That’s A Wrap

I feel like I go about Christmas gifts backwards. Gift Wrap first, gifts later. I have the cutest wrapping paper and pretty ribbon, monogrammed enclosure cards and freshly inked pens. I find wrapping to be so important. You can spend all this time decorating your tree, but if the presents don’t compliment it, the magic seems lost.

I have rounded up some pretties  that would make the most lack luster gift sparkle. My vetting process: If I could put it on my walls or upholster it on a chair, it will make a great wrap! I love the idea of contrasting ribbon (blue and green, white and gold). So many beautiful ways to make your gift wrapped with love!

Chic Chiny Glossy Wrapping Paper from Zazzle

I couldn’t be more obsessed with this velvety green paper. Via Zazzle

Dogwood Wrap from Paper Source

Dogwood paper is soft and delicate. Would look great with a boxwood green or white ribbon. Via Paper Source

Garden Roses Wrap from Paper Source

Beautiful garden rose wallpaper would have a beautiful presence under the tree. Via Paper Source

Green foil tissue Papyrus

Foil is always reflective under the lights of the tree and this green foil tissue paper is no exception. Via Papyrus

Kate Spase Paper

I love the double sided lining of this chic green cheetah paper from Kate Spade. Via NordstromOtomu Blue Gift Wrap via Etsy

Otomi Blue Gift wrap makes for a festive wrap from tots to fully grown. Via Etsy

Printable wrapping paper from Em Papers

e.m. Papers makes printable gift wrap that is great for small packaging! Love the patterns and the easy accessibility.

dinsosaur wrapping paper via etsy

I don’t know a little boy who wouldn’t love this. By far the chicest dino wrap I have ever seen! Via Etsy

Watercolor gift wrap from Oh So Beautiful Paper

It is called Oh So Beautiful Paper for a reason. I would hate to unwrap it!

Sage Plaid gift wrap from Nashville Wraps

This with a light blue bow would be so dreamy! Tartan Plaid Paper from Nashville WrapsSpearmint blossom wrapping paper from rifle paper co

Spearmint blossom wrapping paper (this with a green bow–ah!). A beautiful pattern by Rifle Paper Co. 

Boxwood Giftbag from Caspari via Container Store

It comes in wrap too! Obviously, I love anything Caspari and everything boxwood. A personal favorite. Via Container Store

Tartan Paper from Luxe Paperie Tartan wrap from Luxe Paperie

Gray and white tartan wrap makes for a universally pleasing winter gift! Via Luxe Paperie

Seasonal Snow

I just returned from a quick weekend in Aspen. It was great to see deer, snow, and mountains surrounded by a cozy fireplace and warm drinks. There is something about the mountains that puts you in a festive spirit with a calming altitude!  I was also able to sneak peek a spectacular project by a renown designer. Hopefully I can share that with you all soon (it is pretty swoon worthy!).

I know I have posted many homes from Aspen in the past, but this one by David Easton is just too pretty for words. Part Scandinavian provincial and part timeless Swedish, this home has every tranquil element of a mountain retreat. Who wouldn’t want to ring in the holidays here!

Photos of this Aspen home designed by David Easton are by David Marlow.

Aspen Home by David Easton 2

I love the light wash and paneling of this area. Hues of soft blues and shades of cream are welcoming and inviting.

Aspen Home by David Easton

More soft ambience and well upholstered seating. A warm and intimately scaled room.  Aspen Home by David Easton 4

Hand-painted walls and a white wash dining table make for a light-filled dining room that works all year long. Aspen Home by David Easton 5

Patterns compliment each other perfectly in this living room. Love the boxwood urns and glass lamps.

Aspen Home by David Easton 3

Another stairway. The architectural details and woodwork give this home the pleasant warmth of a mountain chalet.

Holiday Decor Tips

I was on the phone with my mom yesterday evening and she came across a great holiday decor tip from designer, Tobi Fairley in Elle Decor:  “No matter how gorgeous your holiday items are, if they are competing with your room instead of complementing it, the effect will be lost.”

I feel this is SO important to remember. The holidays often feel like a time where we can go overboard, but it is always best to show just a tad restraint. It is like getting dressed and taking off one piece of jewelry out the door (especially true for us who like to be-jewel ourselves). The same goes for the home. Especially on exteriors, I get too distracted by the lights framing the window, and the deer out front, and the lighted wreath, and the two trees shining bright from the windows…etc. You get the point. I am not saying to not decorate or not have fun, but don’t let the beauty and warmth of your home get blinded by the lights..literally!

 

This photo from Martha Stewart is one of my absolute favorites! It shows just how much less is more and natural greenery always wins.

(Short post again- but hopefully this Z Pack will have me back in action next week!)

 

Martha Stewart Front Door

The Perfect Street

I am feeling a bit under the weather. I can’t seem to shake this awful cold. With my head all fuzzy, it is hard to focus on anything (even really pretty things). I don’t want to leave you all hanging, so I wanted to share my new favorite street in Dallas. Sadly, I am not going to tell you the street name. Let me just say that this street felt like I was in a totally different city. It was hilly, it was full of large yards, and the houses were all so different, yet tasteful. Even if you don’t live in Dallas, I can guarantee you will be equally enchanted by these beautiful and charming homes.

 

Beautiful Home photo by The Potted Boxwood. 2 Beautiful Home photo by The Potted Boxwood Beautiful Home photo by The Potted Boxwood. 4 Beautiful Home photo by The Potted Boxwood. 5

Beautiful Home photo by The Potted Boxwood. 3

 

Gifts Of Giving

I have always loved giving gifts, but there is an element of challenge in giving. I am constantly thinking about what would be the most ideal gift for this season and this time in my recipient’s life. Above all, I love the idea of giving a gift that gives back. It is a truly charitable and gracious thing to give something to others that gives back to someone else.

When I was recently in North Carolina for Thanksgiving, I came across a boutique called R. Riviter which uses uniforms, tents, and blankets, sourced from government surplus or directly from service members, to create truly unique American crafted handbags. The company was started by military wives, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, who devised a model in which “Riveters,” military spouses employed across the country, fabricate the various parts of the handbags in their homes and then ship them to Georgia for assembly.

Why not give back to the military spouses who sacrifice their husbands to keep us safe. In these times in which safety is a fleeting feeling, it feels good to appreciate those who are there to serve.

More at  R. Riveter, American Handmade.

R Riviter Southern Pines 2

A very cute storefront in Southern Pines, North Carolina. It had a rustic American chic feel!

R Riviter Southern Pines

Their signature collection of black canvas bags. Really well made and a constantly classic color combo!

R Riviter Southern Pines 9

I love how the bags have the dog tags on the side.

R Riviter Southern Pines 3

I purchased one of these bags which was repurposed from a USMA uniform. I love that it tells where it was assembled and what material they used to create it!

R Riviter Southern Pines 4

More bags.

R Riviter Southern Pines 5

I think this ottoman would look incredible in a boys room. So cool!

R Riviter Southern Pines 6

Really fun and casual clutches. How cute would this be in the summer with a casual white dress?

R Riviter Southern Pines 7

Cotton blankets.

R Riviter Southern Pines 10

Really well made and well purposed! Not only is it stylish, but you feel good wearing it.

If You Were Wondering

If you were wondering where my beautiful garden stools went  that I found from an antique sale in Asia, they went to my good friend (actually in real life) Jennifer from the Belclaire House Blog in Kansas City. I wish I had a thousand replicates, but sadly I only had this slightly aged and totally enchanting pair. I couldn’t ask for them to go in more appreciated and chic hands! Jennifer’s links are always worthy of a read and her blog is an inspiration to all of my blue and white admiring beauties.

There still is more to be had in my Pop-Up Shop! Don’t forget about Dana Mahnke’s exquisite hand painted ornaments. For those who have ordered, they should ship out soon! Now I am off to entertain for the weekend. A bigger undertaking than I imagined after moving. PS: How does one person acquire so much stuff?!? Pretty stuff stays, paperwork goes….That is my motto these days. Don’t try it at home 🙂

 

The Potted Boxwood Garden Stools via Belclaire House

Pine Time

This past Thanksgiving, like all my Thanksgivings, was spent in the sweet town of Pinehurst, North Carolina. I can’t emphasize enough how much this sweet little town will just charm you to no end. Quaint family owned restaurants, large and classically designed homes, current and timeless boutiques. I did my black Friday shopping on brick lined sidewalks at small businesses. You just can’t help but fall in love.

Well, if you follow my instagram, you know just how beautiful the houses are and what fabulous ambience they hold. Carolina is chic and if you don’t believe it, these beauties prove it.

