Willows On Willows

Styling the Bar ~ It's All in the Details

2014-02-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Entertaining - we all do it. Whether we entertain a large gathering, an intimate group of close friends, a romantic one-on-one or a quiet evening of relaxation alone, a favourite beverage or cocktail can add that special touch to any occasion.

A well styled, and well stocked, bar cart is just the thing you need to be ready for the moments as they arise.

Be inspired...

Stylish details & eclectic backdrop ~ Source

For the wine lover. Source

We love the double-duty use for this table ~ spirits stashed in a stylish basket for ease of use!

Source

Champagne only? Yes please!! Source

Industrial Works! Source

Remember important details like glassware, decanters and ice buckets. Source

From fresh lemonade to white wine spritzers, you can set up in the great outdoors too!

Source

Easily shut the doors on this built-in bar. Source

This can be a coffee or mimosa bar - early mornings will never be the same!

Source

We love the simple style of the DIY cart. Source

Styling with Books and Shelves

2014-02-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

It seems we get a lot more reading done during the colder months. Frigid temperatures keep us indoors and a good book in front of the fire is a great way to spend an evening. Having a stylish bookshelf is not terribly hard if you have the right inspiration. Here are some of our favourite looks.

Books work anywhere, even the dining room,

which is handy in case the dinner conversation starts thinning

brabournefarm.blogspot.ca

In love with this library wall mixing natural elements in a contemporary space

contemporist.com

Walls of books work as a backdrop in this elegant office space

emilyaclark.blogspot.com

How better to cozy up high ceilings than by filling the upper wall with books and shelves

paulraeside.com

A white office space, found on the crystalgentilello.com blog, is given character and warmth with the injection of a small library of books and framed art above the desk.

A mix of moody colours, eclectic art and comfortable furnishings make this library wall,

found in the pages of House Beautiful, inviting.

This library, the perfect spot to read and daydream, makes smart use of a hallway nook houseandhome.com

Bookcases hugging a sofa is a clever way to add style & storage to a living space

s7.thisnext.com

What is a library or a bookshelf without books? Classics add character while uniformity can happen when books are covered with pretty paper, vintage maps of velvet as shown here.

25.media.tumblr.com & thealternativebride.blogspot.com

Styling bookshelves brings in favourite pieces, memorabilia and treasured art or photos

apieceoftoastblog.com ~ madebygirl.blogspot.com ~ bhg.com

Finding Inspiration in Radiant Orchid

2014-01-09T20:48:00.002-08:00

Some colors are just easier to work with. Last year Pantone introduced emerald green, loved it! Such a rich color that looked great in so many different ways; interiors, patio decor, clothing, hand bags ~ you name it, the color worked. And that's how it goes every year, Pantone has this knack for introducing a color that isn't new but we inject it into our lives as though seeing it for the very first time.

This year is no exception. Pantone is helping us re-discover orchid and I have to admit we're excited. How easy it will be use orchid in the every day. From subtle overlays of the color to bold, sweeping statements I have a hunch radiant orchid will find its way in to every wardrobe, interior and accessory.

While perusing the web we came across some great inspirations for introducing the beautiful color to you, we hope you're inspired!

How will you use Pantone's Radiant Orchid?

Sources:
Kitchen Collage: decorenvy.co.uk
Collage 1: manicure: BH Cosmetics, Ring: Tiffany & Co. amethyst ring, Orchid Sweater: Cupcakes & Cashmere
Interior Inspiration: Olioboard
Interior Collage: Backlit Amethyst, Icon Stone & Tile ~ Paint Collage: http://tempodadelicadeza.com.br/ ~ Lilac Chairs: simplifiedbee.com

Design a Holiday Guest Room

2013-12-07T17:05:00.001-08:00

We all know the importance of welcoming guests into a private oasis of their own when they come to visit, but over the holidays small touches can add that holiday flair with out a lot of fuss. Here's a list of our favourite ideas for a welcoming holiday guest room.

Scented Candles beside the bed are a small luxury with big impact - make sure they're well contained in case your guests fall asleep! And amp up the luxe with this year's hottest scents from favourite designers.

We love this candlelit display found at Minna Tannerfalk

The Latest Bestseller - cool nights lend themselves well to diving into a new novel. You can search the local bookstores for this season's favourites and gift one or two to your guests or share one of your own well-read classics. Magazines to flip through can also be a welcome diversion. A single novel or a small stack mixed with home decor or special interests books work equally well.

This well styled bedside table from Style At Home offers a pretty way to display your books

Seasonal Flower Display - think outside the vase and go for the not so typical arrangement. How about gorgeous shades of greenery or bare branch tree cuttings for something a little different? Of course traditional flowers in a pretty vase are always welcome!

