Decorating with Mother Nature ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s1600/items%2540gregs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620303350956200578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDR1KRl26jmFaczYnWlezKjAqc9qgVdW5AHu4U6Z0VOFn1Y1nMD_Ch7J6ylaDSKr58_mew5YGZbYNFVVoGx7CLdQgwVusvNN44wcxBbt278zzjowzk3Phk8gi1qioS2VMkqxDCNH-kbei/s800/items%2540gregs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidden reflection of my mom in the mirror. She is clearly enjoying our visit to a local flower shop (<a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/time-for-spring-decorating.html">Gregory’s</a> in Wakefield).<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s1600/gardenroom2011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620300105365773938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHBMe-uMtsScTXH9GolaZvt-8vYsFrkz5DDFK8IEKndGT9Cf-Ih4JFdps_Lyt-lJKIIuFPYdOTNvLEtWKFge5D0S9BFyNmCMlJrgKlmemRZSmW9r-5XldWubRWklzht9Ms3usdMZ0sU8g/s800/gardenroom2011.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">My garden room with its wall of shrub roses and wisteria.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the official beginning of summer upon us, thoughts naturally turn to spending more time in the company of Mother Nature. Take a peek at my recent <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/decorating-with-mother-nature#photo-6291508">post for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lynnfield Patch</span></a> for some inspired tips to get out there and get gardening!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Decorating with Mother Nature ...

I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidd...

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Red, White and Blue Weekend

<div><div style="position:relative;width:400px;height:400px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_white_blue/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=20288965"><img alt="Red, White and Blue" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFklIVGVJNVNGM3hHZ21RT1FCb2dzQncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Red, White and Blue" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/" style="line-height:1%;position:absolute;bottom:2px;right:2px"><img alt="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" src="http://www.polyvorecdn.com/rsrc/img/logo_embed_alt_63x21.png" style="border-width:0px;padding:0px;margin:0px;background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" title="Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore" /></a></div><br/><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_white_blue/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=20288965">Red, White and Blue</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a> on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></small></div><div style="padding-top:16px;font-size:0.75em"><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pier_imports_outdoor_crazy_chair/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16757240"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16757240" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pier_imports_outdoor_crazy_chair/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16757240">Pier 1 Imports - Outdoor Crazy Chair - White</a><br/>$100 - pier1.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/outdoor_throw_pillows_patio_furniture/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19261377"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=19261377" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/outdoor_throw_pillows_patio_furniture/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19261377">Outdoor Throw Pillows - Patio Furniture Pillows - Outdoor Pillow -...</a><br/>$89 - frontgate.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_chair_ottoman/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16932595"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16932595" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_chair_ottoman/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16932595">Red Chair & Ottoman</a><br/>$399 - roomandboard.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pier_imports_white_outdoor_wicker/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16515990"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16515990" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pier_imports_white_outdoor_wicker/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16515990">Pier 1 Imports - White Outdoor Wicker Rocker</a><br/>$170 - pier1.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fire_bowl/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16887988"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16887988" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fire_bowl/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16887988">Fire Bowl</a><br/>99 GBP - toast.co.uk<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gemak/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16933119"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16933119" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gemak/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16933119">GEMAK</a><br/>$9.99 - ikea.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/eames_elephant/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17246350"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=17246350" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/eames_elephant/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17246350">eames elephant</a><br/>$290 - hivemodern.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/brass_star_lantern_gracious_home/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16506227"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16506227" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/brass_star_lantern_gracious_home/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16506227">Brass Star Lantern | Gracious Home | Product</a><br/>$550 - gracioushome.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10_easy_pieces_red_dining/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17391544"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=17391544" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10_easy_pieces_red_dining/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17391544">10 Easy Pieces: Red Dining Chairs : Remodelista</a><br/>$225 - remodelista.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/aluminum_patio_umbrella_pagoda_style/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16124906"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16124906" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/aluminum_patio_umbrella_pagoda_style/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16124906">Aluminum Patio Umbrella Pagoda style - Umbrellas - Outdoor | Modern...</a><br/>$629 - modernfurniturewarehouse.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wood_patio_furniture_outdoor_west/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17191556"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=17191556" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wood_patio_furniture_outdoor_west/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17191556">Wood Patio Furniture & Wood Outdoor Furniture | west elm</a><br/>$199 - westelm.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/m%C3%A4lar%C3%B6/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16940631"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=16940631" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/m%C3%A4lar%C3%B6/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=16940631">MÄLARÖ</a><br/>$70 - ikea.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/round_openwork_garden_stool_20/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19821705"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=19821705" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/round_openwork_garden_stool_20/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19821705">Round Openwork Garden Stool ($20 fs) | Gump's San Francisco</a><br/>$295 - gumps.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coral_bench/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17214223"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=17214223" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coral_bench/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=17214223">Coral Bench</a><br/>yliving.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/blueberry/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=18905071"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=18905071" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/blueberry/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=18905071">blueberry</a><br/>yandex.ru<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sofia_sparkling_mini_cans_wallys/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19817568"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=19817568" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sofia_sparkling_mini_cans_wallys/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=19817568">Sofia Sparkling Mini Cans - Wally's Wine and Spirits</a><br/>wallywine.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fivestarphoto_jeffrey_cooper_photo_keywords/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=18100521"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=18100521" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fivestarphoto_jeffrey_cooper_photo_keywords/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=18100521">FiveStarPhoto- Jeffrey L Cooper : Photo Keywords : delectable :...</a><br/>fivestarphoto.net<br/><br /><br /></div></p><p style="clear:both;margin:0em;padding:0px"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marshmallow_on_stick_clip_art/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=11691413"><img align="left" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=s&tid=11691413" style="border:1px solid #cccccc;margin:0 8px 8px 0;padding:2px;background-color:#ffffff;" width="50" /></a><div style="'margin-bottom:8px'"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/marshmallow_on_stick_clip_art/thing.outbound?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed-imagelist&id=11691413">Marshmallow On A Stick clip art - vector clip art online, royalty free...</a><br/>clker.com<br/><br /><br /></div></p></div>

