Decorate With Turquoise

I simply love the color turquoise. The color is fresh, vibrant and just down right inviting, as you will see from the great photos below of homes that decorate with turquoise. In interesting fact about this blue-green hue is that the name originated from the French word for Turkey because it (the gem) came from there. The first recorded use in English for the color name was 1573. (Okay, so this is a bit of trivia, I found it in Wiki.) Another piece of trivia, you may think, is the meaning of turquoise, as culture would have it:

The color turquoise is associated with meanings of refreshing, feminine, calming, sophisticated, energy, wisdom, serenity, wholeness, creativity, emotional balance, good luck, spiritual grounding, friendship, love, joy, tranquility, patience, intuition, and loyalty.

Bourn Creative

To which I can only say: take me there! Alright, back on topic. You don’t have to live in the Caribbean, in a coastal town or beach house to enjoy this beautiful color. Country and urban life styles can employ this wonderful color whether in large amounts or accents.

The following group of photos I discovered on a site called Shelterness, a wonderful place to rummage through for its fabulous DIY project ideas. Each of the rooms below use turquoise boldly in both large and small quantities on walls to home accessories. For example, the turquoise (wall paper?) on this powder room wall contrasts boldly with the white cabinet , the dash of black and yellow chair. The combination is just class to the nth degree.

Turquoise beautifully provides accent in these rooms. Wouldn’t you agree that turquoise is such a refreshing color?

Paired with yellow, turquoise is striking! Here, it even enhances the gray sofa.

If you’re bold or wanna’ be, try the combination below: strong, deep yellow and a deep turquoise. Sprinkle it with silver and reds.

Turquoise really pops when paired with white!

Here’s one more idea for decorating with turquoise to send you on your way to thoughts of using it.

To create drama with turquoise, choose a complementary color (one that is opposite turquoise on a standard color wheel), such as red to orange. Or just a deep turquoise. If, however, you want to create a visual monotone scheme, select a monochromatic color (one that is positioned on both sides of turquoise on a standard color wheel). These colors would be forest-green, emerald, celery, cyan, blue and ultramarine (What Color Looks Good With Turquoise? Juniper Russo). Ms. Russo goes on to explain that metallic minerals found naturally in the gem turquoise can be translated to pairing the color with other earthy and natural mineral color hues as “bronze, copper, penny and rust.”

Well, it’s been four years since turquoise was announced the Pantone color of the year, it’s still a popular and desirable color to use. It allows us to emotionally, if not physically, transcend to a dreamy and relaxing place as we recall the comforting blues of the sky and water and the earthy greens.

If you love turquoise too, raise your hand and let me know!!

Tips for Mastering Small Space Living

Not sure how to master small space living? So you have a tiny space that you aren’t proud of and now
a days everyone thinks, “bigger is better.” Well, small spaces are quite special if you select the right
pieces and sizes, just think, “Small Space, Big Ideas.” Read on to learn 4 easy to try tips.
Select Reflective Pieces To Shine

Everyone pretty much knows the rule about how mirrors make a space visually larger but go the extra
mile by selecting some elegantly decorative pieces. Shiny things aren’t just mirrors but can also be
items that have a mirrored surface too! For example, placing a gorgeous mirror console at the entrance
of your home and mirrored side tables for guests to place their drinks while chatting it up. Anything
with shine is sure to set a mood in any small space.

Choose Stylish Furnishings

While standing in your empty living room, you draw an image in your head of whats needed to fill the
space like a sofa, media center, side tables, etc. When you go off to the store, select stylish furnishings
like a sofa with a fun color, a media center with beautiful craftsmanship to help your small space
stunning or even a bold canopy style bed for the master bedroom.

Use Lengthy Curtains

Want to make whoever comes in to your home, drop their jaws? There’s nothing better than using lengthy curtains that will either just touch the floor or drape loosely around it. This technique gives any
space an illusion that ceilings are high so guest will feel like they’re walking into a palace aka, “your
living room.”

Include One Statement Piece

Since the space you’re decorating will already be quite small you can’t really buy a lot of furniture. So
how to make an appealing space without a variety of furnishing? Easy. Just include that one statement
piece that will really get guests owing and awing. A statement piece can be anything from a masterfully
crafted wall sculpture or one of a kind bombe console table. Just make sure this is piece isn’t easy to be
found. Not sure where to find these pieces? Check out Etsy to find a lot of one of a kind, independent
art and sellers with an amazing eye for design.

