Archive for the ‘Blues’ Category

April 9th, 2013 No Comments

never underestimate the power of a paper pom pom to make guests smile

Whether you are throwing a baby shower, birthday party, a small party for friends or a large wedding- tissue paper pom poms always seem to put a smile on everyone’s face. Usually hung from the ceiling, trees or beams with clear fishing wire, (or as you see above hung by ribbons) anyone can decorate like a pro with these fun paper crafts. Hang them in varying sizes, colors and heights for the most visual interest. They come in almost every color and are available from craft stores, to Etsy.com to paper supply companies. My go-to store for inexpensive party supplies … Read more

April 7th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: pink, red & blues inspired by a 1955 Life magazine cover

This week’s color palette is inspired by Life Magazine’s July 18, 1955 cover of Audrey Hepburn. A few weeks ago I found some old magazines and books. I love pouring over the old ads too. (I guess it’s fitting to include it this week when AMC’s Madmen series returns for it’s 6th season.) The article was short and no photographers name was given for the photographs. Here is what it said: “An Idyl for Audrey: In Italy she relaxes down on a plush farm. Peace and privacy are hard to come by for any movie star, but Audrey Hepburn … Read more

March 28th, 2013 No Comments

Judy Ross’s rugs can change the entire look and feel of your room! (like her lagoon rug)

A rug can make a big statement and change the entire look of a room. Judy Ross Textiles creates rugs that do just that. “Rugs are definitely a wise investment; they are functional and can be enjoyed for many years, and even passed down through generations.” Judy says. So just like a diamond, or a heirloom watch, rugs can be a very important purchase, because a well made rug can last for years and years. The rug above which is from Judy’s line is called the Lagoon Rug. (As you know I love blues and this one fits … Read more

March 27th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with peter callahan: 3 great berry ideas for your wedding or celebration

I spent a few summers in Maine when I was young and developed a great love of blueberries. Pancakes to me must have blueberries and our mini blueberry pancakes (above, served on a white tray lined with powdered sugar) we like to make right at the party while the guests are there. Lemonade (shown below), is made even better by blackberries, it adds a wonderful texture and burst of berry flavor. The berries make it so elegant. And the perfect ending to a meal is grilled stone fruit (below) drizzled with some delicious balsamic honey and then the cool mascarpone … Read more

March 26th, 2013 No Comments

time to update your kitchen? new dishes can freshen things up, here are my favorite picks

I have spent years covering the tabletop and entertaining markets and on my shop I carry my favorite pieces. If you saw my kitchen in yesterday’s post, you can see that you can make a big impact with dishes- even white dishes when displayed as a collection. You might have also noticed the black deep dishes, bowls etc. in the photos too and wondered where I got them. I sell those too on the shop! They are amazing. They are Black Clay Pottery from Columbia. You can take these dishes from oven to table and the presentation with food is … Read more

March 25th, 2013 4 Comments

this week’s color palette: seaside blues and white in my farmhouse kitchen by the beach

House Beautiful published my kitchen in their April 2013 issue. I’m honored that they chose it as their “Kitchen of the Month”. I thought I’d share with you the photos from the magazine & link you to the story so you can read it yourself. There are several tips for small spaces- like under-counter refrigeration and a vent for the stove that pops up from behind the range- freeing the space of a giant hood.  I’d also like to share with you the Benjamin Moore paint colors of this kitchen in case you like the blues. … Read more

March 1st, 2013 No Comments

peter callahan shares how he includes monograms at his celebrated events

Peter Callahan, Creative Director of Peter Callahan Catering, shared with us some unique ways to incorporate your monogram into your next celebration. Above, mini reuben sandwiches are topped off with monogrammed pendants. Below, Peter  puts monograms in the bottom of drink trays with a sheet of acrylic over the top to personalize cocktail serving. He also adds monograms on mini take out food boxes that he puts spicy chicken fortune cookies in. You can personalize most anything from mini pizza boxes to cones for frites! As you can see, there are several ways you can display your monogram- with a single … Read more

February 28th, 2013 No Comments

5 easy ways to personalize your home with monograms

The monogram shop Mark & Graham, the newest launch of the Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma family offers an array of wonderful products to monogram. They offer free monogramming and free gift boxes for all their products. This is really great to have another online option for personalizing gifts. Small monogrammed details around your home are an inexpensive way to personalize a space. Leather options are nice for a more masculine touch, like the candle and trays, while a tissue box cover can elevate a powder room or den from those paper tissue boxes and fit in with the rooms color … Read more

February 27th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with gail brill: MONOGRAMS! – see gail’s inspiration, the behind the scenes process, to designing exquisite wedding details with martha stewart and much more!

  This monogram (below) of the alphabet was drawn by JM Berling around 1908. He was a great monogram designer and lettering artist. I love monograms. To me they are the lyrical coupling of beautiful letter shapes. They can be style specific, like Art Deco or Romantic, they can be simple and stark or elaborate with iconography and symbols. Unlike a family crest they are totally accessible and available to anyone. Everybody that has a name has one. Monograms are evocative of a time when manners mattered and social stationery was essential. Now don’t get me wrong. There are a lot … Read more

February 26th, 2013 No Comments

personalize your table setting with monogram chair covers & matchbooks

To continue with our monogram theme this week I wanted to share with you a table I styled for InStyle magazine. First I had Gail Brill (our weddings contributor this month on the blog!) design a personal monogram for the couple. We then gave the monogram design to Penn & Fletcher in Long Island City to embroider chair covers in a blue that was in our color palette. Now I did these here for a wedding reception, just for the bride and groom, but you can do this idea for your own chairs at home too. We simply … Read more