Anuschka Pashel is no stranger to the world of design. The floral designer started her foray into decor in New York City where, as a young model, she worked on the side with a floral and event designer. Today you can find Pashel whipping up fanciful floral creations at her Cherry Creek home goods and floral boutique, Bloom, where the conversation has switched from Prada to peonies. Whether she’s putting the finishing touches on a bridal bouquet or installing a showstopping centerpiece for a charity gala, all of her designs have a structured sophistication and simple elegance. We checked in with Pashel for her tips on pulling off a stress-free and stylish party—just in time for summer entertaining season.

Bloom by Anuschka, 2353 E. Third Ave., 720-941-2862, bloomdenver.com

5280 Home Summer 2013
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TRY IT AT HOME

Containers: “It’s all about the theme,” Pashel says. If your look is laid-back, go for tin and metal containers. For a Napa- or Tuscany-inspired party, try ceramic or bronze vases. And mercury glass is a perfect fit for a more feminine soiree. Here, to create an eclectic look, she uses glass and ceramic bud vases mixed with mirrored square planters (both available at Bloom).

Linens: “The tablecloth is one of the most overlooked elements that has the greatest impact,” Pashel says. “Work with fun prints, metallics, burlap, and other interesting fabrics.” Here, she uses La Tavola’s Fresco Finale in smoke, paired with Tuscany linen hemstitch napkins in mustard.

Furniture: Don’t have enough chairs to seat 20 people? Mix in your existing furniture with rentals—like the white painted chairs (pictured) from Chairished Vintage Rentals—for eclectic charm.

Flowers: If you’re throwing a rustic party, opt for succulents. Simple, elegant flowers, like calla lilies and orchids, are great for a modern look. For this summer party, with a more whimsical theme, Pashel uses roses, ranunculuses, poppies, pincushion protea, and craspedia—with succulents as accents.
Favors: Let your centerpieces double as favors for guests. Here, small bud vases with a single bloom—succulents for the guys and ranunculuses and camellias for the girls—are placed directly on each plate (Vietri Incanto Ruffle plates from Hutch & Fig).

Accents: “Don’t be afraid to use what you have,” says Pashel. This Georg Jensen Acorn flatware was a gift from her mother-in-law.