Category Archives: Holidays

Spring Flower Arrangements for All Occasions

03 Tuesday Apr 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Holidays, Inspiration, Parties, Weddings

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Tags

Centerpiece Ideas, daffodils, Easter Centerpieces, Flower Arranging Ideas, Maaike Bernstrom Photography, peonies, Spring Flower Arrangements, Tulips, Wedding Bouquet Ideas

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about spring is the sudden burst of color that encompasses the landscapes. It’s as though within an instant we go from blah to W-O-W as soon as that first daffodil or crocus blooms. And while the flowers are gorgeous outside, I can’t help but want to bring them indoors as well. Our friend Maaike is not only an amazing photographer, but she also has an incredible talent when it comes to flowers and here are some shots of arrangements she’s taken and/or created, and we hope some of these shots will provide some inspiration for your spring holiday and entertaining!

I just love the willow branches wrapped around the urn.

This display would be fabulous on a buffet. I love the mix of texture and pattern using just a few colors. And of course, the vintage mason jar is an awesome added bonus.

These mini daffodils in a wicker urn scream spring! Such a simple and elegant yet rustic arrangement for a small luncheon celebrating a new baby on the way.

At the same event, tin tomato cans are lined up down the center of the dining table also filled with daffodils, and bud vases with tulips and more daffodils make sure no space lacks a pop of color.

Colorful hydrangeas are flooding the store shelves right now. Add them to a pretty metal bucket with other foliage and you can’t go wrong!

This stunning wedding bouquet includes (my favorite!) peonies, roses, and greens. It would be equally as gorgeous as a centerpiece and can easily be scaled larger or smaller to suit your needs.

Oh, I could just fill my house with flowers like these, and there is so much more where this came from that we’ll do another post with more of Maaike’s flowers soon!

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Green Apple & Pink Flower Arrangements
Spring Blooms
Milk Bottle Vases are Perfect for Petite Parties

5 Dye-Free Alternatives to Decorating Easter Eggs

29 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, D.I.Y., Holidays

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Dye-free Easter Eggs, Easter, Easter Decor, Easter Decorations, Easter Egg Decorating

Japanese Washi Tape Easter eggs

There is just over a week to go until Easter and we still haven’t dyed our eggs. Truth be told, part of the reason is that I’m just not that into it. I love decorating eggs, but I’m just not that into dying them. So I did a little searching to find some alternative ways to decorate your Easter eggs this year and here’s what I’ve found.

Crepe Paper Easter Eggs

Glitter Eggs

Sparkle Stripes Easter Eggs

Origami Paper Easter Eggs

Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Family Circle, Better Homes & Gardens

If you like this post, you might like these:
 Limoges:  Perfect Delights for Easter Hunting
A Tisket, A Tasket, A Perfect Easter Basket
Spring Blooms

Etsy Pick of the Week: 3D Hearts to Love

08 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Etsy Pick of the Week, Holidays, Shops We Love

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3D Hearts, baby gift, customizable, , housewarming gift, personalized, Suzy Shoppe, , wedding gift

There are so many ways to celebrate Cupid’s upcoming day in your home, and this 1,001 3D Hearts artwork by Suzy Shoppe should be on the list.  Touted as a wonderful wedding gift, it is also perfect for Valentine’s Day, a housewarming and a sweet baby gift.  This 20″ x 20″ shadow box art piece can be customized in many ways – the 3D hearts can be arranged randomly or in a design – and the single red heart is to be personalized by you.  Choose a word, initials, a date or anything that makes this artwork meaningful.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you like this post, you might like these:
Etsy Pick of the Week:  Valentine’s Day Garland
Famille Summerbelle:  More than Maps
Chinoiserie Chic Dining

Etsy Pick of the Week: Valentine’s Day Garland

18 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Accessories, Celebrations, Etsy Pick of the Week, Holidays, Shops We Love

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Tags

, garland, PaintRobot, Rainbow Paper Hearts,

A splash of color for the upcoming Valentine’s Day is a perfect way to celebrate.  As always, Etsy to the rescue.  This Rainbow Paper Hearts Garland is 4 feet long with seven hearts handmade of colored card stock.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day and then to be used for birthdays, housewarmings, and other events throughout the year.