So when living in a small space, just think, “Small Space, Big Ideas.”

Do you have any secrets you’d like to share?

About the Author

Located in New York, NY, Valarie is an interior designer and owner of Valarie Michelle Decor LLC (www.vmdecor.com), a drafting and rendering service that illustrates a client’s vision. A guest contributor and a fabulous find for Annsliee’s blog. Each month, she will be sharing more of her decorating wisdom with you. Can’t wait? Try her services with a 10% discount. Just enter coupon code “VMDECOR10” at her Etsy shop.

Designs That Fascinate: Pierre Lota

French designer, Pierre Lota, creates new objects from other objects and records it in a video he calls “One Object In One Minute,” a project he launched in 2013. Every time I watch one of his one-minute videos, I’m fascinated and anxiously wait to see what the new object will be. For example, he created an adjustable lamp out of two wood clothes hangers and a CD rack out of a wood pallet. The objects are always practical and modern. He uses minimal tools, works on a clean table and is amazingly organized. I suspect the oops are edited out of the video. But that’s okay. I sometimes wonder if some of these objects are durable; still, I’m thinking to throw that skepticism aside and for my new studio try to create one of his projects: the metal-strip wall lamp. I love this wall lamp. No doubt, it will take me more than a minute! Check out a couple of his videos. Don’t worry, you’re not expected to become a do-it-yourself convert.

https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js

If you missed them, here are a couple of old to new items:

An adjustable lamp made from two clothes hangers. How cool is that?

A small shelf made from magazines and wood plank.

I tried to find out more about this designer, even trekked over to google.com.fr. I can only add that he is a “follower of the Blitz Design,” I discovered even less about that, and so I assume the literal meaning is “quick designs.” I enjoy looking into his very creative mind and am a follower of Pierre Lota.

Have you discovered a designer whose work fascinates you?

Adding Layers to Create A Posh Decor

Have you ever walked into a space in your home and felt that something was missing? On top of that, you don’t know what it is. You have all your furniture in perfectly in place, art work neatly centered on walls and chic decorative window treatments framing your windows. So what it is? Well, the truth is that there are many decorating elements to make interior spaces work and one way is through layering. This post will teach you how top interior decorators add layers to create a posh decor that is rich and inviting.

But first, what is layering? Layering is using many design elements harmoniously. These elements include the use of texture, color, pattern and style. I’d like to take you through visual examples to better explain so join me.

Mix Up Texture:

San Jose Interior Designers & Decorators JTM Interiors

This living room space by JTM Interiors has a great mixture of different textures. First, there is the smooth wood flooring topped with a soft area carpet that divides up the living space. Then, there is the rustic hard round mirror which creates a strong focal point with delicate flowers in view which visually creates a rich personality altogether. The prickly and coral accessories create another layer richness with its unique, unexpected texture.

Mix Up Color and Pattern:

This living room space by Coburn Architecture is a wonderful example. Starting with color, there is a variety of yellow, blue and violet hues used for accessories and smaller pieces of furniture. Since these three colors are split complements, which is one of the top color schemes used by top decorators, this will create a lot of interest and flair. Then to top off the fun and zesty color scheme, two contrasting patterns are used. There are those beautiful floral throw pillows, topped on the neutral grey sofa that sits next to the zig zag accent chairs in blue hues. Zig zag patterns and floral prints certainly do create an interesting pair don’t you think?

Mix Up Style:

Now, with styles, just think about eclectic or transitional spaces you’ve seen in the past. Ever notice how there is a mix of furniture that come from different styles? For example, the style of the sofa would be a sleek modern shape but the style of the chandelier is a two tier antique french type lighting. Mixing up different styles will also create a lush decor. This dining room space designed by Morrison Home is a beautiful visual example. There is the classical arm chairs with a stylized damask pattern on the back mixed with the modern style photography used as art. The style of the pendant light above the dining table is also modern in terms of simplicity and shape. Adding layers to any space of your home is one of the many tools interior decorators use to create rich atmospheres. Now that you know some of design elements try adding layers to create a posh decor yourself to notice the difference.

