Boxford Holiday Homes Tour

Faux Bois Screen

I decided, kind of last minute, to design a space for the Boxford Homes Tour. This year, the tour theme is "Entertaining with Style". Sixteen designers will be showcasing their talents based around various holiday themes, from Thanksgiving to New Years. Theme based designing is what I love to do, which is why I thought this event was a perfect match for me. Pictured here, are some of the elements that helped to influence my design.

Place Setting

I chose a somewhat non-traditional htheme for my design. The inspiration behind my theme comes from an old family tradition. My parents hosted a party every fall, celebrating the making of cider. With a cider press that my Dad purchased from Washington State (the heart of the apple capital), back in 1978 we would invite neighbors and friends to enjoy the process of making homemade cider. Each family would be able to take home a gallon or two, that they could serve on Thanksgiving. It never failed to be a cold, raw day in November, but that never drove away the guests. Our family and friends looked forward every year, to making their annual homemade Thanksgiving Day cider.

   

Asian Lantern

                                                                       
The infamous cider press will be making a guest appearance for the sake of my design, on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Unfortunately, I will not be sending home gallons of cider, but hopefully some inspiration. "Entertaining with Style," isn't about being fancy. Its about getting creative by using simple ideas, creating memories and traditions.

Grapevine Chandelier

More visuals that helped me to create my design plan.

Wool Tartan Throw

 Don't forget to bring along a girlfriend or two for a day filled with lots of holiday inspiration!!!!



Until next time...L





















                                                                                   

Boston Antique Show

I had the wonderful opportunity to design a floral arrangement for my friend and designer, Yvonne Blacker. Yvonne's latest venture is her online magazine, New England Finery. New England Finery was in attendance at the Boston Antique Show, this past weekend. I was very honored and excited to be able to have my design on display at such a large event. I met Yvonne several years ago through the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield. Yvonne has been working diligently these last few years building a business for herself, and putting her design ideas out there for all to enjoy. She has been a true inspiration.

When I begin the design process for a project such as this, I have to work with visuals provided by the client. Yvonne had given me photos of her furniture, rug and color selections for the space. One additional inspiration was the cover of her online magazine, New England Finery.

While meandering through HomeGoods as I often do, I scored this outstanding vase. Not knowing all the details of the design yet, I took a chance. I had a feeling that this vase might work, and if it didn't I would use it for something else. The vase is a modern interpretation of a hobnail milk glass design, and its height was a lot of fun to work with.

After my design was complete, I planned a visit to see Yvonne's dinning room vignette in person. I wanted to be assured that my arrangement had helped to support her overall design concept. Working with photos can be tricky, but I like the challenge. I was pleased to see that all was as it should be, and thrilled about the feedback that I received from the antique show patrons.




Until next time... L.