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Contemporary Thanksgiving Table Setting

November 5, 2012 · Comments { 2 }

A few weeks ago the folks at Wayfair invited me and several other bloggers to participate in their Holiday Tablescape Challenge – of course I was game! The timing was perfect because I’ll be hosting Thanksgiving this year and it gave me the opportunity to plan ahead. As part of the challenge, Wayfair sent me 5 items that I selected from a list of 12 to incorporate in the table setting.

contemporary thanksgiving tablescape

A custom table runner in a chevron pattern fabric by Robert Allen inspired the silver, brown and chartreuse color scheme and the contemporary feel I was envisioning. I love the more subtle interpretation of this classic pattern and the pop of chartreuse is really fun. It pattern plays so nicely with the unscripted cowhide rug. For additional visual interest, I also layered several other materials including rattan, bronze and metallic silver. I loved the way the table turned out!

wayfair thankgiving table vase

Here are the Wayfair products selected:

Ten Strawberry Street Square 10″ Dinner Plates (topped with chartreuse napkins)

David Shaw Silverware Urban Retreat Deconstructed Bowl (used for the floral centerpiece)

Achla Goblet Vase (filled with liquid amber leaves and pheasant feathers)

David Shaw Silverware Urban Retreat Rectangular Platter (topped with white pumpkins)

Fleur-de-Lis Two Tier Plate Stand in Antique White from Mesa Home (perfect for pumpkin & red velvet cupcakes)

To follow the tablescape challenge, head to Wayfair’s blog or Holiday Challenge Pinterest board.

Happy holidays! (yep, I just said it!)

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on November 5, 2012 in Entertaining, Holiday, product review, textiles, Thanksgiving, Wayfair

It’s Here! :: West Elm Palo Alto

October 24, 2012 · Comments { 7 }

It’s no big secret that I’m a huge West Elm fan. I’ve selected their affordable designs which feature a mix of clean lines, natural textures and global accents for numerous client projects. So I was thrilled to hear that West Elm was opening a new retail store at the corner of University and Emerson in Palo Alto. Each West Elm store has it’s own regional look & feel and the Palo Alto store is no different. It’s earthy accents and trees take center stage. Twinkling holiday trees line the front window, while stacked logs as if ready for a winter’s fire are placed behind the register. In addition, the new store features collections of decorative accessories and art made by local Etsy artists (love).

The Palo Alto store’s door swung open to the public on October 8th and showcased the brand’s early Holiday assortment including vibrant textiles inspired by hues of nature and new furniture and tabletop for holiday entertaining. I had the opportunity to tour the beautiful store the day before the grand opening and wanted to share some pictures I took of the festive and inspirational displays…

West Elm Palo Alto Holiday Display Silver and Gold Holiday Tabletop by West Elm Christmas Trees West Elm

I love that West Elm collaborates with outside designers and artists. It brings a freshness to the brand that keeps folks coming back season after season. For Holiday, these colorful geometric glass ornaments by ConfettiSystem has caught my eye.

Throw Pillows by Alison Fox for West Elm

Texas-based designer, Alyson Fox’s geometric pillows (above) and Italian designer, Allegra Hick’s hand-block quilt and bedding collection (below) were also standouts.

Allegra Hicks Bedding for West Elm

And how beautiful (& easy) are these paper flowers by British designer Sarah Campbell?

If you are in the Palo Alto area, you’ll have to drop by and see the beautiful new store for yourself!

– Cristin

*photo credit: Cristin Priest // Simplified Bee

Read full story By Cristin on October 24, 2012 in bedrooms, beds, etsy, furniture, Holiday, holiday decor, home accessories, tables, Thanksgiving, throw pillows, Uncategorized

Organizing Gift Wrap for the Holidays

October 8, 2012 · Comments { 0 }

Photo Credit: Martha O’Hara Interiors

With the holidays just around the corner, getting organized ahead of time can reduce stress. Today on Wayfair’s blog, My Way Home I’m sharing ideas for creating a beautiful, orderly and functional gift-wrap station.

Photo Credit: Midwest Living

Happy Organizing!

Cristin

Read full story By Cristin on October 8, 2012 in Christmas, Organization, Paperwork

Sneak Peek: West Elm Holiday 2012

September 21, 2012 · Comments { 4 }

West Elm is sharing a sneak peek at their holiday look books for decor, entertaining and trim. This holiday season is all about metallics, patched fabrics, reclaimed wood, paper flowers, animals, cool tones and vibrant colors. West Elm has also teamed up with some fabulous designers. I’m most excited about the collaborations with Sarah Campbell (colorful pillows, trays and paper flowers), Laura Zindel (autumnal plates and serving pieces) and Allegra Hicks (dinnerware, bedding, pillows and accessories).

Allegra Hicks for West Elm Dinnerware Colorful Holiday Ornaments West Elm West Elm Holiday Tree Metallic West Elm Colorful Throws