Twist & Shout for Joy- It's Christmastime!

Looking for a design with a modern twist? Take a look at these "fantabulous" gift ideas.
Wisteria Pillar Candleholder $149 at Michael Aram
Piroett Votive designed by Lisa Smith at Nambe $35
Roost Helix Stool $310 at Neutral Dwelling

Happy Weekend!

How Lovely Are Your Branches

Bring forth the fir tree
The box, and the bay
Deck out our cottage
For glad Christmas Day.
anonymous, old english

We find ourselves in a quandary this year concerning our Christmas tree. We have had a beautiful tree that has served our family well but now feel that we are ready to take a leap to get a new one. Of course, we had to get past the first decision - real or not--- We will be going for the not so real. I love the smell of a real tree, but alas I must be practical.

Real ones only last for a short period and I would rather leave them growing in all of their glory. Although it is fun to go to the Christmas tree farm to select "the one" as you are pulled behind the tractor. It is fun to see families with small children as they select the trees. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect tree. One child wants the largest tree in sight, another may want the one that looks like the ones in coloring books. The father looks at the price tags but doesn't want to be the Scrooge. Then mother to the rescue- imaging how beautiful the most practical one will look when decorated.

We have been looking at so many types of trees: Elegant Douglas Firs, shapely Red Pines, graceful White Pines to name a few.

So many choices.... We don't know what to do....

And then I think of my beautiful tree that has done its job so well standing proudly in all its glory as my children grew and grew and are now able to put on the tree topper! I don't know if I really want to let it go. How lovely are its branches filled with many memories.

Blue Christmas

image via floridapfe

Blue is such a delicious color! But, I never think of using it when decorating for Christmas so when I saw these photos on flickr I was pleasantly surprised. Hmmm... maybe a "Blue Christmas" wouldn't be so bad after all.

image via Tanayan

image via Ticky L

12 Days Left to Register

12 days left to register!!!
In case you didn't see my earlier post- We are having a giveaway at Neutral Dwelling- a beautiful set of Cube Tube Vases from Roost.

All that is required is that you sign up for our Newsletter on the web site here. We ship only to the continental U.S. and of course we will never share you email with anyone else.

Good Luck! and Happy Thanksgiving All!

Laughing in Flowers

Have you ever heard "The earth laughs in flowers?"
Well, looks like she may have her giggle box turned on!
Happy Weekend!

Woodland Charm

Winding country roads
can lead to unexpected and charming places...
Some very dear friends have a wonderful camp on the lake. They have graciously agreed to allow a little peek into this beautiful unpretentious retreat. The first unexpected surprise is the beautiful black iron chandelier that greets you in the foyer.
Another view of the foyer from the staircase. Did you notice the touch of whimsy in the room? It is a cute soft furry beaver pillow.
Here is one of many dining spots. A quaint and inviting table for two. The mixing of furniture pieces is most charming along with the beaded board wall treatment which is a design element that mixes informality with tradition.

Here is a view from the gathering room with a glimpse into the kitchen. Friends and family can crash on the comfortable denim sofa after a long day of fun in the sun on the lake.
The bird houses in the dining room bring the outdoors in.
Lots of textures on the sun porch -the stone wall, wicker rockers, iron chairs, and the large glass panes make this a most relaxing room. The casual dining set offers another great place for lunch or a mean game of Blockus.

The master suite.... Don't you love the stained glass doors, beautiful beaded board ceiling, and gorgeous red classic toile? The double glass doors open to a private patio. On the other side of the room is a wall of windows with a beautiful view of the lake.

Here is a favorite sleeping room for deep sleepers. Stairs with a wrought iron banister are inviting.
Where another retiring spot awaits. This one in soft blues and greens.Isn't this desk inviting? Hope you enjoyed a tour at the lake.You never know what beauty you might find... hidden in the woods.

Happy Weekend

Gratitude

My friend Melissa at The Inspired Room did a great post on gratitude which inspired me to think of things that I am grateful for today. While I think this is a good start- it is certainly not all I am grateful for, but is what comes to mind today.

I am grateful to live in the good ol' US of A!

Which affords me the freedom to worship
I am grateful for my supportive and loving family and friends- no pics- they are kind of shy :)

I am grateful for the beauty at this time of year When the Leaves Come Falling Down- (old Van Morrison tune)
I am grateful to see beautiful sunsets on the lake

And I can't leave off Google Blogger for providing the opportunity to meet so many nice people from around the world!

What are you grateful for today?

A Little Something "Peary" Special

I know the title is a little cheesy- but what's a girl to do. I love pears! They can be found used as decorative items or as subjects in artwork such as paintings and sculpture.

image of George Baldessin steel sculpture from alexanderino

They are also wonderful to embellish the table. A beautiful and simple centerpiece can consist of pears used alone

image via borealnz

Or piled high in a beautiful bowl combined with oak leaves as Coral Nafie did in this centerpiece.

What about pears made of glass? Aren't they beautiful? These just arrived and are available in the shop. Don't they make a stunning addition to the dinner table?

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Repeating objects creates such great visual drama. As I was leaving a restaurant the other day I had to stop and snap this picture. I found this row of red dining chairs against the checkered wall so pleasing to my eye. Don't you just love it?

The Inspired Room

My friend Melissa over at The Inspired Room is having a 100th post extravaganza.

Go check out her wonderful site and good luck in the giveaway!