December 2007 Entries
Dear Readers,
I hope that all your dreams come true in 2008. In any event, I wish you Health, Joy and Happiness.
Happy New Year!
Kim
1998 Vintage of La Grande Dame
I spot this gorgeous Couture Gift Box of La Grande Dame. If you are looking for a splurge for the hostess, this gift set is a sure way to get invited again next year.
To celebrate the launch of the 1998 vintage, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin created a brand new Haute Couture packaging.
Sourcing:
Buy online: 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame at WineChateau.com - price: $155.99 for 750 ml
Buy online: 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose at WineChateau.com - price: $294.89 for 750 ml
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 31, 2007 3:20 PM | Feedback (3)
For my second board, I wanted to do something for the hipper crowd. I came over this eye catching restaurant in Santiago, Chile while browsing the blogosphere. Wow! Imagine hosting a New Year party in a place like this.
I cannot tell you all the details about this restaurant because I spot it on Plateforma Arquitectura, a Spanish-speaking blog. Simply looking at the pictures is already a treat.
The boutique hotel movement responded to our desire to bring our home to the hotel. Then people got inspired by the interior design of these hotels and bring the best into their home. The same happens between restaurants and home cooking. But when you look at Restaurante Mercat, the modern fashionable decor has a homey atmosphere.
For a party like this, I needed an invitation card that dares to be different for your New Year’s Eve Party. The New Year Soiree (NTC) invite, designed by Bonnie’s StylePress, has more to offer than your average New Year card.
What is next for 2008?
I am living you with this testimony of good design. I hope 2008 will be full of brilliant design, stylish entertaining and fine living.
For my part, I am starting the year with 8 week end of vacations. I will bring you more stories from my trips. Right now the cities in our radar seem to be: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Seattle and Toronto (for its PodCamp conference in February).
Sourcing:
Buy online: New Year Soiree (NTC) by Bonnie’s StylePress – price: $50 for 25 cards with envelops
Via: Restaurante Mercat | 01-arquitectos published on Plateforma Arquitectura
Categories:
HOME decor
HOLIDAY
posted @ Sunday, December 30, 2007 12:13 AM | Feedback (2)
For us, Christmas is a family celebration while New Year is a time to have fun with your friends. I concocted some design and menu ideas for the glamorous girl who invited her friends at home.
I always savor a tasty dinner at New Year’s Eve but I always plan for lots of time for dancing and having fun. It should feel like a party, not a dinner event.
My Source of Inspiration
Although it is too late to send your printed invitations, the Bonnie's StylePress invite that I am showing you sets the tone of the event I designed. If you send something like that, your friends will know what to expect.
Monogrammed table linens add a classic touch. Monogram napkins are available in cloths and paper. Both the invites and the Caspari paper napkins can be found at Fine Stationery.
The Welcoming Cocktail
Think about the parties that Hollywood stars were hosting in the 1950's. So put your latest cocktail dress, wear your high heels and greet your guests with a glass of Kir Royale. Drop a dash of Creme de Cassis in a flute and topped with Champagne. Crème de Cassis is a French liquor made of black currants.
Or you can make the oldest, the classic Champagne cocktail. In fact, it was very popular with the 1950's Hollywood stars. In a flute, drizzle a couple of drops of Angostura on a sugar cube and top with Champagne. Both the Kir Royale and the classic Champagne cocktail are made with the real thing. But make sure you keep the vintage Champagne bottles for the New Year Countdown.
Do not forget to serve one or two types of finger foods during the cocktail. If you are short on time, simply spread a few pates on fine crackers. Serve them on a platter with cocktail napkins.
The Dinner Menu
I composed a simple but elegant dinner that will leave you plenty of time for dancing and drinking responsibly. These recipes were featured on Tastespotting.
For the first course, go for a soup since you can make it in advance. Pay attention to your plating, you can go fancier than parsley for garnishes with a pinch of a freshly cut chives with some homemade croutons. And serve an array of bread.
For the main course, repeat with the same concept of simple food that is well plated. Here is an example.
For dessert, go for the presentation in Mason jars that is trendy with chefs. Just recall the Pot au Chocolat from Laloux Restaurant that was presented on a similar style. And you can never go wrong with a chocolate dessert, as least if you wish to please me. This dessert from Tartelette will leave nice memories in the heart of your guests.
That is it for the meal. It is now the time to power the music, dance and make a toast to the New Year. Have fun preparing your own New Year Party.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Bonnie's StylePress invitation cards at Fine Stationery – price: $120.25 for 25 custom printed cards with envelops
Buy online: Caspari monogrammed paper napkins at Fine Stationery – price: $ 48 for 100
Photo credits: Each meal picture belongs to the blogger who posted the recipe
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
posted @ Saturday, December 29, 2007 4:20 PM | Feedback (1)
My second tabletop is easier and faster to assemble. For that reason, I will explain my design choices in this post.
Baubles in a glass vase were popular this year. I could have used a taller vase but I like that we see the top ornaments without interference.
I bought several large uniquely shaped baubles in pink, burgundy and moss green. I gathered them inside a glass vase on a bed of tiny gold and copper baubles. I also placed the remaining of my Acrylic ornaments by FERM Living around the vase. They were baroque leaves and motifs in red, pink, lilac and bright green.
