Continuing the countdown to the 84th Academy Awards, we’re still gearing up for a fabulous Oscars party at home! Now that you have your Oscar party invitations sent out, it’s time to think about some glamorous, Hollywood-inspired decor ideas to set the mood.

You don’t have to erect towering, gold statues in your front hall to achieve the perfect setting. All it really takes are a few fun accessories. Here are five ideas to inspire your own Oscar party decor for this Sunday.

It’s just not a star-studded night without a red carpet! Make your guests feel like celebrities when they enter your home with this textured red runner. Horchow, $299.

Add a little glitz and glam with some sequined decorative throw pillows. West Elm, $24.99.

Keep your guests refreshed with freshly shaken cocktails. Williams-Sonoma, $40.

Whether you’re setting up a table or passing around the hor d’oeuvres, serve your appetizers on gorgeous silver trays for an elegant and chic touch. Pottery Barn, $99.

And what Oscars night would be complete without the paparazzi? Capture the memories of the evening with a lo-fi camera for that stylish, vintage look. Indigo, $89.99.

Which party accessory do you like best?

With the 84th Academy Awards coming this weekend, I’ve got glitz and glam party ideas on my mind. Inviting friends and family over for an Oscars party is a fun way to enjoy the event and spend a Sunday evening.

But before you even get your red carpet rolled out, start the buzz around your fabulous fete with these Hollywood-themed invitations:

Hollywood director’s clapper board from ohsochicdesigns on Etsy, $6.50 US.

Oscar party invitation postcards from girlingearstudio on Etsy, $20 US (set of 20).

Hollywood theme invitations from CoutureBeachInvites on Etsy, $5.45 US.

Film strip movie reel in black and white from DaisyDesignShop on Etsy, $2 US.

Which invitation do you like best?

Fab find
Jane Austen mug, $16 US; Brookish on Etsy.

Guest post by Laura L. Benn
Though Family Day has come and gone in Ontario, it’s still a good reminder to appreciate the special moments and people in your life: Loved ones, a place to call home, and even the soothing comfort of a cup of coffee or tea. This poetic high-quality mug embodies all of these and would make a lovely addition to a lazy afternoon curled up with a good book or spent baking cookies with some of your favourite people.

Boasting a handwritten Jane Austen quote (“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort”) this pretty piece of porcelain reiterates what the Style at Home team firmly believes – that the home and the people within it are life’s true luxuries. Of course, a few pretty home decor accessories along the way are always nice, too!

How do you like to enjoy your time at home?

I’ve been sharing the highlights from IDS12 in a series of four posts, organized by category, over the last couple of weeks. If you missed the other three posts in this series, rounding up the best woodwork, textiles and furniture, you can check them out right here.

For today, let’s wrap things up with some random curiosities!

1. Metropolis Living 

With so many quirky items to catch your eye, it was impossible not to stop and pay attention to Metropolis Living’s booth. I’m a sucker for their vintage industrial vibe. If you are too, then pop on over their website and marvel at the creativity behind their pieces.

2. Modern Revision

Not a fan of oversized speakers? How about if they came in a sculptural form that added interest, as well as great sound, to your home? Not only are these just about the sexiest speakers I’ve ever encountered, but they’re also fully loaded. These babies are Bluetooth enabled and allow you to stream music from your smart phone or tablet.

3. Earth Inc.

Did you have the chance to visit the living space designed by Earth Inc.? It was so incredible to step inside a living oasis in the middle of a convention centre. If they can create this indoors, imagine what they can do for your yard!

4. Fishtnk Design Factory

This chair stopped me in my tracks. Fishtnk had it displayed on an oversized lazy Susan, in order to allow attendees to view it from every angle. Those metal legs are reminiscent of tree branches or insect legs, but whatever inspired them, they are 100% awesome.

Lia Fagan is an interior designer & the creative force behind Mod Pieces, an online boutique, specializing in restyled vintage lighting. When she’s not in her studio, she’s offering up tips for how to “design outside the lines” on her blog, Mod Nest.

The look of black and white decor is classic and chic, a beautifully bold statement in any room. Celerie Kemble‘s interior design book, Black & White (and a bit in between), displays page after page of gorgeous, timeless interiors showing readers where, when and how to use this minimalist colour scheme. Whether you only use it in accent pieces or play all along the grey scale, Celerie shows us the endless possibilities that go far beyond anything dull or uninspired.

You can take my word for it or you can see for yourself! We’re giving away two copies of Black & White (and a bit in between). Read on for details on how to enter.

Here’s how to enter:
Choose your favourite decor idea or tip from the following excerpts, from Celerie Kemble’s book, and leave a comment below telling us which one you picked.

• 11 home decor essentials
• How to: Decorate with grey
• Paint finishes

Two winners will be selected at random to receive one copy each of Black & White (and a bit in between), published by Random House of Canada Limited (retail value of $57 each).

Contest closes March 14th, 2012 at 12pm EST. Open to all residents of Canada, except those in Quebec. Not open to any Transcontinental Media employees, their families, or any other persons with whom they reside.

Fab find
Fluted bud vase, $12.50 per vase; Indigo.
The storefronts have been dressed up for weeks and the bakeries filled to the brim, all waiting for today – Valentine’s Day! Although this holiday is meant to be all about love, we know how stressful it can be. Have you struggled to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift?

