Southern hospitality

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6U8vTJ6C1p7823yCWGk1CFDRxYWEjNiIoTjXa0TlHAN_MA1NuTPsOlDsbVFY4Olsuhw3tcj0zp0o4FWPCfFAf4pUYLUkh8XZDiEHedIKX8GY5qqjStChvaxuhBhqpXkc7sGza-Q3zw8/s1600-h/cupcakes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691374435184354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6U8vTJ6C1p7823yCWGk1CFDRxYWEjNiIoTjXa0TlHAN_MA1NuTPsOlDsbVFY4Olsuhw3tcj0zp0o4FWPCfFAf4pUYLUkh8XZDiEHedIKX8GY5qqjStChvaxuhBhqpXkc7sGza-Q3zw8/s400/cupcakes.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Coconut Cupcakes (</span><span style="font-style: italic;">by Brenda Cataldo) </span><span style="font-style: italic;">on<br />platter from the </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Gail Pittman Veranda Collection </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I spent last Tuesday night at a very entertaining event hosted by the regional consultants of </span><a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/Corp/index.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Southern Living at Home</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, a company created out of the continuous requests by readers for products found on the pages of </span><a href="http://www.southernliving.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Southern Living</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> magazine. Held at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham, this “Design Showcase” featured the beautifully versatile pieces found in the Spring 2009 Catalog set up as themed tablescapes.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Here are some of my personal favorites ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAzdl64NdsBchdvhDKTRQMqLFlWqhwUL5-4YJyPBs1OI-40jWA8jLMF_uGMKoj3xj7rCsY7aIjSphijfd82dLFCX_SyvP7AhCZ4MkJO0bd0XwB9L-xLbFcRWrW9Q7SXwcpT_ARtNRl9g/s1600-h/caddy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691497344116706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAzdl64NdsBchdvhDKTRQMqLFlWqhwUL5-4YJyPBs1OI-40jWA8jLMF_uGMKoj3xj7rCsY7aIjSphijfd82dLFCX_SyvP7AhCZ4MkJO0bd0XwB9L-xLbFcRWrW9Q7SXwcpT_ARtNRl9g/s400/caddy.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJboiWYeSS6a4m_YNg8kmJOZ-yvCfa2Pa2onA2Y8QE_Q7nZLMAbKLAucpRvIZ6JY9q-f6Q4Ak1TL147ZxAd4hQZV3rEJnl07JIprjCa8L54uGzAIr5vw6d7tU1jEvIb0wea7liCyIg4E/s1600-h/PrincessTea.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317699270054744386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJboiWYeSS6a4m_YNg8kmJOZ-yvCfa2Pa2onA2Y8QE_Q7nZLMAbKLAucpRvIZ6JY9q-f6Q4Ak1TL147ZxAd4hQZV3rEJnl07JIprjCa8L54uGzAIr5vw6d7tU1jEvIb0wea7liCyIg4E/s400/PrincessTea.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Princess Party: <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s05/index.aspx?repid=568216">Brenda Cataldo</a> and Leslie Milne</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This table set for a princess and her friends features some of my favorite items:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > Chelsea Candlesticks</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (available in two sizes),</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > Astoria Flatware Caddy</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (used here to hold sweet treats and birthday noisemakers –– I use mine to hold more formal silverware in one, and special serving pieces like the </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Hostess Serving Set</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> in another).</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynF_yL_zmqPxppT24isgN2Za84_6dChI5_7FcL_jQEz1_Be_qspF58BEPw0c_PKJZXZhYltTK_7tpIPs3IoIuhTU-Luf1cNeZt3xMC1SSfdEpSwZASs9hMHIdtVwibRDs9OHlE_4WGUw/s1600-h/HostessSet.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317702022939927714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynF_yL_zmqPxppT24isgN2Za84_6dChI5_7FcL_jQEz1_Be_qspF58BEPw0c_PKJZXZhYltTK_7tpIPs3IoIuhTU-Luf1cNeZt3xMC1SSfdEpSwZASs9hMHIdtVwibRDs9OHlE_4WGUw/s320/HostessSet.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf63BOXxSnt2Fn2wGsabnoISnRn3SNpAR1S84r_LqSOsEnz518T96cDtfdRvSUp-0_ASSpanJWApA17o6Q_0IHabHFrgHkYxaW25pOPxJ_uB04aJNDr_QkrVgPNWaaL25JhUwuYdf6Ow/s1600-h/morse.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692925522205490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDf63BOXxSnt2Fn2wGsabnoISnRn3SNpAR1S84r_LqSOsEnz518T96cDtfdRvSUp-0_ASSpanJWApA17o6Q_0IHabHFrgHkYxaW25pOPxJ_uB04aJNDr_QkrVgPNWaaL25JhUwuYdf6Ow/s400/morse.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Earthly Delight: Cindy Morse</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />This scape featured </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >yummmmy</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> pistachio, chocolate, cream and coffee ... in both its colors and its oh-so-tempting display. I loved the cinnamon sticks in each mug, votives surrounded with coffee beans, and the taper candles inserted in grass filled bowls.<br />Tastefully done!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAdGLY73oBVLtKqsDnhkm5LuPLhAmSIPHiWQcWQtswckHzp_AmXkzI1mHS9ErVANejHNXzXoNFm-zn7Tp_ic6fP5f9AaQCmFHxc92-6Y10cUpmdj1g-vhyfLfHNjRNsbI3VqLVLvvEz4/s1600-h/green:brown.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691191154011490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAdGLY73oBVLtKqsDnhkm5LuPLhAmSIPHiWQcWQtswckHzp_AmXkzI1mHS9ErVANejHNXzXoNFm-zn7Tp_ic6fP5f9AaQCmFHxc92-6Y10cUpmdj1g-vhyfLfHNjRNsbI3VqLVLvvEz4/s400/green:brown.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C4G8YjAsscJtE0OaMTxz9autW-0x3R8C39BqXRUARcGz1fbLc9BTsIHA_X_bmilS43Ci4SfVH67NM1ADfZvTrpWNdUa_OgP3IGGeMYX9AXMnhMbIR1FjFVvUiwwXRmAJ24YC1hkPF-w/s1600-h/verdecollection.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317706302350413970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0C4G8YjAsscJtE0OaMTxz9autW-0x3R8C39BqXRUARcGz1fbLc9BTsIHA_X_bmilS43Ci4SfVH67NM1ADfZvTrpWNdUa_OgP3IGGeMYX9AXMnhMbIR1FjFVvUiwwXRmAJ24YC1hkPF-w/s400/verdecollection.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 102px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">The </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Verde Collection</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (shown above) was just one of the items featured by SLAH Creative Director and ceramic artist, <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/corp/key_people.aspx">Gail Pittman</a> herself. She filled a number of the adorable oblong shaped bowls with small items (candles, chocolates, guest soaps, etc.), put each in a small cellophane bag, then tied it with a pretty ribbon creating a simply adorable hostess gift, teacher gift, etc. with no need to wrap ... </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >how green is that?