Because we were at the cottage, I opted for artificial silver and black branches instead of a floral arrangement. Honestly, it was too high when we were sitting at the table. So I replaced it with a trio of large decorative baubles that unfortunately we did not photograph.
Bead garlands unite the vignette and add glitters to the tabletop. I am a huge fan of bead garlands. The snowman tree ornament was a last minute addition from the Dollar store. I got compliments for my snowman. From my experience, you can incorporate one or two well chosen items from the Dollar store if you splurged on the rest of your table. It is a matter of proportions, the light level and the time that the people will look at them.
For this scheme, I departed from Christmas theme napkins. The artichoke pattern linked everything to the darker green hue of the holly rimmed plates. The shape similarity between an artichoke and the pink pine cone bauble was another key factor in my decision.
This post concludes my Christmas 2007 reports.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, December 28, 2007 4:17 PM | Feedback (0)
As I told you earlier, I designed two tablescapes for Christmas. The first one was for our Christmas Eve party (réveillon) and the other was for our Christmas dinner.
Each year, we celebrated at the ski cottage. My mother in law has a white Christmas dinnerware set with a holly rim. So I need to consider that fact as I devised my themes.
I reused the beige table cloth from last year. For a more festive look, I put a burgundy patterned voile textile on top. You usually need to make your own. Here a trick if you are short on time. Simply visit the already made curtain section of a fabric or home decoration store and select a tab top curtain panel. You cut the tabs and no one will know that it was a curtain.
My centerpiece vignette
The inspiration for my centerpiece was these cute squirrel acrylic ornaments by FERM Living. The blue acrylic box was recycled from a Davidoff’s Cool Water gift box that I bought for my husband last year. I kept it because I knew it can be handy for a DIY project.
The supplies for my do-it-yourself centerpiece
- 1 light blue acrylic rectangular box – about 2 inches high
- 1 box of Acrylic Ornaments by FERM Living
- 1 bag of soft gray decorative sand FLORERA at IKEA
- 1 bag of red decorative sand FLORERA at IKEA
- 1/2 bag of snowflakes
- 4 artificial trees – 2 small covered in snow and 2 medium (large would have been best)
- 1 tall white pillar candle inside a birch stump cachepot
- 2 silver deer candle holders ($20 each at Benix)
- Gold bauble place cards – bought at Zone Maison last year ($10 for 6 baubles)
Instructions
I first covered the acrylic box with the sand; red at the bottom, gray at the top. Then, I positioned the couples of squirrels, a small tree in one corner and simulate a fence with two pink baroque motif acrylic ornaments. I carefully dropped snowflakes all over. Voilà! I am quite happy by my simple vignette.
I was supposed to buy 3 sizes of trees. The huge snowfalls and my TV interview broke my schedule. I only found those trees. But afterwards, I prefer the color mix of the green trees next to snow covered trees even if it does not look like a realistic scene. With the size of the deer, I did not go for realism anyway.
Since we usually assign places at the last minute, I put a satin ribbon instead of the name tags. Merry Christmas handmade tags would have been nice too.
I made a breach with table manners by using paper napkins instead of linens. But the patterns of those napkins complement so well my theme that I got to use them. The beautiful red and white print reminded me of a knitted quilt. The print highlights the key elements of my décor.
And you can see my cute Christmas dress on the background while I gave instructions drinking a glass of red wine during the apéro.
A must in the French culture, an apéro happens before dinner. It lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. An apéro is a time where you relax before a huge meal, mingle, sip an aperitif and eat finger foods, canapés, chips, nuts or olives. My mother in law cooked us a delicious meal. We had a great time.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Acrylic ornaments by FERM Living – price: $27 for a box of 12 ornaments
Learn more: Clever Spaces, the blog of FERM Living
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, December 28, 2007 3:29 PM | Feedback (0)
It is simpler to separate a cake into identical pieces, but the fact of the matter is that everyone wants a different size. When it comes to desserts, the host needs to please the dieters, the large appetites and the ones in the middle.
You can cut the pieces at different sizes yourself but these pre-shaped pieces look better. And you will always have enough portions with this neat invention by Konstantin Slawinski.
How it works?
S-XL Cake SL14 is a silicone cake mold that produces 15 portions from small to extra large. The pieces vary in widths and heights. In my opinion, S-XL Cake would not be ideal as a birthday cake but it becomes handy on the dessert buffet table. Decorate each piece individually while creating a unique overall design. You can put some berries over a little coat of frosting or whipped cream.
If you are planning a baby shower, you can bring a coffee cake done in it. Test the cake mold by baking a Chocolate Cake a la Vera Slawinski. The recipe is published on the back of the SL14 postcard available online via the Download button.
If you are interested, you will need to wait because the S-XL Cake Mold is out of stock at Vessel right now. Or you can preorder now and pay less at Charles & Marie. Canadians will be happy to know that you can order at Vessel with no duty charges.
Sourcing:
Buy online: S-XL Cake Form at Vessel – price: $49 USD
Buy online: S-XL Cake Mold - Presale Feb. 2008 at Charles & Marie – price: $33 USD
Learn more: Web site of Konstantin Slawinski
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
CAKES
posted @ Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:47 PM | Feedback (1)
We just celebrated Christmas but retailers are already looking at next year styles. As a true fashionable crowd, you want to be in the know.
One great source of inspirations is the European fair in festive decorations that will be presented in Frankfurt from January 23 to 27, 2008. The left column pictures are from last year event.
