Holiday Party

The entrance to the Dining Room and the Magical ambiance set by the pale blue and silver decor.

The Buffet setup and waiting for all the delicious food.

Closeup of the 5 foot Wreath that anchored the decor in the Dining Room.

A cozy fire highlites the decor in the Study.

Closeup of one of the Fresh Florals inspired by a Yule Log.

Autumn Alternatives

Not everyone like traditional decor. Here is a Leopard inspired wreath for an Autumn Alternative Style. Vintage moire silk was used to wrap the wreath and creates the frothy sheer bow. Copper colored beads and Coque feathers compliment the Leopard print Dahlias.

Velvet Pumpkins

These are a Special Request for a Design Haus customer. I found some fun Animal Print Velvet in my stash of Vintage Fabrics.

Halloween Glam

Created using Orange Dupioni Silk, Black Spiderweb Lace, Vintage Millinery Trims and Feathers. It is nice to have an alternative for Halloween. Halloween Vintage Chic.
I am linking his to Addicted 2 Decorating.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers and dried seed pods are a sure sign of Autumn's Splendor. This rustic design is now available @ The Design Haus.

Vintage Fabric Pumpkins

New for Autumn, available @ The Design Haus.

Spooky Wreaths and Halloween Plaques

Here are NEW Spooky Wreaths for Halloween 2011 with Halloween Plaque Add-ons. You can find these and more Halloween Decor @ The Design Haus.

I am linking to The Graphics Fairy.

Aurura Borealis Lounge

Buffet ready for all the delicious food prepared by

With Love Catering and Confections

Closeup of the Dessert Station

Looking along the seating area towards the bar.

Closeup of bar and Northern Lights dancing on the icy arrangement.

Happy Halloween

Another creation for the Juvenal Diabetes Pumpkin Auction. I had fun recreating the midcentury style of Halloween past with this scarecrow couple.

Fizz and Food

Although dry sparklers are the perfect aperitifs enjoyed on their own (it's all because of the crisp acidity, light flavours and clean-tasting bubbles), they do go well with some dishes, especially:
Salmon and other fish mousse
Smoked salmon
Sushi
Crispy fried vegetarian dishes, such as tempura
Asparagus
Fresh prawns
Small filo parcels and creamy vol-au-vents
Spicy canapés, like tiny satay sticks
White fish dishes, such as grilled sole or plaice
Chicken in creamy sauces
Oysters

Citrus Topiary

Citrus Topiaries are the hot trend for next Christmas, 2008. A festive twist on the traditional decor that will look fresh for the entire winter season.

New Use for Antique Ornaments

Antique Christmas ornaments can add an Old World or vintage touch to your holiday décor. Begin a collection of antique ornaments and look for pieces throughout the year. If you have treasured antique Christmas ornaments and are wary of placing them on the tree, you may want to showcase them on tiered glass cake plates and other glass containers and candlesticks.

Holiday Plant Safety Tips for Pets

A number of Christmas season plants are poisonous to pets if nibbled or eaten:

Ivy - moderate to very toxic, all parts

Holly - moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves

Mistletoe - very toxic, all parts, especially the berries

Christmas greens such as balsam, juniper, cedar, pine and fir - all parts have a low level of toxicity

Hibiscus - may cause vomiting or bloody diarrhea if ingested

Poinsettias - leaves and stems low in toxicity.

It's wise to keep plants out of your pets' and children's reach.

Reducing Stress During the Holidays

We all dream of stress-free Holidays. Yes, some stress is natural and even invigorating, it gets the adrenaline flowing, quickens the mind, and energises the body. On the assumption that stress is inevitable, all you can do is learn to live with it, follow a few techniques for relaxation and hope the worst effects are brought under some sort of control. This is fine in its way and there are many suitable techniques you can follow: massage, aromatherapy, and meditation. These are gentle, non-invasive therapies, deeply relaxing and restorative - a great way to reduce excess tension.

White House Christmas

The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison. What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family.

Christmas with the Kennedys, 1961

Christmas with the Carters, 1978

Christmas with the Clintons, 1995

Atomic Age Christmas

Hanukkah Gelt

Hanukkah gelt (Yiddish for "money") is often distributed to children to enhance their enjoyment of the holiday. Twentieth-century American chocolatiers picked up on the gift/coin concept by creating chocolate gelt, or chocolate shaped and stamped like coins and wrapped in gold or silver foil. Chocolate gelt is often used in place of money in dreidel games.

Glamorous Table Settings for Hanukkah

Could latkes possibly taste better than when served at this festive Hanukkah table featuring a dreidel, gelt (gold-covered chocolate coins) and a menorah?

Trees for the Troops

At this time of year, please remember all our brave men and women overseas who can't be with their loved ones during the Holidays.

For the Boys during WWII