How to Set a Festive Table

I was recently asked to decorate some holiday tables for an Open House at Picket Fence Homes in Leesburg, Virginia.

The first was a snowman-themed table for four starring a jolly fellow perched atop a bed of marshmallow snowballs.  Completing the scene were snowman mugs and whimsical paper placemats.

The "tablecloth" was actually a chalkboard paper runner with a message on the front written in chalkboard marker.

The second table was a romantic setting for two, decorated with an intimate New Years Eve in mind.

Gold chargers, glittery silver ferns, beaded gift boxes and martini glasses full of treats created a festive, sophisticated mood.
Inspirations, instead of names, were in the placecard holders.

And a little Picket Fence wine doesn't hurt, either!

Our last table had a natural, woodland theme and featured a tree branch suspended from the ceiling, resplendent with old fashioned tinsel. (Use your imagination - it IS a conference room, after all!)

A carved wood stag sits as centerpiece among white pine table runners and glittered pine cones and leaves.

Cranberry colored chargers and plates featuring birds complete the picture.

Here are my guidelines for Setting a Festive Table:

Theme - choose one, however subtle it may be
Layer - texture, color or pattern
Shine - add metallic accents for some shimmer
Surprise! - use an accessory in an unusual way (like the marshmallows)
Glow - soften the light with candles or a dimmer switch
Remember my mantra:  Pleasing, not Perfect!!

Many thanks to all the fun people at Picket Fence Homes - 212 S. King St., Leesburg VA 20175
They were expert hot chocolate makers and also provided the holiday recipe cards that we gave away.
 

How Cool is This?

Rechargeable Shades

Never change a battery again!

Check out this video from Comfortex.

Leave a comment if you are interesting in learning more or need a quote.

Now I Have Shoes!

The cobblers children have no shoes!

I'm sure you have heard this saying, and it most certainly applies to most designers I know.

We never take the time to finish our own projects.

I have a sofa in my bedroom that has needed to be reupholstered for, oh, about 2 years. (Really longer than than, I have just owned it for 2 years.)

And today I saw this:

This is it!! This is the fabric I didn't know I was looking for!!

It's from the Torca collection by William Yeoward for Designers Guild. 

 

It is mostly blue with some green in it. The pattern is Luisa.

Check it out in the Rose colorway.

 

Luisa comes in 7 colors.  See them all at Designers Guild.

Photos are from their website. 

It's the Mix, not the Match

 

Photo courtesy of Tillys

"I'd like it to be kind of Glam", she said.
"Glam?  Hmmm. Not so much", he said.

And so it goes. Trying to find the mix, not necessarily the match. As much as I am so drawn to crystals and lucite and sparkle, I realize that there is a man to please.

Photo courtesy of Tillys

When I spotted this hardware from Tillys, a British company, with it's lucite pole with metal brackets and rings,  I had an idea.

Having recently finished a project with rustic wood drapery hardware, I thought, "Why not use wooden rings on a lucite pole?"

Here is the ring I previously used:

Photo by Antonia Korby Design

It's a splendid mix!  What do you think?

For more information on Tillys, click HERE

 

Really Beautiful Homes - #5

Some people are just born organized.  I have a lot of friends like that, whose homes look photo-ready any day of the week and any time of day.
That's the kind of person you want to buy your house from, because you know it has been so well maintained.
This is a picture of a house for sale in Leesburg.  It is really lovely inside, with a great floorplan and everything looks new, which is close to the truth, because the house is only 4 years old. You really have to see the master bedroom closet to appreciate how peaceful such organization can make you feel.
The 2-story stone fireplace in the family room was awesome, but I think the backyard is the real showstopper.  The owners hadn't seemed to touch that space but this extra-large open space is waiting for some creative person to put their mark on it.  I pictured a deck and a patio with an outdoor fireplace to sit beside to take in the gorgeous sunset views.
There is no open house planned for this home so you'll need to contact the realtor, Chrissie Goodrum, to see it.  Hurry, though, as they just lowered the price......
Here's the listing:
http://www.c21redwood.com/LO9752794/16589-levade-dr-leesburg-va-20176

A Kitchen Valance

Seems we are seeing fewer and fewer valances these days.
I love a good valance that preserves your view and gives you the opportunity to introduce color and rhythm to a space.
Following are some terribly dark photos of a valance we did in a kitchen - actually three valances.  We had to match the proportion on the two side windows that flanked a large double door.  The cute ball fringe kept it from being too formal.
The inspiration for this valance was found on Pinterest!

Really Beautiful Homes - #3 & #4

Hot as it was this past Sunday, I toured a few homes before heading to the pool.

This first home was in my own neighborhood of Raspberry Falls in Leesburg.  I had always admired this house on my walks, as it has amazing curb appeal.  This inside didn't disappoint either!  Currently listed at $1,029,900, this home has an amazing amount of upgrades;  a butler's pantry off the kitchen , numerous fireplaces, a wet bar in the lower level with a beer/wine fridge, a sauna and a private wine cellar.  All the rooms are large and spacious and the large yard is about .78 acres.  But the feature you simply have to see is the 3rd floor loft that has been modeled after a Chanel boutique with custom shelves and racks.  Click here to go to the extensive virtual tour.

The listing agent is Chris Antonelli of the Antonelli Team at Long & Foster.  Chris was very friendly and quite helpful in pointing out features on our tour.  Find Chris here.

If you are looking for a home smaller than the first one, I found a charming one about a mile away. This "farmette" sits on 6 fully fenced acres, with AMAZING views out the back.  Even though this is an older home, the kitchen has been completely remodeled and is really lovely.  The lower level is large too, with so many built in bookshelves. There is a screened in porch that I would absolutely live in if this was my home. It overlooked the private pool! There are 4 bedrooms and the house is listed for $749,000.  This is country living with all the conveniences of nearby Leesburg and only 20 minutes from Frederick, MD. Here's the listing .
For more information, contact the lovely and knowledgeable, Tamara Harrison of Sotheby's.