Inspired Gathering in a Golden Field

This photo shoot in this beautiful golden field was one my favorites in Inspired Gatherings.

It was one I had planned since first coming up with ideas for the chapters. And it was one that I had to find THE perfect field for. You see – not all fields are created equal. I had a list of what would make it perfect.

A golden field- meant late summer or early autumn styling in California- and it needed to be a golden field surrounded by beautiful mountains and trees. This field where we took the photos was the one I had in mind from the start. It is one that I have loved since I was a child- the field with the mountains all around- a dream and there has always been something about it that inspired me.

A secret behind this shoot?

We set up and photographed this table just hours before leaving for 2 weeks vacation. We loaded up the truck with the table, chairs, cloths, food, etc. and after dropping Sweet Pea off with my daughter- and then set up and took the photos.

I was pretty much in awe of the beauty the whole time- and if we weren’t leaving for vacation the next morning- I would have loved to have come back and shoot again to get even more photos.

Remember vacations? And travel in general? And gatherings without worrying?

I hear you… and one day we will be back to all of that good stuff folks- but for now – staying home and staying safe is where we are- and so- how about some tips about being inspired right at home?

Today we are talking about this photo shoot- but also how you can create a similar feeling right in your own backyard.

Hint: You don’t need a field to set a beautiful summer field inspired table that is beautiful. 🙂 Here is a quick video with a bit of the behind the shoot.

Styling tips for a field of dreams table- without the usual ambiance

There are a few simple tips to make this table feel so magical. It was different than the others in some ways- there was no electricity- so no twinkle lights. And you might notice that the candles are not lit also. That is for fire safety reasons.

Color Palette

When planning a table in a field- think of muted sun-bleached colors as accents. I brought along some of my favorite pale vintage dresses and linens to really play up the golden grasses and warm sunset glow.

Tip: Think about the color palette that nature is providing for the shades and colors to incorporate.

Vintage Inspiration

Another tip is to think vintage. This table setting has a lot of vintage inspiration included- from the plates and flatware to the stemware. Vintage just seems to fit that field table setting vibe for me.

Simple Texture

I am a Big texture girl. I love it in the house and outside the house.

One of my favorite things about this table was using this crocheted bedspread as a cloth. It adds so much charm and a very ‘bohemian’ feeling to the table.

Tip: Think outside the box when it comes to tablecloths- they don’t have to be formal cloths to be perfect. Bedspreads, quilts, blankets- even simply just favorite fabric will do.

Flowers

The secret to these flowers is that they are grocery store flowers that were made into a beautiful custom arrangement.

The takeaway here is- you don’t need expensive designer flowers to create a stunning centerpiece.

I picked up several bunches of various blooms and greens at a stop on the way to the field. I simply went with the colors that inspired me and what I felt would stand out against that golden backdrop. These rich colors were perfect- I removed the ones that didn’t fit and added in the others I felt did. And when they were all mixed them together- they created the most beautiful autumn bouquet.

Tip: Look at those grocery store flowers in a different way and see what you can mix and mingle for a custom look.

Most of these photos are outtakes that didn’t land in the book- but you can see all the photos that made the chapter in Inspired Gatherings

Sources:

Table- The Bella Cottage,

Crystal glasses – Vintage

Chairs- Vintage from Re-store

Crochet bedding- Shabby Chic

Don’t miss the settings that my talented friends are sharing today!

Ashley | The Handmade Home

Jen | City Farmhouse

Kristen | Ella Claire Inspired

Bre | Rooms For Rent

Jeanne | Jeanne Oliver

Happy entertaining at home all.