Summer Entertaining: Ideas to Inspire

July 27, 2016

SUMMER ENTERTAINING IDEAS

Outdoor entertaining takes on new meaning this time of year. Finding new ways to use pieces you already own & incorporating the bounty of the season will help make entertaining outdoors even more fun and exciting.

♦ Put on twist on a caprese salad by replacing the tomatoes with sweet Georgia peaches.

♦ Use oversized glass jars as serving bowls for salads and fresh fruits. Jars allow food to be visible while adding impact to your buffet setting.

♦ Instead of expensive flowers for the centerpiece, let the food be the focal point. A long wood board piled high with a variety of cheeses, fruits, meats and nuts will be the center of attention.

♦ Get creative with the things you own. A recycled canoe makes a charming outdoor serving station of finger foods.

♦ Place those delicate china plates with small rustic wood cutting boards which function just a good as traditional serve ware.

♦ Keep thing simple but elegant and create personalized place setting with oversized dollies. Use a Sharpie to pen the name of guests or pull out that collection of letter stickers and give each dollie its unique spin.

♦ Use elements from mother nature as decor for your party. A handful of pretty leaves and a metallic pen is all it takes to make these stylish name cards.

♦ Make a single bouquet of flowers go the extra mile by mixing in greenery pieces you cut from the yard to create a dynamic centerpiece.

♦ And when impact is called for, drape the center with an assortment of summer lanterns surrounded by lush greenery and foliage.

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Summer entertaining is about letting loose, having fun and enjoying the season!

Image source: 1) Say Yes 2) Crate and Barrel 3) Plum Pretty Sugar 4) Simple Bites 5) Style Me Pretty 6) Paper Mart 7)La Crema 8) Wedding Colors 9) Elle Decor (photo by Jenna Elliott–One Eleven Photography)

SEVEN things I’d by during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

July 25, 2016

Hey there friends. Sorry I skipped out last week here on the blog but things have been extra busy and I just didn’t have time (or energy) to complete all the blog post I had planned for you. My busy schedule included 5 days at the Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings show followed by two days at the Blog Life University Conference and I’m tuckered out. I’ll be sharing more about the gift show and the conference later this week but today I’m sharing one of my favorite shopping events of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

When I lived in Seattle, I actually planned a couple of vacation days around the sale so I could be at the flagship store the day the sale went live. I didn’t want to miss out on any of the deals. Now I shop my local Nordstrom or when I don’t want to deal with the crowds, I hit their website. That’s just what I did Saturday afternoon while I crashed on the couch.

There are so many great items in this years sale but a few really caught my eye and I just had to share them with you.

Here are my top picks from the sale…

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A classic backpack is a handbag staple in my book. They are great for traveling and weekend shopping when you want your hands free. I love the sleek lines of this Sole Society Ellie Backpack and the tassel charm on the flap. And you can’t beat the $29.90 price.

Cardigans are my go-to fashion item during fall and this Halogen Cashmere Kimono Cardigan has so much going for it. I love the oversized fit, the soft drape and the fact that is it cashmere. This piece is available in three colors and is on sale for $98.90. ($148 after sale)

I never met a tassel I didn’t like, especially if it’s an earring. These Sole Society Tassel Earrings are such fun and will look great with sweaters this fall. $36.95

The combination of the cord necklace and crystal pendant is what caught my eye. This is a perfect piece to wear day-to-night and with everything from jeans to dresses. Bauble Bar Bijoux’ Pendant Necklace $42.00

I’ve been wanting this Jonathan Adler Zebra Porcelain Stacking Dish for ages and couldn’t pass up the $15.90 price and my new favorite color, navy. The gold version is also available but at a higher price.

In addition to clothing and shoes, you can find some great home decor items in the Nordstrom Sale. This Levtex Diamond Straw Basket is perfect to hold blankets or just about anything you want. $38.90 Available in natural & navy and natural & tan.

An oversized sweater and jeans is the perfect fall outfit in my book. This Halogen Ribbed Cashmere Poncho has a great shape and subtle ribbed texture. Available in 4 colors. $148.90

So now that I’ve got you ready to do some shopping, here are some tips I’ve learned from shopping the sale for many years…

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Insider Tips For Shopping The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Shop early! I can’t stress this enough. Many items will sell out within the first few days of the sale so plan to do your shopping early. p.s. this years sale ends on Aug. 4th.