Over 30 000 trade visitors will assist and admire a spectrum of Christmas decorations ranging from handmade Italian cribs and 'smokers' from the Ore Mountains ('Erzgebirge') to beautiful porcelain for your dining table.
Exhibitors include suppliers for candles, floral art, fireworks, party and festive articles. Not just about Christmas, the show covers Easter and other festive celebrations.
We can read on Christmasworld's Web site:
Since 2007, Christmasworld has been paying tribute to the diversity of the world’s festivals by presenting some of the festivities celebrated in guest countries. The launch event, this year, featured the "Las Fallas" spring festival held in the city of Valencia. In 2008, Sweden’s "Midsommar" and "Sankta Lucia" festivals will move into the Galleria of the Frankfurt Fairground.
What will be the 4 festive trends for 2008?
The creative mind behind Christmasworld since 1998 is Gunnar Frank. He is a trend researcher living in Amsterdam. Gunnar Frank predicted four trends for next season. See the above illustrations.
Banzai East takes its roots in the orchids, Zen blossoms and exotic Japan. Orange-gold, linden green and sky blue take the center stage in this Far Eastern style.
Candy West brings back the kitsch style with elements of Pop Art. But the retro candy store has been updated with modern cool furniture. My husband and I both received an Andy Warhol watch this Christmas; I guess we will be able to wear them next year.
Dressed in a pink, sky blue and leaf green palette, the simplicity of the decorative elements is stretched further with Lagom North. This Swedish merry décor is composed with handmade accessories, naïve floral patterns and natural wreathes.
The baroque elegance lives on by mixing them with contemporary design with Baroque South. Think of opulence with a modern touch. We already see the emergence of this trend in 2007. I am happy because I really enjoy this design. Baroque South suits my home decor. Therefore add gold accents, large candlesticks, floral patterns and damask. Prefer tablescapes done in theatrical magenta, aquamarine and ruby red.
If you cannot assist, know that a Christmasworld trend book is available for €20.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Christmasworld 2008 at International Frankfurter Messe
Photo credits : all rights reserved by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH /Petra Welzel
Categories:
PARTY supplies
HOLIDAY
posted @ Wednesday, December 26, 2007 4:51 PM | Feedback (0)
In Quebec, the big event for Christmas occurs on Christmas Eve. Traditionally after the Midnight Mass in France, Canada and several Roman Catholic countries, the entire family reunites for the Réveillon.
How it used to be?
I recalled when I was a child I would go to bed around 7 pm the night of the réveillon. My parents awakened me around 10 pm so I can celebrate all night. In our family, this celebration took place from 11-11:30 pm to about 5 am.
It was and it still is a huge thing. What changed for most of us is the number of guests. When I was a child, we were often 60 to 75 persons. I know families that were over a hundred people for the New Year réveillon.
The Midnight Mass was always special. Each year, you discovered a new crèche (manger) often with a real baby and a couple acting as Mary and Joseph. Listening to the sounds of a live choral society singing joyful classical Christmas carols brings me pleasures. Even today, I am still a fan. After all, it is once a year. Unfortunately, the lust of the masses of my childhood has been lost.
What is a réveillon in French-speaking Canada?
Our Christmas réveillon is a family gathering with a late feast followed by the gift exchange.
The appetizers vary a lot. In the 1970’s, coquilles Saint-Jacques, a French scallop recipe, whole fish next to a buffet table were typical. Yesterday, my mother in law served a nice vegetable platter and canapés for the cocktail. Many families have a toast with Champagne before starting the meal. While for the first course, we ate smoked salmon, with red onions, olive oil and capers. Simple yet delicious.
A huge turkey served with a cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and buttered boiled small carrots plus a meat pie called tourtière represent the traditional main course. Every region adds their specialties.
We savored a cheese platter before the dessert. I am betting that many families ate a Lambert’s ice cream log cake last night in Quebec. When I was young, the dessert table was huge. My aunts brought homemade maple fudge, fruit pies, maple pies and other sweets. And you cannot forget several recipes of fruit cakes.
Nowadays, we start earlier like most people. But even if the family members are more spread out we had fun celebrating last night.
By the way, I received a cherry red Le Creuset cheese fondue set for Christmas. I will share my best fondue tips and tricks with you in 2008.
I wish you and your loved ones Merry Christmas if you are Christians. Otherwise, Happy Holidays!
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, December 25, 2007 2:23 PM | Feedback (2)
Just in time for the big Christmas party, I taught it would be handy to give you tips on how to take better pictures at the party. After all, photos are memories that we will cherish for years to come.
Natural poses
Beautiful photography is about capturing expressions. The best pictures display peoples as they are. So try not to ask people to pose for the camera.
Instead take tons of shots "au natural", take several shots of a scene as it occurs and you will dig afterwards the best photos. I learned this trick from my wedding photographer who used to work as a fashion photographer.
Forgo the flash
Using a flash creates shadows, can overexpose the colors and people with sensible eyes look weird. For that reason, I try to take pictures without a flash. For an indoor party, you probably need to adjust your ISO to 400 or 800. If the room is really dark and you do not mind the grainy look, set the ISO at 1600. You can always finish them as black and white.
Photography is a trial and error activity. My advice is that you experiment in the room first to determine which ISO level produces the best results. When in doubts, repeat the same shot at different ISO levels.
