Weekend Chic: Garden . Style . Home

Home and garden is a season-less passion for me: linens, dishes, fresh flowers or orchids, new annuals for the garden and patio; add a destination store and you have my idea of the perfect day trip to start the weekend.





Located just south of Santa Barbara in the quaint beach town of Summerland, CA, Botanik is a destination for the home and garden.









French market baskets, fringed Turkish towels, rare orchids, candles, and beautiful linens...   I bought the "laced" top french market basket shown above.  It is perfect for a picnic that can be put together simply with a delicious loaf of bread, a good cheese, the best salami with fresh cracked pepper, fresh fruit, and sparkling Lorina French Berry or San Pelligrino.  Toss it in the back of your car and your ready for your day trip.



Timeless and classic, white orchids are always a personal favorite... I will venture out to deep purples, tigered rusts and yellows,  but I always return to the simply glamorous whites.  Before your guests arrive, tuck one beside their bed on a table with books, new and old, or a magazine your guest might particularly enjoy, along with a good reading lamp, alarm clock, and a bottled water paired with a bowl of fruit or tempting cookies, and a scented candle.  Creating an inviting retreat where friends can get away and relax, as if they were on vacation, even though it's only for a short period of time.  When it's time for them to leave, add a gift card and send them home with the orchid as a reminder of your time together.




Simple pheasant feathers in a tribal pot is a great autumn accent.




Anyone who loves to bring the outdoors in as much as I do needs a good collection of vases, urns, and cachepots.  Bontanik's collection is neatly arrayed on shelves with many styles to choose from, so you're sure to find a perfect match for your fresh cut bouquet or flowering plant.




Almost all designers at some point become fascinated with exotic plants, their scale - huge bold leaves that look wonderfully professional- accenting a designed space.   Most exotics begin their life indoors in pots, and can be moved outside once the weather gets warmer.   My favorite are orchids which add a sophisticated touch to a room and last longer then cut flowers.






Les Indiennes pillows, decor books (Charlotte Moss always a favorite) and artisan dinnerware will led you outside to their gorgeous garden area, where succulents and topiaries beckon you to take them home.














For easy entertaining, take little pots of succulents and line them down the center of a dinning table with lots of candles on an Indian print table cloth, along with artisan pottery and simple delicious food -this makes for a casually elegant evening with friends.








Summerland, CA  is a charming town with their many antique and brocante shops, a perfect stop on your way to or from Santa Barbara or Montecito, CA.  Botanik is a don't miss, must plan a day trip, shop full of inspiration you will enjoy time and time again.  If you don't live within driving distance, they have an online shop as well.  Enjoy!


Since posting, I have had the great pleasure of receiving a thank you email from the manager, Molly, and have discovered the owner of Botanik also owns a charming children's store in Summerland as well - Amelia Jane.  Here is the information: