GLOBAL STYLE: HANDIRA RECAP

It is inevitable: Every time I complete and publish a coco+kelley post, I find 50 pictures that would have been perfect for the topic. Cristina here from Fuji Files with a little recap that was just too good to pass up. You may recall the Moroccan wedding blankets from a few weeks ago?
I was well aware that they make beautiful bedspreads, but when I found these alternative ways of displaying a handira, I simply had to share.

I'm in love with this room and its beautiful rug with matching pillow cases! And handira pillows are an affordable way to bring this look home. Of course carpet cleaning would be an issue, but let's not let reality spoil my daydream of basking in this nook with my matching yellow house slippers and lemony beverage.

Major 'Why didn't I think of that!' moment happening with this coffee table. The sequins add just the right touch of glam to this neutral living room.

And speaking of glam, did you notice:

The most luxurious picnic blanket ever! I'm imagining a fab bachelorette picnic complete with silver trays and macaroons. So if you're still searching for reasons to invest in one of these beauties, here are three more!

*images via Justin Bernhaut, habituallychic, buzzsugar

FANTASY TO FÊTE: MOROCCAN HOLIDAY

Camille from Style Notes here! Hope you're all ready to rock the casbah today, 'cause we're headed to Morocco for this week's edition of our Fantasy to Fête series.

I've always been fascinated by the exotic sense of mystery that surrounds Morocco, so when considering the design for this party, I began dreaming of ancient souks, medieval courtyards, and steaming pots of mint-infused tea. This inspiration board has an aged patina layered over rich jewel tones (think fuschia, ink & blush) and, like the country itself, includes a unique blending of cultures. Read on for steal-worthy ideas on turning all this ethnic inspiration into a bohemian-chic party.

Could there be a cooler party venue than this rustic barn setting? The vibrant colors of Morocco are even more striking when set against natural elements like wood and straw.

Transform the space by draping tables and seating areas with fabric in rich hues, hang swaths of silk as room dividers to cast an air of mystery, and scatter cushions & ottomans around the space to encourage lounging and lingering. It's all about the interplay of varied textures to provide a sense of richness & warmth.

Tie napkins with super long strands of multi-colored ribbons for a bohemian-luxe table setting. Now is the time to break out the exotic dinnerware to set the table; if the patterns don't exactly match, even better!

Flickering candlelight from metallic votives cast a radiant glow over dinner party guests as they sip moroccan mint tea from glasses etched in gold. For a similar tabletop look, I'm loving these ruffly plates and jewel-toned tumblers.



Preserved lemons are one of the most popular condiments in Moroccan cooking, so send guests home with adorable jars full of them to encourage future feasting. And if you're wondering what to serve at a fête à la Marrakesh? Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons & Green Olives; Carrot Salad with Harissa, Feta & Mint; and a Pistachio Pavlova create an enchanting blend of Morocco's exotic flavors.

*images via {row 1} vogue italia, ceci new york, style me pretty {row 2} karen wise, style me pretty, snippet & ink {row 3} style me pretty, vogue uk {row 4} style me pretty, atlanta bartlett, 100 layer cake. barn scenes, lo bjurulf; table, style me pretty; mint tea, decor 8; preserved lemons, sunday suppers.

GLOBAL STYLE: THE HANDIRA

Hello lovelies! Cristina from FujiFiles here with the next Global Style Bite all the way from Morocco. The traditional Moroccan wedding blanket, or handira, is a beautiful piece of textile woven from sheep's wool and hundreds of mirrored sequins.

In the Berber villages of Morocco, the female members of the bride's family spend months hand sewing each round metal sequin to hand-loomed sheep's wool. Berber brides would then wear the handira as a cape to keep warm on the journey to their new husband's home. 

Of course interior designers have found a new use for these bridal accessories in the home! Hendiras make the most beautiful bedspreads, with just enough sparkle to add luxury to any room, and in a neutral hue for a calming space.

Despite its traditional origins, this hand woven textile fits flawlessly into a modern design aesthetic, as Jonathan Adler demonstrated in his design for the Parker Palm Springs (below). 

Maryam has a beautiful selection for sale over at my marrakesh, and even if you're not in the market for a Moroccan wedding blanket, they make for great eye candy! I imagine draping one over my couch - the whites are refreshing for summer and the sequins are perfectly festive for  the holidays (and without the red & green)! 

*images via: stylecurator, apartmenttherapy, desiretoinspire

Room of the Week 7.2

Still intrigued by the idea of a more simplified palette for eastern styles, I love the freshness of this space via Elle Interiors:
My favorite part of this room? The traditional Moroccan wedding blanket hung on the wall to display its gorgeousness (i WILL find a way to register for one of these someday!). I also adore the washed out woods and am a sucker for chevron floors. The low sitting furniture is perfectly loungy, piled with an array of blue pillows and 'slipcovered' with blankets. The accents of black add extra depth to the layers of this room too, and of course, the Moroccan lighting fixture is the final divine touch!

Patrina Tinslay

Stumbled across these yesterday and had to share...





Beautiful imagery from Patrina Tinslay