DIY Holiday Card Scrap Book

12 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by in D.I.Y., Holidays

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Tags

birthdays, cards, Christmas, DIY Memory Card Book, Easter

After any holiday – Christmas, Easter, birthdays, etc., – there is always a pile of cards that I do not want to throw out, but don’t have a good solution for saving.  A friend mentioned that she puts all of their cards in a book so that every year they can look back at that holiday and reminisce.  Brilliant!  Here’s my quick and easy way to save memory’s for years to come.

Quick step-by-step:  DIY Holiday Card Scrap Book

1. Supplies: holiday cards to be saved, construction paper, hole punch, glue stick, ribbon and a small safety pin.

2.  Count your cards so that you can select the correct amount of paper.  (I used construction paper, but you can re-use wrapping paper, printer paper, nice heavy stock, etc.)

3.  Punch holes in your paper.  Any number of holes will do. (I chose 5 holes since I wanted to use my ribbon.)

4.  Adhere the cards to your paper.

5.  Thread your ribbon through the holes with a safety pin.  This makes it easier to get the ribbon quickly through the layers of paper.

6.  Tie off your ribbon, and Voila!

Finally, you can take all those holiday cards down without feeling guilty!

DIY Ornament Bags: Pretty Storage for Your Cherished Holiday Items

02 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Accessories, D.I.Y., Holidays

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

DIY ornament bag, organize holiday decor, step-by-step DIY, Steuben

It’s 2012 and that means it’s time to put away your ornaments, snow globes, tinsel, stockings and more.  I have been slowly gathering my objets from around the house to make the post-holiday decor subtraction easier on my family and putting them in one area so that I can store everything at one time, properly, for next year.

Before you pack everything away – clear plastic bins make it very easy to identify the contents among the myriad of boxes in my basement – consider a simple DIY Ornament Bag project.  After receiving a special “last hurrah” glass gingerbread ornament from Steuben (below) in its own cozy bag, it dawned on me that I should store my handful of delicate ornaments in a similar fashion.  It will keep them safe and store them more compactly.

Traditionally all items are repacked in original boxes, and those boxes are stored.  If you want to save a little space (I always do!) then just wrap everything in tissue paper and place in clear containers.  Layer the heaviest, least fragile ornaments on the bottom, then lighter ones on the next layer, and so on.  Finally lay all of your DIY Ornament Bags on top.  When you open the container next year you will see all of the pretty fabric bags, and you’ll be reminded they are your most special ornaments to be handled with care!

I have more to sew, but here is the start of my collection . . .

Quick step-by-step for DIY Ornament Bags:

1.  Choose fabric:  In all of the piles of fabric there must be some smaller pieces that can be used for the bags.

2. Choose a size for your bag.  Simple 6×6 will fit most ornaments.

3. Sew.  Remember to sew the bag inside out.  First the tops for the ribbons and then the sides.

4.  Turn the bag right side out.

5.  Thread ribbon or rope through on both sides. Two pieces each 12 inches long will do. Use a safety pin to make the threading process easier.

6. Voila!

Make a Statement with Polish

27 Tuesday Dec 2011

Posted by in Holidays, Inspiration, Parties

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color, gold, grey, nail polish, Nails INC, , the Thames

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.
Georgia O’Keeffe

With so many holiday parties and special functions going on, I know many of us choose to manicure our nails.  We polish them in hues that coordinate with our outfits or follow the season’s trends, it’s a simple way to make a personal statement.  I don’t paint my nails often but when I do, I am always struck by how the the color I choose can make me feel.  The shimmering gold nails in this Shannon Blue photograph make me think this calm cozy person is ready for a little fun.  It’s a great color choice for this time of year.