About the Author

Located in New York, NY, Valarie is an interior designer and owner of Valarie Michelle Decor LLC (www.vmdecor.com), a drafting and rendering service that illustrates a client’s vision. A guest contributor, she is a fabulous find for Annsliee’s blog. I hope to share more of her decorating wisdom with you.

Home Decor: Be Bold

Many years ago, I read Laura Ashley’s book, Complete Guide To Home Decorating. The forward was written by Nick Ashley, who in his last remark, wrote “Be Bold.” It was many more years before I had courage enough to step outside my neutral-colored world, it’s so safe and calming. And though I had continued to cling to neutrals as the foundation for my home decor, I found that I could still be bold–well, a little. Ergo . . . .

Photos from my former home in Northern Virginia.

A faux painted entrance of an interpretation of a Red Bud, Forest Pansy tree over castle boulders.
The Cocoa Room, a guest bedroom with Hershey chocolate walls, paint is Library from Ralph Lauren. I always meant to hang that print! (LOL).
A hall bath with faux suede painted walls.

What I had discovered during that five-year decorating project was that color contrasts, solids and patterns, textures, and statement furniture were all key elements to making the scheme work. Most important was deciding how I wanted to feel when I entered a room. My previous profession had provided me with more than sufficient stimulation during the day! I wanted my home to offer just the opposite. I have since moved to a lovely apartment in a coastal town less than 20 minutes from the nearest beach and Atlantic ocean. And so I now get to re-decorate all over again and with a studio! Perhaps I’ll blog about that project next year. In the meantime for inspiration, I’ll just keep adding to my annsliee Pinterest boards on Life Styles: Be Bold and Interior Life Styles.

Pinterest from Fenton and Fenton, Australia.

Even a dramatic painting or print, such as the one above, can make a dramatic centerpiece in a room. Or mixing patterns of the same color value gives a room a real power punch. The colors from the settee and wall come together very unexpectedly–and stunningly.

Not only are the colors simply fabulous in the above image of the corner of the room but texture is wonderfully varied from the dark turquoise leather desk to the velvet seat cushion to the linen drape. In smaller accents are the smoothness of the sides of the two vases, the chair legs, and the gold trim that frames the wall paper. Patterns are repeated in the floral motif chair back and wall print. Note how each piece of furniture is a statement in itself. This is such a fun and glamorous place to sit and write a note to a friend.

The irony is that I really love these boldly decorated rooms with their vibrant, dramatic display. And I can even image myself sporting blue jeans, a silk Armani shirt, and large dangling earrings; and yes, a watermelon martini. So cool, No doubt I’ll still cling to my neutrals but I’m thinking I may just decorate the apartment with a bit of a twist. a little more courage. . . hummm. a bold decor with a beach theme? I’ll need some time to contemplate that! First and foremost is getting up a hammock for my porch. I really like this one:

So, what’s the boldest thing you’ve ever done in your home?

Google Glass And Interior Decorating

Too soon to imagine, wish for or predict using Google Glass for interior decorating? Not really.

I spent 13 years in system development, servicing a human resources office. When I started, 98% of the forms were completed on paper. Tearing pen and paper out of the hands of the specialists, giving them a mouse and computer met with more skepticism than hope. Responses were expressed with large eye-ball rolling, in-your-face sneering,–occasionally verbal expletives. With each implementation of a new application, the complaints were typed in single line, small print on reams of paper. While a second ream of paper was quickly filled with requests for more features and functionalities: “We need more doo-hickies in the program! Can you make a doo-hicky do this? Can you make it do that? Can you reverse the doo-hicky to a hicky-doo, make it spin, jump up and down, then flash with warning messages. No, no this is not a new requirement!” The cycle repeated itself over and over. Even the I-love-my-paper-and-pen-forms diehards joined the choirs for new features, more functionalities. And so it is with each new technology, we just clamor for more doo-hickies.

A Google Glass app for home decorating may be in a galaxy far, far away. But I just can’t help imagining the possibilities. If you are not already aware of Google Glass, you may be asking “what is it?”

