Twinkle, Twinkle

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When I saw these beautiful window designs by Ralph Lauren, I thought about the little tiny LED lights that I am forever in love with. My sister brought a bunch of these tiny lights back from a skiing trip last winter, and I have used them in so many ways since.

I wish that I had pictures of the arrangements I have made using these lights, but they are packed in storage until I move. I can't wait because I have so much to share with you!

These LED lights come in branches, bunches, and trees.

Thank you, The Light Garden, for introducing me to these delightful and fanciful lights.

They add dimension and elegance to your home. Did I add that they are romantic?

There are several companies that market these arrangements, but I am familiar with The Light Garden and The Illuminating Garden, which have the same products.

I noticed that Target has the white branches, and they appear to be more economical. There are choices if your search "LED branches."

As I said before, I regret that I cannot show the pictures that I have now, but I will certainly get to them soon! I design a tall, between 18 inches and 3 feet, arrangement. The flowers and greenery used are seasonal. For the table, I prefer a smaller arrangement.

For Christmas, I use white tulips, red and white tulips, Lilies, roses, pine needles, magnolia leaves, holly, and cedar. I use floral water viles so that the lights do not get wet. These vials are also perfect for mantle greenery. I prefer a crystal vase with a bow around the bottom to cover the viles. There are so many things you can do with these lights, so have fun!

For the smaller arrangements, I use hydrangeas (the silk flowers are beautiful too) or other substantial, short flowers using the same greenery as I do in the large arrangements.

Visit these websites, and use your imagination. There are endless possibilities.

I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas! I will see you next week. Enjoy your families, and be thankful for what you have. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Teresa,

xoxo

CHRISTMAS CHEER

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Rob Liefeld, December 1926 Vogue cover.

Happy, creative, anxious, productive, energetic -- just a few of the emotions I feel during the Christmas season. I have always loved the holidays because people seem cordial, thankful, and so much more patient and friendly than during other times of the year.

I believe that the words Merry Christmas bring a smile to the face and a warm feeling that is very much heart-felt. While times are difficult for many, we can boost their Christmas spirit by cheerful expression.

All I want for Christmas is happiness for everyone, and oh yes – SNOW! Santa Clause, please send some snow!
Most importantly -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

I hope that you and your family are having a bright season!

Merry Christmas,

Teresa,

xoxo

Tartan Plaid ~ Part Two

A beautifully set table, such as this one set by Ralph Lauren, takes time and effort, but will allow your guests to feel special. Searching for ideas that serve as a template will make this task easier.

The furnishings and the accessories in your home should create an environment that is enjoyable for you. When you feel comfortable, the task of being host or hostess is joyful.

Shown here are some ideas using the tartan plaid for your home, tabletop, and comfort. Add love and hospitality, and your house becomes a home.

TARTAN LINENS

A table must begin with beautiful linens. These nutcracker napkins, from Williams-Sonoma, go beautifully with the placemats and linens that follow.

Williams-Sonoma Home has a large collection of linens. Shown here are their tartan linens.

This tartan decked table setting by Williams-Sonoma Home shows a small portion of the accessories that they carry. creating a perfect setting.

CHRISTMAS CHINA

This beautiful Nouveau Christmas china from Lenox brightens any holiday table.


O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. This traditional Christmas china has been around for as long as I can remember. When Spode is mentioned, this Christmas Tree china comes to mind.

TARTAN FURNITURE

Ahhh... Ralph Lauren never disappoints me, and this tartan filled room follows suit. Once again, tartan proves itself glorious.

This tartan upholstered Wylan chair by Ralph Lauren looks as inviting as beautiful.

This fabric by Ralph Lauren Home pairs beautifully with the black Chilton chair below.

This black Chilton chair by Ralph Lauren goes perfectly with the black tartans.

This Spencer chair by Ralph Lauren adds just the right pop to a tartan filled room.

ACCESSORIES

Cozy up by the fire with one of these tartan throws from Williams-Sonoma Home.

These tassels would add class to any tartan filled room.

You know that I can't leave out these engraved cards by Crane. The little tartan bow is a Christmas classic.

This photograph of a Christmas tree is on the Brooks Brothers website. It is so bright and cheery that I wanted to share it with you.

TARTAN UPHOLDSTERY FABRIC

This is the lighter of the tartans, and it is made from wool by Ralph Lauren.

This is just another one of the wool fabrics from Ralph Lauren's upholstery fabric line.

This is a silk tartan fabric by Ralph Lauren.


An example of just a few tartan fabrics.

All of these fabrics, by Ralph Lauren, are of the highest quality
-- providing years of beauty.

This is the end of my tartan posts. I hope that you have enjoyed these posts as much as I have enjoyed creating them. As with any decorating endeavor you must have something to work with, and tartans certainly provide this.