 

Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 2 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 3 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 4 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 5 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 6 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 7 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 8 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 9 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 10 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 11 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 12 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 13 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood 14 Pinehurst North Carolina by The Potted Boxwood

Deck The Decor

It seems like every year I go, “Wow, It is December.” It is like the most easily guessed surprise that just appears out of nowhere. It leaves us anxious to get houses in order (especially after moving), essential party supplies, and have the type of decor that wows people while still being tasteful and understated. Also, gifts. Who can forget the gifts?!  In the next 25 days we have to perform a Christmas miracle of having everything in the perfect place with chic and cozy decor. Well, we can come close…

Maybe because I just moved, I have a “less is more” approach. Simple boxwood garland along the stairs, some vintage antique ornaments framing a mirror or mantle, and glowing holiday candles emitting soft light and enchanting scent (try Nest holiday candle or LAFCO Fig de Bois) are all I need. I may be taking a less is more approach this year, but I can’t help but admire a more is more approach every year. Start decking your decor! It is December after all.

 

Aerin Lauder Christmas Tree via House Beautiful

Aerin Lauder’s Christmas tree. Simple and tasteful. Via Elle Decor

Alessandra Branca Mantle for Chirstmas via Veranda

Look at that mantle. The detail s incredible and the fresh evergreen garland and roses are a fantastic touch. Via VerandaAn incredibly festive and tasteful tablescape via Chez

I can’t help but love all of these colors together. Blue, green, and white are always a favorite, but it is even more effective with pops of red! Via ChezV.

Beautiful Christmas Tree via Elle Decor

A traditionally quaint and charming fireside tree. I love how the garland is hung above the fireplace not laying upon it. Via Elle Decor

Boxwood and Black Door by Nicole Frazen Photo

A fresh boxwood wreath, similar to the one currently on my door. I always prefer the fresh wreaths over the preserved. Much less expensive and preserved will eventually yellow- might as well keep it real!

Bronson Van Wycks Apartment for Christmas via AD

Such an interesting tree by Bronson Van Wyck. Drooping and accented in red. Via AD

New Englad Home for Christmas by Tanya Capello via Traditional Home

I love the artichoke detailing on this fresh garland. An absolutely stunning holiday design by Tanya Capello via Traditional Home.

Carolyne Roehm Christmas Decor via AD

Of course, it is no surprise that Carolyne Roehm knows how to decorate in the most magnificent way. A bright shining tree and black candle sticks add the ambience. Via AD

Beautiful Christmas Tree with boxwood garland framing the fireplace

An absolutely stunning fireplace of boxwood garland and a tree with vibrant accents of blue against the green.

Janette_Whitson_Porch via Style Blue Print

The porch of Jeanette Whitson decorated subtly but effectively with garland green. I love the no bows and no fuss of this display. Via Style Blue Print

Chistmas Decor by Scot Meacham Wood via Trad Home

A chic backdrop always helps with any festive decor. Scot Meacham Wood definitely knows how to set his decor in a cozy and sophisticated spirit. Via Traditional Home

Christmas Entry via Elle Decor

Lanterns frame this festive entry via Elle Decor.

Bronson Van Wycks Park Avenue Apartment via AD

Bronson Van Wyck understands how to put on a classical Christmas Via AD

Christmas Living Room design via Pop Sugar Home

A classic and inviting living space via Pop Sugar Home

Christmas staircase via Splenderosa

There is nothing like fresh garland, or fake garland that looks a lot like fresh garland. How classically superb are the hurricanes up the steps. Sadly, I could never pull this off with my pyrotechnic pug. Via Splenderosa

Carolyne Roehm decorates for Christmas

Carolyne Roehm knows how to pack a Christmas punch with blue and white and accents of green in the garland and apples. Apples (and oranges)  always seem festive this time of year!

Danielle Rollins Decorating vith Cranberries

Danielle Rollins always knows how to make a decorating splash. The cranberries are the ideal addition of Christmas decor.

English Chirstmas Tree decorated with oranges and cinnamon sticks via Elle Decor

The cover of this month’s Elle Decor. All I want for Christmas are those adorable babies! Via Elle Decor

Festive Entry via Atlanta Home Magazine

A more fresh approach to holiday decor. A simple monochromatic and neutral palette via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine.

Janette_Whitson_Mantel cia Style Blue Print

Jeanette Whitson has a clever Christmas display. How unique is that urn of fire!! What a clever, clever idea.

Miles Redd Chiristmas Deco via Elle Decor

Miles Redd knows how to do color the best, so it is no surprise that he shines during the holidays. Via Elle Decor

Tartan Pillow are a nice touch for Holiday via Country Living

A simple and rustic approach to decor. It just goes to show that you can always add some plaid and tartan to a room in order to get into the Christmas spirit! Via Country Living