Fall Bar Cart Styling (and my favorite cocktail accessories)

October 13, 2016

I’m not a big drinker and during the fall and winter, I love a hot cocktail like spiked cider or boozy hot chocolate. And now that the temps are falling in the evening, I thought I better get my bar cart ready for fall sips.

I have two bar carts that I switch between so I decided to put the smaller cart away and pull out my large three-tier cart. I made this shelving piece at a Home Depot Do-it-Herself workshop a couple of years ago and love it.

Like most of my decor these days, I styled my cart with both brass and blue and white pieces. And to keep the cart fun, I added whimsical pieces like the BAR marquee letters and a couple of decorative pineapples.

As the season progresses, I’ll probably switch out the pumpkins for and fall flowers for something else but for now my cart is dressed for fall.

Blue and White DIY Ice Bucket

When styling my bar cart, I have some go to pieces that I think every bar cart needs. They include pretty glassware, a chic cocktail tray and cotton cocktail napkins. I also love a fun ice bucket and a brass pineapple cocktail shaker. All of these items can be purchased new or you can shop flea markets and antique stores for vintage pieces. To make shopping easy, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite off the shelf cocktail finds.

My Favorite Bar Cart Picks…

Brass Tray // Stemless Martini Glasses // Rainbow Cocktail Napkins // Monogram Drink Stirrer // Pineapple Cocktail Shaker // Monogram Ice Bucket

Next week I’ll be sharing on or my favorite fall cocktails so stay tuned.

**affliate lines included

Designer Looks You Can DIY On A Budget

October 12, 2016

Over the years, decorating on a budget has been the vogue thing to do. In fact, with the DIY movement that’s been made popular by bloggers, budget decorating is more achievable and affordable than ever.

Whenever I surf Pinterest, I marvel at some of the DIY hacks that people have done, many of which as been inspired by high-end designs. For those of you that want to save money when decorating and have some DIY skills, here are four high-end design hacks you should try. And I’ve rounded-up all the supplies you’ll need to recreate these looks.

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Inspiration Notebook: October 2016

October 4, 2016

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Happy Tuesday. I hope everyone is having a great start to the week. You might have noticed that its been quiet here on the blog lately. Between design projects, non-profit meetings, creative projects and traveling, I’ve neglected the blog. I’m happy to say that things are settling down just a bit and I’ve found my way back to the blog. I’ve got so much to share with your this month starting with my Inspiration Notebook for October.

This month I’ve filled the pages of my inspiration notebook with beautiful images that are inspiring me and that represent the beauty of fall.

♦ OCTOBER INSPIRATION ♦

Autumn Decorating Idea–Fall Leaf Branches

September 26, 2016

Fall Decorating Idea: Fall Leaf Branches

Last week the hubby and I headed off on a road trip to visit my mom in Oklahoma. Our travels took us through three states and lots of countryside where I really started to notice the coming of fall. Trees are starting to turn, leaves are beginning to trickle to the ground and the warm, rich colors of fall are starting come alive.

One of the things that struck me on our drive was the simplicity and beauty of fall foliage. Since I don’t do a ton of decorating for fall, I’m loving the idea of a few fall leaf branches placed in a jar or vase. The leaves add color and texture, the branches create visual dimension and a natural touch like leaves makes any space feel more inviting.

Decorating for fall doesn’t get any easier than that!

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Clip and gather branches of brightly colored leaves and arrange them like flowers in a decorative vase. Clear containers let the beauty of the leaves stand out while colorful glassware creates a more modern look and feel.

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With so many varieties of leaves just outside your door, it should be easy to find a color that works with your décor.

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For a dramatic centerpiece, gather several large branches into a large vase or pot. Let the branches extend up and out to create a more organic arrangement.

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Large groupings of leaves can create a visual backdrop over a mantel just as a mirror or piece of artwork would do.

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If you like the idea of decorating with fall leaf branches, here are a few tips that will help your arrangements last:

Choose bright-colored branches that have not peaked in color
Clip branches with a sharp garden clippers
Remove 2 to 3 inches of bark from the end of the branch and then pound the end of the branch flat. This will help the branch absorb water better.
Place branches in a container with a mixture of 1/3 glycerin and 2/3 warm water. Branches should last for a couple of weeks.

