{colour inspiration: shades of blush & champagne}

. . . last night, it was cozy by candlelight, but {a snow-covered eiffel tower aside}, there are still many days left of winter, and already, thoughts are drifting to sand between toes, sunlit daydreams and saltwater kisses . . .

{p.s.} more ways to weather winter: bright bouquets & floral jumpers

{images: lace & tea; scan by bluepoolroad, photography by amy neunsinger for blueprint may 2006; patterson maker}

{a winter's day}

. . . and after all the magnificent madness of snow & mistletoe, happily taking a few beautiful moments to linger in the luxurious lull before new year's, spending time, alone together, slowing down the days {just a little}, and dreaming up nights draped in candlelight . . .


{p.s.} in case you missed, wonderfully exciting news xo


{images: marie claire idées via somethingwhite; photography by paul barbera}

{the stars were brightly shining}

. . . and while we're on the topic of spending the holidays in warm places, quite adore the idea of decorating an elegant evergreen wreath with seaside inspired starfish, even as the icicles glisten in the late-december light and a soft blanket of freshly fallen snow beautifully envelopes a perfect winter's afternoon . . .

{image: country living via lovely influence}

{work of art: paper flower wreaths}

. . . happened upon these beautiful and incredibly handmade paper flower wreaths that bring back memories of the intricate paper flower tiaras in the chanel spring 2008 couture show and are perfect for a frosty january morning . . .

{p.s.} blossoms in the bedroom

"a new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within"

{paper flower wreaths by dana barbieri}

{colour inspiration: mahogany + gold}

. . . always fresh whites in springtime, and after that, warm whites in winter, but lately and always at this time of year, drawn to deep and cozy hues of mocha and mahogany, especially when paired with gold and the golden flickers of candlelight and firelight . . .

{1 - four walls and a roof; 2 - ralph lauren home via a previous post; 3 - anson smart}

{holiday inspiration: artful arrangements}

Recently came across this unusual and unusually beautiful arrangement of baby flowering kale {above} and was reminded of a Swedish florist who created wonderful wreathes of fruits and vegetables . . .

Amazingly creative wreathes made of everyday {edible} objects such as artichokes, Brussels sprouts and fallen apples that, after careful arrangement, become anything but ordinary, and add a charming twist to festive tradition.

{mustard leaves and green kale in a dramatically dark vase}

{images: 1 & 4- domino september 2006, photography by mikkel vang; all wreathes via the lovely swedish blog blomsterverkstad}