Go manual
If you never moved away from the Auto mode before, here are my tips for beginners. I am an amateur photographer with little experience but I moved away from the Auto mode because this is how you create effects. And do not be afraid, digital photography allows you to take as many shots as you like for free.
When you go manual, you need to be aware of the Exposure triangle: ISO, shutter speed and aperture. A change in one influences the two others. Read the informative Digital Photography Tips for Beginners post by Digital Photography School to understand how they interact.
From my experience, shutter speed is critical for action shots and night shots. Beside ISO, aperture is my best friend. Large aperture (small f numbers) decreases the depth of field which results in a magical blurry background. That effect comes handy for portrait photography as all the attention is on the subject.
If you want more Tips for Shooting a Party, read this post written by Lara Ferroni for her Still Life With… blog. She showed us nice party photos with a blurry background. As a starting point, get inspired by the poses and the angles of her photographs. With practice, you will be able to develop your own style.
Crop and make adjustments
Before you send your photos to your friends and family, take the time to edit them. Crop the image, play with filters, lights, adjust the exposure and add some contrast to embellish your photos. If you did not buy Adobe's Photoshop, I find that Picasa by Google produces great results.
Have fun at your party tonight. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Digital Photography Tips for Beginners published on Digital Photography School
Learn more: Tips for Shooting a Party published on Still Life With…
Learn more: Picasa
Categories:
PARTY ideas
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 24, 2007 12:33 PM | Feedback (2)
For the last days before Christmas, there is still time for one or two last minute inspirations.
I made a simple vignette to decorate the mantle in our playroom at the cottage.
My inspiration was my birch cachepots from small stump. Mason jars served as vases. I selected holly branches because they are resilient and I need a flower arrangement that will still look good for a few days.
A silver tree with a 3D patterned stump base completes the scheme along with a deer from Ikea.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Sunday, December 23, 2007 6:47 PM | Feedback (0)
If you read my blog often, you already know that Gogoglass is a favorite of mine. I owned her Lemon Reamer and it works like a charm. My husband used it when he plays the barman to extract citrus juices.
When I went to their Workshop Sale on December 1, I took some pictures of their latest creations. Once again, it was a pure pleasure for the eyes.
For your home decor
Karine Bouchard of Verre Minuit makes stunning witch balls. She hangs a bunch of witch balls as a large wall structure. Several times customers asked her to take a picture of her composition and then buy the whole things. They used her picture as a template to reproduce her composition when they get home.
Karine's witch balls come in 3 almost sizes starting at $25 CAD for the small balls. Witch balls are a popular holiday ornament that you can keep all year around.
If I am not mistaken, Karine and Annie Michaud collaborated to create these amazing flower vases. Otherwise, it is a creation of Verre Minuit. A plate with a small hole can sit on the top. This design enables you to put a single branch on a large vase. Look and versatility combine in one vase.
For your table
Annie Michaud creates many tableware products. The French name Main-de-sel ($52 / 62$) sounds more lovely than Salt container. Annie created a glass container with a two-sided spoon for serving sea salt at your table. When you entertain more than six persons, I suggest you place two salt containers. A ratio of 3 to 4 persons conveys a sense of refinement.
I tried out Annie’s own mortar & pestle($95 / $105), the one she used to ground her pepper at the workshop. Wow! It works as well as it looks. I put one on my Christmas wish list; we will see soon if Santa Claus selected it. Otherwise, I will get the bright orange one myself.
A new product is the fruit vase ($45 at the workshop). It is really pretty when you make a row of identical fruits. I could see that used as a centerpiece.
If you are in Montreal, know that the prices of Annie Michaud’s pieces are sold on average for $10 less at her workshop. That is why I put two prices.
Gogoglass
385 de la Commune East (marché Bonsecours)
Montreal, QC H2Y 1H2
phone 514.397.8882
Sourcing:
For Karine Bouchard : Web site of Verre Minuit – her latest creations are not there
Buy online: Web site of Annie Michaud
Categories:
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
GIFT ideas
posted @ Friday, December 21, 2007 6:06 PM | Feedback (1)
If you are looking for innovative handmade ceramic serving ware, plates and bowls and you are in the Montreal area this Saturday, try to stop by the workshop of Basma Osama.
I met Basma last week end at the Souk @ SAT and bought a few pieces. Her dishes are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Her workshop is usually only open on appointment but she will have an open house from noon to 5pm this Saturday, December 22.
She a talented artist and her dishes can be used several ways. Basma even plans gift set to simplify your shopping.
Ceramik B
5500 Fullum, Suite 210
Montreal
p 514.651.0902
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
GIFT ideas
posted @ Friday, December 21, 2007 12:02 PM | Feedback (1)
I had an eventful day which is why I did not publish a post earlier. This will wait until tomorrow because I had to finish wrapping all my gifts before we head off for our Holiday resort.
This morning
I was interviewed about two weeks ago by a journalist from the Journal de Montreal, the most popular daily newspaper in Quebec. Jessica Nadeau was writing about party etiquette. A photograph came and took my picture at the office.
The article was published this morning. See here what Wikipedia says about Le Journal de Montreal.
This afternoon
Then, just before noon, I got a phone call from a researcher of Le TVA 17 heures, a popular news TV show. They discovered me by reading the article this morning. She asked some questions and if I would be willing to be on the show around 17:30 for a 3 minutes live interview with Pierre Bruneau.
