I love the idea of incorporating gold into a festive New Year's Eve tabletop! These Roost Golden Fig vases available through Velocity Art and Design. I think the contrast of the organic form and the golden finish is a true winner!

Canvas gold cutlery set, photo via Remodelista. I love how the brushed finish makes these pieces a bit more casual.

Dalia placemat by Chilewich for Crate & Barrel - besides being basically indestructible, these are great by themselves or to layer over a solid linen tablecloth or placemat.

Kim Seybert napkin rings for Horchow - $65 for a set of 4. Its like jewelry for your table! 

Kate Spade Ticker Tape Tidbit china. Just the right amount of glamour! 

Antiqued gold pillar candleholders by Pottery Barn - a great centerpiece idea. 

Michael Wainright Gold Coil dinnerware for Horchow, these pieces would work great mixed in with the Kate Spade china above! 

Wishing you a wonderful year to come! Full of happiness and golden moments!

Happy New Year!  

Warmest Holiday Wishes!

Merry Christmas!

Even us non-christians love the festive decorations of the season! I hope your day and holiday season are filled with love and happiness! (and beautiful design as well!)

Southern Accents

Miles Redd for Domino

The Power of Red

Yes, even though his shoes are drastically out of my price range - I still love Louboutin shoes. After a recent visit to his first store front in Paris, I am even more drawn to those red glossy soles! A chic style and marketing move, the pop of bright red sets each pair of his shoes apart, making even the most simple style special. There is just something so energetic and fearless about the color - I was inspired to find interiors which boldly featured scarlet red! Just in time for the holidays!  (above: Benjamin Moore's Redstone - a beautiful vibrant red!)

A living room by designer Miles Redd, showcasing red upholstery and red felt covered walls! Featured in Elle Decor.

A 15" cherry lacquered side table by Pacific Lacquer - the glossy finish really ups the ante!

A lively powder room in Napa California by designer Martha Angus - even the moldings are red, making the small space feel larger.

Designer Eldon Wong chose this lovely red for the interior of a built in china cupboard in an 18th century stone house. I love the contrast against the white china! 

A selection of striking red glassware from Elle Decor - how perfect for the holidays! 

Designer Ruthie Sommers found this great fretwork chair at a thrift store and gave it a new life with a coat of Benjamin Moore Relay Red and a new updated floral seat. 

A shot of the Christian Louboutin store in Paris, with but of course a beautiful red lacquered floor! 


This holiday season even if you are not receiving any Louboutins as presents - you can still enjoy the vibrancy and happy energy of his bright red! 

Kitchen Obsession: Copper Cookware!

I really love cooking - but I would be lying if I said I also did not also love all the amazing gadgets and accessories which go along with it! During my time here in France I have been especially loving all the beautiful copper cookware. Copper kitchenware falls into that wonderful (if sometimes rare) design sphere of being both lovely and practical! I especially like the traditional pieces from French manufacturer Mauviel 1830. I love the warmth and welcoming feeling copper brings to a kitchen! (above: antique copper saucepans at Vaux-le-Vicomte chateau)

A set of Mauviel 1830 copper cookware.

Copper always reminds me of Julia! Julia and a display of copper cookware in her Cambridge home, 1961 - copper was a favorite of hers! The pans are now in the collection of the National Museum of American History.

A kitchen by designer Michael Smith.

Looks great even in more contemporary spaces! Photo via Living Ect.

A lovely kitchen and dining alcove by Susan Dossetter featured in House Beautiful. The copper looks perfect against all the white and wood tones.

The home stove of celebrity caterer Lulu Powers, via Lonny Magazine.

Now get cooking! 

Haute Holiday: David Stark for West Elm

I was so excited to come across this winter collection from West Elm. David Stark, the celebrated event planner, has teamed up with the mod retailer to offer a beautiful, affordable and eco-friendly collection of holiday decoration and entertaining pieces. I especially love how versatile the collection is - while very festive, you can use many of the pieces all year round. The silver, white, and soft gray color scheme is a such a refreshing alternative to fussy, more traditional decorations and would be perfect for those celebrating the holidays in a warmer climate too! 

David Stark has also just come out with a new book full of great entertaining ideas! Available through West Elm as well. Enjoy! 

www.davidstarkdesign.com

www.westelm.com/gift/trends/david-stark-collaboration 

The Tipsy Parson

Last time I was home visiting New York,  a good friend suggested we meet at the charming restaurant, The Tipsy Parson, in Chelsea. I loved it - and those of you who know me well, know that the decor of a restaurant trumps all! The relaxed Southern food was great here - not to mention the outstanding and innovative cocktail list - but I was nuts for the decor. Designed by Studio a + i, the space is homey and comfortable while still feeling updated. A bit of Southern tradition tempered with vintage chic - the restaurant really felt like a home! I especially heart the faux bookcase wallpaper and mix-matched bentwood chairs. So often restaurant spaces can seem cold but The Tipsy Parson is a cozy example of how to take restaurant design home! 

Photos courtesy of Studio a + i and The Tipsy Parson . . .

www.studioai.com   and   www.tipsyparson.com

Inspirational Images: Holiday Fetes!

 Well, it is officially the season for holiday parties! And as my favorite part of entertaining is without a doubt decorating the table, I thought I would share a few images I found especially inspiring! These updated, fresh table top ideas could be refashioned to work for glamourous nighttime parties or intimate holiday brunches! Whether for Hanukah, Christmas, Boxing Day or New Years every party needs at least a little table top excitement! 

Lonny Magazine December 2010 (Notice the chic champange coupes!)

Former editor Robert Rufino for House Beautiful.

A rustic but chic table scape via CitySage Blog.

Eileen Kathryn Boyd for Lonny Magazine December 2010.

David Tsay for Rue Magazine.

Elsa Peretti tabletop collection for Tiffany's, featured in House Beautiful.

An inspired IKEA holiday ad - amazing!