TABLETOP TUESDAY - delightful derian

john derian's home is amazing...

i particularly enjoyed the makeshift bar in his kitchen, the open restaurant shelving with mismatched china + kitty silhouette art.

his living room and office are so artful, so delightful + genius.

(photo credit: elle decor "so chic")

MAKEOVER MONDAY - trees

makeover your entry way with a gorgeous display of green. i just love this look....

(photo credit: tbd...yikes, can't recall!)

mad for plaid

polly mellen - now fashion legend - is not only stylish, but also crafty! 

both the rug and the pillows seen in her home are made by hand, her hand. 

not surprisingly given her 50+ years in fashion, her place is incredibly styled - and oh-so-stylish. (domino would've loved it!).

i particularly admire that she needlepointed each square in her rug while she was traversing the globe....she still found time - even on airplanes - to nurture her creative side.

her rug got me thinking...with winter's chill right around the corner, why not order up a tartan rug from the u.k.? it just might be the perfect anecdote for cold feet.

like polly, i'm mad for plaid!

photo credit: home/vogue-style.com; tartan/stevens & graham)

SATURDAY'S SPOONFUL - a small dose of sugar, spice + everything nice

it's really rainy here in cleveland. i'd like to be holed up in one of these cozy little nooks.

(photo credit: the nook book)

no question

how do you like? 

this handmade sterling pendant from portland's curly girl glass is my new fall fave. such a fun piece - and it pretty much sums up how i've been feeling these days....

no question.

(photo credit: curly girl glass)

BOOK IT: the wright stuff

i've always admired russel wright. his "american modern" dinnerware was first introduced in 1939 and is fab! i kick myself for not collecting vintage pieces while here in ohio. 

since i'm always on the hunt for fun decorating + entertaining ideas, his 1950 "guide to easier living" (reissued in paperback) is on my list!

i also would love to visit the russel wright design center in manitoga, new york. (how cool that they held summer camps for kids!)

ever so hip then and now, so wright.

p.s. if you happen to be heading to san francisco, check out the traveling "russel wright at home: modern lifestyle design exhibit" in the united terminal at SFO. on display through november, i can't wait to see it!

(photo credits: russel wright design center)

COOK IT: oh pie!

i REALLY dig the idea of a pie truck! 

in fact, i predict pie is going to make a mini comeback - perhaps even give the ubiquitous cupcake a run for its money!

great for gatherings of all kinds: wedding receptions (retro+hip), picnics, holidays, family meals....leftover pie is yummy for breakfast too.

berry, apple, custard, pumpkin, old fashioned sugar cream, lemon meringue - oh pie!

fun fact:

i have eaten many a wick's pies at wick's restaurant. hailing from the small town of winchester in indiana, these pies are now shipped all over the country!

(photo credit: martha stewart weddings)

TABLETOP TUESDAY - darlin' dahlias

what a smart tablescape. 

for an economical centerpiece, cut flowers from your garden - or use twigs with berries - then prop into individual glasses.

would be great for many occasions: wedding rehearsal dinner or reception, dinner party, luncheon or holiday affair.

i really like the clean lines of the china + silverware too. 

today, simplicity rules.

(photo credit: marthastewart.com)

MAKEOVER (er) MONDAY - no holes left

(apologies for the belated "makeover monday" post. "tabletop tuesday" forthcoming....)

i recently saw this photo in july's BHG. 

hanging art this way is a snap. in fact, i use this same technique myself:

~ cut kraft paper (or reuse paper shopping bags) to the size of the pictures you want to hang. 

~ arrange the templates to your liking.

~ hang nail or picture hook.

~ rip away paper.

~ hang your art.

no holes left to be desired.

(photo credit: bhg)

bedside reading

my days blur into nights....i yearn to curl up in bed for a good read. recommendations?

(photo credit: lissa lowe)

yep, i am burning the midnight oil tonight. it's late....and i am in search of beans.

he says: "tall, dark and rich"

the other says: "not your average joe"

she says: "just a little nutty"

i say, bring it on!

found at a tasty local roastery here in cleveland, phoenix coffee, these reusable tumblers from capitol cups are just what i need to get my day - or night - started.

(photo credit: lissa lowe)

SATURDAY'S SPOONFUL - a small dose of sugar, spice + everything nice

i'm off to the Country Living Fair in Ohio Village in Columbus....toodle-loo.

(photo credit: country living magazine)

it's friday night, call me...

sometimes i really miss the days of living off the landline...the pioneer days, right? 

this 1920's candlestick phone in brushed brass by crosley is fabulous (and, on sale at target for $59.99)!

you know, i think there's something mysterious + coquette-ish about - especially in this hue.

it's friday night, call me....

(photo credit: target.com)

a nod to betsey - girls do just wanna have fun!

as a nod to betsey johnson, i quickly ripped + scanned this image out of an old flor catalog: hot pink, sizzling orange, lots of stripes, glossy black, touch of glam.

of course, this ad needs more F-U-N injected into it, but you get the point....i do love the ghost chair there (kartell even makes it kiddie size.)

anyhoo, she just threw a fab party at the plaza during fashion week. with NO runway. just fab clothes on frolicking fab girls, sipping champagne through pink straws + having a ton 'o fun (hey, isn't there a song about that? ha.) so rock + roll chic!

ever youthful, LOVE her vision + fancy her frocks.

ms. johnson always rocks it!!!

and...in other betsey johnson news, she is creating a suite at the plaza as a tribute to eloise. her first hotel collaboration, i'd be tickled pink to lodge there. can't wait to see it!

get your kicks!

these small milk chocolate sneakers are so cute!! 

(and the red ribbon too - i'm a sucker for packaging).

school lunch box treats, party favors, stocking stuffers, a quick pick-me-up for a friend. at $2 per gift bag, stock up! 

click here to order yours at san francisco's miette. (they ship too!)

