After sorting though closets, drawers and cabinets during the past year’s LOCKDOWN,  it is clear to me that time is of the essence to actually use and ENJOY what we have in our homes. Translation: We shouldn’t wait for a “special occasion” to use any of our most prized possessions. For all those items that we didn’t discard during our closet/drawer and cabinet clear out- (and I’m betting that most of it pertains to silver items with a large helping of  china and crystal). I am gently suggesting that you take that lovely silver out of hiding and use it TODAY.  What are we waiting for…a special occasion? Everyday is a “special occasion to put some PRETTY in your day! If you’re at a loss as to how to use your lovely silver items -below are a few suggestions… Display away and put out the PRETTY!

Kitchen Utensils displayed with major style

Shine up that Silver and display it on it’s own.

Pretty petals are always perfect when displayed in Silver containers.

Convert a tarnished tray with chalk paint and display with a message that makes you smile.

Arts and Craft Holders that just got a major UPGRADE

What could be better than Silver and Crystal paired together!

Beautiful Bathroom setting with vintage crystal and silver.

Make Up done up with silver containers repurposed

One sensational & elegant soap holder

One of my favorite silver polishes just in case you need to take away the tarnish. (available at Bed Bath and Beyond and of course numerous online resources)

Not so long ago and right about this time of year-I would  entertain the idea to channel my inner Martha (as in Stewart)  and cut greenery from around my yard and wire it all together to make my very own Holiday Door Decor.  In theory, I imagined I’d have this done in the time it took Martha to do it on a previous TV segment- which added up to about 20 minutes. My timing was wayyy off (this project would take anywhere from 2-3 hours)BUT the results were…not so bad -I think Martha might even approve.

I will absolutely cop to the fact that this idea came to me as I scoured the local florists and DIY shops to find -Ready -made  Christmas greenery that often looked like it had been put on a diet (this is LA so THAT is totally possible) -the outdoor greenery  was usually rail thin and willowy and didn’t have allot of body to it.. unless of course you bought gobs of the stuff which would quickly add up to the price of a  pair of Stuart Weitzman  Boots ($595.00) . Soooo not happening on something that lasts only a few weeks. Not wanting to squander my wardrobe money  I then opted for chopping , clipping and cutting greenery that I had in my own backyard and after a little wiring  of each and every branch, stem and berry .. I would end up with something each year that looked like …Well …like  you see in this post. 

Wiring greenery best done on flat surfaces.

Just a little something I thought to share today…if you’re still looking for ways to beat the Pandemic doldrums and decorate your home to the nines all while saving money and getting in some crafty time.  All you need are some branches of greenery, berries, floral wire (you can get at any craft store, and a bit of time.

P.S. I highly suggest wearing garden gloves while putting together your  Holiday Door Decor.  They not only keep your hand warms but prevent you from getting wire cuts and scratches from pine needles.

If you’re in the mood to dress UP your Christmas Tree this year and happen to have a mannequin and some tree branches just lying around… I may just have the perfect craft project for you to partake in. Each of these trees below  are Glamour worthy and at the same time add some much need levity to the season at hand. Go forth and craft away for this years Christmas Holiday.  Enjoy and I hope they inspire you to put a little fun in your Christmas holiday decor prep.

Christmas is my  favorite time of year ,and I have a feeling I share this sentiment with  many of my beautiful readers.

Bearing in mind that we’re going to be dealing with the ongoing pandemic during the Christmas holidays this year, I’m mindful that to “stay safe and healthy “we’re all going to have to hunker down and cancel a large majority (if not all )of our usual holiday plans. But the good news is that there’s still time to bring on some SPARKLE and make the holidays as pretty as possible  not only for you and your family but for your neighbors.    Keeping SPARKLE at the forefront of  our holiday decorating  will  lift your spirits and BRIGHTEN our holiday season.

Taking it indoors….

The countdown is ON and if you’re serving Thanksgiving dinner to your immediate family and don’t want to spend gobs of time on table Decor here are a few QUICK and super simple styling solutions to update your utensil presentation.

When in doubt and serving buffet style, put utensils in a pretty  glass jar or silver container.

Feathers are fun and festive ..Add a little charm that you can find at a craft store and whah lah ..Beautiful table setting.

A little ribbon can go a long way in making your place settings look pretty.

Happy Friday!

Image courtesy of sheknows.com

Congratulations! You made it through another week. Let’s take a  collective moment and savor the sweetness of life..(translation)-let’s take a break and indulge if only just a little in the sweet treats of the season.

With Halloween fast approaching, many of us are sequestered to Trick or Treating in our own homes. Not exactly what we had in mind but we must make do and I have a suggestion to make it fun for you and your whole family. Why not put together some sweet treat boards filled with fun items for people in your home to indulge and enjoy. I have sourced a few inspiration boards for the adults and also for the children since Trick or Treating is supposed to be for the smaller ones but adults should not be denied a little bit of fun. Many of the boards are filled with ready made treats (sooo) no cooking required and when you do choose to cook you can add some festive cupcakes, cookies and candies for the season.

Melt some Chocolate and start dipping…Here’s a short list of items to consider BUT the options are endless:

Fresh Fruit: Apple, Bananas, Mango, Blueberries, Pineapple, Strawberries

Dried fruit & Nuts

Snacks: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Graham Crackers, Oreos, Biscotti, Rice Crispy Treats.

*Consider adding a side of Whipping Cream.

A board filled with your favorite Candies

Or stock with your favorite Cookies *Image courtesy of loveandmarriageblog.com

For the Children

Skeleton Party Plater*Instructions attached to link–Click on Image Courtesy of eHow.com

Image Courtesy of Target *All items available at Target

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins are appearing everywhere.

Nowww I ‘m well aware that in many areas of our country, Halloween is pretty much DOA- due to this ongoing Pandemic & social distancing. But, that certainly doesn’t mean that we can’t add a some  PUMPKIN PANACHE  to your PORCH.

Pumpkins are so affordable and available at every grocery, craft store, farmers market and roadside stand.  Not to mention the bevy of decorating options you can use to primp your pumpkin to perfection.

Since we may just have a little extra time on our hands because in most cases you won’t be scrambling to put a costume together. perhaps take that creative mojo and put it into making your pumpkin selections extra pretty this year. Goodness knows we could all use a little does of HAPPY and Pumpkins are one of those Decor items that bring joy! Below are a few pumpkin pairings that  I hope will inspire you to “pretty up” your pumpkins for Fall. Happy decorating!

Glue on the Glitter. Gems from the Craft store glued on make this a fast and easy project.

*Image courtesy of Sue Hesson Hallmark Magazine

Image Courtesy of Plaidcraft.com

Hand Paint your pumpkin *Image courtesy of Betweenthepagesblog.com

Carve, stack and add some Halloween Decor from the craft store.

Today’s tip is all about black and white. (not the cookie by the same name- although that does sound yummy) but the stripe story of black and white. There’s really no other color combo that packs a punch like black and white. Anywhere and everywhere you look, this combo keeps the eye moving and adds interest. Take a look and perhaps this is something you might want to consider- should you need to put a little bit of POP in your day!

We’ve all been hunkered down eating “IN” for months during this Pandemic and if per chance you’re in the mood to upgrade your dining room or just looking for some quick tips to elevate your space -today’s post is all about taking your dining room to the next level…Translation-adding a bit of GLAMOUR .

#1. Dining Room Table.   It doesn’t matter if the table  you choose is large  or small, square or round… dining room tables must first and foremost fit into your space.

• If you’re looking to replace your dining room table or perhaps purchase something in a different style but have a “modified budget “have no fear- consider scouring thrift and second hand stores to find some pretty amazing pieces that will cost you a fraction of the cost  People have been cleaning and getting rid of items that oftentimes look brand new. If your new found thrift item  needs a little updating -a little imagination mixed with a  bit of elbow grease, some staining or paint- and whah lah – gorgeous new table that is tailor made for your space.

#2. Seating Every hostess worth their salt knows that a party always starts in the kitchen and ends  with guests seated at the dining room table where food,drinks and conversation can linger for  hours. It goes without saying that comfort is key to keeping your friends and family  happily seated at the table no matter what the occasion. One more important note to be mindful of is to make  sure that whatever size table you choose seating allows one to move their chairs in and out from the table without being restricted. You don’t want to make anyone squeeze into their chair space.

*When it comes to  family: Dinner time in America has had a resurgence since the Pandemic and this is “a very good thing. “We have reconnected at the dinner table since we are all home due to the shut down and  have been able to reconnect .with each other without the use of  our cell phones. I am a firm believer that the more comfortable the seating the longer the dinner hour can extend and hence families can get closer together through sharing a meal and conversation.

#3. Lighting is KEY! Nothing elevates a room  more than a well placed lighting fixture. There are so many beautiful lighting options to choose from these days at a wide range of price points. This should be the statement piece in the room and well worth going a little over budget on.

4. Rugs : Rugs in your dining room are always an added bonus to set the space apart and to help muffle sound.

Rugs should not be bulky but lay flat and chairs should be able to move back and forth without grabbing on the rug. 

Original image source provided when available

Are you in the mood for a little Chair Whimsy?

Wellll-I just might have a site for you to see that will quell those craving. Chair  Whimsy just so happens to be the name of the ETSY shop owned and operated by  Wendy Conklin. Her design eye and color combos are so vibrant and the reviews are 5 star! If perchance you’re  looking for a little chair inspo or perhaps perusing for a new side chair or looking to upgrade the chairs in your dining room -take a peak at her offerings. All her designs are custom and made to order.

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Customizable French Chair from Chair Whimsy (Etsy Shop)

French Chairs form Chair Whimsy

Eclectic Frida Dining Chairs

Eclectic Boho Chairs @ Etsy Shop Chair Whimsy