Design & Photo: Studio Mcgee

The weather here in Canada tends to be misunderstood in most places around the world. People often seem a little shocked when I mention that we have some of the most incredible summers known to man. I’m convinced it’s one of the main reasons we grin and bear it through the harsher winter months – ha. However, come this time of year? It’s absolutely our time to shine. The days are long and lingering, our lakes are cool and refreshing, and dining al fresco becomes a daily ocurrence.

And though we’ve eaten many dinners in our yard over the years, it was only this year that I picked up a set of really beautiful melamine dishes to set our table (these ones, here!)* In all honesty, having a dedicated set of light & unbreakable dishes that I don’t have to worry about has been a game changer when it comes to our outdoor dining experience. They are so beautiful and I swear they’ve encouraged us to take advantage of the outdoors even more than usual. It has me thinking about the other things that could really bring our dining al fresco game to the next level. Here’s how I’d do it in a dream world. A few things I’d like to slowly collect over the years, really.

Dining Al Fresco

SOURCES:

1. Glass Cloche | 2. Cocktail Shaker | 3. Melamine Dinner Plates | 4. Cocktail Napkins | 5. Acrylic Tumbler | 6. Fluted Cashepot | 7. Check Tablecloth | 8. Wooden Cutting Board | 9. Ruffled Napkin | 10. Outdoor Dining Table | 11. Candlesticks | 12. Floral Pillow | 13. Rattan Side Cart | 14. Serving Bowl

MORE LIKE THIS RIGHT HERE

** As an aside, I managed to grab a few of the Jillian Harris x Joe Fresh melamine dishes before they sold out (instantly). I LOVE them though. Anyway, I know a lot of people had their eye on them so if you’re one of em’ I really love this option as an alternative

DINING al FRESCO

The post Currently Coveting: Dining Al Fresco appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

Summer is finally here, and it’s time to soak up the sun and enjoy the long, lingering, warm days. As we officially kick off the season (today!), I couldn’t be more thrilled to share my list of summer must-haves.

It’s been a busy few weeks around here lately, and though the weather has been lovely for some time now we just recently had the chance to pull all of our patio furniture out of storage. Our backyard is officially set up and ready and it feels so darn good. We’ve been dining al fresco almost exclusively since. And on Saturday night we ended up staying up late into the evening, chatting, wrapped up in blankets next to our fire pit and it absolutely exuded all of the loveliness that the season has to offer. So in light of today being the “official” first day of summer, here are a few things that I have my eye on this month. A few summer must-haves, if you will!

A Few Summer Must-Haves

SOURCES:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

note: I bought the bathing suit and it’s *chef’s kiss*

With summer officially in full swing, I’m calling it time to indulge in the season’s delights. From enjoying the comfort of your well-appointed patio, to soaking in style, I feel confident these summer must-haves will elevate anyone’s summer season. I, personally, am excited to see what’s in store.

Photo: Marcus Barnett

SEE MORE

The post Currently Coveting: Summer Must Haves appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

I stumbled upon this creepy chic Halloween foyer recently and it excited me to no end. At two and a half, my daughter is at such a fun age right now. I love the idea of making things like Halloween a little extra special for her (rather, all of us!) to look back on. We’ve rented a condo while our home is being renovated, and though I am of course thrilled about all of it (this downtown adventure has been so fun), I must admit I’m a little bummed that I can’t bust out my own Halloween decorations this year. I’m allll about creepy chic Halloween decorations, and this festive foyer has it nailed. I will likely stick to some dollar store window decals for my girl for the time being. And, let’s be honest, she’ll love them just the same. But know that I’m banking some of these creepy yet cute Halloween decor ideas for the future for all of us. Next year? It’s on. In the meantime, here’s some inspiration.

ps – in case you missed it, staying on top of my shop has been a priority for me since I relaunched my site – I have a cute Halloween page that I curated for you right here, if you’re in the market

SHOP THE LOOK:

MORE CREEPY CHIC HALLOWEEN GOODNESS: RIGHT THIS WAY

Design: Studio McGee | Photography: Lucy Call

SHOP THE LOOK:

SEE MORE HALLOWEEN CONTENT: RIGHT HERE

Design: Studio McGee | Photography: Lucy Call

Shop the Look

The post Creepy Chic Halloween Decor appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.

At two and a half, my daughter is at such a fun age right now to truly appreciate solid Halloween decorations. Growing up and picturing my future family, these are the moments, the festive moments; trick or treating at Halloween, for example, that I’ve always looked forward to. It feels very surreal that I’m actually in this phase of life.

I have always loved any excuse to celebrate and get into a festive spirit, but making these things magical for my daughter brings a whole new level of excitement to the task. Seeing as we’re renovating our home through Halloween, I’m sliiiightly bummed that we won’t be here to dig out our own Halloween decorations. But I plan on bringing in a little spooky magic into our temporary rental all the same. Following are a few interior-designer-approved Halloween decorations I currently have my eye on. It’s giving “Halloween, but make it cute“.

Photo: Studio McGee

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

See Also: Fall Decor | Thanksgiving Decor

SOURCES:

1. Ghost cake | 2. Spiderweb doormat | 3. Skeleton hand napkin rings

4. Bat wreath | 5. Bat treat bag | 6. Jack-O-Lanterns

7. Witch’s brew cocktail mix | 8. Skull candle | 9. Faux bittersweet branches

10. Ceramic skull plate | 11. Serpentine bottle holder | 12. Velvet pumpkins

13. Ghost candy dishes | 14. Lit wire pumpkins | 15. Skull ice molds

16. Skull toile table throw | 17. Carved wood pumpkins | 18. Floating candlesticks

SHOP HALLOWEEN DECOR:

The post Designer Approved Halloween Decorations appeared first on Lark & Linen Interior Design and Lifestyle Blog.