In short, it’s a wearable computer attached to a frame, similar to wearing glasses. It get’s it name from the small glass prism (the screen) located just above the right eye. The beta version which became available 2013 from Google was $1500.00 but by now you would be lucky just to get on the waiting list. The Glass Explorer beta version performed seven functions:

Make a phone call
Send a message
Get directions
Take a picture
Record a video
Access Google+ hangouts
Perform Google search

At the writing of this post, Google Glass Explorer Edition XE V2 is available on Amazon with prices ranging from $1659.00 to $2,499.99. But don’t rush off to Amazon. That Explorer Edition is still the beta version, not the expected app enhanced version for the general consumer. Moreover, prices for the general public are expected to be much reduced. (Note: Microsoft and Apple are also working on their version of a wearable computer.)

So what does Google Glass look like?

Catch this video review by Lucy Hedges and get a feel what it was like to wear the Google Glass Explorer Edition, the beta edition. (Click on the image to play the video.)

If you prefer to just read a review, I found a more recent exceptional read Review: Google Glass Explorer Edition 2.0 by Will Shanklin, a contributor for Gizmag.

Now that you know something about Google Glass, here’s were I begin . . .

You’re an interior designer, a decorator or just a DIY kind of person and you are the happy, face-glowing owner of a Google Glass. It’s enhanced with an interior designing app from out of this world! Your first project is to redo the master suite. The blessings of heaven are upon you because all furnishings and window treatments have been removed. You get to start with a blank slate and a fabulous theme: “Suite Haven.” The occupant is female, wanting a “room of her own.” It must ooze with comfort yet rejuvenate; feminine but not frilly; accommodate multiple activities from resting to writing to watching TV. Each area must gently flow into the next.

You think, soft, neutral colors with a touch of heat, hard wood floors to ground the light colors. Furnishings are over-stuffed arm chairs, a vintage chair with a shag seat cushion juxtaposed with the simply lines of a modern desk. Of course, the bed is the focal point. You walk the edges and corners of the floor, stopping to gaze out the windows into the garden, The room is expansive with space sufficient for a king size bed, a sitting area and small library for private reading, a writing table and chairs for a private breakfast; and of course a wall mounted TV over a fireplace. While we’re at it, bring in built in speakers, floor to ceiling window treatment. Oh dear, I digress!

It’s time to take off your shoes and you sit on floor with your back against a wall. You pull out your Google Glass and start with a series of commands:

” OK Glass, what is the size of this room?” The computer projects sight lines and gives you the measurements.
“OK Glass, save the measurements to each wall.”
“OK Glass, take a picture with measurements”
“OK Glass, save the picture to my private Google+ page called “Suite Haven.”

You have some great ideas but decide to search the internet for more inspiration:

“OK Glass, go to my Pinterest boards, start with bedrooms. You search through several boards, select and save a few for color and layout to your mood board. With each selection you viewed it against the backdrop of the room.

You like the shades of corals and white scheme but think a soft lilac, green and natural wood for accenting.

“OK Glass, search Google for coral and white fabric.” After a while, you select a few possibilities and give Glass a command to save them to your mood board. It’s almost lunch and you have just enough time to search through a few paint chips for the walls.

“OK Glass, search Benjamin and Moore neutral colors for interiors.” You quickly find a few possibilities and add them to your mood board.

Before you go off to lunch, you make a few calls and check messages:

“OK Glass, call . . . .

“OK Glass, check my messages”

Dear reader, you get the picture of my world for using Google Glass with home decorating? That’s right, you would capture those initial ideas before even committing them to paper, yet have them on a draft mood board to later edit. Select colors, fabric and furnishing and view them right against the back drop of the room you are in. Wouldn’t it be cool to create your mood board with all the pieces in place, send it to your client (who of course would have a Google Glass!) and then they could see their new room in the room!

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable” and

“OK Glass, search for Annsliee handmade pillows.”

How would you use Google Glass or imagine you would use it or does it even peak your interest?

Living With The Color Blue

Pillows from Annsliee

It can make us feel calm and sedate when we use it or view its use by others. Blue suggests trustworthiness, dependability, and commitment. It’s not “gender specific” being favored equally by both men and women. Its hues and shades range from a light blue sky to an aquamarine to navy blue to the deep blue-black water.

As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming.

From color expert, Kate Smith, she goes on to say that

…not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic — an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring.

Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings.

Indigo blue, as Ms. Smith suggests “increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings.” (Now you know where to hold your next staff meeting. Look for an indigo blue room!)

A classic collection of blue and white ginger jars accented with blue and neutral nautilus seashells and white coral, accented with feathery green found in the long grassy-like leaves. What does this setting evoke in your emotions?

