Monthly Archives: December 2009

Holiday DIY: Pie of Roses

December 23, 2009

Yesterday we talked about some great ways you can decorate your home last minute. However, if you have some extra time on your hands and want to make something special I have a beautiful DIY for you to try. It’s blissfully simple, but something you’ll have to make the day of or the day before you plan to use it since flowers are so fragile. This makes a great statement piece on your holiday table.

Materials:

Ceramic pie plate
Roses
Ribbon
Oasis floral foam
Flower shears

Directions:

1) Prepare oasis floral foam to fit snugly into the pie plate. Make sure the top of the foam is flush with the edge of the plate.

2) Cut stems of roses so that you have just enough to stick into the foam. I’m approximating 2 inches, but it could vary depending on the depth of your pie plate. Place roses artfully all around the foam to fill the pie plate.

3) Take your ribbon and form a lattice-work pattern over your flowers. Cut the ribbon into strips and lay them horizontally across the roses, then lay the other ribbon strips vertically across those.

4) Place on your table and wait for the Oohs and Aahs.

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Last Minute Christmas Décor Tips

December 22, 2009

It’s almost the big day! Here are some last minute ideas for your Christmas decorating:

Tip #1: I always suggest having at least one dramatic statement. I think a great one for Christmas would be to get a small Christmas tree and put it right in the center of your dining table (similar to what we did in the picture above). And instead of covering it with ornaments I would use white orchids to decorate it.

Tip #2: Christmas lights are always fun to work with. I like using all white ones and using them in a non-traditional way. For example they could be your window or wall décor. You could string them up and down a window in very straight lines to make sure it doesn’t look messy.

Tip #3: Around the holidays smells always bring us back to childhood. I like to mix cinnamon sticks, cloves, all spice, and nutmeg all together and put into a pot of boiling water so when my guests arrive the first thing that hits them is that comforting smell.

Tip #4: I love Christmas wreaths but not to hang on my door. They are great as the base of a vase or a large hurricane votive holder.

Do you have any tips to share? Let me know in the comments.

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Holiday Inspiration Photo: Paper Christmas Decorations

December 21, 2009

It’s the week of Christmas. You’ve wrapped all the presents and now you have all this extra gift wrapping paper left. What to do? How about incorporating some of that paper into décor for your house? You’ll be surprised at how versatile gift wrapping paper can be (unless, of course, you chose that Sponge Bob as Santa gift wrapping paper—that may be more limited). A few pictures to inspire you:

Here, I used gift wrapping paper as a table runner. I also used the same paper to decorate plain votive candle holders. More on that below.

place settings, table setting,flowers,wedding centerpieces,bouquets,arrangements

I wrapped pine tree patterned wrapping paper around votive candle holders and placed them on cake stands to form a faux-Christmas tree.

Another take on the paper as decoration for votive holders, but this time I cut the paper out for the holder to sit in.

Tomorrow, I’ll have some more last minute décor ideas for Christmas (in case you’re still trying to figure out how to make your home look extra special for the holidays).

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Looking Back: Frames

December 18, 2009

One of my first clients was Christie’s in New York City in 1983. I was fascinated to see old master paintings in these wonderful, traditional frames. Since then, this interest has evolved and become a part of my design aesthetic. The idea of frames, and using them in non-traditional or surprising ways, has become a signature design concept for me.

You may notice I’ve used the same frame in a few pictures in this post. I went to an antique shop one day and found these beautiful baroque frames just sitting there. They became a part of my collection, and have served as a background for many takes on the framing concept. The frames are about 5ft by 6ft high.

How can you use frames in your own designs? Here are a few tips:

Tip #1: Find the right frame. Depending on your design, you may want to use large, ornate frames or small, minimal frames. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Look for circular and oval shaped frames in addition to the traditional rectangular and square shapes.

Tip #2: Don’t be afraid of 3-D. Take unusual objects and frame them. We’ve framed everything from flower arrangements to candles. You can take dolls and frame them in a child’s room or you can take fresh herbs and frame them in your kitchen. Look around at what you have and you’ll probably find many things you can stick in a frame!

Tip #3: As with so many of the other design tips I’ve given—pick a theme. This technique can produce a very eclectic look. What you don’t want to happen is to have it look messy or confusing. Choose one color or one type of object to frame to give it a consistent and purposeful look.

Do you have any tips on what to do with frames? If you have any great pictures where you’ve framed something unique, feel free to share those too.

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Preston’s Gift Guide Part 2: A Little Something For Yourself

December 17, 2009

Candles and Drawers(Photo via)

The holidays are stressful. In thinking about what to get for others, sometimes you lose sight of taking care of someone who could really use extra attention right now: yourself. (And besides, in order to give you have to receive, right?)

Here are some presents you can get for yourself to indulge in a little luxury…

The Gift of Time: Pre-book a monthly luxurious appointment to last you throughout all of 2010. Book your favorite manicurist or some time at your favorite spa.
Candles: I know this may seem obvious, but you’ll be amazed at how relaxed you begin to feel when you turn off all the lights and light candles around you. Not only do you get the benefit of some aromatherapy, but you also get a chance to escape from the world and take a minute to yourself. I’d suggest candles from Molton Brown or Rigaud in Gardenia scent
The Gift of Education: Isn’t there something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do? Maybe it’s how to cook amazing French food or how to speak Spanish. Book a class or two for yourself and find out how much there is out there to learn.
The Gift of Charity: I know we’re talking about something for yourself, but this is actually a very indulgent present because it’s amazing how good giving can feel. Take time out to donate to a charity or volunteer your time. You’ll be making a difference in the world and helping those who really need it.

Photo by: Molton Brown

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