To keep things simple, thoughtful and sweet start with a pretty bouquet of freshly picked blooms. For a little added love, place a few in one of these pretty vases. Specially made for Indigo, these come in three gorgeous hues – poppy, white and coral – and will make today, as well as every other day of the year, feel special.

Fab find
Cupcake decorating kit, $12.95; Williams-Sonoma.

Whether it’s a card or gift, there’s always something special about a handmade Valentine. This year you can give both with this adorable cupcake decorating kit! Give a sweet treat, dressed up with love – literally. With 24 cupcake liners in two different designs and 24 toppers in four different designs, you can indulge your family and friends this Valentine’s Day. These cupcakes could also make a pretty centerpiece at a dessert party or a sweet way to end a scrumptious Valentine’s Day meal.

Want more lovely gift ideas? Check out:
- Valentine’s Day gift ideas
- Make your own Valentine’s Day cards

As a born and raised prairie gal, I’ve grown accustomed to being somewhat forgotten. You know, missing out on the really sweet store launches and trade shows or being skipped over by the weatherman. That sort of thing. If you can relate to – or sympathize with – any of that, you’ll understand why my heart skipped more than just a beat when I spotted the new Prairie Tables [retails for $595.00 CDN at ModernKaribou.ca] from Canadian-based furniture design company, Gus* Modern.

Known for it’s cool, classic, eco-friendly designs, Gus* Modern has captured the oft forgotten beauty of central Canada with this stylish set of nesting tables. Each of the three tables boasts a top carved into the shape of one of the country’s prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and my beloved Manitoba)! Constructed of FSC -Certified ash legs and white lacquered tops, the effect is more than memorable, ensuring the prairies will never be forgotten again!

Of course, if you’re looking for a less literal reference to our fine country, consider Gus* Modern’s new Stump Coffee Table [retails for $595.00 CDN at ModernKaribou.ca]. Featuring modern lines, a matte white lacquer finish and of-the-moment faux bois (ie. woodgrain pattern), the look is Canadiana to the core!

Gus* Modern [Gus Design Group Inc.], 223 Evans Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M8Z 1J5, T: 416.534.0773, F: 416.534.2452, E: info@gusdesigngroup.com, www.gusmodern.com | Gus* Modern products are available through dealers across Canada. Also available through ModernKaribou.ca [Canadian online dealer].

Amy Walters is a Winnipeg-based design enthusiast and blogger. For more design inspiration from Amy, check out her blog aDESIGNdock.

I’m sharing the highlights from IDS12 in a series of four posts, organized by category, over the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget to check out the first two posts in this series, rounding up the best woodwork and textiles.

For today, let’s talk furniture!

1. Elte

An old favourite, Elte’s booth was massive and beautifully furnished. My fave part of their design was how they showcased their rugs on the walls, as artwork. This gave them more presence and attention than they would have received on the floor alone because their booth was packed with people all day long.

2. Spinnaker

I fell madly in love with the simple design of these Scandinavian chairs from Spinnaker. The combination of typographic elements, mixed with canvas and wood creates a trendy, yet timeless look, if that’s possible.

3. Up Country

Thanks to their relatively new line of furnishings from British designer, Timothy Oulton, Up Country’s booth had an English rocker vibe that the crowd was definitely digging.

4. Casa Life

Casa Life also had an over-sized booth full of tactile and masculine, yet girl-friendly, furniture. Their wood pieces never disappoint. I especially love the off-centre placement of the hardware on this piece.

Lia Fagan is an interior designer & the creative force behind Mod Pieces, an online boutique, specializing in restyled vintage lighting. When she’s not in her studio, she’s offering up tips for how to “design outside the lines” on her blog, Mod Nest.

I’m sharing the highlights from IDS12 in a series of four posts. If you missed the first post in this series, rounding up some fantastic woodwork, you can check it out right here.

For today, let’s talk textiles!

1. Vorwerk

Finally! Carpet tiles in fun shapes! These carpet tiles from the FreeSCALE collection by Vorwerk, available through Relative Space, are too cool! Mix bright, punchy colours for a playful kids space or combine subtle neutrals for a more refined look.

2. Avant Garde

Avant Garde, a division of Master Fabrics, had a beautiful selection samples on display. You can view their entire collection online or visit their showroom, here in Toronto. While the showroom is open to the public, all orders must be placed through a designer or upholstery professional.

3. Weavers Art

Weavers Art is a trade only supplier of beautifully hand-woven rugs. But, until the end of February, they are serving the public directly. How exciting is that? Even more exciting, if you were at the show and stopped by their booth, you probably scored one of the gift certificates that they were handing out for $500 off any purchase of $1250 or more!

4. Conscious Design Living

Lori Harrison, the designer behind Conscious Design Living, is committed to creating environmentally responsible, affordable and high-quality textile goods and furnishings. I’m loving her collection of nature-inspired pillows in these warm, neutral hues.

Lia Fagan is an interior designer & the creative force behind Mod Pieces, an online boutique, specializing in restyled vintage lighting. When she’s not in her studio, she’s offering up tips for how to “design outside the lines” on her blog, Mod Nest.