We love the impact these simple branch arrangements make - Fairharbor Marina

Luxurious Throw - from faux fur to soft, plush velvet and all cozy textiles in between, no guest bed is complete without a beautiful throw at the end of the bed.

How gorgeous is this luxurious throw from Frette.com

Plush Robe & Slippers - traveling light is important and usually doesn't allow your guests to pack big, bulky robes so why not supply one for them for the ultimate in holiday comfort.

Yes please to the plush robe & foot duvets from Restoration Hardware

Peppermint Chocolate - everyone appreciates a little chocolate on the pillow so why not surprise with a holiday indulgence.

Irresistible Peppermint Bark from Marin Homestead

Hot Water Bottle - for extra cold nights a hot water bottle can make certain Jack Frost doesn't nip at those toes. Find one with a cozy faux fur cover for a luxurious touch.

We're definitely in love with this faux fur water bottle from Pottery Barn - yes please!

A Special Holiday Mug - chilly mornings call for hot bevvies so why not provide your guests with a special holiday mug of their own. Give monogrammed mugs or make each guest's slightly different, so they're easy to identify each morning. Filled with special treats they also make a lovely welcoming gift.

Found on Pinterest this holiday mug is brimming over!

What have we missed? What are special ways you welcome guests to your home over the holidays?

Bring Autumn Leaves Indoors

2013-10-21T21:29:00.002-07:00

Science tells us the leaves we see on trees engage in a process called Photosynthesis - this is when the leaves take the carbon dioxide in the air, combine it with water from the ground and use sunlight to produce oxygen to put back into the air we breathe. Quite a miraculous process actually!

In autumn the days begin to shorten and the reduced amount of sunshine and water means photosynthesis cannot occur. Chlorophyll, which uses the sun's energy to produce food for the tree, is stored in the leaves giving them their green colour but it begins to fade away leaving in its place a beautiful array of reds and yellows, bronzes and ambers and purples to dot the autumn landscape and give us the beauty of the season.

And we love bringing those colours indoors! Here are some of our favourite tree branches to use in autumn displays ~ we hope you're inspired!

This beautiful display at BHG.com uses Oak Tree branches for an easy display for the family room.

Martha Stewart shows us how to rescue winter berry, beauty berry and

burning bush to add colour and texture to a fall floral arrangement

From birch to Maple to Dogwood, this simply arrangement

from http://www.diy-enthusiasts.com/ marries a bounty of branches together.

And sometimes the stark look of branches in a display adds just the right look to a dining room or entry.

This one is found at http://blog.vastudc.com/

If you're wondering what fall leaves are falling around you use this leaf guide published at http://www.greenlivingonline.com/ to identify tree types in your neighbourhood.

What are your favourite leaves or branches to display? Share what inspires you!!

Happy Fall,

Terri

Patience Brewster Collectibles

2013-10-02T12:01:00.002-07:00

Patience Brewster is an artist, and yes, that is her real name! We are so thankful for her perseverance as an artist pushing through the challenges of getting recognized and published, it's a tough job! Her card line and Christmas ornaments are a favourite at The Willows. We want to share just a bit of her collection here - pop in to the shop for a dazzling selection (one of the best out there) and to purchase your collectibles before they're gone!

Christmas Ornaments

Patience Brewster Cards & Prints

House Hunting Help

2013-06-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

House-Hunting Help: If You Could Pick Your Home Style ...

General contractors, home builders, and more ∨

Ideas for your living spaces, lights and landscape design.
Collect and share photos of bath tile, bathroom cabinetry, shower curtain and bath mirrors to create your perfect home decorating style.

Spring Colour Inspiration

2013-05-13T09:55:00.002-07:00

With the arrival of Spring comes a fresh perspective and the annual need to update our spaces. As blossoms bloom and grass appears light and airy colour schemes dot our interior landscapes once again. Here are some beautiful and colourful design inspirations to start your week.

From La Dolce Vita Blog - Coral Inspiration

A soft green entrance via Country Living

The perfect warm weather dress in with blue via Prepaganda

Soft lavender Alliums

A pretty amber bottle collection found on Pinterest

What colours are inspiring you this spring?

Arranging Spring Blooms

2013-04-17T09:07:00.002-07:00

10 Beautifully Blossoming Spring Centerpieces

Houzz- Kitchen, Bathroom and More »

Interiors and Decorating ideas- For Example:

Staircase Ideas · Basement Ideas · Entry Ideas · Gym Ideas · Hall Ideas · Patio Ideas · Storage & Closets Ideas ·

Time Travel

2013-03-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Vintage style clocks are a great way to add charm to any decor. From the bathroom to the bedroom to the mudroom, make sure you're always on time in style! We've collected some of the best images of clocks to inspire you.

