Simple Joys

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQaTBKoDwE6jCueSYVaKNZVC4nNKzbyopo1pUoaPwp0f7iwiAOPg9rX0t3gYFWw5Twp6MetEXKDNxntif4vRbJHHZuyTJyuM1aq87E8HNAJXwYsxN-J0Rp0VX3EYEbkflxluS0i8L8mgP/s1600/two+deers+on+shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQaTBKoDwE6jCueSYVaKNZVC4nNKzbyopo1pUoaPwp0f7iwiAOPg9rX0t3gYFWw5Twp6MetEXKDNxntif4vRbJHHZuyTJyuM1aq87E8HNAJXwYsxN-J0Rp0VX3EYEbkflxluS0i8L8mgP/s800/two+deers+on+shelf.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year my holiday decorations</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">are quite minimalist in nature.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70sK6XwRL_qnKqWaH7Gz16uBoMCfbNCp79pRr8RqLgX1XBvFTumbK0jMfJC-v2lkOI04-GqCIpqLcYW63RKw72KiviLP8_GDqI7jBuhP2jjILbwW3TZstinlGwTBVqQa22XAhOTVlfRJb/s1600/vintagefabric@GlenMagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70sK6XwRL_qnKqWaH7Gz16uBoMCfbNCp79pRr8RqLgX1XBvFTumbK0jMfJC-v2lkOI04-GqCIpqLcYW63RKw72KiviLP8_GDqI7jBuhP2jjILbwW3TZstinlGwTBVqQa22XAhOTVlfRJb/s800/vintagefabric@GlenMagna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps I left a lot of my best ideas at Glen Magna?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://designerbath.blogspot.com/2013/12/mistletoe-in-powder-room.html">{see some here}</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF-1YF6sX3ObscCmMykPFTc0ZssZ6T-ZmryQ1I_7n9v7jT8HuH6mcOLIV3bgw1P1ZWMI7uL9zPL9WAMKnY9iUedxng_-kxJU6rbSUjjuxQF0rm8g4CxYF7Z2yKKQ3tMDMZst5qvEwnTbX/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-24+at+9.30.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF-1YF6sX3ObscCmMykPFTc0ZssZ6T-ZmryQ1I_7n9v7jT8HuH6mcOLIV3bgw1P1ZWMI7uL9zPL9WAMKnY9iUedxng_-kxJU6rbSUjjuxQF0rm8g4CxYF7Z2yKKQ3tMDMZst5qvEwnTbX/s320/Screen+shot+2013-12-24+at+9.30.04+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But at least we have our tree up at home and shopping is (mostly) done! Now it’s finally time to celebrate spending quality time with my family. Have a wonderful holiday!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo yvonne</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Simple Joys

This year my holiday decorations are quite minimalist in nature. Perhaps I left a lot of my best ideas at Glen Magna? {see some here} But at...

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Show House Good Morning!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODXHaxdfP3Ywai3fUOwa8RJcm0tZwYG8MWjtFZJO3m5vQ1QayyYG8-Tu3-ZDHi4viG4YG-KqTjqrzTVIFMT7QFrEYng073BZ7a_I8VG6GpOVC3jz1hx-5hh3sWjJvdeaVrGgFOgZu3ApR/s1600/brunch@glenmagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODXHaxdfP3Ywai3fUOwa8RJcm0tZwYG8MWjtFZJO3m5vQ1QayyYG8-Tu3-ZDHi4viG4YG-KqTjqrzTVIFMT7QFrEYng073BZ7a_I8VG6GpOVC3jz1hx-5hh3sWjJvdeaVrGgFOgZu3ApR/s800/brunch@glenmagna.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Last weekends show house brunch provided</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>by Linda Hentschel of i-Design Interiors</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is just one week left to visit the Designers Holiday Show House at Glen Magna Farms <a href="http://danversshowhouse.blogspot.com/">(ticket info here)!</a> When I was first invited to walk through the estate back in early January to imagine how it would look renovated for a design show, I knew it would need a lot of work and TLC. Once show house preparation officially began, there were many individuals – designers, volunteers, and hired contractors – behind the transformation of each room. In my three spaces alone, I worked with over two dozen people to accomplish my design goals on time (we had just one month to work on-site). When I post final photos of my rooms, I will share the pros behind the makeover. For now, take a peek at my post for Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace where I share advice on <a href="http://mvb.me/s/4b8ccf">“How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Contractor.</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://mvb.me/s/4b8ccf">”</a> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Because in the end, every great project is accomplished with teamwork!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9rQTEzSpXa_rY5gYUSLdTzdvGZraU6SgL5DIXzlnDy74flPDmZInuWx7D11blEdcMI7UUwdoqD2w2Bt22P9NzNkzj8zww3sUAPphVBLcNmFpu8hlj_CsPZlHqEDhxScUK_tUBPkCD10c/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-07+at+8.53.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9rQTEzSpXa_rY5gYUSLdTzdvGZraU6SgL5DIXzlnDy74flPDmZInuWx7D11blEdcMI7UUwdoqD2w2Bt22P9NzNkzj8zww3sUAPphVBLcNmFpu8hlj_CsPZlHqEDhxScUK_tUBPkCD10c/s800/Screen+shot+2013-12-07+at+8.53.59+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />

Show House Good Morning!

Last weekends show house brunch provided by Linda Hentschel of i-Design Interiors There is just one week left to visit the Designers Holiday...

