Red Doors, Irish Traditions & Being Beautifully Prepared

I’ve kept a beautiful collection of red door photos, just waiting for an opportunity to post them.  Red happens to be a favorite color of mine.  To me, it’s lively and spirited and it brings a smile to my face whenever and wherever I see it! 

When Irish traditions are mentioned, the color green is usually one of the first hues which springs to mind.  After all, we always speak of the “Wearing of the Green” for St. Patrick’s Day.  Did you know, in Irish folklore, it is thought that painting ones door in red also keeps away bad luck and evil spirits?  There are also many other spiritual references to indicate safety will lie behind this painted door . . . that a type of shelter will be provided, of which one will be welcomed to share.

As I was planning to post this pictorial, (and for an entirely different reason), the devastating earthquake in Japan was weighing heavily on my heart and my mind.  I kept wondering how I could share an article about doors, (which might seem to be a bit frivolous), given what had just happened?  Within the doors images, something kept resonating.  Call it a symbolic moment.

 This is what appeared . . . .

I couldn’t think of a better source to offer others a shelter from life’s storms.  Not only does The Red Cross reach out in times of great need, they also have created a wonderful series of lists to help us anticipate being better prepared for what might come our way.  Did you know the American Red Cross is the only humanitarian organization with a Congressional charter to provide relief to victims of disasters and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies?

Behind each door, you’ll find the tools you’ll need to guide you through different emergencies.  (And you can also go to their website to find more information for other preparedness lists.)

            

Be Red Cross Ready       Earthquake Safety         Tsunami Safety

                

Pets & Disaster Tips       Flood Safety                  Power Outage

You may have stopped by to read a post about interior design and to see beautiful images. I usually try to share posts on how you can live a more beautiful life and to “Love the Home You’re In”. 

We can’t always plan for the Luck of the Irish . . . but a little preparation might just see us through.  To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than that!    

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Japan and beyond. ~ Wanda

(If you are able, please donate to your American Red Cross Chapter.  They will honor your donation by directing your funds in the manner you so chose.  You can even be a Hero!)

Surcies – Part One

The first time I heard this term used, I was in the city of Charleston, South Carolina.  It’s hard to say the exact origin of the word, but loosely translated, it means:  “An unexpected gift or nice little treat.” 

Today, upon finishing up a client’s project with my friend and floral designer, Bryan, he said, “Before you go, I have a little surcie for you.”, and he produced a sweet bundle of large cinnamon sticks for me to place in my kitchen for the holidays.  Earlier in the week, I received a surprise package from my special Twitter friend, Leslie.  It is was a lovely book, filled with sumptuous photos of Christmas decorating!  In both cases, I had absolutely no idea or expectation of receiving either of these delightful treats.

  

(Even my surcie, from Leslie, was full of ideas for more surcies!)

As in all gifts, (surcies especially included), it truly is about the thought counting.  While these treasures were very pleasing to have and to hold, the idea of being remembered and the sweet caring, which was included, warmed my heart, added a smile and that’s what a surcie is all about!

Here are some Christmas Surcie ideas for you to share:

This little beeswax spiral candle, from Plow and Hearth, burns for up to 80 hours.  (That’s longer than my new cell phone holds its charge!)

A cup of Christmas cheer can arrive from the folks at Tea Forte.

I am a huge fan of Ree Drummond – aka – The Pioneer Woman. Her blogs are full of home-spun humor, even though she is a city girl who married a rancher.  Aside from being a “super-blogger”, she has some great recipes and I have to say, this would be a “superior surcie” to receive.  (Not hinting too much, am I?) 

All you have to do is close your eyes and this Thymes candle will transport you.  Can you hear the rustling of the tree branches as the scent of fir wafts by?

To be continued . . . .

Cheer-filled wishes for life’s little surprises!  Wanda

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I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas!

Even though we Southern folks may be a bit skittish about news of predictions for snow, as we make a mad dash for milk, eggs and bread, (after all, we don’t have many snow plows available to address the two inch “drifts”), we balance our caution with the giddiness of school children, who received a bonus holiday – a SNOW DAY!