Gorgeous reproduction clock in our collection perfect for a kitchen or dining room

Miniature Vintage replicas at The Willows for a bedside table

St. Stephen's Tower in London - probably a tad too big for your space, but fabulous none the less!

Our new favourite time piece is this pocket watch designed by Thomas Sabo!

Clocks can be a focal point. This gorgeous clock was seen at http://dittledattle.blogspot.ca/

You can also check out our TIME TRAVEL board on pinterest!

Emerald Green Inspiration

2013-03-09T12:28:00.003-08:00

The Pantone colour for 2013 is Emerald Green. These are some beautiful & inspiring settings featuring Emerald Green - enjoy!

Which one is your favourite?

click on the caption to view the original source

Emerald green accents for your living room

Pretty emerald accents for your dinner celebration

Gorgeous emerald curtains & a stunning bar cart

Emerald on green

Emerald in the dining room

Gorgeous emerald green sofa

Beautiful Christmas Inspired Beads

2012-12-10T12:00:00.002-08:00

As an independent retailer of gorgeous jewelry lines like Thomas Sabo, Waxing Poetic & Trollbeads we stay on top of current trends and the latest designs. Christmas 2012 offers some beautiful beads that we have available for our customers. Build a bracelet or pendant for yourself or someone special, or add to an already fabulous collection, the choice is yours!

Stay tuned to our Special Events Page

for upcoming promotions!

Holiday Greetings - With Attitude!!

2012-11-10T12:41:00.001-08:00

The Willows is well known for a great selection of greeting cards and the holidays are no exception! Here is a listing of our favourites. Make sure you pop in to see them all!!

UNCOOKED

CLASSY PEOPLE

PATIENCE BREWSTER

FIVE DOLLAR SHAKE

We also carry Pondering Pool, Head Over Heels and more so make sure you pop into the shop for our complete collection!

Switch Out Your Home for Fall

2012-10-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

The air's turned crisp, colourful leaves dance in the wind and stylish boots and scarves have made their way back into our wardrobes. It's Fall!

Certainly a glorious time of year, so many people are in love with the season and for very good reason. Aside from our favourite clothes making it back into the closet, many families fall back into routine and comfort food makes it back on to the menu. What's not to love?

To get yourself and your home ready for fall we offer some simple ways to switch out each room in your home.

The Kitchen

earmark your favourite recipes for comfort foods, the crockpot and baked goods
bring the crockpot out of storage
stock up on pantry staples and baking supplies
have the best hot chocolate mix on hand complete with mini marshmallows

The Bathroom

try a new scented shower gel or handsoap
switch out your bathmat & towels for ones that are plush in a rich colour
stock up on bath salts and bubble bath

The Entry-way

make sure there's a spot for umbrellas
bring in a hall runner to catch wet or damp weather being tracked in
find a spot for a sturdy boot mat
supply baskets for gloves & scarves and slippers for guests
pull out seasonal outer wear

The Living Room

create a seasonal display on the fireplace mantle
make books and magazines easy to access for nights by the fire
prepare a basket of kindling & stock up on matches for the fireplace
have spare blankets and throws on hand

The Dining Room

put out a pretty table runner
create an autumn center piece
stock up on candles of all sizes

The Bed Room

give each bed a set of flannel sheets
have a spare blanket in each bedroom
pull out the slippers & plush bath robes
put a small rug at the edge of each bed
switch out wardrobes to include sweaters, scarves, boots & warm socks

The Yard

trade out pots and planters for fall plantings
prepare garden beds for the season
schedule a gardener to do end of season maintenance & pruning
stock up early on shovels & snow salt
check bulbs in outdoor & emergency lights

In General

make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked with items you need to survive 72 hours in case of an emergency
check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
check & stock flashlight batteries
swap out any seasonal storage

Introducing The Fairy Fastener

2012-10-08T16:00:00.004-07:00

Wow - what a great summer we've had. And while it's kept us from blogging it's given us some great stuff to blog about.

'So,' you ask, 'what have we been up to?'

The biggest is the launch of an innovative new jewelry tool that allows men or women to fasten their favourite bracelets and watches on their own. We introduce the Fairy Fastener!! The ergonomic design is perfect for right or left handed people as well as those with arthritis or other mobility issues.

