New England Fine Living - New England Home - Linda Calder Smith Interior Designer and Party Stylist

My secret love with periwinkle and why. Shhhh... don't tell anyone.

2012-02-10T23:54:00.006-05:00

This ring is sooooo freaking beautiful. So beautiful that I'm inspired to see if I can find rooms, party, and fashion photos using these colors. Just like in the Kohler commercials when a client asks their architect to design a house around their faucet, I am going to design this blog post around a ring! But before I do, let me share a little secret about myself and if I bore you, just scroll down to the photos okay? :-).

Ever since I was a child, I loved the color of tanzenite (periwinkle... blue violet). I didn't even know about this particular stone until I was a young adult, and I fell in love with it right away. There are varying shades of tanzenite ranging from light to dark. I personally love the lighter blue violet version. And I know why I am drawn to this color with a passion.

Two of my fondest childhood memories are chasing after two different flying insects during my relaxing and never ending summers (why does summer go by so fast now?). Both fast moving critters shared the color of light periwinkle, which was also my favorite color in my Crayola Crayon box and the Vinca that surrounded our home.

One insect I used to chase around was a small periwinkle blue butterfly.

The Polyommatus Butterfly Photo Via Sciencebuzz.org

Hmmm I don't think this is it with the shimmer, but "Oh My!" how beautiful

The other insect that kept me always on the lookout was a tiny, I mean teeny tiny, fluffy white flying insect. When in the right light, it seemed to change from white to periwinkle. I used to call them my fairies (it looks a little like a fairy doesn't it? C'mon... look at is through the eyes of a little girl).

I had no idea that this White Wooly Afid was hated by gardeners. Fairy right?

Notice how in this photo it has a hint of periwinkle? Okay so maybe in this photo you would have to squint a little to see it, but trust me...

Once again, here is my inspiration piece.

Periwinkle Dress Via: Weddinggawker.blogspot.com

This photo of a periwinkle car and periwinkle dresses was found on Mcbilly.com

Just enough periwinkle in this room, but not too much. Love the long periwinkle drapery panels and periwinkle pillows. Photo via: Paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com

This periwinkle room is magnificent. If the mirror was silver, it would be close to my goal of inspiration photos, but I still had to share. Photo via: eclecticrevisited.com

Periwinkle,white, silver wedding cake photo via: Projectwedding.com

Taylor Swift in a beautiful periwinkle dress photo via Google.com

Guess Who? LOL
Many years ago I made this costume out of two thrift store prom dresses... added glitter to the feather fan... and voila a fun dress for an Era's of Elegance Masquerade ball I created for a non-profit group as their major fundraiser. Hey, if Taylor Swift can wear periwinkle, I can too!

Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

A beautiful desk... even with water stains

2012-02-10T13:35:00.001-05:00

Sofia Coppola-Louis Vuitton bag - Photo from mylusciouslife.com

There is just something about this photo that stopped me in my tracks. Was it the flowers? The sunlight dappling through the window? The relaxed flower arrangement? Yes, saw those first. Then I noticed it... this beautiful photo is also showcasing the reality of a leather desk and the effects of water! All together now... COASTERS! I can see my mom shaking her head now when she reads this post. From an early age, I was taught the importance of using a coaster on any surface and I was also taught different ways of removing water stains. (Here is a link to an article I wrote on my web site about removing water stains)

With that said. I still love it. I think it gives it character and it makes you realize how many dreamy visits were made to this desk with a libation of choice. Oh and I love how the lipstick matches the flowers too :-) .

Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

The Boston Design Center

2012-02-06T09:26:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share some decorating ideas from the Boston Design Center. I go into Boston frequently when I need products for a client project or to see all the new beautiful design ideas. It's like eye candy to me and it also re-connects me with design friends I have met over the years. Many of the showrooms set up beautiful vignettes or display windows to showcase their new products and to lure us into there showrooms. After I leave, I am usually exhausted from searching through the 6 floors of showrooms for just the right fabric, carpet, furniture, or lighting (oh and the kitchen and bath displays are amazing). If you see something you like below, and want information, I would be glad to find out more for you and email you. If you have a design project you will be working on and would like to go into the Boston Design Center, give me a jingle. I would love to be your personal guide and interior design consultant for the day.