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> I especially like the unique shape of the bowl and can picture it on a desk to hold business cards, paper clips, etc.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrMAAlNclntg9sfz1tpdkPUHfL-Ft3W62aXfOsRkUoZ9pG8H7kUyWoE888VimZgQ06A9DKLC31S7c-J0V6_kZof4NGuRm0DPvuTGCcke1wgZdIUVo1fPjXvn88ZDtds6MPa3S0FkBp4/s1600-h/gpittman.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691877499249650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevrMAAlNclntg9sfz1tpdkPUHfL-Ft3W62aXfOsRkUoZ9pG8H7kUyWoE888VimZgQ06A9DKLC31S7c-J0V6_kZof4NGuRm0DPvuTGCcke1wgZdIUVo1fPjXvn88ZDtds6MPa3S0FkBp4/s400/gpittman.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Here is Gail </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >(love the unique colorway of her leopard print top!)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> signing a piece for my sister-in-law, <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s01/index.aspx?repid=110315">Susan</a>.</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pA30BrsU9HwEUkGKe576Wg3AfrIEJlmQfxWOwY1h8TXnVyaw6x3KXoewalzJOaRPTexkUIDJdG1PYoN5VxF0-Xsg4eaazyKymRTUrpxPjsKc_VNCvufPQC8ZPkHKElPN14P5C9S3gsQ/s1600-h/signature.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691693683274706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pA30BrsU9HwEUkGKe576Wg3AfrIEJlmQfxWOwY1h8TXnVyaw6x3KXoewalzJOaRPTexkUIDJdG1PYoN5VxF0-Xsg4eaazyKymRTUrpxPjsKc_VNCvufPQC8ZPkHKElPN14P5C9S3gsQ/s400/signature.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Gail was very sweet, approachable and funny. I loved the stories she told about beginning her career by “painting bowls.” When she was just starting out, her husband would approach friends and strangers alike with the question, “Do you want to buy a bowl?” I told my husband he could just insert the word “pillow...”</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm6X70h_gRXKAsXM6lSORxmo7HFQW8Mm_27jazpzDLSvWq9XIyWPw3y0dqJoidgmPyaUKHafmkocGdhAPHMTkeSAnBSbbQyTP5brhUpd8Fhq_uqjiAhOM2FLVDeI0d5ZU0d-CkoUpOAo/s1600-h/leopard+pillow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317713296803405906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqm6X70h_gRXKAsXM6lSORxmo7HFQW8Mm_27jazpzDLSvWq9XIyWPw3y0dqJoidgmPyaUKHafmkocGdhAPHMTkeSAnBSbbQyTP5brhUpd8Fhq_uqjiAhOM2FLVDeI0d5ZU0d-CkoUpOAo/s400/leopard+pillow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">An animal print favorite from my Spring ’07 collection</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlUaw25NEEGr9hKN0vK5aHtEBIKVAD7bSDeWDU1sERAcITbrwUMBWt8_RX72W6oiO6_gva8EIVAX6unlx_sIgldffrghdLv3jAyzlNT_6-Hj91My82yVsEYAThvDYV3I76bhqimUDmKg/s1600-h/sippers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317691793351195634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlUaw25NEEGr9hKN0vK5aHtEBIKVAD7bSDeWDU1sERAcITbrwUMBWt8_RX72W6oiO6_gva8EIVAX6unlx_sIgldffrghdLv3jAyzlNT_6-Hj91My82yVsEYAThvDYV3I76bhqimUDmKg/s400/sippers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Gaveston Summer: Sue Mulligan</span> </span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I thought this tablescape was pretty and fresh, with loads of Southern warmth and charm. I love the citrus colors paired with hot pinks and brilliant blues. This linen/cotton fabric from <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/category/designer+fabrics+for+the+home.do">Calico Corners</a> could work well with this summery setting ...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBZuCEx-hNNb9VtqqerjcfqQ2gyg7N-jOVrbc1JgA16JTrGn6dK6iZt6Y_2111VV2963cPPLiOP_q3S_MmWexKWLZB7KK54MEcymRfKUgUoErwha5R4Wk5wyGdP2SVmIgPDxMXhoqDzM/s1600-h/bipin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317724833997450482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBZuCEx-hNNb9VtqqerjcfqQ2gyg7N-jOVrbc1JgA16JTrGn6dK6iZt6Y_2111VV2963cPPLiOP_q3S_MmWexKWLZB7KK54MEcymRfKUgUoErwha5R4Wk5wyGdP2SVmIgPDxMXhoqDzM/s400/bipin.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 251px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/shop+fabrics+by+color/pink/bipin+ticking+multi.do"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bipin Ticking Multi</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC8MePx0Pz13F42D5jLar02YMuAQucP2CV0lv58BymN02CbKwmMhrrjJIEPXhyphenhyphenR5shrDtN6QQgmy8-LO59t3_THiXsJdzEjQxnwxsbLaHKtc21Zr_27fc-mttGs6w6n0JVyg_GELBJC4/s1600-h/seaside.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317734747167399426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC8MePx0Pz13F42D5jLar02YMuAQucP2CV0lv58BymN02CbKwmMhrrjJIEPXhyphenhyphenR5shrDtN6QQgmy8-LO59t3_THiXsJdzEjQxnwxsbLaHKtc21Zr_27fc-mttGs6w6n0JVyg_GELBJC4/s400/seaside.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sun, Sea, & Serenity: Marcia Hostetter</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Wow!</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">This seashore inspired display was full of great textures and organic beauty. Try creating this look on a smaller scale at home ... here is my version using a favorite Southern Living item – the versatile </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Hemingway Hurricane.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozphMynNlrgtNoB30nlFcgos4ZYoXsddT3QfhjfYpTEM4zmmpd67nUzu3SZNmaGDyRqTnbQ1oG_clqD9HbqQI1FA4K9g94cn3xCUed0hINnlrH2cZ88KvN3K2CuMJ8hpeJ-i2X1ywIPk/s1600-h/hurricane:starfish.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318746187702114626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozphMynNlrgtNoB30nlFcgos4ZYoXsddT3QfhjfYpTEM4zmmpd67nUzu3SZNmaGDyRqTnbQ1oG_clqD9HbqQI1FA4K9g94cn3xCUed0hINnlrH2cZ88KvN3K2CuMJ8hpeJ-i2X1ywIPk/s200/hurricane:starfish.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMZFGj3QWgetHxxr5nTBKAtBWky8Oh_QbbdEK84NUvNA61YrmNMEFh53CrGd1QbyGe0RInhYVQjpu0QezjnumAlAk0eG5a2FaSD1fXXreDsA2ogr0eihtH_NKDqECygkyvTeG-KXv7rs/s1600-h/Hilton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317692308994584626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMZFGj3QWgetHxxr5nTBKAtBWky8Oh_QbbdEK84NUvNA61YrmNMEFh53CrGd1QbyGe0RInhYVQjpu0QezjnumAlAk0eG5a2FaSD1fXXreDsA2ogr0eihtH_NKDqECygkyvTeG-KXv7rs/s400/Hilton.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And I can</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’t leave out the Hilton lounge ... I am not sure who designed the space, but I loved the copper planters with tall branches, large scale chess pieces on the solid console, and the pretty bowl of moss covered spheres. Planters like these are available online from <a href="http://www.smithandhawken.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod260086p&categoryId=cat340058p&sku=260086p">Smith & Hawken</a>. Contact <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s05/index.aspx?repid=568216">Brenda Cataldo</a> for Southern Living at Home products.</span><br /></div>