It was my first time experience on a major TV show. I was interviewed once in the past on TV but for a show on a small TV channel. TVA is by far the premier TV channel in Quebec. The good think is that I liked the experience and have a good idea of how to improve my performance next time.
Finally, they asked me to film at a location where I could set up a table (it is great that I stocked tableware props at home).
My husband Jerome took a video of the preparations while the cameraman was filming the teaser. I will go through the process in another post.
It was an eventful day for sure. My Christmas shopping is completed and wrapped. So I can go eat dinner now.
Categories:
IN the press
posted @ Thursday, December 20, 2007 11:37 PM | Feedback (2)
Located in Brooklyn, New York, Supermarket is a cool market place that connects designers with consumers.
If you are looking for a special gift to complete your Holiday shopping, browse their catalogue. I compile a fun wish list to speed up your shopping.
A hanging vase
To give you a head start, I made a list of four fun and practical products. The first one is a white ceramic orb hang with a long woven sisal cord called Plantorb. Sold under her own brand called Perch!, Amy Adams designed the cutest vase to grow your own herbs in the kitchen.
Cute Egg Cups
Created by Design Glut, Egg Pants is a cute duo of egg cups. Made with a ceramic lookalike material that is soft and flexible, Egg Pants perfectly fit around any egg. If you friends are not familiar with egg cups, at least you can brag that Egg Pants made the front page of the New York Times last week.
Modern Cuckoo clock
If you are looking for a charming little gift, a glance Cuckoo Clock by Decoylab will convince you. This wall hanging clock with an image of cuckoo clock look adorable. Give it to someone who likes a whimsical touch in their home décor.
Baby changing pad
Deadly Squire is not a name that naturally comes to mind for baby products but again their products do not share the usual baby look either. So if you have a friend who is expecting, give her the Blackbirds baby changing pad. It is made of 100% cotton, quilted changing pad and will neither bored the parents nor the baby.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Plantorb at Supermarket – price: $104
Buy online: Egg Pants at Supermarket – price: $20 USD for a set of 2
Buy online: Lime Cuckoo Clock at Supermarket – price: $ 28 USD
Buy online: Baby changing pad, Blackbirds at Supermarket – price: $20 USD
Learn more: Retailers carrying Perch!
Learn more: Retailers carrying Design Glut
Categories:
BABY showers
GIFT ideas
posted @ Wednesday, December 19, 2007 12:13 AM | Feedback (1)
Since a stylish dining room pendant is a must for entertaining, it is best to take the time to find the right lighting fixture to finish up a room design. For the dramatic effect you are after, have a look at the impressive collection from Propellor Design.
And if you wish to be kind to the planet, the new releases from this talented design studio located in Vancouver, BC combine beauty, originality and sustainability.
Caluino
Open spaces called for the need of harmonizing fixtures. Sometimes, you wish a unified look. And you bring variations through dimensions and shapes.
To tailor your lights to the space, mix the Caluino chandelier, a grouping of seven bamboo pendants with a walnut oil finish with any of the Furrow pendants (sedin, parkade or traverse). Repeat as needed.
Galiano
Whether you prefer the appeal of reclaimed Douglas Fir seen on the Galiano with the hanging branch is up to you. No one would argue because the Galiano pendants look amazing. The Arbutus twig is not just decorative since it acts as the pull switch.
Stratus and Culumus
For a magical atmosphere, opt for the eco-resin ceiling mounted chandelier called Stratus. That design can complement many room styles. If you prefer when the light sits lower, have a peek at the Cumulus.
Propellor Design is a multidisciplinary design studio specializing in custom lighting, furniture and interiors. All their light fixtures house low voltage compact fluorescent bulbs.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Galiano Pendant Light by Propellor Design at Supermarket – price: $318 USD
Buy online: Galiano Slim Pendant Light by Propellor Design at Supermarket – price: $260 USD
Learn more: Web site of Propellor Design
Via: Apartment Therapy San Francisco
Categories:
HOME decor
posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:50 PM | Feedback (1)
I promised you a Holiday craft project to decorate your front store. Watch my video for clues on how to make your own bunch of baubles. This was based on a concept featured on the December 2007 issue of Living etc.
More tips on how to craft your own hanging baubles composition
- It seems natural that everything hangs from a central point. First, I clustered a few large and small baubles on top of my middle ornament. Before your begin, make sure your central ornament has a ribbon long enough to hang all the groups.
- This design called for a tight composition. Small baubles work wonderfully as fillers.
- I like to play with the contrasts in dimensions, shapes and shines.
- Even if I went for an almost monochromatic red and pink combination, the festive look was achieved with the addition of punch colors. Orange and green balls cheered up my composition.
- Ask someone to hold the baubles while you are building your creation. Otherwise, use a towel bar or a clothes hanger to hold it in place while you are assembling.
- Fishing lines were used for crowding together balls with the traditional hook and to place the ornament bunches at different heights.
- I braided satin ribbons to make a silky rope. Another option is a fancy cord available at any great textile store.
Like I said on my video, be crafty and welcome your guests in style this Holiday.
RELATED STORY:
+ Christmas decorations | 3 blogs and a mood board - 2007.12.10 edition
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:22 PM | Feedback (2)
If you do not know about this weekly column, let me explain. I feature 3 stories from the blogosphere based on a set of rules. First, the stories have 7 days old or less, and my board must inspire a party theme or share a common theme. This week, it is about DIY Holiday decorative projects.
