Setting the table...

Almost there people... Now is the time to start thinking about how you will set the table :) I say shimmer and soft green will do it for me! 

I just adore this pretty little place card holder, thinking it will make the table a little more formal...

 

Enjoy planning the table decor!! Cheers :)

Natasha

Images via The White Company 

Tray Chic!

I have featured the work of artist Caitlin McGauley several times here on the blog, and I was so excited when I discovered these super pretty small ceramic trays, adorned with her fun and oh-so-current motifs. I am in an orange mood as of late, so this tray is by far my favorite!!!

For all of you who love Jewelry... this one is for you :)

... and the love for chevron never goes away, does it??

Ok, so this pretty-in-pink tray is a very close second on my list! How cheerful!! I see one of these trays on my nightstand, and being short on little gifts this Christmas season, I might have just found a gift I would love to give AND receive :)

Get yours here!

Natasha

All images via the Caitlin McGauley Website

Sunday Reading

Don't you just love to see how the other half lives... or entertains??

I have been drooling over this colorful book, Soiree, this Sunday, and I am so inspired to whip up a dinner party! Right now, right here... the ideas and the inspirations are endless!!

Danielle Rollins is the author and creator of the most amazing dinner parties, luncheons and uber chic pick nicks featured in this book. The books cover and the above image are from the A Spring Lunch feature, and not only photographed to show off all the fabulous colors, but also complete with recipes, tips and images of an amazing garden.

This book has it all...

Invitations, Recipes, Styling Tips, Floral Design, Music Selections and fantastic photography! There is even a fantastic Resource section that I can't wait to dive into :)

Really, "all I want for Christmas" right this moment is an endless supply cabinet, filled to the brim with plates in different colors and patterns, silver wear, table cloths and napkins in a rainbow of colors.

Pretty please :)

The Author Danielle Rollins, as featured in An Afternoon Tea. This story is right up my alley, complete with hot pink Hydrangeas, Peonies and everything pink and preppy :)

I can see myself whipping up this Chocolate Mousse at the next Soiree at my house!

Ok, so calling the dinners held here at my house Soirees is a little much, I know.. 
Perhaps this will be for New Years, looks festive right?

Happy Party Season!!
Natasha

All images from Soiree, by Danielle Rollins.

Reflecting on the News of the Day...

Just a quiet moment for all the children in Connecticut... 

Natasha

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

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

So nice to start the day with a glossy!! ... and even better when it's a brand new Lonny :)

Imagine my surprise when I turned to page 38 and found the beautiful spread "Great Dane" on Marianne Brandi and Keld Mikkelsen, the duo behind the Danish fashion brand DAY.

I have blogged about their apartment in Copenhagen here, their (previous?) house  on Fyn here, as well as their amazing vacation villa on St. Barts here, so I guess it's fair to say I LOVE their style :)

Check out those beautiful black, matte, parquet floors.... LOVE!!!!

With all the natural light shining through the windows, this really grounds the space! 

I could go on and on about my observations, but I will just let you enjoy all the images - there are more in the new Lonny - and just let you know once again, that I am a fan!!

The private rooms are all kept light and bright, as you will see below.

Have a wonderful start to the week!!
Natasha

All images by Gaelle Le Boulicaut, via Lonny Magazine 

Colorful (Scandinavian) Christmas!

It's not often you find a Scandinavian home, decorated in jewel tones for the holidays, but... here you go! Refreshing with a little purple, plum and coral. Add a few pinecones, special ornaments & an anemone, so pretty this little colorful tray is, don't you think?

Super interesting mix of textures and styles. Notice the branch in the background, what a great way to show off those pretty glass ornaments, adding a pop of color away from the traditional Christmas tree.

I am such a fan of "thinking-the-color-scheme-through" it's almost embarrassing... hahaha! 

Soooooo, I can appreciate the choice of purple gift wrap, the small touches of purple throughout the decorated house (notice the purple Tine K tea light glass on the tray, and the purple in the round pillows). It's little pops of cohesive color that keeps the eye moving from room to room, it's interesting! 

It's quite obvious - in my opinion - that you do not need to go overboard, like so many homes I see in the magazines here in The States! 