Southern hospitality

Coconut Cupcakes (by Brenda Cataldo) onplatter from the Gail Pittman Veranda Collection I spent last Tuesday night at a very entertaining event hosted by the regional consultants of Southern Living at Home, a company created out of the continuous requests by readers for products found on the pages o…

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Traditional styling of modern necessities

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbz03frUApqSS8xgdD1l2W1UzL75Q7-HpKTv3omH2rwV3qEcwKJSF6zf-jIucjs8ODZIjd0I5M8u72spkiJJlmAdeQS2GRr5BguAKcqZjYJWHrSmqqQPdTswpGWwdywQvHzJPXkD_zEc/s1600-h/phone:tray:plant.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316554635417017426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbz03frUApqSS8xgdD1l2W1UzL75Q7-HpKTv3omH2rwV3qEcwKJSF6zf-jIucjs8ODZIjd0I5M8u72spkiJJlmAdeQS2GRr5BguAKcqZjYJWHrSmqqQPdTswpGWwdywQvHzJPXkD_zEc/s400/phone:tray:plant.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">There is nothing good-looking about a cordless phone with answering machine </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >(although some gadget-loving guys may say otherwise!)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Instead of ignoring this modern-day eyesore, find a way to camouflage it, or creatively design around it like I</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ve done here. Using a traditional footed serving tray to elevate the scene, I composed a vignette that includes old-fashioned decorative favorites like a pair of glass votives paired with a ceramic planter.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU58Vz6w3SUS-XJ-FWHWKBBSAPPsi0K0FN8eLlZtqCrNmEI84hx3vD2kLw36LAfd3icW5E2hyphenhypheny6BgwxzAqCAUhj6ef5WtvJU5IZ20WniBjvZJQj5NSFLIDXr7HW-IS-yWM65XW2fSzgc/s1600-h/tabletop:curve.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316554628255935442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU58Vz6w3SUS-XJ-FWHWKBBSAPPsi0K0FN8eLlZtqCrNmEI84hx3vD2kLw36LAfd3icW5E2hyphenhypheny6BgwxzAqCAUhj6ef5WtvJU5IZ20WniBjvZJQj5NSFLIDXr7HW-IS-yWM65XW2fSzgc/s400/tabletop:curve.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The tray, which I discovered at a local HomeGoods, closely fits the curved shape of this vintage dressers black-painted top (almost like they were made for each other), which then repeats the black of the phone as well as the black of the boy’s outfit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Design tip:</span> If an antique piece has drawers that are tough to open and shut, like this one, use them sparingly to hold items not needed on a regular basis. The wide drawers of this dresser are used to save art class projects that are periodically brought home from school.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMKKs-2LI88KC3MfSXnD9_pm2Jj_7vqIDXdM0bAWpiJjhXmRKtcH0Qq8Pw71LeoGFmQZGaKA1RFSIORU2Ic3n94jFrssFvvRj6Wu8LkZ-PVAT-rvBgi6mjibMOmIupvLvu1xzOSsxPyk/s1600-h/plants:art.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316555631952961746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMKKs-2LI88KC3MfSXnD9_pm2Jj_7vqIDXdM0bAWpiJjhXmRKtcH0Qq8Pw71LeoGFmQZGaKA1RFSIORU2Ic3n94jFrssFvvRj6Wu8LkZ-PVAT-rvBgi6mjibMOmIupvLvu1xzOSsxPyk/s400/plants:art.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">With “Art in Bloom” still fresh in my mind, this serves as a great example of how to pair low maintenance plants, instead of fragile blossoms, with works of art. Around Easter, I will temporarily relocate this arrangement </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >(yellow vase purchased through </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s05/index.aspx?repid=568216">Southern Living at Home</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >),</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and replace it with a larger grouping of tall white lillies as seen in the painting.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmoSm3X-_b8vbkV6xE7rrqA4jzSi7Jitmf1ZxZEtWoCAs_GE_dX8Abxce2EXl88Gdm-KcYLqnUjcYRDXMg9FiNgVfH4v6owLCa0cMhcCun0yGpeTNpXXZ2tq1ZEQC2NqAbV1_c51nufo/s1600-h/footed+tray.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316554621803516434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmoSm3X-_b8vbkV6xE7rrqA4jzSi7Jitmf1ZxZEtWoCAs_GE_dX8Abxce2EXl88Gdm-KcYLqnUjcYRDXMg9FiNgVfH4v6owLCa0cMhcCun0yGpeTNpXXZ2tq1ZEQC2NqAbV1_c51nufo/s400/footed+tray.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Historical style ...</span><br /><br />I clearly wouldn’t have to disguise </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >beautifully designed phones like the vintage versions shown below. Additional bonus ... the earpiece would always be where I left it. Searching for a ringing cordless is not my idea of </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >“</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >modern convenience!</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >” </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Although conversations on these stylish darlings might end up being pretty short without the advantage of being able to walk and talk ...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/265/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/1893-Coffee-Mill-Replica-Phone/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316589051006586274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaL9WrjeZX47_RZDsNISkwXJmEK_JjiPvFjzxFQQycbIwQIyDjEka0YDf18qcu3VLqGNTqlRX4rmWaw2KEkwejd-V8_dolBoBZHfKI4r8c0rTk2UpFvXaSLx72wst6x2-NPDOd36RNwo/s200/coffeemillphone" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/265/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/1893-Coffee-Mill-Replica-Phone/">1893 Coffee Mill Replica Phone</a><br /><br /></div><span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/16/products_id/1154/Antique-Replica------Candlestick/Chicago-Candlestick-Phone-%28GEE2805%29/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316589588568599234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPv-g84ZURThT5tcW1tNYAma0Z6sVnC2C60MGGX3qzEKTl5I6Xt1vNcz-aYoWnIXNRznttomyUBga8LFwCKG33KAyoO0VonP-9vqaSBH-PZLnvq7PfU8qa1RHpyQVUe5ZpZO2uzIvK7A/s200/candlestickphone" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" /></a><span><br /><a href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/16/products_id/1154/Antique-Replica------Candlestick/Chicago-Candlestick-Phone-%28GEE2805%29/">1910 Chicago Candlestick Phone</a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/1188/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/Alexis-1922-Decorator-Phone-BLACK-%28t-PMT-ALEXIS-BK%29/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316587507191046418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBbqL8zn6UirZWP7EtrRuZ0xS0A4UPuchWNma7kpylv8oLg1DjFdTb2Zup5RYm1_cprHfGl8FEAECEpCDGKE4yS9ISbe6I56DeDBrF1M3E9WvrrSaf7wMoJcj3sqA2SbSPeG1Wk9NcJI/s200/decorator+phone" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/1188/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/Alexis-1922-Decorator-Phone-BLACK-%28t-PMT-ALEXIS-BK%29/">Alexis 1922 Decorator Phone</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/372/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/1930%27s-Crosley-Desk-Telephone---RED-%28cr60-RE%29/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316589719116864786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekSFcgMMyfu6VA-zq5EefMm3DrGO27Q9898QXEFETAqt4YSCXlsGDk2L607l-1v8rzaC_bw1oRR6o3imYcmwWkhHAmkbBU91cQJoR6asssjKts_kSCC59spF-hkd8C8bxpIsjlykb4rM/s200/red+rotary.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" /></a><a href="http://www.1-noveltyphones.com/product_info.php/cPath/11/products_id/372/Antique-Replica-Classic-Desk/1930%27s-Crosley-Desk-Telephone---RED-%28cr60-RE%29/">1930<span>’</span>s Crosley Desk Telephone</a><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This sleekly styled red number is my personal favorite. It would go great with the current trend of combining modern styling with vintage pieces ...</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > “</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >I'll get it, dear!</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >”</span></div></div>