Kravets Two New Fabric Lines

2012-02-04T08:16:00.000-05:00

Check out these two new fabric lines from Kravet! I can't wait to get these samples in my office.

Design Ideas I Might Pass On

2012-02-03T15:28:00.002-05:00

Now I'm the first one to tell my clients that the space we design will reflect them, their tastes, and their lifestyle, but there are a few times that I might speak up if I feel it really wouldn't be the best purchase or if they asked me if something should stay or go. I came across the below head wallpaper photo first while searching for something else for a client. It stopped me in my tracks and I couldn't stop staring at it (kinda like looking at a train wreck, not because they were staring back at me!) And I can't help but wonder how many rolls of this paper did the manufacturer sell. And let me add.... If you love it? Kudos! We all have different tastes! What do you think? I found a couple others after that. And yes, I should be working!

I feel like I should put a black rectangle across the photos to protect the innocent!

Okay so I can understand if this person loved history, but I would get the Heebie Geebies just being in this room. Who wants to be stared at all of the time? Not me, that's for sure! Photo via Stylishlyeverafter.blogspot.com

Really? I don't remember learning this at design school. "Take a pair of pants as your inspiration.... find that fabric... and then cover EVERYTHING with it" Nope, I don't remember that from any of my classes. Room from the 1970s - Better Homes and Garden

Wait? Is this a caterpillar or a couch?

Yup Caterpillar, I rest my case.

Where Women Create

2012-02-03T09:45:00.001-05:00

Where Women Create - Finding a work space and making it your own!

Home office of Jackie Von Tobel

Photo of client projects on a black board Photo Via Purestylehome.blogspot.com

When I first saw this black and white office of Miranda Priestly from the move The Devil Wears Prada, I fell in love with it.

Another beautiful and feminine desk space to work at. Photo via Littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com

No space in your home for an separate office? How about sharing space in your kitchen? Here is a beautiful example from Candice Olson from Divine Design

If I ever find a property that has space over a garage, upstairs in a barn, or attic, this photo of an office in the eaves will be one of my design inspiration photos! Photo Via Houseandhome.com

Black painted railings can update oak railings

2012-01-31T22:15:00.007-05:00

Photo via Beatricebanks.blogspot.com

Now I can't say that the below photos that I found online have oak or a wood that the homeowner did not like, but in my old house I did just that... I painted my oak railing black and I loved it! What a quick fix to updating a staircase. Making sure to use a quality primer (I had mine tinted black) then I used a paint that can take the high traffic and I was good to go! 5 years later it was still looking great. Would you like more design inspiration? Don't forget to check out my design and lifestyle web site New England Fine Living

