HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM LUXE + LILLIES

Christmas is upon us, and I will be taking a few days away to spend time with my family and friends, and prepare for our trip to Switzerland over the new year...

I'm so very grateful to each and everyone of you for your readership, comments, inspiration, and especially friendships I've found here...

I hope that you all find time to enjoy the sweets of the season...

and spend time with those you love...

I hope that 2011 finds you happy, healthy, and recharged for a blissful year ahead...

In 2011, I'm excited to debut some new features on luxe + lillies, in addition to some other goodies...

For now my loves, I'm off to do some last minute christmas shopping, packing, and preparing for festivities...

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!

DIY DEER HEADS

Deer heads, antlers, and other resemblances of taxidermy have been quite the trend the past few seasons. There a so many fantastic options to choose from, everything from the real thing, to contemporary resin pieces, and fun decoupaged finds on etsy...

They are perfect for rustic corners of the house... truly bringing the nature in.

They also manifest a quirky flair even in the most girly of spaces...

But, alas, sometimes taxidermy, resin, and cardboard simply isn't for everyone...

Thats when Danielle took it into her own hands and sent Jenny over the The Little Green Notebook this fabulously stylish DIY...

[via] pinterest, the little green notebook

LOVELY LUCITE

I adore lucite, but I especially love lucite tables. They can give such a contemporary element to a room without being the focal point, even in the most traditional of rooms. They are also perfect for smaller spaces that need the surface space...

[via] apartment therapy

ORGANIC + INVITING

Last night M and I hosted our holiday cocktail party!  After a week of preparations, it went off without a hitch and was tons of fun. However, today - I'm totally beat! I'm excited to share photos later today, but in the meantime - how gorgeous is this loft!?

[via] lattelisa

WHITE + BRIGHT

I know in actuality, these spaces probably aren't the same - but wouldn't it be perfect if they were? The work space is sheer amazingness. That insanely large inspiration board with all the light pouring in over the work space.. l-o-v-e it!

Wouldn't this be the perfect place to take a little retreat from work? Just to sit down and get a little inspiration from some of your favorite magazines?

 

[via] pinterest

INDUSTRIAL FEMININITY

This amazing loft is a true testament to just what is feminine chic. The clean lines that are evident in most lofts, are well defined with bright white paint, and the pops of pink make it flirty and fun, but somehow not completely overwhelming...

I love the glamorous touches in this loft. The flowing window panels and crystal draped chandelier add a strong sense of charm.

This kitchen is a cooks dream - the pink Smeg fridge doesn't hurt either!

[via] pinterest

Finally - those ceilings! I think they would have sold me alone - they are beautifully crafted but have an old world feel... stunning!

GUEST POST: LITTLE BITS OF LOVELY

        Today I'm also over at Little Bits of Lovely sharing the 5

things I can't live without! Please head over and visit Rachel's 

beautiful blog!

A SENSATIONAL SOIREE!

It's that time of year when holiday parties are upon us.  Since this week seems to be a kick off of those parties, I thought I would post a little guide on hosting your own holiday soiree in style!

   

Your guests are going to receive more invitations than only your's this holiday season. Chances are, they might even receive one for the same evening as yours. You wants yours to be appropriate and well designed with simply the information it needs and no more.  Choose a fun design thats easy to read, and clearly states all the necessary dates, times, and addresses. People are likely to attend a party which captures their attention right away from the invitation!

There are so many great color palates to work with during the holidays, and certainly don't be afraid to go with one that is unconventional and fun. Choose something that compliments the elements you already own.  Here are some I consider when it comes to the holidays...

Traditional red and green is almost never a miss. With so many variations of the colors, and a wide array of decor options this time of you, you can be sure to differentiate.

I know I discussed this color palate last week, but its absolutely breathtaking. Soft and glamorous, its sure to make you're guests feel special

Light greens and blues remind me of christmas at the beach, but really- it doesn't have to be at the beach. This refreshing palate is fun and energizing!

Finally, you can't go wrong with plum and white. Its luxurious and eye popping!

Last, but certainly not least... classic black and white is beautiful and appropriate at any time of year.

When you are trying to make an impression, detail is everything!  Think strongly about the use of florals or other organic elements to include. A couple groupings of well arranged florals can make the spread complete!

The same can be said for candles, their warmth and ambiance will leave people lingering long into the evening...

Elevate your Elements!

I think every great table scape/food spread has a mix of heights. Put your mismatched vases, candle sticks, and hurricanes to use! It will make your table feel full and beautiful!

and of course, dress up more than just your table. Make your own or purchase adorable drink/food flags for your cupcakes, or your signature drinks, top it off with these cute straws and you've gone from drab to fab.

Keep it simple for yourself. Unless you plan to hire a bartender, serve beer, wine, and champagne [ and don't forget water and soda's, too!]. This way its easy for you to serve several people at once without anyone getting too picky, and when the party picks up you can stock up the bar space and people can serve themselves!

Consider serving a signature champagne drink that they won't have at any other party! My favorite is this [available at Williams Sonoma]  super delicious raspberry puree nectar in champagne. Easy, too!

Some seasonal drinks served shooter style are sure to evoke a warm feeling from your guests, and a welcome diversion from other offerings. Think hot chocolate or egg nog garnished with a priouette or peppermint stick...

No one likes to arrive at a party to see that the food has been completely over though, and underwhelming. Serve food you know that people will enjoy, because when they think back on your party, they will probably consult their stomachs too. Try some gorgonzola turkey burgers, or these sweet little grilled cheese/tomato soup combos for a fun and fancy take on some comfort foods!

Send your guests home with a reminder of what a great time they had! These s'more boxes are a sweet ending to the perfect night, and something they can indulge in at home!

[via] the poor girl, pinterest, the party dress, celebrations at home , the decorista, pizzazzerie, a cup of jo

LOVING LONNY: SETTING THE TABLE

I'm still giddy with excitement over this issue of Lonny. Its absolutely jam packed with stunning spaces and ideas. What especially caught my eye were all the fabulously styled tables...

Starting with this one. M and I and HUGE backgammon fanatics. Its one of our favorite ways to pass time on long summer evenings - this table is amazing, something we definitely need one day!

The mix of glamour, colorful simplicity, and manly chic is abounding in this issue. The juxtapositions keep every turn of the page fresh and exciting..