January 10th, 2014 No Comments

quick tips for freshening up your home

Feel like making a fresh start in the new year? Here are some quick changes you can do to freshen up your home. Above, Invest in crisp white sheets for your bed, then layer in soft neutrals like grays or creams with your blankets and throw pillows. I have some beautiful Belgium linen duvet covers, pillow cases and blankets on my shop. If your bedroom feels too dark, try a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore’s China White for the walls- it’s a great neutral white with a bit of gray in it. Below, something as simple as treating yourself … Read more

January 9th, 2014 No Comments

behind the scenes with danny seo

I usually post all week about a specific color palette, but I’ve been shooting with Danny Seo this week at my home and wanted to share a few behind the scenes shots of the team. Danny is going to introduce several exciting things in 2014 and we’re working hard on a new project of his. Above, Danny creating new recipes and ideas in my kitchen. Below, amazingly talented photographer, Armando Rafael editing his shots. Food stylist Corey Belle perfecting all of today’s dishes. Prop stylist, Nidia Cueva placing the props and styling the sets. What a fun … Read more

January 8th, 2014 No Comments

message in a bottle, a clever seating card idea

We love this “neutral” seating card idea. Sand and creams are a gorgeous color palette for a wedding or celebration and these creative messages in a bottle will be sure to make your guests smile. On the outside, the guests names and on the opposite side of the paper, the table number. Just make sure the guests’ names are visible and it’s best to put them in alphabetical order so they can easily find their name. This can also work for a small gathering as well like you see in the photo above. For a large event, glass or lucite … Read more

January 7th, 2014 No Comments

use beeswax as a place card holder for cold winter dinners

A simple, but fantastic idea for place cards is to take a piece of beeswax and roll into an instant holder. Most taper candles come with a small sheet of plain beeswax to help secure the candles in your candlestick holder. We carry taper candles over on the Little Blue Dish Shop, which come with small rectangular beeswax sheets and the best thing is our tapers are all on sale! We have over 16 colors to choose from and they are all made in Kansas City. Use the coupon “freeshipping” at check out to save even more.  If you have … Read more

January 6th, 2014 No Comments

this week’s color palette: neutral whites

Continuing with neutrals this week I have selected some of my favorite whites that all have a bit of gray in them- even though the computer doesn’t show the colors as they really look. The exception would be Picket Fence which is a darker neutral. These shades of white change throughout the day when they are in your home. Decorators White is my go-to white when I need a clean white for cabinets, moldings etc.. All paint swatches are from Benjamin Moore Paints. Above are some beautiful neutral knitted scarves from Purl Soho, a wonderful shop in New York City … Read more

January 3rd, 2014 No Comments

we’re loving…dipped wooden accessories

We love unique tableware and right now we love these dipped bowls and spoons from Wind and Willow Home. Of course you know we are partial to the blues and whites but they also come in yellows, pinks, reds etc.. Whether you need a little burst of color in your kitchen accessories or you simple love the bowls as a beautiful piece of art, these certainly add new life to simple wood. -Lynn Butler Beling

January 2nd, 2014 No Comments

shades of blue in wedding & party details, for winter or summer

Our color palette this week of shades of blues and neutrals is perfect really any time of the year for any climate. It’s a perfect choice for seaside weddings and celebrations. Or pair blues with crisp white and silver, which as you saw on Tuesday’s post how it can be beautiful for winter celebrations too. Above, a collection of blue bottles makes a stunning centerpiece. Take time to gather a collection to use for a larger celebration when there are multiple tables. Many brides and event planners collect bottles, vases and containers in the months leading up to the celebration. … Read more

January 1st, 2014 No Comments

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! We’re enjoying time with family and friends as we hope all of you are too. Thank you so much for visiting with us throughout the year and we’re looking forward to being with you in 2014. – Lynn Butler Beling & everyone at Little Blue Dish.

December 31st, 2013 No Comments

Crisp White with Navy for New Years Celebrations

Whether you celebrate on the eve of New Years or on New Years Day, white flowers are always a favorite of mine for table settings. Like a clean slate, white symbolizes a fresh start to the new year. Adding in crisp Navy in seating cards or menu cards adds a little depth and masculinity. Another beautiful option is to stay with the deep reds and burgundies of the holidays. You can tone down the all-red holiday look by using neutral or flax colored linens. To elevate a buffet, place labeled cards in front of food dishes. You might have fun … Read more

December 30th, 2013 No Comments

Color Palette: Blues and Neutrals in 2014

As we look ahead to 2014 this week, as far as color predictions, Pantone’s color of the year is “Radiant Orchid” while Benjamin Moore shows us the “New Neutrals” in soft shades of blues, violets, grays, tans and even pale peach- a bit similar to this inspiration photo above. My favorite color is blue but taking a cue from this photograph, folding in neutrals like gray and a creamy tan really seem to elevate it to a more sophisticated and very usable color palette when designing a home. The darkest color is wonderful for lower kitchen cabinets, bathroom … Read more