First Signs of Spring

The snow has finally melted, and you can start to see the first tips of bulbs popping out of the ground. The local stores have primroses, violas, and hydrangeas to sell. Easter decor is out, so it inspires us to put fresh flowers in our homes and add some eggs to our displays. I had these old eggs in spring colors, so I just added little flowers and some glitter to them. Sitting in a vintage, silver egg cup holder, they look adorable on a dining room buffet. I love the antique pink shrimp cocktail glass with the eggs. Wouldn't it be great filled with fresh whipped cream and berries?!!!

Wedding of the Year

It seems that every spring, Romancing the Home gets involved with planning a wedding. Last spring, it was the wedding at the Bee Hive in Boston. This year, it's the wedding of one of our own Romancing the Home's girls---- Katha's daughter, Jessica. The venue is the University Club in the city. The room is gorgeous, stone walls, massive fireplace and it overlooks Lake Michigan. The cocktail hour will be in the Library of the Club, so we decided to embrace the "book concept" and make parchment paper books for the center of the hi-tops. Using the invitation, we scanned the graphics into our computer and added the Happily Ever After, Jessica and Jason, July 10th, 2010.

Jessica and Jason are using a special monogram (J*J) , so we put that on the spine of the book, and embellished it with small crystals to add sparkle. We will add color to the centerpiece with small square vases of bright flowers, and a square votive with a floating clear candle in the shape of a diamond to add a little bling!

Stay tuned on this one - there's lots of planning still to come! I found this awesome book, Magnificent Weddings by Design, at Barnes and Noble, - I highly recommend it for inspiration, not only for weddings, but parties in general. It is one of the best books that I have ever seen - the photography is incredible!

Impromptu Dinner Party at Julie's

Last night, Julie, one of the Romancing the Home girls, had all of us to her home for dinner. She delighted us with a beautifully set table. Vintage glasses held tea lights and a beautiful monogrammed napkin sat on top of a rustic, Italian soup bowl. Fresh heather was placed in the center of the table, creating a European countryside atmosphere. Julie's beautiful pink toile wallpaper, and sumptuous rouched silk draperies were magical with her collection of pastel transferware. But the best part was dinner- great conversation with crazy women and a wonderful gumbo, served over rice with a dollop of American potato salad in the middle. The combination was delicious, and Julie said that she got the recipe from Emeril Lagasse- Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo with White Rice. One of her friends had told her about the potato salad addition. Her aunt had served gumbo with the cold potato salad in New Orleans. The cold potato salad against the hot gumbo was a great idea. Wanting to find our more about the combination, I googled gumbo with potato salad, and found lots of references to the combination, especially in Louisiana. It's one that I will definitely make for my family.

New Designers Guild arrives at the store!

We just received the most beautiful new bedding line at the store- Designers Guild. The colors are bold and rich and all the different patterns really work well together. Luxurious , embroidered silks and linens are made in down filled pillows and throws. Most of the pillows have a different design on the back so that you have two different looks. I love the way these patterns are traditional, yet really update a room. The line can be special ordered and will be shipped within a week. There are pillow cases, duvets, rugs, candles and accessories in every collection.

New Purpose for old Olive Oil Jars

We just received a shipment of old olive oil jars. I love the patina and texture of these vessels. I wonder where they have been - surely in a romantic villa in Tuscany! They look great alone or filled with branches. My kitchen island needed a change, so I filled them with branches from my yard, vine, and grape bunches and placed them on the end. The colors blend well with the french limestone counter top. The crystal chandelier is a great contrast to the muddy colors and texture of the jars.

Peaceful and Blue

A room of soft blues is very calming to the soul. The owner of this home wanted a calm retreat for entertaining guests or simply to take a nap! She already owned the sofa and chairs and wanted to update the room. So we used a heather blue velvet on the sofa and updated the style with a long bolster pillow inlaid with a wide creme trim. A fabulous Romo silk print updated the classic chairs that were originally in her bedroom. Finishing touches of mirrored chests, painted sconces, and silver nail heads added a little grey to the mix. The boucle' drapery fabric has the texture of a couture sweater and hangs softly from the simple rosettes at the top of this beautifully detailed window. Anchoring the entire space is a faux bois printed rug in a pale taupe.

This room is peaceful and a beautiful place to entertain guests or just read a book!

Winter Walk Palette

Taking a walk in the snow gives you a sense of tranquility and peace. Lake Michigan takes on this icy blue gray color that is so wonderful. I'm working on a client's home, and this picture inspired the color palette. Sumptuous faux furs, velvet embroidered on creme linen, velvet croco, men's wear flannels, and grey faux leathers all work together to create a calm environment.