Design Inspirtation: The Flower Show

Hello, Friends!   It has been way too long!

This week, I am preparing for my annual entry into my garden club's flower show.  I always select the category of "tablescapes" since I love to entertain and it gives me a chance to marry two things I love… the place setting as well as the flowers.  Two years ago, I won first place… last year, i came in 4th… (out of 4!)… so i must make a good come back with this showing.  I am not terribly competitive but I defintely do NOT like to come in last!

The theme this year for my category is "Italian Wedding" and it can be anywhere on the spectrum from something casual to a formal affair.  My arrangement is due in for judging bright and early on friday morning and I have yet to start!  (Where does all the time go??!!)  I am still trying to decide which color direction to go….brown & pink?  pink and green?  blue & yellow?  a range of purples?  something else entirely??

At any rate, here are some beautiful images I am using for my inspiration. 

M. Elizabeth Events

Stone Blossom Florals 

Stone Blossom Florals

The French Tangerine Blogspot

source unknown…via pinterest

Wedding & Events Floral Design

Source Unknown… via Pinterst

What comes to your mind with an "Italian Wedding" theme? I would love to know.


xx,    

Life Inspiration for a Friday

Happy Friday, everyone!

I have just returned from the Design Bloggers Conference in Atlanta and I am TOTALLY inspired!!!!  I love when that happens.  I have heard and met the MOST FABULOUS DESIGNERS…. Timothy Corrigan (so accomplished and inspiring), Candice Olson (so unbelievably talented), and Jeffrey Alan Marks (so totally adorable!  I want to have him over for dinner!!!).

Me and JAM

I have also heard from some wonderful, inspiring bloggers.  There is just so much to share but the SIMPLE RULES IN LIFE listed above are what I want to leave you with for the weekend (or Spring Break, if yours happens to be this coming week).  This is something we all know… but, of which, even the most motivated of us occasionally need to be reminded.  

I hope that if you are standing at a life cross-roads, contemplating an idea and cannot seem to get off the mark, or just need a little push to be brave regardless of the issue - this will send you in the right direction. 

If you just say YES and step out of your comfort zone, anything is possible.  We have all faced the fear… and when you look at just moving that mountain one teaspoon at time, you will get where you want to be.

BE INSPIRED!

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

xx,    

Design Trends: My Favorite Blue & White Wallpapers

Happy Monday, Friends!

Last week, I talked about the fabulous design trend of wallpaper making a huge comeback.  (If you missed that post, you can read it here).  Today, we are linking up with Jennifer at THE PINK PAGODA for another BLUE & WHITE PARTY so I thought I would bring you my favorite Blue & White wallpapers!  

I just adore starting off the week on such a happy design note… It ignites such inspiration for me.  I hope it will inspire you too!

Thibaut's Cut Paper

Rose Cumming's Zebrine in Navy

Osborne & Little's Summer Palace

Zoffany Blue Grasscloth
(I just put this in my office….It is DIVINE!)

Cole & Sons Honeycomb 
(And don't you just LOVE it on the ceiling???!!!)

Kelly Wearstler/ Groundworks for Lee Jofa
 Channels Paper

(so DYING to find a place to use this in my house!!)

Phillip Jefferies Chain Link in Navy

Farrow & Ball  - Vermicelli in white on blue

( I used this in my daughter's bathroom in blue on white… so young and fresh!)

Antonina Vella Dolce Vita Wallpaper in Navy Blue

If you have a favorite blue and white wallpaper, I would love to know about it!

                                                   xx. 

Book of the Month: SOIREE: Entertaining with Style

As you know, I adore design books…. and since I love to entertain, I also really enjoy books on entertaining. The problem is, unlike books on Interior Design, in my opinion there are not many very good ones in this particular category.  

Last fall, I ordered this beautiful new book on entertaining (actually, it was published in the Fall of 2012 but it was new to me).  I did my usual flipping through the pages when it first arrived and thought the photography was so lovely… but I have just recently sat down to thoroughly enjoy the actual contents. 

This book is a delightful conglomeration of fantastically amazing party pictures mixed with stylish table settings, glorious floral arrangements, menu suggestions, and recipes you would actually want to make. (and of course, it is from my favorite publisher RIZZOLI!)

Danielle mentions in her book that there are no rules to throwing a party... Dishes do not have to match, napkins do not have to match, and you do not have to have a degree from a culinary school to be a great hostess… you just have to have a little passion.  I couldn't agree more.

The most poignant remark Danielle makes in her book is that entertaining is about people… Not money, not perfect decor, not finding the most important chef to cook for your guests, but PEOPLE. I absolutely agree with this too! In my own entertaining, it took me a while to actually realize this and appreciate that not everything has to be perfect. It should be PERSONAL, not perfect.  When you can get a grip on this, the hardest part of entertaining is over.

This book is beyond heavenly. I hope you will consider adding it to your collection.

About the Author per her Rizzoli Bio:

A contributing editor to Veranda and Southern Living and lifestyle editor for the online magazine LuxeCrush, Danielle Rollins is a tastemaker and trained chef. The co-founder and chair of several charities, she lives in Atlanta.

As an added bonus, the lovely Ms Rollins is a Texas girl…and while I do not know her, we seem to have several mutual friends and acquaintances.  I knew I liked her style!

Danielle also has a website and blog on gracious living and entertaining which you can find here.


All photos via Rizzoli and Danielle Rollins.


                                                     xx,   

Design Trends: The Fabulous World of Wallpaper!

Tiffany Jones Interiors

I have always been a fan of wallpaper… It has so much more personality than paint and can really make a ho-hum room come alive and feel more elegant.  It adds a layer of sophistication, if you will.

It truly transforms a room like nothing else and quickly defines ones' style.  Depending on the pattern selected, wallpaper can make any sort of statement to reflect your style.  A softer palette can creating a calming effect while something more bright will add energy to the space.  Many people tend to think of wallpaper as old-fashioned…In my opinion, nothing could be farther from the truth.  I have used it in every house I have ever owned… even having the walls one my houses almost 100% covered. (I still think of it as one of my favorites!)

Honestly, I am not sure why people factor wallpaper in general into the "trend" category…In my opinion, it is a classic execution of design. Like anything design related, the popularity of  things ebb and flow…. And while I have never stopped using it, thankfully, those who are in charge of setting the trends have declared that wallpaper is making a HUGE comeback!


Here are some of my favorite examples of absolute wallpaper gorgeousness!

The Palm Beach dining room of the Lauder Family

Hamptons Cottages & Gardens

Gerald Pomeroy

Tiffany Jones Interiors

Cathy Kincaid

Mary McDonald

The Decorista

For many people, the idea of committing to a wallpaper is scary… If it seems too much for you, try just wallpapering one wall for an accent.

Todhunter Earle

Happy Monday!

                                                       xx,