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Designers Holiday Show House Sneak Peek!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcKvMOjOPLfnOck20ENt-OC7Jt0x6OtFxqtPtO9zOck5skrvZR3kQV1AacZ2rJ-4VPjC8-XgXPeKg8vHlmwlMga-omzX4SUaxe-Tgt0CjuTtui7zPMlLiC3epE2Lzc6Tz9ZvrWG3Z1lKG/s1600/roses+preview+@glenmagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcKvMOjOPLfnOck20ENt-OC7Jt0x6OtFxqtPtO9zOck5skrvZR3kQV1AacZ2rJ-4VPjC8-XgXPeKg8vHlmwlMga-omzX4SUaxe-Tgt0CjuTtui7zPMlLiC3epE2Lzc6Tz9ZvrWG3Z1lKG/s800/roses+preview+@glenmagna.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>flower arrangement by Laura Thomson Design for one of my rooms</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>at the Glen Magna Farms Designers’ Holiday Show House</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the past month, I have truly enjoyed traveling down the long unpaved drive that leads to the grand Endicott Mansion located at <a href="http://www.glenmagnafarms.org/">Glen Magna Farms</a> in Danvers. I have spent the last four weekends working on my suite of rooms there (with lots of help during the week from a list of others), transforming these spaces and furnishings from worn and weary to show house ready. And with each visit, every time I took the first turn off of Centre Street to follow the signs to Glen Magna Farms, I felt a little bit like I was heading home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am not exactly sure why the property has this strong affect on me. Perhaps the emotional imprint is simply because I worked there for a number of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-this-butlers-pantry-changed-my-life.html">summers in my twenties,</a> enjoying the view of the landscaped grounds and the fleeting luxury of being a part of the mansion lifestyle.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Even still, there is something about passing the open fields, stone walls, and tall mature trees leading up to Glen Magna that just feels right to me. Most likely this strong association is a result of being New England born and raised, but there is also a part of me that tends to imagine that perhaps I lived there hundreds of years ago during a time when every day was unplugged and people dressed for dinner and danced in the evenings to live music in the ballroom. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDY5WEWOOqnvshOM2P_y_KGFKiB1qS1AMEFDxAHApW8idTqxGrmB-hVS_SjUrv__nrS1yUEFDBjd5kWw126lSVnbG74-dcY5Jo3tqcinfW6SEaZp-PH5m2yLsmHzMeK6O8kWLS_ycg9i6/s1600/GlenMagna+gala+entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDY5WEWOOqnvshOM2P_y_KGFKiB1qS1AMEFDxAHApW8idTqxGrmB-hVS_SjUrv__nrS1yUEFDBjd5kWw126lSVnbG74-dcY5Jo3tqcinfW6SEaZp-PH5m2yLsmHzMeK6O8kWLS_ycg9i6/s800/GlenMagna+gala+entrance.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This past Saturday night was the </span><span style="font-size: large;">preview gala at Glen Magna, and it truly felt like a step back in time. There were elegant gowns and well-tailored tuxedos, sparkling champagne being served on silver platters, a harp playing classical music mixed with traditional holiday favorites in the foyer. A large tent (heated) was set up just off the back porch where designers and guests could mingle before heading in for the guided tour.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbgldrLQhZfl1Mor0R7z_ypZHQwjPc7U399DYtCV7KQQKYljmrLOxOcuQfp5Cy_9LMG60BzmMenfesy82CHLTS4E0VtBG1m5kG2vJkYpD9CFspl618bOZWqbEg61xVJPwJwoxRcTPDM4h/s1600/harp@glengala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbgldrLQhZfl1Mor0R7z_ypZHQwjPc7U399DYtCV7KQQKYljmrLOxOcuQfp5Cy_9LMG60BzmMenfesy82CHLTS4E0VtBG1m5kG2vJkYpD9CFspl618bOZWqbEg61xVJPwJwoxRcTPDM4h/s800/harp@glengala.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGl_T6Xy2e0k6A7rlCdwENa-Hi9UCp_RaUdBWhIskUza9lz3zBZz429ZNntpYuZufbCtI7YqyW18oXl4EAqPexDVXSp8AlObx0MPRGF4xP3oz2fk_zNY217kGA3IZH3h_fvA5mhT7JnMn/s1600/yvonne+john@glengala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGl_T6Xy2e0k6A7rlCdwENa-Hi9UCp_RaUdBWhIskUza9lz3zBZz429ZNntpYuZufbCtI7YqyW18oXl4EAqPexDVXSp8AlObx0MPRGF4xP3oz2fk_zNY217kGA3IZH3h_fvA5mhT7JnMn/s800/yvonne+john@glengala.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>with my honey, John, who I met while working</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>summers at Glen Magna over 20 years ago</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfRAhUs0e0DXCbENylDI78c7ZOF16JgBAn63eUG_cbaYu3aiEHZgTQqT1C-Rxuo1my210KWeYXlosasCvI2q3XL94zUvI7foISS7_mi9F6vQ14zNnpT1cxuxP2qzOsAnrrsOAFAuTCTEC/s1600/Linda+Kurt@GlenMagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfRAhUs0e0DXCbENylDI78c7ZOF16JgBAn63eUG_cbaYu3aiEHZgTQqT1C-Rxuo1my210KWeYXlosasCvI2q3XL94zUvI7foISS7_mi9F6vQ14zNnpT1cxuxP2qzOsAnrrsOAFAuTCTEC/s800/Linda+Kurt@GlenMagna.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>my dear friend and designer of the Bride’s Room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Linda Hentschel with her husband Kurt</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjRjG39dE-6sCAwJTZPJYZ5YJMjxf1CSqVuja3dIUwC3gFRlV8xhrRi525tLtyKP5tQUlatlIJ2wcsJfaZdXnAxOVnxdMGcKiVkcMEsawbKX8fOVTBHMgHSSkEr34SSYYukTxVTtcXtsj/s1600/yvonne+candy+jennifer@glengala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjRjG39dE-6sCAwJTZPJYZ5YJMjxf1CSqVuja3dIUwC3gFRlV8xhrRi525tLtyKP5tQUlatlIJ2wcsJfaZdXnAxOVnxdMGcKiVkcMEsawbKX8fOVTBHMgHSSkEr34SSYYukTxVTtcXtsj/s800/yvonne+candy+jennifer@glengala.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>with new friends, fellow Glen Magna Farms Show House designers</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Candy Weston and Jennifer Dunn Coen in the dining room</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp1shIqZti2GqL29g8LZ7IHeNp3bBTVpSgAz0H69kl9zX2Xy1Z108DSQ6kfH1I_HutUwo3BUGIbwsgbqVu2CHCMgfmGlEWz9tc2Q0aXHAB9AZVDiiAmM6WbgeU_JtTWdIKz0DEhK8EMI0/s1600/matt+heather@gala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp1shIqZti2GqL29g8LZ7IHeNp3bBTVpSgAz0H69kl9zX2Xy1Z108DSQ6kfH1I_HutUwo3BUGIbwsgbqVu2CHCMgfmGlEWz9tc2Q0aXHAB9AZVDiiAmM6WbgeU_JtTWdIKz0DEhK8EMI0/s800/matt+heather@gala.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Matthew Martin, Buildings and Grounds Restoration Manager</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>with Heather King, Glen Magna Farms Special Events Manager </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZpV-pF7um-_rC7d32thNWPp9xx-ZB6AbYoeiux8QNUnbLZeySPQqJUMnA1HRlLfBOpjRqQ_IAoQgsZAHobGU0y1eKev_hcbSVqGCgAXTx1g8QetZWhSoayrNAn0VOLdlA_ApXezYGn3n/s1600/glen+designers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZpV-pF7um-_rC7d32thNWPp9xx-ZB6AbYoeiux8QNUnbLZeySPQqJUMnA1HRlLfBOpjRqQ_IAoQgsZAHobGU0y1eKev_hcbSVqGCgAXTx1g8QetZWhSoayrNAn0VOLdlA_ApXezYGn3n/s800/glen+designers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A press day photo in the two story foyer at Glen Magna Farms. From left to right ...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Front row: Caitlin Flynn, Diana Kennedy, Linda Hentschel, Jennifer Dunn Coen, Donna Terry. </i><i>Back row: Elyse Parkhurst, William Ralph, myself, and Michael Carter. Missing from photo: Candy Weston</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Designer Candy Weston and decorative artist Karen Ward received the “traveled the farthest</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> prize for making many trips back and forth to Glen Magna from their homes in Vermont and Nantucket. While my ties to Glen Magna began a couple decades ago, Candy’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s history to the estate goes back much further (and was somewhat of a surprise to her). You will have to come see the estate for yourself to hear and see the details!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will post room photos after the show closes on December 15th. Please consider visiting the show and taking in the holiday and design inspiration while helping to raise funds to continue the renovation and preservation of this lovely historic property that all are able to enjoy today and for years to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://danversshowhouse.blogspot.com/">Ticket Info Here</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Designers Holiday Show House Sneak Peek!

flower arrangement by Laura Thomson Design for one of my rooms at the Glen Magna Farms Designers’ Holiday Show House For the past month, I h...

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My New Dining Room!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Akn94MECPRsU0z8iMQ0EexxmKgWCuottfDHG-isaTtaZSJe-H6rAQ_SeY9_Q1FmpWHIe1LzhSBLTOmDrvmL77Il1uQ-G23A01GeM7klB-kb5zx23n393v1bcpSztPuk3g2snyRb2cCX/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-12-19+at+6.07.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Akn94MECPRsU0z8iMQ0EexxmKgWCuottfDHG-isaTtaZSJe-H6rAQ_SeY9_Q1FmpWHIe1LzhSBLTOmDrvmL77Il1uQ-G23A01GeM7klB-kb5zx23n393v1bcpSztPuk3g2snyRb2cCX/s800/Screen+shot+2012-12-19+at+6.07.30+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think?! If I could choose a mini-home-makeover as a gift this holiday season, I would go for the dining room. It is the one space where we gather as a family every day. I want it to sparkle again! These items are now on <a href="http://imdreamingof.hayneedle.com/boards/894-deck-the-dining-hall">my holiday wish list courtesy of Olioboard.</a> I will let you know if Santa delivers  : )</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imdreamingof.hayneedle.com/"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Create your own wish list here.</span></i></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />

My New Dining Room!

What do you think?! If I could choose a mini-home-makeover as a gift this holiday season, I would go for the dining room. It is the one spac...

