A toast for 2011

Wishing you a safe, happy and stylish new year! Thanks for reading thus far and hope you will tune in for more in 2011.

Cheers!

And now a little glimpse of my favorite gift I received this Christmas.

Pat saw me drool over this watercolor antique print and surprised me with it for Christmas. I hung it above my nightstand and just adore it...and him.

So it's a scene of a pier/dock by the water and I like to think it's in an Italian fishing village. Very dreamy.

Signing off until 2011 - blog with you in the new year!

Addicted to Accessories

I love stuff. And by "stuff" I mean accessories...trays, pitchers, jars, boxes, antique frames, dishes, mirrors, books, etc. I'm constantly switching around, adding, arranging and always on the endless hunt for unique treasures.

Here are some lovely ways to arrange and display accessories.

(Image via Elle Decor)

(Image via Lonny)

(Image via Elle Decor)

(Image via Tom Scheerer)

(Image via House Beautiful)

And now for some more "stuff" I'm loving right now.

Anthropolgie: Jimmies-On-Frosting-Plates

Gold Plated Braid Frame

Vintage Encyclopedias

Antique Silver Milk Cups

Gray Cast Iron Urns

Colorado Interiors

I'm back in DC, but preparing to head to Colorado for a little skiing fun - which prompted me to investigate what kind of regional shelter magazines they have...I found (and immediately fell in love with) Colorado Homes and Lifestyles.

Just may have to subscribe.

Casual and comfortable takes on a new meaning in this dining area.

I'm assuming this handsome bath also has a stunning view.

My goodness...or as my grandma said when she opened the flat screen my dad and his brothers got her for Christmas, "Oh my land!"

Ohhh I love this room...very symmetrical and balanced, clean and crisp.

Very nice touch with the candelabra.

Sweet Surroundings

Pat and I are with my family (in Ohio) for Christmas and let me show you why it's so special to be home...

3 little angels - Kate, Avery and Lucy (me nieces!)

Don't they make you smile?

 

Kate and Lucy are identical twins - in this picture we can't figure out who it is.

Lucy or "lu lu"

 

My family!

My mom and Avery - happy girls.

China for the table

I received my first place setting of china as a Christmas gift and it's SO beautiful and stunning - Vera Wang, Grosgrain Collection. Is it wrong that I want to use it now?

It made me think about how I might decorate a holiday table in the future...

(Image via House Beautiful)

Merry, merry, merry.

(Image via House Beautiful)

Oh so elegant.

(Image via Martha Stewart)

A touch casual.

 (Image via Country Living)
Cozy.

(Image via Southern Accents)
Enchanting.

These block printed napkins from Esty Be Still Shop would be beautiful for Christmas - could be used all year.

Christmas plaid never gets old. (William Sonoma Home)

(Image via Martha Stewart)

A centerpiece idea: it's all in the details.

Wisteria Tealight Deer Candleholders - who wouldn't welcome a little reindeer at their place setting? 

These wine glasses would add a charming touch.

And perhaps there will be need for a tray?

Homegoods Fix

In between last minute holiday errands I popped in Homegoods to take stock. So many possibilities!

All under $20!

Great for a mantel or centerpiece...$9.99 - $12.99

Gorgeous bookends.

Love this.

A funky pattern chair that reclines!

Wish I had a place for these.