Did you know that Nordstrom has personal stylist to help you shop? This free service is great if you’re needing special pieces or want pulling together outfits. You can schedule an appointment or ask for an available stylist when you’re at the store. p.s. the stylist have all the inside tips on products and can often find items that are sold out in your area.

For even better deals than you can find in the main for jewelry and accessory department, shop the Brass Plum department. You can find the latest styles and designs at a fraction the price. This tassel handbag didn’t make my top 7 list but is definitely a great buy.

If you’re stocking up on fall clothing, purchase the items you’re interested in, take them home to try on them on and return what you don’t want. The dressing rooms are typically crowded during the sale so take items home so you can try them on in the comfort and space of your own bedroom.

If your local store doesn’t have the size or color you want, a Nordstrom sales person can order the item for you at no shipping cost.

Nordstrom offers samples of almost any beauty product in store every day. During the Anniversary Sale you’ll find limited-edition offerings, plus 300 beauty and fragrance exclusives so just ask for a sample at the counter.

Think Christmas gifts. This is a great time to buy higher priced items and save a little money, especially on handbags, footwear and mens clothing.

Happy shopping!

Design Guide: Color Rules

July 11, 2016

I hope everyone had an ok weekend. I know that with all the turmoil going in these days, it’s hard to find a sense of peace and calm. One way I did that was not watching the news and spending time doing things I enjoy. Sometimes it the simple things in life that can brighten our day. Anyhow, todays post is all about color and decorating, two things that definitely impact your world.

Last week as part of my Design Guide series, I talked about picking the right paint finish. Several of you asked for tips on starting at ground zero and picking the right paint colors for your home. Last year I shared 4 tips to picking paint colors with you and today I’m going a little deeper and talking about Color Rules. I think giving you a better understanding of colors will help you have more confidence in selecting colors for your home.

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♦ Start with a color you love. Are there colors you consistently wear in your wardrobe? Or maybe every time you see emerald green pillows you heart flutters. Take note of what colors you have a positive response to and those that make you feel good. These are the colors (or color families) that you will fee most comfortable with in your décor.

my domaine

♦ Once you hone in on the colors you like, keep in mind the feeling that specific colors will convey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange have an energizing effect and will feel more vibrant. Blue, green and gray are calming colors and will add provide a soothing feel to the rooms you decorate.

via bhg

via ralph lauren

♦ When it comes to pairing colors use a color wheel to guide you in picking color families that work best together. Colors close together on the color wheel are analogous and will make a room feel calm. Colors that are farther apart are complementary and are more dramatic when paired together.

Here’s an example of an analogous color scheme…

via apartment therapy

And here’s an example of a complementary color scheme…

via Laurel Bern Interiors

♦ In open floor plans where rooms open on to each other and avoid choosing radically different colors and color families or the space will look choppy and disconnected.

source unknown

♦ If you find a color that you love but you feel it is too dark, ask the paint counter to do a 50 percent tint of the color.

♦ One of the best color rules to follow is layer bold colors with mid-tones and neutrals to create balance within the room.

via hgtv–Photo By: Allison Corona Photography, Let It Shine Photography, Doug Petersen Photography

♦ If you love bold colors but don’t want to overwhelm a room by painting all the walls in that colors, pull those colors in through decorative trims on chairs, curtains or pillows. Small doses of vibrant colors can be easier on the eye and you won’t tire of the color as easily.

via Society Social

♦ Always sample the paint colors you are considering and try them on your walls. Look at the color in the morning and at night and put test swatches near your furniture. I just started using these ingenious paint sample boards with clients and boy oh boy are they great way to try colors on the wall without damaging your current wall color.

via Elle Decor

♦ As you consider the color for your walls, make sure to also consider the trim and ceiling color to make sure it all works together. White trim color can reflect or absorb the tones of your wall color and in some cases make it look brighter or duller.

via bhg

Selecting the right colors for your home is just as important as selecting your accessories so spend the time it takes to find the right the colors that brighten your world and your home.

I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun gift wrap inspiration post using two of my favorite color combinations.

top paint image via bhg

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products of the week.

