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LuxeSpecs

Entertaining

Family Photos

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Family photos are the most personal part of your home. If you enjoy having some out, here are a variety of ways to use them:

  • They are typically in the private areas of your home – shelves added in the master bedroom, hallways to bedrooms and large master bath and closet areas are all great for these photos.
  • If the frames are all the same color and the photos are large enough to see the subject they make a nice hall family wall.
  • Old photos can now easily be enlarged to showcase interesting family history.
  • While framing all at once would be easier, they can be framed with different framing if the color is consistent. Frames can be painted as well.
  • For a contemporary look, it is interesting to use 3-5’ sections showing your children all at the age of 2 or 3 in sepia or gray tones.
  • Silver frames grouped together are always a great look.
  • If you want to have the option of not always having them on display, then a open cabinetry section with bi-fold doors which allows you to close them off for a business meeting or large function.
  • Photo albums can be stored nearby if you are constantly shifting new photos in to the frames.
  • Snap a picture with the smartphone app Instagram then use Instacanvas to print your photo onto stretched canvas!

 

Easter Tablescape

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Happy Easter!

The genius and pleasure of tablescapes is that they don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Since they are often holiday or event oriented, the pieces are used only once or twice a year for a short period.  You don’t tire of them like the pink tile in the bathroom.  Gather your favorite Easter keepsakes and assemble for a personal tabletop! Add candles or twinkle lights. Use the holiday plates and napkin holders. Include holiday candies. Dessert can be served on another set of heirloom plates to truly bask in family traditions!

Put On Your Easter Tablescape!

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Time for a spring setting! No matter the temperature, we are ready for spring colors and a change from winter. Whether you are having a breakfast casserole or ham with scalloped potatoes (poblano chilies added) and carrot cake, the beautiful table awaits!

Pull it all together with color. The French tablecloth is an old favorite and the lavender in it is the most popular spring color. The bunny plates are whimsical. I mixed two styles. The hand-blown glass balls that are always on the table were added to a basket with lavender grass underneath  Battery-operated lights were added to the top of the arrangement along with multicolored ribbon. The ring of colored eggs, gold-washed eggs and small baskets of eggs fill the space. The floral napkins repeat the color of everything. Ribbon added to each napkin ring repeat the color scheme. Some of the rings were made from leftover garland from an earlier project. Hand painted glasses and individual flower vases complete the festive look!

Pick up a few new things and add to the old for a fresh new look!  Have a great holiday!

Happy St Patricks Day

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a subtle French tablecloth, Kate Spade plates that are very versatile, hand painted glasses and napkins from HomeGoods, antique hand painted Japanese plates and shamrocks lit in the glass balls.

The second photo shows how I create a collage with the dishes and decorations. I never buy a complete set of dishes as it would be too hard to store them, but love picking up a few plates, bowls, serving dishes or glasses and combining them at will. Roll it out and have fun with what you have!

Leftovers?

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The contractor/client always ends up with the leftovers from his clients’ moves and spec homes. So his office was a hodge podge that didn’t even have adequate seating for his staff meetings. He needed a revamp! World Market had this great work table with pull out seats! We positioned it in front of the window with northern light. We gave the room unity and interest by adding vertical stripes. He had staff in there working the next day. Everyone was happy with the change and a new look.

Need a Refresh?

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These are clients I have worked with for many years. They need an update from time to time! It is so gratifying to work with returning clients as the results get better and better. The living area in this remodel has a new rug, two chairs, a small round table and ottoman. Look at the difference! Stay tuned for new additions. 

Happy St Patrick’s Day

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Get out the green! It has been the best year to use what you have!

  • A cream tablecloth
  • A square of shamrock fabric in the center of the table
  • Plastic green plates usually used outdoors
  • Napkins used for other holidays
  • Antique Japanese plates my mother-in-law gave me
  • Guinness all around
  • Reuben sandwiches either purchased or easily made with corned beef or other meats and cheeses as long as you add the sauerkraut!
  • Shamrock cookies for dessert

 

Voila!  You have a festive gathering with very little work!  Don’t you love themed parties!