Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Red and Green will always be the classic christmas combination, but this year, maybe you can find some inspiration to do something new and fresh!

Kelly green and blue has to be my favorite this year. It feels clean and light, the perfect way to kick off a new year!

While not classic of christmas, there is a classic feeling about this palette. I like the warmth that the brown brings, but also that is reminds you of all the tasty chocolate christmas goodies.

I think this pink and green combination is exactly how Lilly Pulitzer would have had it!

Cool and contemporary. I've been totally into the tall branches in a big vase this fall, here is no different, the baron trees in the back are an interestingly natural touch.

all photos via Better Homes and Gardens

A Few of My Favorite Things

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoyed the time relaxing and eating delicious food!

Today is my birthday, so I thought it was only proper to share a few of my favorite things...

I am completely obsessed and consumed by Ina Gaartens home in the Hamptons. This open concept kitchen, living, and dining room is exactly the way I like to live. A room where everyone can be together, no matter what they are doing.  The kitchen, however, is the heart of the home. It seems to be the place where everyone gathers when entertaining. There is space for everyone in this kitchen, and plenty of space for me to cook to my hearts content.

Really, there are no words to describe the beautiful scent of a candle from Hotel Costes. It is one that will always remind me of Paris, and always make your home cozy. I promise all of your friends will rave about it. Find one here.

...Speaking of cozy, I love cozy nooks, with perfectly placed and decorated little tables, with lots of trinkets to explore, or fabulous flower arrangements like the one below, by Ken Marten for the Mayfair Hotel in London

A super comfortable but fantastically covered dining chair is not only a statement, but an invitation to linger at the table a little longer.

We all have to do daily tasks, the these products from Mrs. Meyes make each day a little more glamourous, and your house a little more pretty.

and last, but certainly not least, an inspiring place to work, I know, you have probably seen this domino picture a million times, but the combination of soft colors, the feminine accessories, and great gallery wall are show stopping.

Greenspace Glamour

While I'm all for "green" interiors, that is not what initially caught my eye about this room which I scanned in from Traditional Home. I have to be honest, the pink backgammon bored is immediately what I was drawn to, I LOVE it! However, backgammon isn't for everyone, but a little glamour is, and this room has the perfect punch of girly glamour. The beautiful setee, tufted headboard, the simple curtains with a classic grey stripe, and the lovely little accents found in the lamp, flowers and art.

for more, see the November issue of Traditional Home Magazine

Hot Chocolate, Please!

I promise to you that I'm not going to make a habit of scanning things in, however, these I couldn't resist sharing. Getting ready for our trip up to Minnesota yesterday, I was thinking of all the things I love about the cold weather and the holiday season. Possibly one that has been longest with me, since my childhood, is my love for a great hot chocolate...

These look SO delectable, and I plan to try each one! Unfortunately the recipes were not online, but, you can pick up the latest issue of Food Network Magazine (which is an exceptional issue), and get all these recipes for yourself!

What is one of your favorite things about the holiday season?

'Tis (almost) The Season

Food Network has these great DIY ideas for a festive wreath this season.  With one of these on youre door, you're sure to be the envy of every neighbor.  Better yet, judging by the instructions that come along with these photos in Food Network Magazine, they're pretty easy projects! My favorite is the marshmallow wreath.. whats yours?

All photos via Food Network Magazine

Happy Weekend!

Tonight M and I are making a traditional Swiss dinner... I'm so excited! What are you doing to enjoy the start of your weekend? Whatever it is... I hope it is relaxing and just what you need before the upcoming holiday weekend.

Mmmmm Macroons

Laduree Macaroons are such a scrumptious treat, unfortunately, they don't stay good for very long. With these knit little macroons by Sian Keegan, you can have macaroons all year! Instead of longing for some of these sweet treats, pull out a cake stand you love and pile the knit macaroons on top.

images via flickr

Ravishing Rugs

These rugs from the Amy Butler collection would bring life to any room. They are such a contemporary take on floral, and she achieves it perfectly. They're fun, and in the right room, they're even elegant...

I Want Invitations

In apology of my absence yesterday, I promise today will be full of many great goodies.

Those of you who know me, know that the deer head has become a symbol near and dear to my heart, so when I saw these, I was SO in love. Not only are the beautifully printed and cut, but the linen envelope is a fantastically different way to make a statement.

I found these via Twig and Thistle, but they are made by Chelle Paperie.

These were made as thanksgiving invitations, but the company offers SO many beautiful prints, or you can make your own!

Let it Rain

Can we talk about the best invention I've seen in a long while... Swims.

This company has created waterproof covers that easily fit in your purse, and to go over your shoes when you get caught in a downpour, brilliant!

They come in a variety of colors and styles, and are available for men and women. Get yours here

I Would Rest My Head Here...

I thought I had ideas of what I wanted my dream bedroom to look like, and then something like this comes along and changes my mind... its so gorgeous.

image via coco+kelley

Glittering Perfection

the. perfect. dress...to wear on my birthday, or for you to wear and be the most stunning guest at a cocktail party this season.

free people, available here

Fall Colors

There hasn't been too much discussion about fall colors,  but as I took on a new project yesterday and met with the painter... I'm feeling inspired. There are so many beautiful combinations, (and if you can't tell yet, I'm in love with these dark colors) I'm so excited to share these...

My VERY favorite this season has been aubergine. Anything Aubergine, I'll take it!

image via house of turquois

image via ikea

blue and orange

The punch of color that orange offers is a stunning contrast to the navy

image via apartment therapy

black and gray

what more is there to say about black or dark grey walls? they are just so intriguing.

Bringin' Home the Bacon

Ok, I have to admit, when M picked this up at Whole Foods, I thought this was the most disgusting idea I had ever been witness to. But, when we got home, and it sat on our counter for a day or so, I go to thinking about how I like bacon, and I like chocolate and decided to secretly try it.  The distain I once had for it immediately vanished. This is utterly delicious! Try some for yourself, here or pick it up at Whole Foods.

Outdoor Oasis'

M and I spend so much time in our outdoor living room, but it was really lacking that homey touch. So, this weekend we put some work into it, and really made it somewhere so comfortable, that we love even more than we did before.  Its so nice when you feel like you could spend all day in your outdoor space, here are a few I would like to spend the day in...

all photos via house beautiful and beau monde villas

Folding Chairs You Won't Hide

These "overflow" folding chairs if you will are anything but. With entertaining season here, its the perfect time to invest in a couple extra seats. These however, you won't want to put back in the storage closet. 

these along with several other patterns available at anthropologie

Thanksgiving Tables

Thanksgiving is a time that I love because all the focus is on the meal and enjoying the company around you.  Setting the table for thanksgiving is something enjoyable, it makes you feeel like you are creating an ambiance, and a mood for the occasion. Here are some inspirational tables.

The pictures of family members is such a nice way to remember them, and provide conversation starters.

the simplicity of this table places all the emphasis on your those around you, as the evening fades, the candles will light up the room and the conversation

veering from the traditional, this punch of color is unexpected and fun!

so traditional, and so perfect.

By far the best holiday idea I have seen yet. Everyone seems to love Thanksgiving left overs, and this is a sure way to not eat all of them yourself, and not to mention, send home the cutest leftover boxes ever.

pictures via martha stewart, country living, pottery barn, and traditional home