Hello Friends, it is Leslie here with Color Me Pretty for May. With summer just around the corner I cannot help but think about flowers in my garden, fun drinks with friends and family birthdays. All in a palette of white, peach, mint green, washed grey and a little raspberry. Of course time for a few crafty projects in this summer palette would be great to. A girl can dream.

One quick project for entertaining is dressing up those white spray painted glass bottles with a little washi tape and a couple paper doilies. Nothing fancy, just apply the tape and doily pieces here and there. I cut a few flowers and sprigs from my garden and instantly a windowsill or a table is prettied up for a get together.

Summery garnishes can make a plain old lemon soda look rather elegant. I like serving something fun and nothing gets a little house party going like a feature cocktail. Fresh mint, a little lime or a couple raspberries can make any drink feel like a special occasion. It can also be interesting to use all different glasses even for the same drink. This way everyone can hopefully remember his or her glass!

Here is a little folding book I made from a couple pieces of scrap paper and some fuji instax mini photographs I took while putting this series together for you. I want to make more of these this summer. One could be of the kids while we are at the beach or another possibly of my mother’s garden. They make a cute gift for the host after a weekend stay with friends or family.

I hope you enjoyed this series and that it sparked a couple ideas for you. Do you have any plans for the weekend? Whatever you do take good care and do something just for you.

Thank you for having me here, see you next month, – Leslie.

(images: leslie shewring)

Tags: Color Me Pretty

75 Responses to “Color Me Pretty: Summer Dreams”

1 winter commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 9:47 pm

I am now FRIDAY thirsty! Pass me a cupcake and let’s call it a day! Thank you leslie.
2 Lila commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 9:59 pm

Oh So Girlie-pretty !
Pictures are stunning ! The last one is my favorite one !
Love those “washi tapes”. Thank you for brightening our day !

Happy week end to you !

Lila,
3 Will commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:03 pm

Without doubt these posts are my favourite in the whole of the World Wide Web. Leslie, your styling, editing and photography skills are spot on, and I find your work a great source of inspiration – thanks for sharing it with us on Holly’s lovely blog!
Will´s last [type] ..Home Tour- Colourful &amp Simple Tribeca Loft
4 Melissa de la Fuente commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:06 pm

Oh wow….if this doesn’t make me wanna have a party, I don’t what does! It is absolutely gorgeous Leslie! I adore all of these colors together and the tiny pops of neon…or at least they seem a little neon to me. :) So fresh, SO pretty and I would LOVE to come to this party! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration hun, as always! I hope you have a beautiful long weekend!
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Closer to home
5 holly commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:14 pm

Color me pretty – you make everything LOVELIER!
xOxO
6 Julie khuu commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:25 pm

What a beautiful color story Leslie!! Loving all the muted pastels punched up with some bold rich color…currently rotating in my closet as well :)

Those cocktails look Delish!! The perfect way to start a long weekend!!

Happy Holiday weekend to you!!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
7 nilufer commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:26 pm

Dear Leslie,

These are all great ideas for summer… I feel so inspired! Thank you Thank you! I’m off to create something!!!! :-)
nilufer´s last [type] ..The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
8 elisa commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:44 pm

just the gorgeous palette i’ve been craving! my tall little girl loves to make us drinks using edible plants she finds in the garden (she’s very careful!). today it was lavender, lemon balm, lemon and stevia. she’s amazing! and when i show her how you’ve dressed these glasses she will be so inspired! and i shall sit down to rest in the sunshine and await my pretty drink. have a lovely weekend leslie! x
9 Traveling Mama commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Leslie, these images are so beautiful! The vases are brilliant! What a great way to use otherwise tired bottles!! I hope you have a great weekend too! Hugs!
Traveling Mama´s last [type] ..you don’t want to miss…
10 the olive tree commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 10:52 pm

wow. Lovely photos and colors to brighten the day!
the olive tree´s last [type] ..happy friday
11 Diane commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:01 pm

Leslie this post is so fresh and beautiful! Totally brightened up my day! Thank you :)
12 Andreia commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:37 pm

Thank you Leslie for these lovely colours!

