Curated Picnics & Picture Perfect Parks

We could all use a breath of fresh air these days, and what could be more rejuvenating than a picnic. Sharing a meal al fresco with family and friends is a great way to slow down, relax, and commune with nature. And food just seems to taste better when enjoyed outdoors! If you’re celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic soirée, consider booking a curated picnic. A professional picnic company will create a custom experience, including location, menu, decor, set up and pack down, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. Or just grab a pretty picnic basket or insulated backpack, fill it with your favorite goodies, and head out to a local DTLA park. We’ve rounded up some great resources near Circa for you, and all the picnic people in your life.

Hollywood Picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Hollywood Picnics

Hollywood Picnics is an event company specializing in tailored picnic experiences, Hollywood style. Born of an adventurous heart and a need to offer something different and authentic, they offer a dining experience by creating romantic, moody picnics that will make you feel like you are sitting on a rooftop in Europe or in Central Park. They tailor picnics for any event and have a catalog of locations with views and peace. Through their Hollywood style set ups, they aspire to immerse you in a tranquil and inspiring space where you get the chance to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment with your loved ones. Book your picnic HERE

Party Picnic LA picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Picnic Party LA

Picnic Party LA creates personally curated pop-up picnics for life’s celebrations. Pick the package that best fits your experience and select from their add-ons to take your picnic to the next level. Choose your location, whether at home, by the beach or in the city, and they’ll set up your experience and make sure it’s ready upon arrival. They also check to see if permits are necessary in order to host an event at a particular location. All you do is show up and they do the rest so you can soak in the experience. Picnic Party staff return afterwards to pack and clean at the end of your picnic. Book your perfect picnic HERE

The Picnic Collective picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Picnic Collective

The Picnic Collective specializes in styled, customized picnics for a luxury outdoor social experience. They take care of the set-up and pack down, so all you have to do is arrive with your guests for a care-free, memorable experience. The Picnic Collective rekindles the magical tradition of beautiful handmade picnics as you savor the ceremony of delicious food from a traditional wicker basket, shared in great company in California’s beautiful natural settings. From a romantic dinner for two and group gatherings to bespoke themes or unusual locations, their fine picnic dining experiences use locally-sourced seasonal ingredients that reconnect you to the pure joy of food.  Book HERE

Grand Park picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Park 200 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Grand Park, with its majestic views extending from the Music Center to City Hall, provides Angelenos a place where they can come together to celebrate, reflect, and and play. Throughout Grand Park, open spaces are available for casual sitting, leisurely strolling, and dining al fresco. Grand Park has four distinct areas featuring amenities ranging from a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a new wade-able membrane pool, a small intimate performance lawn, a community terrace planted with drought-tolerant specimen plants, and a grand event lawn. 

LA State Historic Park picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Often referred to as the “Central Park of Los Angeles,” the 34-acre green space is situated next to the Chinatown Metro Gold Line stop, at the midpoint of an evolving 52-mile Los Angeles River greenway. Formerly referred to as “the Cornfield” by locals, the park is now home to grassland, orange trees, public art, and a mile-long run/walk trail. Park visitors can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown, as well as discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. You can run, walk, ride a bike, have a picnic, fly a kite and even look for urban wildlife, such as birds traveling down the Pacific flyway.

Vista Hermosa Natural Park picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Vista Hermosa Natural Park 100 N Toluca Street Los Angeles, CA 90026

Located at the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, 10.5-acre Vista Hermosa Park is an urban natural park that boldly returns the serenity and diversity of nature to the Los Angeles urban core. Operated in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles, the park features walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannahs, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground amidst native Mediterranean vegetation. 

Pottery Barn Picnic Basket picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Providence Woven Picnic Basket

Life’s a picnic! Embrace it with the Providence Woven Picnic Basket, which is finely woven with genuine willow and detailed with faux leather handles. The nautical navy-and-white striped interior makes it perfect for maritime and mainland adventures alike. Ideal for a day date or get together with friends, the basket is fully outfitted for two or four. Buy at Pottery Barn HERE

Frontier Picnic Backpack picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Frontier Picnic Backpack

With its highly functional design, sleek looks and service for four, the Frontier Picnic Backpack is every adventurer’s dream. Constructed of cationic dyed polyester and 420D polyester with faux nylon webbing, this 2-tiered backpack has adjustable padded straps, a heat sealed cooler on the bottom, and a dry compartment on top. Just fill it up and strap it to your back. Buy at Pottery Barn HERE

DTLA Cheese picnics near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

DTLA Cheese Grand Central Market Stall A-7  317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

DTLA Cheese has introduced The Picnic Pack. This fanciful snackable cheese plate is the perfect thing to take to the park and share with friends. The Picnic Pack includes four cheeses, BobbySue’s candied nuts, corn nuts, cornichons, sweets peps, dried fruit, pear balsamic jam, beurre de baratte, marou mini chocolate bar, and a baguette. All that for $35, with an option to add salami. Available to order online for curbside pickup.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Party Picnic LA

Photo #2: Hollywood Picnics

Photo #3: Picnic Party LA

Photo #4: The Picnic Collective

Photo #5: Grand Park

Photo #6: Los Angeles State Historic Park

Photo #7: Vista Hermosa Natural Park

Photo #8: Providence Woven Picnic Basket

Photo #9: Frontier Picnic Backpack

Photo #10: DTLA Cheese

Home Interior Design Trends For Spring 2021

Spring is in the air. Ready to give your home a stylish new signature look? 2021 is all about livable luxury, versatility, and effortless chic. Circa’s lavish living spaces, with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views, provide the perfect canvas for the latest home interior design trends. One of the top trends is color, so we were excited when Pantone announced not one, but two Colors of the Year: Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow. Multipurpose spaces are making news, as many of us have added workspaces to our living rooms and gyms to our bedrooms.

