Décor Inspiration || The Art of French Decorating

French interiors are notably embellished with beautiful paneling, trumeau mirrors, antiques, and stunning architectural details.  Celebrating beauty by blending tradition with whimsy, French interiors are as comfortable as they are stunning by defining each room with art, furnishings, and interesting objets.  Being a Francophile at heart, I look for inspiration in Parisian bistros, our apartment rentals, museums, and simply exploring the arrondissements.  When in Paris, I love perusing the quaint antique shops and flea markets, chatting with the dealers, interested in learning the history of each unique piece that catches my eye and soaking up every detail.  When I’m not shopping the fleas in person, I source antiques and furnishing from various dealers for my clients.  This is my passion.  Designing beautiful interiors is not simply a “job” but the way I love to spend my time.  As the saying goes, “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”  This is true for me.


№ 01: Antiques


№ 02: Chandeliers

№ 03: Herringbone and chevron floors.


№ 04: Paneled walls with intricate carved wood detailing


№ 05: Beautiful art

№ 06: Gilded mirrors


№ 07: Pops of colour


xoxo,

B

I’m rebranding my interior design business and look forward to sharing it with you once it’s complete…

Photos via here

DIY || Mistletoe Kissing Ball

Each holiday season, I hang a mistletoe in our home.  They’re fun and always receive a positive response from family and friends.  I especially love a little DIY this time of year and mistletoe’s are fun to make.  You can use live {florists, nursery, some markets} or artificial mistletoe {hobby stores, online, florists}.  Caution: Mistletoe is poisonous.  Please use artificial if you have children or pets in your home.

Supplies

Ribbon 
Wire cutters
24-gauge wire

Scissors 

4 1/2-inch-diameter floral-foam ball 

Mistletoe 

Small silver, white, or pale-blue beads 

Instructions

Cut a 16-inch piece of 24-gauge wire with wire cutters, and bend it in half. Cut a 36-inch length of ribbon with scissors and fold it into three loops. Make the top loop approximately 9 inches; it will be used to hang the ball. Make the next two loops 7 1/2 inches. There should be a 12-inch tail of ribbon left. Cut 6 inches off the tail, and lay it on the other side of the loops. Pinch all the loops together at the center, and secure with wire. Twist the wire tightly to form a single stem.  Trim the bow’s tails into a V with scissors.

Soak a 4 1/2-inch-diameter floral-foam ball in water while cutting mistletoe into about 100 three-inch sections, called tips. Insert the bow’s wire stem through the ball until it comes out the opposite side. Fold over the end of the wire stem. Poke tips into ball until it is covered. String small  silver, white, or pale-blue beads on 6-inch 24-gauge wires, and twist the wire ends together. Stick the beads into the ball wherever desired.

Who will you be kissing under the mistletoe?

xoxo,

B

Via here

Welcome December …

Happy first day of December!  I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend.  November slipped away too quickly and now the Christmas season is upon us…  We woke to icy roads after a weekend of beautiful weather.  Although I don’t love cold weather, I appreciate the beauty of snow, especially this time of the year.  Below are Christmas scenes from around the world that will put you in the holiday spirit {if you weren’t already!}.

xoxo,

B

Photos via here

Haute Gifts: For The Hostess

Hostess gifts are always a polite gesture.  If you want to elevate your gift giving status beyond the typical wine or flower bouquet to unforgettable, enchanted and adored, you can indulge your hostess/host with one of these luxurious gifts…

Haute Hostess Gifts

 
 
Luxurious handcrafted set by English chocolatiers, Charbonnel et Walker.   Also, this truffle and Moet & Chandon gift set, and Handbag and Heels chocolate set.
 

Tom Dixon Scented candle set of three

Tom Dixon Scented Candle Gift Set.  Also love this one.

I drink coffee from this Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease cup each morning.  A chic reminder of your thoughtful gift each day.

 
Agate Wine Coaster.  Also, love agate this platter and coaster set.
 

