Give Thanks- for holiday table inspirations!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought I'd post some pictures of beautiful table decorations as inspiration for those of you who may be hosting your own party. Enjoy...

 

 

 

 

Words to live by...

This needs to be my life slogan right now- ask my husband what he thinks about this for me... I seriously think I might benefit from having this in my office, or house, whatever. Maybe it will brain wash me into thinking I'm in a good mood.

Holiday Decorating Ideas from the pro

Man, Martha Stewart, you are a pro at anything home and garden related! Here are some great holiday decor ideas from Martha Stewart! Check out her website for more info on how to create these masterpieces!

Feather wreath

Pumpkin sconce

Vine wrapped candlesticks

Gourd garland

Pine cone finial (can also be spray painted silver)

Corn Husk flowers

Cranberry filled vase

 

Wise Investments

I came across this article about decorating investments from "Style at Home" magazine and thought I'd share...
I for one (as with many) am on a BUDGET. Ack! Scream! Yes, it's the dreaded word that everyone hates to use because let's face it- we are selfish individuals that live in a material centered society and we WANT things! I'm reminded of the song sung by the spoiled brat from the Willy Wonka movie. " I want a party with room fulls of laughter, ten thousand tons of ice cream...and if I don't get the things I am after, iiimmm going to sssscccrrreeaamm!"  Ok, back to the point of this post. Sooo, since we are all on some kind of budget, it's important to know where to put those hard earned dollars, right?! Here is a good list to go by for good decorating investments for the home. Now let's go shopping!

1. A leather club chair
Perfect for reading, chatting, or snuggling with feline friends. A dark leather chair gets softer and more comfy with wear. If leather's not your thing, upholster your chair in a favorite fabric; change the fabric as your taste evolves.

2. A decorative throw
Looks great draped over a chair or around your shoulders. Look for one in wool or cashmere to keep you cozy; cotton and rayon throws can be used year-round. Fine weaves and subtle designs add visual interest and texture to a room without overpowering it. Also a great way to add a pop of color!

3. A good sofa
Is one you can stretch out or sleep on and that seats at least three people without anyone feeling cramped. Shop for quality wood construction and long-lasting sinuous springs. Down-filled cushions are soft, but foam or a combo of foam and down maintains the sofa's shape better. Consider stain resistant fabrics for random accidents and make sure it's comfortable!

4. A beautiful wool area rug
Defines a room and can bring a dull space to life. A rug not only softens your way underfoot, it also muffles noise. Choose a design that you love, and with proper care, your rug can last a lifetime. Sometimes it's a good idea to start the room design with a rug and work the colors and textures around that.

5. Quality stainless-steel flatware
Should feel smooth and weighty in your hands. Pick a style that will make you smile every time you set the table. Consider a simple, classic design that will be one you'll enjoy for years to come and will be perfect for casual or formal occasions.

6. A stunning crystal vase
Looks great on its own, or filled with gorgeous flowers or seasonal decorations like shells, pinecones or fruit. A vase with clean, simple lines will never go out of style.

7. A 48-inch round pedestal dining table
That can seat six to eight people is the most relaxing way to dine with friends and family. Guests' knees won't bump table legs or other knees, and conversation is so much easier at a round table. If you prefer a rectangle (which I do) just look for something quality with a great finish and classic design to last through the ages.

8. Crystal or fine glassware
Makes wine and liqueur taste better according to connoisseurs. The shape and size of a glass should feel pleasing to the hand and enhance a drink's bouquet. Again classic design is better!

9. 500-thread-count cotton bedding
Is a wise investment because we spend a third of our lives in bed! Soft and lustrous white bed linens make you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. Build your collection as your budget allows. I'm also going to add a great bed! This is an area to splurge and make sure you are getting the most comfortable bed for you. There are a lot of aspects to consider which you should discuss with your sales person, and lay on a bunch of beds to compare!

10. White dishware
Is simple and CLASSIC and allows food and its presentation to really shine. Plus, you'll never have to worry if your pattern is discontinued; dishes in varying designs and shades of white can be mixed together stylishly. Shop for dishes that are chip-resistant and dishwasher- and microwave-safe. You can always add colorful or textural chargers, linens, and accessories to change your table with your mood or holiday!