We are planning to go out for a picnic tomorrow and to the beach on sunday morning! What a wonderful weekend it will be for sure! It’s always an adventure to make these programs with four little children (between 6 and 1 years old) you can imagine, but we really love being together!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

I’m planning to have some time to seat on my sofa and enjoy Holly’s book which has just arrived this week!
13 tinajo commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:39 pm

LOVE this colorful and lovely post – and I have to buy myself some pretty tape! :-)
tinajo´s last [type] ..Happiness is
14 Maxi commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:39 pm

lovely photography! and where did you by these colourful, pattern dishes? i’m looking for dishes like these forever!
greetings from hamburg, germany! maxi
15 Monica commented:
May 27th, 2011 at 11:47 pm

Love the grey with raspberry and mint color combination – perfect for summer.
Monica´s last [type] ..Pink
16 Emelie - fiffiga systrar commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 12:03 am

wow! great pictures! I love the coulors in these pictures! thank you for fabulous inpiration!
Emelie – fiffiga systrar´s last [type] ..Omklädd ask
17 Bryn commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 12:22 am

love the cupcake with berries next to it. Such a simple but lovely idea.

Bryn´s last [type] ..Since were on the subject
18 Jaclyn commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 12:42 am

was just practicing your photo tips we learned in class – your light in the studio is stunning. it’s cold here in Sydney so these photos certainly reminded me of a beautiful sunny (warm!) day in California. x
Jaclyn´s last [type] ..adventures in sewing
19 Concha commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 12:55 am

Wow Leslie, this post is outstanding! I adore the choice of colours, the photos couldn´t look crisper, the fabrics… just amazing!

Have a great weekend, Leslie & Holly!
Concha´s last [type] ..Creative Walls – Book Review
20 sécia commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 1:07 am

Love those Anthropologie bowls.

-sécia
sécia´s last [type] ..Wishful Thinking
21 Gosia Maj commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 3:07 am

Absolutely invigorating! I’m having a hard time counting the inspirational ideas you invoke, Leslie. This must be my most favourite colour story… but then, don’t I say it every time you share a new one? Never stop, please!!!
Gosia Maj´s last [type] ..Collections- Seashells
22 Meesh commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 4:25 am

Scroll down, scroll up, scroll down, scroll up, scroll down, scroll up…I just can’t get enough! This is so lovely!
Meesh´s last [type] ..Destination- Washington
23 Fiona commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 8:52 am

So pretty and inspirational too…thank you, together with the warm sunshine it feels that spring has arrived!
24 meenal @ maison marigold commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 9:16 am

oh-so-pretty..so many lovely and simple ideas to add a touch of prettiess..love the dressed up spray pianted bottles the most..thankyou leslie for sharing the goodness..have a lovely weekend..xx meenal
meenal @ maison marigold´s last [type] ..iPhone image of the week
25 chris commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 10:13 am

Beautiful inspiration!

Can you please give a link to those beautiful patterned bowls???? I would love some just like them!!!
26 raspberry essence commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 10:52 am

amazing colors! love all pictures :)
raspberry essence´s last [type] ..strawberry editon
27 Inês (perfect-home.blogspot.com) commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 11:37 am

I have just found your blog and I have found the ideas lovely.
I must use them in my decor projects.
Thank you. :)
28 European Chic commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 11:55 am

Beautiful colour inspirations – as usual! I especially love the bowls in happy colours.
European Chic´s last [type] ..An inspired interior
29 Kelly Rachel commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 12:19 pm

How do you make my heart skip a beat with every. single. post.????
Kelly Rachel´s last [type] ..Crocheting In Chilly Weather Is The Awesomest
30 Ana commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 1:58 pm

What a collection! Just looking at it makes me happy! xx
Ana´s last [type] ..IN- An Van Daeles Home
31 Carol Spinski commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Oh my Leslie, what a beautiful color story! I agree with Holly, my favorite of yours so far.

Many Blessings and Keep Shinning:)
Carol
Carol Spinski´s last [type] ..Bridal Luncheon Favors
32 Iris commented:
May 28th, 2011 at 4:14 pm

I am calling the weather man right now to ask him to raise the temperature a bit this weekend. I need to have these drinks while lounging in the shadow of a big tree!
x Iris
33 JT commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 1:38 am

Leslie, as usual your work is inspiring. My favorite picture is the little folding book. I think I’ll pick up the Fuji instax for my daughter’s wedding next weekend, it would be perfect. Thanks for the great idea!
JT´s last [type] ..Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill
34 Kathi commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 6:02 am

