Notice the slate? How creative, and a perfect backdrop for a rustic table design.
It’s been a magical day, but now it’s time to bid your guests adieu and relax in your beautiful suite with a romantic four-poster bed and lovely garden view.
In addition to the reception rooms available at the Inn, the staff can arrange for off-site venues that are quite unique, such as wine caves and ruins, vineyards, private estates, barrel rooms and more.
Thank you Alex for giving me the opportunity to share the beautiful Sonoma Inn with my readers. I had fun gathering inspiration for your gracious venue :).
In other news…
All in all, I took nearly 200 photos at the event. I’ll be sharing some others with you soon and you won’t want to miss my absolute favorite display which I’ll tease you with in two words…Manola Blahnik. Yup, if you’re a Sex and the City fan, you won’t want to miss this!
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carolyn says
So beautiful!
Sandra says
Absolutely beautiful!
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Wow! Just beautiful Doreen!! Truly stunning.
That Christmas mantle is amazing!! And I love that last tablescape. So warm and inviting, but very classy. π
xoxo
Kim says
So many fabulous photos…especially that one of the cake! That cake plate is unbelievable! π
Stacey@Poofing the Pillows says
Wow! Everything is beautiful. I love that mantel with the natural greenery on it.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
That must have been an amazing event to see in person. All of the tables are beautiful, but the last one, with the slate, is jaw-dropping fabulous.
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
You always go on such fun tours. I love that mantel all decorated for Christmas! Thanks for sharing this wonderful event.
Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend.
Julie xo
Dewena says
I can only see one thing wrong with going to this beautiful place–I would never want to leave!
Gorgeous pictures!
Your friend’s mantel would be lovely anywhere. And my stars how I love that last table too! And R.H. has piles of slate in the barn. Hmm, never thought of putting it on a whole table. I’ve used it for cheeseboards but need to rethink this. Then again who could pull off a magnificent display like on the table you showed?
Oh, and I love the tree with little nests on the round table!
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
It is quite beautiful and I love the mantel…but its a little over the top for me. I’m not a fancy kind of girl and like a more laid back vibe, but I can see why people are drawn to this kind of appeal. You did a great job on the photos! Hubs and I honeymooned in Napa Valley and spent near a week on a working winery and it was a good time.
Debbie from MountainMama says
I don’t know how I could pick a favorite out of these gorgeous tables! It seems they covered every season as well as every style! What a fun event to attend!
Jemma says
Gorgeous, every single one of them, and I adore decorated mantles too. All of that layering is stunning. I have a friend who has the most amazing mantle displays. You have inspired me to get on the move!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
All of these are just gorgeous. Love the Christmas mantle so beautiful.
Happy Friday Doreen. Have a wonderful week end.
Kris
tammy j says
the table with the little faux tree and the birds just has me.
and probably partly to do with its location by the windows there… so very beautiful.
and the fact that it’s lovely but still rather simple in design. i especially like that.
and the christmas mantle is darling!
i could live out my life in that room with the terrace and the grand opening doors onto it.
this was wonderful house honey. thank you! xoβ₯
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen, first off thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. This is such a lovely place for a wedding or reception. The little bowls with the dragonflies are very unique. So many ideas here for inspiration. Thanks for sharing with us and don’t talk to me about high heeled shoes…lol π
Rose L. says
There are cool things to see along California coast. I love Carmel and Monterey area. I enjoyed Hearst Castle and the Winchester Mystery house, as well as the Monterey Bay aquarium.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hello Doreen! Wow the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is amazing. It makes me want to get married all over again. It’s gorgeous!
I love the tablescapes. My favorite are the more rustic ones that use natural elements. The Christmas mantel is gorgeous too.
Cecilia says
Oh Doreen, those are just beautiful. I like the last one best too, although the mantel is quite magical. Bruce and I have been to Napa Valley and Sonama. We enjoyed our time there – it really is quite beautiful.
I can’t wait to see more of the tablescapes!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Jane says
What a pleasure to see these gorgeous tables (and beautiful hotel). I gleaned a lot of ideas, especially the centerpiece—I struggle with those. I’ve also wanted to visit Napa. I bet that was one long flight for you!
Can’t wait to see your high fashion shoe post—Emily splurged on a pair of Manolo’s for her wedding. I think she keeps them in a glass box at the Smithsonian now.
Jane x
Cindi says
Oh my, that place is amazing!
Just so beautiful.
I’m a bit more simple and modern but I like the green with the dragonfly
and the white roses.
Yep! that’s my fav!
Great post! thanks for taking me places I’ll never see!
π
xoxo
Rowhomesandcobblestones says
Beautifully designed and appointed place, it’s going on my list of must stay a weekend. I can only imagine how fairytale like a wedding would be here … Love the rustic slate tablescape. Thanks for your stunning photography captures, so many inspirational ideas to log into my memory bank.
Vera
kelly says
Those are all such beautiful tables and that mantel is so over the top beautiful too! That looked like a nice place to spend time in.
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
All of these photos were so beautiful!
And that Christmas mantel photo, wow, amazing!
Can’t wait to see more of your photos!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! π
Kimberley
handmade by amalia says
So so lovely, Doreen. These will make any guest feel welcome and appreciated.
Amalia
xo
AnnMarie says
Gorgeous tables and pictures. I just love the slate one! Imagine being a guest with such creativity all around!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Very beautiful and elegant! π
Red Rose Alley says
Such beautiful ideas on here today, Doreen. I love that wedding cake. I’ll have to send it to Jess. She just went to her venue this weekend and went over all the details. There sure is a lot of planning when getting married these days. I loved to see all the Christmas ideas on here, and the fireplace is so charming with festive and whimsical dΓ©cor. That little snowman ornament with the brown fur coat is darling. I hope you will be showing your own tree this year, as I love to see everyone’s decorated Christmas trees.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, Doreen. I hope you are surrounded with lots of family, love, and food!
~Sheri
Doreen says
Hi Sheri, thanks so much! You’re so right about getting married these days. There does seem to be more details to take care of.
I won’t be doing any Christmas decorating this year. No tree or anything. We will be heading south before the holiday. I miss it a little, but things have changed so much in the last few years, and I’m just going with the flow. Our trees were beautiful, if I do say so myself :). We would always find the fattest tree and decorate it with white and silver ornaments, white faux pointsettias and big bows. Maybe someday we will get that back.
Enjoy your holiday!
xxx
Sharene wassell says
Doreen, your photographs are always so beautiful! Thank on for posting them and for the lovely comments about my mantel. It was such fun to be part of this event!!
Sharene wassell says
Doreen, your photos are all so lovely, you really captured Set to Celebrate in all its glory. Thank you, again, for posting my mantel pictures and your kind words.loved being part of this event!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Those tablescapes are wonderful ! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Leslie Clingan says
First of all, I took the tour of your log cabin home. To die for. Have always dreamed of living in a log cabin and at least now, I know someone who does! The resort featured in this post is breath-taking. Have never been to Sonoma. For that matter, have never been anywhere fancy enough for a tablescape. Ha! What an honor that you were invited to feature these beautiful tables on your blog. And your photography certainly did them justice. You have opened my eyes to the beauty of the Napa Valley. Guess I need to get out more, huh?