From William Sonoma Found on Pinterest

Here, a touch of blue in these accent throw pillows adds its warmth and calmness to the warm tones of the wood table and server.

Warm blues, such as denim and ocean blue, contain hints of red. The red in the color comes towards you and makes the room feel cozier. (From Real Simple, Decorating With Blue). While cool blues in shades of cobalt, turquoise and ice blue have a yellow tint. The yellow in the blue makes it appear to recede, making a small space look bigger. Referencing color experts, Real Simple states that the cool blues encourage calmness.

From Pinterest

What do you think the bold use of blue in the two following rooms say about its occupants? (Note the use of light, medium and dark blues.)

From ARKpad.com.br

Too much of a dark color, in this case blue, can make a room feel crowded, closed in, even depressing. But the room below works well with the dark blue walls and sofa. It’s balanced with the wash of bright light from the window; the white heat register; the white ceiling and the scattered white in the wall paintings and accents. The yellow pentagon in the painting becomes a bright, happy punctuation demanding visual attention. The bold black and white zebra pattered rug anchors the room.

From ARKpad.com.br

Here are some inspiring uses of blue in the various tint, shades and hues (Click on images to make them larger). Can you pick out why the blue works so well in these rooms?

Found on the blog Daily Cup of Couture From Sandra Morgan Interiors From Amanda Nisbit From Amanda Nisbit From blog Design Indulgence Found on Pinterest A fabulous idea: Blue denim period chair found on Mia Linnman’s blog, Solid Frog. I would LOVE, LOVE to have such a chair, given my decades-long romance with blue jeans!

The color blue has a long and ancient history. Try your knowledge on a few of the more modern facts: True or False (Answers are at the end.)

1. Pink was the generally accepted color for boys while blue was worn by girls from just before WWI and up to WWII.

2. President John Kennedy made popular the two-button blue suit.

3. Blue suits became more popular than black suits for men in the mid-20th Century.

4. The color blue is a common color found in many foods.

5. Blue is a primary color.

6. Tints, shades, and hues of blues are not generally perceived differently.

7. Blue is favored equally by both men and women.

Do you think the blues in the flatware below are cool or warm?

1. True. See “When Did Girls Start Wearing Pink?”

2. True. From the Wikipedia, Blue In the 20th and 21st Century.

3. True. Source from Wikipedia as in #2.

4. False. It is the least common color in foods. Can you think of which foods they are?

5. True. Of course it is, along red and yellow.

6. False.

For example, dark blue can be seen as elegant, rich, sophisticated, intelligent, and old-fashioned, royal blue can represent superiority, and light blue can mean honesty and trustworthiness. See Bourn Creative, Meaning of the Color Blue.

7. True.

So, are you now inspired to use the color blue or just use more of it? Would love to see your comments of what you think of the color blue.

Auld Lang Syne And New Year’s Eve Tablescapes

Planning a New Year’s Eve dinner party? Great! Wow your guests with inspiring tablescapes such as these–and do have a wonderful, wonderful party.

Glamorous, sophisticated, intrigue are all offered in this classic black and white theme. The white masks and black attire are countered with white doves perched on the backs of chairs. A white lace tablecloth, candles and candle stick holder are accentuated with the black runner. A touch of the orient is found in the origami bird and soft pagoda-like shapes of the china ware.

When you’re serving up the champagne, DON’T FORGET THE DESIGNATED DRIVERS. Have virgin cocktails ready for them when they walk in the door!

Create a special pin for their lapels saying something fun like

“I’m a Designated Driver

Not Accepting Alcohol Tonight . . .

But I Do Accept Kisses!”

For the recipe, go to The CurvyCarrot.com

It’s difficult to say which tablescape is my favorite but I can say the next two really made it difficult . . . no, impossible to decide. But each gives wonderful tips on how to make many of the excellent detailed accents.

From Ciao! Newport Port Beach blogspot, the color theme is in silver:

She created the place cards using mini silver picture frames. You can probably find lovely mini fames in vintage and consignment shops.

She “used 8″ x 10″ copies of clock faces. And, these simple glass plates….”

From Pizzazzerie, comes this stunning New Year’s Eve “Midnight Blue” themed dinner party for the rooftop of a condominium. And the place to be!!

