Brass!

Brass is popping up everywhere and I couldn't be more thrilled. Brass adds a warmth, sophistication, and interest to your space- any space.  Check out my latest obsession. ..

Lamp: Arteriors "Walker". Tray: Arteriors "Charles". Chandelier: Ro Sham Beaux "Gigi".  

Bar Cart: Crate&Barrel "Libations"

Crib: Nurseryworks "Uptown".
Side Table: Oly Studio "George"

A Little Bird Told Me...

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R a d f o r d   T w e e t s

Decorating for the Holidays

Although my beloved Clark Griswold would vehemently disagree, I believe in subtlety when it comes to Holiday decor. I am all for incorporating the the spirit of the season in the home . . it's just that giant snowmen, multicolored flashing lights, and borderline creepy Santa figurines can be, well, scary. Here are my picks for this season's sophisticated touches. . .

Swap out your everyday throw pillows for punchy new versions that echo the vibe of the season. I adore this chevron love from Deco Yellow.  

Holiday Trellis $80

Holiday Sparkle $50

Graphic Punch $24

Go Greek $18

Sliver Silk $55

Candy Cane Love $24

Fun, Modern Menorahs are unexpected and always a hit!

Winter Branches $99

Jonathan Adler's Utopia $295

Mod Menorah $150

City Folks Skyline $125

Puzzled $159

Puppy Love $120

Rethink your Holiday Stockings. . .displaying these modern takes on Santa's Sock are a whimsical and unpredictable way to bring in the season.

Simple & Sweet $26

Union Jack $36

Rustic Sweet $18

Even Sweeter $21

Chevron! Color! Pattern! Oh my! $18.50 each

Monochromatic Love $33 each

Be Fabulous You and go Bespoke $150 for 4

Or just keep the decorating neutral all together. . .

Porcelain Glow $6-8

Magnolia Leaf Wreath $65

Twig Globe $70

Feather Wreath $19

Winter Forest Candles $20-45

Lacey Snowflake Decals $23 for 6

All that Sparkles $5 each

Dried Lavender $50

Simply Etched $24-29

Last but not least is my favorite pick for this season- a true City Girl's delight . . . No muss no fuss.

Decal Pine $55

Happy Holidays with Big Love to All!

xx,

Nic

Dinner Party Love

I love a dinner party.  Sharing my home & table with friends and family is always something I look forward to. Styling your table need not be expensive nor maddening. Stay away from batty "themes" & keep it real with items you already own. Here's how. . .

You know I'm going to say it . . .

Hit up those Flea Markets. Here you will find plates, glassware, silver serving pieces & flatware.  Don't be afraid of a little tarnish. Tarn-X is your best friend and besides- it adds a little character!

These trays were $7 each

Less than a minute later these loves have a new life

Doilies from the Dollar Store
Fear Not. It's a dollar

Milk Glass vases are easy to find in second hand stores & markets. I just adore the crisp white against fresh flowers. You can also readily find various glass containers for candles or flowers.

I found this vase for $3

Milk Glass & Vintage Bottles
Charming

just add votives

Do yourself a favor and grab a bunch of Mint Julep cups. You will find yourself using them for everything.  I even store makeup brushes in one. Pencils in another. Sometimes chopsticks. Occasionally cigars. These little fellas are your entertaining & decor staple. 

any flower, grass, leaf or herb will do

Empty wine bottles & simple glass containers are a Stress Free & budget friendly alternative to expensive floral arrangements. The key is to keep your flowers monochromatic and add tons of candlelight.

This table was put together in under 5 minutes

Simple is better. Consider glassware as vases.
You already own plenty.

The total cost of these flowers? $12
varying height & containers stretch your flower dollar

Burlap. The cheapest & chicest of all fabrics

From a previous party
vase = free

Candlelight is a must. I always like to use black candles as they are unexpected, edgier, and add a touch of glamour. The best way to ensure the glow is to incorporate at least one votive per guest.

Black tapers offset the sweetness

3 votives. 3 guests

Stock up. 5 for $10. IKEA

Table linens are a great way to either mellow out the scene or amp it up. High impact. Low cost.

Graphic Love. $20 for set of 4

Kavita Napkins Set of 4 $12

Jonathan Adler Talitha table runner $34

Prakesh tablecloth $18

$40 Union Jack tapestry
Makes for one fabulous tablecloth

Adore. Set of 4 for $28

Inject texture & pattern with plates & accessories. If you keep with a standard white setting and mix in pieces you will save on both time & cash. Layer in the unexpected for a custom, not cookie cutter, effect. It's ok if you can't find a complete set. Mingling different patterns with simple white dinnerware is charming & smart.

IKEA 365 series. The prefect canvas. $4

A fabulous base. NeoBaroque Dinnerware $24-32

Not the same.
This is a Good Thing.

Chevron adds a punch

Gold rimmed glasses I found at Market
$6 for set of 6

A Shot of Color $12-16

Touch of Glam Set of 4 for $24

HomeGoods has the best selection of
 White Dinnerware on the cheap
This love was $3

Modern. Classic. Acrylic. Set of 4 for $16

Watercolor Petals $14-24

Above all, Relax & Enjoy yourself & company. Dinner parties are for getting together. Not stressing. If all else fails- Keep it unpretentious. And remember, simplicity leads to elegance.

leave the fuss behind. Have a glass of wine & enjoy!

Cheers!

xx

Nic