I absolutely love this post! Especially the spray painted bottle-vases and the drinks! Great inspiration!
35 Kim B. commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 9:50 am

This post just had that extra something — love love love!!!
36 Fenny setiawan commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 1:35 pm

Love love this collages n all picture at this episode of color me pretty. I always admire Leslie work, never stop to amaze me :). Happy weekend for Leslie n Holly.xo.
37 dasmaedchenmitdenlocken commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 4:59 pm

wow. everything looks so great.
dasmaedchenmitdenlocken´s last [type] ..der kreis ist das neue dreieck
38 Marie Nichols commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Love this colour combo, so beautiful and perfect for spring!
Marie Nichols´s last [type] ..Nice Day for a Colourful Wedding
39 Sue commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 6:09 pm

What a gorgeous colour palette. Love the photos you’ve chosen – so fresh!
Sue´s last [type] ..Ombre Wedding Inspiration Part II
40 joanna commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 7:11 pm

so pretty
41 Laura Gaskill commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 9:44 pm

Leslie, I am definitely using your drinks ideas for an upcoming party! The fresh mint, berries, and limes look so festive :) And I have had a fuji instax camera on my wishlist for a while now…summer seems the perfect time to indulge, and I am completely smitten with your brag book. It’s just perfect, and I want to make one of my own right away!

As always, you’ve inspired me and made my day a little brighter. Enjoy your weekend Leslie and Holly dears! xo Laura
Laura Gaskill´s last [type] ..this moment
42 Lidyll commented:
May 29th, 2011 at 11:00 pm

Such beautiful pictures!*smile*
Lidyll´s last [type] ..Bilder fra header-shoot Sommer-Lidyll!
43 Julie the Alkaline Sister commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 6:03 am

Makes me want summer yesterday! Maybe we can enjoy one of these at my house this summer! Awesome shots and LOVE the white bottles!
Julie the Alkaline Sister´s last [type] ..Banana- Date &amp Coconut Raw Icecream &amp Spring Flowers!
44 Fiffiga Systrar commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 12:17 pm

Absolutely gorgeous!!! Great ideas as usual! You’ve got our favourite blog! We love your ideas!

Love!

Elin & Emelie
Fiffiga Systrar´s last [type] ..Veckans Goding – Supersmarriga kladdkakan
45 Jane commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 2:09 pm

Oh, Leslie! If only we weren’t heading into winter. Your inspired use of washi tape knows no bounds. I can’t get enough of the stuff! J x
Jane´s last [type] ..Sunday splendour- 29 May 2011
46 Helene commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 5:32 pm

Completely in love with this post and these colors!
47 christelle is flabbergasting commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Such a great post full of colors! Summer is definitely here!! Love the painted bottles with masking tape and doilies!
christelle is flabbergasting´s last [type] ..Des nouvelles
48 b. commented:
May 30th, 2011 at 9:19 pm

Your posts remind me of why I love design! As a stay at home mom and former (and future) designer, your colour stories are the refreshment I need.
49 christine e-e commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 2:15 am

leslie… i have to laugh at all the fabulous comments… well deserved, as always!!! i spent more than 3+ hours editing photos today… have you ever thought about posting your “photo out-takes” kind of like movie out-takes?? it would be fun to see your process for editing photos before posting all the gloriously delightful pics on your Color Me Pretty series…
christine e-e´s last [type] ..MIC-KEY- MOU-SE
50 ArticulateArt commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 5:24 am

OMG! Everything looks so CUTE and PRETTY!!!!!!! I want them all!! The colours are just perfect!!!
ArticulateArt´s last [type] ..H&M Kids Summer 2011
51 Zsa Zsa commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 7:15 am

Stunning photos! Love everything sweet n’ pretty…those dressed up glass bottles are totally eye-candy! The little folding book is genius too! :)
52 hoganfe handmade originals commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 8:06 am

Gorgeous, fresh & easy!
hoganfe handmade originals´s last [type] ..Classic French Round Canvas Tote Bag Handmade Handbag Purse Market Travel Gadget Chocolate and Assorted Colors Available
53 Verena commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 9:40 am

Leslie, I love this post!!! It´s so colorfull. You can feel the summer just by looking at your beautiful pictures! I love the bottles! And I think, I´m going to spray paint some, too! Thanks for these great ideas!
Hope your weekend will be great and sunny!

