Tartan placemats

I have a love for table linens. There is also something about tartans that I adore. They feel proper, yet relaxed. Old school, yet when paired with modern day freshness they add an inviting element to a space. I'm loving the warm feeling this tartan has added to our kitchen table for the winter season.  

 

 

Do you fancy tartans? If so, where have you used them in your home?     

Starburst Mirror

Starburst mirrors are eye-catching and if done right, can be a timeless staple in a room. Worlds Away (to the trade only) has a stellar line-up of mirrors. Recently, I added their 28" Josephine starburst mirror in a gold leaf finish to my dining room. 

The mirror is antiqued giving it an old world feel and the weight of the wood is substantial giving it a great presence in the room.    

 Wallcovering: Zoffany (to the trade)

My experiences with Worlds Away, whether ordering for a client, my office or my home, have always been top notch! They are an excellent company to do business with...their shipping is speedy, their goods have always come packaged well and their customer service is impressive. Are you a fan of starburst mirrors? I love them in modern or traditional settings.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Christmas filled with ear to ear smiles. My children (2 & 4 years old) wanted to ensure that the guiding of Santa's sleigh included our home. Here's hoping your holiday is filled with believing in all that is magical!  



  

Hello leopard print!

I absolutely adore leopard, cheetah and zebra prints. They are chic, timeless and stunning in a room.

I'm adding a little leopard to our dining room in the form of a tablecloth or table runner for an everyday look. I love the look of wood in a room, it adds warmth and a natural element. For those reasons, I'd like to do a runner. On the other hand, I have a two year old son who is posing to be a threat to our antique table. Considering that, I think I should protect the entire tabletop.    

I'm using Schumacher's Samburu chenille in khaki to have this creation made. 

The look of a runner with exposed wood.

The look of a tablecloth draped on the table. 

I'm dropping the textile off on Monday to have it sewn, which direction do you think I'll go? Which direction would you go?

For a little fun, pop over to Diane James Home to guess which front door belongs to which blogger, mine included!

Subtle holiday touches

There isn't anything overtly Christmas (aside our Christmas tree) in my holiday decor, but rather the feeling of a special time of the year. Using evergreens and white satin ribbon I added some holiday touches. I wrapped this evergreen in cream colored muslin (with the plastic dish to catch the water inside the muslin.)

Here I hung a simple wreath.

On the back of our kitchen chairs I made simple swags.

Paperwhites always signal Christmas to me. Sitting on our kitchen table we watch the daily progress. Wondering if they will bloom on Christmas? 

Seeing ribbon candy in a dish conjures up memories of being a little girl and it being Christmas.  

  What are some of the ways you've enhanced your home for Christmas? 

One big snowflake!

With winter in the air and snowboarding on my mind, I am smitten with this 31" beveled Aspen snowflake mirror by Bungalow 5. If only I had a ski house, this would look fabulous in a half-bath above the vanity or as a welcoming statement in a foyer. Given it's size and beveled touches it is sure to make a grand winter statement! 

Visit http://www.bunaglow5.com/ for assistance in finding a vendor near you. Would you add this touch of whimsical to your home if you had the perfect spot?

Pillow power

Pillows can add depth, life, chicness and appeal to a space. Here is an image of my living room before the addition of my new custom pillows. I scored the textile and had pillows made to enhance the space (if you sew, you can save a mint!) 

Now, look at what the neoclassical print does for the space? The addition of the pillows (on the sofa) plays off the chocolate suede chairs. I also scored the snakeskin textile and had them made into floor pillows.

  

  The neoclassical print.  

The snakeskin.

The ottoman upholstered in a Kravet textile, works well with snakeskin.  

I tend to gravitate towards neutral furnishings and then add life to the room with pillows, throws, lamps and side chairs. Are you a fan of using pillows to add personality to a space? Pillows have power, do you agree?

My new tote!

My new "tote" isn't actually a tote for me to tote around, but rather a Bunny Williams tote debris for my office. With unlacquered brass, pinched sides and open handles this stylish, dare I say, trash can...is fabulous!  

If you are interested in purchasing, please visit this link Bunny Williams BeeLine!

New blog design!

I wanted the expertise of Shari, a savvy graphic artist, to redesign my blog so that it more accurately represents Hamptontoes. Shari's blog is beautiful, professional and chic...much like her own characteristics. Shari worked endlessly on my blog design, tweaked it again and again, entertained my thoughts and ultimately pulled together a blog that represents "me." Welcome to the "new" Hamptontoes!

If you are thinking you'd like to spruce up your blog's appeal, I highly recommend Little Blue Deer to handle the task. She is a gem of a person, has an amazing eye and knows her business!

Holiday library

It's December 1st and time for our "holiday library" to make its appearance! Each year since our daughter's birth, we add to our holiday book collection and enjoy our "holiday library" the month of December.

What holiday traditions do you remember from growing up? What holiday traditions have you or will you create for your home? 

Happy Hanukkah to all of you celebrating the festival of lights! 

What's in your decanter?

If you don't have small children in your home, I think a decanter on a bathroom sink filled with mouthwash is just fabulous! Decanters are often tucked away (and rarely used when serving wine) so why not use in another fashion? 

** Before filling your decanter with any liquid, it would be wise to confirm that the decanter is lead free to keep from having lead leach into your liquid. Even though I'm not drinking my mouthwash, I still want to be confident that the liquid is free of lead.   

Holiday gift ideas

Here are a few of my suggestions for giving the perfect gift. Click the company name to be connected to the company website.

Road ID for the runner, biker, hiker or triathlete in your life. When ordering you complete with vitals. 

Tory Burch's wrist bands are the perfect accessory.  

Bunny Williams' new book, Scrapbook for Living, is the perfect book for design enthusiasts. 

Order a subscription to a magazine. It is fun to find a monthly or seasonal publication in the mail. Hamptons Cottages and Gardens is a fun pick for a seasonal publication that gives everyone a chance to experience the Hamptons!

Zhush has affordable, yet chic gifts. Some of my favorites...

Thermos Stainless King keeps beverages hot (up to 5 hours) or cold (up to 9 hours)...my favorite travel mug!  

For kiddies who love to doodle (and don't need anymore toys.) Melissa and Doug's drawing books are fabulous....especially loving these two!

 Here's to getting your holiday shopping done soon so that you can enjoy the season!

Eddie Ross!

Elizabeth hosted Celebrate in Style yesterday featuring the fabulous Eddie Ross! I sat with baited breath waiting to hear Eddie's every word on how to celebrate the holidays with amazing style!  

Eddie used a combination of high end china and low end white chargers, mixed gold and silver flatware and added a pop of contrasting color with the blue pillars for an absolutely stunning table. The ornaments have the name of who sits where...how clever!  

I almost fell over when I looked at the top piece of china with scalloped edging...I have it too! 

Eddie is truly a design genius with his simple (yet, who would ever think of) techniques and clever ideas that elevate the design of a space or experience to over the top fabulousness!

Two's Company is having another warehouse sale!

On Monday I posted about the Two's Company warehouse sale I attended, showed you some of my finds and promised to keep you up to date on the next one! Here's the scoop...

Shopping for great products, getting deals and helping charity...what's better than that?

Getting the bar cart ready

This holiday season I'll be happily entertaining family and friends in our home. I'm kicking the season into full swing this weekend with a dinner party for 18!

I've learned that the usage of a stocked bar cart sets the tone for a stylish, yet laid back evening. Guests enjoy helping themselves and love mingling at the "bar!" And, it allows me to spend quality time with my guests.       

How about you? Where do you set up drinks, water, ice tea and coffee? Are you a fan of bar/tea carts? 

Two's Company Warehouse Sale

On Friday I attended Brunschwig & Fils warehouse sale and left smiling with great finds in hand! A close distance by was Two Company's warehouse sale. Here are some of the goodies I scored!

Recently while attending a showhouse with some blogging buddies we all noticed these lovelies. I kept thinking that they'd look great in my office with all of my gold accents, but I hadn't gotten around to ordering them. I scored the set of three for nearly nothing!

 This tray with bamboo handles is chic, functional and is going into a client's home. 

Loving these placemats (gold on one side and silver on the other!) Easy to wipe off and perfect for a little sparkle at the table!

I've been told that there will be another Two's Company warehouse sale soon. I will keep you posted as I get confirmed details. Happy Monday!