Lavender & Brown

Crazy week over here.  Have been shopping for fresh garland and holiday decor galore!

Today is install day for decorating my client's 10 ft tree and hopefully I'll get some of the 

swag-hanging done too. I'm very excited and have no less than 6 shopping bags full of stuff!

As well, I'm in the middle of designing a very hip, older couple's outdated family room.  (pics of that to come next week in it's "before" state)

So, I'm thinking about doing chocolate and lavender or green for this room. We need to recover a high-end, large sectional as well as a larger, club chair in addition to new furniture and a rug. And, the fabric has to hold up to 4+ grandchildren.

Here are some of my inspiration photos. 

XOXO
Jennifer

Dobson & Daughter Design

Southern Living

The Craze of It All

It's that time of year and this year seems to be the most hectic of all!

And a picture says a thousand words..

Well, this is what my office looks like with the craze of design projects and holiday decorating preparations for a super fun (love her!) client/friend..

It is my organized chaos. :) 

Does your work space look like mine these days?

XOXO
Jennifer

Bows I just had made for client A's holiday decor. Love 'em!

More bows, decor, wrapping paper--you name it.. It's here!

My organized chaos

Real or Faux Greenery

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share my recent article for The DC Ladies on decorating with real and faux greenery. No matter what your preference, any greenery adds beauty to your home during the holidays. 

XOXO

Jennifer

GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS—DECORATING WITH REAL AND FAUX GREENERY

photo credit: via Pinterest, Pottery Barn

It’s November and the scramble is on… that is the holiday scramble is on!  I don’t know about you, but I’m already planning how I am going to decorate my front door and porch for Fall and then for Christmas following that.

So, the question is—do you decorate using real or faux greenery?  Well, like design, there is no right or wrong answer. It’s what YOU prefer.  Typically, I like to use as much real greenery—fresh pine, magnolia leaves, and boxwood as possible.  I think the smell of the outdoors brings so much to a home around the holidays. But, real greenery is expensive and doesn’t obviously last as long as faux garland.  Therefore, my advice is mix it up!   I use faux greenery on my front door and my fireplace then try to use more real greens indoors—our tree, stairway garland and decorations I put together around candle hurricanes and smaller votives.

No matter what type of greenery you use, there are many inexpensive ways to dress it up for the holidays. Adding tiny white lights, holly berry twigs or pinecones can all add interest and beauty to your home.

So, whether you are cutting down pine branches in your own backyard or ordering faux magnolia garland from Frontgate, there are many ways to make your home special.

OneKiingsLane Sale--Ralph Lauren Gifts & Lighting

Hi everyone!
Hope you are having a great evening!

Just wanted to share a OneKingsLane sale going on right now!

Check out OKL's Ralph Lauren collection for fab gifts and the Ralph Lauren HOME collection on sale!

Sneak Peek Round 2: Almost There

Hi,

So we are ALMOST there with my cool clients' living room. Waiting on rug and to accessorize the room and then we will be done. 

Yesterday we installed drapes! Check out pretty they turned out!

I used Windows by Melissa and love her! She does a great job and is super nice to work with. Highly recommend her!

These are quick snapshots from my iPhone. Sorry they aren't too clear

XOXO
Jennifer

This is a good close up shot of the drapes. Color is great and I love this pattern as it mirrors the pattern on the sofa pillows

Love the oversized lamp and mirrored end tables

Gallery Walls

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a nice, restful weekend. 

I'm in decorating overdrive over here with many projects! 

I recently bought a bunch of white frames and am debating what photos to print off and put in them.

I am a big fan of gallery walls. 

Check out these interiors featuring all types of gallery wall photos.  

You can put family photos, favorite photos from a book or order prints online of favorite paintings, etc. 

XOXO
Jennifer

Thom Filicia 

Tobi Fairley

   ML Interior Design

Urban Grace Interiors

Phoebe Howard

Recipe of the Day

Hi Everyone!

I've been out and about and realized I wanted to share some holiday recipes with you this week.

Here is a one that looks yummy and super EASY to make thanks to Coastal Living Magazine!

Enjoy!

XOXO
Jennifer

WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MOUSSE 

• Yield: Makes 8 servings
• Cook time:5 Minutes
• Prep time:8 Minutes
• Cool:25 Minutes
• Chill:1 Hour

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Garnish: crushed peppermint candies

Preparation

1. Heat 3/4 cup cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat, and add chocolate, stirring until melted. Stir in peppermint extract; cool completely.

2. Beat remaining 3/4 cup cream until firm peaks form. Fold chocolate mixture gently into whipped cream mixture. Spoon mousse into 8 (3-ounce) cups or glasses; garnish, if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

Top 5 Best Picks --Paper Source Holiday Wrapping Paper

Hello! 

I don't know about you guys but I LOVE LOVE LOVE to wrap presents. In fact, I'm listening (don't laugh) to French Christmas music right now. Why not? Right?

I just finished wrapping a few presents I need to mail out and thought I'd share my favorite wrapping paper from Paper Source with you.

Each one says it all.  Pick your fav!

Can you guess which is mine?

XOXO
JENNIFER

For the fun friend or child!

1

For a natural look, for the sophisticate in your life!

2

For the dog lover!

3

For the vintage/antiques lover 

4

For anyone in your life

5

1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5

Being Thankful

Hi Everyone! 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving !

I am so grateful for my family, friends, and the design opportunities I've had this year

Because of my great clients and you! I hope in the coming year to offer new things

On my site and even better content, tips, and ideas.

Enjoy this time with your loved ones 

All the best,

Jennifer

Giveaway Winner/ Happy Thanksgiving

Hi Everyone!

Thanks to those who commented for the Lou Lou giveaway necklace!

The winner is the fourth person to comment ---JILL!!! 

Jill, email me your address and I will mail your fab necklace! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Xoxo

Jennifer 

Heads Up

Zinc Door is having a 20% off SITEWIDE sale on Thursday!

Go Shopping!

XOXO
Jennifer

GIVEAWAY !

Hi everyone!

I'm so excited for today's giveaway!

Check out this gorgeous (and holiday-worthy) Lou Lou necklace.. 

Gold chain, black pendant. 

How do you win?

Be sure you are a "Follower" on the right hand side of my blog. Click "Join" if you aren't to sign up!

Make a comment ! 

I'll randomly select someone WEDNESDAY!

Luck!

XOXO
Jennifer  

GIVEAWAY

Tomorrow I'll be announcing a beautiful giveaway!

I'll select the winner later this week, so watch for your name! 

Be sure to "Join This Site" and become a follower on the right hand side of this blog. 

Then, make a comment tomorrow and keep your eyes out to see if you win!

Super easy. Super Fun.

XOXO
Jennifer

Deck the Halls--Holiday Centerpieces

Hi Everyone,

Hope you had a restful weekend!

I got a ton done with ribbon shopping, fresh garland ordering, holiday dress shopping (for my girls) and more. Whew! 

So, exciting news here.. one of my "bestie" clients asked me to decorate her home for the holidays and of course I said yes! 

 I'm thrilled to "trick" out her tree and home for the holidays.  We are going with a gold and burgundy theme.  I'll show pics when we are done in the coming weeks.

So, in light of me getting into the holiday spirit, I wanted to share with you some beautiful table centerpiece ideas (Thanks to Jenny for asking too!) that are EASY and AFFORDABLE.

What's your fav?

XOXO
Jennifer

Love this idea! Tie an ornament around each napkin!

via

It can't get an easier and prettier than this!

RealSimple.com

Elegant, Simple. Period

via

Simple, Elegant, and you can still see the person sitting across from you! Go to HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJMaxx and pick up these types of fake topiary. You can use year round too!

via

This is really cool. Go to HomeDepot and buy cut mirror to serve as a runner for your table. Add small votives for gorgeous glow and some white and/or silver ornaments and anything else sparkly for that matter! 

via

Only 4 Things needed for this!  

Cranberries, votive, holly leaves and a glass vase/cylinder!  Gorgeous!

Weekend Wear

What I'm living in--shirt dress or long shirt with leggings!

This is my go-to weekend outfit. It's comfy, fashionable, warm cold days !

Slip on boots or flats and you are good to go! 

XOXO
Jennifer

Image via Google

Navy & Fuchsia

Ah, it's Friday! 

So, I'm on the hunt for a great navy blazer to wear mainly with jeans and a skirt here and there. 

Check out this great, simple navy blazer from JCrew. I also love the look of pairing navy with a pop of color.  

These outfits can all translate to rooms!

Which is your fav?

XOXO
Jennifer

via

via

via

Holiday Decor.. at.. The Old Lucketts Store

This past weekend I went to a popular antiques design house and store.

 For those native to Northern VA, many of you know the Old Lucketts Store

They have many vendors that sell to them and it's hard to leave without buying something.

I've found several fantastic handmade tables (aka my own kitchen table) as well as decorative accessories here. 

Check out their design house pics I snapped! It completely got me in the mood to start decorating my own home for the holidays.

What do you think?
XOXO
Jennifer

Rachel Zoe Collection on SALE NOW at OneKingsLane

Hi everyone!

Do you want to dress up your gifts this year with ultra cool, unique wrapping paper??

Just wanted to share with you an email I received from OneKingsLane that they are now offering 

Rachel Zoe's newest wrapping paper line!

Direct from her Fall 2012 collection, her wrapping paper line is now available through 11/17 for sale on OneKingsLane.  Inspired by the rock n' roll vibe of the 1960s, these stylish prints are great for fashionistas and music lovers alike.   

What makes her collection  more special, is that proceeds from this sale go to support SAVE THE CHILDREN which is dedicated to saving lives by providing food, medical treatment, and education to children in need. 

 Rachel Zoe Snakeskin Wrapping Paper

Rachel Zoe Wild Forest Green Wrapping Paper

Paperwhites

Hi!

So, I'm in the middle of a little holiday decor project.. a very, very easy one at that and I wanted to share!

Yes, it's only mid-November, but with this project you have to start early.

Paperwhites--My daughters and I planted these sweet-smelling flowers in different, pretty white containers.

It is this simple:

1)Buy the paperwhile bulbs (I bought mine at HomeDepot for $5 for 3 or 4 bulbs)

2)Add potting soil half way to 2/3 up the container

3) Set bulbs on TOP OF SOIL (do not bury)

4) Water well first time; after that, just keep soil most

5) Watch the for the green sprouts to grow and in 6 weeks you'll have gorgeous white flowers

You can add a beautiful ribbon around the pot and give as a gift too. 

Here are some beautiful pictures of paperwhites used throughout homes!

Get planting ;)

XOXO
Jennifer