Let Us Eat Cake

  I tend to cook and have a party at my house each year, and this year, I thought it might be nice if I give myself a bit of an upgrade when comes to the sweet stuff of the evening – I found this Colorful Beaded Dessert Server set for $15 at Pier 1 and decided to let their color play up front and center as I’ll use this wonderful Pottery Barn Gabriella Cake Stand for $49.00. The price is a little steep here, but given the great quality and basic white, you could use this for many a thing!

I think the cake stand is a grossly under used item when it comes to multitasking. I’ve used mine as a place to put my gingerbread house at Christmas or my appetizers on when I have brunch and need them to stand out. Consider getting a set of different sizes and stacking them for a tier display…of cupcakes!

I found these great larger candles at Party City, these Striped Birthday Candles come in packs of twelve for $4. I thought that their size would actually overkill on the cake, but they really look cool! Plus, I think I'd be able to use them in a smaller candle stick holder and use them for outdoor parties even, I really enjoyed these colors – a white cake, with white icing, my favorite, would look great with these!

I’m always loving the neat uses for things that I can find at a restaurant supply company. I found this great find recently for way cheaper than you’ll find at usual market stores. At Jeans restaurant supply.com, they’re Champagne Bucket & Stand only rand $39.55! There is something fantastically luxurious like this at such an easy price! Plus it means I can up my budget on the bubbly!

And finally, what girl doesn’t love flowers? I found these great daisy bud vases for $2 at Crate & Barrel. I thought they’d make a great “big” display if I strung 10 of them down my bar area with little flowers in them. It’ll be a big splash of decor rather than the one large bouquet, plus, I could sprinkle a few random ones here and there for a great theme but one that won’t break my wallet!

Whenever you do celebrate, take in the moments with friends. Each year is a gift!

Take a Seat

I’ve recently been taking a look at my entry way “hall” which currently holds my butler’s cabinet that houses all of my serving ware. That said, I’m starting to wonder if it’s more functional and space liberating to put a bench in order to place bags, shoes, etc…as I flop through the door after a long day.

Right now my top winner is the Pottery Barn Windsor Bench. It’s steep at $399, but it’s a classic, open shape that I can see being utilized as both table and bench. My only downfall here is that I’m going to end up adding a hat tree or hooks in order to store some items, but the style factor is worth it here.

A little more sparse, but definitely high on the inspiration and design factor is the Ikea PS RASKEN. At it’s $99.99 price tag, this is a piece that I could love and leave elsewhere. I see it as a lovely bench, but it could easily double as a low table in my den later if I find something else. My only regret is the nude color of the wood, I’m thinking this might require a refinishing so that I can blend it in with my more traditional decor better.  Loving the open bottom for a neat storage box or two. Lots of possibilities here!

This next bench reminded me of one my grandmother had at her house when I would visit it. The storage seat is perfect! This Target Country Style Bench – Black at $149.99 is a steal for the detail and storage possibilities. The black blends well in the space and I’m even seeing some pictures being taken in it – so double as a photo prop area! :)

Finally, if I were really looking for a shock and awe entry way, this Crate & Barrel Paterson Blak Storage Bench with Wheat Cushion and Panel ($547.95) is an indulgence. It would definitely redefine my space and say HELLO to anyone who entered my house!

Bedhead

Pottery Barn’s Laurel Organic Duvet Cover & Sham - ($39.00-$129.00) say sweet end to the day. A bit of the vintage print of a little girls room meets all-grown-up tailoring in this set. The good blue color reminds me of robin’s egg and sweet days of spring. I feel like climbing out of this on a Sunday morning might make me yearn for a stack of pancakes with a smiley face on top – the set gives me something smile about.

 

Cb2: urban mandala bed linens ($19.95-$89.95) - I adore this print. Easy stick figure-like buildings come to life in a large medallion. Black and white makes it easy to mix and match other patterns here, or keep it in it’s modern format with some minimal accessories. I see this shining in a college apartment or a techie’s dream loft.

Target: DwellStudio for Target Casablanca Bedding Collection ($24.99-$79.99)  - a touch of colonial added to a sky of clouds for me. The green is a nice touch of grass to lay my head. DwellStudio has turned out several patterns for Target – very pop ideas in a classical twist. I like the clean lines in what could have become a stuffy damask print.

Walmart: Hometrends Ellington Complete Bedding Set, Red / Black ($39.00-$54.00) - I’ll face it, I’m a Walmart girl, but I’m usually not a bedding at Walmart girl. This geometric find has me rethinking what my guest room looks like! The red and black go perfectly with the Macintosh colored walls I sport. I like the black and white play here and the bold print is big enough to mix with a smaller print sheet if you could find one. Decent price, decent look, have at it!

Ikea: Lusy Kloss Duvet cover and pillowcases ($29.99-$39.99) – I’m a big Ikea fan. Sometimes I think their bedding is a little basic for me, but some how this Twister meets Bingo marriage could win me over. I picture it with an understated bed in a room that needs a little bit of whimsy. If you did the “regular Ikea thing” with minimal color, an orange lamp on a light oak desk, kept the walls a nice shade of grey even, this could make the mundane, a piece of art.

Look at them Stems

 Pottery barn - Montana Goblets, Set of 6 - $75.00 – I know, the price tag is sticker shock unless you’re getting married or these are a gift. But that said, I adore the flat bottomed simplicity that doesn’t mean “boring wine glass shape.” It still has that beautiful clear glass that shows off those nice reds and bubblies, but doesn’t have the etchings that leave an expensive wine hide behind the glittery exterior of the vessel.

 

Crate & Barrel : Ona Large Pitcher $26.95 – I couldn’t help but include a pitcher in this post. This is one my favorites. I love anything you can use as a vase too – saves on cabinet space!  My only caution here – it can sweat and get slippery. It’s easy design fits in with any table decor, can be used for showcasing a fantastic sangria and when not in use, makes a nice bit of art on a shelf.

Walmart does simple yet elegant again.  Better Homes and Gardens Set of 4 15-Ounce Wineglasses, Green $12.00 are a steal compared to your “nice glassware”, heck, it can be your nice glassware. This shade can mix into a Thanksgiving or Christmas table just as much as you can an Easter set up. While I have a hard time committing a color to my regular tableware, this basic wineglass can definitely be used for everyday dining.

 

Cost Plus World Market: Novica Contoured Wine Glasses, Set of 6  $52.95 – I adore these glasses as they look like something my grandmother might have had. The glint of blue in their reflection paired with the subtle edging make them vintage cool. Given the wide mouth and sturdy design, these could be great for a parfait or pudding when dessert is arranged.

 

Pier 1’s Tortoise Glassware can be had $6.50 - $9 a stem.  This bold look lends itself well to a tropical table, or even a dark wood charger beneath a white plate. I see this also going well with a mustard or orange dish, something that sings to the array of browns and ambers the mottled glass carries.

   

Finally, last, but not least is Ikea’s NÄRHET Red wine glass $4.99. I like the detail on the stem without detracting from the basic wine glass. I would use this for an everyday stem for sure. It has a bit of mod look to it, with the entire line you can elevate that basic dish set to a little more sophisticated style. Besides, anything looks neater with a wine glass! ;)

Making it Merry

I honestly think I could write an entire month’s worth of blog’s on the items that you can decorate with for the Christmas season. I have three trees of three different themes myself and I’m a single girl. I thought this year I’d dedicate the blog to decorating rather classically with red and green touches rather than giving you the full scoop on going “themed.” 

That said, I adored these Crate and Barrel pillows. (Alpine Ivory Pillow $26.95 & Red Pillow $34.95). I think using pillows and throw blankets are a forgotten punch during the holidays where the decor can actually get used for something – 2 for 1! I loved the little top stitched vintage print, I think this could be used with country, modern, or even just a traditional Christmas look. It’s a little classic mixed with a nice nostalgic feeling.

Considering the “days of old”, I thought this little tree from Cost Plus World Market was precious. The 3 foot feather pine tree would make a great centerpiece on a side table or even make a college student’s dorm room a little cheerier during those days of tests. I would use this for those ornaments that I receive or buy that mark milestones or special memories, and have it displayed on my entryway table. It’s sparse branches would show off heirloom pieces perfectly without being in reach of little ones.

While you’re at Cost Plus, I fell in love with this 6 foot red berry garland. It’s steep at $25, but the fullness makes quite an impact. This would really make my white mantle pop with color!

When considering the mantle, make sure you’ve chosen great stockings. These simply elegant classics from Pottery Barn are super affordable at $9-15 each and the personalizing options abound if you’re a crafty person!

So the big tree marks the day and for the tree beginners it’s all about the tree skirt. I found this fantastically detailed  skirt on Target.com. The Bucilla Partridge In A Pear Tree Tree Skirt runs $54.99, which may sound expensive, but will last for many years. Consider also a great starter kit of the 225-pc. Tree Decorating Kit Red/Green/Gold $84.15 – this will get any size tree full and ready!

When it comes to table topping, you can lose your mind in this department. I try to have two or three Christmas related dinners so I can see friends, and secretly validate my addiction to Christmas entertaining vessels! I found this cute retro platter at Pier 1 for $30. This would be also a great use for a gift platter with homemade cookies. If I’m going to keep it for myself though, these great red plates at Amazon.com were $23 a place setting (Search: Laurie Gates Vintage Dekko Red 4-Piece Place Set ) and not only work throughout the year but would frame a mix and match holiday salad dish fantastically.!

That said, the sky is the limit! It’s the biggest holiday out there to look around and express your fashion sense in. Embrace that and enjoy all the trimmings!

Little Rounds of Heaven

6 Hole White Escargot Plate - Ace Mart Restaurant Supply

$7.95 each

I’m a sucker for an “odd” plate. Something that you’ll use once – sort of like those hot pink plaid shoes in the closet. You just need to try it. For me, I love escargot, and even though I’ve not used them yet for escargot, I’ve found that these little beauties work well with rose buds as an interesting vase alternative! Dipping sauces abound? – here you go! They also work wonders to hold Easter eggs.

 

 

 

Terra Cotta Collection Handled Dishes and Terra Cotta Tapas Plates - Sur La Table

$5.95 & $4.95

  I adore tapas. Since discovering them, I’ve become enamored with the idea that little dishes and noshes just make them have better mouthfeel. These two choices would be great to mix and match. The handled dish goes great from oven to table with a flourishing amount of queso flameado in it. Also great for a half sandwich and soup, or as smaller portion dishes for you all watching your waistlines. Sometimes the small dish makes it feel more special!

   

Wine Pairing Appetizer Platter - Williams Sonoma

$39.00

I know even if it’s from Williams Sonoma that this borders on a bit “cheesy” – forgive the pun. But the divided plate works wonders with cheeses and crackers to be laid out. A nice baked brie and accompanying cranberry jelly and water wafers would look lovely against this colorful dish. The crackers may look a little less “drab” against it’s palette.  

 

  Hammered Metal Lunch Box - Cost Plus World Market

$9.99

I’m attempting to be more eco-friendly this year. I’m not succeeding as much as I would like, but when I do bring my lunch, it’s in a lunchbox rather than disposable containers or bags. This, this makes me want to bring dinner somewhere too! I’m under the impression that if being eco-friendly makes me look good too, it’ll motivate me using the reusable items!

 

  

 

Vintage Wood Pizza Cutting Board -Pottery Barn

$39.00

Forget the name. This isn’t just a wood cutting board for pizza. Think cheese board. Think bread board. Think great way to lay out muffins for brunch. or a cake would look fabulous here too. The rustic look lends itself to upscale Italian table layouts just as much as it would serve a good ol’ Texas Barbecue.

Your Home will Give Thanks

Nothing makes me get more giddy than when I finally pull out the fall decor and start to show the good autumn palette in my home. My biggest impact is actually one of the easier things to do – stack pumpkins! I adore taking leaves or garlands and stringing them in and out. In my kitchen I used to put out a bowl of nuts, or little gourds. These funkins (faux + punkins) help me start the season off in style.

Kirkland’s Woven Pumpkins - $17.99 each, Target’s  Plastic Pumpkin – White/orange (7"), $9.99, Grapevine Pumpkin - White (9.5") $9.99

 

These leaves from Pottery Barn would be perfect to place in between. $9.99

 

 

When it’s going to be a quick decor change and you need to make impact, choose something like Kirkland’s Harvest Candleholder Centerpiece $29.99

 

 

Cost Plus World Market has these lovely Autumn Pine Cone and Berry Twig Garland $16.99  and Autumn Pine Cone and Berry Twig Basket Collection  $12.99

 

 

 

 

Now surely you’d know that my table was going to be decked to high heaven and back.Target’s Into Autumn Squirrel Salt and Pepper $12.99 and Red Oak Leaf Tea Light Holder  $14.99 will help to start to dress the table for me.

This year I’m loving Pottery Barn’s Passion Flower Plate ($5.95 each) to put as a mix and match with my solid green plates. Perhaps even find a good mustard bowl to serve ambrosia in after the holiday.