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When it comes to fall décor, do you go all out or do you like simple touches?

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I’ll be back tomorrow to share some high-end designer looks you can hack on a budget.

Let’s Get Cozy–Fall Throws and Storage Baskets

September 23, 2016

I came across the image the other day and all I could think about was cooler temperatures and getting cozy under a plush throw blanket. Cooler temps are on the way and now it the time to shop for that perfect fall throw blanket.

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When I’m shopping for a cozy throw blanket, there are a few things I look for and avoid…

I avoid synthetic fibers like acrylic which won’t provide much warmth and typically has a rougher feel.
I look for natural fibers like cotton, wool or cashmere all of which are soft to the touch and will keep you warm. And now you can even find washable wools which provide warmth and allow for easy care.
I look for oversized throw blankets that will cover you from head to toe. A great size is 60″ x 80″.
I prefer blankets with a straight edge and no fringe. I’ve found that over time, fringed edges tend to pull apart or tangle. note: I would buy all of the fringed blankets I’ve shown in this post because they are well made and the fringe is individually knotted.
You can never go wrong with classic styles like herringbone or cable knit. And solid colors are naturally more versatile than patterns although I love the African Shibori throw below.

These Natural Hyacinth Braided Cameron Tote Baskets are perfect for flat weave throws because they won’t snag on the basket. And the handles make it easy to move around the house or wherever movie night is happening. Grab these now because they are on sales–$20.99-$23.99!

For chunky throws you want a basket with a smooth interior like these Kiel Rope Weave Baskets or this Mamba Basket. I love the subtle texture and pattern on both of these baskets and the robust size means you can stash lots of blankets away.

Kiel Rope Weave $59-$99

Mamba Basket $64.95

And if you like to keep your throw blankets under wraps, theses lidded Collin Mocha Wicker Storage Baskets are two of my favorite. $79.95-$99.95

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The season is almost here!

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Shop these throws:

Herringbone Throw $39 available in 4 colors // Interlochen Throw $98 available in 2 colors

Landyn Chunky Knit Throw–$69.95 available in 3 colors // Moroccan Wedding Banded Throw–$399 available in 2 colors

Handcrafted African Indigo Shibori Throw–$349 // Cashmere Cable Knit Throw–$199-$299 available in 8 colors

On A Personal Note–Vintage Toast Racks

September 21, 2016

♠ VINTAGE TOAST RACKS ♠

I’ve mentioned before that I have an Etsy shop where I sell vintage decor and handcrafted items. One of my best-selling items are vintage toast racks. Whenever I come across one in good quality I pick it up. You might be thinking that I sell these rack to use to hold toast but you’d be wrong. After buying my first toast rack and styling it as a stationery/letter holder, that’s how I’ve been promoting them ever since.

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Most of the racks I’ve round have been silver-plated but you can find them in brass, milk glass or even decorative ceramic styles like this blue and white beauty. #yesplease

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Toast Racks are the perfect chic storage piece to hold thank-you notes, bills or small electronics like your cell or linens. During the holidays, they are a great way to display Christmas cards without taking up a lot of room.

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They come in all shapes and sizes and prices can range from as little as $5.00 up to hundreds of dollars.

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Designs range from ornate and Victorian to simple and classic and some designs have more slots than others.

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When shopping for vintage toast racks on Etsy, use these search terms to narrow your findings: toast rack , letter rack, card holder, letter holder, Victorian rack

I’ve made shopping easy for you and rounded up a few of my favorite toast racks, all under $20!

This one is for all you blue and white lovers.

This one is perfect for a desk and can hold more than just stationery.

If your style is art deco, you’ll love this one.

And I love this brass swan piece.

We’re heading off on a road trip tomorrow and I plan to stop at a few flea markets along the way. Fingers crossed that I score a few toast racks.

Becoming An Expert Flea Market Shopper (5 books to own)

September 20, 2016

One of the things I love most in life is shopping flea markets. There is something exciting about looking for a hidden treasures amongst piles of dirty, dusty and cast-off relics.

Shopping flea markets isn’t something I’ve done all my life, I’ve only been treasure hunting for about the last 6 or 7 years. In that time I think I have become pretty savvy at vintage shopping, partly because I’ve taken the time read about, study and research the craft.

If you love flea market shopping and want to learn how to find the best collectibles and vintage pieces, I have 5 books I recommend you read. All of these books are filled with valuable tips on what to look , how to tell if an item has value and they highlight the best flea markets around the country.

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Because I’m a big fan of Better Homes and Gardens books, Flea Market Decorating was the first ‘thrifting’ book I purchased. Included in this book is a state-by-state listing of flea markets and antique fairs and well as tips on refurbishing your vintage finds. There is also loads of decorating ideas using real room settings with actual vintage items. The cover alone should entice you!

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I stumbled upon Flea Market Secrets in a thrift store and gave it my usual flip through to get a feel for the images. One of the best things about this book are the 10 Golden Rules of shopping flea markets that the author outlines. The rules are tried-and-true and things you’ll want to employ no matter where you shop. I also like that there are chapters dedicated to different types of items like glass, furniture, textiles and jewelry. Each chapter give you in-depth information on what types of items to buy, what to pass up and how to care for your treasures. You’ll also find the authors favorite flea markets around the world from Paris to Round Top, Texas.

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I remember when Lara Spencer first announced that she was writing a book of thrifting–I was so excited. I’m a big fan of Lara’s, have watched all her HGTV shows and love her design (and fashion) style. Her book, I Break For Yard Sales is one of the best out there and I love the fact that it combines flea market and thrifting tips with great design advice and inspiration. Page after page Lara shares her passion form shopping yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets. You’ll learn her bargain hunting secrets and get insight from appraisers on what to look for when shopping.

You gotta love that Lara isn’t above dumpster diving for a treasure!

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Lara’s second book, Flea Market Fabulous expands upon her flea market shopping tips by showcasing nine rooms that have been decorated with thrifted pieces. The book walks you through the entire process of decorating with vintage finds, from creating a design plan to building a mood board. I also love the room illustrations and before and after photos of the DIY transformations Lara and her team pull off.

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And finally, my list of inspirational flea market shopping books would not be complete without Eddie Ross’ amazing book Modern Mix. When you want to take you flea market and antique shopping to the next level, this is the book that will guide you. Throughout the 8 chapters of the book you’ll find beautiful images of chic interiors, table settings, bars and parties created using vintage pieces. And along with sharing his secrets to shopping, Eddie will teach you how to expertly combine colors and pattern, mix old and new & curate a high and low mix within your decor.

“Modern Mix cracks the code to navigating thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets with confidence.”

And of course I had to share a few of my flea market shopping tips with you:

Have a list of items you’re looking for but be flexible. Shopping flea markets can be overwhelming and you can easily get side-tracked so it’s a good idea to have a list of ‘must have’ items to keep you focused.
Let your creativity flow. Whenever I’m out treasure hunting, I always stop and think about an item I’m interested in. I think about the different ways I could use it in my decor or how I could transform it into something else. Many of the items you’ll find shopping won’t be a perfect fit but with a little creativity and work they can be become real gems.
If you love it, buy it. We’ve all been there–spotting an item but then giving it too much thought and passing it by. Then we have buyers regret and go back hoping the piece is still there but sadly it’s not. I learned early in the game that if you love it and it fits your budget and needs then get it.
Negotiate. Flea market and vintage shop dealers are used to bargaining so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price. And remember the more items you buy from one dealer, the better your bargaining strength.

For even more flea market shopping tips, read my 10 Tips for Shopping Flea Markets Like a Pro post.

Happy hunting friends.

**this post contains affiliate links

Best Of ConfettiStyle: Anatomy Of…

September 9, 2016

Dissecting the details is one of my favorite things about designing a space. Over the years I’ve learned what essential components need to come together to make a room sparkle and come alive. Today I’m sharing four great posts with you, tackling some of the most common decorating challenge many people face.

Click on any of the image below to view the entire post.

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Learn how to use accessories to pull together any space in your home in the Anatomy of A Well-Styled Room post.

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Often time the vignettes you have in your home tell a story about you and your family. In my Anatomy of A Vignette post, I give you tips and visual inspiration for creating vignettes that are dynamic and personal.