Nature is the perfect inspiration when decorating inside, outside and all occasions.
Take the blue of this Succulent on my patio, just imagine your kitchen walls or back-splash tile in this color. Or a dinner party tablescape design based on the shape and mood it inspires. Mixing inside and outside textures and colors makes for a truly interesting and personal design.
Happy Valentines Day!
CANDIES: Sockerbit Sweet Hearts ~ Strawberry Jelly & Marshmallows Stamped with LOVE
CARD: Recollections Craft Paper Blank Folded Cards with DCWV “Love” Rub*on Quotes both available at Michaels Crafts and easy to make dozens of cards for your sweetie.
XO ~ kf.
In Honor of Valentines Day (its tomorrow if you need to rush out and get a few flowers…make a card…bake cupcakes…set the table…etc…) I walked around my home and wanted to see how many red items I could find. I found red in most rooms and concluded that I was appropriately festive. How about you?
Appealingly Pretty ~ kf.
Earth Blocks are basically LEGOs, but made out of coffee grounds, tree bark, sawdust, or tea chaff mixed with a plasticlike binder material. Finally, a way to teach children that being eco-friendly means playing with monochrome toys made out of dirt!
Looking for a statement piece to complete your outdoor room or that one piece to inspire your dream patio? Look no further than Bobby Berk Home in Atlanta, GA {Also in NYC & Miami}.
The Queen of Love in white and mandrin {pretty close to the Pantone 2012 Color of the Year – Tango Tangerine} oversized outdoor armchairs caught my eye and I had to cross the street to check them out in person. Made of recyclable linear polyethylene they resist color fading and are scratch, shock and weather resistant and are actually pretty comfortable.
Stylish and Appealing! kf.
After seeing these cupcake liners I might even take out the apron and make some Valentines Day Cupcakes.
Shop Sweet Lulu - Solids, Stripes, Polkadot. Made from the highest quality greaseproof paper, these baking cups are bakeable up to 450 degrees F. Each liner measures 2″ across the base, and 1.25″ tall.
via Shop Sweet Lulu – Lollipop Garden Cupcake Liner Mix.
I follow Bon Appetit on twitter for daily postings and tips. I pick up the magazine when in my local grocery store. I visit their website frequently. Sometimes I have even cook the suggested recipes. Big Fan right. Then yesterday they post an article, 6 Rules for Setting Your Valentine’s Day Table, listing “rules” for setting your table and I have to say I was disappointed. Perhaps it was the title that I disagree with, maybe “suggestions” would have been a better title.
One ~ I do not feel there are rules for setting any table. There maybe etiquette to follow and I frequently refer to Ms Emily Post and her granddaughter, Ms Peggy Post, for guidance however, RULES for a dinner for two people? Not buying it. The table should be set with what makes you happy and makes you feel good about the experience. I love to set a beautiful table and the style of cooking can also play a big part in the selection of the dinner and serveware.
Two ~ The term formal dining room should be removed from the english language. Not that you can’t have a formal dinner party or set a formal table but simply having a room where you have a large table and host friends and families does not make a formal space. It is possible to entertain at a table large table and not at all have a formal feel. In fact I do it all the time and my guests always end up saying they wish they had a big table like we have.
Three ~ Although I sort of understand where the author is heading with the comment don’t eat at a large table, instead move to the breakfast nook. I once again disagree. There HAS to be a more romantic place in your house to set up a table for two than the kitchen. Cover a small coffee table with a linen and place it in your bedroom with candles, music, etc.. small balcony, anywhere. Different is good when it comes to romance.
Overall I understand where the author, Julia Bainbridge, was going with the story and there are points that I agree with. For instance, I TOTALLY agree with the unscented candles in the space you are eating your meal. And also agree with her on the choice of scented version, Jo Malone is at the top of my list. {I could go on and on about candles. I feel a new post coming on.}
Whatever your Vday dinner brings make it personal and your own experience. kf.
I lived two years of my childhood in London and grew up with a mother who to this day loves tea time, so how is it possible that yesterday I found my self searching through still unpacked boxes from two years ago for a Tea Pot. Had it really been TWO years since I brewed a full pot of tea and sat to enjoy it? Sure I have had a cup or two here and there {truth be told I am more of a coffee person on a daily basis. Decaf of course.} but not a true “spot of tea”.
Climbing around in the garage and finally finding one of my many tea pots I settled on a pure white version more on the casual side. After all you can’t go two years and jump right into a formal tea-pot. It just didn’t seem right. And for the cup and saucer, one of my all time favs Jasper Conran Chinoiserie.
For the tea ~ Loose Lavender Earl Grey by a great company out of Canada named simply “T”. whose tag line is ”find peace in a teacup” A dollop of natural honey and I was ready.
I still had work to do so it wasn’t a official break but, the ritual of preparing the tea; opening up the box of loose leaves and smelling their aroma, boiling the water, pour the water over the leaves, patiently waiting for them to steep, setting out the cup & saucer, selecting the type of honey to pair with the flavor and finally sitting to sip the warm herbal goodness was calming in its own right. You always hear “Its the Little Things in Life” all the time and for me Tea Time is the perfect example. I vow to take a few minutes at least once a week in 2012 to recreate this simple but incredibly enjoyable ritual. You should try it with me.
Appealing? I say yes. kf.
