styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
Mid-winter may not be a dream, but it could be as engaging as the height of summer if you indulge in some self-care rituals, notably of the guilty persuasion. Look to winter as an opportunity to spoil yourself with the kind of virtuous cheating that’s frowned upon in the more happy-go-lucky months. Food, entertainment and relaxation is encouraged — spoil yourself with a healthy dose of nonsensical activities. Here, we provide five alluring choices:
When the highlight of winter chic is an insulated bomber coat in a color other than black, we get why the cooler months get a bad rap for fashionable dressing. We’ve rounded up some great pieces that are so timeless, they’ll keep you warm and cozy for future seasons. Think well made, classic designs, and unexpected colors like winter blues and pastels over the predictable dark shades.
1. The Buxton Cardigan: Cotes of London
2. Hestra Nordic Wool Mit: My Cooling Store
3. Chambray Italian Herringbone Throw: Lands Downunder
4. Women’s Muck Originals: Muck Boot Company
After years of traveling back two decades each time our family used the master bathroom, it was time to address its needed update. Why the delay? We’ve been undergoing a series of renovations for the past year and living with construction makes a quiet morning reviewing emails over tea a luxury. Undergoing a bathroom renovation is more than a financial investment but it’s also an inconvenience. Here, we provide tips to make the process as seamless as possible to get the bathroom of your dreams with limited aggravation.
Another New Year’s Eve at home doesn’t have to be the source of frustration but, for some, relief. In a recent article about celebrating New Yea’s Eve safely, The New York Times recommends weighing the risks over the benefits if you are going to host or attend a party. For those who have mastered time at home entertaining after a year where we’ve become experts on the ritual, this is another excuse to maximize time with family and making a holiday a festive opportunity. Here, we provide tips on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home.
Look inside any millennial’s cupboard and the variety of charcuterie boards will confirm their status as the food trend in recent years. Charcuterie boards are as regular a staple to an event as drinks and dessert. But are they used exclusively for quintessential charcuterie fare like meats, cheeses and fruit? Not at all. Broaden their use by treating the boards the way you would any food serving tray. Charcuterie boards also make for great centerpieces when you arrange with stunning fruits and ornamental food, like colored miniature carrots and baby heirloom tomatoes.
Good news for the host who enjoys having overnight guests, this season your guest bedroom can be used for more than a place to store the Peloton. As entertaining at home ramps up, it’s the ideal time to give your spare bedroom special treatment.
Let a hotel room be your guide, where all needs for a comfortable stay are provided. Personal touches that pamper visitors is a great way to elevate their experience, such as flowers and spa essentials. Here are simple tips in creating a well-designed and comfortable guest bedroom:
To secure a style you love, find inspiration in your favorite social media home feeds, decor magazines, and websites. Create a mood board of your top designs. Your desired look can be achieved simply by refreshing furnishings with a thorough cleanse and fresh paint. If the room has dated wallpaper and old carpet, have it removed for a clean foundation. For any missing elements needed to compose your design, set a budget and add current pieces. Be sure to have all the correct measurements and sketch out a room plan for where everything will be positioned. This will prevent having to deal with incorrect deliveries.
Your Aunt Polly is coming over for the holidays and you lost your Tiffany’s Table Manners on the last move. Trying to remember where to put all the forks and glasses is like rejigging your mind to those ratios in pre-trig. No fear, just make bunny ears with your hands, it works.
Thanksgiving parade balloons aren’t the only thing on the rise, this year’s celebration is experiencing inflation. What does this mean for your gathering? A rise in costs does not have to impede your gathering, simply plan smarter. For starters, revisit Thanksgiving pasts when half the dinner was scraped into a two-ply Hefty. Cut expenses by purchasing less food, bake more over getting pricey store-bought items, and be selective on non-essentials like serving a cheesecake no one eats. Three kinds of pie should be enough. Wine and alcohol is also an extravagance that can be reduced, besides, it may contribute to a sobering, quieter festivity. Some splurges are worth it, like fresh flowers that are the best leftovers after the holiday is over from their lingering beauty and scent.
This time last year, there was wonder if you could ever gather without it being illegal. Emerging from this collective experience of isolation and uncertainty, there is more optimism. Simple pleasures are valued. And, when the rounds go around the table this year on what it is you’re most thankful for, it’s safe to assume it will be togetherness.
While I’ve never met a holiday I haven’t loved, Thanksgiving is an easy favorite as it launches us into the holiday season in a familial, low-key way. Its style is directed by autumnal foods and color that’s so saturated; cheeks hold the rosy glow from its festive nature. Thanksgiving has its lore with pilgrims and Indians playing nice as they gather, not to mention a fat turkey and a lot of pie varieties. All traditions we can’t wait to celebrate each year.
Thanksgiving can be broken down to the four Fs of celebrating: Family and friends, food, football, and flowers, which are further described as follows: [Read more…]
Do you get excited when Taschen comes out with a new resort book? Or discover a new way to use matte black hardware? Read on as you are categorized as a design aficionado. A renovating itch you’ve probably encountered is how to upgrade the flooring. A typical scenario is if you redo the floors or go with sisal, which is the rug go-to when creating a clean, classic look.
Living room with a gray indoor/outdoor sisal rug that is both attractive and functional.