I think we also enjoy the rare, pristine beauty of a snowfall.  It’s especially magical, if we are able to watch the flakes quietly dance down through the lights of the evening.  It brings a rare moment of peace, as life slows down . . . just a little . . . just enough to have time to reflect on the wonders of nature.

If you live in an area, where the snow is abundant, you can color me a little “pea green with envy”, during this time of year.  If you are in warmer parts, here are some winter room settings and accents to help you make your Christmas dreams come true!

The white slipcovers create snowy drifts of linen.  Can you only imagine how beautiful this would be in candlelight?

A lovely and clever wall cabinet is adorned in simple garland.  I love the Tiffany blue background.  It reminds me of the brilliant sky on a clear winter’s day.

The adjacent living room beckons you to curl up on this sofa for a steaming cup of cocoa.

A starfish in the snow?  Anything is possible, when you keep an open mind and an open heart!

Some things are just self-explanatory!

Crystal baubles and shimmery ball ornaments on a silver platter . . . a festive way to “serve-up” the idea of a tree-trimming party.

    . . . and while you’re trimming the tree, offer guests some lovely treats, served up in a matching palette. 

The mirrored doors, of this armoire, almost appear to have been crystallized by a frost. 

Such simple things become luxe with the right touches.  Silver painted cones, “snow” dusted garden cloches, and mercury glass vases are just the right touch for a mantel scape.

During this holiday season, as you prepare to address your lists, things to do, places to be and people to see, close your eyes and imagine a quiet snowfall, breathe deeply, and feel the wonderment of the moment.

Cheers to You!  Wanda

(Thanks to “Country Living” for the lovely photos!)

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . .

I had really promised myself I would slow down and let each holiday be given its own due.  Halloween? That was pretty easy.  The pumpkins, gourds, and harvest accents were properly placed and enjoyed, as the month of September rolled into October.  November?  Well, that’s a different story.  Christmas Carols are already playing on several radio stations - and non-stop, I might add.  It goes without saying the stores have been decked out. In Charlotte, we are also in the midst of the Southern Christmas Show. 

I looked at the calendar and calculated the days before my Wyoming in-laws will be in town, for Thanksgiving week, and then the number of weeks, in between, when my folks will be arriving for Christmas.  Okay, I give up!  I guess it’s just time to crank up the music and warm up the wassail.  It IS beginning to look at lot like Christmas and I’ll share with you some sights to help you get in the spirit, too!  

Give your guests a sneak preview as to what to expect, inside.  This is the entry to a client’s home and we honored her mountain-inspired retreat with cones and long-leaf pine – a tree indigenous to North Carolina. 

I love white ironstone for its versatility.  (And, I can’t help it, I still love clocks!  See my previous post on the subject.)

I’m a fan of Carolyne Roehm and her Christmas Canine wreath is so “bow-wow-tiful”!  (A good sense of humor goes a long way towards maintaining the holiday spirit, don’t you think?)

This Colonial Candle display certainly gets the message across regarding what they are all about.  What happy color combinations and you’ll always be prepared for a power outage! 

There’s something about a farmhouse table, laden with goodies, graced with topiaries and crowned with a chandelier.  Red is definitely one of my favorite colors . . . Like a moth to a flame, is a pretty accurate description, for me!

The decorations, on this mantel, are a lovely extension of the wintery scene.  Couldn’t you just get lost for hours, here?

A contrast of textures, to the previous mantel photo.  The asymmetrical groupings of potted conifers and obelisks compliment the rustic fireplace.  A comfy, casual spot!

A gathering of pinecones, accented by either a pile of apples and magnolia leaves, or placed around a planted amaryllis, are a quick and easy way to add an earthy touch to your seasonal greens and flowers.

What?  Never heard of the Christmas Bunny?  If your storage space is limited or you can’t bear to put your favorite everyday decorations away – go ahead, break the rules.  I “triple dog dare you”! 

