Written by Natalie Aldridge
Spring Entertaining with Laura Park
Laura Park entered our orbit not long ago, and it was very much a case of instant admiration. Her world is vibrant, deeply considered, and instantly puts a smile on your face. She handles color with confidence and carries pattern with an effortless elegance across her home décor, textiles, and wallpaper collections. Everything she touches feels joyful, yet never without intention, and that balance is precisely what makes her work so compelling.
It’s no secret at The Glam Pad that we are not shy about color, making Laura’s work a natural fit. What draws us in even more, though, is the sense of family woven throughout it. This is not a brand built in isolation, but one shaped by Laura alongside her daughters, with a shared creative spirit that feels both genuine and deeply personal. You sense it in the way the collections evolve, in the ease and warmth that runs through everything, and in the idea that these pieces are truly meant to be lived with and gathered around. It feels especially resonant this time of year, as we move into spring gatherings and Mother’s Day, moments so often centered around the table and the people closest to us.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Laura is a self-taught artist who began painting as a personal creative outlet, developing a signature style defined by expressive brushwork and a fearless use of color. What started on canvas quickly found a natural extension into textiles, as her compositions translated beautifully into prints. Over time, that evolution grew into a full lifestyle brand, encompassing everything from pillows and bedding to tabletop, each piece carrying that same painterly, collected sensibility.
In this conversation, we sat down with Laura to talk all things spring entertaining, from where to begin with color to the art of layering prints without overthinking it. What unfolds is a refreshingly instinctive approach to the table, one that embraces seasonality, sentiment, and just the right amount of whimsy.
Welcome, Laura!
Q: Your work is synonymous with color in the most joyful way. When setting a spring or Easter table, where do you begin with color, and how do you build from there?
A: I usually begin with a tablecloth, either a solid or a print that sets the palette. From there, I build with flowers, linens, and tabletop pieces that pick up those same tones, so everything feels layered and cohesive.
Q: Your prints have such a distinct point of view. When entertaining, are you designing the table around a hero pattern, or layering more intuitively?
A: I almost always begin with a tablecloth and a hero pattern as the foundation. From there, I layer in other prints or textures that complement it without feeling overly matched. I love bringing in flowers from the garden to echo the colors in the print. It adds a natural, slightly imperfect element that keeps the table feeling fresh.
I’ll also mix in special pieces, like whimsical glasses from Mackenzie-Childs, which I’ve collected over the years. They’ve become a tradition for family gatherings, and I love the sense of history they bring to the table.
Q: Spring brings a full calendar of gatherings, from Easter to Mother’s Day. How do you approach entertaining during this season in a way that feels special but still effortless?
A: Spring does so much of the work for you. It already feels celebratory and full of life, which is one reason it’s always been my favorite season.
I try to bring that sense of renewal to the table with simple, natural elements. I gravitate toward fresh flowers like tulips, peonies, and hydrangeas, and I love clipping branches from the yard for something more organic and unexpected.
Whenever I can, I like to move gatherings outdoors, whether that’s to the patio or a long table set outside. There’s something about being outdoors that makes everything feel instantly more special.
Q: When hosting at home, what pieces from your own collection do you find yourself reaching for again and again?
I always reach for our pillows. They’re one of the easiest ways to refresh a space, and I’m constantly changing the mix in our family room, especially since it opens into the kitchen and main gathering area. They bring personality and warmth in a way that feels effortless.
I also love using our serving pieces, from melamine sets to cocktail plates and napkins for appetizers and quick bites. They’re practical, but they still feel special, which is exactly how I like to entertain.
Q: Your work moves so seamlessly from canvas to tabletop. When designing, are you already imagining the table it will live on?
A: As a self-described colorist, I’m always thinking about how color will live beyond the canvas and translate into real spaces where people gather. When I’m painting, I’m naturally drawn to combinations that feel dynamic and balanced, and those often evolve into the motifs and patterns that later appear on tabletop pieces. The process is very organic—color leads the way, and everything builds from there.
Q: What are your favorite ways to make a table feel fresh, personal, and a bit unexpected?
A: Fresh flowers are always my starting point, but I love incorporating elements that feel a little unexpected, whether that’s mixing prints, adding texture, or bringing in branches or greenery clipped from outside. Those small details make a table feel more personal and lived-in.
Beyond the table itself, so much comes down to atmosphere. I love a round table where everyone can easily talk, soft candlelight, natural light during the day, and music that helps set the tone. It’s the overall ambience that brings everything together.
Q: What is your approach to layering prints on a table so it feels collected rather than chaotic?
A: I try to keep a common thread, whether that’s a shared color palette or a certain tone, so everything feels connected. Mixing prints works best when there’s balance, and I like to let one or two elements lead while the others support them. We also love layering in pieces from SumnerEdit, like resin serveware or acrylic accents, which add another dimension and help break up the prints in a way that feels complementary.
Q: In your ideal world, what does the perfect spring lunch look like, from setting to menu to mood?
A: It would be outside, with a colorful table set against a natural backdrop, simple seasonal food, and a mix of family and friends. I love when the mood feels relaxed but still thoughtful—the kind of gathering you can linger over.
I’ll usually add a festive drink that ties into the setting, and I’m especially excited to use our new ice buckets alongside SumnerEdit champagne flutes for our next spring gathering.
I’m always drawn to more intimate, family-centered gatherings. When everyone is home and it feels personal, those moments around the table become the most special.
Thank you, Laura!
To learn more and shop, please visit Laura Park here and follow @lauraparkdesign on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
x Natalie
Follow TGP on Instagram: @theglampad
Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieealdridge