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Sugar on Top

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe3UqQBuuQ9N44yrJJcSy91y9RRD7xWQ4lIee1u5U0dRQ4JzKkPEyp206sc-LXSgvVaOJJnJ1HOZG-roGJIJiIqtDGozUEc2MM2Zv7UpLFecz7u6C9_mEeD57fnd3u_Ck8UTKTSrgL9cq/s1600/candied+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe3UqQBuuQ9N44yrJJcSy91y9RRD7xWQ4lIee1u5U0dRQ4JzKkPEyp206sc-LXSgvVaOJJnJ1HOZG-roGJIJiIqtDGozUEc2MM2Zv7UpLFecz7u6C9_mEeD57fnd3u_Ck8UTKTSrgL9cq/s800/candied+house.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">How do you decorate for the holidays?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Decorating for the holidays is a balance of pure child-like enthusiasm and sometimes-but-not-all-the-times adult-like restraint. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend I took the kids to view decorated gingerbread houses at a local church in Lynnfield and a </span><a href="http://www.paradeoftrees.com/index.html"><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Parade of Trees</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> held by the Danvers Historical Society at Tapley Hall. The gingerbread houses were decorated by kids in town. The Parade of Trees mainly by business owners and designers. We managed to get through both events, plus some shopping in the town sponsored Country Store, without any mishap (I was picturing trees accidentally knocked down or sugar-coated houses mysteriously deconstructed.)    </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Dylans-Candy-Bar-Cookie-Advent-Calendar/prod151510038/?ecid=NMALRFeedHy3bqNL2jtQ...&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=prod151510038sku&CS_003=5630585"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsajlqRzPGwXjASP-hL9Tj9zujG2Lw2h8vPUW1b6ch0ZPgvWFwnq1um_7-JTgUdMqQObyP10P3hP3UFo3yDPjqE1lQu1AfZAw4WUOqUB4bNzj1aj2LSPWjfPC3tSuevJVmjm3yfzzS7YZs/s800/dylans+candy+advent.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Do you pace yourself?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ben “You mean we can’t eat any of the candy off the gingerbread houses?” Mom “That’s correct.” Ben “Then I don’t want to go.” Mom “If you are good I will give you money for the Country Store and you can buy your own candy.” I gave him $10. He spent every penny.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uHzn6-VmZexZ3zkeAek6QhyKm0_K9W4GxPmjvhv-DQ1PIguq6ih8K2LrC3KTilBJcMtYkHdUWskAgWG9Uj-e8DFQC3h8le4HSoT6ZO_vj-Oo2OXDUPoowqk9jUm4qd5eYn-OVtJgUbhU/s1600/elf+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uHzn6-VmZexZ3zkeAek6QhyKm0_K9W4GxPmjvhv-DQ1PIguq6ih8K2LrC3KTilBJcMtYkHdUWskAgWG9Uj-e8DFQC3h8le4HSoT6ZO_vj-Oo2OXDUPoowqk9jUm4qd5eYn-OVtJgUbhU/s800/elf+tree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Or does your inner elf take over?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am pretty sure that this tree was minus a couple of candy dots when we left. Sorry about that, <a href="http://danvers.patch.com/articles/video-christmas-trees-of-all-sizes-and-colors-to-be-raffled#video-12360939">Cathy!</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62sW-aApuW9_T48wIUBw8_htM4GTrLEXV_u8byQJEum2ejERfRzyEAwc-xvD6aVIUXMbENpdZ6tqqy_lkNI4UusTj5EZMRyvwxHINk6Lk8aAmK7lc5r3xVTnmp7fKdVq1d3UmBz6-1y6G/s1600/marshmallow+wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62sW-aApuW9_T48wIUBw8_htM4GTrLEXV_u8byQJEum2ejERfRzyEAwc-xvD6aVIUXMbENpdZ6tqqy_lkNI4UusTj5EZMRyvwxHINk6Lk8aAmK7lc5r3xVTnmp7fKdVq1d3UmBz6-1y6G/s800/marshmallow+wreath.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Are you a fan of all white or a mix of colors?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This wreath was hung just low enough that my 8 year old could select a pop from it, but he did put it back, reluctantly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-dWGPU3COo3xfkmC246h20v-434f_qUL44Gs3bvrTrVXxl2kNq1kJ4CGB9CQBcKNvtd-joFJzj54dED8qxaVKQa1qsKMkE4n-8gwOVWdvh4WOzGZzx_whPUtNXcORMfz_mr_wqbpb48o/s1600/marshmallow+igloo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-dWGPU3COo3xfkmC246h20v-434f_qUL44Gs3bvrTrVXxl2kNq1kJ4CGB9CQBcKNvtd-joFJzj54dED8qxaVKQa1qsKMkE4n-8gwOVWdvh4WOzGZzx_whPUtNXcORMfz_mr_wqbpb48o/s800/marshmallow+igloo.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Do you like to think outside the box?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He did not take any candy off the gingerbread houses. That I noticed anyway. I promised him we will have a gingerbread house construction day of our own.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqlPXpfAHbTleu4GaQiYpeHp6uOQbpqmHdSPpkCfDkrqa7vz64569nRG163XQOllImjg9OU9N_yo6F8BFg6mgrpw9p6vwcBWj4n1uGEMavDQJS-BvCGowpyCdpGzgWHuPyH4UC-TBrWue/s1600/iDesign+holiday+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqlPXpfAHbTleu4GaQiYpeHp6uOQbpqmHdSPpkCfDkrqa7vz64569nRG163XQOllImjg9OU9N_yo6F8BFg6mgrpw9p6vwcBWj4n1uGEMavDQJS-BvCGowpyCdpGzgWHuPyH4UC-TBrWue/s800/iDesign+holiday+tree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Designer style or country charm?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We went to Danvers to see my friend Linda Hentschel’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s tree. We loved her over the top blue and silver theme which coordinates with her new logo and corporate identity: <a href="http://idesigninteriors.biz/">i-Design</a>.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ4hgY3E-69XNE7CzVkvknLbDvuk1D-dM3-jA1CRqF8zFU7i7K1SU9vUyGwsFKEwJwlPMMzCmqUb-f2Fp5bxuzea8GdqHggcACnjk05JOTxdobTS7peoU6CNN2Y_9df2dfdYO71njCKWW/s1600/Linda+pre-photoshoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ4hgY3E-69XNE7CzVkvknLbDvuk1D-dM3-jA1CRqF8zFU7i7K1SU9vUyGwsFKEwJwlPMMzCmqUb-f2Fp5bxuzea8GdqHggcACnjk05JOTxdobTS7peoU6CNN2Y_9df2dfdYO71njCKWW/s800/Linda+pre-photoshoot.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Linda is currently featured in the December issue of Northshore Magazine. </span><a href="http://read.uberflip.com/i/94670/218"><span style="font-size: large;">Read about her holiday decorating style here.</span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Company’s Coming Punch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 liters of lemon lime soda</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 liters gingerale</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">64 oz. cranberry juice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">64 oz. apple juice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 frozen orange juice</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 frozen limeade</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">half gallon of rainbow sherbert</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">cut up lemon and lime slices</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>for the adults: top with Prosecco</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobchx5ALo_I38cPrAkfveRCnXtmEAGcFhJaYx-BKULjvcSDd-_YGpMMYIj64cevdHbhH96l9R24wg8oCCpGjn1eMbGXNXV86pZbTvkAiiTgcD3htEfIGMuyyZXi3qLZ1jqRCrPR3LxLqB/s1600/3+gingerbread+huts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobchx5ALo_I38cPrAkfveRCnXtmEAGcFhJaYx-BKULjvcSDd-_YGpMMYIj64cevdHbhH96l9R24wg8oCCpGjn1eMbGXNXV86pZbTvkAiiTgcD3htEfIGMuyyZXi3qLZ1jqRCrPR3LxLqB/s800/3+gingerbread+huts.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Do you like to get away from all the holiday excess?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r5YYmqO3O2mirFLyk6IM9G3kED-I58p7_UMEL80lKoOX7nw6xrds0iq3fEP6zjjQFBUe18nWxZK49Wg7lF6gv0CVNxFVJS2z8UMCmlwniD5NaU7RwKMSIPjOwqbLkC4uQUKzaiuLYen4/s1600/gingerbread+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r5YYmqO3O2mirFLyk6IM9G3kED-I58p7_UMEL80lKoOX7nw6xrds0iq3fEP6zjjQFBUe18nWxZK49Wg7lF6gv0CVNxFVJS2z8UMCmlwniD5NaU7RwKMSIPjOwqbLkC4uQUKzaiuLYen4/s800/gingerbread+tree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Or do you love every minute of it?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm7Uh0MoHxTk09njDLlTehj14oRWcqsXkOqa4wLDBrJ4qD5slAY00L8mDn3aRppFwjK7OI_BIVipOKBk9NLCLwd3h_wW7IEuZZvWK1VISTYKKc5tMobBvy_NrY2IDRRyu69NTWwhT6sLl/s1600/holiday+trees+at+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNm7Uh0MoHxTk09njDLlTehj14oRWcqsXkOqa4wLDBrJ4qD5slAY00L8mDn3aRppFwjK7OI_BIVipOKBk9NLCLwd3h_wW7IEuZZvWK1VISTYKKc5tMobBvy_NrY2IDRRyu69NTWwhT6sLl/s800/holiday+trees+at+store.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let the countdown begin ...</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.S. The Country Store sold out of our <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-build-holiday-centerpiece.html">Holiday Boxwood trees!</a> These were my favorites with their ribbon candy like bows.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Sugar on Top

How do you decorate for the holidays? Decorating for the holidays is a balance of pure child-like enthusiasm and sometimes-but-not-all-the-t...

