Silvery shimmer

Mixing up all your candleholders in silver just makes everything sparkle, and when picking foliage with that same "silver" color, it just looks so pretty, don't you think??

Adding a mirror doubles the shimmer :) 

I particularly like the large silver punch bowl, so festive!!

... if you only have a small space to decorate - like me - use trays!! Not only do trays keep clutter at bay, but styling up a tray is so quick and easy :) Have fun with colors or keep it simple like here... notice non of the containers match, but that's what makes it so interesting and sweet!!

I am all for hanging ornaments this way... group together a few different ones, I like to keep the tone the same, attach a beautiful ribbon and hang them at different lengths, et voila, instant Christmas sparkle. You can do this with all kinds of bulbs, whatever your color preference. Use all the "left over" pieces you didn't have room for on the tree. Or if there is no tree, this is a great way to bring out the decorations, easy to do and easy to hang almost anywhere!!

Have fun decorating!

Natasha

Images via The White Company

Natural Christmas...

While so many of you have been posting the most beautiful Christmas decorations out there in Blog Land already, I am lacking a little... I have been looking at all the beautiful images, and feeling a little inspired... SO, here are a few Natural - and super easy DIY - Christmas decorations.

I am all about candle light, especially around the Holidays, when it gets darker outside early! This DIY candle holder looks so pretty, don't you think??

What is your take on colored candles?? Typically I like all white ones, but I would make an exception for these!! Such a pretty and simple Advent display.

Oh, I am all over this Christmas tree :) LOVE!! This is the kind of Christmas Tree I grew up with... Simple, open and with live candles on the tree. 

One of the first Christmases here in The States I ordered a metal bucket from Martha Stewart, complete with a stand that fit inside, the edge was scalloped. It was so pretty! I actually still have the bucket, but the stand is long gone, so I can't use it anymore, unfortunately...

What do you use? Traditional stand and skirt? Bucket, or??

Natasha

Images via Pinterest

Scandinavian Living Room

This - to me - is a classic example of a white Scandinavian living room at it's best. The restraint in color, the natural elements, the black & white artwork, yet this space reads very cozy to me.... I imagine curling up on the sofa, fireplace and candles lit.

Too stark or just right?

Natasha

Images via Femina

Come on in...

Today it's just a super pretty picture I will be sharing with you!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to come home to this? Not only the ivy clad structure, but the lavender, the stone work, the scalloped siding above the entrance, the hanging light fixture... Oh, and I am a sucker for candlelight, so the hurricanes in the windowsill are just perfect!!

Love to hear what you think?!
Natasha

Image via the Northern Light Blog on Pinterest

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

I have just had a wonderful (long) quiet moment, pouring over the newly released Lonny Magazine June / July 2012 issue.  This is such an awesome issue all around!! Fantastic Summer Getaways, Hamptons Entertaining style and a Westhampton Hideaway I would love to hide out in!!! :)

While the interior design features in this issue are right up my alley, I particularly liked the Expert Advice from Elizabeth Blitzer. Things are changing in a big way in my personal life, so this struck a cord with me...

Enjoy!

Natasha

Vingette photographed by Patrick Cline via Lonny 

Pretty little things...

Considering the beauty of candlelight, I am one to to have tea lights sprinkled all over the house...
I love the soft glow in the late afternoon, and the warmth of the flame against the darkness in the early evening.

But what about candlelight in the daytime??  Look how pretty and soft this image is...
Those faceted glass votives are from Tine K. While in Denmark this past fall, I thought about picking up a few, couldn't decide on a color and now I am regretting - a little bit - not having decided on a hue!!

Oh well, such is life :)
Natasha

Image Tine K

... one more!

Couldn't help myself, but just had to post this rustic and simple foyer. I won't bore you with too many words this time...

Pretty, right?
I like the soft blue candles, keeps the casual vibe ...

Have a fun day today!

Natasha

Both images via Sia

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

... again, I know :)

If you don't already know, the new rue magazine is out, it's the 1 year anniversary issue, YEAH! Congratulations!! Can't wait to really dive in, looks like some great stuff has made it on to the pages! 