Traditional styling of modern necessities

There is nothing good-looking about a cordless phone with answering machine (although some gadget-loving guys may say otherwise!) Instead of ignoring this modern-day eyesore, find a way to camouflage it, or creatively design around it like I’ve done here. Using a traditional footed serving tray to e…

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Art in Bloom ... after the show

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y6TzNAFpG87JWC3NHJ4HgPwQElBLCLCNlLHa4slrKGWWMOpUIESG5hlDN1_iZNiSS1NXDT_uiQkHP2lvenEFXEE_u1UsiAbGspChzEBshlagM0-4w-QK_c7I8SaKSWyAQTUQCUPH_-0/s1600-h/venice:flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313640314492961826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y6TzNAFpG87JWC3NHJ4HgPwQElBLCLCNlLHa4slrKGWWMOpUIESG5hlDN1_iZNiSS1NXDT_uiQkHP2lvenEFXEE_u1UsiAbGspChzEBshlagM0-4w-QK_c7I8SaKSWyAQTUQCUPH_-0/s400/venice:flowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">“Lady in Venice” by Judith Barry<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Yvonne Blacker</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a glimpse at the other beautiful blossoms and inspiring works of art that were on display last week at the Lynnfield Library’s version of “Art in Bloom” put on by the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield in collaboration with the Lynnfield Art Guild along with a number of guest artists.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsMDbbVwrODjuTn5rG5Eqe7DTyFgBVHmj75xr11KVF923GyOFj5ZArPvARF8TKaiU4ZE9brChyRNdcQmwhN0gxEVMxQThy06DuVNhmTN9z3VkxoHsURHY05tvm5YIvYsbkbxwV3nfuw8/s1600-h/Corbett:Encarnacao.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313612924953160386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsMDbbVwrODjuTn5rG5Eqe7DTyFgBVHmj75xr11KVF923GyOFj5ZArPvARF8TKaiU4ZE9brChyRNdcQmwhN0gxEVMxQThy06DuVNhmTN9z3VkxoHsURHY05tvm5YIvYsbkbxwV3nfuw8/s400/Corbett:Encarnacao.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Shopping in Angeirs, France” by Jeannette Corbett<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Ann Encarnacao</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpONg3nwigQ01n326IvTsEIkr4GuEvopajsBeqzI2xt0p1PTbBNTjDpt_2h-UuxouPqKEFWXwa51n32Ya359xY-4H4Wl8jHMCTn9Yh8JVaVkmV4Db0yz1ASRzNlkf39ksROtOiG6XclZ8/s1600-h/Corbett:Dalton.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313609097072813234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpONg3nwigQ01n326IvTsEIkr4GuEvopajsBeqzI2xt0p1PTbBNTjDpt_2h-UuxouPqKEFWXwa51n32Ya359xY-4H4Wl8jHMCTn9Yh8JVaVkmV4Db0yz1ASRzNlkf39ksROtOiG6XclZ8/s400/Corbett:Dalton.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Spring in Provence” by Jeannette Corbett<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Arrangement by Jeannie Dalton</span><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1hBuTWu59Ae24AcsIFVxOAG8zQCFYsea61uHbdVLBnN-p5T23er2-HO0xBepkNVlCc5zyaJgOmElLMF4Nsqy7WCanHVuk0XQBn8CocrZMSKs0Q6JxinygtrCJjdF9V6JIzFd4PajHI0/s1600-h/Rober:Hathaway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313609317689671346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1hBuTWu59Ae24AcsIFVxOAG8zQCFYsea61uHbdVLBnN-p5T23er2-HO0xBepkNVlCc5zyaJgOmElLMF4Nsqy7WCanHVuk0XQBn8CocrZMSKs0Q6JxinygtrCJjdF9V6JIzFd4PajHI0/s400/Rober:Hathaway.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 273px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Some Place in Vermont” by Gail Rober<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Karen Hathaway</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQltE3edccm0aGooONqLfFTYclpWhIjO2g3-C289NmbJepM1kMyWcUGpyHha05Igds5UmCWUHTXbgcb6g3wSPaBsmobvA8TmP54_vZitGmOZb81WLxibXuAkNKwUIORME5Lubev6AkJ68/s1600-h/OBrien:Keefe:Georges.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313609478871950338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQltE3edccm0aGooONqLfFTYclpWhIjO2g3-C289NmbJepM1kMyWcUGpyHha05Igds5UmCWUHTXbgcb6g3wSPaBsmobvA8TmP54_vZitGmOZb81WLxibXuAkNKwUIORME5Lubev6AkJ68/s400/OBrien:Keefe:Georges.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Owl’s Head Light” by Lorraine O’Brien<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Wendy Keefe and Katerina Georges</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNromqJKHYDByND9ymUrHm5BskF8KbIL9UYum8a8Kca-hYuhENdgV1TQk5KAgCBhC-VC9w35gMQJZZg_OdoXKO3hxCrKu6njdy9UkQXm4xWWHoX4nFZ0aON26UR2MxVXpfBMwkhIxk_1I/s1600-h/Mowder:Foley.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313608501878452834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNromqJKHYDByND9ymUrHm5BskF8KbIL9UYum8a8Kca-hYuhENdgV1TQk5KAgCBhC-VC9w35gMQJZZg_OdoXKO3hxCrKu6njdy9UkQXm4xWWHoX4nFZ0aON26UR2MxVXpfBMwkhIxk_1I/s400/Mowder:Foley.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Garden Gate” by Ruth Ann Mowder<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Betsy Foley</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw4xs0oDHTegtMjbH7pIED9zf5imIviu0tWLOdOkmRTQKhDwQ1VABJTTEDQJ_Zc1w18WbRMhkdexEztLpFaJsl4GnkdXhy21c9IBCMnnOIeFiEWzYQDqC5yMdNf2qsZnWMKpmgf-DYrE/s1600-h/Mowder:Goodwin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313636587988436466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw4xs0oDHTegtMjbH7pIED9zf5imIviu0tWLOdOkmRTQKhDwQ1VABJTTEDQJ_Zc1w18WbRMhkdexEztLpFaJsl4GnkdXhy21c9IBCMnnOIeFiEWzYQDqC5yMdNf2qsZnWMKpmgf-DYrE/s400/Mowder:Goodwin.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Peonies” by Ruth Ann Mowder<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/officers___board.html">Dorothy Goodwin</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzol7ddUzgHPBuriXaQCeNMLwztgUWSIrNHEkqZtswOl9qiV7zb2d1oji6bEL3by4poqtq-sLyFdy9a8U715zfu1bW2_2XuTb3lLWu6w4j0Xsy2fbran3TbsiyTcZx9X0baHfR7w9oMjc/s1600-h/SummerPink.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313608242584609314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzol7ddUzgHPBuriXaQCeNMLwztgUWSIrNHEkqZtswOl9qiV7zb2d1oji6bEL3by4poqtq-sLyFdy9a8U715zfu1bW2_2XuTb3lLWu6w4j0Xsy2fbran3TbsiyTcZx9X0baHfR7w9oMjc/s400/SummerPink.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Summer Pink, Summer Blue”<br />by Meredith Jean Myserian<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Joan Kirk<br />and Mary Schwartz</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wttProLM6huJd-13Eqz5o2E947upu38pjsQHFZTH13qhLuRgh0dYTVxhut-DE-_cnEWQgMueZbBLzF-GxREvzHv3CqCZSA5grbL1BIPP1t8LsILCBX8x7ewkIR8ciVTxWFL7srSQXOE/s1600-h/Colombo:Quinn.