30 November 2014

Blue & White Bash: My Favorite Blue & White Christmas Ornaments

Happy December!  I hope you all had a FABULOUS Thanksgiving with your friends and family.  


THE PINK PAGODA!!!

Today, we are linking up with my friend, Jennifer, at THE PINK PAGODA for a Blue and White Bash.  I just love this little party she throws... it always provides such amazing BLUE AND WHITE inspiration from the other bloggers who participate... so if BLUE AND WHITE is your thing, this is a morning you will not want to miss!

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I am letting you in on my little Christmas ornament secrets this year and sharing my favorite Blue and White additions to my current collection.  Personally, I love the look of very elegant decorations... My Christmas tree is always in the living room so I like the decor to reflect that room of the house.  However, "elegant" doesn't always mean expensive. When you can mix Neimans with Walmart... you have the best of both worlds.

Here are my TOP 5 ornament selections for CHRISTMAS 2014!




Neiman Marcus

Walmart

Harriet Damave Hand painted Delft

Sudha Pennathur at Harrods







And sometimes, there is nothing more gorgeous than the simplicity of a solid ornament in the perfect shade of navy blue...  possibly with a luxurious silk ribbon attached.


Christmas Central





All of these amazing ornaments can be purchased by clicking directly on their links.
Now, don't forget to the visit THE PINK PAGODA and check out all of the other fabulous Blue and White contributions today!

Happy Monday!!!

                                            xx,




26 November 2014

Fall Inspiration :: Be thankful




Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
- Author Unknown - 



Wishing you all the joys and gratitude of Thanksgiving.

                                     xx,    






14 November 2014

The Love of Entertaining : 5 Elegant Holiday Hostess Gifts


Well... it seems to already be that time again when the holiday gatherings will be starting up and our social calendars will be in full swing.  Better get those HOSTESS GIFTS ready now!  Here are my TOP 5 favorites this Holiday Season that are sure to be graciously received.


1. No. 12 Rosemary Holiday Candle from Tiffany Jones Home

Yes, Dear Friends... you read that correctly!  I have launched a new candle line and I am THRILLED to share the first scent with you just in time for your gift giving needs!  This candle is a beautiful infusion of Rosemary, Lavender and Mint.  I am over the moon about it!

Tiffany Jones Home


2. Kate Weiser Chocolates

Ladies and Gentleman.... Kate Weiser makes the MOST GORGEOUS hand-painted pieces of little chocolate jewels you have ever seen... and they taste just as fabulous!  What's not to like about flavors such Strawberry Basil, Lavender Apricot, or Mango Habenero??  The dazzling flavor explosion combined with the decadent richness of the chocolate makes for a celebration of its own.


Kate Weiser Chocolates


3. The Printery 2015 Desk Calendar

Many of you know The Printery makes my personal favorite stationery of all time!  Everything they create is absolutely beautiful.  These ENGRAVED desk calendars are statements of pure old world class and glamour for your work space... It just doesn't get more dignified than this in a world that is way too digital.  Check out their stunning boxed sets of note cards while you are on their site... Bill and his team never disappoint.  


The Printery


4. Stonehouse California Olive Oil

I discovered the AWARD WINNING Stonehouse California boutique Olive Oil house in California several summers ago.  Not only is their Original EVOO amazing.... their Rosemary and Basil infused blends are my personal favorites. I order these little bottles of goodness by the case to have on hand for the last minute gift... However, too many times I ended up using them myself!  It is that good. 

Stonehouse California Olive Oil


5. Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Hand Wash

I fell in love with Jo Malone products when I lived in London.  They were my favorite "go to" hostess gifts then and I love to give (and receive!) them now.  They are elegantly blended and sophisticated fragrances. The Lime Basil & Mandarin scent is my personal favorite and the one I keep in my own home but they are all quite lovely.  From floral and fruity to citrus and spicy... plus a long list of products for bath & body or home... they are sure to have a scent you fancy.  
Jo Malone


I love to celebrate the elegant art of gift giving... It always makes me feel great to share something I truly enjoy with others. Best part of this list... They can all be ordered online and shipped directly to your door.  

