The Language of Doors - Knock, Knock

I have always had a fascination with dutch doors and fell hard for this beautiful side entry decorated for the holidays by Nashville resident Jeannette Whitson. She has recently opened a new online store specializing in garden inspired antiques - Garden Variety Design.

You'll love her tips and advise...

to see more beautiful photographs and learn more visit: Style Blueprint.

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Inspired: Visiting New York City at Christmas Time

One of my most favorite things to do during the Christmas season is take a quick trip to New York. I come away filled with the holiday spirit and enough inspiration to last throughout the year. This year, my sister and I went in celebration of my 50th birthday for just a few days starting on a Sunday - note to self, this is a great way to avoid some of the traffic, crowds, expense of visiting NYC and you can start the trip with an over-the-top gorgeous Sunday brunch. The best in New York City has to be the elegant brunch at the historic Waldorf Astoria.

I plan to share some of my favorite things from our whirlwind trip but for now will just share a few of my favorite snapshots with hopes you share my enthusiasm for this wonderful city. 

I should also note that the New Yorkers we encountered during our trip were incredibly gracious hosts.  Thank you for the holiday cheer and kindness you showed us!

Love, love these glossy black doors adorned with natural evergreen wreaths...notice that the magnolia leaves have been painted gold.

Christmas trees planted in wine boxes adorn one of the street corners.

The ABC Carpet and Home Santa Claus with his latest visitor

Charming rabbits peek from under an antique garden chair in the window at ABC Carpet.

Stockings at ABC Carpet and Home.

The Christmas mantle in the Drawing Room of the Crosby Street Hotel.

I love the variety and scale of the greenery that is available from the neighborhood florists, especially the large bundles of sticks and branches.

A handsome pair of Labradors waiting patiently for their morning walk...reminds me of home!

Flowers and red berries at a street vendor on Lexington Avenue.

The Mecox Gardens window.

My favorite place to window shop, Treillage.

A gorgeous gift from Treillage elegantly wrapped and ready to gift.

The large illuminated wreath at the Waldorf Astoria.

Merry Christmas!

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Chic, Affordable Host and Hostess Gifts

Looking for the perfect little host and hostess gift?

I am always looking for something really special for the host or hostess to express my sincere gratitude to them for opening their home during the holidays.

I absolutely flipped over these chic glasses from World Market. The picture above, for the host, is a not-so-good instagram picture of the stag etched cocktail glasses ($4 each). They would be amazing as a gift all by themselves but would also be nice packaged with a good bottle of scotch and whiskey stones.

For the hostess, these stemless wineglasses ($4 each) also from World Market are handblown. You can tell the second you pick one up as they are slightly different in weight and shape. I plan to package these with some of my favorite Christmas cocktail recipes or a bottle of wine.

Pomegranate Prosecco

Limoncello and Prosecco Cooler with Raspberry Ice Cubes

Sparkling Pear and Thyme Fizz

Pomegranate Margaritas

Noel Spritzer

Have a nice weekend!

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The Christmas Wreath

I am not a red person even at Christmas time. My tastes always align with a lighter palette usually highlighted with a touch of blue. That's why it was no surprise that I fell hard for this gorgeous wreath from the pages of Traditional Home.

In the mornings, I take the dog on a long walk around our neighborhood. It is one of those simple pleasures that helps me to start the day off on the right foot. During the Christmas season, my walks are even more pleasurable as I love to see how my neighbors have decorated for the season. I am amazed at the diversity of ideas for something as simple as the Christmas wreath. I like to make my own wreath with fresh evergreens from my garden. I usually use a combination of magnolia, boxwood and cypress and collect pinecones that look like roses from my neighbor's hemlock tree. I like my wreath to be fluffy and a little unruly so that it reflects its handmade status.

Here are just a few of my favorite Pinterest images of wreaths that are inspiring my decorating choices this season followed by my own Christmas wreath.

 Enjoy!

I love a Christmas wreath hung prominently indoors. It brings that needed touch of nature inside and fills the house with the scent of evergreens.

Here's the wreath I created yesterday from tidbits from my garden, a blue burlap ribbon and silver bell garland from World Market.

Merry Christmas, come on in!

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Christmas Cards

Are you still shopping for Christmas cards?

I fell in love with these bright and beautiful cards from Sugar Paper.

and these artisan made prints and cards from Oh My Deer on etsy.

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