Tantalizing Tablescapes

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of showcasing my work as a decorator and stager for the Hearth & Home Kitchen Tour. The tour has become a very successful annual fundraiser for my children's school. The home I staged, belongs to a friend, it was already quite beautiful but, just needed a few tweaks. I selected artwork, staged the foyer, living room, the library/sitting room, the family room, and the kitchen dining area, as well as the formal dining room. Making the selections and ensuring everything was near perfect was so much fun. Here are a few pictures of the tablescapes I created for the dining room and kitchen table.

You don't have to wait for a special occasion to be good to yourself. Today is as good a time as any. Treat yourself and/or your family. Use your good dishes, pull out those pretty glasses, get out the silverware, and dress up your table -- even if it's just a little. You deserve it, and it feels good!

Book Review: Words That Matter

I found this book today on my monthly look and see trip to Anthropologie. I was actually planning to not just look today! I didn't find what I was after but, I found this book. Even though, I haven't read through all of it yet, I thought I'd share it with you anyway. If you're a fan of the Oprah Magazine you're sure to love it. It was published just this year to celebrate the magazine's tenth anniversary. The title is Words That Matter, Everyday truths to guide and inspire. It's a 159-page collection of 600 hundred inspiring ideas and quotations selected from the Oprah Magazine. I wanted to buy a copy for all my friends after just reading the forward by Oprah, herself, and a few quotes in the first chapter titled, "Dreaming Big, Becoming Brave." Run out and get yourself a copy, if you're in need of a little inspiration. I hope you like it as much as I think you will.

Simply A Few of My Favorite Things

Today, while I was glancing through the November issue of NJ Monthly I felt inspired to share with you a few of my favorite things. Some I already own but, most our my newest discoveries that I plan to add to my collection. But even if they never get added, I'll just continue to enjoy the pleasure of their virtual company.

I have a thing for color. It's mostly because my dear husband insists that we keep the walls neutral to appeal to the next buyer of our home. (That's another story that we can talk about some other time!) As a result, I'm very big on finding other ways to add color to a rather uninspiring palette. For me, pillows really do the trick. Feast your eyes of this unusual delight. It's made from 100% upcycled necktie fabric hand-stitched into the intriguing miniature dome you see here by Dream Weaver.

I'm also the girl who loves her bags. I've been searching for a tote but it had to be something fun. At last, I found it at Boden's http://www.bodenusa.com/. I've been carrying around the Winter Boden catalog for weeks now. I glance through it all the time! What can I say, it makes me happy. They have lots a great bags but this is the one I have to have! My only dilemma is deciding which color to go with. Which one do you like?

Just imagine this light source in your kitchen or breakfast nook. These are just spectacular when all three are used together. With Anthropolgie http://www.anthropologie.com/, there could never be a dull moment in your home again. Alice In Wonderland certainly missed out on this one! What do you think? Would you ever use these in your home?

A Passion for Pink

Just thought I'd tempt you with a little eye candy today. News of these beautiful rugs landed in my e-mailbox a few days ago from Company C. They're both a perfect example of one of the many ways to add color to your space without painting. What's even more special about these rugs is that they were specially-designed for breast cancer awareness. Twenty percent of the sales will be donated to Komen for a Cure for awareness, research and education. Another thing you may want to know is every Friday in October, Company C is giving away one of each design to a random Facebook friend. So, get out there and befriend them if you haven't already.

I love pink, but if pink isn't your thing, there's a host of other spectacular colors to choose from. Happy shopping! I'm off to do a little shopping myself for a home I'm decorating for the upcoming Hearth & Home Tour fundraiser for my daughter's school. I'll tell you more about that later.

If you need help with adding color to your space, visit my website today..