Decor/Accessories - Jonathan Adler Mr & Mrs Muse Brass Place Card Holders Set of 4 I Zinc Door - brass lips place card holder, brass mustache place card holder, modern brass place card holders, novelty brass place card holders,

I love these lip place card holders from Jonathan Adler.  How cute would they be at a dinner party?


xoxo,

B

 

Holiday Inspiration: Thanksgiving Entertaining

I woke up to frigid temperatures this morning.  I am not ready for winter, however, I am thinking and planning for Thanksgiving.  Do you like to create a beautiful and memorable Thanksgiving for your guests?  Each year I host and have designed a checklist that keeps me organzied without feeling overwhelmed.  
wonderful...I want Thanksgiving here instead!

1.  Choose a theme.  This can be anything from French, Italian, rustic, etc.  I like to change things up from year to year.

Slow-Cooked Duck with Green Olives and Herbes de Provence
2.  The turkey or ham always take center stage ~ When trying a new recipe, I give it a test run a couple of months prior.  I choose 5 star recipes so I’m pretty certain it will be a winner, however, there are also old favourites to choose from as well.

10 Thanksgiving Sides to be Thankful For |Home.Made.Interest.

3.  Sides ~ I like to have something for everyone – vegetarian, kids favourites, classics, and new recipes.  If I plan to have several sides, I sometimes order from Williams-Sonoma or Whole Foods.  I always get most of my ingredients from Williams-Sonoma, such as their chesnuts (which are phenominal!), stuffing, dessert starters, etc.

10 Best Thanksgiving Centerpieces | Camille Styles

4.  The centerpiece ~ Simplicity rules here.  As with most things, a little goes a long way.. especially with scents.  You don’t want to smell flowers instead of the wonderful dinner you’ve prepared.  I also prefer to keep the decor low, you want to be able to see the person sitting across from you.

Beautiful Thanksgiving Table Idea - DIY custom chalkboard place settings.
5.  The place settings ~ this depends on your theme.  I may use florals, cute tags, photos, etc.  Get the kids involved!  They love to help out and guests appreciate their effort and the keepsake they’ve created.

Activities at the children's table to keep the little guests occupied all night long #rustic #wedding #chic #kidstable #diywedding

6.  The kids table ~ I love this idea for the little ones.  It keeps them entertained while they patiently wait for dinner to be served.

7. The dessert table ~ Many guests can’t wait to get to the desserts.  I make the effort to make this presentation beautiful.  I set up a drink station here also.. champagne, coffee, etc {PS: this recipe is gluten and dairy free}

How do you celebrate?


xoxo,

B

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Happy Monday, Plus My Piperlime Sale Pics

Happy Monday!  Did you have a good weekend?  It was cold with snow flurries for us.  I did some shopping on Saturday and saw a ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ with my daughter.  It seems the shops dress up for Christmas earlier and earlier each year, and Santa is already getting the lists of boys and girls.  Many online retailers are beginning their big sales earlier as well.  One of my favourite online retailers, Piperlime, is  having a 30% off $200+ sale with hardly any exclusions, ends 11/18. Use code HOLIDAY30 for the discount, and then code CHEER for free 2 day shipping (return shipping is always free). This is an incredible sale to pick up some classic styles and favourite brands.

Here are some of my picks:

I am smitten with this Rebecca Minkoff  handbag.  The classic style and colour will make this a staple for years.  Also, love this one and this one.

Clare V
I purchased this one and love it!  Also, have my eye on this one and this one.

Stuart Weitzman

I have these classic 50/50 boots and wear them all of the time.  They rarely go on sale so this is a treat.  I love quilted version and these also.

Kate Spade
How cute is this Sailor’s Knot bracelet?  This and this would be perfect for your holiday parties also.



This wool blend Theory coat is another classic piece.  This one and this one are perfect.

Piperlime always has a wonderful selection of jeans so this is definitely where you want to take advantage of this sale.  Rag & Bone is hands down my favourite brand and they fit like a glove.  I reach for them time and again.. These are my favourite


Also love these from Citizen’s of Humanity


I’m picked up these jeans below and another pair of Hunter boots.

