Christmas Table Settings

Adorable table settings from Martha Stewart...

Inspiration 12.16

So excited about DC's first real snowstorm, and this amazing Belgian house would be perfect for watching the snowflakes fall...

Images from Lolita Blog, Martha Stewart via Dress, Design, Decor and Stockholm Street Style

Holiday Baking Project: Week 3

Last weekend, I decided to tackle cookies that travel well, because...who doesn't love to get a batch of homemade cookies in the mail during the holidays?? Using my trusty Martha Stewart cookie magazine, I was able to identify these yummy, buttery pecan sandies as the perfect recipe to try. These taste a lot like shortbread cookies, but with a pecan crunch, and are perfect for eating with a big glass of milk or tea.

My mom happened to be in town visiting, and not only dropped off some seriously beautiful German and Italian ornaments from the 30s, 40s and 60s, but also helped me out with a fun holiday project I've been working on (more on that soon!). To thank her, I wrapped up a few of these sandies in parchment paper, tied it up with festive red and white baker's string, and stamped the bottom with a light-string stamp from Paper Source. Very cute and very simple.

Inspiration 12.9

How great are these wooden countertops, although I wonder how they would stand up to use? I am not a tidy chef...

Has anyone seen this before?

Inspiration 12.2

Ok, confession time -- I find that I really struggle to get excited about homes that are practical for families with children (I know it's awful, but I just can't) and I that I really, really struggle with family homes that also happen to be in white-washed Manhattan lofts.

Something about those spaces reminds me of a ridiculously pretentious pre-school atmosphere where kids can draw on the walls because some Swiss study from 1972 found that giving kids free reign over their aesthetic environment boosts self-esteem and creativity by 1.8 percent, and the whole this is just......UGH.

So I couldn't believe my eyes when I found one of those homes that I not only don't despise, but actually really like. In particular, I appreciate the restrained color palette (white, marigold and royal blue is quite nice compared to the typical primary color explosion in a lot of similar lofts) and the fact that it doesn't pander to the kiddies, with a level of refinement that I think might just do a lot more for the kiddos than a more infantile design.

So how bad am I? Will anyone else climb out on this limb with me?

(Originally featured in Martha Stewart Living)

The Holiday Baking Project: Week 1

A little snapshot from my weekend. As a newbie baker I challenged myself to bake something every Sunday I'm in town this holiday season. The chocolatey, peanut-studded results of week one above! Recipe here.

Araucana Blue Inspiration & A Big Surprise!!

With Easter Sunday right around the corner I wanted to share with you some beautiful Araucana Eggs. A few years ago, a friend who raises Araucana chickens presented me with a gift of a dozen Araucana eggs. They were the most spectacular soft shades of blue, green and beige. I admired them for several days then blew them out so I could display them and preserve them forever.

Aracuana eggs have always been a favorite of mine since I first saw them in Martha Stewart Living. This is a similar photo of what my eggs looked like, before my new puppy thought it might be fun to play with them and crushed them. Notice the pale shading and incredible colors.

'

Inspired by these eggs Martha Stewart created the Araucana Collection of 22 soft shades of blue, green, beige and brown through Fine Paints of Europe. Though the paint deck is no longer available, I still have it and still love the soft palette she created. In honor of the Araucana Collection I wanted to share several rooms painted in those lovely shades.

(All photos from Martha Stewart Living) Above notice wonderful pale blue on the walls. I think it is interesting to also notice that the small demi lune table is painted in a very similar shade as is the urn below. So often we are afraid to put similar shades against each other, but if they are in the same color family the result can be beautiful. I also love the bleached wood floors. Beyond our blue room we transition to a wonderful beige tone also from the Araucana collection. Beautiful antique chairs draw your eye through the hallway and into the next room.

This is the far room we see from the above photo. Araucana Sage is a gorgeous choice to highlight these antique chairs, linen and pedestal. Again floors are pale and windows are unadorned.

This photo is from Martha Stewart's Turkey Hill home. This room is at least 7 or 8 years old. It is a testament to the fact that good design is truly timeless. I love the color of this room. Again notice Martha's repetition of color with the plates on the wall. Antiques add patina and texture to the space. I may be mistaken but I believe the ceilings are also painted very pale blue.

Finally a beautiful bedroom in another Araucana pale blue. Slipcovers and white bed coverings pair beautifully with the drab painted floors. What a soothing bedroom.

(pinkwallpaper)

This photo, though not from Martha Stewart, is also wonderful mix of subtle shades to create a striking effect. It reminds me of the beach and where I am heading to enjoy sun this holiday weekend.

'

Finally the big surprise......Stop by on Sunday night for a fantastic (and extremely generous) GIVEAWAY!! Our wonderful friend, Kym Fraser of 3 Fine Grains, has selected the most fabulous new item for you - It is the most valuable treasure we have ever had in the history of Willow Decor so don' t miss it!! Until then you can visit 3 Fine Grains or click here and see if you can guess what fabulous surprise lies ahead for you!!!

'

To all my readers, I wish you a wonderful and relaxing weekend! Happy Holidays!!

xx-Gina

Inspiration 1.13

(via Martha Stewart Living)