Other major trends include neutral tones, earthy palettes, plaid fabrics, decorative smart lighting, curved shapes, plush velvets, raw materials such as rattan and reclaimed wood, and lots of texture. Great news for vintage lovers – nostalgia will continue to be a favorite design mood in the coming year. And nature lovers can bring the outdoors inside, as houseplants and indoor trees continue their ascent as a home design mainstay. We’ve rounded up some inspiring ideas, along with local DTLA resources, so can get the look you love. Check websites for hours, appointments, and health guidelines.

Pantone Colors 2021 home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pantone Colors of 2021

Get ready for a brighter future. Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow are a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting. Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. These hues will inspire your lifestyle, from fashion and beauty to design and home decor

A + R home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

A + R Row DTLA 777 S Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90021

A + R stands for Andy and Rose: British ex-pat Andy Griffith, a former film editor and self-avowed design junkie, and Rose Apodaca, a pop culture and style journalist and author. From sofas to stools, clocks to carafes, tables to lightning, A + R’s oeuvre is design that charms, functions and inspires. Need some style advice? A + R has a knowledgable team in-store and behind the scenes, who will share their enthusiasm for design, bound by the pursuit of aesthetics and innovative ideas.

Poketo home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Poketo ROW DTLA777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021

No home decor shopping spree would be complete without checking out Poketo. Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. Collections include everything from furniture & lighting to apothecary, tabletop, textiles, books & prints, and apparel. 

Hawkins New York home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Hawkins New York ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St. B2 Suite 152 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Hawkins New York was born out of a palpable void in the lifestyle market for quality, accessible, home goods. Citing a lack of range in small-scale home goods production, Hawkins was founded on the aim to incorporate the concept of artisanal collective production, while maintaining a modern sensibility in design. Their vision aims to not only enhances the physical environments in which their customers live and work, but creates a greater understanding and appreciation for responsible, aesthetically minded design. Shopping by private appointment only.

KINTO home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

KINTO Tableware & Lifestyle Goods ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St B2 Ste. 188 Los Angeles, CA 90021

KINTO is a Japanese brand that develops coffeeware, teaware, tableware and lifestyle accessories valuing the balance between usability and aesthetics. To slow down and see the beauty of nature, to unwind and feel connected with your loved one, KINTO imagines scenes that enrich your life to bring you products with genuine creativity and thoughtfulness. 

The Good Liver home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Good Liver 705 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Good Liver is a modern day version of a general store that sets out to inform, inspire and ultimately suggest a better way of living through a conscientious collection of enduring, quality goods from around the world. The store offers a carefully selected range of objects from international brands and makers, showcasing the history, philosophy and craftsmanship behind each of our items. Helpful staff share stories behind each product’s creation, illustrating the The Good Liver’s thoughtful curation and dedication to the good life.

Wayfair Maston Task Chair home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Maston Task Chair from Wayfair

Brighten up your home office with a statement task chair while adding a pop of Pantone’s new Illuminating Yellow. The Maston Task Chair from Wayfair offers lots of comfort thanks to its ergonomic shape, and features a durable frame with soft filling. The bright colorful finish will blend with most color palettes, and this chic design is height-adjustable to personally tailor your space. 

Plaid Duvet Pottery Barn home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pottery Barn Plaid Duvet & Pillow Sham

Perk up your bedroom with a wee pinch of plaid. Inspired by historic kilts of the Scottish highlands, tartan is now a favorite for decking out holiday halls. This timeless design was reimagined to work with any style, from contemporary to traditional. Layer this cotton bedding with all-white linens for a classic look or iconic holiday patterns for a more playful ensemble.

Pottery Barn Tonal Palette Pillow Collection home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pottery Barn Tonal Palette Pillow Collection

Nodding to nature, tonal palettes bring a touch of the outdoors in and create a curated, layered look. Inspired by warm vanilla and sandy shores, these cream-colored accents span the tonal spectrum to complete your space with rich texture and a soothing sensibility. 

The Hunt Vintage Home Furnishing Store home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Hunt Vintage Home Furnishing Store 812 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

The Hunt Vintage is a vintage furniture store located in the DTLA Arts District. Hunt through their eclectic collection of mid-century and custom seating, desks, tables, lighting, storage, and table top. They also carry vintage yarn art wall hangings, framed posters, and lithographs.

