Our fantasy yacht dining experience started off as a black curtained 10 ft. x 10 ft. space.

We wanted to take a bit of Zest with us, so we painted styrofoam insulation panels blue and with some glue and duct tape we had walls. Other designers with access to major construction had created wood and drywall walls which were much heavier to move.

After we had the walls in place, we moved in the furnishings to make several vignettes. We were pleased with the effect of our styrofoam walls as our space faced the glass atrium wall of the Heritage Court and viewing our space would have been a problem without the walls.

The full story.

The importance of lighting- this was a major consideration of all the installations as the ceiling of the heritage court is at least 40 feet high. Some designers opted to hang chandeliers or have spotlights installed. We had a floor spotlight which shone a harsh white light over the space. A blue gel over the light softened everything and added to the nautical feeling. This is a good point to remember when decorating at home as not all light sources throw the same intensity, quality and colour of light.

Table Setting – We decided to use round straw chargers instead of placemats. Napkins were tied with rope and fanned into the soup bowls. The tableware is from Indaba as are the dishwasher safe Versailles tortoise shell flatware.

Tea and Sailboats – Another vignette incorporated Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee teapot and cups – the red, white, and blue colour scheme worked perfectly with our nautical theme. A basketful of cushions is just waiting to be brought out for lounging.

Seashells – a collection of shells look great in an apothecary jar. Notice the fantastic Realite battery operated candles which are so realistic looking.

Cocktails were set on a side table – notice again the Realite candles in the lantern.

A bit of yellow from tulips and lemons provided some visual relief from the red, white, & blue colour scheme. Tiny lantern did double duty as place cards.

A closeup shows how we used a cake stand to give some height to one of the sailboats. A bit of sand and some tealights finished the vignette.

Thanks to our Absolute Deck-Adence team: Lucie, Mary Lou, Sandy, Torrin, Mark, and Julian. And to Kim, Sally & Agatha for holding the fort back at Zest.

• Elegant Atta grass bag hand made in Bali and embellished beautifully by Bosom Buddy Bags
• A crystal perfume bottle or silver-lidded dresser jar
• A silk evening bag from Bosom Buddy
• A Pashmina available in a rainbow of colours
• Luxurious body and bath products from Lady Primrose each in a keepsake decanter or jar
• From Lady Rosedale a practical and beautiful travel cosmetic bag

• We have a variety of paper weights with images or heartfelt sentiments
• Gardening gloves – don’t forget to ask us to package them up with a bar of soap or lotion
• Instead of just giving flowers – consider giving a vase filled with flowers
• A journal with a jewelled clasp
• Another option is a silver mint julep cup filled with fresh or silk flowers
• Gardening tools make a great gift and we have some beautiful and functional ones

• Give Mom an Umbra keepsake tray with some family photos saved under the glass
• New purse hangers are also charms to hang on the outside of your purse so you don’t have to hunt for it when you need it
• Manicure sets, like this one in leather, are always welcome
• For the Mom on the go, a stylish lunch tote
• Jewelry is always welcome – don’t forget to stop by for our Trunk Sale on Saturday May 12th.
• We also have a great selection of hand-made jewelry

• A vintage-inspired tea canister filled with fragrant tea
• And an Emma Bridgewater flower or Diamond Jubilee mug to enjoy
• Funky pepper mill, handbag mug, nail polish bottle salt & pepper shakers
• Tea for one

• Fragrant drawer liner, bubble bath or something else from our popular Michel Design collection
• Why not pack a beautiful basket and take Mom on a picnic?
• Or fill an olive wood bowl with the makings for a great salad.

Absolute Deck-adence

Zest for Living’s tribute to Port Credit’s nautical history depicts a lavish, fantasy yacht dining experience.  Imagine trade winds blowing through an open port hole while savoring a meal on a gently waving sea.

Against a backdrop of Zest blue walls (Benjamin Moore Summer Shower), our dining table is set for two with tableware from Indaba and nautical linens from Danica.  The room is accessorized with model ships, wooden propellers and paddles, coral, and shells. Linen and oak chairs are from Muti. Nautical themed cushions and a carpet complete the look.

Some of the design ideas shown in this room can be used in a variety of locations: image an apothecary jar full of shells beside the tub in the bathroom; a sail boat collection on top of an armoire, coral and shell items under a glass coffee table in a summer house.

Zest for Living would like to thank Muti for supplying furnishings.

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