Natasha

Image via rue magazine

Books I am bringing back...

... well, actually, that statement is not entirely true.
For the very first time, there have been absolutely NO Danish Design books to swoon over, not even a single one to buy, just so that I could say I found something of interest! Sadly!!

However, the Norwegian furniture brand Slettvoll, have just released an inspirational interior design book called "Velkommen Hjem" (Welcome Home). While this book is not yet in my possession (I am confident my Norwegian readers are familiar?) below - for the rest of us - are a few interior shots to drool over :).

Happy Fall Weekend!

Natasha

All images via Slettvoll

I need your help....

This morning I read this post by my blog-friend Nellie McCarthy.

Words are not enough to express how sad I have been for her and her family all day, there are just absolutely no words that can "make it better"...

One of the most surprising things I have come to learn about the blogging community is how friendly, supportive and full of encouragement you all are... please, pass on your thoughts and prayers for Nellie and her family! Take a minute in your busy day, light a candle for her and send her a message of support!
I greatly appreciate your effort and time.

Natasha

Image via Glassybaby

What's not to like?

This little image I found over at the Dreamhouse Blog, the first blog I ever visited, seems like a million years ago...

But really, what's not to like?
It fits so many criteria of mine; White, Coral, Shell, Butterfly, Candle, Painted wood, Grey, Gleaming glass and Bead board (in the background).
I don't know about you, but I think this little display is so sweet!

Happy Tuesday,
Natasha

A quiet moment for Japan!!

Natasha

Image unknown

It's the Weekend...

Hi!

So... I made it back from a great vacation. New England was beautiful as always, very hot and muggy this time around!!

.... the hydrangea bushes are not to be believed!

Have a wonderful weekend!
I look forward to catching up on all the blogs out there!!

Natasha

Image Nicole Hill Gerulat Via CWD

Natural sparkle

To continue my "sparkle post" from Monday, I am sharing two images with you of natures sparkle....



Raw Amethyst lamp base (Matthew Studio), looking very dramatic.
Great color in an otherwise dark setting.... notice the title of the book ;)
Details, details, it's all in the details! Even the leaf and the background support the natural "theme".



Another example of amethyst rock crystal. I suspect the stone to the bottom right might actually be for a tea light, but I love how it's used here, to hold jewelery.
Trays are so big, look how two trays are layered here, very unobtrusive, just a little sparkle....

Go dig out that tray you hardly ever use, shine it up, find a few items you love and place it on your night table, or dresser. You will be happy looking at your pretty display every time you go to bed! And imagine; getting up in the morning will be a beautiful experience!

My advise; stick with a theme.
Could be color, could be feel (i.e. natural), could be anything that you think goes together!

Natasha

Image #1 Matthew Studios, Image #2 Moth Home Via Made by Girl

I spy....

... soft linen colored pillar candles!

While out shopping for knobs for our new kitchen, I came upon this color candle. Normally I go for white candles, or a soft blue-ish green (Cucumber sent) from Restoration Hardware.

The above image is from French Essence, by Vicki Archer. I just loved the book, and I am so inspired (read; jealous) of her beautiful life in St. Remy-de-Provence!

And guess what? I was (and I still am!!!) super excited when Vicki Archer left a comment on my tiny little blog! How super cool is that?? I aspire to be as well written, as she is.
If you are not familiar with her books, you should be! ;)
If you can not get your hand on them, check out her fantastic blog here!

Can't wait to light my new candles!

Natasha

How Lucky!

Just recently I mentioned Glassybaby on my blog, and now I read in the March issue of Lucky magazine that Glassybaby is donating 10% of their overall sales to charity! GREAT!
Does this mean I have another excuse to start my collection?

A powerful light indeed....

Natasha

Image via glassybaby

Candle light.

Today was grey and cool, not very tropical.....



It was the kind of day where you curl up with a great new magazine, or a book, light some votives, enjoy your warm tea and just relax!

How fabulous are these glass votives from Glassybaby!!
I think I need to start a collection, how about you?

Hyg dig!

Natasha