Have a great weekend.

                                                 xx, 

All photos courtesy of the owners.

12 November 2014

Fall Inspiration : Gratitude



“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” 
— Wilferd A. Peterson 


Happy Wednesday.

xx,    


10 November 2014

Design Inspirations :: The Powder Bath

   




















source unknown ... via Pinterest


Martha O'Hara Interiors


In my opinion, the powder bath can be one of the most exciting rooms in your house.  Because it is always such a small space, it is a place for you to really take some chances with your design choices that you might not feel comfortable doing in other rooms of your house. Bold colors or wallpaper... glitzy or edgy lighting... a modern sink vessel or cabinet... a mirror that screams, "Look at me!"... the possibilities are endless!  Let this be the place that scares you to make that bold move but pushes you to the edge to say YES!  I guarantee you will love your decision.

Happy Decorating!
                                                     xx,



07 November 2014

The Love of Entertaining :: 5 Tips for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table




















With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, it is time to start thinking about your table.  Creating a dazzling table for a special event is not hard... but it does take prep work and advance planning.

Setting a beautiful table is just as important to a special meal as the menu… Yet many people find this part of entertaining extremely daunting or do not think it is essential to completing the meal. Think of your table as you would a beautifully wrapped gift.  When you receive a package that has been thoughtfully wrapped, it creates just as much excitement & anticipation as what’s actually inside. If your table is beautifully presented, it can make up for a world of sins if your cooking is anything like mine!

 So … Today, I would like to help you simplify the process. If you follow these five simple guidelines, you will have everyone talking about your table!

1. COLOR & THEME - Even if you have all white dishes and all white linens...adding some colorful napkins tied with a beautiful ribbon can dress it up.  While I am not much on "themes" of sorts, thinking of a theme for the table can help focus your efforts on decorating. My Thanksgiving table is usually centered around a WOODLAND theme that matches my Spode Woodland dishes.

2. LAYERS   - Whenever I set a table for entertaining, I always use several layers of plates….even if we don’t need them.  I always use a charger, a dinner plate and a salad or dessert plate stacked on top of one another.  It creates visual interest and adds some depth and dimesion to the table that just one flat plate cannot achieve.  It can also bring in an element of color and can help set the mood for the theme if the plates are patterned .  Think outside the box for the bottom (charger) element…. It doesn’t have to be a formal china plate. 

3. FLOWERS & CANDLES - I prefer to use several small floral arrangements spread across the table as opposed to one larger centerpiece.  This allows the guests at all points of the table to enjoy them. When you break down flowers into smaller bites, it will seem much more manageable and it can truly be as simple as a few roses in a small drinking glass.  The key to your floral arrangements on a dinner table is height!  Make sure your guests can see over it to keep the conversation going across the table.  Scatter in a handlful of small votive candles (unscented!!) and you have created the perfect ambience.

4. SEATING  -  Super simple... mix it up!  It makes for much more interesting conversation when you have thought about and preselected where people will sit.  Place cards add an extra touch of elegance and allow you another element to think outside the box and bring color to the table.  I have used small frames, pieces of fruit with ribbons and tags, formal place cards with colored ink... the possibilities are endless!  One last note on seating... I do not believe in "kiddie" tables. I think children should be mixed among the adults and be made to feel just as special as the other guests.

5. A SPECIAL GIFT - The final element to creating that special table is to place a small "take away" gift at each place setting.  I typically use small boxes of chocolate (2-3 pieces) wrapped with a beautiful ribbon and placed on either the bread plate or above the place setting.  It is a lovely party favor for the guests and again helps to add layering and color to your table.

So there you have it... five simple tips!  I would love to hear how you will dress your table... now, I must get to thinking about mine!

Happy Entertaining!!

                                                  xx,





all photos belong to Tiffany Jones Interiors

 

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