Notice the details in the use of black-eye peas to hold the sparkle sticks. Black-eye peas, in case you are not aware, is a traditional NYE serving for good luck.

Menu for the “Midnight Blue” theme dinner party designed by Pizzazzaerie

Of course, no NYE party is complete without the traditional singing of Auld Lange Syne (From the Wikipedia)

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give me a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY New Year!

BE SAFE . . . BE HAPPY

The Contemplative Christmas

HAVE A MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY HOME TO YOURS!

It seems here at Annsliee studio, my tree top apartment, the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas just goes so fast. This year again I will be celebrating A Contemplative Christmas–alone. That is to say, a Christmas season truly focusing on what it means to me. No, it doesn’t mean I have forsaken or am ignoring family and friends. And it definitely does not mean this is a protest against what some would call the “commercialism” of Christmas. I say, bring the gifts as did the three magis! It simply means, for me, slowing down to an absolute crawl and luxuriating in spending a good amount of time alone. It’s precious time to reflect, to do some personal growth–and when I return to the real world, hopefully, find myself the better person.

Boston MA, One evening in December 2013 (Courtesy of Ellie M.)

Many people and for many reasons will find themselves alone, or at least think themselves alone: whether it is due to an illness, being out of town or even out of the country and away from family and friends or having to be at work or even on the space station. Some will be alone due to unreconciled disagreements with loved ones. Then there are those who simply choose to be alone. This blog is for those who choose to do so. And perhaps even for those who simply find themselves alone. I found some really wonderful ideas on the internet on making a Contemplative Christmas and even patted myself on the back for having already done some of them.

So if you choose a Contemplative Christmas, here are some things you can do:

*For Christians (or even the not so Christians), set aside time to read the story of Christ’s birth, imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph in the winter months looking for a place to stay. Any parent who is expecting a child or given birth, especially in the worse conditions, can empathize with that night. You don’t have to be a Christian to appreciate Mary’s circumstances with not even a midwife to attend her.

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/Christmas-Alone.html

*If you haven’t yet done so, decorate your home, your apartment, your room! Put a wreath on the door and let the world know you’re open to the meaning of Christmas: love, peace and joy!

Still in Boston, MA (Courtesy of Ellie M.)

Add a tree (big or small). My fondest memory of one Christmas was after working half day on Christmas eve, I rushed off to get a live Christmas tree. I thought it was small one, but after dragging it up three steep flights of stairs to my apartment, I swear to this day, the tree grew on the way up. It wasn’t very small, it was over 6′!

You don’t have to go for the big or elaborate decorated Christmas tree! Even a hint will bring a quiet smile to your face. Have fun and create your own Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Add a bowl of your favorite ornaments to a cocktail table, a side table, your night stand, your dresser; better yet, add it to your dining table.

Dining alone or just one other, dress up the table for dining such as adding a floor length table cloth and roses.

Recipe from www.bbcgoodfood.com — Recipe from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com

Speaking of dining, don’t forget to cook! Sip on a glass of wine while making up your menu (do an occasional gaze out the window), then off to the store, carefully walking up and down the isles filling your basket with your favorite holiday foods. Add one never-had-before food item. I love snacking on smoked oysters, green olives, cheese and crackers, and a great bottle of sherry–preferably Harvey’s Bristol Creme sherry.

You hate to cook! Not a problem. Order out. Now’s the time to go for your favorite foods. Pizza anyone? Or even try something new or different for a holiday meal–snow king crab legs with lots of garlic butter or a real ground sirloin 2″ thick burger where the juice runs down your arms. Just broil it in the oven. Love roasted leg of lamb? Don’t deny yourself! If you really can’t stand being that alone, drag a friend to the table for that lamb!

More and more restaurants are catering to folks who don’t want to cook for the holidays. I say God bless ’em. Just go early, if you want a good table:)

Christmas morning is one of the most quietest mornings for street traffic. It’s a wonderful time for that long, thoughtful walk. If you’re fortunate to live near a park, it’s the perfect place to go. Or just take a walk through the neighborhood, enjoying the outdoor Christmas lights and decorations. There is so little distraction, it almost cleanses the mind of “stuff.” As you slowly return home, let your thoughts turn to a special treat, like a nice hot Irish coffee cocktail. Take your time and have a late or should I say breakfast brunch. May I suggest switching pancake Saturday to pancake Christmas Day!

