I've Got A Crush {On Last-Minute Gift Wrap}

If you have yet to wrap your holiday gifts (or like me, even finish selecting them) then you might appreciate some of these lovely and creative gift wrapping options as much as I did. They make a pair of socks, a necktie or a bottle of wine (what else do you get your dad?!) a bit more bedazzled!

How about going for out-of-the-box boxes?



A recipe box painted with chalkboard paint makes a great reusable container for giving baked goodies. A regular cardboard box covered with adhesive cork shelf liner makes the perfect tackable surface for a sticky note gift tag, while lined paper makes great gift wrap and the perfect backdrop for the recipients name spelled out in alphabet stamps!  

Then there's there's my first love, simply elegant customized wrapping paper and gift tags.



Or you can make your own DIY wine cozies.



And any present will be on top of the heap when it's in a pretty package tied up with glittery strings.



Thanks to card maker Lion in the Sun, Mae Mae Paperie and Grey Likes Weddings for the inspiration.

Now go put on your best Christmas mix and enjoy some happy wrapping!

*Mrs. E

Wedding Wednesday {Holidaze}

I know the holiday season is not the most popular wedding time of the year, but having just attended a December nuptial last weekend, I've got winter weddings on the brain.

Then I spied the new JL Designs Couture Holiday Collection, combined with the recent Christmas-themed fete a gaggle of wedding planning extraordinaires threw in LA -- the perfect palette and styling inspiration that now has me totally on the holiday wedding bandwagon!


images by leo patrone via green wedding shoes and by mr. haack via jl designs

Especially when it involves a Chloe lookalike named Bossy!

Have you been to any particularly fabulous winter weddings? I'd love to see some shots of your faves. Do send them my way!

I'm Loving...

This al' natural chandelier. 

Especially as it dangles above a succulent covered table.

via style me pretty

Now I just need an excuse to throw a fabulous garden party!

A Bright Shine

This summer we're going to be turning our sights to a new project - home renovation! I've been banking inspiration (for years!) and it will be fun to actually implement some of my long time fantasies for a dream home.

One of my latest loves is high gloss floors.

photos via greige

I think it gives such a lovely touch of a glamour to a space! I'm not entirely sure if they're puppy friendly - I'll leave that to the husband to figure out. I just know I like the shine!

Feelin' Beachy

It must be the residual effects of Mexico still lingering, but I'm finding myself suddenly attracted to the beachy feel of natural wood pieces in home decor. 

images 1, 3 and 5 via {this is glamorous}, 2 the girl and the cupcake, 4 NY Mag

Usually totally not my style, but I'm into the vaction-y feel the twisted and rugged pieces bring to a space. It's like bringing a little bit of your getaway into your home. 

I may just have to try it out myself, especially if I could find something like that beautiful farm table...

Oh and btw, have you entered this week's giveway?? There's still time!

Bring on the Brights

I'm often a color-phobe, but now that May has already arrived (what?!), I think it's time to brighten things up!

You can add a pop of color at home with a hue-saturated napkin for dining al fresco, or take it out and about around your neck with a couture necklace. Either way, I'm ready to kick things up a notch this spring. You?

Duplicity

Here is one table two very different ways. 

Are you a minimalist?

Or a lover of layers?

images by magnus anesund via swedish elle decor 

Or perhaps, like me, your mood switches from day to day? If  that's you, check out the progression of the entire table here!

In Full Technicolor

It may be dark and dreary now but I have a feeling it's not going to last for much longer. It's just about time to push back the veil of winter and bring on color and in a big, bold way!

rooms via mi casa es su casa, looks by sunshine & shadow via oh joy! and the h&m garden collection

Get ready my dears, a spring bloom of saturated hues is coming. And I think it feels good. 

Don't hold back now, ya hear!

Feeling Regal

I'm by no means an expert in tableware - I've really spent very little time paying attention to it, but it's certainly catching my eye now that I have wedding (and wedding registry!) on the brain. 

These lovely options from Royal Caribbean actually have me considering a proper dinner rather than one served on the couch!

via brunch at saks

It all just looks so civilized and lovely!

Good-bye 2009!

No matter what kind of year you've had, there's something to be said for jazzin' it up for New Year's Eve.

Even if the old year isn't deserving of a fond farewell, the new one should be welcomed with a proper amount of glitz, glam and glitter, don't you think?

images via bela adler & salvador fresneda, dress, design, decor,  emmas design blogg, this is glamorous & olivet 

So here's to a bounty of friends and fortune, adventures and successes, good lessons and great learning and a whole lot of fun in 2010. Because, really, we all deserve it dammit.

Happy New Year to you luvies. See you in 2010. Hang on for it. I have this feeling it's going to be a great year!

Go On, Get Cozy

On these crisp cold days and during this sleepy time of year all I want to do is laze about, staying cozy and warm. 

via a thing for, grey likes wedding, well worn, everything fabulous, this is glamorous

With hot coco in hand and a good book (or four!) I wouldn't mind if winter stuck around for a looonnng while.

Bon Natale

C'est Noel. Felize Navidad.

via simply seductive via automatism

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Have a Luxe and Luscious Holiday

Dear readers,

Thank you so much for an amazing year. My life and this blog took so many unexpected and joyous twists and turns and it's privilege to be a part of your world, even if only for a minute or two a day. 

photos via {this is glamorous}, dress design & decor, homes & gardens,

plush palate, sadie and olive, from the right bank

I'm off to celebrate with a multitude of family and friends. I hope you do the same!

Cheers luvies. 

A Blank Slate

I'd love to collapse into an all white bedroom every evening.

It is the perfect serene landscape to punctuate with vibrant intense color. These uber-saturated bags from Lena Frziak would certainly stand out against that background. 

Mmm, like festive Christmas ornaments, don't you think?!

room via everything fabulous and bags haute design