Stem & Stillness: A Minimalist Spring Ikebana Party
A Minimalist Approach to Celebrating Spring with Floral Arrangement & Small Bites
This spring, I wanted to host something that felt different. Something slower. Something softer. In a world that moves fast, I craved a moment of pause—a space to celebrate the season not with noise, but with intention.
Together with Megan and Emily, we created Stem & Stillness—a minimalist ode to the season centered around ikebana, light fare, and quiet connection.
See the full Instagram recap below:
The Vibe: Minimalist & Intentional
We started with a color palette that felt like spring itself: butter yellow, pistachio green, marigold orange, and soft peach. These hues set the tone for a gathering that was serene yet full of life, and everything else fell into place naturally.
At the heart of the space was a long table, dressed simply with single-stem florals, each bloom carefully placed between delicate, homemade bites. We placed some of the small bites on bamboo mini plates to give off that natural look. This type of table arrangement is taking over 2025 wedding trend, so why not bring the elegant party look home?
Above it all, we hung a DIY silk flower chandelier, swaying gently in the afternoon light—adding a soft touch of whimsy. You can do this simply by cutting up silk flowers from Michael’s or DollarTree and threading them through some fishing wire or thin string. You can use glue dot or tape to prevent the flowers from sliding around the strings. Then simply tape each stringed creation onto the ceiling. We liked the staggered look, so we taped them in a zigzag pattern and each one are of various length.
Tip: Line up and layout the flowers on your table/floor to see your designs before stringing them.
The Menu: Light, Elegant & Full of Flavor
Megan brought her culinary magic to the table with an Asian-inspired menu that was thoughtful to the theme and delicious! The spread included:
Kinako (roasted soybean) warabi mochi: sticky gooey translucent mochi (rice cake) coated with roasted soybean powder
Black sesame warabi mochi: sticky gooey translucent mochi (rice cake) coated with black sesame powder
Jade parcels: cabbage-wrapped pork dumpling filling)
Tofu tarts: similar to egg tarts but with a soy milk custard filling
Cheeses, matcha chocolates and more!
The flavors balanced savory and sweet perfectly —just the right kind of food for an afternoon spent in quiet company.
The Cake: A Showstopper
Emily, who also takes custom cake orders (IG: @emilybakes.sf), baked a layered black sesame and matcha cake. The cake was filled with a zesty yuzu jam and topped with homegrown kumquat. The combination of flavors was unique, and the cake’s subtle elegance fit perfectly with the minimalist vibe.
The Workshop: Ikebana in Bloom
But the true heart of the day was our ikebana workshop. We handed each guest a vessel (tip: you can use soy sauce plates), floral frogs, and a selection of carefully chosen stems. With minimal guidance to allow creativity flow, everyone created their own abstract floral arrangement, allowing their creativity to unfold.
There was a quiet focus in the room as each guest took time to arrange their blooms thoughtfully. No two pieces were alike, and all of them were stunning. It was a peaceful, meditative moment that gave everyone space to connect with the art of stillness.
See the action on instagram below:
The Takeaway: Make This Your Own
As the afternoon drifted on, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for how Stem & Stillness came together. It was everything we hoped for—a gentle celebration of spring, beauty, and intention.
If you’re dreaming of hosting your own slow spring gathering, here’s the best part: it doesn’t take much. A cozy space, a few blooms, a little intention, and some beautiful food—these are the ingredients you need to create something special. So, don’t wait. Plan your own gathering, and let the magic unfold.
If you recreate the vibe, we’d love to see how it turns out. If you have questions on some of our decor or food, drop a comment below.