Blue and White: Classic Color Combination for Home or Entertaining

After the business of dinner parties and Valentine's Day celebrations, I thought this week I could slow down and talk a little more about some things that inspire me. One of my favorite things about my job is that I get to fill my world with visually appealing things. One obsession that has been on my mind lately (well, all my life really): blue and white. I love how classic and simple it is, but also how many different ways it can be used.

I love the variety of shapes of these blue and white ginger jars and its easy to see how with some fresh flowers they can make a great addition to your next party. Image from House Beautiful

The most common (and probably my favorite) example of the blue and white color combination is in the patterns of ceramic jars. They come in all shapes and sizes but they always add a really amazing texture to a room. One of my favorite parts of the photo above is the choice of such contrasting flower colors. It's dramatic in the most beautiful way!

The blue and white china with red flowers against a green cabinet is stunning. (Image from: Traditional Home)

I love bold color combinations (if you've read my Chinese New Year post, you probably noticed) and this one is no exception! While blue and white feels at home with neutrals and muted colors, it can also hold its own with other bright colors around it. So don't be afraid to go for the bold pairings!

These oversized blue and white planters are fabulous. I appreciate the way they bring pattern to the outdoor space. Image from Frontgate

Although my first instinct when I think blue and white is interior design, when I came upon the above picture of the outdoor planters with the mixed blue and white patterns, I was obsessed! Blue and white is such a crisp color combination so it mixes beautifully with the colors of nature. I also like the dramatic size of these planters. If only I had a backyard to fill with them!

Of course, it would be silly for me to write a blog post and not have events play some role... I am an event planner after all! I pulled these two examples of blue and white ginger jars in tablescapes and I didn't realize until putting them side-by-side how great a demonstration it was of the flexibility of these jars. It is clear, though, how blue, white and green are a never-fail color combination. I love how in the photo on the left (from Splendid Sass) the oversized jars add vertical drama to the table and the warmth of the branches and the wood in the surrounding room make the table feel a little more rustic. And then the photo on the right (from Sarah Sarna) plays more on the dainty, feminine concept of the blue and white by combining the patterned jars with an equally patterned tablecloth. It is a lot of pattern, yes, but an amazing amount of blue and white!

This exquisite blue and white embroidered tablecloth by Aerin Lauder is timeless.  (image from Habitually Chic).

I was drawn to this photo of a tablescape Aerin Lauder created at her beautiful home in the Hamptons because I saw the inspiration for the tablecloth in the jars that I have been showing. I love the design of this table with the textures of the woven placemat, embroidered tablecloth and napkins, bamboo silverware and silver mint julep cups and salt and pepper shakers. Even though there are a lot of different components, they all fuse seamlessly because no single compontent is trying to be the star. To me that is the epitome of classic: beautiful but not intentionally attention-grabbing. 

Blue and White china isn't limited to jars! I love this collection of platters and serving ware. (Image from Confessions of a Plate Addict)

Whether it be in the form of ginger jars, table linens, planters or even in your wardrobe, blue and white makes such a statement.  It exudes a feeling of comfort as well as elegance.  Blue and white is a color combination that will never go out of style and it will always be one of my favorites for the home and entertaining.