July 3rd, 2012 1 Comment

red, white and blue: 4th of July picnic details

This year I have a lobster theme threaded through my 4th of July picnic. But this color palette and the following details can really work all summer long- for any party.  I found these paper lobster placemats (pictured above) from Carrot and Stick Press, and fun lobster lollipops from Ju-C Suckers, (minimum 12, and they come in lots of different flavors, I selected their ‘bay breeze’ flavor). I added the red, white and blue ribbon to each one. Watermelon wedges soaked in a little vodka (pictured below) and served with flag picks are refreshing shooters for the adults. Continue … Read more

July 2nd, 2012 No Comments

This week’s Color Palette: Red, White and Blue/ A Classic Berry Trifle Recipe for the 4th of July

This week’s color palette will be in keeping with our Nation’s 4th of July holiday and summer entertaining outdoors. I thought I’d try this recipe from Sunny Anderson (Food Network Magazine) for my 4th of July Picnic this Wednesday. Here is the link for the recipe. It yields 8-10 servings and on top of prep time you should allow for the trifle to refrigerate for 1 hour. Every year during the week of July 4th my family comes to stay with us and we have our summer family vacation. We have a house by the beach so we spend … Read more

June 29th, 2012 No Comments

sea blues: lynn’s picks

The Margot sofa in Lagoon, $1,300, from Sofa.com, Glass Tile, GM 20.54, from Bisazza, Julian Tufted Bench or Ottoman in Navy, $298-498, from Garnet Hill, Recycled Glass Jugs, $19-29, from West Elm, Puhalo Stripe Rug, comes in various sizes, from Capel Rugs.

June 28th, 2012 No Comments

create your own ocean inspired space: a glossary of 22 of the most recommended sea blue paints

This is one of my favorite inspirational photos of a bathroom in Nantucket featured by House Beautiful and photographed by Francesco Lagnese. It’s painted in Farrow & Ball’s, ‘Borrowed Light’. Here are some other favorite blue paint colors from the editors and designers featured in Elle Decor and House Beautiful that I pulled together for you. Elle Decor’s Favorite Blues: House Beautiful’s favorite blues: Waterside by Parker Paint 7573M, Verditer Blue by Sherwin-Williams, Electric Blue 225 by C2 Paint, Sassy Blue by Sherwin-Williams, Chinese Blue by Farrow & Ball, Heavenly Blue … Read more

June 27th, 2012 No Comments

wedding photography: don’t forget to consider the details, guests and groom

Sometimes photographers get the most amazing photos at your wedding- not only of you but of the children and guests. A great photographer will always be looking around for those special moments to capture. A bad vendor will be standing in the corner on break eating or talking on their phone while your wedding is flashing before their eyes. I have seen both types at the weddings I have covered for magazines. Philippe Cheng though is one of the greats. I’m in love with this photo he took of the redheaded boys with all the graphic sea blue striped … Read more

June 26th, 2012 No Comments

tabletop: Jars tableware from France

When I say I carry “Jars” dishes and bowls at my store, Little Blue Dish (formerly “The Product Gallery”), most clients are not familiar with the brand. It is a beautiful line I carry from France in a greeny-blue, a pale sea blue and a cream. Jars ceramics was started in 1857 but in the 80’s, founder Pierre Jars’, great-grandson modernized the brand and improved the quality for everyday use. Today the stoneware is still handcrafted in the south of France. Please take a look on my shopping site at the gorgeous chargers, plates, cups, saucers and … Read more

June 25th, 2012 No Comments

color palette: sea blues

This is one of my favorite prints by John Dolan. It hangs in my entranceway and it makes me so happy all year, especially during the winter months. Believe it or not this photo was not taken in the Caribbean- which is where I think of when the phrase ‘sea blues’ is uttered. It was taken at a lake in Ireland, where coincidentally, generations back my father’s family lived. I love that the sea has so many shades of blues in the warm months and moves into grays when the clouds become overcast in the colder months. For the … Read more

June 22nd, 2012 No Comments

cherry red and gray: lynn’s pick’s

Knitted Graphite Pouf, $89.95 and Sawyer II Chair, on sale for $149, from CB2, Donkey Memo Clip, 12 Pounds, from Victoria and Albert Museum Shop, Fouta Oversized Towel, $48, from Serena & Lily,  Fusion portable fireplace, from EcoSmart Fire.

June 21st, 2012 1 Comment

behind the seams at talbots: a look at the company’s creative inspiration

I had the privilege to speak with Dru Hilty, Trend Manager at Talbots, for an insiders special peak behind the company’s process of forecasting and selecting colors and styles for each season. Here’s our discussion… LB: Dru, How does a collection actually come together at Talbots? Where do you begin when you start researching for a new season? DH:  A few of us work with the SVP of Design, Chris Jackson, to help create the concepts behind the collections. He leads the team, and ensures our seasonal concepts are both inspirational and support the brand-vision. Diane Basile, our VP … Read more

June 20th, 2012 No Comments

weddings: down south with seersucker details

A beautifully executed wedding by planner Tara Guerard and photographed by Liz Banfield. Using seersucker tablecloths makes the wedding feel a bit more relaxed under an open sided tent, but the chandelier drums, fabric draped tent and gray carpeted floor let guests know this is a very elegant southern wedding. The subtle seersucker touches carry from the programs through to the reception. Additional printing details like the flower menu card mix things up a bit with the clever calligraphed leaf attached as place cards. Tara worked together with The Lettered Olive for all the printing. (Click on … Read more