No Tricks, Just Treats

Happy Halloween! While I should do a pumpkin inspired post, I can’t help but just want to do a little shopping instead. I have been on an online shopping kick recently, and I would be remiss if I didn’t share some great sales I am spotting on my hunt. Today I wanted to share some finds from one of my favorite stores Serena and Lily. They have so many chic pieces and it is even sweeter to shop there with 15% off using the promo FALLTREAT!

So have a great Halloween and remember to treat yourself (plus these treats are calorie free)!

Click links under the pictures to shop!

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Melrose Pendant 

I adore the color and the gold rimming on these pendant lights.

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Huntington Baskets

These baskets are so sophisticated (I love the leather handle detail). A great solution for storing extra blankets for the upcoming chilly days.

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Laquer Brass Tray

This tray is the perfect platter for parties. (or for the bathroom). I love the brass detailing and contrast against the laquered navy.

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Ginko Pillow Cover

There is something about this that looks like it belongs in a Tory Burch store, and I secretly love it. A fresh update to any sofa or chair.

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Round Jute Rug

How fun is this round jute rug?! It is not easy to find a good round rug, and this is full of texture and personality.

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“Greening” by Leslie Grainger

I couldn’t think of a more thoughtful gift than a piece of art. I love the colors and lines in this piece.

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Farmhouse Pottery Cheese Stone 

A fabulous display for your fromage.

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Rivera Side Chair

I love European bistro chairs. They are timeless without being stuffy. These are already on sale for a great price!

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Irving Tray

What a great deep tray for an ottoman or coffee table. Perfect for entertaining.

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Fouta Bath Collection

These would make a beautiful gift- for me! I love the thin and large striped combination.

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Whitewashed Rattan Hurricanes

These are excellent as a gift, or for anyone doing outdoor entertaining. They give the prettiest flicker of candlelight.

 

CITY GUIDE: PARIS

One of the most frequent questions I am asked on instagram is for Paris recommendations. I am finally ready to share some of my favorite places with all of you. From shopping to dining and sleeping to sight seeing, here are my top picks. If this doesn’t inspire you to head to the city of lights, then you are clearly living in the dark.

Passe une bonne semaine! Have a great week!

(I minored in Spanish so I totally googled that)

All photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

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Stay

Super Luxe

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The Ritz

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Plaza Athenee

La Reserve

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Four Season George V

Hotel de Crillon 

The Ritz

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Le Meurice

Le Bristol 

Luxe

Marquis Faubourg Saint Honore

Le Roch

Hotel Montalambert

Relais Christine 

Grab a Drink

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Hotel Costes

The Ritz– patio or Hemingway Bar

Restaurants

Breakfast

Cafe de Flore

Angelina– best hot chocolate

Lunch

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L’Avenue– equally fabulous for dinner

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Merci (shop, then eat)

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Ralph’s

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La Masion Rose

Dinner

Le Brebant

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Le Voltaire

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Loulou– a little bit of Italy in the heart of the tuileries

Benoit

Ambassade D’Auvergne– mashed potato heaven

Le Grand Colbert– The Somethings Gotta Give restaurant

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Chez Andre

Shop

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Chatelles– Oh don’t worry, I ended up with both!

One of my insta friends recommended checking out this chic shoe store. They quickly have become my favorite. I have even ordered online and had them shipped here! The best!

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Le Bon Marche– They have everything and more.

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Merci– one of the coolest stores in the world

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Bloch– incredibly comfortable and well made flats.

Pierre Herme– bring home some macaroons

Rodin Museum

City of Paris Museum of Modern Art

Musee d’Orsay

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Giverny

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Versailles

If you can’t make it to Versailles, you should at least check out this beautiful coffee table book.

Versailles: The Great and Hidden Splendors of The Sun King’s Palace

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Hope everyone can find a way to venture off somewhere fabulous soon (hopefully Paris)!

Calling All Gardeners (And Wannabes)

Last week I went to the launch party of an amazing new website called Gardenuity that literally makes gardening fool proof. As much as I would like to say I am an expert gardener, I definitely could use some help. For example, what will the weather be like later- rain or freeze, hot or humid? How much water, sun or shade does it need? Gardenuity alerts you when your plant needs watering, how much sun it should have, or if it is time to cover it for a freeze. You simply can’t mess up your plants because they simply won’t let you!

Another great perk of the website is the ability to buy herbs and vegetables for yourself or as a gift for friends. They come chicly designed in bamboo planters with compost and a cute orange scoop. Honestly, an amazing gift for the holidays. Even if you live in an urban apartment or any space without green space, you can be a gardener. If that isn’t enough, they even email you recipe ideas for the herbs and vegetables purchased. Instead of buying fresh rosemary at the store, why not just pick some from your own collection?  I am a true fan of this amazing concept.

Being a little green feels good and having a little green tastes even better.

Gardenuity

purchase an herb box HERE

purchase a veggie box HERE

Gardenuity 4 These fresh herbs come perfectly packaged in bamboo containers with fresh compost. I literally used my fresh rosemary from it last night while cooking. Gardenuity 5

Is this not the most ideal gift for the person who has everything, or the person who doesn’t have any space to plant? I adore the packaging.