Photo Via Houzz.com

Photo Via baltares.blogspot.com

http://www.newenglandfineliving.com

Photo via: Remodelaholic.com

http://www.newenglandfineliving.com

Photo Via Houzz.com by Usona

http://www.newenglandfineliving.com

Photo Via HJholtzandson.com

http://www.newenglandfineliving.com

Linda Calder Smith, is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

Designing a Master Bedroom Haven

2012-01-30T07:11:00.004-05:00

Having already been awake for 2 1/2 hours with insomnia (it's 5:30 am) and I am realizing that it's a bit ironic that while I work on a dream master bedroom suite for one of my clients, that includes a fireplace, sitting area, crystal chandelier, and new king size bed while I have let my own private sanctuary show my "on the go" lifestyle. Instead, it should be enveloping me to relax my soul and wash away a busy and sometimes stressful day. I have allowed folded laundry to multiply, shoes have been kicked off and landed not in the closet, all neat and lined up like they should be, but near a wall or doorway, and the collection of earrings found on my bedside table could rival the jewelry counter at Nordstroms. I have also realized that I have not personalized my space as I have done many times over in the past. I am in a sweet bungalow which is a transition rental home and I have not allowed myself to put my own personal stamp into play. In the master bedroom, which was once the attic, I would love to paint the dark trim that surrounds the windows and ceiling panels, I would change the flagstone blue carpet, add built-ins along the slanted wall, paint the walls, and rid the bathroom of the parquet floors, burgundy wallpaper and oak vanity. Thank goodness for my king size bed that has a mattress that feels like I am climbing onto a cloud, my crisp white cotton sheets, and my electric blanket that I use on chilly winter New England Nights.

I thought I would share just a few of the photos I have collected in my Master Bedroom Idea File.

Photo Credit HGTV Blog

Photo via southgateresidential.blogspot.com

Photo via: Elle Decor

Ralph Lauren Black and White Bedding

Photo via House Beautiful

Linda Calder Smith owner of New England Fine Living is and interior Designer and Party Planner with offices in Middleton MA and Westford MA.

Free Fabric Samples. Let's Be Green!

2012-01-26T07:58:00.000-05:00

I am making room for my new fabric line that will be shipping out to me soon. Fabricut fabrics and Thibaut will soon be available through New England Fine Living without the need to go to the Boston Design Center!

Are you a crafter? Do you make quilts? How about the desire to make pillows? Do you want fabric samples for a classroom project? I have just pulled a lot of discontinued books AND beautiful loose fabric samples that range in size from 10" x 10" up to about 24" square. Help me keep these out of the landfill and let's be green!

The Books and fabrics are located within our front door and feel free to be greedy. First come first served! If you are driving by and see us open just stop on in and take what you want (from the designated area only please). Or if you would like, give me a call and we can set up a time to meet there.

While your here, check out our marked down items (some up to 70%). I am getting ready for an internal yard sale to help me prepare for dissolving the Gift/Retail PORTION of New England Fine Living. Interior Design and Party Planning Services are NOT ending and we will still have items for sale but through the design studio and internet only.

Linda Calder Smith owner of New England Fine Living is and interior Designer and Party Planner with offices in Middleton MA and Westford MA.

Gucci Car

2012-01-25T13:16:00.001-05:00

Since my last post was auto related, I thought I might show you the Gucci Fiat I saw at the car show last week. Maybe a Chanel car will be next!

Linda Calder Smith owner of New England Fine Living is and interior Designer and Party Planner with offices in Middleton MA and Westford MA.

Vintage Truck Parts Get A New Life!

2012-01-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

Check out this guest blog post from my boyfriend's son! Just when I started to believe children don't enjoy fresh air and creative outings like I used to, I was sent the best email ever! You see, as a child, I grew up in a 300 year old colonial that had the BEST property to dig and search for old dumping grounds which held old bottles and antiques. One area included the carcass of an old vintage car from the 20's which I made my destination point many times. I used to walk, dig, and dream while trying to envision how the old path/road hidden in the woods used to go to Boston. My own childhood memories were reignited when I was sent this amazing documented day of adventure, creativity, and imagination.

Please let me take a moment to catch you up to speed. When Ben made a quick mention of leaving, to go to the old dumping ground of vehicles in town, I figured he would be gone for about an hour. Nope! Several hours later and daylight almost completely gone, I put on my Nervous Nelly pants and said we should go look for him to make sure all is well. After a funny and over exaggerated rolling of his eyes, his dad appeased me and left to check on him. Within a minute after his dad leaving, Ben and his 1951 Ford truck pulled into the driveway and I was able to relax and could not wait to see what he found. (oh and then I texted Ben's dad to tell him he was home and that he might as well get some wine while he was already out :-) No sense in wasting gas you know!)

Please enjoy this unedited story of Ben's adventure and the re-purposing old truck parts. This is just one of his projects.

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So here’s what I did to make a cool old truck in the woods into something cool for my room!