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How to build a holiday centerpiece

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDs154M0KR9DQaa9Zxjgog94lPkFEIRn9B_vrD6z8aH6gAwuzYYX7W0CY4kLxVqcm-8bA2EVCJDZXCy-fZ2mso-wNqg2mAf58yyTViP3sTuUFm4Bx0nN_3OS0_tqV2M8PLtLl38jpSrZg/s1600/BoxwoodTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDs154M0KR9DQaa9Zxjgog94lPkFEIRn9B_vrD6z8aH6gAwuzYYX7W0CY4kLxVqcm-8bA2EVCJDZXCy-fZ2mso-wNqg2mAf58yyTViP3sTuUFm4Bx0nN_3OS0_tqV2M8PLtLl38jpSrZg/s800/BoxwoodTree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You will need: boxwood greens, floral foam, a dish to hold everything in, plus a good sense of proportion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDDuIeYF3l6cONP_KPK5ORDs6edEFQhEGEkBhGZGN5IyFema2hPvDG9ChDBg1FqGqLkngtMJAYyggV4lQgNWiD3JDXEDSt30PGl0upcisaX49iZo3C8baoqq1DgGq9TAknKgdKpoEY8ND/s1600/ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDDuIeYF3l6cONP_KPK5ORDs6edEFQhEGEkBhGZGN5IyFema2hPvDG9ChDBg1FqGqLkngtMJAYyggV4lQgNWiD3JDXEDSt30PGl0upcisaX49iZo3C8baoqq1DgGq9TAknKgdKpoEY8ND/s800/ribbons.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prepare your ornaments using ribbons, baubles, wooden floral pics and wire, cutting shears, a good holiday play list.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn77v6h7bCPvqoMDvSE-PnpciLP2gwjEKsAn8eMjefqedcEv7nf6M4K4WzT04it8T4trg4jcllbeaY9qKjVtb4IG133_gY3GEXoKd1M98T8cSvjgiFYUHRug2OenCZqwf_A9MydNk8ENwc/s1600/BoxwoodTrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn77v6h7bCPvqoMDvSE-PnpciLP2gwjEKsAn8eMjefqedcEv7nf6M4K4WzT04it8T4trg4jcllbeaY9qKjVtb4IG133_gY3GEXoKd1M98T8cSvjgiFYUHRug2OenCZqwf_A9MydNk8ENwc/s800/BoxwoodTrees.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If these directions seem too complicated, stop by the </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/historical-society-country-store-this-weekend">Old Meeting House in Lynnfield on December 1st</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Holiday Centerpieces-To-Go</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$30 each </span><span style="font-size: large;">at the Country Store</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">– while supplies last –</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Brought to you by The Village Home and Garden Club of Lynnfield</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />

How to build a holiday centerpiece

You will need: boxwood greens, floral foam, a dish to hold everything in, plus a good sense of proportion. Prepare your ornaments using ribb...

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My picks from Pottery Barn

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSmnx34ELOmqOtG0RdxjjfDVJoM8m31wmsntnDxVi2srDLHKSPYUYDEAs-JZnRFBRWunKrXb31tW_Hee7KB399PjhKSL3Cvl4kAfhRObAF1E4jx48fqdgJ8y6lsZ_uoCwcN09jJWtIQZr/s1600/PotteryBarn-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSmnx34ELOmqOtG0RdxjjfDVJoM8m31wmsntnDxVi2srDLHKSPYUYDEAs-JZnRFBRWunKrXb31tW_Hee7KB399PjhKSL3Cvl4kAfhRObAF1E4jx48fqdgJ8y6lsZ_uoCwcN09jJWtIQZr/s800/PotteryBarn-sofa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It’s easy to mix plaids, prints, solids and textures in one area when</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>they have </i><i>a color in common (this year it is a rich red).</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Walk into any <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/">Pottery Barn</a> and you will leave with either bags filled with home decor goodies or a mind full of I-can-do-that ideas. Last month, my friends and I from the Village Home and Garden Club of Lynnfield (we officially added a home decorating component to our program this year) had our meeting hosted at the Pottery Barn located at the North Shore Mall. Two of their design associates shared with us their tips for setting a holiday table and switching out everyday living room decor with holiday inspired pieces.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everything in their showroom works together visually, so you really can’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t go wrong when bringing home new pillows covers, blankets, table top accessories, etc. You can save a little money, however, by shopping around at lower priced home good type stores, but the styling at PB is worth the trip.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did see two items that spoke to me ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX7Co15nsFS_ECYeKUqBl1OkEhJ0zRiLFFSR7l82ukh_WcyZYMiHrKC1yVm8cCWEIsJn6I5Db-TUpy7EiE0WGvgTCsWZfIz7QL4NEZDTS2ms1Hn3ooxG9Rx08n6dlxVQgNOGioepJeOLv/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-28+at+11.06.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX7Co15nsFS_ECYeKUqBl1OkEhJ0zRiLFFSR7l82ukh_WcyZYMiHrKC1yVm8cCWEIsJn6I5Db-TUpy7EiE0WGvgTCsWZfIz7QL4NEZDTS2ms1Hn3ooxG9Rx08n6dlxVQgNOGioepJeOLv/s320/Screen+shot+2012-11-28+at+11.06.20+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/caterers-12-piece-dinnerware-set/?cm_src=AutoSchRel">Caterer’s 12-piece Dinnerware Set</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$49.00 for salad plates</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">$59.00 for dinner plates</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When entertaining for the holidays, having an extra dinner set on hand is so much better than resorting to paper or plastic. I would use them for everyday as well since we are constantly running out of clean dishes. A dozen dishes could just about get my family of six through the day, and we would only have to run the dishwasher once.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT9D2bdDg__pPsrSGvQ5Y8diVBiHkYoejxWsJbBfkwGB7ZCdprJjcqKpHRjEBVu1F4KGaYWUHMbkCGzXSf3TsUZcu0oFkL836frEBsSmemSdRdyIdekjBsanQO-leMuEh5WbTFovtOpdE/s1600/turtle+stand+Pottery+Barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT9D2bdDg__pPsrSGvQ5Y8diVBiHkYoejxWsJbBfkwGB7ZCdprJjcqKpHRjEBVu1F4KGaYWUHMbkCGzXSf3TsUZcu0oFkL836frEBsSmemSdRdyIdekjBsanQO-leMuEh5WbTFovtOpdE/s800/turtle+stand+Pottery+Barn.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite gift-worthy item from Pottery Barn were these hand-hewn <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/blond-wood-paddle-pedestal/?pkey=e%7Cblonde%2Bwood%2Bpedestals%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">Blonde Wood Pedestals</a> that look just as good on their own as they do serving food. They range in price from $24.50 – $89.00. While they may be ordered with a monogram, I like them better as is. They remind me a little of a family of turtles. Cute, efficient, and smile generating.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevPrp5cIZfud9Zg9orkYS-fMjFGcljhEvrnlgHuwwtPo-82RUBEICZ_CzA-WCE3XjLvkw6g4faLFjA681AbCRg8u3lESHFZp8y4wVkSbAivxg7qu3ZpUZbI8MG0B1zN8nPDw0khre_p0q/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-11-28+at+11.28.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevPrp5cIZfud9Zg9orkYS-fMjFGcljhEvrnlgHuwwtPo-82RUBEICZ_CzA-WCE3XjLvkw6g4faLFjA681AbCRg8u3lESHFZp8y4wVkSbAivxg7qu3ZpUZbI8MG0B1zN8nPDw0khre_p0q/s320/Screen+shot+2012-11-28+at+11.28.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/blond-wood-paddle-pedestal/?pkey=e%7Cblonde%2Bwood%2Bpedestals%7C1%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C1&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules-_-">image via Pottery Barn</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />

My picks from Pottery Barn

It’s easy to mix plaids, prints, solids and textures in one area when they have  a color in common (this year it is a rich red). Walk into a...

