Decking the Halls

Christmas will be here is a little over 2 weeks! I can't believe it....so much to do!

Every year I go through different phases from wanting to really "deck the halls" to barely wanting to dig out my ornaments for the tree.

This year I want to decorate my home, but I want a more natural feel to it. I put up a tree but so far only have lights on it...and I think I like it that way! I might add a few pinecones here and there though.

On the front on my house I hung wreaths with bright green bows on each of the windows and some pine garland around my front door. Simple yet festive.

I'm thinking I would also like to find a vintage sled or pair of skiis to lean up against my front door as well.
How do you decorate for the holidays?

Thanksgiving Inspiration

I love creating a beautiful table for my guests. Whether I am using my china or my basic white dishes, creating a tablescape is fun and makes your guests feel special! Even though I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I still enjoy looking through photos of tables that other people have set. Here are some pretty photos to inspire your Thanksgiving tablesetting!

Tablescape by Bunny Williams

Bunny Williams always set a beautiful table. This is her table in her conservatory at her home in Connecticut. The earthy terra-cotta pots with the green succulents, topiaries, and bulbs are a great color combo for a Thanksgiving table.

Tablescape by Carolyne Roehm

Another fabulous tablesetter and entertainer is Carolyne Roehm. I love the combination of colors on this table. The blue and white tablecloth brings freshness to the color scheme. The antler candlesticks give it a rustic touch.

Image from House Beautiful

I think this table was actually set for a wedding, but I love the colors and how elegant it is. It would definitely make a dramatic Thanksgiving table!



Image from Country Living

If you serve your Thanksgiving dinner buffet style, adding garden elements like this plant stand and antique urn could add interest and height.

Image from Country Living

I love this idea of placing pictures of family members in the center of your table. It can help to remind us of what we should be thankful for.

Image from Country Living

Finally, if you are crafty, I love these tablecloths and napkins that can be made from plain tablecloths and napkins. You can stencil or freehand Thanksgiving messages.

Image from Country Living

Happy Thanksgiving!

Appley Hoare- La Bastide

Last night I was looking through a book on French Country houses and came across some pictures of Appley Hoare's house in the French countryside that she renovated with her mother, Zoe. Appley is a antiques dealer from London. Interested to see more I looked the house up online and came across a website dedicated to the house.

The house is an 18th century stone building that sits on a hill in the town of Gard.

Although Appley retained the original character of the house when renovating, she added many modern conveniences that make it a comfortable 21st century home.

The floors are outfitted with radiant heating and the entire house is wired for surround sound.

The kitchen has gorgeous, stainless-steel commercial appliances. The meals can then be enjoyed at a zinc topped table surrounded by vintage steel bistro chairs.

Imagine eating a meal of freshly prepared food with a wonderful bottle of red wine from that vintage wine rack all enjoyed at this beautifully set table.

The master bedroom is a dream in white, with a wispy canopy and candleabras positioned at the end of the bed. The touches of purple really warm up the rooom.

There is a pation outside where the warm summer night can be enjoyed outdoors.

Lavender scents the air!

Morning coffee or a glass of wine can be enjoyed outside on this antique bistro set.



La Bastide is available for weekly rentals. For more information you can go to their website at http://www.labastide.org.uk/home.asp

All images from La Bastide website.

Seagrass headaches!

Image from Cote de Texas

I am having major problems with seagrass. I would love to have wall to wall seagrass carpeting installed in my bedroom and upstairs hallway. However, I can't get anyone to do it! After three visits to carpet stores....it's just not happening??!!

I love the clean look of seagrass and after reading beautiful blogs like Cote de Texas I have become a bit obsessed. I have had a seagrass area rug in my bedroom for a while which I love. But I had never realized you can have it installed wall-to-wall. Maybe that because in NY, you can't!

Image from Southern Living

During my first visit to the carpet store, the salesman was horrified by my request and kept asking what my husband thought. I informed him that my husband was fine with it and that we already had a seagrass area rug. He then became concerned about "bringing romance" to my bedroom which, according to him, seagrass would certainly not do. After insisting, he showed me some samples, I chose the one I wanted, and he promised to call me the next day with pricing. Never heard from him again...even after repeated phone calls.

Image source unknown

So, I tried again. During my second carpet store visit, I again met with a salesman who was horrified with my seagrass request. He then suggested I go for some commercial carpeting like they use in offices because it is so durable. Hmmmm....no thanks!
After again insisting on seeing samples, he also promised to call with pricing. He also mysteriously disappeared after repeated phone calls.

Windsor Smith Livng Room

So. I tried a third time. While this salesman showed me the samples I requested right away, he also thought I was pretty crazy. He first asked me if I was into 80's style decor. Umm...no.
Then he asked me if I was going for a Japanese look. Again....no, even though I like Asian design influence.
Finally, he asked me if I has an indoor/outdoor bedroom. Ok...seriously? Who has an indoor/outdooor bedroom? Especially in NY?
Needless, to say, he will also not return my calls.

Image from Pottery Barn

So it looks like I won't be getting my seagrass anytime soon! I guess I have to move to Houston.

Image from Velvet and Linen

Anyone living in NY who has wall-to-wall seagrass installed? I would love to know someone who would do it!

Amy D. Morris

I was going through my kitchen file this morning as we are going to start our kitchen remodel soon and I came across the photo of this beautiful kitchen. I had it labeled as Amy D. Morris, so I decided to google her name.

Turns out she is a designer in Atlanta. Her website has beautiful photos of her work. Enjoy!

I love everything about this entryway!

Love these yellow chairs and those prints on the wall.

Great sconces and fantastic sink and faucet.

Love this bedroom!

Love how she framed all of those antique corkscrews. What a great idea for a corkscrew collection!

What an inviting family room. Love the mix of neutral colors and those linen shades!

Vignettes

I love studying interesting vignettes that just look "right". Where the objects have just the right amount of coordination and tension to create interest and grab attention.



The antique screen in this vignette is so beautiful and sets a beautiful mood. Not to mention the gorgeous table, candlesticks, and settee.

This entire vignette is so interesting yet calming. All of the neutral colors used here work beautifully together yet create a sense of interest. If this vignette were used in an entranceway,
it would really get me excited about seeing the rest of the house!


The use of scale and drama in this vignette is so effective. The oversized tall lamps with the small oil painting and the use of contrasting colors. I also love the fabric on the chair and those trendy grain sack throw pillows.

Note: I have been saving pictures on my computer for years now and usually don't remember where they came from. If you know where they came from or if I "stole" them from you, please accept my apologies and feel free to let me know so I can give the proper credit!

About me

A little over 2 years ago, I discovered blogs. The first blog I encountered was Cote de Texas and lucky for me, I found one of the best! Joni and her informative, beautiful posts got me hooked on reading blogs!

I have wanted to start my own blog for the past year but have been a little apprehensive about it. The blogs out there are so amazing I am not sure how I can ever compete....but here goes nothing!

So first....a bit about me- I love everthing about home and garden design. I was a teacher for a few years, but now I run a construction company with my husband and dream about being a designer. For now I satisfy my cravings with experimenting on my own home and garden and occasionally helping out friends and family.

I have always loved everything French and and my style is influenced by French design and culture....especially French antiques! I love antiquing and flea marketing and adding new pieces to my home.

Right now I make my home in a small farmhouse which we are slowly renovating inside and out to make it our own. The carpenter/contractor husband comes in very handy for this part!

Hopefully I will find a few readers who enjoy House & Garden Style and are able to find even a part of the inspration that I have found through other blogs!