Designers Do Holidays #1: Berry Delightful

Technically the Christmas season doesn't start until Friday but I couldn't resist posting these awesome ideas of decorating with cranberries. Better Homes and Gardens emails out a 100 Days of Holidays - each day a different idea. Their 27 Ways to Decorate with Cranberries was today. I've always loved cranberries in holiday decor so here so some ways to use them aside from your standard garland and wreath.

(Above: While they are using these hurricanes outside a smaller version would be a beautiful table centerpiece. I love the way they light this walk way though)


Practical and beautiful by freezing these berries in your ice tray in just a little bit of water you can use them to keep your champagne chilled and at the same time have a festive centerpiece.

This is an adorable place card idea and could be reasonably inexpensive if you by glass votive holders in bulk. I LOVE this idea! :)

Another cute centerpiece idea - and although more time consuming to make yourself you may be able to find faux cranberry balls in a store and prop them up on your own silver candlesticks.

I would never be able to pull this off in Texas but if you live where it snows and ices often I love this door wreath. Just dip your wreath in a little bit of water before a freeze and hang it on your door. How pretty!

I love the holidays so look for many more decorating and entertaining ideas to come. See these ideas with cranberries and more at http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.346081&day=64&esrc=nw100da_09_64&email=1780303811

Happy Holidays!

Love.

J

Mild obsession of the day:

Rob Ryan.

I'm absolutely head over heels for these pieces by London artist Rob Ryan. I'm definitely saving up to buy myself a couple from his etsy shop.... so sweet.

Thanks to Dear Ada for introducing me to Rob and tons of other great art!

xo,

A*

Take a Seat

Right now I am loving how popular Phillipe Stark's Louis Ghost chair is. Patterned after the shape of a traditional Louis XVI chair this contemporary version is seen in a variety of applications. Now, we are seeing it in tons of colors including a totally hot solid black one. Scroll down for some awesome examples of how versatile this chair can be.

How awesome is this solid, opaque black one!?

Stark has also inspired some more modern take offs of his original concept. These printed chairs and ghost lamp are only a few examples. Keep a look out for some more and feel free to share them with us! We love your comments :)

Love.

J

Snail Mail Gets Exciting

Two posts in one day! Whoa I'm on a roll :) A and I have been out of commission this week - sick, busy at work, etc. so I'm making up for it.

I purchased some super cute flocked note cards at the Dallas Market Center sample sell and decided to do some research on them. Pop Ink is the brand - and man do they have some super fun stuff!! I've included some images to give you an idea but this doesn't even begin to cover it so make sure you check them out at: http://www.mrfrench.com/popink.asp

Here are a few note card varieties. Included are witty stamps with fun sayings like "Generic greeting to you and yours or "You shine like stars, specifically, like star #NC485 in the crab nebula" (some more seen below).

These flocked cards are the ones I bought. Also, are fun notebooks - purchased in sets of two...

Napkins - who said dinner alone could be boring?!?! :)

Pop Ink also has awesome wrapping paper. In the spirit of the season here are some holiday prints (which are also in note card form):

Other products include buttons, wall art, dinnerware, soap, scrapbook paper, and books.

Enjoy! I've already been inspired to send out two notes to loved ones :)

Love.

J

Live in Color

Tricia Guild's "Pattern" has been sitting on my coffee table for a few years and I am still obsessed. You may be familiar with Ms. Guild's use of vibrant colors and mix of patterns on her fabrics and furniture. If you or not - you should definitely take a look.

Her fabric line Designer's Guild can be purchased by the trade in design showrooms across the country and in ID Collection in Dallas and Houston specifically. You can also see more at http://www.designersguild.com/.

Many of her rooms use different shades of monochromatic color schemes they leave you breathless. The turquoise scheme above and the hot pink below are some of my favorites.

Even her black and white rooms are vibrant, exciting, and beautiful.

She mixes fun patterns and colors on modern furniture to give it a very feminine yet stylish look.

"Pattern" and other books by Tricia Guild not only make your coffee table look fabulous - they are inspiring - so check her out!

Love.

J