(photo credit: miette)

TABLETOP TUESDAY - repurpose (not slurp) your soup

isn't this lovely?

i took this snap at luxe kitchen and lounge way back when on mother's day. my "boys" treated me to brunch there. and, might i add, it was delish.

anyhoo, i adore this composition: 

~ soup can repurposed as vase

~ mismatched silverware wrapped in cotton kitchen towels used as napkins (you could also use dishcloths)

~ casually arranged wildflowers + mixed tulips atop a knotty farm table

the restaurant is a fun spot in the rivitalized "detroit shoreway" 'hood of cleveland. the space was created under chef marlin kaplan's mantra "reduce, recycle, repurpose" - and its funky + ever-so-hip vibe reflects it. 

it's not surprising though. years ago, mr. kaplan was an advertising exec in NYC before he traded his briefcase for a spatula.

well done - on all accounts.

DIY

create the same vignette in your own home by saving that empty can of tomato soup. then, hit your local thrift shop for wares and ikea for inexpensive kitchen towels. 

SET UP + SNAP!

i'd love to see your own interpretation of this vignette - and perhaps post it too! send snapshots to: info@sprucedecor.com

(photo credit: lissa lowe)

CATALOG ROUNDUP - Z gallerie

another catalog roundup (although this one is really bricks to clicks): here's some fun stuff that i saw yesterday at Z gallerie in san francisco.

if you are unfamiliar, Z gallerie is an eclectic, clean-lined, modernly glamorous shop. here, you can easily makeover aspects of a room. and, i personally think the budget-friendly light fixtures rock!

as you can see, i groove white right now. glass, silver and even gold would complement nicely. happy green or orange are cheery accents - a final nod to summer and sure to please in the dreary winter months to come. black always works.

here's the quick round-up:

~ prague accent chair - swivel-icious! - $369

~ glass link chandelier - customizable, can rearrange links to your liking - $299

~ devon mirror - in glossy white, it's modern yet classic - $169

~ orbit chandelier - retro mod, cool chrome - $249

~ giraffe tray in green - 30" x 30," fun dash of color on a table, ottoman or desk - on sale $39.99! (also available in chocolate)

~ marcello umbrella holder - faux croc, nailhead detail to perk up a corner - $79.95

~ calais chandelier - fabulous in many a setting! love the clear hand blown glass. so venetian! - $369 (also available in black)

~ twig lamp collection - metallic silver base + black shade - $89, $119 (i also like the antique silver twig coat rack -$139.95)

~ domino sofa - "oasis white" bonded leather, tufted + double-stitched - $1099

click on the collage to enlarge image.

find these items in store or online (shipping is extra).

happy shopping!

BOOK IT: a novel idea

these "save-the-date" bookmarks are lovely, not to mention reusable. 

handmade by antique letterpress on card stock from berkeley's carrot & stick press - one of my favorite stationers - what a charming way to set the tone for an upcoming wedding. to further personalize your big day, they take custom orders too.

how smart!

DIY:

what a great idea for a party invitation too! make them yourself to announce an upcoming book club meeting or birthday party.

by the way, i think throwing a "book party" for a child's birthday (or your own) is a novel idea.... 

(photo credit: carrot & stick press)

SATURDAY'S SPOONFUL - a small dose of sugar, spice + everything nice

charlie picked these for me off of a random bush.

what are they? anyone know?

at any rate, they are awfully cute + now proudly serve as a table centerpiece in our home.

the lesson: 

if you love it, it's art.

(photo credit: lissa lowe)

chicagoans: renegade craft fair this weekend

midwest must:

hit this artisan craft fair this weekend!

september 12 + 13 from 11 am - 7 pm.

i am so bummed that i can't be there.

PILLOW OF THE MONTH: america, the beautiful

i was in NYC on business on 9/11/2001.

this handmade recycled felt pillow by one of my favorite big apple designers, alexandra ferguson, speaks to me today....

god bless america, the beautiful.

i love new york.

(photo credit: alexandra ferguson)

birthday wishes

tanglevine crossing was one of my mom's favorite shops. 

where is this boutique, you ask? farmland, indiana - a hidden gem in the midwest.here you will find an absolutely adorable cottage filled with charming trinkets and giftware. 

whenever i was in town visiting from san francisco, my mom and i would lunch at the chocolate moose and then pop over to this homey spot.

today in particular i fondly recall jerome + larry's hospitality - and yummy tea. (and, can i tell you a little secret: they have made specialty wares for neimans!) they are a classy pair living a low key life in the heartland.

my mom adored them...and they adored her.

i miss you mom. happy birthday.....xo

(photo credit: farmlandindiana.org)

COOK IT: herbs

from chew on this, this illustrated handy dandy herb wheel features 40 herbs + gives tips on uses, preservation, storage, recipes and flavors for each.

buy local. it's the spice of life.

p.s. a great hostess gift for a culinary friend - or an aspiring julie. :-)

(photo credit: chewonthis.org)

TABLETOP TUESDAY - cube tube

i'm helping a friend out with wedding planning + i think this glass "cube tube" bud vase is really cool.

measuring 3" x 3" x 3" inches, you could use one - or a few - on the table at your next dinner party.

in fact, i'd even use them at a wedding reception. imagine them en masse lined up on a long farm table with a gorgeous single bud inside (e.g., orchid, peony, gerbera daisy). loads of twinkling glass votives would pepper the table too and fill the void space.

simple + modernly elegant....and affordable.

(by the way, i think a sit-down wedding that serves fabulous food "family-style" would be surprising for guests, less fussy + more fun than the traditional!)

these lovelies can be had for $10 each at urban indigo.

(photo credit: urban indigo)