It’s true.  Flowers really do dress up everything.  Use this idea for Valentine’s Day or just as a simple way to dress up your dinner table.  Instead of putting the flower inside the vase, tie it to the outside of a votive candle, or a vase full of candy hearts for Valentine’s Day.  The result will be a charming, inexpensive, centerpiece!

Image via The Knot

Accents of the color coral are popping up left and right this season!  It’s such a strong, happy color….perfect for accenting your home and parties.  I found some darling invitations with this pop color too….

Images: cakes (theknot.com), stripe tank (katespade.com), centerpiece and pillows (wshome.com), table setting (jldesigns.com), tulips (brides.com), aqua and orange invitation (wh hostess via etsy.com), baby shower invitation (minted.com), circle invitation (weddingpaperdivas.com)

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This citrus color palette would be perfect for ANY type of party!  Bright, festive, and oh, so Spring-y looking!

Images: centerpiece (countryliving.com), outfit (nordstrom.com), napkins (hwtm.com), table setting (brides.com), dishes (jonathanadler.com), party favor box (theknot.com), candle centerpiece (gradinroad.com)

Have you ever had one of those days where you thought life would easier if everything wasn’t breakable?  You question putting that glass vase of flowers on a coffee table….grit your teeth, just waiting for your toddler to waddle right over to it and smash it into the ground?!  Here is a fun, little product that is sure to brighten your day (and keep your stress level to a minimum!)….

This rubber vase is both fun and useful… it is an amazingly stylish product made from a unique material.  Cutting-edge design for those seeking something completely different and modern, or just an extremely practical vase to have where there are small children around. The vibrant hues of these vases almost fool you into thinking they’re ceramic. But give them a little squeeze and the truth bounces back…they’re rubber! Totally kid- and clutz-proof, these vases by Danish product-furniture designer Henriette Melchiorsen can hold everything from flowers to kitchen utensils to paint brushes. Fold the neck in and you have a new vase shape. Utterly modern. Utterly yummy.  Utterly perfect for entertaining children, I say!  Available in 5 colors thru A + R Store, this rubber vase is going to be your new best friend!

I’m constantly on the search for a unique centerpiece idea for my home or upcoming parties.  On any given day, you can find a large bowl of something on one of my coffee tables….depending on the season, it could be full of lemons, apples, moss balls, ornaments….but boy, do I have a new idea!

This concept of making your own fabric balls first entered my radar when I saw Eddie Ross make them to decorate Kathie Lee Gifford’s house this holiday season.  He tore up old plaid shirts and wrapped styrofoam balls with them, filled bowls, hung them off garland.  Darling!  I love that it’s a new idea, but still kind of looks cozy, like something you would find in a country home.  Check out Eddie’s full post for directions on how to make them here.

Love the idea for Christmas.  But now, I have found inspiration all over….3-5 inch balls covered in bright, spring-y fabric (a bowl full of these would make the perfect centerpiece for a baby shower or birthday party!), 1-2 inch balls covered in fabric and used as vase filler for an apothecary jar, or tall vase.  You can keep the edges looking frayed, you could cut them with pinking shears for added detail, or you could created textured balls like the ones pictured above.

I love the look of these, and you can’t beat the price point for a centerpiece!  Head on over to your local craft/fabric store for some inspiration!

Images: plaid balls (eddieross.com), pink and zebra balls (bhg.com), mini balls (partyoffive.com), textured balls (knittygrittythoughts.com)

Have you ever heard of “welcome lights?”  A fairly new concept to me, but my husband’s grandmother explained to me that the candlestick lights that people place in their windows at night (predominantly during the Holiday season) are a sign to your “callers” that your home is welcoming visitors.  Although a very traditional concept, a lovely one at that.  The more I drive around looking at Christmas lights, the more aware I am of these now.

I love the idea of taking this concept and adding a modern spin to it.  Instead of placing candlestick lights in your window, decorate the front of your house with lanterns.  Hang them, line your front path with them……the more you have, the more impact you will make.  You can get creative with your “lanterns” too.  Instead of using traditional ones, trying using clear glass vases, or hang square vases full of candles on strands of ribbon.  The effect will be stunning, your home will truly glow…..and your guests will certainly know they are welcome!

Image via Brides.com

I am always looking for something new and different to hang on my front door.  This paperwhite basket from Southern Living looks so fresh to me.  It would be lovely for the Holiday season….but it also would be a perfect decoration for a bridal shower or wedding.  What a lovely way to welcome your guests!?

Sometimes your table needs just one little detail that pulls the whole thing together.  These festive accessories are sure to help!

Jingle bell napkin rings add a touch of shimmer and probably some noise from the kids!  You can find them in silver at Pottery Barn, or a colorful version from Social Couture.  These miniature knit stockings from Crate & Barrel holds your silverware perfectly!  It also adds a welcome pop of color when placed on your basic white dishes.

Christmas doesn’t have to mean red and green….try choosing a modern color palette of teal and lime green for your holiday party.  (hint: these colors look particularly fabulous in metallic items!)

Images: ornament wreath (hgtv.com), napkin (bhg.com), invitation (tinyprints.com), ornaments (projectwedding.com), ornament and candle centerpiece, presents (bhg.com)

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I don’t know what it is lately…..maybe it’s the fact that I actually have a house to decorate now…..but I am just obsessed with cool wreaths!  Not only are they a lovely addition to your front door, but they can dress up a plain wall, hang in an open window…..it’s the perfect touch of Christmas for any room!

I love that each one of these has an unusual look for the traditional wreath.  Somewhat unexpected in design, but absolutely stunning in my opinion.  I think they encourage us to think outside the box…..freeze cranberries in a large jello mold and hang outside with ribbon (make sure it’s a really cold day!).  Cover a styrofoam wreath with red roses and carnations, and add in a touch of moss and a few fresh brussel sprouts for a touch of color.  If you are looking for a green wreath with a contemporary feel, try using lily grass instead of using spruce boughs.  I love the look of this wreath!  Click here for the full instructions from Better Homes and Gardens.

Does anyone have any creative wreath ideas?!  E-mail me your pictures and we’ll put a post together of all of your creative ideas!

Images: cranberry ice wreath and red roses wreath (inmagine.com), green lily grass wreath (bhg.com)