Feeling cooped in and happy February is almost over? My sentiments exactly and that’s why I want to promote neighborhood parties whether on your block, in your condo or apartment building. Reach out with a potluck theme and enjoy camaraderie with people whose paths you cross and get to know them.

Here’s a strategy:

·         Plan a guest list

·         Create a theme like ‘Winter is almost over Soup Supper’ or ‘Rachel Ray’s Lasagna dinner’

·         Offer the menu  and let everyone contribute or suggest a dish

·         Make it BYOB and suggest wines to complement the menu

·         Send out an EVITE

·         Buy some flowers for your table

·         Relax, enjoy and get to know your neighbors

 

 

After everyone enjoys a fabulous meal have some activities or games to keep the gossip and conversations going. Here are some suggestions.

 

Guess the Wine Price – Closest Wins a Bottle

 

Table Topics Game Cards from Pottery Barn

 

 

 

 

These cards spark lively conversation and debates.  Now you will really get to know your neighbors.

Please share your ideas for neighborhood parties and let me know about the party. Bon Appetite! 

The next stage is a critical one for it involves the introduction of vases, candle holders, obelisks, boxes, ginger jars and clocks.  All of these objects offer opportunities to add accent colors, style influences, personal taste or memorabilia from heirlooms.  A rule of thumb is to vary sizes of objects by height and width.  The relationship must in proportion to the other objects. One approach involves use of the same color for a group of accessory items.

 

As I design I use odd numbered groups and begin arranging them on tables. Then I step back and gauge the impact. I find my eye informs me if the proportion is awkward. Another question I ask myself, “Is the group too much, wrong size, not in harmony?”

 

Here are some objects to consider for use when accessorizing.  All of them are from Global Views, a great resource that I found a few years ago.  I especially like the diversity of product as well as the range of prices.

 

VASES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECORATIVE ITEMS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANDLE HOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final stage entails editing.  Vases can be rotated by season and used with our without flowers. Refresh the look of a room with alternates. On special occasions use the crystal vase, and then return the solid colored vase. Remember, not every gift requires display. Restraint adds more not less.  Step back and ask yourself if there is one thing or more that is excess.

 

The words of Coco Chanel, the fashion designer, are suitable for accessory display too.  Her comment goes like this, “Before you leave the house, take off the last thing you put on.”

 

I would enjoy your comments, questions, ideas and to learn what accessories or heirlooms you use to accessorize your home to make it uniquely yours.

 

 

 

 

 

With the hassles of flying and cost of travel overseas rethinking ‘HOME’ and how we live in our home takes on new meaning.   Over the past months whether it’s the price of a gallon of gas, dining out, movies, the economic message is stay home.  And why not? As one considers this option, an investigation of our surroundings is an opportunity to examine the condition of our comfort zone and what improvements are possibilities.

 

As a designer, I commit to the motto that you should ‘come home to a place you love’.  Do you?  What alterations, tweaks so to speak, make that phrase come alive for you? Would new wall color inspire you?

How about fresh accessories like accent pillows, a lamp, a new chair or sofa, an area rug? 

 

Or you could indulge yourself with a kitchen remodel intending to gather friends and family at the table for memorable meals and conversation. A very personal luxury inspiration like a spa like bathroom makeover diminishes all that stress from your workday. 

 

As we enter the indoor months the chance to entertain around sporting events or movies makes that large flat screen very appealing.   Watch your favorite teams with friends and swap stories in the comfort of your home.  Compare outcomes of favorite reality television programs over snacks or watch the movies you love or missed at the theater in the comfort of your home.

 

A few months ago, Stephen Drucker, editor of House Beautiful, penned a great post.  It captured the importance of your home.  “I can’t mention the economy anymore. It’s in the news, it’s at the gas pump, it’s in the air every day. To everyone who hesitates that decorating is a luxury at this unsettled moment, I’d like to say that I think home is more important than ever, not a last priority in your budget, but a first. Now is the time to set a beautiful table and invite friends for dinner, rather than go to a restaurant. Now is the time to get a deal on that big TV and create your own home theatre, rather than go out to movies. Now is the time to paint a room a pretty color, or buy some pillows for your sofa, or dress up your bed in new sheets. And now is definitely the time to renovate a kitchen or bath, or even add a room, as contractors become less busy and more eager to please. Home isn’t a luxury; the money you spend, you’ll enjoy every day. “