1 | Toasts and Tables
This easy to make bauble ornament is one of many ideas featured on THINK PINK (and green) for a Christmas tablesetting by Toasts and Tables.
Give a new life to a cheese dome by housing a bunch of baubles. Display it on a buffet table, a credence, the entrance and even as a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner party.
2 | More Ways to Waste Time
You can learn How to Make a Snowflakes-and-Oranges Window Hanging if you read the blog of Leah Hennen, a home-design junkie from Oakland, California. In a previous issue, the team of Donna Hay Magazine told us to plan a knitting party. Now More Ways to Waste Time presented about a
beautiful assemblage of crocheted snowflakes, yarn pom-poms, and dried oranges hung from a gently gnarled tree branch.
3 | Apartment Therapy New York
Learn how to make this Bird-Friendly Flower Box by watching a video and by reading complementing tips. This cute outdoor arrangement is made with just four small bundles of seasonal branches and a few pine cones. Thanks to Matt of Apartment Therapy New York for bringing this story.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 17, 2007 11:47 PM | Feedback (0)
My husband and I always take some time off during the Holidays to enjoy time with the family. We typically entertain at the cottage. The merry surroundings, the relax atmosphere and the ski slopes attract everyone year after year. Obviously, I dress up the table every night.
To supply fresh content to my blog, I decided to create two distinct looks this year. You will see them developing gradually. Today is about the starting props.
Winter wonderland
The main theme (bottom picture) celebrates northern wildlife during winter. My inspiration came from two adorable props that I already owned:
- the small stump’s birch bark cachepot set and
- the Acrylic Ornaments box set by FERM Living with their cute squirrels.
Mixed with pines cones and miniature trees, this design has ski cottages written all over it.
Country baroque
My secondary theme draws on another huge trend this year, the baroque style. But I am doing it with a twist.
My event location has a Swiss cottage architecture backbone with an up-to-date wood kitchen. I can wait to show you I am combining both styles.
As the week progresses, I will reveal more items.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Acrylic Ornaments by FERM Living – price: $27 USD for a box of 12
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 17, 2007 7:38 PM | Feedback (0)
I ran several errands today and it took longer than expected. Since it is late, I will present you my editorial program for the upcoming weeks instead of my scheduled post.
I am working on exciting stories. One story explains tips and tricks to take better photos at parties. I will post more videos, including the fabulous meal I ate at Europea Restaurant two nights ago.
I went shopping and bought fabulous baubles, invisible glue, tubes of sprinkles and jewelry pearls to design my own front door bunch, like the bunch of baubles published on the UK magazine Living etc. that I introduced last Monday. I probably have enough decorations to design two or three different styles.
I am also designing my Holiday dinner party centerpieces. I will show you a teaser with a how-to guide. But you will need to wait until my party to see the entire tablescape. If things go according to plan, I will design more than one scheme.
So stay tuned! The rest of the year promises to be fun.
Until then, I am going to join my husband and play Super Mario Galaxy before we go to bed. I am finishing a busy week,which included writing for another publication, so this break is welcomed.
Sourcing:
Photo credit: Living etc - December 2007 issue
Categories:
PARTY ideas
posted @ Saturday, December 15, 2007 12:08 AM | Feedback (1)
My look at the fabulous store windows from high-end Montreal retailer Ogilvy. Get inspired with fine entertaining ideas this Holiday season.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Thursday, December 13, 2007 3:59 PM | Feedback (0)
Decorating with unusual Christmas baubles and ornaments elevate the simplest design. The key element is to bring character to your space.
I spot those stylish ornaments on Côté Maison, a French magazine. Even though the sources are retail stores only available in France I am showing them to you because they are a feast for the eyes.
The range of styles is diverse from a wooden ball covered with snow to Goose, a feather baroque style balls available at Habitat. If you spot a US or a Canadian store that carries a wooden ball similar to this one, I will be glad if you inform me. It would complement the Christmas tabletop I am designing for this year party.
Modern Mix displays the crown pattern. I noticed more and more crown prints lately on items from baubles to cups, plates up to decorative home accessories.
The last item is a simple Scandinavian tree ornament from Ikea called the ISIG bird.
Sourcing:
Via: Un Noël sans perdre la boule! sur Côté Maison
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:48 PM | Feedback (2)
If you enjoy winter sports, hot chocolate and retro modern design, these Holiday cards are probably for you. I like those because they look out of the ordinary.
From Binth
- Seasons Greetings displays a skier - price: $17.50 USD for 6 / $4.25 each
- Peace, Love & Joy is a bi-fold panoramic card with a modern winter wonderland print - price: $18 USD for 6 / $4.75 each
From Hello Lucky
From Bonnie's Style Press
From Fabulous Stationery
- Mod Homestead is reminiscence of the mid-century architecture – price: $45 USD for 25 cards
From Kates Paperie
From MoMA store
- Winter Skaters, designed by Keisuke Unosawa - price: $17.95 for 8 cards
More Christmas card suggestions
You might be interested to know that Kelly of Design Crush posted today her favorite Round Up: Christmas Cards. It may be handy if you are still looking for the perfect cards.
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 10, 2007 8:30 PM | Feedback (0)
Two weeks before Christmas, the blogosphere is packed with Christmas decorations.The modernism of those is what makes me choose them.
