Spoiler: However you want to!
Styling For Spring: The Challenge
One of the greatest elements of making a house your own lies within the finishing touches, and whilst we all have access to the same high street and online stores, it’s the way in which we curate and display them which makes them our own. Arighi Bianchi, interiors legends of the North, asked me into their store lately to style a dining table in their Abode department. Here’s how I approach styling and a little about the event.
About Arighi Bianchi
Arighi Bianchi is most likely not a new brand to you if you live in the North West of England. But if you haven’t heard of his historic business, let me introduce you…
Take a train from Manchester to London and you’ll no doubt have passed this local gem, an established landmark based in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
(Fun fact – I used to work in Macclesfield as an editor of a Flooring magazine and was fascinated by the disused silk factories converted into trendy design suites for small businesses. It’s a lovely town if you ever find yourself ‘oop North’)
Adopted by two Italian Antonio’s (Antonio Arighi and Antonio Bianchi) in the 1880’s, they turned this silk mill (on Silk road no less) into a four-storey red brick romance of interiors which remains today, although blending contemporary decor with the heritage design its so well known for.
Below are some of the shots taken on my first visit to showcase the variety available. Which is your favourite room set?
How To Style A Dining Table For Spring
As part of the Spring Edit for the Abode department, I was invited to style the Hickory Dining Table with these beautiful velvet dining chairs, along with anything else from the department. It was so fun to be let loose and play around with what I felt looked like a welcoming table setting. I’d encourage you to do the same when you’re next in store, as it’s such a great way to decide on your sense of style.
If you’re looking for my way of styling a dining table, here’s what I look to add:
- Placemats – If you don’t have any, seek out the alternative. In this example I’ve used oversized dried leaves to add some interest under the plates.
- Glassware – Don’t go mad for the sake of it. Yes you’ll get the full works in a restaurant but for a family meal at home or dining with friends? Fuss-free is best for me.
- Greenery – Spring is all about nature after all so you can never go wrong with a beautiful vase of flowers. Daffodils are a budget-friendly beauty for this season, but if you want some longevity to your dinner setting, try some faux draping fern or moss. They can help add a sense of height to your table and bring in some life.
- Space – Don’t overcrowd your table with too many accessories. They look great but ultimately you want somewhere to serve the food and drink!
- Colour – My favourite! Play with contrasts and don’t worry too much about colour schemes. The world of interiors sometimes feels unattainable because of strict rules, but my rule is, your house, your rules. Have fun with it!
“The dining table is such a great place for socialising – set the scene to sit and enjoy the company of those you cherish”
-Me, chatting to the arighi bianchi team over on their blog
IMAGE COURTESY OF ARIGHI BIANCHI
IMAGE COURTESY OF ARIGHI BIANCHI
Behind The Scenes
Following the styling day, Arighi Bianchi continue to showcase all 3 styles – done by myself. Emma from @Livedin365 and ML Hudson from @keepme4ever_thehudsonhome each with brochures to help customers develop their own ideas and ‘get the look’. You can see my display below with a behind the scenes video of the styling day itself.
I returned a few weeks later to see the display and pick up a brochure and I’m not ashamed to say it was a real buzz to see my name alongside the stock. I visited with my best friend who snapped pictures of myself and daughter pleased as punch to be seen in print.
IMAGE COURTESY OF @HOLLYATKINSON09 
IMAGE COURTESY OF @HOLLYATKINSON09
And there you have my Spring styling. Thanks to Arighi Bianchi for the invite. You can shop the collection this Spring online and in-store for discounts during the campaign. All photos are my own unless otherwise specified. Tell me, how do you style for Spring?
