I just received the February issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and read some really interesting thoughts from a few well known designers in the Atlanta area. On the editorial page, these designers were asked “what are you tired of?“ Their responses got me thinking. This is what they had to say…
“Bare-bone interiors that are not original” – Barry Hutner
Is this what he was referring to as “bare bones? I’m not sure.
“An overabundance of Belgian-style design, washed out and worn. If it has trickled down to the catalog stores, it is time to move on”. – Capella Kincheloe
“Poorly made knock-offs that do nothing but fill up space for the time being. Why bother?” – Carole Weaks
Here is the original.
Knock-off.
This chandelier is from Home Depot which is clearly a knock off of the Bobo Wine Barrel Chandelier, which is now being sold through Restoration Hardware. Pretty good knock-off, right?
Interesting comments, huh? I would love to hear what you think…are you over the Belgian-style trend? Do you like a good knock-off? What do you think about the over use of items from a catalog store?
Last year, my friend invited me to present holiday table setting ideas to her book club. I recently came across these pictures that I took as I was gathering my ideas and playing around with the table settings. These photos are not styled at all but you won’t hold that against me, will you?
The idea was to show the group how you could use your china or everyday dishes to create 2 looks: one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas, without breaking the bank. I used my wedding china which is a solid cream plate with a thin gold band around the edge. Here is the look that I came up with for my Thanksgiving table setting. Almost everything on the table I already had on hand.
The rattan chargers on the bottom, I purchased from Wal-Mart a couple of years ago, but they still carry them…so much less expensive than the ones from Pottery Barn! Next, I used gold chargers that I purchased from Pier 1 on clearance after Christmas. Then I have my china which is Lenox Citation Gold. I purchased a set of 6 plain white linen napkins and I used gold wired ribbon that I had on hand. I also purchased a package of bleached wheat from Hobby Lobby and inserted a couple of pieces into the folded napkins. The jack-be-little pumpkins were left over from Halloween. For the centerpiece, I used a hurricane that I bought from Home Goods for $7. The wreath is an oldie but goodie as well. I added some fall “picks” to the wreath and some artificial leaves to add color. The crystal candlesticks were a wedding gift. Gosh, I wish I had put candles in them….that is driving me nuts looking at empty candlesticks.
For the next setting, I basically used all of the same items, but of course switched it out from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This is table setting is not quite as “complete” as the other one but you can kind of get the idea.
I switched out the Fall picks and added some red berry branches that I use on my Christmas tree. I used holiday ribbon to create a table runner of sorts. I like the idea of ribbon as a table runner because there are so many options out there for very little money. Next time, I think I will try upholstery webbing. I’m planning on using this for my Christmas decorating this year.
This is available at Online Fabric Store for .80/yard. Or a red and white stripe ribbon would be cute….endless possibilities. I had red glass ornaments that I was tying to gold ribbon onto each of the napkins…I just hadn’t gotten there yet.
Here are few other “last minute” ideas that I found on Pinterest.
Happy Monday. It was a fun weekend around the Leonard house. This little girl played her last soccer game for the season.
After the game, her team party was held at a river front park.
This is an old historic home that sits on the property.
And this big girl had a party Saturday night. My husband told me last week that he was planning a 40th birthday party for me (I know… it’s the birthday that keeps on going!). It was going to be a surprise, but he decided to tell me after all. Thank goodness!! We had so much fun. There is nothing better than getting together with good friends.
Another busy week ahead. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? How is that possible?!?!
Hello forty. Go easy on me, please.
That pretty much sums up how I feel at this point in my life. Hope you are feeling blessed today, too.
Hello friends. Didn’t want you think that I jumped ship and decided to stay in Charleston indefinitely. Had a fantastic weekend but came down with something Sunday night that feels like the flu. Hope to be up and running soon.
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