Fall Table Decor

You may be preparing your Thanksgiving celebration menu, but have you thought about your table decor?

Tablecloth
Start off with a neutral tablecloth. A simple color will make the table decor and colors from your food stand out.

Centerpiece
Get creative; use old wine bottles, wooden bowls or unique metal vases for your table decor. Use decor just outside of your door. Incorporate leaves, berries and twigs from your yard in your centerpiece.

Candles
Opt for a simple white taper or warm toned candle to create a cozy ambiance. Be sure to use unscented candles as you don't want this to interfere with the scents of your food.

More centerpiece ideas: check out this article I found on Better Homes & Gardens website by clicking here.

SUMMER CENTERPIECES YOU'LL LOVE

It's summer and you're probably planning a barbecue or 4th of July celebration. Of course you'll need fabulous table decor and here to the rescue is Country Living Magazine's website. They has some great suggestions that I had to share with you!

What a bright cheerful look. I also LOVE the use of the lemons!

This is also a gorgeous look. The soft green taper candles look great next to the neutral flower arrangement.

To see the rest of the looks, click here!

Crystal Bloom Bouquets & Accessories

If you're planning a wedding you're going to love this site..... Crystal Bloom Bouquets out of Willoughby, Ohio. Each is handmade to your specifications using both clear and Aurora Borealis crystals. 

They reflect light wonderfully and add a stunning touch to wedding decor.

You can also add a touch of color.

In addition to using these as bouquets, I love the idea of using these for table centerpieces. Imagine one of these bouquets surrounded by tealight candles. 

Click here to see everything they offer from bouquets to cake toppers and to place an order. 

Table decor for spring

Are you planning a baby shower, bridal shower ladies luncheon or some other celebration? No need to stress over expensive floral arrangements. There are many different ways to add spring colors to your table.

This is a great table setting. The green plate adds color and it is accented by the single rose. Look for some colorful plates like this at Crate and Barrel or Pier 1. I also have found several great pieces on clearance. Can't find the amount you need? Try mixing and matching. For example, a white plate could be used with the green setting above. Alternate plate colors and napkin colors to really perk up the table.

This is a really simple place setting accented with browns and yellows. I love the earthy feel.

Here are some more tips to add color to your table

• Try mixing colors of spring like pale greens, yellow, pinks and oranges. 
• Mix and match plates, use a decorative salad plate with a white dinner plate.
• Feel free to use all different plates with the same theme, this is especially fun if you enjoy antiquing.
• Fruits are a great way to add color to a table, use a piece as a place setting marker. Simply write the name on a card and secure to the fruit with a push pin.
• Colorful napkins are always easy to find, take two different colors like a pink and green and pull them both through the napkin ring. This turns out especially nice if one has a decorative trim.
• Colorful candles are an easy way to add color, just stay away from scented candles so they don't interfere with the food being served.

Decorating with glass bottles

I collect old glass bottles and enjoy coming up with different ways to display them. I found this on Pottery Barn's website and love all the green. I also think the combination of clear glass and green glass is great.

If you find you need some color, try some flowers like this.

 

 

Finally, this was my creation for a centerpiece. I mixed mostly greens but added just a touch of color.

Window Treatments

I'm working on designing window treatments for a new client and thought I'd share some images I found that are great looking.

I am not a fan of those window treatments you sometimes see that have four or five different patterned fabrics plus multiple trims. It can easily be too much and take away from the rest of the room. I like to simply add a splash of color. You can easily do this by using contrasting colors of fabric or patterned fabric like below. For my home I purchased two panels and then simply added a decorative panel to the bottom. It was inexpensive and easy!

You can also add two colors together like below. Its so easy to do yourself!

As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time at furniture and accessory stores.  I’m amazed at how often I notice people asking sales staff for tape measures and then trying to take notes on the back of an old receipt. I decided to come up with a shopping kit recommendation. These are the items I always keep with me and I recommend my clients to do the same. This will make your life much easier, I promise!

Tape Measure – There is no way you can shop for furniture without a tape measure. Sometimes ½ an inch can make a huge difference. Grab a small one and keep it in your purse all the time. You’ll be amazed at how often you whip that sucker out. It can also save you from having the hassle of making returns.

Camera – I always recommend a camera too. If you’re considering an item but don’t feel comfortable making the actual purchase yet, take pictures.  Be sure to get a few shots at different angles. When you get home and review the pictures it will be easier to imagine it in your space.

Pen and Paper – Have a pen and paper handy to take notes of measurements,  sku numbers and any ordering information you may need.

Swatches – It can be difficult being in a store and matching fabrics to what you imagine your sofa looks like at home. It’s so much easier to have a fabric swatch with you. I’ll cut small strips and keep them in an envelope in my purse until the project is complete. I’ll even save the envelope for a future project in that same room. 

Pictures - When working on a specific room, take a few snapshots and keep them in your purse. That way you’ll have a quick reference of what you’re working with. It may also help out the sales staff in finding the perfect piece for you. 

Notes – Finally, I recommend making a list of all the major furniture pieces and accessories and their measurements. You also may want to take note of window sizes, decorative cutouts and even special lighting placement in your room. I write notes on a notecard and slide it into the envelope with the swatches. 

Use these tips to ensure a successful shopping trip!

The Foundrie

If you're in the Chesterfield area, be sure to stop and check out The Foundrie. This store is has just opened for the holiday shopping season and is full of handmade and vintage items from artists and designers in the area.

The Foundrie can be found near the Borders entrance, just a few stores down on the left hand side. 

Click here to learn more and shop online.

Here are just a few of the vendors displaying their work. 

You wont want to miss out on seeing it in person though!

www.sarapatinojewelry.com/

www.etsy.com/shop/meganleedesigns

www.etsy.com/shop/justliv

www.etsy.com/shop/hattierex

More holiday decorating ideas...

So you're probably getting ready to start holiday decorating. Still haven't found the decor that just for you? Here is another trend that I'm loving. 

Silver and White

Use silver and white decorations throughout. It will easily look elegant and festive and you'll love it.

Look for a fun tablecloth. I like this one from Kohls which is on sale for $17.49! It's an inexpensive way to dress up a large area.

These beaded chargers from Target are great. You don't necessarily need one for each place setting. To save $$$, only use them at the ends of the tables or underneath centerpieces.

Look for fun, festive serving pieces like this snowflake platter. It's only $12.99 at Target and can be used all season.

 These glitter birds from Pottery Barn are gorgeous. Use them as a vase filler or simply as table decor. Place them on your buffet table or around your table centerpiece.

Ready to splurge a bit more on decor? These next items are for you.

This tree with planter from frontgate.com is fabulous. It could be a great conversation piece and fun to continually add ornaments too.

These Orrefors Carat Candlesticks can be found at Nordstrom. They're gorgeous and appropriately priced.

Add some major glitz and shine to your holiday with this silver tree from West Elm.

Happy Decorating!

Bed Linens

Climbing into a fabulous bed with silky, smooth sheets that smell amazing can be just what you need for a great night’s sleep.  Bedding can be expensive, once you start adding in decorative elements on top of comfort and warmth so properly caring for your bed linens is important.

Look for gorgeous muted colors like these from Restoration Hardware.

Make sure you wash them weekly. Use a hot water wash and also high temperature dry. Don’t forget the scented fabric softener! Once the drying cycle is complete, promptly remove them from the dryer so the creases do not set in. If you are not immediately using them, fold them neatly into a square.

Folding a fitted sheet can be tricky. To properly fold a fitted sheet, fold in the elasticized pocket and then continue folding it just like a flat sheet. The elasticized area will be stretched around your mattress so no one will see any wrinkles. 

Here is a link to a video on the RealSimple website showing how to fold a fitted sheet.

www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/fold-fitted-sheet-00000000002236/index.html

Color trends

A popular color combination that you'll be seeing is gray and brown. Gray is an elegant and timeless color, brown is natural and earthy. Together they create a soothing ambiance. 

Add white for a crisp look.

Use a shiny material, especially in a powder bath like this.

Use a dark color on the walls, you'll love it.

Use different shades of grays and brown and patterns to create  interest.

Fall dining table decor.

Are you looking for some holiday dining table décor? I've had some friends recently ask me for suggestions of how to add some fall color and decorations to their table setting without spending too much. Here are some great pieces that are easy to get and not too pricey!

Add some color to your table without a large tablecloth. This table runner of golds, reds and oranges is only $19.95 at Pier 1. 

I love these Russian Glasses from World Market. They’re hand painted in gorgeous colors. A set of 4 is $31.96.

 

Check out these Leaf Napkin Rings from Crate and Barrel. They’re perfect for fall and only $1.95 each.

 

Add some sparkle to your table setting with these beaded placemats. They come in both gold and silver and are available at Pier 1 for $13.95! What a steal.

 

Looking for something for the Turkey Day kiddie table? Check out these placemats from Bed Bath and Beyond. Add color and fun to the table for only $4.99 each.

Also, don't be afraid to mix and match. Use a range of fall colors like greens, browns, golds, reds, oranges and then throw in some eggplant. Use things you have in these colors already around the house.