So now that the fairies (aka Terri & her entourage) are ready to launch the Fairy Fastener there will be a bit more time to work on the blog!

To order your Fairy Fastener please visit us in store at The Willows, shoot us an email to orders @ fairyfastener dot com, or connect online FairyFastener.com :

British Inspiration

2012-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

The world's a-buzz with Olympic fever and The Brits really know how to put on a show!! So we felt compelled to bring you British inspired ideas for you and your home - here are some of our favourites.

From the home of Austin designer Elizabeth Stanley

From Australian Home & Lifestyle magazine ADORE

Formal English Garden

British Inspired Fashion

Sir Paul McCartney - The ultimate in British Style!

Get Your Discontinued Thomas Sabo Wild West Charm

2012-07-16T16:09:00.001-07:00

A Little Bit Country

2012-07-14T09:26:00.001-07:00

So far Stampede has been awesome, as usual. Every year is so much fun - and while we're in the western mood we thought we'd inspire you with things that make you say 'YeeHaw!!'

First up, some cowfolk fashion!

Source: polyvore.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

And something for the movie buff...

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via M & M on Pinterest

Followed by a little horsing around ;)

Source: tribaltattoos24.com via Mcelhaney on Pinterest

And some country inspired decorating.

Source: media-cache7.pinterest.com via Reda on Pinterest

Finishing up with Western Inspiration from The Willows!!

Happy Stampede!

Pinterest-ing!

2012-06-15T10:08:00.001-07:00

Our team tries really, really hard to not get distracted by Pinterest... We're not doing very well so to help us feel better about it we thought we would share our favourite pins from this past week!

Source: southernliving.com via The on Pinterest

Source: splenderosa.blogspot.com via The on Pinterest

Source: nylafreedesigns.com via The on Pinterest

Source: learnlivelaughlikelovelust.blogspot.com via The on Pinterest

Source: sawdustcityllc.com via The on Pinterest

A Very Brief History of Father's Day

2012-06-10T09:01:00.001-07:00

Father's Day as a celebrated day to honour dads, grand dads & other men playing a significant 'father' role in someone's life is just over 100 years old. A young woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd campaigned hard to have an official day honouring father's. Her own father had raised her and her five siblings after her mother died during childbirth. Spurred on by the love for him she worked to have the day official. And on July 19, 1910 the first Father's Day was celebrated in Washington State. The celebration migrated North and Canadians also honour dad on the third Sunday in June! And we just want to take a moment to say 'Thank You' to the men who have made a significant difference in our lives ~ We Love You All!!

Grandpa Dick

Big Bob

Grand Daddy

Papa & Grand Daddy with the triplets & Mike

Container Gardening Inspiration - Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-16T13:55:00.003-07:00

The beautiful weather has us longing to play in the garden.

And while it's a little early for full scale gardening container gardens can help to satisfy the urge.

10 of the Best Painting Tips, Tricks & Sites on The Web

2012-04-29T08:30:00.001-07:00

The easiest way to freshen a room for Spring is to slap on a fresh coat of paint! Inspiration is as close as your favourite home decor magazine and a trip to your local hardware store is never far away. Bringing with it instant gratification, painting a room can be accomplished in a day or a bigger project tackled in a weekend. Whatever you decide to do we want to help by pointing you to some of the best painting tips, tricks and sites on the web.

How To Paint your furniture by Benjamin Moore

Quick Painting Tips from Martha

Dwell Magazine lists some Eco Friendly Paint Options

The best colours for painting floors from House Beautiful Magazine

Painting 101 - All About Brushes from the talented folks at HGTV

Style At Home Mag shows us some Modern Paint Effects

Understanding Colours that Work Together from House & Home Magazine

Debbie Travis tells how to throw a Painting Party as seen at Style at Home Magazine

Colour Picks from The Pros via Elle Decor Magazine

TLC tells us how to Paint Trim & Doors

And last but not least here's a handy, dandy list of what you'll need to get started compliments of TLC!

Have these materials and tools on hand before tackling any paint job:

Caulk

Sandpaper

Wood-filling or drywall compound

Clean, damp cloths

Plastic sheeting

Masking tape

2-inch-wide blue painter's tape

Plastic knife

Paintbrushes: flat, angular, trim

Paint (1 gallon for every 350 square feet)

Small plastic paint tray

Paint roller and roller cover

We hope you'll send us pictures of your finished work - we'd love to see it!!

Colour & Meaning

2012-04-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder why you gravitate toward certain colours time and again? Styles change, trends come and go, but people don't often change their favourite colours. So while you may no longer be sporting feathered hair and bell bottoms chances are you still love white kitchen cabinets and the same flowers in your garden.