July 2, 2016

Hooray for long weekends! We’re off visiting family and out to-do list includes lots of R & R, s’mores and maybe even and outdoor movie.

Enjoy your weekend friends and my round-up of favorites from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

Such a cute and clever way to use cutting boards as part of a tablescape.

There are a lot of homes that take my breath away but this one is truly my dream house.

design by Establish Design, photos by Joshua Caldwell

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FAVORITE PINS

I’ve been on the hunt for an easy no-bake summer dessert recipe and this Key Lime Cheesecake is it.

One of the most popular boards on my Pinterest page is dedicated to creative gift wrap ideas. One of my favorite ideas is using vintage jewelry to adorn a gift. So simple, yet so stunning.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Even though I’m way past my teen years, I love shopping Pottery Barn Teen for unique home decor and gift items. I spotted this gorgeous bamboo wall shelf the other day and couldn’t believe the price. This would look amazing hanging in a bathroom.

Have you ever googled ‘cute beach towels’? I did and came up with some really, really cute finds. This personalized greek key design is just one of my faves from Haymarket Designs.

These Fabric Wrapped Terracotta Vases are great for colorful summer flower arrangements.

If you’re looking to do some shopping this weekend, check out these great sales.

Add’l 30% off sale items at Anthropologie

Up to 70% off at Wayfair on all product categories

ASOS has become one of my favorite online shops and this weekend you can save up to 50% off

20% off at Rifle Paper Co. It’s a great time to stock up on their beautiful gift wrap

40% off your purchase (including sale items) at the Gap

Everything at Old Navy is on sale–up to 60% off

Extra 50% off at Banana Republic

On The Bookshelf: New Design & Entertaining Books

June 30, 2016

The Atlanta Gift and Home Furnishings market is just a few weeks away and that always signals new design books in my mind. During market, I always make it point to visit my favorite book publishers to see the new releases in persona. Here are just a few of the new titles I can’t wait to get a look at.

NEW DESIGN & ENTERTAINING BOOKS, 2016

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Beautiful by Mark D. Sikes

The first book from interior designer Mark D. Sikes is a celebration of American style today, showcasing chic and accessible ideas for every home. Release date Sept. 20th.

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Domino–Your Guide To A Stylish Home

Your Guide to a Stylish Home provides a trusted filter, using the friendly and authoritative voice of domino to teach readers about attainable, stylish design and how to make it uniquely your own. Release date Nov. 15th

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Life Unstyled

Life Unstyled is about taking inspiration from real homes that are beautiful, creative and inspiring but at the same time a little rough around the edges, with signs of everyday life evident throughout. Release date Sept. 8th

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Vern Yip Design Wise

Vern introduces his “design by the numbers” approach, revealing the optimal measurements that are integral to making a room feel “right. Whether it’s a laid-back Florida cottage, a small Manhattan apartment, or a traditional family home in Atlanta, Vern’s key design principles will make any house a true home. Release date Sept. 13th

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A House by The Sea–Bunny Williams

Her new book invites readers to explore La Colina, Williams’s lovely Caribbean retreat tucked into lush, tropical gardens by the sea. The book explores every facet of the property—from outdoor rooms and garden plantings and design to the delightful, island-living luxury of the villa’s interiors, furnishings, and collections. Releases date Sept. 13th

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Decorate for a Party

A unique collaboration between international bestselling interiors author Holly Becker of the decor8 blog and Leslie Shewring of acreativemint.com, this book is packed full of ideas for all types of parties, gatherings and events. Release date Sept. 13th

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Kathryn At Home: A Guide to Simple Entertaining

In an elegant scrapbook style, she shares her notes and advice on entertaining, particularly outdoors. Join Kathryn and her talented friend Ithaka for a breakfast, lunchtime picnics, a candlelight dinner, afternoon tea, a barbecue, and a wedding―all interlaced with signature Kathryn M. Ireland fabrics. Release date July 19th

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Christmas At Designers’ Homes Across America

This treasure trove showcases one-of-a-kind holiday ideas from some of the nation’s most talented interior designers, who share not only their aesthetic tastes but also family holiday rituals and favorite Christmas traditions. Release date Sept. 28th

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Southern Spaces For Beautiful Living

From kitchens to living areas to master suites, you’ll find a range of looks that embrace the region’s signature stylings, as well as savvy ideas from experts and homeowners, to make the most of every space in your home. Release date Sept. 8th

Which of the new books will you be adding to your bookshelf?

