We asked Lori Duncan of Newnan’s Blue Fern to help us create a romantic outdoor picnic, and boy did she deliver! The setting she created is next-level beautiful, and we want to eat all our meals here with her!
Meet Lori Duncan
Lori, mom of three and wife of 25 years to Jay, lives on their 20-acre farm in Newnan, and is the owner and lead designer of Blue Fern. She has been a designer for 20 years and is all about inspiring her clients and creating a space that makes their house their home!
For our cover, she developed a vision board with our publisher to create an idyllic and comfortable outdoor dining room in a field on her Newnan property, just in time to enjoy the warmer weather.
Floral Inspiration
Floral designer Ashlye McCormick created the centerpiece for our table setting using stems and flowers found in her backyard. The combination of dogwood, camellias, hydrangeas, fringe plant, tulips, and fresh beets flows naturally from Lori’s found concrete planter to create a stunning one-of-a-kind arrangement.
Set the Table
Vintage Indiana glass paired with Franciscan Desert Rose plates, gold chargers, brass silverware, and vintage candlesticks top the painted and distressed teak farm table. Dark rose linens pull out the color in the plates and the floral arrangement. The eclectic mix of old and new, metal, wood, and glass is soothing and romantic, picture perfect for a dinner outdoors. “I love color!” says designer Lori. “It has to be vibrant and it has to be happy.”
Guest Appearance
Lori’s painted pony, Hunter, couldn’t resist a cameo while her other horse, Blaze, was busy off camera trying to eat the edge of the sofa.
Have a Seat
Velvet green Chesterfield sofas flanked by riveted and distressed leather wingbacks provided ample guest seating. Southwest and Boho-style Kilam pillows add a touch of comfort and color. Seating is custom order through Blue Fern.