I always say, the holidays are like the Bermuda Triangle of sweets.  Who could resist saying no to this? 

Speaking of treats, I do enjoy spreading the seasonal joy to the kitchen.  This is not a case for “less is more”.

For those of you who prefer an option to the traditional reds and greens, Carolyne Roehme offers up her version of a blue and white Christmas.  So wintery and magical! 

How about a “green” Christmas?  I can see this room being an homage to an eco-friendly holiday.  Recycled floors and stone from an old farmstead.  The antique coffee table, had a previous life as a kitchen table.  Organic linen slipcovers placed on the sofa and chairs made of soy foam and renewable frame materials.  Even the tree is sustainable as it is a live version, to be planted later!

 Finishing touches can be created from a bit of this and a bit of that!

 

While this post may be longer than the Twelve Days of Christmas, I hope you’ll enjoy my gift to you and will take away something to inspire you for a season, merry and bright!

“It is not our things which make us happy, but rather the people with whom we share them.”  Wanda Horton

(Thanks to:  House Beautiful, Home and Garden, Traditional Homes, Colonial Candles, Veranda and Interior Concepts by Wanda for the photo sources.)

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Pillow Talk

There is almost nothing more to love than the detailing of a beautiful pillow, and yet, it can be one of the most neglected accents in a room.  In some instances, after the larger pieces have been placed in a space, there is a tendency to take a - “Wait and see if it’s really necessary” - approach.  (Translated . . . maybe the room can “get by” without this added investment.)  In other cases, they may be seen as unneeded “fluff” because of being way overdone in the bygone days of over-the-top, unedited design. 

In the simplest of ensembles, this striped pillow, with trim, commands your attention.

A really well-executed pillow is like a work of art.  This dressmaker detailed accent can take a basic sofa or bedding ensemble to a level, several notches above.  Pillows are one of the easiest ways to update and compliment a new color palette.  The ranges of investment often depends on the amount of the detail, the fabric, trims and the insert materials.  There are some ready-to-go designs with a good look for a good price.  Truly custom pillows can be in the range of a small, accent piece of furniture or a nice lamp.  Because a pillow can be held and examined closely, I tend to prefer the best quality one can afford.  Hand-sewn closures and plump filler materials always are the best, in my book.  Natural fibers give the nicest tactile experience.  Visually, if you consider some of your favorite bedroom photos, most of the bed dressings would seem pretty blasé without the extra pillow layer.

Can we talk pillows?  I’d rather show you!

From Barclay Butera’s Hearst Castle Collection*  Hand-painted designs = custom art for a custom pillow.

A hand appliquéd design on a solid linen. Bella Studios*

Open flanged corners with knots!  Bella Studios*

The hand-tucked details remind me of Mary McFadden’s Marii or Fortuny pleated dress.  Some pillows are meant to be couture rather than to be “tossed”.  Bella Studios*

Vintage Mary McFadden Gown

The origami design is a feat of ingenuity for this lumbar pillow!  (An elongated pillow is often referred to as a lumbar pillow as it helps to support the lower back region.)  Feature a thing like that!  Beauty and comfortable function!  Bella Studios*

Hand beaded and hand embroidered pillows, from Ankasa*, were designed after the husband and wife team couldn’t find pillows for their new home.  What pain-staking detail to place each and every thread and bead!

  A lovely room featuring more Ankasa* pillows.

A fab linen pillow studded in Swarovski crystals is sure to add sparkle to your day!  The Infinity Pillow from Shine Home.

The mini flanged-edge with split corners separates the mundane from the must-have!  (And I like those fat fillers, too!)  Barclay Butera* linen pillow.

The flat trim, Greek key border finishes off a solid velvet with a sophisticated touch.  Barclay Butera*

This lovely monogram design from Mary Beth Zeitz is the perfect ending to this post . . .

*These sources are “To-The-Trade” and may be purchased through interior designers and specialty shops.

Cheers to you!  Wanda