All of the Warm & Cozy |Custom Velvet & Linen Backed Pillows, Satin Gold Ribbon, Throws, Velvet Ribbon, Baskets & Bells

Earlier this fall, I commissioned a local seamstress to create some custom pillows using an assortment of my block prints and plaid with linen and velvet backings.  These turned out amazing.  There are a very limited number, as they were made on a small scale with luxurious materials.  I've added them to the Thanksgiving Collection along with some new throws, restocked solid velvet pillows and glorious ribbons.

I spent the morning re-fluffing the house (taking down Halloween spiderwebs and bats!) and getting everything cozy again.  I layered velvet pillows and throws everywhere and added some touches of Holiday.  I love November.  I can't wait to open a bottle of wine tonight and light a fire under the comfort of my new throws and velvet  : )

Shop all of the new additions to the Thanksgiving Collection >

Privet & Linen Pillows in a 14x20" size.

Pillows aren't just for sofas - I love how this size is perfect for in front of a larger pillow, or adding comfort to this windsor chair in our living room.

Acorn & Velvet Pillows

The Acorn Collection is backed in a rich gold velvet - it is so unbelievably soft.

Pictured with the beautiful Cashew Velvet Pillow.

Privet & Linen Pillows

These pillows are baked in a beautiful bark colored linen.

The craftsman ship and quality is superb on these special pillows.

They look great with the solid Clay Velvet Pillows.

Plaid & Camel Pillows

I designed these specifically for Mike's Office.  The bolster size are nestled in his leather chairs.  The backing is a super soft mohair-like camel fabric.  Very handsome.

The solid Velvet Pillows have been restocked, too.  They add so much softness and coziness to a room.

Cashew Velvet

Cashew & Clay Velvet

The new Ochre Velvet Pillows are a unique and striking accent.

 Clay Velvet with Green Hydrangea Block Print - they are a great combo, and so pretty for the holidays, too.

Camel Herringbone Throw, $68 

Chestnut Diamond Throw

Newest to The Softest Collection - The Striped 

A favorite of mine from last year, The Windowpane Plaid

After adding the Bells to the store again this year, I pulled my Bells out that I've used for 3 years - you can see they've continued to age and add lots of patina.  They keep getting better.  When they arrive to your house, they will have more of a gold tone, but give them time and they will be more aged by the end of the season.  

This year I tied them up with a Velvet Ribbon (in rust).  I love the rustic bells mixed with the luxurious velvet ribbon.

Velvet Ribbon Collection

I tied them up with a couple of bows and hung them on a hook on the door.  

This morning, I decided to move the bittersweet outside and into the Willow Hanging Basket.

I added this new 2" Satin Gold Ribbon to make it look extra lux and seasonal.

Shop all of the new additions to the Thanksgiving Collection >

Tips for a Great Dinner Party | Cozy Table Setting

Tips for a Great Dinner Party & Setting the Scene

A great table setting isn't really about the elements, it is creating a feeling.  I wanted this table to feel so cozy and comfy that everyone would want to linger for hours.  I layered linens upon linens, creating that collected feeling that only mixing and matching can create.

This setting is all about making guests feel comfortable - come in, help yourself to wine and settle in to this table for hours of conversation and company.  While at first it might look complex, it is created from all very simple elements.  I used simple glass votive candles, roses in tall drinking glasses, and layers and layers of linens.  I put a set of Tall Taper candles (in Edgartown Sand) on the small buffet in the background with self-serve wine area.

I love how wide and long the Block Print Runners are.  They are more coverage than a typical runner, but not an entire tablecloth.  They really help bring a really large table down to scale, making it feel more cozy.

Blue Hydrangea Block Print Runner, 20" wide x 108" length, $36

The Runners come in all prints - here >

On the Block Print runner, I layered a White Hemstitch Runner ($28).  It is slightly smaller and helps to tame the print.  Next, I used Natural Hemstitch Placemats (2 for $16) to soften each setting.  I love how inexpensive and classic these elements are - I will use them every single season, changing out the prints and the flowers to create a completely different look.

Stocking up on essentials like these making entertaining so easy.  I recommend having at least 12 coordinating Napkins and a Runner like the White Hemstitch.  Then you can mix them with prints and different accents (flowers, pumpkins, etc...) throughout the year.  Start with the basics first, then add prints and colors.

