picnic – The Interiors Addict

Blockhead Hannah Amos shares her Dîner en Blanc styling tips

The world’s most chic picnic, Le Dîner en Blanc, is returning to Melbourne on 24 February at a secret yet wondrous location. All dressed-up people arrive and set up beautiful tables for their picnic, then all pack up and leave like nothing never happened. Hannah and her partner, Clint, will be joining this famous night that originated from Paris.

During Hannah’s time on The Block, she proved her innate ability to beautifully style an empty canvas. And now, Hannah shares with us her tips on how to create effortless French vibes at the strictly all-white attire and décor event.

You say ‘white’, I say ‘linen’.
Linen is the fabric that will beautifully transcend any table. Light, humble yet graceful, this fine piece of textile is definitely the go-to for the effortless feel. Adding matching white linen napkins will keep consistency with the theme.

Source: The Lane. Click through for more

Add some charm to your plate
If you like to wander in antique stores or markets around Melbourne then go find yourself old ceramics or enamelware to use on your table. My favourite places to find unique tableware treasures are Camberwell Market, Lost and Found Market and Chapel Street Bazaar. Original pieces of vintage tableware will give ‘un je ne sais quoi’ to your table.

Source: Petit Jardin Secret. Click through for more.

Cheers with elegance
Opulent elite French parties from the 18th Century always preferred the champagne saucer over the conventional flute glass. So, go with champagne saucers and cheers with your friends or your lover like French aristocrats! Another addition to your table, these glasses from west elm are the perfect way to cheers with elegance.

Source: Rock My Wedding. Click through for more.

Champagne tin bucket
Well, you need to keep all that Champagne chilled so why not have a play on Etsy and find your perfect vintage French Champagne bucket? A silver touch is acceptable to have on your table.

Source: Snippet and Ink. Click through for details. Photo by Collin Hughes

Last but not least
A picnic would not be complete without a good old picnic basket. It is like having cheese without a good wine, it doesn’t make sense really. Yes, the concept of Le Dîner en Blanc is taken that far and if your basket isn’t white, no panic. You can still spray paint it!

Source: Twigg Studio. Click through for details.

Hannah’s all-white shopping list

White Linen table cloth from Hunting for George
White Linen napkins from Bed Bath n’ Table
Enamelware from Myer
Champagne saucers from Kitchen Warehouse
Glasses from west elm
Champagne tin bucket from Etsy
Ready to go picnic hamper from French Knot

Jen discovers the perfect place to buy gifts for stylish men

I alway struggle with gifts for the stylish men in my life and, working in the interiors industry, there are many of them, not to mention my long-suffering and well-dressed husband! So this Christmas, I was really happy to discover The IT Kit, an online gifting solution with options for everyone, but more than usual for the guys. Finally!

They gave me the opportunity to put together two gifts for my interior designer friends Darren Palmer and Greg Natale and these are now available via their site. I thought I’d share them with you.

For family man Darren, who likes to kick back and relax with his husband and son when he isn’t working (and he works super hard, always flitting about the country juggling filming commitments for The Block, design work and endorsements), I chose this fab picnic kit (which is pleasantly neutral and contains yummy edibles, a cheese board and a picnic blanket) and added the French cider option (I mean, why wouldn’t you?!). Then, for good measure, I threw in the fun book The Man Plan. Buy exactly what I bought Darren for the man in your life here.

Some of Greg’s favourite things are fashion, geometric patterns, wine and international travel. For him, I picked Wallpaper City Guides to Paris, London and New York, a fab Kate and Kate geometric cotton blanket in shades of grey and the Nuance Wine Aerator for when he enjoys a glass of red. You can gift someone exactly what I gifted Greg here.

Whether you choose one of The IT Kit’s curated gifts (the easy option!) or compile your own from all their products, everything comes beautifully gift wrapped at no extra charge. The business is the brainchild and passion of good friends Anna Gurry and Miranda Kent. Whether you’re looking for a birthday, new baby, corporate wedding or ‘just because’ gift, they have you covered.

Shop online.