What beautiful weather for Lunga's Open Weekend. The sun is shining and the earth pours forth its glories in magnificent Autumn colours; an abundance of berries this year and gorgeous hips and haws; nature's jewels. Perhaps we are going to have a cold crisp winter if folklore is to be believed. They said of old that if there was an abundance of berries to feed the birds, it suggested the need to store up for a cold winter.
As the sailing season comes to an end and boats are safely moored for the winter we decided on a nautical theme for this weekend. The end of the sailing marks the end of summer and we have now truly entered Autumn. I always associate blues with sailing so I decided to work with a monochromatic palette of blues and a touch of white.
On arriving at Lunga to prepare the flowers I was welcomed by the lovely Meg and Julie who were finishing preparing for their guests. Lunga was looking beautiful and was so welcoming with cosy crackling fires lit in all the rooms. I could have curled up beside the fire in the drawing room with a good book and whiled away the afternoon. Guests could not help but be enchanted with this lovely little castle with a very big heart. Absolutely perfect for a winter wedding or some other special occasion you might want to celebrate. You won't be disappointed and I am sure Lunga will exceed your expectations as it has for so many before.
Irises always make me smile, there is something very uplifting about them and the colour is exquisite.
For a quirky touch I introduced some nautical bears and sunk shells into crystal gel which gives a suggestion of the sea. I love the little bubbles it creates.
Lunga has a great collection of silver which works well with the cooler tones of blue It added a vintagey twist which suits the ballroom well.
Irises, Agapanthus, Veronica, Lisianthus and Delphinium; some Snowberries to suggest Winter is approaching and some stained glass lighthouses dotted around the vases.
Groupings of vases around a very tall candelabra
Pebbles as place settings , names still to be written, a job for some of the children to keep them out of mischief, although I am sure not for long; so many adventures for them to enjoy . A perfect place for Hide and Seek.
Lovely old Aqua bottles interwoven with the vases.
Some seafaring fellows!
Bear amongst a forest of Agapanthus.
Seashells and beautiful blooms.
Pretty top table .
We have a bride in 2014 who would like a highland cow to visit Lunga, so that she and her beau can have some photographs taken with him .This handsome fellow would fit the bill, don't you think?
Craobh Haven Marina within walking distance of Lunga castle, where you will find a welcoming pub with a cosy fire and good food. Perfect place to take your guests after enjoying a lovely walk amid some spectacular scenery.