I hardly ever make complex centerpieces.  Because entertaining isn't about flowers or centerpieces, it is about setting a scene and creating a feeling.  These low, simple arrangements do just that by being simple, and bringing a warm glow to the middle of the table.  The are not the center of attention, they are part of the entire mood.  For me, there is nothing as pretty as one kind of flower in a simple glass.  Unpretentious and pretty.

 

When I'm entertaining, I like to have every. single. thing. done. before guests arrive.  That even means having the pitcher full of water.  I put ice in, and then by the time we sit down the water is perfectly chilled, but easy to pour without big chunks of ice.  We're not really iced water people - but rather chilled water people.  I know that seems bizarre (and excessively particular!), but I blame Houston's ; )   If you've been there, you know that they serve chilled bottles with cold water.  No ice.  So much easier to drink.

I love self serve drinks - as a guest and as a hostess.  When I'm invited to someone's home, I like to feel like a part of the family, not like I'm at a restaurant. 

 Being able to help myself to more wine, or help someone else to some makes me feel comfortable and relaxed. 

It also helps to keep it out of the kitchen.  That way guests can help themselves without getting in the way of last minute dinner prep - and it helps to move them closer to the dining table when it is time for dinner.

This area works perfect for us, as it is near the head of the table so Mike or I can easily grab an extra bottle to refill as needed.

Candles are so essential.  Turn the lights down and lite all of the candles you have.  It really sets the mood and relaxes everyone.  We even do this for family dinners.  It makes the dinner feel special and the focus - everything else fades into the background.  Including dust and dirty floors.

Blue Hydrangea Napkins, 4 for $32

Don't be afraid to mix and match chairs.  We do it all of the time when we're squeezing more people at the table.  I also mix and match glasses, plates and flatware.  Matching is over-rated. 

I added a few deep purple leaves to the peach roses to give the roses a little more depth and fall-ish feel.  If it were spring, I could add sprigs of fern and it would feel totally different.  

For an extra special setting like this, I would serve a really simple comforting dinner like Provencal Beef Stew (top) or Slow Simmered Beef Ragu (bottom).

Shop all of my Entertaining Essentials, here >

My Fall Wardrobe Staples | Essential Wraps

My friends that are really more fashionable than me (you know who you are!), might get a kick out of the fact that I'm even writing this because my wardrobe is extremely simple.  I like to keep my closet like I keep my kitchen - hardworking essentials that can be used in many ways.  As I've gotten older, I feel like I'm better at knowing what suits me and what I feel good in.  I am just fine knowing that I'm not chasing trends, though I do look for subtle ways to update each year. I usually start each season with a new pair of jeans, a blouse and shoes that feel classic and current at the same time.

Here are my go-to looks for this season : 

Because I mostly wear solid Oxford shirts, cotton T's and sweaters with jeans, I really depend on a wide selection of Wraps to bring my look up to date for the season.  They are so inexpensive ($14) and help stretch my wardrobe by making all of these essentials look seasonal.   In the spring my striped T and jeans with loafers looks very springy with a robins egg blue wrap.  In the fall, the same look feels fall-ish with a Moss Green Wrap ($14) instead.  I think they also make great little gifts, too - one size fits all : )

Shop all of the Wraps in my store, here >

I already have most of these, but the Needlepoint Loafers will be new addition to my closet.  They are a bit of a splurge for me, but since I am not buying anything else right now, I am happy to invest in something that will make many of the staples in my closet seem new and fresh paired with these fun shoes.

I'm not including source links for everything, because it is all J.Crew for the most part : )  No surprise there.  Here are the links to the items that are not from J.Crew.

*these are not affiliate links because I don't know how to do that!

Tall Frye Melissa Boots : I've had these for 6 years and still love getting them out each year.
Needlepoint Loafers
Driving Loafers : These are such a deal!  I searched everywhere for great drivers that didn't cost $400.  I also have the suede version and I'm obsessed with how soft and comfy they are.
New Balance : I love these because they have a gum sole and the little leather tab on the top.  I have them in navy.  I walk everyday, and these are so light and comfy.
Navy Leggings : Lulu Lemon
Sneakers : Superga
Everything else : J.Crew


There are a couple of things that I'd like to be better about incorporating, like adding more dresses and skirts into my wardrobe.  I have a good selection, but I feel like I buy them on an as-needed basis and don't think about them as essentials or staples that can be worn year in and out.  After taking inventory of my closet, I would like to add some more pencil skirts, a few solid dark dresses and a great pair of slingback shoes.  Any suggestions?!

     

     

Shop the Wraps in my store, here >