Within the next week I will be posting some photographs that were clicked especially for you.

See you Monday, and as always this time of year, Merry Christmas.
Teresa,
xoxo

Tartan Plaid ~ Part One

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I believe that this photograph, by Amy Free, says it all about this versatile cloth we call tartan plaid. Maybe I will wear a tartan dress to Joey and Angela's weddings, or at least a tartan belt and shoes. Red or green?

Of all of the designs found, the tartan is the most beautiful and classic of all. It can be used anywhere, to create anything, and blends well with so many other fabrics and styles. Have I convinced you yet that I love tartan? Well, I DO!

Tartan originated in Scotland as their national dress and is associated with the kilt. The tartan distinguished the separate clans in the Highlands. It was later banned by the English, but the Scottish people would not let these invaders destroy their tartans. The Scottish people wear tartan cloth over their back, and it is frequently pulled over the head.

First woven from linen, the tartan material can now be found in many fibers, but the design appears closely intertwined, consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Red, navy, yellow and white are usually the dominate colors.

Pendleton brought the tartan fabric to America in the 20’s with their wool design. This classic plaid can now be found in wool, silk, linen and cotton. My favorites are the red and green dominant plaid.

Part one is on clothing for men and women. Part two will place emphasis on tabletop, furniture and accessories.

TARTANS FOR WOMEN

Dolce and Gabbana have their tartan act together. Great ensemble.

As mentioned in the last blog, this is on my Christmas wish-list. Ralph Lauren Sawtooth Shetland Plaid Blue Label jacket.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Suede Patch plaid camp shirt.


This tartan jacket is by Guess.

This Woolrich tail gating jacket is perfect for a quick grab for any occasion.

This Ralph Lauren Blue Label Buffalo Plaid skirt can be paired for many looks.

This ruffle plaid shirt can be found at the Gap.

These two sleepover pajamas, from Victoria's Secret , look great and last for a very long while.

TARTANS FOR MEN

This Brooks Brothers tartan vest looks great with coat, jacket, or alone over a shirt.

This Ralph Lauren wool-blend coat will keep the cold out.

This Brooks Brothers Red tartan tie pairs looks great for those Christmas gatherings.

This fun cummerbund set from Brooks Brothers can be dresssed up or down.

This Brooks Brothers scarf will work for women or men, and is a very versatile accessory.

The custom-fit cotton plaid shirt by Brooks Brothers.

This tartan red shirt by Brooks Brothers is a great paired with this camel-hair cardigan.

These pajamas from Brooks Brothers are perfect for lounging.

I will see you later for part two of this tartan post. Tabletop, accessories and furniture will be the concentration in the next post.

Merry Christmas,
Teresa

xoxo

Annabel Lee

The beloved poem by Edgar Allan Poe...

Annabel Lee

It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea:
But we loved with a love that was more than love -
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsmen came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me -
Yes! that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud one night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we -
Of many far wiser than we -
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling -my darling -my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea -
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

A little change in pace. One of my favorite poems. This should bring about some memories in all.

Merry Christmas.
Teresa
_______________________________

The Little Black Dress

Eliza Magazine

The First "Little Black Dress."

Coco Chanel, the designer responsible for the popularity and longevity of the “little black dress”, left a beautiful gift for all ladies. The little black dress can be worn by day or night, can be jewel-neck, v-neck, strapless, backless, short, long, dressed up or dressed down. There is no end to how you can accessorize the black dress, but pearls are my favorite, and appear to be a timeless combination (who could forget Audrey Hepburn draped in Givenchy and pearls in the opening credits for Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

There is nothing easier and more classic than the little black dress and a strand of pearls, pearl earrings, and black pumps. This combination is perfect for day or night. The addition of diamonds or costume jewelry is a beautiful way to accessorize the black dress, and this has always been a popular look, finishing with the black pump embellished by rhinestones.

I would like to thank Coco Chanel for her introduction of the little black dress in 1926, because without it, we would be a little less perfect. Oh yes, and by the way, black is very slimming. As Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

Coco Chanel

I have chosen just a few of the "little black dresses" that I thought you would fall in love with.

Port 1961 Lace Sheath little black dress.

David Meister Neiman Marcus.

Black Label of Ralph Lauren, Liby Houndstooth Sequin.

David Meister Neiman Marcus.

Let's have a party dresses.

Rebecca Taylor Sateen Saks Fifth Avenue.

Armani Collezioni.

ABS by Allen Schwartz Neiman Marcus


Coco

I hope that you have enjoyed my trip down this "little black dress" lane. I have been known to wear nothing but black, but I have finally started wearing blue-jeans and a few other bright colors. I love my black dress. That's all I can say. It goes anywhere at anytime. Thank you, Coco!

Merry Christmas,
Teresa