I love this time of year. The house always smells so good and there seems to be a cozy hum that has settled into the walls. Although it can be stressful to plan a holiday meal, an impromptu party or host a houseful of children, you can do it – and do it with style.
Regardless of how formal my soiree is, I love to mix formal and informal elements together. Don't worry if you don't have matching china or glassware, you'll create a more inviting table by mixing different styles and designs together. The key to putting together a fabulous table is layers. Layer bowls or plates on top of larger plates or chargers. Use a variety of textures among your china, linens and centerpiece and don't forget Mother Nature. 
No matter how large or small your table is, pay attention to the details and use the same method of adding a myriad of layers and textures, even if it's just dinner for two. Have fun mixing color and patterns by selecting mis-matched dessert plates to use for the first course or just because.
Table centerpieces don't need to be expensive or over the top. I love flowers, but I choose to place them in other areas of my home and not on the dining table. I want the aroma of the food to entice my guests. These beautiful centerpieces were made from simple items you can find in your yard or at the grocery store. This year, we're staying home for Thanksgivng, so I'm going to re-create the the arrangement you see below by placing several glass containers filled with hazelnuts and candles on my table. Just lovely.
Women rarely need an excuse to get together, but instead of the usual coffee and cake, gather your friends together for some “girl time”, while you all get a jump start on holiday decorating and gift giving. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. This is my take on the local swap meet. As the host, you get to set the parameters and make the coffee and tea.RULES:
Voila – shopping on the cheap and no mall floors were dirtied during this event!
I love using rich colors and lots of texture in my rooms, but I'm not crazy about a lot of pattern. Animal prints work well in any style decor from traditional to contemporary. But don't overdue - a pillow, a throw, even an area rug or occasional chair will work, but stop short of covering everything in the room.
Zebra stripes and a splash of bold color add a sense of drama to a room.
Leopard = glamour.
Take a walk on the wild side and throw a fabric remnant over the back of a sofa.
Just a touch makes these rooms sophisticated and playful.
I like to shop early so I can enjoy the holiday season and not get wrapped up in all of the hype. I am also not a big fan of malls and I try to avoid shopping in these stores no matter what time of year it is. (Just ask my poor, deprived daughters ;o) Instead, I seek out local boutique-style stores, consignment stores and flea markets to find just the right gift. Here are some ideas for inexpensive holiday gifts from the heart.
It's almost time... The house has been haunted and the costumes are {almost} ready. Tomorrow my family will trick-or-treat with the rest of the town known for going all out. "Halloween street" as we call it, pulls out all the stops with crooked shutters, flying ghosts and a few surprises hidden under piles and piles of leaves. Everyone gets into the spirit and it's great fun for both children and adults. But before I go, I thought I'd leave you with a few more pictures of my own home all decked out and ready for some frightful fun!
This little witch must have left in a hurry. No doubt in a rush to get to her {ahem} meeting.
Stylish witches {like me} will be wearing this feathered chapeau.
The spell has been cast and there's no turning back. 
Have a Spook-tacular weekend!
Thom Filicia's book STYLE is the only decorating book I have ever read cover to cover in one sitting. His style speaks to me loud and clear. His approach to design is simple and one I can’t stress enough – “What do you love? Now let’s make it work.”
He's a mix master when it comes to accessorizing.
This feature in Domino Magazine showed off his very fun lake house in NY state.
I love using big, bold art and accessories instead of the usual clutter of objects and Thom does too.
Don’t let dark colors scare you off. I like to choose a room that beckons you to get cozy and then paint the walls a deep, rich color. Oftentimes, smaller rooms look best in dark hues.
Two of my 'tried and true' design rules... 1. I never buy matching dining sets, and 2. I repurpose the dining room any chance I get. Who wouldn't want to grab a bite, chat with a girlfriend or spread out a project while snuggling into this sofa?
Contrast is key when using dark hues. When selecting art for your walls, use light-colored mats or subject matter to highlight each piece. Choose dark walls if you want to tone down (yet still highlight) bright-colored furnishings.
Top: BM Bear Creek, Farrow & Ball Claydon Blue 87, Farrow & Ball Downpipe 26, MS French Bulldog Black
I found this adorable necklace at the Etsy shop Fleaur Avenue. It's now on my wish list. (Hubby take note ;o)
After reading that both Nate Berkus and Charlton Varney were now selling their wares on the Home Shopping Network, I had to check it out. (House Beautiful November issue)
It's time to party! I am hosting 12 teens (and pre-teens) for a weekend sleepover filled with Halloween fun. I have a few more decorations to put up, but I’m almost done. At some point I hope to sit down and enjoy a new decorating book I just received. (I’ll share it once I’ve looked it over.) I thought I’d leave you with a few recommendations for your own weekend reading. Enjoy!
I'm fascinated with the spaces people work in. I love to take a peak at the materials they use, how they stay organized and of course, how they make that space their own. Here a few photos to inspire your own creative space. {Colorful pens and notebooks always invite you to sit down and get to work.}
Tamara Mellon of Jimmy Choo must use this space for contemplation. 
I LOVE this desk. Although it would be tough to really work at, this desk is located in the designer's bedroom and serves as a secondary work area.
Designer Nate Berkus surrounds himself with notebooks of design sketches and ideas. 
Cosmetic company guru Bobbi Brown repurposed this old gas station into her new work digs.
Be it ever so humble, this is a glimpse of my own studio space. 
A knock on the door, a creak in the floorboards, the howling of the wind - it doesn't take much to heighten our senses and slip into the world of make believe. Take advantage of the mystery and delight of All Hallows Eve.
Create beautiful costumes with an Old World appeal. Bed sheets and fabric remnants are the foundations of many a frock. Drape, tuck and fold into all the imagination can conjure up. Use twine for belting and add costume jewelry, vintage or vintage looking trims for added appeal. Witches don't just wear pointy hats; they wear ornate jewels, feather hats and flowing capes. (Yards of black tulle) A tube of craft glitter becomes a vial of magic fairy dust - when kept perfectly in a brocade drawstring pouch. A store bought hat becomes a chapeau of style when swathed in inexpensive tulle as it trails down your back. Have a black cat? Bring her along for the festivities! For more costume ideas, click here.
What a tangled web you weave... Grab these spiders at Target!
Don't underestimate the power of spider webs. Simply drape them around and on everything.
These "witches broom' goodie bags are made from paper lunch bags and sticks.
When your guests or trick-or-treaters arrive, don't forget to greet them with your most dramatic "Good Evening!" as your Halloween music is playing in the background. When it’s time to go, make sure you have someone outside to escort guests back on their way.
What is your “must-have” beauty product?
An American Fashion Icon: Ralph Lauren began his career as a salesman for Brooks Brothers and opened his own necktie store (under the Polo label) in 1967 without ever stepping foot inside a design school.
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