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313611146943422562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wttProLM6huJd-13Eqz5o2E947upu38pjsQHFZTH13qhLuRgh0dYTVxhut-DE-_cnEWQgMueZbBLzF-GxREvzHv3CqCZSA5grbL1BIPP1t8LsILCBX8x7ewkIR8ciVTxWFL7srSQXOE/s400/Colombo:Quinn.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Morning Flurries” by Frank V. Colombo, M.D.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by <a href="http://www.gatheringchangeinc.org/html/officers___board.html">Maura Quinn</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7JQO10uIqh8joZabZ2H_47qsDf34GcojmEolPRofuLMu6OzxbrRvW7BGWLnw49Q7KEi-_u8g4PaHQafg4oEhNbLp6m6zno8_cnGOS6nY5C_ktKaeolI8sgImepxDajImYhw2F5ulpLs/s1600-h/Mack:Stevens.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313609617989038594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7JQO10uIqh8joZabZ2H_47qsDf34GcojmEolPRofuLMu6OzxbrRvW7BGWLnw49Q7KEi-_u8g4PaHQafg4oEhNbLp6m6zno8_cnGOS6nY5C_ktKaeolI8sgImepxDajImYhw2F5ulpLs/s400/Mack:Stevens.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 348px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Mountain Valley” by Carol Mack<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Bootie Stevens</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhF9fFy-gLBaW-o0fi-tIio-QdnN5nr3NSaAPc8PEbKyKZj0r2js-Yhf6zRJ-Cs-NNnJC8Lgp2r0Nk0q8qGPDn_7yhgLdpO2tftTVvnBHKgi_sOLkz1EgzJroD_B0TC3WaS_p1bbXIcc/s1600-h/Bacon:Bourque:Lisacki.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313611301835939282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhF9fFy-gLBaW-o0fi-tIio-QdnN5nr3NSaAPc8PEbKyKZj0r2js-Yhf6zRJ-Cs-NNnJC8Lgp2r0Nk0q8qGPDn_7yhgLdpO2tftTVvnBHKgi_sOLkz1EgzJroD_B0TC3WaS_p1bbXIcc/s400/Bacon:Bourque:Lisacki.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Fantasia” by Pauline Bacon<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Joan Bourque and Jan Lisacki</span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsufTnMnXs_-2cmpML3Mlg_4qIp9yojHCMieZDDRyVSkul52sv15_qxFvY210_kFEqv53EumZgdr_OSoFjQ8Bemug2ynpGmBAn3NNhmMQgfoW0MEjmABHlzX2wT56lUjzQdCc4YWl3J8/s1600-h/LauraT.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfJmjdyzXRKZVh_AJAK-3nD95f8LNw1JAQ7iKntJgO6g-V3IZzaJNuiDhn-F53XB15CdgK0IlwhF8OwZUIy-xdXvwfHwXmKKGC83lngK_HcQDuqsoe9MoD9gR6Y3rQqSri3My6ILDrVI/s1600-h/LauraT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313608731111073506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfJmjdyzXRKZVh_AJAK-3nD95f8LNw1JAQ7iKntJgO6g-V3IZzaJNuiDhn-F53XB15CdgK0IlwhF8OwZUIy-xdXvwfHwXmKKGC83lngK_HcQDuqsoe9MoD9gR6Y3rQqSri3My6ILDrVI/s400/LauraT.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Enchantment” by Rosemarie Whalen<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Laura Thomson</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW8250unj3h7zPaguz9waeOzgS7_VbQzKyEzmgJDVqAePn4N-NPFSJGtrYpEC4e9nDjJC0afnU510IZEexrwoivkNnP-AUTfXh0z8Gn-Ptt7A_de3n_9ILUgq5VP6Z0PnkVrgwhpAc1k/s1600-h/drislane:janis.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313608892212185922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW8250unj3h7zPaguz9waeOzgS7_VbQzKyEzmgJDVqAePn4N-NPFSJGtrYpEC4e9nDjJC0afnU510IZEexrwoivkNnP-AUTfXh0z8Gn-Ptt7A_de3n_9ILUgq5VP6Z0PnkVrgwhpAc1k/s400/drislane:janis.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Shadows & Sun” by <a href="http://www.janissanders.com/">Janis H. Sanders</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by <a href="http://www.yourbagsarepacked.com/html/story.html">Tracy Drislane</a> </span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz0BC_41hqZJRuO_DgII84a1eCbsF4Nez9zUnoXW60pCPDWKVBXIa5fg7FO8phVHEKRwXipavSiivcG2rFc0nb_Xt6XubxeJDTO3-Fn82Zi8iVGHQJu5uj7DkJxLZLM9RbCWvAMBkS4E/s1600-h/drislane:closeup.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313596905841431778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz0BC_41hqZJRuO_DgII84a1eCbsF4Nez9zUnoXW60pCPDWKVBXIa5fg7FO8phVHEKRwXipavSiivcG2rFc0nb_Xt6XubxeJDTO3-Fn82Zi8iVGHQJu5uj7DkJxLZLM9RbCWvAMBkS4E/s320/drislane:closeup.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >(learn more about Tracy on my<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">“<a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Tracy___Marietta.php"><span style="font-style: italic;">friends who design</span></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">”</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >website ...)</span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5XiaX_mwnyStlhfu45GeLv0mGDSPZXWGD6IUGI7GNxR0pDXjGa2jsbe3K40KbKQD9gYMXC_t4p3TL1pNTPYZ8XKsii8C7RlmEUlbFZf5howjlHF0vh5mcler3whVXid_cK4wzYHLxj4/s1600-h/Desai:Nugent.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313616638379451154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5XiaX_mwnyStlhfu45GeLv0mGDSPZXWGD6IUGI7GNxR0pDXjGa2jsbe3K40KbKQD9gYMXC_t4p3TL1pNTPYZ8XKsii8C7RlmEUlbFZf5howjlHF0vh5mcler3whVXid_cK4wzYHLxj4/s400/Desai:Nugent.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">“Poppies” by Shaila Desai<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Arrangement by Susan Nugent</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">(sorry, Shaila, for the reflection of the library<br />windows on this beautiful pastel!)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx9P5kTypxVH8hdA6q-MndOk3AVMvNcHlFp2OYnF83qny8yGR8FVv4b439ow_O8gTJZPObuz6eQjqcOS18bLH9-w6b-nxvEWF4chaL602I6FZ4pkakpjGN9wXS_1wSozQTWxe-wjihuQ/s1600-h/SueN.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313616810016355762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyx9P5kTypxVH8hdA6q-MndOk3AVMvNcHlFp2OYnF83qny8yGR8FVv4b439ow_O8gTJZPObuz6eQjqcOS18bLH9-w6b-nxvEWF4chaL602I6FZ4pkakpjGN9wXS_1wSozQTWxe-wjihuQ/s400/SueN.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 347px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">One final footnote ...<br /><br /></span>Take a look around your own home for opportunities to combine art and flowers. J</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ust as each flower has it’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s own unique beauty, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">there is no “</span><span style="font-size:130%;">wrong way”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">to interpret a favorite piece of art. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Be inspired by the colors and shapes. Or create a story that relates to the art.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">U</span><span style="font-size:130%;">se your imagination and have fun. Fresh flowers always look good and really make a difference in bringing a room (or in this case a library!) to life. </span><br /><br /></div>

