Baby, its cold and rainy outside and I’m imagining lounging in a slightly warmer + sunnier place, throwing a backyard bash in one of these beautiful backyards. I love Fall and the snow-covered Winters here in DC.  But on days like this I find myself wishing for a winter retreat in a warmer place where I could escape for a quick get-away with loved ones. My pick would be an ocean-side bungalow not too far away from here.

Meanwhile, I’ll happily settle for what I have and enjoy snuggling up by the fire with hot chocolate.

images: house beautiful | here | here | decor8

WARNING this might give you house envy!

If my house had a bumper sticker it would read “This is what I want to look like when I grow up”. Let me elaborate visually.

The black main door framed by greens, a tasteful entryway, a dining room all set for entertaining, a well-styled bar, a backdoor lit with the golden glow of the sunset, and a garden begging for alfresco meals…a home designed for grown-ups, with serious style that LOVE to entertain.

From a “Party Central” bachelor house in Hermosa Beach, CA to Elizabeth Kennedy’s riverfront home in Georgia to a NY townhouse designed by Michael Smith, the latest issue of House Beautiful makes my house scream “WHEN CAN WE MOVE IN?”

While my house stops drooling, I thought you might like to peek at the Halloween Bash I styled for Bright Bazaar..Yes, my first guest column is live…ps: enter at your own risk!!

Catch the full feature over at Bright Bazaar if you dare….

Allow me to introduce you to my latest tumblr blog find: buddha interiors. I spotted many spaces which instantly energized me. Love the mix of modern practicalities with old world sophistication. See for yourself.

Have a great week.

ps: if you havent already, dont forget to enter the $100 giftcard giveaway.

via

Friends! I have some lovely news to share with you. My styling work is in the latest issue of Matchbook Magazine. Pgs 80-88.

You know how much I absolutely enjoy creating tablescapes. So when one of my favorite designer/blogger Jeanine Hays, invited me to style a summer party on her rooftop in Philly, I was beyond thrilled. I mean, I love this gal. She’s talented, kind, one of the most genuine bloggers, a successful entrepreneur, a lovely person….and I simply adore her.. Needless to say I was in like wine in sangria. The thought of working alongside a friend, had me doing cartwheels and making virtual moodboards at the same time…

Would you like to see how our wonderfully collaborated project turned out?

We had SUCH a lovely time. I absolutely love when collaborations like this when everything works so well together. Like magic.  We transformed her outdoor space into an extension of their home by creating a warm and stylish entertaining space. We softened the urban rooftop by playing with a forest green and candy yellow color palette. Moss balls and ornamental oregano added visual interest.

Huge thank you to Jeanine Hays and her husband, AphroChic team, Jane from Matchbook and Rachel and my wonderful hubby. Pleasure working with you all.

Also thanks to Steuben for stemware, Little Bit Heart for lovely invites, menu and placecards, Rosanna for botanical plates, Michael Aram for salt+pepper shakers, Macaron Cafe for macarons as favors. Flatware is by Dvf and polka dot bread plates by Kate Spade.

images: Rachel McGinn

Over the weekend I came across a new online magazine – Kinfolk, a guide to small gatherings, and I was instantly in LOVE!!

The magazine is about entertaining for smaller more intimate groups, including dinner for one, two or few, recognizing that there is something about a table shared by friends, not just a wedding or once-a-year holiday extravaganza, that anchors our relationships and energizes us. {swoon!} they had me at “guide to small gatherings”!

The simple, less contrived and absolutely beautiful tablescapes took my breath away. I felt like each visual (photographs and videos) transported me to the scene of the party as a guest. Not to mention the tablescape designs that popped in my head should they ever ask me to contribute.

Congratulations to editor/art director Nathan Williams and his team (which includes Chelsea Fuss of Frolic) for an incredibly inspiring magazine!

Kinfolk: Breakfast for Two from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

images kinfolk magazine