Eric's Architectural Salvage home interior design trends near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Eric’s Architectural Salvage 1540 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Looking for that perfect accent piece or unique statement item? Family-owned Eric’s Architectural Salvage has been collecting items hands-on for over 18 years and is dedicated to the reuse way of life. Their goal is to save quality doors, windows, fireplaces, tile, sinks, tubs, vintage hardware and period lighting from old historic homes or buildings that are being torn down and destroyed every single day. Just imagine, with your help, a 100 year old piece of history can continue its life as an architecturally salvaged treasure. 

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Crate and Barrel

Photo #2: Pantone Colors of 2021

Photo #3: A + R

Photo #4: Poketo

Photo #5: Hawkins New York 

Photo #6: KINTO Tableware & Lifestyle Goods

Photo #7: The Good Liver

Photo #8: Wayfair

Photo #9: Pottery Barn

Photo #10: Pottery Barn

Photo #11: The Hunt Vintage Home Furnishing Store

Photo #12: Eric’s Architectural Salvage

Cozy Home Decor Ideas For The Holiday Season

Want to add some comfort and joy to your home this holiday season? Tis’ the season for hygge, a Danish term that evokes coziness, comfortable conviviality, and a feeling of contentment or well-being. Pronounced hoo-guh, the word derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, which is related to the English word hug. Think warm minimalism, with cozy textiles, decorative pillows, plush rugs, and soft lighting, while creating as much open space as possible. Complete your hygge ambience with festive candles, natural scents, and a dash of fresh greenery. We’ve rounded up with some cozy ideas to inspire your home at Circa this holiday season.

Pottery Barn cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Pom Pom Sherpa Throw 

A colorful throw adds a warm, festive touch to any room. The supersoft feel of this sherpa throw gets a hint of playfulness with a pom-pom trim. Whether styled on the sofa or wrapped around your shoulders, it’s a cozy layer you’ll love year round. 

Pottery Barn cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cable Knit Throw

Or try a pretty cable knit. This cozy throw is knit from a cotton/acrylic blend that was hand-selected for its superior softness, and reverses to a plush faux sheepskin for extra warmth and comfort.

Pottery Barn cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Cozy Pillow Covers

Liven up your sofa or favorite chair with a cozy pillow cover. Choose from faux fur, plush, ruched, embellished or whimsical applque designs. Whatever your mood or style preference, these supersoft pillow covers are a luxe way to lounge.

Pottery Barn cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Plaid Duvet & Pillow Sham

Perk up your bedroom with a wee pinch of plaid. Inspired by historic kilts of the Scottish highlands, tartan is a perennial favorite for decking out holiday halls. This timeless design was reimagined to work with any style, from contemporary to traditional. Layer this cotton bedding with all-white linens for a classic look or iconic holiday patterns for a more playful ensemble.

Muji Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser

Muji’s minimalist aroma diffusers embody the finest qualities of Japanese design. The diffuser uses the ultrasonic wave to effectively diffuse and disperse a fragrant mist in the room, with two adjustable LED light levels and four different sets of timers. Muji also offers a collection of pure essential oils including Lemongrass, French Lavender, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus. 

IKEA STRÅLA Lampshade cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

IKEA STRÅLA Lampshade

Create your own personalized pendant or table lamp by combining the STRÅLA lampshade with a STRÅLA cord set or base. This cheery ensemble gives a warm, cozy glow and spreads the holiday atmosphere in your home. Lamp base, cord set, and light bulbs are sold separately. IKEA recommends LED bulb 200 lumen chandelier opal white.

IKEA STRÅLA LED String Light Curtain cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

IKEA STRÅLA LED String Light Curtain

Brighten your wall or window with a STRÅLA LED String Light Curtain. This easy-to-hang lighting accessory is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. The LED light bulbs consumes up to 85% less energy and lasts 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and cast a warm white glow to your room.

Wayfair Charlotte Handmade Shag Gray Area Rug cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Faux Sheepskin Rug

There’s nothing quite like a faux sheepskin rug to lighten your step. This rug collection from Wayfair features soft velvety acrylic yarns that make it easy to get cozy in any room. Designed for daily indoor use, the faux fur is super soft under your feet with solid colors that work with a wide variety of decor themes.

Crate & Barrel ILLUME ® Balsam and Cedar Scented Mercury Glass Candle cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Balsam and Cedar Scented Mercury Glass Candle

Scented with the wintery aromas of fresh balsam and warm cedar, this lovely candle poured in Minnesota sparkles in a vintage-inspired mercury glass container. Packaged in a decorative box, the candle also makes an easy gift or stocking stuffer. 

Rolling Greens Nursery cozy holiday decor near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rolling Greens Nursery 1005 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Rolling Greens Nursery is Los Angeles’ premier home and garden retailer with an extensive assortment of faux and live plants, containers, and unique home accessories. You can shop in-store for decor items, plants, gifts, and fresh holiday greens or online for local delivery or pickup.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Pottery Barn

Photo #2: Pottery Barn

Photo #3: Pottery Barn

Photo #4: Pottery Barn

Photo #5: Pottery Barn

Photo #6: Muji

Photo #7: IKEA

Photo #8: IKEA

Photo #9: Wayfair

Photo #10: Crate & Barrel 

Photo #11: Rolling Greens Nursery