Art in Bloom ... after the show

“Lady in Venice” by Judith BarryArrangement by Yvonne BlackerHere is a glimpse at the other beautiful blossoms and inspiring works of art that were on display last week at the Lynnfield Library’s version of “Art in Bloom” put on by the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield in collaboration with the Lynnf…

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Designing with art and flowers

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RbNtpyhWXIeiU2wgIIx-6zh03FwVAt3LmqlfZcd6vinMJW7-ANHO7Kh8N-MwUPpCsFlOJHRNIdQSKGaqnpJ2em1-yAvuB9_q2gxBzIXrWnVUHcNAvOij2pIec1Z2DfTN45pW5DUJfqA/s1600-h/cherub-venice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311707206281908626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RbNtpyhWXIeiU2wgIIx-6zh03FwVAt3LmqlfZcd6vinMJW7-ANHO7Kh8N-MwUPpCsFlOJHRNIdQSKGaqnpJ2em1-yAvuB9_q2gxBzIXrWnVUHcNAvOij2pIec1Z2DfTN45pW5DUJfqA/s400/cherub-venice.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Monday night was the opening of “Art in Bloom at the Lynnfield Library” – a local version of the popular MFA show that is held in Boston each spring. As a member of the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield I get to try my hand at interpreting a local artist’s work (most of whom are members of the Lynnfield Art Guild) with flowers.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OecaUwV_kfDECLHKDB1PBzSVsDemz6QeeG54qRW_HPkmD48VafbRM07Zr0u0Ex7LGPHT1PTdcnaJVjGBR6DhDCIE8B2Yp7i3KiXo6COB48ZgMPia_vhY1jFS_mQK7Yj_StxAY2vB4uM/s1600-h/venice:flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311707582732265330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OecaUwV_kfDECLHKDB1PBzSVsDemz6QeeG54qRW_HPkmD48VafbRM07Zr0u0Ex7LGPHT1PTdcnaJVjGBR6DhDCIE8B2Yp7i3KiXo6COB48ZgMPia_vhY1jFS_mQK7Yj_StxAY2vB4uM/s400/venice:flowers.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" /></a>This year, I interpreted “Lady in Venice” as painted by Judith Barry. This contemporary work stands out with its bold and confident strokes of vivid colors. Being such a large piece, I felt the subject matter should command center stage while my flowers would play a supporting role, with an appreciative nod to the rich blocks of colors in the painting.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Why I chose the objects in this vignette:</span><br /><br />An iron cherub statue mimics the upstretched arm of the subject — and seemed Italian to me — while a candlestick with graceful curves (like the subject) holds a lone yellow chrysanthemum.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKHhoB-yPU88kZnpd-ugascFK-LRfLSIPaRfHqqXFVabc6edqNR-n5JNPb3O9IOOf0wCiYEnLg3PBs7QnCp7dDrfL6YbQ7mUD3zVNzHtRqkM52GoCzbtr3lQu8pBLnCPRgaNG4Jjuz8/s1600-h/mum-venice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311708355187465154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKHhoB-yPU88kZnpd-ugascFK-LRfLSIPaRfHqqXFVabc6edqNR-n5JNPb3O9IOOf0wCiYEnLg3PBs7QnCp7dDrfL6YbQ7mUD3zVNzHtRqkM52GoCzbtr3lQu8pBLnCPRgaNG4Jjuz8/s200/mum-venice.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" /></a>Three square glass vases (to repeat the shapes of the buildings in the distance) are filled with solid groups of flowers (carnations, sunflowers, roses) that repeat the colors in her dress and the objects around her. Each vase is lined with a large leaf to hide flower stems from view.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The role serendipity played ...</span><br /><br />I just received a box of fabric remnants and trims from a friend this weekend. On the very top was this watery blue fabric with stars that looked Venetian to me, and happened to be cut in the exact size that would cover the table. As luck would have it, there was just the right amount of golden fringe in the box as well. Out came the sewing machine plus some fabric glue and “voila!”<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBgxXaqvbsRpDML0ug9lciRxPM6-Qd-dy1i15fuiN_0-qM_AxLhKj04IYPeqUVUJT41cJ_5u-3zD3e1wZLkE6_raEZsAZdtYEXrij7V5XIl8WEF9T9pn8vJKtTXQKow5bLakqjMClRyY/s1600-h/sunflowers-venice.