Red, White and Blue Weekend

Red, White and Blue by designvignettes on Polyvore.com Pier 1 Imports - Outdoor Crazy Chair - White $100 - pier1.com Outdoor Throw Pillows...

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“Seaside glamour” at the Belle Mer

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9R1aQYsK7hyphenhyphenZVE3RdD-GAZ_ZmakpJva6Spa-qg4u5cwbTfFPihD4yjyPNnob6xKCkDio0HoEuHnDgNv-PVa5erJ_KuFk2zLsR0ukWpq74yPhehHsWPMptHZNMSUIY1Doj7jk5CmNUcs/s1600/stripedtent.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639346974086626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9R1aQYsK7hyphenhyphenZVE3RdD-GAZ_ZmakpJva6Spa-qg4u5cwbTfFPihD4yjyPNnob6xKCkDio0HoEuHnDgNv-PVa5erJ_KuFk2zLsR0ukWpq74yPhehHsWPMptHZNMSUIY1Doj7jk5CmNUcs/s400/stripedtent.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />When my friend, Brenda, and I arrived at the<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://bellemer.com/">Belle Mer</a> in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday<br />to attend an afternoon cocktail party hosted<br />by her friend, Liz, this is what we saw ...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpf6h4wQmapJ5UFEnlQeEW2CDltspQlgdZGTx9Dob7x0GDt_izYaIcG9kwwqrfrv42BkTU97_XVl7bwJaEmEjRvR23Yte6fzskC7jeaZbMcQOoVugRiMVD6s7f-jTgrAcJBpUvsQTphA/s1600/IslandHouse.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639159023025090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpf6h4wQmapJ5UFEnlQeEW2CDltspQlgdZGTx9Dob7x0GDt_izYaIcG9kwwqrfrv42BkTU97_XVl7bwJaEmEjRvR23Yte6fzskC7jeaZbMcQOoVugRiMVD6s7f-jTgrAcJBpUvsQTphA/s400/IslandHouse.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />An elegant palette of black and<br />white dressed the grounds.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAardaC3gijA2Fb5w6PCqgc5WK5T3Us2cES86rdqeh8ve8wqzalaCLagh3yMYNhAVAIVc1TPPr9q88ZrnTu9LEigiia3166-RHCPXsRN07Fy98t2XsCGR0P68w6rnO30FMrN-nAM2u650/s1600/canopybedBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639149409280914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAardaC3gijA2Fb5w6PCqgc5WK5T3Us2cES86rdqeh8ve8wqzalaCLagh3yMYNhAVAIVc1TPPr9q88ZrnTu9LEigiia3166-RHCPXsRN07Fy98t2XsCGR0P68w6rnO30FMrN-nAM2u650/s400/canopybedBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Wide walkways paved with crushed shells led to<br />charming places to sit and enjoy the ocean view.<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51Ml-QpLV-2xH4KpxoBL55VqQLaaXT_rd31BYsPmxnloM1f3i70OaxKO6hskdE2g8RyXUbwVH3wYt1MIRWeyk01jKuwQ7bAGDRL-s6Al3lY3C2feMYfan4i_3QaGFtjmZD27dmGNy33Y/s1600/belle+mer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOYkiGR54PsOpzAfs7-uuugPMVQNwcOR64am4Eq6TwVbomh3jvAZqVKDfibA17n8hZAkbXUqLUTiqKy6Lokug5wleUNZtcDJcyz_eliev4BQg_9hH3PHY5FXgSz-hgAhy4n-rZTdvVhg/s1600/woodenchairs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639350027125906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOYkiGR54PsOpzAfs7-uuugPMVQNwcOR64am4Eq6TwVbomh3jvAZqVKDfibA17n8hZAkbXUqLUTiqKy6Lokug5wleUNZtcDJcyz_eliev4BQg_9hH3PHY5FXgSz-hgAhy4n-rZTdvVhg/s400/woodenchairs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This