First I found a truck across from the ice cream stand in town. There were 4 trucks I could see and likely others buried under boulders from the new mini golf course construction across the street.

Here are a couple of pics from the farm truck graveyard a 55 ford f600 big job (green) and an old international (rusty)

There's a funny story to how my buddies and I found this place! That old international sits embedded in what looks like just dirt right? Well that’s what I thought. This picture was taken from the crest of a steep 8 foot hill of dirt formed by a backhoe, which should have been suspicious when I found it, but I was so eager to take a good look that I ran up to it on this hot summer day and plunged belly button deep into the pit were they dumped unused ice-cream… in my jeans, I sank into this horrible 90 degree junk that smelled like the deepest pits of hell, way past the stench of rotten milk. The story gets better though! As I try to get out of that pit, it sucks my pants off. So now I'm on the crest of this little hill yanking on my pants trying to free them, wearing my underwear. Finally I got them on, drenched in rotten ice cream, and I proceeded to bike back 2 miles home. Yes, on my bike, because I had no license. I had to pedal harder than ever before to keep fresh air in my face and the stench behind me. As I got near home, Murphy’s law kicked in and I had to go past the group of pretty girls in the neighborhood. I called my mom and told her to have the garden hose ready (no way I was getting in dripping in that stuff!), because I didn’t want to stand waiting without the breeze provided by the bike. Took half an hour to get me clean enough for the house, and then an hour shower to get the smell off me. Those jeans (brand new of course) never smelled okay again, even after many many washes.

ANYWAY... Here’s the best picture I have of the old Mack B-42 from which the dashboard came. Took half an hour to finish the job I had started a year ago and lost interest in (unscrewing old screws and breaking the ones that wouldn't come, and cutting speedometer, oil, air, and electrical cables). This truck is a beauty! Non existent split windshield, big fenders, and a flathead inline 6 cylinder engine. It’s all there. A frozen solid twin stick transmission and dual rear axles. This was a top of the line truck.

After my epic battle with the old hardware, I brought the dashboard home (with some other junk too like an old boat dashboard, steering wheel and column, some old cab lights and a few emblems off the old trucks).

The backside is fairly straightforward, so I took the light bulbs and sockets out from their mounts and the wiring came with it. I sanded everything for half an hour to make sure the electrical connections would exist. Initially it was one wire to each light, and the electricity would complete it’s circuit through the dashboard, body, frame, and back to the battery. This is how old cars and trucks were grounded.

After this, I took my moms old portable house phone charger and cut off the base for the phone, leaving only the plug and wires. The brick that plugs into the wall converts a houses ac 110 volts into dc current needed for lights like this. All dc power supplies like this say their voltage on the back, and mine is 6 volts. I think that like my 51 ford truck, this Mack was a six volt.

There are three bulbs on this circuit, and I have two power supplies, so I cut off the smaller speedometer bulb from the circuit. This one will be independent from the others because being the center of attention, it will need to be brightest.

Working with the other two side bulbs now.

Once the phone base is cut off from the wire, I solder a one, let’s call it positive although it doesn’t matter which one yet, to the end of the existing light circuits wire end.

Then I solder the negative power supply wire directly onto the outside of the first bulb’s metal jacket. Then another wire goes from bulb one to bulb two’s outer jackets. This creates the negative end of the circuit.

Plug it in, and all goes well! One is dim because it is the old original bulb, the new one is working a bit better.

Now for the speedometer bulbs circuit, I attach one wire to the existing old wire, and the other to the bulb casing. That is a complete circuit. (all connections are soldered.)

Now I plugged that back into it’s hole, in the back of the speedo, I put the other two bulbs in their mounts, and plug it all in! The speedometer is great, but the other two need more power to light up the small gauges visibly. So I’ll buy my buddy’s defective computer power supply and use the 8 volts from that to power them. Should work great!

A note from Linda: "And here it is! We will try to post a photo of the whole panel, but camera and flash issues prevented showing how cool the whole panel was"

Can a party dress inspire a room or party theme? Let's see!

2012-01-12T01:27:00.006-05:00

Do you have a party dress in your closet that you just love the colors, the accents, the way it makes you feel? Have you ever considered using the dress as inspiration for your decor or party theme? I have gone into my client's closets on numerous occasions and asked them to do just that! I ask them to pull out clothing they love, ask them what they like about it, then sometimes we go from there!

Photo Via: Simply Stoked

Photo Via: Luxe Finds

Photo Via: Near Zoo

Photo Via:

Maharani Weddings

Dress by Jovani Beyond

Photo Via: Decor Pad

Photo Via: Stone Gable

The answer to the opening title is yes! I think you see that you can decorate a room or plan a party around a dress or piece of clothing!

Linda Calder Smith, owner of http://www.newenglandfineliving.com is an Allied ASID Interior Designer in Middleton MA, Westford MA, New England, owner of New England Fine Living, and Party Planner North of Boston. Classic New England Style or Glam Interior Design and parties have been most recently completed in Middleton, Carlisle, Andover, North Andover, Marblehead, Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, Westford, Boxford, Topsfield, and so many more surrounding towns!

I'm Blushing...

2012-01-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

There is something to be said about the soft colors of blushing pink, dusty rose, and soft peach and that would be romantic. I am already looking at party ideas for Valentines day and thought I would share some of these photos with you.

Photo Via -Inside Weddings

I have a similar pair of sunglasses that have now seen better days, but I just can't get myself to dispose of them since they are my "rose colored glasses". If I could buff the scratches off of the lenses I would in a heart beat, but I swear they are about 15 years old and been jostled around in drawers, handbags, and counter tops.

Whenever I see a dress with a lot of tulle, I think of the prom dress my mother wore when she was 15 and I always wanted to wear a dress like that. The closest I ever came was the cocktail dress I wore this past December that had black tulle under the dress to give it a fun little lift.

A blush pink, dusty rose, or soft peach cocktail party or wedding color theme would be so beautiful with a touch of brown or taupe.

Photo Via: We Heart It

Once again some tulle on the dress! Okay I love that! But... But... I love the sleek lines of the dress below too!

Photo Via: JoanaHendrie.blogspot.com

Photo Via - Takeoutincouture.com

Photo Via - True and Wesson

Check out this blush pink and taupe color mood board. So Pretty!

A snowflake themed cocktail party by New England Fine Living

2012-01-01T05:50:00.002-05:00

A snowflake themed cocktail party for 40 was created and this bling snowflake ring and blue snowflakes I had as decorations around my showroom was the color and shape inspiration. To see the invitations I made for the party, here is a link to that post

A signature drink I created just for this event. My NEFL-tini with a some blue Curacao added.

I fixed a 100 year old broken mirror. Does that give me seven years good luck?

2011-12-31T09:50:00.002-05:00

Here is another first for me. I saw this beautiful broken mirror in the basement of my boyfriend's parents home. When I was told they had it appraised and it lost its value now that it fell and was broken, I asked to take a chance at repairing it enough so that it could be hung again. As you can see the fall left it a little damaged with pieces broken off. After I warned them that the eagle head might come back looking more like a Halloween mask (I was half joking), we scooped up the mirror, the pieces and placed it in my car.

One of the hardest parts of this project was figuring out and deciding which way I should place the wires for the eagles head. They were a bit out of skew from the fall and I wanted to make sure the new head would sit just right.

Even though I was given a container of broken pieces, some were too small to work with or find where they actually belonged so I decided to rebuild the missing areas with wood putty. I used a product that I could mold, sculpt and sand. On smaller frame projects I have used spackle, but this project needed a product that would adhere to the old wood and also act like a glue for some of the smaller pieces.

You can see the container of small pieces I was working with. Many did not even get used. I gave them back in a small plastic bag.

Before I repainted the mirror, I decided to have the mirror glass replaced at Peabody Glass in case another fragile piece broke off and I would have time to fix it and paint it all at one time. Once I got the mirror back home with the new glass, I proceeded to paint it. Since it was almost a 100 year old piece the color variations were a challenge to match in just spots, so I lightly went over the decorative pieces with 3 different colors and then used a dry brush technique for the "mahogany gold" color I created to match the old gold finish.

I should mention that I took the mirror during the summer with the intent of giving it as a Christmas present. After having it that long, I think they assumed I was unable to fix it and gave up. I love being sneaky and it was a very exciting gift to give since it is a special family heirloom.

Here is the finished item. Hanging proudly where it once did many years ago.

A Winter Theme Cocktail Party In the Making

2011-12-28T01:05:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the month I designed, created, boxed, and hand delivered many of the invitations for this fun cocktail party. As you will see in the invitation below it is not a Christmas Party or A New Years Eve Party. It is a Just Because Party!

This is where a lot of the mess and magic happens which in my office and studio. A lot of glitter mess happens in my home too, but I am trying to get better at working in my office more and keeping the glitter there.

The color theme for the party is ice blue, silver, and white with a snow flake theme.

Each of the invitations were rolled and wrapped with a beautiful glittery ribbon then placed in a box with ice blue tissue paper.

Each invitation was adorned with a crystal snowflake to add that extra touch of glam.

From what I was told, the RSVP's came in fast and friends can not wait to see what the party is going to look like after receiving such a beautiful hand delivered package (Friends that did not live close had their invitations mailed to them). I have some photos of what the buffet table and dessert table looks like, and few of the other touches we did, but I need to keep that a surprise until after the party.

I am going to the party too and I will be making my signature NEFL-tini with a little twist. The NEFL (Short for New England Fine Living)-tini is a white martini I created for when I have parties in my showroom and it is made with Lemon flavored Vodka (I like Svedka for this recipe), White Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, and Triple Sec. For the party, I will be substituting the triple sec with blue Curacao to give the martini a fun blue color.

Stay tuned for photos of the party!

Lucky Birds Get A New Feeder

2011-12-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

I waited to share this post until after Christmas so that I would not give away the surprise!

This year I had the pleasure of being a sneaky little elf and helped with a plan to have an old bird feeder recreated for my boyfriend's dad as a Christmas present. The above photo was sent to me to share with David, of Meadowview Construction, to see if he would take on this small project and make a new feeder for us. I was delighted when he said yes.

Looking at the above photo, I am not sure how many birds actually had the nerve to show up.

This next photo is what the feeder looks like now. A cozy green carpet of moss is inside, the chimney is missing, and the birds,squirrels, and mother nature have helped with the removal of the shingles over the years. I even witnessed a small woodpecker trying to find a yummy snack within the wood.

Check out the new bird feeder David made for us! The birds are going to love it! Sorry woodpeckers, no bugs to eat in this beautiful feeder.

Merry Christmas From New England Fine Living

2011-12-24T23:32:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! Photo Found on VT Interiors

A relaxing night at home during the busy season.

2011-12-20T09:18:00.001-05:00

I still have to figure out the settings on my camera to find out why most of my photos are coming out blurry, especially with evening photos, but I thought I would share my cozy night with you. I had made the decision to just relax and allow myself to enjoy the season vs the busy hustle and bustle I have been enduring. So with my fur baby by the tree, my guy sitting next to me, and my grown children tucked safely in their rooms, we enjoyed some wine, Christmas music, candle light, and a roaring fire. A motto, which I sometimes forget is SIMPLIFY.

My Partridge is not extinct!

2011-12-16T06:44:00.000-05:00

Can I tell you how excited I was when I found out my Partridges were not extinct! Others do exist! Well same breed, but mine are a little less detailed. I found their mates on a fabulous New England based blog called An Urban Cottage . When searching my home for these two, I realized I have a few bird couples. I had no idea I had a collection pattern. I do not consider myself a collector, but I will admit... I have a fairy hiding in every one of my rooms. I collected them at one point in my life when I needed a little magic. Collecting bird couples must be the hopeless romantic in me.