With all these small touches of Christmas spirit throughout the house, you can really appreciate each item, the colors and not be completely overwhelmed by "Stuff", my kind of decorating by far!!!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Natasha

All images via Bloomingville

(Almost) New on the Virtual Newsstand...

Here you go.... a brand new Matchbook! 

While I am fully aware that this post really has nothing to do with Christmas, I just thought it was to pretty to pass up!! ... oh, and I LOVE the little quote "Give yourself a chance to refresh."

This being the Matchbook December issue, there are plenty of Gift Guides to look through and the obligatory Christmas editorial is on a chic Cookie Exchange with the adorable Sabrina Soto. I, however, enjoyed the Lulie's Floral Fancy piece. Coming to you from Charleston, SC, it's a wonderful interview with artist Lulie Wallace.

You can check out more of Lulie's work here, and here is a tumblr page as well.

Have a fun day,

Natasha

images vis matchbook

Opening the Box...

I am sure many of you already have the tree trimmed, baked the cookies and have the gifts wrapped and ready to go, right? Right...? 

Well, around here I have just started to open the boxes with the Christmas decor!

We have decided NOT to do a tree this year, as we are both pretty busy and feel we don't really have the time to truly enjoy it... That being said, don't for a minute think there will be no Christmas decor in the house, I can't wait to decorate!!

There are so many ways to spruce up the house & to show off all those pretty ornaments!!

I like to pile them on a platter, perhaps a few different shapes and muted colors together, as above, but you can also try filling a beautiful glass bowl. Why not incorporate a few tea lights to make the ornaments glisten? I am all about live candles, especially when it gets dark outside early.

What colors will you be decorating with this year? Or are you "one of those" ;) people who pile it all on the tree; new and old, theme-y or not, heirlooms & gifts?? Do tell!

So much fun to see & hear how people decorate their Christmas trees!!

Natasha

All images via Tusenfrojd

December is here...

... and I am planning to keep it simple!

So much over the top decorating going on out there... longing for simplicity.

What will be your style this Christmas? White, Silver, Gold, Red, Green...? 

Hope you have a moment to leave a comment. Happy decorating!!

Natasha

Images via the Northern Light Blog's Christmas board on Pinterest.

New on the Virtual Newsstand... Vol. IV

So exciting this is!!!! 

I can hardly keep up... now there are two new issues (adore HOME & Lovely Wedding Magazine) to read from the team at adore HOME. The above edition is just the perfect pop of brightness and cheerfulness I was looking for! Colorful Christmas is what they advertise, and that's exactly what you will get, yeah!!

A brand new interview with Anna Spiro, of Black & Spiro and the Absolutely Beautiful Things Blog, inspires a colorful and handmade Christmas enjoyed with friends and family. 

These happy images from the store, makes me wish for a pop-up shop in South Florida :)

Anna is a master of color and mixing patterns, and this lamp with its fabric shade is a perfect example!!  I imagine this in an office, how can you not want to be at your desk?

So, I am aware that the focus is on the pompoms... but I think the mirror is super cool too. The pale wood and all the carved details, not to mention the height.

Come pull up a chair to this BRIGHT table... I could make up a whole story about the menu I would serve, the people I would like to entertain here and the dress code... any suggestions?

Jingle Bells are a must at Christmas, and why not white...?

OK, so these above images are from the adore HOME blog, but there are others in the magazine for you to explore. 

AND, while you are at it, check out the Style Trail of Brisbane's Eastern Suburbs on page 70, everyone loves a good shopping trip, right? Only this virtual one will not empty your bank account :)

TGIF :)

Natasha

Images via adore HOME

New on the Virtual Newsstand... Vol. III

You might not even have had the chance to browse through framework or NUDE Home yet, and already I am alerting you to the new Holiday Issue from rue magazine. It went live yesterday, but I only just had a chance to look through it this afternoon...

The beautifully decorated NY loft of Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves inspires me to start decorating my house for Christmas. She did a very tasteful and simple job :)

Even thought this image  really does not have anything to do with Christmas, I really like the art / family wall!!

Overall a quick read with some really GREAT gift ideas, worth checking out.
Natasha

Images via rue magazine