The Weekend Design

Needed to add a touch of gold to my Christmas tree in order to tie in the gold wreath.  Was blessed with an early Christmas present of tinsel, unexpectedly, which carries the mid century theme and gold touch perfectly.  Merry Christmas to me!

So energized by my holiday purchase.  I tend to adjust my Christmas decorations annually, but don’t generally deviate much from the traditional white tree and simple, but classic, accessories.  This year, I was excited to make a new purchase.  Couldn’t resist CB2’s lead. I’m looking forward to using the base of the wreath for other seasonal decor.  Purchased the bay leaf stems from Afloral.com; left them intact and attached with twisty ties. Now, I need to add a touch of gold to my white tree to coordinate.  Pictures to follow.

I was recruited to help with several centerpieces for a ladies progressive dinner this weekend.  Pleased with the result.

Thinking ahead this year to the holidays, as they mark the arrival of our first bundle of joy and what will likely be less time to address the details of the season.  This paper is on the list to scoop up from Norman’sPrintery on Etsy.  Just need to which…

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life– gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God– it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, “…unless you…become as little children…” (Matthew 18:3). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next.

-Oswald Chambers

Making something new out of something known is the blessed challenge of marriage, as it is of interior design.  Love what you have. Choose pieces which have chameleon-like tendencies, moving from room-to-room seamlessly, providing change without disruption (or at least, the right of amount of disruption).  This is one such piece.  The top drawers store my sewing accoutrements, meanwhile is has played TV stand, display, and, now, bar.  Worthy piece.  I’m obsessed with the mix of styles (and this filter).

These days I have found my weekday to hold as much excitement and interest as the weekend.  As my husband often reminds me, I am one of the lucky one who LOVES my job. So many new things I am learning there!  But, as to my weekend, I am equally enthused.  Having a lazy morning in bed today, which began earlier than I care to admit given an early turn-in last night.  An exciting day ahead:

…a new decorating book…new issue of Elle Decor…taxes (Check out IJM)…calendar adventures (1/2 off at Barnes & Noble)…2017 Dream Guide from Jennie Allen…and makings of a trip east (maybe)…

Happy not to leave the house today!  Furniture rearrangements, new pillow projects, duvet cover challenge, and new thoughts on interior aesthetics to come.

Was excited to provide flowers for a dear friend’s baby shower this weekend.   I considered the mom-to-be and all inspiration on hand.  I settled on a very simple mix of hydrangeas that would find a sense of place in the host’s home, which is traditional and very southern.  The fern (which grows wild in my yard) lightens the hydrangeas providing a sense of movement.  The take-aways?

• As I am constantly reminded, buy vases you love.  I am of the mind that you can never have too many.  Consider the brightness and form provided by the aqua vessel below.  If you like, buy it; but, never spend too much. They are merely vessels!
• Consider the setting (Occasion?  Decorations that surround?) and let the flowers do the work.  They are beautiful on their own right.

A few of the arrangements…

Cardinal No. 3: Be at ease.

Recently hosted a get together to celebrate much-awaited nuptials.  I was reminded that hosting–hospitality–is a learned art.  Its definitions and machinations know no end.  You can’t exhaust the learning.  For some, this is met with resignation; but, for me, it sparks a world of new questions and interests.

Of the many cardinals, I have one for your attention today: be at ease.  The best host is at ease with themselves; at ease with their preparation, at ease with their home, and at ease with the spinning plates that were their life that week.  The guests will sense it and your flower arrangements will benefit from the freedom.  Don’t forget it!  A host is a soul that welcomes other souls–with or without adornment, such as fixings and flowers (that’s the easy part).

Crepe paper is a formidable medium.  Its texture provides depth, while its flexibility is a spark for new ideas.  Tried my hand at something between a sweet pea and a snap, and, in 15 minutes flat, a whole new thing had appeared.  Buy some; you may merely end up with elegant wrapping paper, or an altogether new creation.