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The bamboo containers go with every style.

Gardenuity 6 Another great concept. Rows of seeds perfectly spaced out for planting. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t get any easier to be a gardener with GardenuityGardenuity 2 Beets, Carrots, Tomatoes? It is that simple. The perfect way to plant. Also, how great are the rolling planters?

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The complete and beautifully packaged set up. Gardenuity 9

Gardenuity 7 All fresh herbs and vegetables at the opening of Gardenuity’s office space.

Top Tables

While I may be a Kappa Kappa Gamma legacy ( my great-great grandmother was national president), I chose to be a Chi Omega in my sorority college days. That said, I don’t think my family will ever quite let me live it down. While I wouldn’t ever change my choice, I do appreciate how the Kappas put on a top notch fundraiser about tablescapes. This year, I finally decided to take a glimpse at the beautiful tables designed by top Dallas designers, shopkeepers, and tastemakers.

The amount of talent that can be brought to the tabletop is awe-inspiring. It was incredible to see how each place setting was like a personal vignette of linens, place cards, flowers, and accessories. Who needs room for food when there is so much artistic expression to enjoy. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite tables from this year’s KKG Tablescapes event!

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Amy Berry Design

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Collins & Sweezey

KKG Tablescapes 2017 photo by the potted boxwood 3Kyle Knight Design 

KKG Tablescapes 2017 photo by the potted boxwood 4 Elle Cole Interiors 

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If I had to pick favorites…. Curated by Kristen Mullin

KKG Tablescapes 2017 photo by the potted boxwood 7 Barrington 

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Melissa Benge/Wild Grace

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Cathy Kincaid Interiors/Ellis Hill

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I missed who created this beautiful one- if you know, message me!

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Collins Coordination

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Mecox

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Peyton Riley Design & Leslie Purdy Glass

KKG Tablescapes 2017 photo by the potted boxwood 17 Chambers Interiors & Associates, Inc. 

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Boudreaux Associates, LLC

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Hazen & Co. 

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The Garden Gate 

An Eye For Beauty

A few Sundays ago, I flipped through Beth Webb’s new book, An Eye for Beauty. I have to tell you all, I was mesmerized by all of the gorgeous images that she has created. The ambiance of the rooms and spaces she touches are truly chic sophistication for everyday living. Her design is light and refreshing. Beth makes rooms meant for Sundays. The ideal environment to sit back with a good book and cup of coffee. Enjoy a little sneak peek at some of the pages and be sure to pick up a copy: here.

Beth Webb: An Eye for Beauty

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Timelessly Tasteful

Tasteful and timeless don’t always have to go hand in hand, but in this case they compliment each other perfectly. Tory Burch is a name synonymous with style, so it is no wonder that her Southampton home reflects all the epitome of American chic (with the help of Daniel Romualdez). From tennis courts to topiaries, her home is the ultimate display of luxe layering of beautiful patterns. Sometimes you just need a little chic peek in the middle of the week!

XO
Christina

All photos by Oberto Gili  via Architectural Digest

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Tory Burch Home via AD 2 Pop of color and so much layering it makes me swoon!

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Her use of topiaries and terracotta indoors is so refreshing.

Tory Burch Home via AD 11 I would love to get my hands on that large skirted ottoman. What a fabulous way to display books.

Tory Burch Home via AD 13 I love a checkerboard floor.

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The floor is everything!
Tory Burch Home via AD 14 Say yes to trellis

Tory Burch Home via AD 15 Not much more to love than blue and green together.

Tory Burch Home via AD

From the chair by the bed, to the flooring, to the large topiaries in the windows- this is the ultimate oasis.

Second Bloom

I have had tablescapes on the mind lately. That always tends to happen right before Thanksgiving. Besides having great food, I think it very important to have an even better ambience. Candles, layers of necessary fabric, and decorative items that don’t distract, but engage. I have become even more inspired reading Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table by Alexis Clark. It is engaging in the way it sets up tables and flower arrangements by seasons. She offers incredible advice and unique ideas that you can implement at home. For example, using fresh herbs to make an arrangement more fragrant. She brings elements of wonder and intrigue to make dining more of an event than a task.

Here is a little peek of Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s  Art of the Table. 

You can purchase here

 

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Petite Garden

When given a big backyard space, it is often easy to throw in a bit of everything. However, in reality, most of us have smaller backyard spaces in which to work. This can require some major editing. Ditch the pool, keep the grass? A garden of pots or hedges or flower beds? More entertaining space or more garden? Editing is a difficult art, and one that requires constant attention.

I was recently instagram messaging with fellow blogger Kristy Wicks who is working on her intimate backyard oasis. With so many options and ways to approach her beautiful backyard space, I was inspired to post some of my favorite intimate backyard spaces. When it comes to landscaping, I believe less is more. I also believe in having what you love around you at all times. Any space is a success when you find the perfect balance between the two. Of course, there is never too much potted boxwood.

double click photos for source

Happy Weekend!