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New England Finery Winter Issue!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa9bTT2EAsqKrHI-BSHzMiOn2cyajIU_Ysr7_lUiX9mN4KF7gL5LqwC47Me6O1T22fOGktjvIzD8zjryQSnxEwWdtlln8ots5Yu4tkjsGVvCJ22l20dtu6Ss0_IUsnn1539wHe5PqfvEv/s640/NEF+Winter+2011+cover+art.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery Winter 2011</a> : cover photo <a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee Photography</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The winter issue of New England Finery is now online! Filled with inspiring images of entertaining at home, it is my gift to you this holiday season. Since we are all so busy at this time of year, it is a mini-version at about 50 pages.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx29Gy_i8xhsaSI4rLNgAs2rRmMJp1LgRrKEZh3LP6sKBM837OSjBZV0drtNt4va9h6qlo2nOxWYurJmQ4pY-rjk4Ir-_go3E7GBry3JUuY8c-LyvgXLzf2aI824GnfxKVZ5pnllvuUfr/s1600/patternsNEfinery5p16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx29Gy_i8xhsaSI4rLNgAs2rRmMJp1LgRrKEZh3LP6sKBM837OSjBZV0drtNt4va9h6qlo2nOxWYurJmQ4pY-rjk4Ir-_go3E7GBry3JUuY8c-LyvgXLzf2aI824GnfxKVZ5pnllvuUfr/s640/patternsNEfinery5p16.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/17">New England Finery Winter 2011 p16</a> : photo credit Yvonne Blacker</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">fabrics available through <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/home.do">Calico Corners</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bold images and graphic patterns are paired with minimal text, because who really has time to read between gift shopping, package wrapping, treat baking and party hopping?!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzXWhUnr0yS21tK7-9V0-HE0lbkL8bIS__SDdEWakCNvfiKWeEVuVftMqw5AIEF_xkMo2OaQx6tYa6a3mG6nzsL31YluQMHrwkOM5Oyv3_1YgPojvcDtcTDwB15o7gSCESFn_IqMjCO5g/s640/cakeNEfinery5p30.jpg" width="492" /><span id="goog_466604704"></span><span id="goog_466604705"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/31">New England Finery Winter 2011 p30</a> : photo credit Yvonne Blacker<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And in the event that you need a secret “easy</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> recipe to serve up this weekend, consider giving my </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Confection Cake</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a try. It is so simple to make (the little ones can even help) and I think it looks really pretty! The recipe is on <a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/31">page 30</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2-sj55uB25Ma_8LaNZUS9gI1SP8xB-cOpeJMdm2Ui4qx2jWhvhVZqHjEomDmcQDP9lMNayUQ0u1UyveZAXHkEIc4cvR6MdJYAHdrxe7pD_WWpz3pjAwtWv3_-3GMfAzvrqfenixYDp29/s1600/pomeroy_newleaf_roth_nefinery5p25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2-sj55uB25Ma_8LaNZUS9gI1SP8xB-cOpeJMdm2Ui4qx2jWhvhVZqHjEomDmcQDP9lMNayUQ0u1UyveZAXHkEIc4cvR6MdJYAHdrxe7pD_WWpz3pjAwtWv3_-3GMfAzvrqfenixYDp29/s400/pomeroy_newleaf_roth_nefinery5p25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_winter_2011/25">New England Finery Winter 2011 p25</a> : photo credit <a href="http://www.ericrothphoto.com/">Eric Roth</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Design: <a href="http://www.geraldpomeroydesigngroup.com/">Gerald Pomeroy Design Group</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Florist: <a href="http://www.newleafjp.com/">New Leaf Flores</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy holidays, everyone! Whatever you celebrate, I hope you get to spend lots of quality time in the presence of your favorite people. Enjoy!!   </span><span style="font-size: large;">xoxo  </span><span style="font-size: large;">yvonne</span></div><br />

New England Finery Winter Issue!

New England Finery Winter 2011 : cover photo Michael J. Lee Photography The winter issue of New England Finery is now online! Filled with i...

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It’s (almost) a wrap

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqZVVx5twF7rhQFQf_I9Vsj4S7rTGZWAmASc9mXBXRro8KDZkCIgT4VUUJn9bWNe7P0ebWJpum27NUbETpn9Q-lBF3qXQYJZMbGY8a4TEteFKrtEOpk9MlK23dMRd6vNEf3tlLXJ8iFG0/s1600/silver+gifts+CHT+Rosenfeld-Reider.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685084637590780386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqZVVx5twF7rhQFQf_I9Vsj4S7rTGZWAmASc9mXBXRro8KDZkCIgT4VUUJn9bWNe7P0ebWJpum27NUbETpn9Q-lBF3qXQYJZMbGY8a4TEteFKrtEOpk9MlK23dMRd6vNEf3tlLXJ8iFG0/s800/silver+gifts+CHT+Rosenfeld-Reider.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; " /></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Silver paper sparkles in a room filled with designer patterns.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by <a href="http://katierosenfelddesign.com/">Katie Rosenfeld</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelreider.com/">Rachel Reider</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">for the </span><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 201</span>1</a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8qTo3KsuKrypynkBwfbRG49LiDxto66X919pm0Y38pXsxv9RQvURCaCT560Rt1acjFGnw0_aJvPrWClI_8l4mrX24GEtRO3GIMnSwq4WuJjPeCD8jg7d5oJdyHZs45kW2k15cllWrqRU/s1600/mudroom+CHT+Reider%253ARosenfeld.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685078258812258866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8qTo3KsuKrypynkBwfbRG49LiDxto66X919pm0Y38pXsxv9RQvURCaCT560Rt1acjFGnw0_aJvPrWClI_8l4mrX24GEtRO3GIMnSwq4WuJjPeCD8jg7d5oJdyHZs45kW2k15cllWrqRU/s800/mudroom+CHT+Reider%253ARosenfeld.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; " /></span></a></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Naughty or nice? This wrapping paper is sure to get noticed.</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by <a href="http://katierosenfelddesign.com/">Katie Rosenfeld</a> and <a href="http://www.rachelreider.com/">Rachel Reider</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">for the <a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</a></span></div><div><div><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BZtovouf7N9SossSFMcxYhIiPvnhl3SODl5DWrFb3RcqFw95UrRb049WLiz-TR8V2yxLHas4kG47fGnqs2kWAZzAZzuX5Yodc8ML6gKpBjHK9RzdlE0dfrrEja0_XSV_7ufEtU2DaFOo/s1600/wrapped+gift+chandi+-+Bovey.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685079367989298962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BZtovouf7N9SossSFMcxYhIiPvnhl3SODl5DWrFb3RcqFw95UrRb049WLiz-TR8V2yxLHas4kG47fGnqs2kWAZzAZzuX5Yodc8ML6gKpBjHK9RzdlE0dfrrEja0_XSV_7ufEtU2DaFOo/s800/wrapped+gift+chandi+-+Bovey.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; ; " /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><i>Small, brightly colored packages </i><i>look right at home<br /></i><i>nestled in a pair of dining room chandeliers.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by Hillary Bovey of Concord for the</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</span></a></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3NV6QySxHfDX7VXwt19cLCkFkz5NXyuUF6xBpwG9a8J1EaLlkbOmx1Wo6XU_T-PcNTRUVFnOVtmeM-nFFYVXHMscjOSlF03Rz6LNMOK8DuyiSVQCPCqFQL6oJ-qy4qpHzVNJ-o-P3H9h/s1600/red+room+CHT+McCusker.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685086776432050722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3NV6QySxHfDX7VXwt19cLCkFkz5NXyuUF6xBpwG9a8J1EaLlkbOmx1Wo6XU_T-PcNTRUVFnOVtmeM-nFFYVXHMscjOSlF03Rz6LNMOK8DuyiSVQCPCqFQL6oJ-qy4qpHzVNJ-o-P3H9h/s800/red+room+CHT+McCusker.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; " /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">An evergreen garland strung with gifts adds<br />holiday charm to this traditional fireplace. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Space decorated by Kate McCusker of <a href="http://www.theodoreandcompany.com/default.html">Theodore & Company</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">for the <a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour 2011</a></span></div><div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/57" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685073226677734866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-y00YjsKQjfzZ6giNMFYEGCFuGFTlQBRX4V7rnxctpqJ9cO1msGAmyra2Y5UY6PCq_LZUaVF2JZIQcK1W5_WrawjUi2zvEqhIEdQxmNDMx3psLE7S3iQiHk6FaxyHuLXbBrMpDJTWj2l/s800/Screen+shot+2011-12-11+at+10.12.25+PM.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; ;" /></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">If only ... a place for everything and everything in its place.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://issuu.com/nefinery/docs/nef_4_autumn_2011/57"><span class="Apple-style-span">New England Finery Magazine, Autumn 2011 p. 57-58</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html"><span class="Apple-style-span">Michael J. Lee Photography</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></u></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Remember this great wrapping room featured in the last issue of <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">New England Finery</a>? If you are in the throws of the holiday gift buying/wrapping/giving season, I bet this kind of dedicated space is looking like a must-have about now. And if there is a lock on the door it would be the ideal place to hide surprises from sneaky little (and big) ones who just have to know if they are getting everything on their list.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I have barely had a chance to do much holiday shopping myself (so boys if you are reading this you can stop looking), however I have been putting the finishing touches on some holiday gift giving and decorating ideas for the next issue of <b>New England Finery</b>. Look for it online later this week. <a href="http://newenglandfinery.com/">Click here to subscribe</a> (it’s free – my gift to you : )<br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div>

It’s (almost) a wrap

Silver paper sparkles in a room filled with designer patterns. Space decorated by Katie Rosenfeld and Rachel Reider for the Concord Museum ...

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Holiday Homes Tour

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s1600/applecidermartinis-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904695148379730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCy2dEZTAyfZz6a_jpr7LTij7lcIS3R9Mp2Yp1ADDLwSobN1UaL6pXCIBkROHAgQphn0Xw4C1C6buVFtJt_sB-ECqRfeUOUO0f7VPxD04y9sudyPWx7DXMMXJS5eqeoQ2MDX1wvWC4rPNx/s800/applecidermartinis-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Laura Thomson designed vignette for the</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, MA</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Around the same time that I was planning <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-england-finery-at-antique-show.html">my New England Finery decorated space</a> for the Boston Antiques & Design Show, I was asked if I would like to participate in the <a href="http://homestour.bestforboxford.org/BHTdesigner.html">Boxford Holiday Homes Tour</a>. I thought about it for awhile, but with a magazine to produce, a show to prepare for and a new full-time job (I will share more about that in a later post), I just didn’t think I could pull it off without cutting corners somewhere. I am just one person (my favorite new line : ) and so far have not learned how to clone myself in order to be in two places at once! But I knew someone who could really rock this type of event. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s1600/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673904699031431442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBR-PM0J-MrdWCGyA7_QFmiY9epbrWlYQru_tFEO9_VHGjwxYQtrJSzi9npu8VTEBF8qtC14ypO77wlR7WmplLk8CtMVcC3Mo6O_3CvMm80dZJnKg2r_isbruNevEyoxldBSVCDaG9H-qv/s800/table+settings+laura+thomson-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Flower arrangements in vintage red goblets</span> </div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Designer: Laura Thomson</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My friend, Laura Thomson, who I have watched do amazing work year after year at our garden club <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2011/04/art-in-bloom-2011-part-2.html">Art in Bloom</a> shows, and whose home is to-die-for gorgeous (get a glimpse of it <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/decking-halls-part-1.html">in this holiday post</a>), was willing to step up and be one of the featured designers. And she did an amazing job! </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s1600/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673910370794459010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXB7qdTtlRYfRKYGq0SiOCHFvb1wujHJr7MmpTPTlNslFEqesWJedupErTo7HwyIxIyqpQGbAcTDxYpDQPvVMFs85R81QHZD38rs4ki2359kWb0U-rOuQ1uoe87K92GJUXLV2RYRgMUXj/s800/urn+w-pumpkins-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />She had an entire porch (and a large bit of front yard) to decorate. The porch itself had gorgeous stained floors and rustic looking white-washed walls. To see what Laura did to transform this veranda to an autumn cider-pressing party, visit her new blog <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxford-holiday-homes-tour-part-deux.html">Designing44</a> to read about it in her own words. And be sure to follow her – she is super talented and I can’t wait to see what she posts in the future!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903348589423954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s800/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Want to see more from the tour? Here are some photos that I took while enjoying this </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">holiday stroll</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on a warm, early November day.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s1600/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903562408481682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-xAsIx3nKrJMOvaSYIdpTvNZJVSHzQ340zHwwnqiJTOZBkppDA4CbD_zx1PypxR9KyJSYedHWNTUCD1QZh8c-W2YfTuHh3vcbsG4I6aN1KKdvqfJF2TXwrnyolcBHpAnxhYwyiB8dthc/s800/autumn+urn+w%253Agrass.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I never tire of a classic black urn with fall flowers, grasses, peppers and gourds. So colorful and welcoming!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM8uZk3gcbapD1HtUm36Vu4l-F4AvT-Ps7HPKKWOrkR_yv6fTVejkbEvfpt0gyh5L4aveTCDk-9tPfG_OLktk0-9OlaxhkmXW-oliLXA44sRzc4nkUqSvpKHnUcvZdwesWueT9pxHjsy2/s1600/Thanksgiving+dining+room.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s1600/green+dining+room2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673924455653963122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6iHiS3j9e5YmQ7bc758Aue51l7KABfQ4t2pUjE_yWVVALCR2rilhsu9TK4iaF4b-hIgQbfWSthb1Vp9NLMa9diqwbBb8fOyLHNQarZE5qW9GCg-xOdcbDM8xOfeAVYzqE5Vu-agwCWnm/s800/green+dining+room2.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This dining room was striking with fresh green walls, cobalt blue glassware and pumpkin spice damask chairs.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzz_4oO8gMUS9qLZ74pdvTqMrarOkdEkZxVzKuGMjK7a2pgygnk3ywGkH_wMNOUosucRqXtxloqX0O5gqSxRAmgobTV7rN4Q27XP8A7u3LvIYBn-vai5pV-LY3cz6DS5yyWMTlAG9ZH1I/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s1600/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673903351146074530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA47MFCSd-Jvkk8xI4HqLgc3PeA7mZmWw-RcDhRciHBJWZWDjXDlYp4ZS_HKKeVgN1yJi14qSCZzNnjD3fgguYink4i1rtw-9vDWlqLjdMQbQ6-GsxcI-mhwl1VdWvRD4Z8DLhBhYYuUf3/s800/seaside+holiday+table-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The designer of this space, Arlene Jaffe or AJ as she likes to be called, came right up to me and introduced herself, “Do I know you from somewhere?” Well my memory is not as good as it used to be, but after a few minutes of “were you here, were you there” we figured out we <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/decorators-q-luncheon-in-york.html">sat together at a luncheon</a> that featured a panel of designers from the Old York Decorator Showhouse back in 2009.<br /><br />I loved seeing AJ’s work in person. She has an elegant sense of style paired with a super-bubbly personality. Note to my designer friends: when showing off your work at a designer showhouse, don’t be shy! Introduce yourself to visitors and get their feedback like AJ does. You will never know what you have in common unless you start a conversation!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s1600/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902856791002946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UIVRVNisLg9PMpWPx_FnVtD0Ea-YuSeBNiLb2oABmKnbSLoK0aERdJq7vzG1mP_aId50Atq3w0aUEuGJUlOp073qzmvewxCeoN7_pK7ARnHVgPVAR3K-1MuWRtKwnZgyXGkc1FFo6pbk/s800/living+room+-+Jaffe.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">AJ not only decorated this home for the holiday tour, she also decorated the home for every day living. This sitting room was quite inviting. Love the artwork over the fireplace, ottoman focal point and </span><span style="font-size:130%;">textured floor covering.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s1600/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673946795955759762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37dNz63-GzfPmNS8eBEpybOVBiUlaLKFnKaZo1VS8YnsNsNtADp26I1qfvNB05h3jA7WuYR5M22wmO1Y3p7id2jH9qvQRqPn8eUpjZt27UK-k4sSpvoDs6XqEPW11813tvqmdjeoXJBCB/s800/mason%2526madison+food+gifts.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Another friend of mine was on the tour – Liz White from <a href="http://www.masonandmadison.com/">Mason & Madison</a>. She set up shop in one of the homes and had on display numerous gift items including delectables and adorables ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcLqM4DuDvPukrcbLXeQE0yUkNyoOjkxmLCdpY2jUCwWU8wlHauxflgIgEy8XWokg8e5FzSyS5Jef2h1bRb7V0Ud3reNWuijKWKUhnoW5hN6Oj7p9HRhte9YqIywhGicEvSKfaPI_5eN_/s1600/autumn+wreath+on+tour-s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s1600/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673902887295850274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-eihrzF5Wna_wuKWspEtZSNdSF89FDlpDdUukynvYgEk4Elg3s_y1E3qO2FvpQDzuZaa7mfnOBBH83-Wrydl2rzkWuILS_DZboc2ZK6XnhEZcBy64wxiRmBo9E_6OaXlGnKR3OZ-24X/s800/girls+gifts+mason+%2526+madison.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s1600/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673948099318284178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfSzBvK8wjdsJ3xz3lsSEZbvjuGs13Dvw_5ifQfeE6SvmByo13L19irO4APfnVUfzdRY0m2nD2qXUSwiH1si99lMgL7OrykMbjKry4XbT5zGWWGUMM8R9QYA5Ea-JZcuCH0g6XlJL0NhY/s800/floral+pumpkin-s.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the designers on the tour, Linda Holt, wrote a <a href="http://newlightredesign.com/2011/11/before-and-after-photos-and-lessons-learned-from-my-first-show-house/">great blog post</a> on being a part of the event. Reading it, I discovered she studied with a color consultant/designer who I follow on twitter, <a href="http://www.mariakillam.com/">Maria Killam</a>. It is a small world! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />If you’d like to take in a holiday tour for yourself (I suggest you grab some girlfriends, your mom, or a design enthusiast to join you) there are a couple coming up that I know of: </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://www.concordmuseum.org/visit/special_events_HouseTour.html">Concord Museum Holiday House Tour</a><br />December 3rd<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sandwichhollydays.com/Home_tours.htm">Holly Days in Sandwich:</a><br />Holiday Homes Tour on Dec. 11th</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Maybe I will see you at one of them?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/getting-ready-for-the-holiday-season">Click here to view more photos</a> from Laura</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >’</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">s space and see some other homes on the tour that I posted about in my decorating column for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span>.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span>

Holiday Homes Tour

Laura Thomson designed vignette for the Holiday Homes Tour in Boxford , MA Around the same time that I was planning my New England Finery d...

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