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311721063042908546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBgxXaqvbsRpDML0ug9lciRxPM6-Qd-dy1i15fuiN_0-qM_AxLhKj04IYPeqUVUJT41cJ_5u-3zD3e1wZLkE6_raEZsAZdtYEXrij7V5XIl8WEF9T9pn8vJKtTXQKow5bLakqjMClRyY/s320/sunflowers-venice.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" >Try it at home ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I love using square vases when decorating a dining table </span></span>—<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> they are small enough to see over, but dramatic enough to make an impact without being fussy. I picked these ones up at a local craft store. I would probably put together three of these arrangements using identical flowers for a dinner party. My favorite in this grouping is definitely the sunflowers ... very casual chic.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I really enjoyed creating this floral still life, but seeing how everyone else interpreted their pieces was even more amazing. Be sure to check out the show (this week only) if you are in need of some “art and flower therapy!”</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" >“Art in Bloom at the Lynnfield Library”</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><br />Lynnfield, Massachusetts<br />Monday, March 9th – Saturday, March 14th<br />Call library for times: 781-334-5411</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Here are some leftover flowers that I used<br />for petite arrangements at home ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lymPAKTSE4qINcYtP_J2vBJq-ZjoWqZdrgyq_Kc3iiubp8wtTjLgLMLEWPYzRJ0ffi-76oyScGA_WqVRcpP1gqOG-x3v4PMQ6iWbTkfPeun6ob9AqsGN65EsW_qtvwjILVlpPSwV8Io/s1600-h/rose_snifter.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311712294231582418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lymPAKTSE4qINcYtP_J2vBJq-ZjoWqZdrgyq_Kc3iiubp8wtTjLgLMLEWPYzRJ0ffi-76oyScGA_WqVRcpP1gqOG-x3v4PMQ6iWbTkfPeun6ob9AqsGN65EsW_qtvwjILVlpPSwV8Io/s320/rose_snifter.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Outside on my picnic table for a photo shoot<br />my favorite vintage container overflowing<br />with a simple </span><span style="font-style: italic;">“</span><span style="font-style: italic;">lions-mane-like</span><span style="font-style: italic;">”</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> grouping ...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW1SZLjp8qGNqNyiNiOk3c2L1lE0UZ4XvlLuJVB87QjWy6-uRVQ0QKhT05EjHhfD0udm4SUN3-GXmT79WdJZ6JD69FstAmiHYZu5AbcsFP-f4ENuBkaFmQXGHWh0bOygdqvIAEghOie0/s1600-h/lioncup:snow.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311712565438931250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW1SZLjp8qGNqNyiNiOk3c2L1lE0UZ4XvlLuJVB87QjWy6-uRVQ0QKhT05EjHhfD0udm4SUN3-GXmT79WdJZ6JD69FstAmiHYZu5AbcsFP-f4ENuBkaFmQXGHWh0bOygdqvIAEghOie0/s320/lioncup:snow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the ground the first signs of spring to come ...<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXxTYAZwHFYmzHOMpuTWd4jQTFf-1AIOTv1vmutYs6nz5Q8vpGEieC2e6TasfNUtEaItIC5u8hPcagmFgljdJzQrl2wm6kZFVHvJNe8ZFUjG97uO2ji41-lKBc5Ygk5SxwhEahCcKw4g/s1600-h/crocus.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311712990072498562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXxTYAZwHFYmzHOMpuTWd4jQTFf-1AIOTv1vmutYs6nz5Q8vpGEieC2e6TasfNUtEaItIC5u8hPcagmFgljdJzQrl2wm6kZFVHvJNe8ZFUjG97uO2ji41-lKBc5Ygk5SxwhEahCcKw4g/s320/crocus.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>

Designing with art and flowers

Monday night was the opening of “Art in Bloom at the Lynnfield Library” – a local version of the popular MFA show that is held in Boston each spring. As a member of the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield I get to try my hand at interpreting a local artist’s work (most of whom are members of the Lynnfi…