Mark D Sikes Garden via Lonny

There is nothing like Mark D. Sikes’ West Hollywood garden. It is the best! Via Lonny

Bette Midlers garden via AD I love the checkerboard grass and stones in Bette Midler’s terrace garden. Via AD

espalier and boxwood

Gorgeous espalier and boxwood.

Garden bench via Melissa Penfold Garden courtyard via AD Garden via AD Garden via House Beautiful

This image will forever be timeless. Via House BeautifulGarden via House Beautiful dining table garden via Pinterest yes yes and yessmall garden House and Garden UK townhouse garden via Pinterest

A townhouse oasis

Coral Gables

I was recently in Coral Gables (the Miami area) in Florida celebrating the wedding of two close friends. Even though there was plenty of tree debris from Irma, it did not deflect from the beauty and charm of Mediterranean revivals and colonials throughout the area. I captured a few photos of some of my favorites. They have the worldly elegance and pure ambience of what one would picture of old Florida. I hope you enjoy a selection of photos from my home state (but not hometown).

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A really gorgeous and super fun night! Congratulations Alex and Mike!

Fall Tablescape

One slight drop in temperature here in Texas inspired me to get into the fall spirit. Since I am without little ones, I don’t really “halloween” things around the house. Instead, I prefer a more seasonal take on this autumn/thanksgiving season. I also don’t love using orange that much in my decor. In fact, i really don’t have much of anything with that color besides a punch or two of tangerine around. I like to infuse a bit of fall with white and green pumpkins, jewel tones, and chinoiserie blue & white pumpkins hand painted by some of my favorite artists.

I had the same approach with my fall tablescape this year. I wanted a dash of color, contrast, and functionality to add a punch of fall and festivity to my place settings. I hope you are inspired and feel free to “shop the look” in my links!

p.s. my soup spoon is incorrectly placed in some of these photos- I had to move it for space. Don’t be mad 🙂

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THE TABLE:

Pumpkin (like any flower arrangement- it ranges in price): 

The real winner of the table was my custom pumpkin centerpiece from Dr. Delphinium. I had jewel tones of  deep amethyst and boxwood green make a perfect contrast with the white pumpkin. LINK

Tablecloth ($168):

For my table, I chose a Poolside linen tablecloth from Sferra. It is one of the pricier items, but it is exceptional quality. There is nothing worse than a scratchy and cheap tablecloth!

Plates ($18, $22), Napkins ($15) and Water Glasses:

For my salad and dinner plates I went with Juliska’s melamine line that is dishwasher safe and unbreakable (always a good thing if you are cleaning up at the end of the night after a few glasses of wine). Also, a great way to use the “nice stuff” around kids or not so steady friends and relatives. The Forest Walk Napkins are of the highest quality and would go with any fall tabletop!

Chargers ($15) and Placemats ($14):

I added some texture and contrast with cork chargers and rich green snakeskin placemats from Caspari. I couldn’t find the Caspari chargers online anywhere, but Juliska makes similar ones that are a little more expensive!

Flatware ($79 for 20 piece set):

I love bamboo and I think gold glistens at the dinner table. For $79 you can get a 20 piece gold bamboo flatware set that serves four. It really added the right amount of chic and glam to the table! LINK

 

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PLACE CARDS:

All place cards created by Moore Ink. She works quickly and can do pretty much anything from envelopes to menus to gift tags and more! Can ship within the U.S. EMAIL: margmooreink@gmail.com LINK

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COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS:

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I used Zephyr Gin to create an Apple Autumn cocktail! It was so delicious! Recipe: HERE 

Fall Tablescape by The Potted Boxwood 3 My favorite food blog is Half Baked Harvest. Her recipes are always unique, easy to make, and delicious. This Apple Butternut Squash Burrata Pizza was a huge hit! Recipe: HERE

Fall Tablescape by The Potted Boxwood 4How gorgeous is this Crispy Autumn Kale Salad? I have a couple of friends who are doing Whole 30 so I left the goat cheese out. It was almost too pretty to eat. Would be perfect at Christmas time! Recipe: HERE

To purchase that gorgeous blue & white chinoiserie pumpkin click: HERE

Fall Tablescape by The Potted Boxwood 5 I made these Whipped Ricotta Crostinis as an easy appetizer when people first walk in the door. So simple! You can top with anything. I used extra butternut squash from the pizza on some, and then marinated some mushroom in olive oil and balsamic glaze for the others. Recipe: HERE

FALL DECOR:

Fall Tablescape by The Potted Boxwood 17 I have some velvet pumpkins from Hot Skwash on my bar cart. Just a fun way to add a little Fall to any space

Fall Tablescape by The Potted Boxwood 19 Green and white is one of my absolutely favorite color combinations. Normally this would have two small orchids, jade plants, or balls of preserved boxwood. The minute it turns October, white miniature pumpkins replace it!

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I ordered these hand painted blue & white pumpkins from Karolyn at The Relished Roost years ago. They are some of my favorite fall items. I blend them in with my other blue and white pieces and ALWAYS get compliments on how fresh and chic they are!

See my blue and white pumpkin from Dana at Indigo Home Shop above, next to the the Crispy Kale Autumn Salad!

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