Dark polishes can also make a statement and are currently my favorite.  Nails INC has a color out called, The Thames.

It makes me feel strong and confident, even if I am just sipping my morning coffee.

If you like this post, then you might like these:
Color Wheel:  Warm Corals and Cool Greys
From Red Carpet to Your Home
It’s a Red, Red World 

Dear Santa -

23 Friday Dec 2011

Posted by in Accessories, Dining Room, fabrics, Furniture, Holidays, lighting

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Asprey, Chakki, Isabelle Abramson, iVictrola, Louis Vuitton trunks, Matt Richmond, Melon Tea Set, Porcelain Pendant lamps, Serena and Lily

It has been many years since I have written, but since we have all been so good at Chateau & Bungalow this year I thought I would send you a wish list.  Perhaps you might have extra room on your sleigh?  We’ll share!

Any powder room would look amazing with a pair of these Isabelle Abramson Porcelain Pendant lamps.  If not these, then any of Isabelle’s one-of-a-kind porcelain works of art would be a unique addition to our homes.

It is always enjoyable to add to the butler’s pantry, and Asprey’s answer to a refined coffee or tea service – Melon Tea Set (above) – would be wonderful to add to our collection.  After the holidays it would be nice to relax with a soothing cup of tea.

And, this Chakki in the dark walnut finish would be a cozy spot for our tired feet.  Since you can customize the upholstery, you might consider one for your home near the fireplace.

Vintage steamer trunks  - Louis Vuitton trunks are my favorite! – are so useful and would look amazing in any room in the house.  We’ll need to get organized in the New Year, and a trunk would be perfect for storing all of the holiday decorations.  (Okay, we’d probably use it for a few of our favorite things!)

And, after an exhaustive search it seems that these iVictrolas by NYC designer Matt Richmond are all sold out?  Any chance you have an extra one?!

Since we know you are very busy spreading cheer to all, we’ll cross our fingers and hope this letter gets to you in time.  Let us be one of many to wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! All our best,

Chateau & Bungalow

Simply Wrapped

22 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in Celebrations, D.I.Y., Eco-friendly, Holidays, Inspiration, Kids, Parties

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

cardboard, gift wrapping, labels, recycle, ribbon, stamps

It seems that every year I am scrambling to wrap my gifts and get them under the tree.  I am also always trying to find ways to wrap them in creative and eco-friendly ways.  Remnants of ribbon, tissue boxes and bags are always lying around my house and I love to re-purpose old wrapping supplies.  It can be easy and also pretty good-looking.

These were easy to put together.  I used a little left over ribbon and tied it around a recycled box.  To make the tags I cut a circle out of some card board and used my daughter’s alphabet stamps to label them.  Cute, simple and good for Mother Earth.

All I Want for Christmas is…

22 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by in Accessories, Bedroom, Celebrations, Holidays, Living Room, Outdoor, Tabletop

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Anthropologie, C. Wonder, CB2, Foo Dogs, , Illusion End Table, Jonathan Adler, lacquer, lucite, Nautical Rope Decor, ottomans

While there are so many things I would be very happy to both give and receive this year, here are a few things that I would just L-O-V-E. I think I’ve been pretty good this year so hopefully Santa’s reading!

The combination of lucite and nautical rope in this Illusion End Table at Anthropologie pretty much screams my name. I’ll take two please!

It’s pretty hard for me to pick just one item from Jonathan Adler, but I’ve always wanted one of his lacquer trays, and I’m currently obsessed with turquoise so this would make me very happy.

Never one to shy away from color, these C. Wonder Foo Dogs will add a pop in any room in the house, and they’d be fabulous on my mantle.

Sferra makes the most divine throws and I’d love the Dorsey Throw to curl up with this winter with a good book.

Pouf! I’d love a gaggle of these cushy pillows to have around the house as extra seating or to throw in the car to bring to outdoor concerts, polo, and more this summer.

Hope Santa brings you everything you wish for!