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Creature comforts ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FH_2ehm8l08mHkLneFoZy6yiTO592iiBh9ceFDURkEaM-zFmpxOM3kXi00taDyLd5SxKbJBq0c_Y0ZyD-BX7Wvp0C3_C0gMbLUjcmKq2gTp4B_H9Mt_zo-cxZRinAc98cMD4z8cUGDY/s1600-h/bunny:rings.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309560846949547634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FH_2ehm8l08mHkLneFoZy6yiTO592iiBh9ceFDURkEaM-zFmpxOM3kXi00taDyLd5SxKbJBq0c_Y0ZyD-BX7Wvp0C3_C0gMbLUjcmKq2gTp4B_H9Mt_zo-cxZRinAc98cMD4z8cUGDY/s400/bunny:rings.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is currently one of my favorite </span><span style="font-style: italic;">“</span><span style="font-style: italic;">scenes</span><span style="font-style: italic;">’’</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> in my home ... </span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpsqfvxk0FNvJ4XN6D15hrKqlv3xiB5xCTlFz52tjn3T3k2kyt4HeimD_fRIqOLVCB6Ka5zYvD1IZnEUyE4wl-zwmgExMxJxQkXXuWYTZNqC5nXgWHEy5VQTLYoG1KMFTsvNf9z4N-k/s1600-h/bunny:bureau:scarf.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309556204401931810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpsqfvxk0FNvJ4XN6D15hrKqlv3xiB5xCTlFz52tjn3T3k2kyt4HeimD_fRIqOLVCB6Ka5zYvD1IZnEUyE4wl-zwmgExMxJxQkXXuWYTZNqC5nXgWHEy5VQTLYoG1KMFTsvNf9z4N-k/s400/bunny:bureau:scarf.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the longest time, I didn</span>’<span style="font-style: italic;">t have anything special on this small bureau in our master bedroom. Usually clothes would end up on top ... waiting to be put away or hung in the closet. For Christmas, my mom gave me this sweet, ceramic bunn</span><span style="font-style: italic;">y (she collects deers, I collect rabbits) and finding it a home was what prompted me to pull all of these pieces together.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What makes it special to me ...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The vintage bureau was a gift from my parents ... they bought it for $50 at a yard sale and later my mom stripped it of it’s ghastly yellow paint and used a simple treatment of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Minwax</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to highlight it’s re-discovered good looks. I have had it since my first apartment at 21.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNiRZpnLLLjItbW_w3bL1PJaKENtpVSrYff8Deg_0pDs3deZvoYoR2GY0n3ITB-CUwiTWqe39isvwE5qUoBMRtdy503c7oKbr_ENEgebfyLpcva_qjZP4sy2wqRArQo7sHvmKNZHlf0/s1600-h/DSCN1064.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309567937667975458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aNiRZpnLLLjItbW_w3bL1PJaKENtpVSrYff8Deg_0pDs3deZvoYoR2GY0n3ITB-CUwiTWqe39isvwE5qUoBMRtdy503c7oKbr_ENEgebfyLpcva_qjZP4sy2wqRArQo7sHvmKNZHlf0/s400/DSCN1064.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn6QYR6sVQV7CrChoPhtzK39b5N__BHdb5s3s7vilAlst6AAh_KrUp60vscuYhVcvv7Ef-oapy-h_QuqfdZF0jMer3fytQ22vznmgJTUkuYlr2q6ynGjfiXM24wf6QO_WASgx1wGDQww/s1600-h/bunny:vignette:golden.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309552504653513602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn6QYR6sVQV7CrChoPhtzK39b5N__BHdb5s3s7vilAlst6AAh_KrUp60vscuYhVcvv7Ef-oapy-h_QuqfdZF0jMer3fytQ22vznmgJTUkuYlr2q6ynGjfiXM24wf6QO_WASgx1wGDQww/s400/bunny:vignette:golden.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">John and my wedding photo (complete with family and friends literally standing behind us) sets a romantic stage for the objects below ...<br /><br />• a simple pink rose as candle holder (an interesting find from HomeGoods)<br /><br />• tall antique compote a remembrance from my Nana, and the smaller version picked up during a seaside vacation ... both perfect for displaying strands of sparkly costume jewelry</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSECne_MFLzJJfkmO9EjBVr1v10gLakoEdGp3YhypfipCV5VfP1RT3FebZVFRst8cB7vGu4ypZaIWAvt5T1s_-pEyhbZ7fkuKZmSHJ98VZfDGioKQV9bteGsnMWtM9KEIdBAG4RQzpNA/s1600-h/compote:hurricane.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309579365905203426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSECne_MFLzJJfkmO9EjBVr1v10gLakoEdGp3YhypfipCV5VfP1RT3FebZVFRst8cB7vGu4ypZaIWAvt5T1s_-pEyhbZ7fkuKZmSHJ98VZfDGioKQV9bteGsnMWtM9KEIdBAG4RQzpNA/s400/compote:hurricane.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">• glass hurricane (from <a href="https://www.southernlivingathome.com/wbslah/skins/s05/index.aspx?repid=568216">Southern Living at Home</a>, no longer available in this size, but larger ones are currently in catalog) with a biscotti scented candle from Pier 1 -- it smells even better than vanilla<br /><br />• cream scarf as runner (purchased this winter at Marshalls, worn once, but loved even more draped over the bureau top ... in the summer I will switch it out for a more seasonal fabric, but I am loving the warm look it gives the room)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28bIrnmufwic4mKDTPYBAUwYwIt-AZTSHjEjWLJmudZCVZ5O0KA5idObbLGx8peRHX79H2cxcziJK4PExjkC7gYgZkfMhwb9DzTetlcgGUrcywNuc0FjPy8JS8djkhWci4h99JGqDs4c/s1600-h/bunnypaw.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309573358888375906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28bIrnmufwic4mKDTPYBAUwYwIt-AZTSHjEjWLJmudZCVZ5O0KA5idObbLGx8peRHX79H2cxcziJK4PExjkC7gYgZkfMhwb9DzTetlcgGUrcywNuc0FjPy8JS8djkhWci4h99JGqDs4c/s400/bunnypaw.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What made it even better ...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The bunnies paw was hovering and I happened to have this tiny book of quotes (who doesn’t love a good quote??) that fit just underneath. On top of the book I usually keep a couple of pairs of earrings (they look like tiny wedding bands in this picture).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is a quote </span><span style="font-size:100%;">that is a personal favorite of mine (and reminiscent of this scene), taken </span><span style="font-size:100%;">from page 111 of <span style="font-weight: bold;">100 Small Comforts: Wise and Witty Words to Lift the Spirit</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by Lawrence Teacher Books ...</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.’’ - Marcel Proust</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Creating a design vignette is all about establishing visual connections. How do the objects relate to one another? How are they similar? How are they unique? The grouped </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >“</span><span style="font-size:100%;">treasures</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >’’</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> don’t have to be expensive, but they should speak to you in some way. Find some items that have special meaning for you and tell your own story.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2DPLahRkPe4Y-OfLKNK1mFIeLKMOC8ORbhh41M79zRNtZt_hGTWkDOITPXD_-d7ZrHwPoU5FWOcWr-qhPqvGV4yBzdOUoo67LbA9CU_FeqCjfikd_KWV85BIQX1T3UdapDlVxVZqpM/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309584776812673234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV2DPLahRkPe4Y-OfLKNK1mFIeLKMOC8ORbhh41M79zRNtZt_hGTWkDOITPXD_-d7ZrHwPoU5FWOcWr-qhPqvGV4yBzdOUoo67LbA9CU_FeqCjfikd_KWV85BIQX1T3UdapDlVxVZqpM/s200/flowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 104px;" /></a></div>

Creature comforts ...

This is currently one of my favorite “scenes’’ in my home ... For the longest time, I didn’t have anything special on this small bureau in our master bedroom. Usually clothes would end up on top ... waiting to be put away or hung in the closet. For Christmas, my mom gave me this sweet, ceramic bunny…

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