Now check out what Steve did with his Partridge. I love it! He created an advent wreath. Here is a link to his page on how he did it.

Photo source - An Urban Cottage

Photo Source - An Urban Cottage

Tangerine Tango - 2012 color of the year

2011-12-14T17:02:00.002-05:00

All Photos Via - HGTV

Looks like we are going to see a lot of bright and cheery rooms and clothes this year since the color for 2012 is Pantones Tangerine Tango. This is a color that I myself do not feel I can wear well, but I will certainly try a pillow or two!

Aluminum tree with pink

2011-12-12T18:42:00.007-05:00

I remember as a young child, I thought the silver aluminum tree was tacky. I had a neighbor that had a tree with a spinning light that changed the color, but with that said... I love them now! If I have the opportunity to use one I will be so excited (maybe I will have to put one in my office next year). I have been tempted in years past to pick one up at thrift stores, but with my limited storage, I passed.

Photo Via - Source

Photo of a Ceil Chapman dress - 1950's

Photo Via: Source

Entertaining with a gold and cream monochromatic look

2011-12-09T09:51:00.001-05:00

When I came across this photo on a Web site called Camille Styles I couldn't help but get caught up in the beauty of the colors and how festive it looks. I can't wait to use this color grouping with a client some day. A link list of product information can be found on Camille's blog page.

Nothing is Safe From New England Fine Living During The Holidays

2011-12-04T16:41:00.001-05:00

A live wreath was going to adorn the grill of my boyfriend's 16 year old son's 1951 Ford, but they could not find the size I suggested and he was afraid the wind would blow off the needles (hmmm not sure if this old gal could go that fast). As luck would have it (well not really luck, I was decorating their house for Christmas), I had a faux wreath in my car that was a perfect fit. The big decision now is bow or no bow? I am going to let the driver decide.

Getting Ready To Decorate For A Cocktail Party

2011-12-01T09:08:00.001-05:00

OOOOH! I can't wait! I will be decorating a cocktail party for a friend (so I get to play with all of this pretty stuff, then I get to enjoy the party! Can't get any better than that!). The colors are aqua, platinum/silver, and white. With lots of glass and shimmer. The theme I have in my head is "Old Hollywood Glam... Meets A Glammy Snowflake". The hostess did not want a Christmas party nor did she want a New Years Eve party.

This is a just because she wants to get everyone all dressed up in sequins, gowns, jackets, and suits (can you hear the Mr's all grumbling right now? LOL).

I will be creating invitations that are rolled like a scroll and wrapped in ribbon. Then each invitation will be placed in a rectangular white box also wrapped in sparkling ribbon. These boxes will then be placed at each invites front door as a secret gift (kinda like a ring and run, but in heels! I hope there will be no video cameras rolling!)

I will be decorating the dining room table and buffet table for the appetizers and desserts. While the hostess will be decorating her home for the holidays and the party. I went by a few days ago to see the table area and her normal red and green holiday decor of years past, has already been replaced with the color theme of her party. Okay, what woman doesn't love to shop for new holiday decor, especially for a party?!

I am also creating a custom martini for the cocktail party. I created a martini for my own business that is served during events called a Nefl-tini (N. E. F. L. get it? New England Fine Living? :-o ) My martini is a white martini sweet/tart flavored martini. This party will get a Nefl-tini but with a color change. Instead of Triple Sec, which is clear, I am going to use Blue Curacao (I need to know how to say this word "Curacao" properly). Well gonna grab another cup of coffee before I get myself to my office.

Just for an FYI... Blue Curacao is a blue liqueur, distilled and flavored from the dried peel of bitter oranges. It can also contain distillates of lemons and curacao fruit, sugar and wine. The Caribbean island of Curaç¡¯ is host to much of the fruit used in these liqueurs. Blue Curacao is often used to induce color into cocktails and other mixed drinks.