Certain colours have different effects - so we thought it would be fun to find out what those are.

White
The colour of perfection - or so some experts say. All I know is it's hard to keep clean...
White is associated with light, innocence and safety and brings about a sense of calm and order.

Gray
Considering this colour is associated with loss and depression it's surprising the number of people choosing gray suits in the office sector (guess that's why I'm not there)

Black
I hope it makes me look slimmer as so many say.
Black is associated with authority and power, and brings about a sense of mystery and possibility.

Green
The peaceful colour that brings about a sense of relaxation and renewal. Except when one is green with envy.

Blue
Blue is a calming colour when it's pale, but more exhilarating when it's bold and vibrant.

Orange & Purple
Orange stimulates and gives a sense of warmth at the same time.
Purple is uplifting and is often associated with royalty. However, wearing it didn't get me any closer to Kate & William on their recent visit to Calgary...

Red demands attention and often draws the eye quicker than any other colour. It is the colour of love and the colour of aggression ~ interesting combination!

Brown
This earthy toned colour evokes a sense of being grounded and wholesome.

So what colour should you use in your interior spaces? The next wardrobe staple? A new car? I don't know, depends on how you feel but when in doubt, go grab a big bouquet of multi coloured flowers ~ I think it is one time when colour could possibly be irrelevant.

Spring At The Willows

2012-03-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

We're loving the warmer temperatures knowing Spring is just around the corner. So we decided to share our favourite Spring accessories to inspire you!

All photos taken by the amazing Ryan Veldkamp!! Enjoy

The Art Of Saying Thank You

2012-02-25T14:37:00.000-08:00

From Guest Blogger Lee-Anne Michayluk

In today's age of evites, facebook posts and tweets, receiving a note in the mail can be a lovely surprise. Stationary companies create gorgeous cards and paper. Having some on hand with a roll of stamps makes it easy to send off a letter or thank you note.

Once you have the cards, here are some basic guidelines when sending a thank you note.

1. Be prompt
When a friend extends a kindness or you receive a lovely gift, take a moment as soon as convenient and write a note of thanks.

2. Be personal
Address each person individually thanking them specifically for 'the lovely travel journal' or 'inviting us to share such a wonderful evening!'

3. Be polite
Etiquette never goes out of style. Stay clear of off color comments or jokes, even if Uncle Joe did get a little tipsy.

4. Be positive
What if you don't like the gift or action? Acknowledge, instead, the heart behind the kindness. You can thank them for being so thoughtful or taking time with you.

Sometimes it might be appropriate to include a little something in the envelope ~ a picture from the dinner party or of you using the new gift received.

Taking a moment to say Thank You is always appropriate and appreciated.
And with designs as great as these, who can resist!

Thank You Notes from the Gallison Mudpuppy Collection

Stylish Thank You Notes From Jonathan Adler

Nantucket Thank You Cards from Peter Pauper

Boxed Yellow Poppies Correspondence Cards from William Arthur

You might also like Discover: Vintage Postcards ~ an article from Eat.Love.Savor Magazine. They make a wonderful Thank You Card.

Willows On Willows

Styling the Bar ~ It's All in the Details

Styling with Books and Shelves

It seems we get a lot more reading done during the colder months. Frigid temperatures keep us indoors and a good book in front of the fire is a great way to spend an evening. Having a stylish bookshelf is not terribly hard if you have the right inspiration. Here are some of our favourite looks.

Finding Inspiration in Radiant Orchid

Design a Holiday Guest Room

Bring Autumn Leaves Indoors

Patience Brewster Collectibles

Christmas Ornaments

Patience Brewster Cards & Prints

House Hunting Help

Spring Colour Inspiration

Arranging Spring Blooms

Time Travel

Emerald Green Inspiration

click on the caption to view the original source

Beautiful Christmas Inspired Beads

Holiday Greetings - With Attitude!!

Switch Out Your Home for Fall

Introducing The Fairy Fastener

British Inspiration

Get Your Discontinued Thomas Sabo Wild West Charm

A Little Bit Country

Pinterest-ing!

A Very Brief History of Father's Day

Container Gardening Inspiration - Wordless Wednesday

The beautiful weather has us longing to play in the garden. And while it's a little early for full scale gardening container gardens can help to satisfy the urge.

10 of the Best Painting Tips, Tricks & Sites on The Web

Colour & Meaning

Spring At The Willows

The Art Of Saying Thank You

The beautiful weather has us longing to play in the garden.

And while it's a little early for full scale gardening container gardens can help to satisfy the urge.