Christmas Inspiration

Some years I decorate for Christmas with fun bright colors with lots of sparkle and shine, but then there are the years that I crave simplicity and more of a rustic charm. This is one of those years. Of course in my need for simplicity I will not sacrifice style. It is one of my favorite holidays after all and I have two kiddos that would be ever so disappointed if our home did not reflect the season. All this to simply say that this is my inspiration for this year and I could not be anymore excited.


tree basket / ornaments / garland (unknown) / antlers / tray / flowers / stocking / olive oil

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's a lovely little setup at The French Market that I just adore. It looks all warm and cozy even with all the gray that you know I just love. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. I am starting mine today.

I also wanted to say a sincere thank you to all of you who read Mrs. French. It has been such a fun new endeavor. Huge hugs to you all. 

Lovely Reading

I have a rather huge interest in pretty books. You know the kind that are pretty to leave out on display. They make for the most lovely vignettes. Oh, and yes it is most definitely a plus if they are ones that can also be enjoyed while being read. All of of these I find to be rather lovely. Little pieces of art really, that can one be passed down to my little ones.

The top to images are books that can be found at the French Market. Can you tell I am becoming quite obsessed with this shop?

{3rd image, 4th image, and 5th image}

Dining Bliss

I simply can not believe that next week is Thanksgiving. I am sure that our years are getting shorter some how. I just adore the holidays. Really I adore any time that food brings people together and when family and friends have to cram around dining room tables, because there is simply never enough room. The laughter and joy that occurs during these times is absolutely divine. I think any one of these dining spaces could do...

A formal and dark space would make any meal time instantly intimate.  A simple centerpiece adds a pop of color without being over the top.

This space would have absolutely no problem fitting a hoard of people. Of course the people on the end would have to be in charge of keeping plates piled high and glasses full.

Maybe your holidays are simply for two love birds or a kid table may be in order. This one could add style to any space and look much better than an average card table with metal folding chairs.

For those of you who are blessed with gorgeous weather could have an outdoor feast. I know this would make me insanely happy.

A space like this could make a meal with your own small family feel extra lovely. I could easily see myself spending hours here just chatting away.

A dining room like this is made for a holiday gathering where family and friends come from a far. I think with more chairs 16 could fit around this grand table. Bumping elbows would never feel so good.

How are your holidays spent? Every year we go to my parents for Thanksgiving and this year my mother handed Christmas over to me. I could not be any more excited and nervous at the same time!


{images here via Elle Decor? / here / here / here via Elle / here}

The Countryside

On occasion I dream of living in the countryside. Something like this would be splendid...

{via here, via here}

I would walk hours on end working and lingering in the garden wearing a pair of Hunters of course...

{via here}

I would then head inside and place my boots ever so neatly in the entry and pause a moment and admire my simple, but ever so lovely piece of art...

{via here}

As I head into my keeping room I would think about starting a fire, but then decide against it because I just adore the way my birch logs look piled high in the basket...

I think a cup of tea would do the trick nicely to relax and warm my weary bones instead.  

Where do you dream of living one day even if it is only a dream?

{birch logs can be found at the French Market}

Pinecones

Something about fall and the coming holidays always scream pinecones to me for some reason. Large pinecones to be exact. Bringing the outdoors in is always a decorating must for me. I love the organic feel I suppose.

I love the idea of making something so ordinary feel rather special. Whether in a glass box or hanging on the front door it makes for a rather lovely focal point.

This is my dining area. The lantern is a new addition and I rather adore it. The lone pinecone I stole/borrowed from my mother. She has had it since she was young. Now it adorns my table for the holidays. I rather like the simplicity of it and think adding a glass box would make it something I could leave out year round, maybe on my mantel or entry table perhaps.

Of course if I had this lovely urn and a plethora of large pinecones then it would make such a statement on my sideboard. I would also love to see it on an entry way table or dresser. Such a stunning piece it would make.

(pinecones and urn can be purchased at the French Market if you are so loving this idea)

Images via High Street Market, Cottage Living, My own, My Own}

Harvest to Holiday- The Event

The event Harvest to Holiday was a roaring success. It was hosted by Mrs. French herself in her smashing shop. During the event Kathy Miller of Kathy Miller Flowers and Lois Owens of LoLo Floral Design entertained us with not only ways of making our holiday tables look absolutely stunning, but also with their incredibly witty personalities. They had us all laughing throughout and I truly think Lois and I could be the best of friends.

The ideas were easy to follow and could fit any decor. That little wreath boxwood ended up going home with me. I adore it and will soon show you where it hangs in my own home.

Loved the bamboo chairs and may want to get a few for when company comes over the holidays. Oh, and this gorgeous lady had the most fabulous boots on. Now I wish I asked where they were from. I may need those too.

What's a party without food? Well, this one was over the top fabulous. The sweets were given by Birmingham Home & Garden magazine and the rest was made by Mrs. French (not me, but the real one). She will be sharing a few of her recipes with us soon enough. Her cooking is truly amazing and gives Ina Garten a run for her money. I kid you not.

Not only was the decor absolutely gorgeous, but so was the fashion. I could have happily taken home everyone's outfit for myself.

I pretty much want the table and chairs above. I would then decorate it just like this for the holidays. Of course the boxwood balls and ribbon would work on my chairs too if only I could keep my little ones from treating them like real balls. The French Market carries all the boxwood wreaths and balls, but I may regret telling you all because I truly want some more and would hate for them to sell out before I get back to the shop.

Old & New

If you happen to read my other blog Two Ellie then I am sure you have noticed I love to mix old with touches of new. I like to think of it as keeping things fresh and young. I adore antique and vintage pieces, but at the same time modern and clean lines make me just as happy. I think all the following rooms have encompassed this "style" beautifully.

{image via Cote De Texas}

This home is Sally Wheats. Really her whole home represents making old feel new so be sure to go here to see more. The portraits to the left have been collected over time. The antique shutters add instant character and the mirror is such a statement piece. The slipcovers keep the space feeling livable, the neutral palette, and of course her styling help the whole space feel fresh.

{image via Nate Berkus, photo by Thibault Jeanson}

The secretary and side table are such gorgeous and what I assume to be, antique pieces. Mix these with a classic chair in a bold pattern and a large print photo and again the space feels new.

{image via Lonny}

{image via Lonny}

The two spaces above are from the home of designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski. The first image houses an antique cabinet that fits in beautifully with her crisp white sofas and walls. The huge photo on the left adds the modern touch that I love. The bedroom side tables are two antique dressers that look remarkable paired with bold fabrics and a room full of layers. I would personally love to add the two dressers to my own home.  

 

{image via Elle Decor, photographed by Pieter Estersohn}

Nate Berkus's style really does encompass the whole new mixed with old design. The dresser with mirror are remarkable and timeless pieces. the worn leather tufted bench adds to this feel, but feels young again paired with the graphic rug.

Pair any of these antique pieces with burgundy walls and matching rug with heavy drapes and, well, you quickly loose the young and fresh feeling. By young I don't necessarily me age I mean more in clean, free of clutter, and simply a place where throwing your feet up doesn't make anyone feel uncomfortable. All this to say I simply love old mixed with new. What is your favorite style of decorating?