Hug´s,
Verena
Verena´s last [type] ..Wer liebt Eiscreme – Who loves Ice cream
54 Samantha Hahn commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 1:17 pm

stunning post!
55 Shari commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 4:36 pm

{sigh, sigh, sigh…} so lovely, again, Leslie! I feel suddenly refreshed and inspired! I still don’t seem to be able to pull off the lovely feel of your photos, but I AM working on it. :-) I’m even doing a photography challenge this month, and will try so hard to make them interesting, in my own way, but also, inspired by you. Wish me luck!!

xoxo
Shari´s last [type] ..Happy Memorial Day!
56 Monica Lee commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 5:15 pm

Look how yummy! Wonderful and fresh. I must have that cupcake and I love the petite bowls, terrific job!
Monica Lee´s last [type] ..retro Summer style
57 Xio@ Mint Daisy Design Studio commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 6:13 pm

I absolutely love this color combination! Very refreshing and sophisticated!
Xio@ Mint Daisy Design Studio´s last [type] ..Fabulous Fete Scrumptious Milk and Cookies Party
58 karen commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 6:19 pm

The bowls are to die for. Thanks for pointing them out.
59 Michelle @ My Personal Artist commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 7:52 pm

Leslie, a PERFECT splash of summer inspiration. I’m in love with the pops of bright color and raspberries. Yum! xo
60 A Casa da Vá commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 10:32 pm

Love the summer inspiration! The spray painted glass bottles? So adorable… will try that one!

Hugs & kisses from Rio!

A Casa da Vá´s last [type] ..The ultimate bachelorete pad
61 hena tayeb commented:
May 31st, 2011 at 11:16 pm

Lovely images. The flower vases look great.
hena tayeb´s last [type] ..Two Year Etsyversary
62 Mel @ Georgica Pond commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 2:06 am

Your photography is so beautiful – what kind of digital camera do you use?
63 Kate Coveny Hood commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 4:46 am

Summer is officially here in DC! It’s hot – but also very green and full of colorful flowers. This was a lovely take on the season.
64 Caitlin commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 5:05 am

Absolutely gorgeous! The colours are so fresh, and it’s all just brilliant :)
Caitlin´s last [type] ..The First Weekend of Summer
65 AJ commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 6:38 am

Wow.. Leslie your summer palette is absolutely beautiful. Those jars are just the perfect touch and the bowl are to die for!! (Where can we find them – looks like Anthro but not sure??) Thanks for sharing with us today. AJ – queenofmynest(at)gmail(dot)com
66 Lisa commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 8:22 am

Can you tell me where you got those beautiful stacked bowls? Thank you!
Lisa´s last [type] ..DIY Home Baked Twinkies today on CATCH MY PARTY website!
67 Lace and Tulle commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 2:53 pm

I love these pics!! Great idea with the glass bottles!!!
68 leslie commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 4:38 pm

Thank you all for your support!!!
The bowls are from Anthropologie, Inside Out Bowls
http://bit.ly/kK8Q7e
See you next month!
leslie´s last [type] ..Color Me Pretty Time
69 Lauren commented:
June 1st, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Soooo pretty and inspirational!

I love it all! Thanks! :)
Lauren´s last [type] ..Sprinkling in Some Glam- How Does Your Garden Grow Part II
70 Chisa commented:
June 4th, 2011 at 12:50 am

Leslie, I really need to thank you! Your “Color me pretty” column is one of the most inspirational columns on the Internet! I totally love your pictures and your sense for colors. Please keep up your great work!

Greetings!

Chisa´s last [type] ..Instagram Magic!
71 BohèmeCircus commented:
June 6th, 2011 at 7:33 pm

I like very much the small bowls, the combination of colors is so cheerful. The set is so fresh, it is a pleasure of eyes!
72 Madelief commented:
June 7th, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Stunning photographs! They look so cheerful!
Madelief´s last [type] ..Great Dixter
73 Sandy commented:
June 12th, 2011 at 8:05 pm

I am so happy i found your blog. So beautiful!
thank you for the inspiration.
;)
sandy
74 annie commented:
September 24th, 2011 at 7:03 pm

these images are gorgeous…found you through pinterest!
75 sarah commented:
October 2nd, 2011 at 1:40 am

holy crap these are absolutely adorable!!!! I found washi tape at http://www.wishywashi.com/ and am definitely going to clean them out!

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