4th of July Decor Ideas to make in under an hour!

June 27, 2016

Decorating for a festive holiday can be fun and easy. Heres a round-up of simple but festive 4th of July decor that will take you less than an hour to create and don’t require any major crafting skills.

1) Scrap Fabric Flag–this fun twist of the American flag is made from scraps of ribbon, fabric and paint. Depending on where you want to hang it, you can make one in any size. I think one hanging on the front door or a couple of hanging for a deck railing would look great.

2) Make your own mini American flags using wood skewered and flag ribbon. These are great as a cake topper or to use in flower arrangements.

Flag ribbon is on sale for $2.00 per spool at Hobby Lobby.

3) This may not work for everyone depending on the temperature where you live but I love the look of the 4th of July candles. Just wrap red, white or blue pillar candles with decorative red/white/blue paper and you’re all set. After the 4th remove the paper and your candles are ready for the next project. p.s. scrapbook paper is 50% off this week at Hobby Lobby

4) Use that same decorative paper you used to wrap your candles and make your own paper pinwheels. These are so easy to make and are sure to bring back some great childhood memories. Find my tutorial here.

5) Turn inexpensive bandanas into a festive 4th of July flag banner. You can cut 3 to 4 triangle piece from a single bandana.

6) Another fun way to decorate with bandanas is using them as table linens. Line a handful up down the middle of the table for a quick and easy holiday runner.

7) Turn a watermelon into a stylish and fun 4th of July floral centerpiece. Punch small holes (about 1/2″ deep into the watermelon and insert flower stems. Once the party it over, cut watermelon open and scoop out some watermelon to enjoy.

So what plans do you have for the 4th and how are you decorating?

top image via Country Living

DIY Monogram Straw Hat

June 21, 2016

In a couple of months we’ll be setting sail on our 8th cruise to the Caribbean. This time around out ports of call will be Aruba, Bonaire, the Dominican Republic and Grand Turks. #soexcited

I’ve already started picking up a few new items for the trip, one of which was a new sun hat for me. A plain straw hat would have worked fine but I had to give my hat a little extra something-something.

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DIY MONOGRAM STRAW HAT

Here’s how the project started…

I bought this basic wide brim hat from Wal-Mart for under $5.00 ($3.35 to be exact). You can see that it has a thin brown cord as a decorative touch but the brown wasn’t working for me. Neither was the plain brim.

So I replaced the cord with a black and white striped ribbon and added my monogram to the back of the brim. Instant style!

All it took to replace the cording was a few snips with the scissors and some fabric glue to attach the new ribbon.

To create my monogram, I purchased some white iron-on letters from Hobby Lobby. These are the same brand of letters I used to make my monogram napkins.

What I love about these letters is they allow you to create a true three-letter monogram.

The only downside is the letters only come in white so your design options are limited.

I came up with an easier solution and all it took was a Sharpie. To get the black letters I wanted, I used a Permanent Sharpie Marker and colored over each letter.

All that was left to do was to position my monogram onto the back of the hat and iron it in place.

(before ironing, cover the letters with a piece of fabric so you don’t get ink on your iron or burn your letters)

This was such an easy update and now my hat that looks like it was made for a Mediterrian cruise.

The hat is available in four other colors so take your pick and make your own chic summer sun hat.

Musing for the first day of summer!

June 20, 2016

Hooray for the first day of summer! Is anyone else as excited as I am that summer is officially here?

Even though the calendar didn’t reflect it, I’ve been acting like summer was here for a couple of weeks. This is undoubtedly my favorite season of the year so I though I’d share a few things that are on my mind on this first day of summer.

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I have always loved being out in the sun and although I was born with a natural tan :), I still love soaking up the rays and getting a little extra glow on my skin. If I were to design my dream outdoor space, it would look a little something like this–an area to entertain in and a stylish and relaxing lounge space next to a pool because I also love to swim.

house beautiful

And speaking of entertaining…isn’t this tablescape just gorgeous? Pattern mixing your dinnerware and glassware is a great way to create an eclectic placesetting and infuse your table with color. And creating extra spot at the end of the table runner is pretty genius.