August 19th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: end of summer hydrangeas

This picture does not do the color of these hydrangeas justice. A combination of deep deep greens, a pale violet-blue, gray-blues and a bit of pale browns where the sun has burnt the edges make up this amazing color palette. Against an aged cedar shingled home with deep green trim- it is absolutely beautiful. This is one that I just stood back and was amazed at the different changing colors in nature. This is a gorgeous palette to start with for the exterior of a home or an interior of a home and/or a garden. This is also a sophisticated … Read more

August 16th, 2013 No Comments

interiors: hanging drapes -what a difference this can make

To make a room and window appear larger take a look at this illustration from Honey & Fitz. By hanging your drapery rod as high to the ceiling as possible (without going into your molding-if you have one) and allowing the drapes to extend on either side, your window will appear larger and ultimately your space will too. This is a classic design trick but sometimes a simple drawing is all you need to better understand the concept.

August 15th, 2013 No Comments

desserts can fit into your party’s color palette too -like this brownie candy cane ice cream baked alaska

When planning a party or just having a simple dinner party or luncheon it’s always nice to consider your color palette when selecting your cocktails and desserts.  This is sometimes impossible but I find Pinterest to be a great source of inspiration especially when it comes to finding new recipes. With this week’s color palette in mind of pinks and warm neutrals this recipe for brownie and candy cane ice cream baked alaska seemed perfect from the site Completely Delicious (click link for full recipe). If your palette is very neutral then a pop of color can be fun for your … Read more

August 14th, 2013 No Comments

weddings: find out what advice photographer melissa Mlejnek has for the bride

Melissa Mlejnek of La De Da Photography shared with us some of her expert advice and even what color palette she personally loves to see at weddings. Sometimes you don’t think of things that could have made the day go more smoothly until after the fact. Melissa has photographed countless weddings and shares a few tips to make your day picture perfect.  Here’s what she had to say: “I suggest for the bridesmaids to always be in their attire before the bride places her dress on. This is a very important, because sometimes there is a flurry of activity when … Read more

August 13th, 2013 No Comments

create a menu card from your own computer

I love this idea -originally by Project Wedding (I believe). Simply center your text, make the word “menu” a larger size and even play with different fonts to highlight courses. Copy as many that can fit on your standard printer paper and print! Then cut into strips and place the paper menu cards around your napkins and utensils, securing the backs with double stick tape. How easy is that? On a Mac computer, try downloading the apps “keynote” or “pages” to allow you to choose different colors for your fonts. This is a great detail that elevates a table setting … Read more

August 12th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: pastel pinks & golds

This fall’s trend in coats is pastels, like this pink coat from Rochas. Together with gold this is a great color palette for celebrations, weddings and even rooms that you’d like to feel warm. If you aren’t keen on painting your walls pink, pink can come in the way of accessories like pillows and your walls can be a color like Benjamin Moore’s Ivory Tusk. Your main pieces like a sofa, rug or headboard can be in neutrals as well.  I usually like to paint trim white, Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s white to be exact. Gold hardware or lighting really would … Read more

August 9th, 2013 No Comments

come along with me to my favorite antique store in the hamptons- nellie’s of amagansett

Meet Connie Dankmyer, owner of Nellie’s of Amagansett -my favorite haunt in the Hamptons to go antiquing. Connie has a keen eye and curates her finds, editing and showcasing items in collections and as pieces of art all to themselves. I can literally spend hours here, browsing and appreciating everything displayed for my eye to just relish. Whether you are looking for vintage lighting, furniture, bakelite, jadeite, fireplace accessories or linens, there is something for everyone here. I recently just bought a beautiful milk glass cake plate and 6 small plates as a bridal shower gift here as well as … Read more

August 8th, 2013 No Comments

choosing a bathroom sink for small spaces

When choosing a bathroom vanity if you need storage you might want to consider a vessel sink. A vessel sink, which sits above the counter really only has the pipe underneath to contend with. So instead of losing that top drawer in a vanity, the top drawer can be made to have a ‘notch’ in it (see below) to go around the pipe and still allow you the storage space. This is great for powder rooms, so you have a drawer and possibly 2 doors underneath. This doesn’t have to be custom, some stock vanities already have this like this … Read more

August 7th, 2013 No Comments

wolffer estate vineyard on long island’s east end is a gorgeous location for a wedding (or just an afternoon of wine tasting)

Located in beautiful Sagaponack, New York, in the Hamptons, Wolffer Estate Vineyard is absolutley stunning. Whether you are looking for a location for your wedding or for any private event you might want to check out this estate. The vines are so meticulous and the grounds transport you to another world- like you might even be in europe. Large wood doors from Germany, huge stone urns with flowers billowing over, wood beams and iron chandeliers come together for a unique design aesthetic which was the vision of the late Christian Wolffer. Take a moment to read all about this … Read more

August 6th, 2013 No Comments

check out my shop’s collection of mud australia plates and our unique accessories- all the tableware you see here can be found at the little blue dish shop

I really love these plates and bowls that I have at my shop. They are from a collection called Mud Austalia (made in Austalia) and it has to be one of my favorite lines of tableware. The inside is glazed and the outside is matte. We carry them in cream and a slate color. Paired with our Belgium linens from Libeco and our stainless steel accessories from Alessi, you can see how a table setting can come together with them. Felt accessories like our bunny egg cozies are sure to bring a smile to … Read more