Paige Edgemont Ultra Skinny Jean
What is on your list?

xoxo,

B

Bon Weekend, Plus a Delicious Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

I hope you had a great week and an even better weekend planned!  After a week of being under the weather, I don’t have any plans except staying warm, homework, and repose.  The weather is calling for 1-3″ of snow beginning tomorrow afternoon.  I am not ready for that or the 20 degree temps we’re having either.  What happened to fall?  It was a warm 72 degrees earlier this week. *sigh*  In the meantime, here are some beautiful photos of Paris…

Carousel in Paris
Overlooking Paris France
Woman Crossing the Seine in Paris France
Eclair Bistro in Paris France
Croissants at Leclair Cocktail Bar in Paris France
Acanthe Cafe in Paris France
Hotel de Ville in Paris France
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate: This hot chocolate recipe proves that dreams do come true. Perk up white hot chocolate with warm pumpkin pie spices and a dash of vanilla. Now that’s what we call a magic combination! (via Tatertots & Jello)

Serves 2

Ingredients
1 cup of heavy cream
2 cups of milk – I use skim milk
1 cup of good quality white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
Whipped cream and additional pumpkin spice to sprinkle on top.

Directions
1. Heat cream and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling.
2. In a medium sized bowl, pour heated cream and milk over white chocolate chips. Stir until chips are melted.
3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin spice.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
A few tips:
Keep a close eye on the milk and cream mixture – once it is hot, turn off the flame. It doesn’t need to come to a boil.
Use good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate. The flavor and sweetness of white chocolate really varies. I have found the Ghirardelli white chocolate chips to have the best taste and have been able to find them at almost every grocery store.
xoxo,

B

Photos via here, Recipe vie here

Décor Inspiration: A Chic Saint-Germain Apartment

Apartment in Saint Germain


Thank you for the well wishes on FB and here on the blog while I was under the weather this week.  First, a cold and now, snow flurries outside today.  I’m not ready for winter, are you?
I fell utterly in love with this stylish apartment designed in 2013 for a client in Saint Germain, Paris.  I love every aspect from the floors to the paneling, and the mix of furniture styles.  If I ever move to Paris, my apartment will look like this…

Apartment in Saint Germain
Apartment in Saint Germain
Apartment in Saint Germain
Apartment in Saint Germain
Apartment in Saint Germain
Apartment in Saint Germain

This tiny galley kitchen is one of my favourite rooms, from the pocket doors to cabinetry.
Apartment in Saint Germain


My other favourite room is the bath blow.  Having a lighting fixture over a bath is against code, however, many people do it regardless.  I must admit, I also love a chandelier over a bath.

Apartment in Saint Germain

A short video of the apartment… 
https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/SnM9GQF1a9k&source=uds

It’s rare that I love every single aspect of an interior, however, I can’t think of one thing that I would change in this apartment.  What are your thoughts?

xoxo,

B

Via here

Bon Appétit: Truffle Fries and Moët Ice Impérial

Still feeling under the weather this week.  I can’t seem to shake this!  Anyone have a secret to fighting colds?

I made these truffle fries recently and I want to share the recipe with you.  They’re the perfect snack!  I took inspiration from this photo and picked up a favourite bottle of champagne to pair them with {Moët Ice Impérial is suggested}.   The combination was Divine!

The Most Decadent Recipe For Truffle Fries
White Hot Truffle Fries Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds russet potatoes
1 ounce white truffle oil (I prefer Urbani)
2 ounces grated Parmesan reggiano
1 ounce shaved Parmesan reggiano (use a peeler or large sided grated)
3 quarts peanut or soybean oil
Pinch sea salt & pepper

Directions:

Rinse the potatoes and then cut them into sticks by cutting the potato in 4 or 5 vertical pieces, and then cut each piece into sticks.

Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak, 2 hours.
When you’re ready to make the fries, drain off the water and lay the potatoes on baking sheets and blot with paper towels.
Heat the oil in a heavy bottom handled pot to 300 degrees F. In 3 or 4 batches, cook the potatoes until soft, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. You are not cooking them to be golden brown at this point you are only starting the cooking process. Remove each batch and drain on dry paper towels.

Recipe via here

xoxo,

B
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