Entertaining Inspiration: Tassel Garland

One of my new party décor obsessions is Tassel Garland.  There is just something so playful and charming about these dangling poufs of paper pieces.  I especially love them in metallic but just about any color combination is a great way to style a birthday party, baby shower or cocktail soiree for friends. 

Be Inspired!

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I love the idea of adding a pattern into the mix.

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Dip Dyed Tassel Garland

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If you want to buy Tassel Garland check out these great Etsy shops, TheFlairExchange, StudioMucci and GlamFeteByBri or you can make your own with this DIY tutorial below.

I spent time on Saturday making 30 tassels to use at an event the non-profit I work with was holding on Sunday.  Unfortunately the event was cancelled due to weather so now I’ve got 30 tassels to do something with.  I guess a party is in order!

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Have a great day!

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New on the Bookshelf

There are lots of new design books which have recently been released and as usual, I couldn’t resist adding a few new titles to my ever-growing collection of design books.  Here’s what new on the bookshelf…

Outdoor Spaces, produced by Coastal Living and is filled the stunning images of chic and stylish outdoor space.  I found inspiration on every page, from the accessories and pillows to the furniture layouts and color combinations.  With some many design books focused on the interior of a home it is great to add this outdoor inspiration book to my collection.

If you love to entertain and throw parties, you’ll definitely want to get The Art of The Party.  From small-scale events to larger galas and weddings, you get a fresh crop of ideas that will inspire your next party.

Ronda Carmen, the blogger behind the blog All The Best has compiled some of the most beautiful spaces that exist in her book Designers At Home.  All of the rooms featured are the personal living spaces of some of the nation’s top interior designers like Bunny Williams, India Hicks and Charlotte Moss.

Bazaar Style: Decorating the Market and Vintage Finds spoke to my love of thrifting and finding the diamond in the rough.  I love seeing how items from yesteryear are incorporated into stylish interiors for today.  This is the perfect inspiration book for my this years shopping trip to the Longest Yard Sale.

What books have you added to your bookshelf lately?

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Five Ways to UP-STYLE your Dining Room

Hello and Happy Monday!

I hope you weekend was great and that there was sun in your neck of the woods.  Here in Atlanta we had rain which made for a good weekend to stay indoors and “try” to catch up on work.  One of the projects I’m working on is a dining room revamp for a client and the entire project got me thinking about different ways to give a dining room added style. Furniture is always the first element that defines a dining room but beyond that, there are some other ways to enhance the style and make your dining space a bit more personal and unique.

 

1.  MIX and MATCH CHAIRS

Adopting this look can be done pretty easily just by painting different styles of chairs in the same color or color family so that they work with the textiles and color you have in your dining room.  I love this look for eclectic and vintage styled homes but it can also be done with more traditional styling as well.

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The neutral colors along with the grey tones are used in different applications giving each chair a unique look while keeping the entire statement coordinated.

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In a more traditional space, variations of the same color keep the color palette tight and classic.

2.  REPLACE CHAIRS WITH A BENCH

A bench is a fun way to break up a dining room set while still providing the same amount of seating that chairs would.  Using a bench also allows you to incorporate a strong pattern statement with the upholstered seat and helps to lighten the visual impact of a heavy wood dining set.

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With the bench finish the same as the chairs, it feels like it is part of the set.

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Fully skirted benches add softness and provide a contrast against the legs of the table and chairs.

3.  USE A NON-TRADITIONAL CHANDELIER OPTION

Switching out your traditional chandelier for something that is unique in style, material or shape is one of the easiest ways to up-style your dining room.  I also like the idea of hanging double chandeliers instead of one for a more personalized look.

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These uniquely shaped hanging glass pendants grab your attention and help define the style of this dining room.

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A popular trend of late is turning vintage wire and wicker baskets into chandeliers.  This look works great for more casual dining rooms.

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I love this cluster of round lights, shaped to form a unique chandelier.  Keeping the chandelier white allows the shape to command attention and not a color.

4.  BUILD YOUR DINING ROOM AROUND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

I’ve always wanted a house where the rooms were such that the dining room and living room could switch places.  If your home gives your this option, move your dining room into the living space where there is built-in architectural features or a fireplace.  These elements will add instant character to your dining space.

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I’m seeing bookcase walls being used in dining spaces more and more.  This look adds a personal feel and in a pinch the lower shelves can be cleared and used as a serving station.

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Opt for open shelving in a dining room versus a china hutch or closed cabinets.

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Glass front cabinets will keep your dining space open and airy while still adding an elegant touch.

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With open shelving, your serving pieces become decorative objects that help style the room.

5. DO SOMETHING TO THE WALLS BESIDES PAINT

Yes paint is the easiest and cheapest way to dress up a space but in a dining room think about doing something different to your walls like adding a fun wallpaper, stencils or mirrors.

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A unique wallpaper will immediately define the style of your dining room.  Be bold and use it throughout instead of just on one wall.

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If you have lots of windows in your dining room, use your drapes as the decorative statement.  Double up the panels to make the curtains plush and full and drape them back to add visual movement and shape.

