October 30th, 2013 No Comments

a wedding color palette of reds and neutrals (and a perfect palette for the upcoming holidays too)

This week’s color palette of reds and neutrals is beautiful for a wedding. There are  so many red flowers to choose from and foliage and berries to weave into bouquets and centerpieces. We pulled inspiration for you to get you started. And don’t forget wedding magazines and books are sometimes the best place to start to get ideas for your fall parties or holiday celebration decor. We love the books by Tara Guerard, Michael George, Matthew Robbins and Martha Stewart. Bouquet Image above via Taylored Events. Take cues from this floral combination for a gorgeous holiday centerpiece. These flowers in … Read more

October 29th, 2013 No Comments

Personalize Your Home and Your Holidays with Southern Proper Monograms

We came across this company, Southern Proper Monograms, that sells single letter, two letter and three letter monograms in all kinds of sizes and we wanted to share it with you. Whether you want to personalize your front door, a wreath, your child’s room or even a gift, a monogram is always a classic detail. The monograms usually take about 2-3 weeks to make but there is a rush delivery available and the monograms arrive sanded and ready to paint. If you like the wood look they suggest applying a water sealant if you are going to use outdoors. … Read more

October 28th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: warm reds and neutrals

I love this photograph from inspiringtheeveryday.com. This blog has so many great seasonal recipes. And although these stone fruit tarts might be more of a summer recipe, take a peek at the fall and winter recipes like butternut squash, celeriac, parsnip and apple soup. With the weather getting colder and the holidays right around the corner this color palette seems so inviting and warm. As we do every Monday we’ve selected Benjamin Moore Paints to coincide with our inspiration photo.

October 25th, 2013 No Comments

create a luxurious setting with faux fur

Cold nights are upon us and an easy way to create a cozy and luxurious feel to your rooms is simply to layer in a faux fur throw or blanket. Drape a throw on your sofa or fold a faux fur blanket on the lower end of your bed and it’s as if you have transported yourself to a small luxury hotel. Pictured above, Ombre Faux Fur Throw Gray, $119, from West Elm. Below, Faux Fur Blankets and Throws, $79-199, from Restoration Hardware and Ivory Faux Fur Throw with Belgium linen backing, $395, from Calypso St. Barth. (Enjoy … Read more

October 24th, 2013 No Comments

a last look at the famed chelsea hotel

If you have lived in New York City I’m sure you have your own story about times in the hotel- once a place where artists, writers and musicians took up apartments. But now it’s being renovated into luxury apartments. It’s not as well known for it’s design or interiors but for who lived there, the parties that happened, the conversations and yes, some deaths. Vanity Fair takes a look at some residents and their apartments. I thought it was worth sharing the link today. See the slideshow and interesting commentary here. For more stories about the hotel there is … Read more

October 23rd, 2013 No Comments

simple syrups and shrubs are making a splash at cocktail hour

One way to make your cocktail hour unique, whether entertaining at home or at a large celebration like a wedding, is to offer a signature cocktail. It might seem overwhelming to choose from thousands of recipes but using a simple syrup or shrub can really elevate the flavor and make a memorable cocktail.  Simple syrup companies have been a trend in the specialty food industry for several years now. Companies like Maine’s Royal Rose and California’s Sonoma Syrup Company offer wide varieties of flavors and many creative cocktail recipes on their sites.  They use organic ingredients like fruits, … Read more

October 22nd, 2013 No Comments

need a fast centerpiece idea? it’s as simple as a bowl of oranges

Having friends over at the last minute or just looking for a different table setting idea other than flowers? Pick up fruit, like a bag of oranges and place them in a white bowl (like above) or a wire bowl (see below).  Fruit in multiples is the key to it looking abundant and stylish.  Fruit alone can be very beautiful and minimal- whether it’s apples, grapes, limes etc. – it all depends on your color palette, but keep to one type of fruit for the biggest visual impact. If your table is very large, group in several bowls or one … Read more

October 21st, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: shades of gray and a pop of orange

We’re bombarded with images of orange during the months of October and November but a sophisticated color palette to pair with orange is shades of gray. Using gray as your neutral and limiting the pop of color to your accessories, you can easily change accessories seasonally if you are a bit scared you’ll grow tired of orange.  Gray really goes with most any color- pops of red for the holidays, white or pink for winter, yellow or green for spring. The easiest way to change the look of your room is to change out pillows and throws. A neutral doesn’t … Read more

October 18th, 2013 No Comments

home cooks from around the country share their winning recipes on Food52.com

Concord Grape Smash anyone? You’ll find the recipe below and on Food52.com. We are loving this site that has contests 52 weeks out of the year for winning recipes from “inventive home cooks” throughout the country. They also compiled the winning recipes into books. Currently there are two volumes available on Amazon.com. Wouldn’t these books make great gifts for the cook on your holiday list this year? We think so!    

October 17th, 2013 No Comments

Interior Designer Nancy Serafini Shares 5 Tips For Decorating Your Home Like A Pro

As a New England based designer, Nancy Serafini has over 38 years of experience. She has received several prestigious awards for her work and her most recent was an induction into the New England Design Hall of Fame. Nancy’s own style is relaxed, comfortable and elegant, creating warm and gracious interiors. Today she shares 5 design tips to help you with those designer details that can make all the difference in your home. 1. Divide and Create Nooks with Color and Patterns– Above, Nancy took a long narrow living room and divided it to allow for a small cozy library. … Read more