Archive for May, 2013

May 17th, 2013 No Comments

Benjamin Moore introduces a new paint line: The Williamsburg Color Collection

Exciting news for paint and design enthusiasts. Benjamin Moore and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation have collaborated on a new collection of paints, featuring 144 colors that were actual hues from the 18th and 19th century called The Williamsburg Color Collection. Together they researched historic paint production methods and relied on 90 years of paint research that has been done to recreate colors that appeared more than 250 years ago. Sales of the Williamsburg products support the preservation, research and educational programs of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the not-for-profit center for history and citizenship. This foundation was responsible for the restoration … Read more

May 16th, 2013 No Comments

the blue book from house beautiful, 350 inspiring ways to decorate with blue

House Beautiful’s little BLUE book is a great decorating reference. Measuring only 5 1/2 inches by 7 inches in size, this a totable book that you can keep in your bag. It doesn’t just give you inspirational photos of rooms, but designer’s tips and paint suggestions that they have actually used. It also goes room by room on how to interject blues to their best advantage in every area of your home. Suggestions and examples of color pairings, like blue and yellow are also very helpful.  

May 15th, 2013 1 Comment

a blueberry cake for a wedding? why not!

Deciding on a cake for any celebration is a pretty fun process. Usually the baker lets you try all the flavors they make. I always loved this blueberry and lemon cake that I styled, made by Jim Smeal of South Carolina and photographed for InStyle magazine by Monica Buck. (Probably because my own wedding cake was the same flavor) This cake looks beautiful with the layers of blueberry, but you can ask about making different tiers of your wedding cake different flavors, or having the filling be a different flavor. This usually works better with a cake that is … Read more

May 14th, 2013 No Comments

blue patterned ceramics make a beautiful table setting any time of the year

Blue and white dinnerware can be beautiful for any occasion and in my experience appeals to both men and women.  I have a great source for inexpensive blue patterned ceramics like these bowls. If you are in New York City visit Pearl River Mart on Broadway and have a fun afternoon shopping for all kinds of things from bowls, vases and plates to paper parasols and lanterns. Blue patterned ceramic bowls and plates above, from Pearl River. Large porcelain jars and vases are available from Gump’s and beautiful blue tumblers and stemware from Baccarat. For plates take peek at … Read more

May 13th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: blueberry blues

Blue is my favorite color, so I love experimenting with blues. I think I mentioned my whole beach house is in shades of blues, whites and gray, with my dining room and TV room painted in Benjamin Moore’s blue note 2129-30, which you can see in my kitchen palette post. Shades of blue from room to room or dark blues used for doors or molding trim can be very striking. Consider outdoor furniture in blue too, it can look crisp and clean with white or a shade of blue cushions and less harsh than black patio furniture. My painter taught … Read more

May 12th, 2013 No Comments

happy mother’s day

Last week I wrote about Bonnie Hoye and her beautiful illustrations. I suggested that a portrait would be a wonderful present. My father had this portrait done of my mother in Italy in the 1950’s as a gift to her. And even though we have so many ways of taking pictures and videos now, a portrait still seems so romantic and timeless. But having a photographer come and take professional photos of you and your family is a great idea too. They don’t have to be so formal, as you can see below by one of the photographs Philippe … Read more

May 10th, 2013 No Comments

potted shrimp…with an edible flower topper!

As you all probably know by now I’m a huge fan of my friend Peter Callahan‘s mini creations. I’m constantly amazed by his creativity. While scouring his book, Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party, for some ideas for Memorial Day Weekend I came across his Potted Shrimp. The recipe is in his book- which I recommend getting if you already haven’t- but Peter also gives the tip that you could skip making the pastry pots and serve the shrimp in clean one inch flower pots. How divine!  Here is a good link … Read more

May 9th, 2013 No Comments

what would a yellow door say about you?

A yellow door is said to channel positive energy and foster your mental sharpness. Yellow represents joy, happiness, imagination and hope. This door shown above has a bit more orange to it and orange can denote creativity, enthusiasm and success.  Yellow attracts attention, so you may want to use a bright color like this if your door is hard to find or maybe you just want to be the house that is most noticed on your block. You can see what an impact yellow can have when it’s a solid door vs. the glass door with very little area of color, … Read more

May 8th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: floridian weddings has a lot of great ideas! (like this ‘lucky in love’ cocktail)

I recently came across the website floridianweddings.com. They are a great resource for venues and vendors in Florida, but also have plenty of real weddings and inspiration on their site for any bride or groom planning a wedding!   I loved this “Lucky In Love” cocktail that Co-Editor Laura McGlynn featured complete with the recipe. She also creatively made a downloadable/ printable sign to display (that you see below) if you choose to have this signature drink at your own wedding. How nice is that?  Having a signature drink at your wedding not only personalizes your wedding but it … Read more

May 7th, 2013 No Comments

mother’s day: simple settings and pleasures

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. Some of you will take Mom out to brunch, but those of you that are hosting Mom at home here are a few simple ideas for a casual spring table.  A whimsical approach is to set each place setting with a flower cone. (see below for a tip on how to keep the blooms fresh all afternoon) Orange juice fits right in our daffodil color palette, so have chilled champagne on hand for mimosas as your alcoholic beverage. To keep the table fun and casual use mini daffodils on the tops of yellow and … Read more