ABOUT THE IRISH COFFEE COCKTAIL

This hot, creamy classic Irish Coffee will warm you to the bone.

INGREDIENTS IN THE IRISH COFFEECOCKTAIL

1.5 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey
1 oz Brown sugar syrup (one part brown sugar, one part water)
Hot brewed coffee
Unsweetened cream, lightly whipped

Glass:Irish Coffee

HOW TO MAKE THE IRISH COFFEECOCKTAIL

Add the whiskey and syrup to an Irish Coffee glass and fill two-thirds of the way with coffee. Top with one inch of whipped cream.

Recipe and photo from Liquor.com

Ever tried no music? No TV? No cell or telephone calls? No internet (this is hard!)? Even for a short period of time? Having tried it, successful or not, still be sure to play Christmas music. The list of great Christmas DVDs is almost endless. It seems every artist has made an album. You don’t really have to wait for holidays to play them, they’er great anytime of the year. Include a thought-provoking book to read during your Contemplative Christmas or just a light-hearted book that is not too demanding. After all contemplation is about taking and using quiet time to gather and examine one’s thoughts and feelings.

In this very busy, hustling and bustling world we live in, Christmas becomes the ultimate punctuation of stress as we try to fulfill “made” obligations. You can still do this before and after Christmas but for people who choose the reflective Christmas, time is given to self. In the end, they come back the better person.

The list of things to do–or not do–is of course very long. And I would of course be remiss if I left out things to do if you simply are not in the contemplative mood. So I’m including here a list of sources that expand on some things to do when alone for Christmas–by choice or not:

Christmas Alone

Christmas Alone Bliss

50 Ways To Enjoy Solitary Christmas

Christmas season really is the most beautiful time of the year. However you choose to cherish it, I MUST add one more wonderful thing you can do. Scour the internet for Christmas flash mobs. They are great and will definitely put a smile on your face. Do start with remembering our men and women who serve in our armed forces and then

Enjoy the US Air Force first ever Flash Mob!

It’s grand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cKE8pyfcZc

This post was updated December 2015.

Keep It Simple

Make It Simple, But Significant. I ran across this image on Pinterest. It’s an ad for men suits. Yet, the statement also applies to decorating your home. It’s easy to get lost in a decorating project when furnishings, accessories and colors start to overtake you. For example, a stunning sofa you saw in a photo or at a store becomes a must have. Though it is not in the original plan you succumb to its attraction. Next you have to fit it into the scheme but you don’t know where or how. Worse, it doesn’t quite complement what you have or The Plan. Do you buy more and throw something else out? The list just goes on and on. It doesn’t really have to if you just remember to “keep it simple, but significant.”

Clearly the significant object in the above vignette is the fabulous coral chest with other objects providing supporting roles. The vignette does have complexity, such as the ikat fabric pattern on the chair and in the grouping of the objects on the chest. Yet, there is simplicity in the limited color scheme: coral, taupe, brown, silver and white.

It doesn’t take a big budget to bring simplicity and significance to your space. The corner bed below has a city skyline for its wall headboard. The color scheme and number of objects makes this simple space. Even the single, naked light bulb has a significant presence.

The sitting area in the photo below is small. But notice that each piece is well designed and can stand on its own. Even the flooring makes a significant statement. The color value brings it all together in that one piece does not over power the other pieces. From the wall color, the chandelier to the painting (a focal point offering other colors) to the stools to the floor, it all comes together as a simple but significant statement. Did you notice two more simple but significant statements? If you guessed the beautiful floor boards and the crown molding, then you read my mind.

Often when we think of simple, as pertaining to decor, we think of sleek, minimalism and neutral colors, such as in the photo above. But simple can also mean an uncomplicated color scheme. Notice how there are a lot of “stuff” and patterns in the photo vignette below. On the surface it does appear complex. Yet, it can be called simple, and of course significant, because the color scheme is a variation on just a few colors:

Simple but significant whether its your decor or your fashion does require careful and perhaps brutal editing. Knowing where and when to stop adding is key. So how do you know? Start with just one item that can stand alone and command attention, carefully add the next supporting star. Remove it if it clashes, keep it if it can stand with or without your main star! Good luck and have fun!