My mood board starts at your front door on how you greet your guests. Once inside, your guests discover a harmonizing treatment around the mantel of the living room.
Since you will pass most of the time eating, I stress the importance of the holiday decorations in the dining room. Vignettes are in so use them to your advantage by creating unique decorative scenes.
Because a gift is judged first by the way it is wrapped, go for amazing gift papers, especially if you do a mystery gift exchange. And do not neglect ribbons, bows and accessories. They are the jewelry of your gifts.
1 | Apartment Therapy Chicago
Modern Holiday Ornament Displays features great Christmas decorations from the UK magazine Living etc.
I fancied updating my wreath this year. My craft project was all planned out. But instead I will decorate my front door with a bunch of baubles. The idea here is to mix shapes, colors and dimensions in an artistic cluster.
By the way, I enjoy the new blog layout of the Apartment Therapy franchises.
2 | Housemartin
I stop making a large tree years ago for several reasons. But that this not mean your house cannot look festive. In all-a-sparkle, the talented Pam of Housemartin explained how she decorated her mantel and did two vignettes for her dining room.
If you did not see it, go check out her vintage deer cement garden ornament. I have to warm you, you will be jealous.
3 | Paper Shop Ink blog
Wrapping papers are a must this time of the year. With cool names and modern prints designed by Eric Kass, the gift papers from Funnel Paper Goods will stand out under the Christmas tree.
Like I said on Paper Shop Ink, the Rangifer Taranadus has the hippest color combination for this Holiday. The mod-retro Color Urchin works for all occasions.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Gift papers by Funnel Paper Goods - $12 USD for three 28" x 40" premium paper sheets
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 10, 2007 6:36 PM | Feedback (2)
When I was young, the Sunday night was a more formal dinner affair at my home.
A Sunday family dinner is a worthwhile ritual that brings everyone closer together. It is the perfect time to have uninterrupted discussions. Schedule one for next Sunday and see the benefits.
We can all enjoy a casual yet stylish meal with our family or friends. I composed this seasonal dinner menu out of recipes featured on Tastespotting.
Since this is not an everyday dinner, why not starts the meal with an aperitif?
The first courses
You can serve a salad followed by a fish appetizer.
The entrée
Because it is supposed to be your day off, do not be afraid to take the bests within the comfort food repertoire.
The dessert
Who could resist a Chocolate Pistachio Fudge?
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
posted @ Monday, December 10, 2007 12:56 AM | Feedback (0)
This search started by looking at Friday Flickr Favorites on emmas designblogg. There, I found a new life of an old jar. If you are not a knitter, you can buy a knitted wine bottle gift bag at Target. This cute candle holder in a jar was done by decor8.
If you are good at handmade stuff, you can give a try to a felt elf clog. This beautiful elf shoe in felt (a trendy materiel) was created by *jenny b allsorts. You can get the pattern and the instructions on her blog called AllSorts. The red and aqua combination with white accents is my all-time favorite for Christmas.
A little Christmas village with classic charms by Frugan
Because it starts snowing again, I selected this winter scene taken by Green Wellies
And do not forget to participate to my Holidays Tabletop Giveway.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, December 07, 2007 2:38 PM | Feedback (0)
This is something I wanted to do for a long time. So I am very excited to present you my first vlog (video blog). I invite you to watch my quick report on Christmas front store decorations in downtown Montreal.
Categories:
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, December 07, 2007 12:29 AM | Feedback (4)
My husband entered my office while I was putting up this board and he exclaimed Wow!
Until Habitat makes the plunge and opens stores in that side of the ocean, I can share my passions through their styled pictures. This Holidays, their stylists came up with stunning decorations for your Holiday parties.
Deep shades of red
Mixing an array of reds and violets with silvers, bronzes, browns and golden tones summarizes the Christmas trends saw at Habitat. Black and white acts as accents colors. They play around rich colors to create their rooms.
I do not know if you notice but greens are absent. This is a beautiful design lesson on how to limit the hues to one or two area in the color wheel. The result is a sophisticated festive look.
Gift ideas
For a retro look, think about the analogue wall clock FLAP or to confuse your friends at the end of the evening, get the TIK TAK wall clock. And browse for more cool clocks and to equip your bar with handy accessories.
Tablescape
The GARLAND pendant designed by Tord Boontje for Habitat looks adorable whenever you are entertaining. Designed by Philippa Prinsloo, the FELL VIEW candle holder collection is available in two sizes.
Take cues from the way Habitat set the tables. Examine how they cluster things to add focus points on the buffet table. How they play with heights to simulate movements in the room.
The dessert table is particularly adorable. The table is well put together yet the design look lived in. The best way to reuse their concepts is by combining these designs into your own when designing your table.
Christmas decorations
Habitat sells a range of Christmas baubles (balls), flat-packed decorative little trees, Christmas tree decorations, garland lights and more.
A must this season is the long curtain light chain. Made of illuminated pearls and crystals inspired by fashion trends, PERLINA is designed to ripple down walls, over tables, along mantelpieces or to be arranged as a circular centerpiece.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Christmas decorations at Habitat
Buy online: FLAP analog clock at Habitat – price: 90 £
Buy online: TIK TAK clock at Habitat – price: 90 £
Buy online: GARLAND pendant lamp at Habitat – price: 18 £
Buy online: FELL VIEW candle holder at Habitat - price: 30 £ for the small
Buy online: PERLINA, long curtain Christmas lights at Habitat – price: 39 £
posted @ Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:25 PM | Feedback (0)
If you like magazines, you could win the December 2007 issue of Style at Home.
