To Veil or Not to Veil that is the Question!

As far back as the first century, women complemented there wedding tunic's with bright yellow or red veils to fend off evil spirits. By the early 19th century, head-covering cloths made of intricate lace popularized by the European elite had come a must have for the American society weddings. The longer the veil the wealthier the family. Today there is countless options and lengths. A veil can make a dramatic difference in transforming the simplest dress into a stunning bridal outfit.

Gotta Love the Vintage!!

Wouldn't it be fun to scout for the set design of the television hit show Mad Men? With that show the vintage look has become more appreciated and popular. Here are several pieces that take you back immediately to a different time. The gold and black finish on the vintage cocktail table is a Mid 20th century design and the telephone is from the 1940's. Check out the pullout drawer on the telephone to hold your favorite telephone numbers!!

My Passion for Design!

Just released today, November 16th features over 350 photographs and shots from Barbra Streisand's Malibu home!! Barbra didn't want to write a memoir so this is a peek at her through her design to see her style and taste.

Great gift for the holidays!

Boho Charm!!

This colorful, outrageous chandelier makes quite the statement in a room! There is a smaller version as well for lower ceilings and two light wall sconces. If you are looking for drama and making a statement this is the chandelier for you!

It's always fun to do the unexpected!

Shimmering and Reflective Silver!

There are certain occasions were we really want to pull out all the stops to create a memorable setting. The holidays are a perfect time since that is when many of us do most of our entertaining. I love having the sparkle of silver on the table and am not sure why I'm so intrigued with antique trophies but I love to use them as vases or all together in mass. I also have silver wine goblets and just put a hydrangea in each one and have them marching down the table. So get the sterling polished and use it all!!

Sensational Centerpiece

Floral designer Jane Packer is known for arrangements that are rooted in simplicity but never stiff or staid. I normally wouldn't use bromeliads in an arrangement but this one is fantastic. Jane began her career with a small flower shop in London’s West End and eventually launched flower schools in New York, Tokyo, and London. For those not lucky enough to attend a four-week course in person, her book Jane Packer’s Guide to Flower Arranging is the next best thing. Divided into three parts (Flowers to Give, Flowers for the Home, and Flowers for Celebrations), the book covers everything you need to know to achieve professional-looking results, no matter the occasion.

Picking the Perfect Hostess Gift!

We are entering the giving season on so many levels...giving of our time, money and energy! A wonderful gift that keeps on giving is Kimberly Schlegel Whitman's Tablescapes book ...Setting the table with Style. What is wonderful about this book is it has many creative ideas for all occasions not just Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anyone who entertains would appreciate this gift as it will give them ideas for their next dinner party, buffet or gathering. The photographs are beautiful and inspiring and it is easy to pack if travelling. Other hostess gifts to consider are personalized stationary or a handwritten note stating the donation you have made to a charity on their behalf. Of course a bottle of wine is always appreciated but let's try and be creative in your giving this year. Let me know of your hostess gifts that were a big hit!!

Beverly Hills Modern

This home is in the hills of Beverly with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and downtown LA. The dining room has sliding windows from floor to ceiling that pocket into the wall. Perfect for the weather in Southern California. The silver drum lamps have gorgeous crystal chandeliers that add sparkle and interest in the evening.
The chandeliers are from Italy. The home is done all in white and silver and was a fantastic project to work on. The guest bath has a clear glass sink that is also a fish tank, also from Italy. No one leaves that room without being surprised.

Shake up your Holiday Party!!

What can you do to put an interesting spin on your Holiday Party? Start a tradition of giving beautiful favors to your guests every year. You will never have a problem with guests rsvping!! Some simple ideas are to give white winter bulbs like paperwhites wrapped in holiday cello and festive ribbon. Another idea is to package up some bath salts. A fun website is www.janeincproducts.com, they have cube formulas to drop in the bath and fizz called, less stress, muscle ache, go to sleep, detox, etc.

If you are doing a cocktail party plan on two and half hours. Old style cocktails are back so besides wine lets try egg nog and brandy, hot chocolate and a whiskey tasting. For food why not try a risotto bar? You can cook the risotto ahead of time and then offer different fillings: fresh mushrooms, shaved truffles, asparagus, roasted artichokes. The table needs a fresh arrangement so fill a silver vase with red ilex berries, red tulips and green hydrangea. Depending on where you live you may want someone to oversee coat check so your guests coats aren't piled on top of each other. The time is now to get your invitations printed and out for the holidays!! Remember have fun and plan ahead!

The Bridal Bouquet

When deciding what type of bouquet you would love for your wedding you need to consider a few things. Is your wedding formal, a garden wedding or seaside? The more elaborate the dress, the simpler your flowers should be, go with a monochromatic palette. If possible use some of your favorite flowers , your floral designer will be a great help here knowing what is in season. I love this gold bouquet as it is different and gorgeous for a fall/winter wedding.

Junior League of Plano Holiday Gift Market

On your mark get set...GO!! This is the event to start your holiday shopping. 'Neath the Wreath is held at the Plano Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. There is everything here from children's clothes, jewels, decorating items and one of a kind items.

Tom Thumb stores are selling tickets for this event and for more detailed information please go to www.neaththewreath.org

Please come and support the Junior League of Plano as this is their major fundraiser for all the projects they do in our community!!

Silver Wrapped Furniture

Don't you just love these furniture pieces? The amazing craftmanship is evident in each piece. The handfinshed accent pieces are a combination of silver and nickle and are hand wrapped.
What a sensational finish to any room!!

Handcrafted Fresh Greenery

There is nothing like the fresh aromatic mix of fresh fir, cedar, boxwood and hydrangea. Restoration Hardware is offering garlands, swags, centerpieces and wreaths but can only be ordered by catalog or their website. This fresh elegant greenery is grown and hand made in California and Oregon. Each piece retains it's beauty for 4-6 weeks and can be used indoor or out. For more information and to see their entire collection go to www.restorationhardware.com.

I like to use fresh depending on the situation but I also add my own flair to the pieces.