11. Task lighting
Originally popular in the '30s, the swing-arm lamp provides stylish task lighting. Whether your taste is modern or traditional, a classic pharmacy lamp works on any desk or side table. I personally love the personality that vintage lamps bring to a room or custom fabric shades!

12. Original art says more about you than several reproductions. Original works also have the potential to increase in value.Start with at least one, and continue building over time as you see something inspiring. Art is very subjective, so get something that means something personally to you.

And now for some GREAT fabrics!

I just discovered a new blog "I Suwannee" which I am super stoked about. I'm super jealous that I do not live in NC anymore because this stylish lady is opening up a store in Raleigh called "Furbish Studio". It looks like she carries lots of modernized vintage pieces, which I LOVE! So I'm checking out her blog and I see this awesome bench she has reupholstered with this awesome fabric.

How cute is this!

So now I'm thinking OMG I want that fabric! Where is it from? So I do some research, and find out that it's from a line called Quadrille, which I feel like I've heard of, but just had no idea how many great fabrics they have! Pretty fabrics usually come for a pretty penny, so I'm hoping they aren't $100/yard! We'll see... In the meantime, check out their website! Here are just a few examples of the types of fabrics they carry.

 

 

 

 

Swoon...

Design Trend faux pas

Seriously? And I hope not... Is this being called a trend because it evokes thoughts of Christmas eultide and Santa Claus, or because it's not Thanksgiving yet, but retailers are already selling Christmas (or "Holiday") gear? I'm sorry, but this does not shout "OMG I have to have that in my house", well I guess that is if your initials are S.C. Thoughts anyone?? This is one unique trend alert by Elle Decor magazine that I'm going to have to disagree with.

 

Another one bites the dust!

I don't know if you heard but a lot of great interior design and decor magazines have been shutting down. Domino, Southern Accents, Western Interiors were some of my favorites that are no longer. The newest magazine to join the group is Metropolitan Home. I have no idea why any of these would stop publication considering they all have great and inspiring interiors! Here's farewell...

Serene Green Dining Room makeover

I ran across this great before and after while flipping through Southern Living magazine. I normally don't find a lot of inspiring interiors in this magazine, but I thought this dining room makeover was great! I like how the designer (Anne Turner Carroll) combined the solid and patterned fabric on the drapery. I think this is a great way to save money and to add pattern without having to commit to too much pattern. Other details that were added were the neutral colored rug (which really grounds the dark furniture and makes it stand out from the wood floors), pale aqua colored lampshades, new personalized slipcovers and contemporary artwork over the buffet. I really love how the designer upgraded and modernized the otherwise boring and traditional space!

Funked up

This room has always been a favorite of mine. Kudos to designer Kay Douglass for creating a very neutral, serene space with small pops of color and natural elements. I couldn't help but wonder what this room would look like with a little more pattern since I've been on such a pattern kick lately! Let's funk it up just a little, shall we?

This space could use some pattern in pillows and window treatments!

Pillow fabric by F. Schumacher

Window treatment by West Elm

Pomegranates in a bowl on coffee table

(because they're in the pillow fabric!)

OMG Fabric website!

I just discovered a really good source for fabrics online!! The company is called Lewis and Sheron Textile Co. They also have a sister company with super modern fabrics called Staceage.  They are both based out of Atlanta. Here are just a few cool fabrics I found, and their prices aren't bad!! I'm planning on ordering a few swatches for myself!

 

Graphic Statement

I really love seeing bold pattern in window treatments! I would love to implement this in my own living space to add pattern and texture to the neutral surroundings. This involves trying to persuade my "clean lines" husband to do something fun and bold! We'll see what ends up happening...

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Sales!

Just wanted to let everyone know about 2 sales I will be shopping (and you should too) this weekend. If you like imported/multi cultural furniture and you are looking for something for your home you should totally check out Jaya and Four Hands Home. Both are having warehouse sales which means you get ridiculous deals!

Please note at Jaya, there is a separate warehouse located down the street on Pressler.

Save the Dates!   Nov. 5-8

Our Famous Warehouse Sale

Opens to the Public Nov. 6.

 Join Us 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.,Thursday, Nov. 5

for a Special Preview Sales Day

 for Our Loyal Customers.

 

Up to 85% off overstocked, discontinued & slightly damaged furniture.  While supplies last.

I also just discovered that Four Hands has a catalog available on their website, which they have not had in the past!