This issue of a Canadian Home décor magazine is packed with Holiday Decorating and Entertaining tips.
My advice
The two tabletops are from an article called Dress up the dining table. Overall the tabletops look great but they are some faux pas:
- The water glasses are missing. Serving water is a must at every meal. Whether the people drink it or not is irrelevant. Table manners are clear on that subject: everyone has a water glass.
- If you wish to go with the face to face look, make sure your table runner is 24 to 30 inches wide. The one used on the gold table is clearly too narrow.
- For the Holidays, placemats feel too casual in my view. You cannot go wrong with a nice table cloth, especially if you wish to dress up your table.
How to participate?
Note on October 5th, 2007: I simplified the question before anyone posted an answer because the previous question was too vague.
To have a chance to win, you must write a comment before Monday, December 10th, 2007 11:59 Eastern Time. Your comment must answered the following question:
In what color(s) will you decorate your Holiday dinner table this year?
Sourcing:
Learn more: Style at home magazine – December 2007 issue
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007 8:25 PM | Feedback (0)
I got the pleasures to meet Jennifer of Design Hole while she came in Montreal to celebrate her birthday with her husband.
We read each other blogs and we communicate through Facebook. It was fun meeting face to face. A lot of fabulous restaurants are closed on Sunday. Since she and her husband are foodies, I suggest that we eat at Laloux, a French Bistro in Montreal.
The first course
We all enjoyed a delicious meal. Everything was plated. We like it so much that we forgot to take pictures until the desserts. For the appetizers, our table selected:
- Scallop Carpaccio, lime and avocado vinaigrette, fennel, radish and mujjol caviar
- Smoked squash soup, maquerel, oven dried tomato, glazed onions, marinated mushrooms
- Tomato broth soup with fresh basilic.
The main course
For the main dishes, it looked like a girl menu versus a boy menu. Jennifer and I opted for the delicious Roasted monkfish, white beans, chorizo, crunchy fennel and green olives. I would like to prepare my own version of this recipe when I am having friends over.
Our husband were happily seduced by the Beef short rib from Eumatimie farm served on top of aligot potatoes, roots vegetables stew and horseradish milk foam. Both dishes satisfied us.
The dessert course
Take notes on how the Chocolate pot-de-crème, caramel and Maldon salt is served in a Mason jar. This is something you can do for any types of verrines.
Jennifer had the Pear sorbet, Araguani chocolate cream, chocolate crunch and caramelized pear purée with single malt whisky. The presentation was artistic. Honestly, visually it was not what you expect when you read the description.
I wanted to try something new. So I picked the Litchee granité, white chocolate and yogurt cream, grapefruit, Campari and hibiscus. It was divine with a green tea.
In conclusion
I was a while since I ate at Laloux restaurant before last Sunday. Since everyone was happy with their meal, you can put it on your list for the next time you visit Montreal.
Appetizers average at $9 CAD (from $5 to $19 for foie gras), the main courses cost about $25 and all desserts are at $8.
You can read Jennifer's husband review of Hotel Gault where they stayed on his blog Hotel Hallways. Arthur gave an excellence award to Hotel Gault. You can see a picture of Jennifer, who did not want to be photographed and the huge snowfall that we got on Monday. Jennifer is also having Montreal design review on her blog.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Laloux restaurant
Via: Weekend in Montreal Part 1: The Hotel Gault by Design Hole
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007 6:50 PM | Feedback (3)
I am huge fan of mid-century furniture but the style does not fit with my current décor. One way to incorporate them into any home is through a collection. Vitra made exact replica in structure and materials of the mid-century classics reduced at a 1:6 scale.
Collections bring character to a room. If you display them cleverly, they act as conversation pieces. With chairs, you can let your imagination guide you. You see the Arne Jacobsen EGG chair sitting on a tray. The chair even swivels on its base.
If you are a fan of the museum look or you live with a cat or dog, why not get Lucite Vitrine Display Boxes at Miniature Chairs to protect the miniatures from dust and finger prints.
Buying tips
Each miniature comes handsomely packaged in a wood box with an informational booklet about the chair. A miniature costs $130 USD and up.
Vitra miniature chairs are available in several design stores. Canadian shoppers will be happy to know that Gabriel Ross has a huge selection and the prices are almost at pair.
For Americans, Miniature Chairs seems to have the largest selection. Unica Home also carries other brand miniatures, not just the Vitra chairs. You can find a mini Graves kettle for Alessi,a bonze gold stool miniature by Philippe Starck.
Furnishing a modern doll house
Why not furnish the Villa Sibi modern doll house with all these cool miniatures furniture and accessories? My husband knows that this is a dream of mine. I am waiting to find the right spot for it first; a spot that my cats could not reached.
For children who visit you during the holidays, get the Bauhaus Model House on sale at $20 at Miniature Chairs and let them play in style.
Note: The Free Form Sofa designed by Isamu Noguchi is not available in miniatures but I enjoy the organic form.
Sourcing:
For Americans: DCW Plywood Chair by Charles and Ray Eames at Miniature chairs – price: $140 USD
For Canadians: Vitra Miniatures Eames DCW at Gabriel Ross – price: $160 CAD
Buy online: