Happy Thanksgiving! 

I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends - no matter how far away - and wish everyone a fantastic day. Here is a little tabletop beauty in honor of my favorite holiday . . . 

{via}

Tabletop Inspirations: Kraft Paper

With Thanksgiving coming up my mind has been wandering about pretty {but also easy and cheap} decor ideas for the table and I am so inspired by these chic and simple kraft paper table top ideas! Kraft paper is warm and festive feeling but also works with the tropical setting here in Singapore. We love having our friends over {and teaching all the non-Americans about the holiday} and the idea of a tablecloth I can just toss when its dirty is brilliant. Plus, how fun to let everyone have some chalk to draw while we finish up cooking. . .  

Do you have any great Thanksgiving tabletop tips? 

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Decor + Menu: A Nautical Dinner Party

dipped pitcher // kerchief napkins // dot dinnerware // striped placemats // stool // rimmed glasses // paper straws // knot coasters // cheese boards // cork charger // 

This weekend a close, close friend had a beautiful sea-inspired baby shower. I was so sad not to be there but I love the concept and thought it would be fantastic as a grown up summer dinner party! I especially like the rustic feel of this sea side table top.  

What do you think? Are you planning on entertaining this summer? 

The Menu:

Cucumber Cape Codder this recipe looks refreshing and just a little bit sweet! 

Grilled Hot Dogs with Sweet-Hot Relish  could also substitute grilled chicken with relish

Warm Potato Salad  I don't like mayo - so this looks perfect to me

Peach Cobble Bars  these look amazing, plus no plate needed! 

Those of you who know me know of course I might add a simple green salad too . . . here are a few more fun entertaining ideas for a nautical dinner party {I love the menu on a simple paper bag - genius!} 

{via}

Happy Hanukkah!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday filled with loved ones and lots of festive cheer! Here are a few chic Hanukkah inspirations for you! 

Love this DIY menorah above, I don't have one here in Singapore so this is the perfect solution - all you need is a bunch of small gift boxes and some pretty paper! 

The twig star of david with lights is so understated, but still fun! {Notice the sheepskin throw? told you they were in style!}

I am pretty sure this was not designed with Hanukkah in mind, but how lovely for a holiday dinner party for everyone!

This is actually a stylish advent calendar shown here, but it would be a brilliant way to hold a little present for each night of Hanukkah! 

Yum!! I love potato latkes with lots and lots of applause! These have jalapenos for a little kick!

{via 1. 2. 3. 4. 5}

Happy Hanukkah and warm wishes to everyone!

XOXO

Lunch in the Garden?

One of the loveliest parts of summer is getting to eat outdoors! I love the idea of a casual garden party and was so inspired by these images! I think the key is keeping the tabletop simple, especially if you have views like these. . . 

I love the mis-matched lanterns suspended from the trees, the wild flower bouquets and the vintage lace tablecloth - perfection! 

And how about these Meyer Lemon Ricotta cupcakes with White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting? I spotted them on the fabulous food blog Matt Bites and they are just so beautiful. I don't bake too often but I might have to give these a try - they sound fantastic and so perfect for an afternoon garden party! You can get the recipe here! 

What are you favorite dishes for summer entertaining? 

Happy Friday! 

{Images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

{P.S.} Organic Chic Entertaining

I can't help adding a few more beautiful shots to yesterday's post on easy eco-chic branch decor! A few lovely readers reminded me about the fantastic ways branches can be used for entertaining and table top decoration as well! Perfect mixed in with candles, small flower arrangements and even fruits. 

What a great DIY - brightly painted branches! {via}

So simple and so charming {via}

I love the idea of an outdoor branch chandelier - the glass ornaments perfectly replace the lights {via}

And how creative and beautiful is this temporary screen crafted of branches! {via}

Hope you have a restful and lovely weekend! 

xo Allison

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you are having a wonderful and relaxing long weekend where ever you are! I am headed to a picnic and Chopin concert in the park.  It will probably not look quite like the picnic above but what a fabulous source of inspiration!  Enjoy and happy weekend! 

{via Plush Palate}

xo Allison

Spicer + Bank 

Southern Inspiration {Part 2}!

{via}

After posting yesterday on Gone With the Wind, I am still dreaming of Southern style . . .  Sigh, sometimes after seeing so many cold modern spaces, these classic interiors feel just so welcoming!  Here are some more lovely inspirations that remind of the elegance and warmth from south of the Mason-Dixon line! 

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Tea in the garden? yes please! The octagonal sunroom is so beautiful! {via}

These notes are just too perfect - From Sparrow Nest Script in North Carolina {available via Etsy}

I love this image! Southern belles featured in Life magazine {via}

Something about these gorgeous blooms against the vintage wallpaper felt so Southern to me {via}

I love this tree lined lane! {via}

{via}

Souther Comfort punch garnished with masses of fresh lemons {via Martha Stewart}

A modern version of a lovely southern veranda. I like the painted door and shock of coral pillows! {via Southern Living}

So dreamy and a bit victorian! {via}

Southern sweet tea! {via}

{via}

I love how tradition, grace, and a liveliness combine to form a true Southern style! 

Happy Weekend!

xo Allison

Spicer + Bank