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A wall of antique mirrors is a great way to add style without your dining room looking like a dressing room.   And check out those unique light fixtures above the table.

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If your room doesn’t come with built-in architectural detailing, you can always add it.  Cut a niche into the wall and using a wide molding, create a dramatic frame.

Beyond these 5 Ways to Up-Style your Dining Room, make sure your centerpiece is also something that stands out and defines your space.

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Happy Decorating!

Do you have a design challenge you’d like help tackling?  Contact me about my design services!

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Inspiration + Weekend Reads

Just a few things I think you’ll enjoy and be inspired by!

Simple Success Strategies

The 50 Best Fashion Tips of All Time

How to be the Best Version of You

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For your next party, why not make a few candy poppers for your guest to take home!

Supplies and how to:

TP or Paper Towel cardboard insert (cut to desired length)

Fill with candy

Wrap cardboard insert in tissue paper, gather ends and tie with ribbon

Add  a paper wrapper with a fun sentiment!

 

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Entertaining Tip: Cocktail Napkins

One of the easiest and cost-effective ways to introduce style into your next dinner party or festive event is by using decorative Cocktail Napkins.

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Cocktail Napkins can be incorporated into your décor to fit your design or color theme.  I love to use cloth cocktail napkins but designer paper napkins often win out because of their ease and cost savings.

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When using paper cocktail napkins, you’ll create a more stylish look if you use a mix of coordinating patterns and/or colors.

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For more casual entertaining, quotable cocktail napkins are fine, but shy away from these for more formal or elegant events.

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And don’t forget to serve up your cocktail napkins in pretty holders or containers so that every element of your décor is chic!

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And if you’re the one being invited to the party and not hosting it, cocktail napkins make an ideal hostess gift!

Happy Entertaining!

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Pattern Mixing a Spring Table Setting

Product Sources:

Paper Placemats: Cake Vintage available here

Fiestaware: Mine is vintage but you can buy it new here 

Green and White Zebra Plates: Target {p.s. they’re plastic}

Floral Plates: HomeGoods

Small Ceramic Birds:  Smith’s

Glassware: Vintage and HomeGoods

Dinner Napkins:  I made these with fabric purchased at Hobby Lobby {$2.50 in fabric to make 8}

Floral Cake Stand:  I made this and sell them in my Etsy Shop

Basket: Lakewood 400 Antiques Market

 

It’s going to be a crazy weekend here in Atlanta with the Final 4 in town so I’ll be staying close to home and rooting for the Louisville Cardinals to win it all!

Happy Weekend and come back tomorrow for some links and weekend reading!

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The Makings of a Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties unlike a full-blown dinner party can be pulled together with just a few essential items. 

Cocktail Glasses

Cocktail Napkins

Appetizer Plates

Serving Trays

Candleholders

Leopard Ice Bucket  $44.00

Gold Foil Candleholders  $12.95-$ 14.95

Marrakech Barware $11.97 set of 3

Spice Piazza Appetizer Plates  $11.98 set  of  2

Beaded Napkins  $3.96 ea

Faux Croc Serving Tray $24.95

For serving those cocktails, how about a stylish bar cart!

Mid Century Modern Bar Cart via Etsy  $99.00

Libations Bar Cart from Crate and Barrel $599.00

{ I just used this piece as an accent table for a client, so it works for that purpose too}

The Mrs. Linen Bar Cart from Society Social  $550.00

Zuo White Serving Cart from JC Penney  $325.00

And to get the party started, a fun cocktail!

Peach Champagne Cocktails

Adapted from Frozen Peach Champagne Cocktails by Rachael Ray

Prep Time: 5 minutes    Blender Time: 1 minutes    Level: So Easy a Caveman Could Do It    Servings: 4-6

Regular (non-slushy consistency)

1/4 cup sugar, to rim glasses

1 pint peach sorbet

1  1/2 shots Triple Sec

1/2 shot cognac, such as Courvoisier

Chilled champagne or sparkling wine, to fill blender, 2/3 bottle

Raspberries and 4 springs mint, optional garnish

Dip the glass rims in water and then the sugar. In a blender, combine all above ingredients and pulse till smooth.

Pour and enjoy, garnishing with mint and/or raspberries if desired.

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Dinner Plates, Fishs Eddy Style

It’s no secret that one of my favorite stores in all the world is Fishs Eddy in New York.  I first came across this store years ago during a buying trip when I worked for Eddie Bauer.  At the time Fishs Eddy carried lots of inexpensive dinnerware, serving pieces, utensils and drinkware.  They had a selection of old hotel plates and some really cool kitchen gadget at cheap prices.  In the years since I first visited the store, they have built an incredible following for their goods and have expanded their offering into a selection of vintage dinnerware, glassware and serving pieces.  And, their prices are still pretty fabulous!

Check it out these fun combos I pulled together for you, and all under $25.00 per combo!

Even though I don’t live in New York, I still can get my Fishs Eddy fix with online ordering. 

In addition to tabletop items, Fishs Eddy also sells linens, books, artwork, decorative accessories, flatware and their exclusive line of New York themed items.

Happy Shopping!

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