conversation area was<br />a real conversation starter! </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NgCS8IxwZgzvE3gdVl0xuilS8L6OGXiKrS-8DcxTESiI8D3490FTgsTX3edNnIQic20sokXgOe_M8E0OPma_gV9NXn4KRpI3i_DJ9q-EfUbAn61fSDqwOcUrTWcvty22hmupk6OAcSY/s1600/carvedchair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639169233871378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NgCS8IxwZgzvE3gdVl0xuilS8L6OGXiKrS-8DcxTESiI8D3490FTgsTX3edNnIQic20sokXgOe_M8E0OPma_gV9NXn4KRpI3i_DJ9q-EfUbAn61fSDqwOcUrTWcvty22hmupk6OAcSY/s400/carvedchair.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGE5qbnpfGFc0FqDxUqLSPyS40ILKo1Z7CVPjRvT8WfTwYc6-mTp5Ue2k-K2yTIATdo7XSlHoMXiG0x24E4bTMNzH4_Ew9xKIeGLwZ5bP7auG63Vg8-QO6I0inO01urBiBIX-rMvJ4Kk/s1600/hydrangeas.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639359309133602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGE5qbnpfGFc0FqDxUqLSPyS40ILKo1Z7CVPjRvT8WfTwYc6-mTp5Ue2k-K2yTIATdo7XSlHoMXiG0x24E4bTMNzH4_Ew9xKIeGLwZ5bP7auG63Vg8-QO6I0inO01urBiBIX-rMvJ4Kk/s400/hydrangeas.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Large bunches of hydrangeas graced each table.<br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9R1aQYsK7hyphenhyphenZVE3RdD-GAZ_ZmakpJva6Spa-qg4u5cwbTfFPihD4yjyPNnob6xKCkDio0HoEuHnDgNv-PVa5erJ_KuFk2zLsR0ukWpq74yPhehHsWPMptHZNMSUIY1Doj7jk5CmNUcs/s1600/stripedtent.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ2YJ5OO70uA6Y4TEaRMHanHUDrvq3d8BZOvgXHQSJXeSSGHBIfC-gsKW83Dy-Up8Qf7kZUSk_Ys1cgsZ3eV_VR5ic0X2AKrp1w7ajc5tJ-x02ZVMNAZA8PzEv7YyDbo1XXJuj7AR-_0/s1600/firepit.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639148034741794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ2YJ5OO70uA6Y4TEaRMHanHUDrvq3d8BZOvgXHQSJXeSSGHBIfC-gsKW83Dy-Up8Qf7kZUSk_Ys1cgsZ3eV_VR5ic0X2AKrp1w7ajc5tJ-x02ZVMNAZA8PzEv7YyDbo1XXJuj7AR-_0/s400/firepit.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />I wish we could have stayed long enough to<br />enjoy a fire by the ocean. Maybe next time?</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOZQdzcTMRa8q-XKDrEnS4VDK6kWD6leunmhIDagD0sH_2hjSWAiVOg3I919W47iryO-dCj1XWgEDRpl1XnPJ8KOyfdoOVMfYXTJJol6Z3lihJIHIUT_2bO0gcUJU3cwAYcWnl9no9X4/s1600/belle+mer+interior.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639169862369682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOZQdzcTMRa8q-XKDrEnS4VDK6kWD6leunmhIDagD0sH_2hjSWAiVOg3I919W47iryO-dCj1XWgEDRpl1XnPJ8KOyfdoOVMfYXTJJol6Z3lihJIHIUT_2bO0gcUJU3cwAYcWnl9no9X4/s400/belle+mer+interior.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A glimpse at the tables inside.<br />I wonder who was coming after us?<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51Ml-QpLV-2xH4KpxoBL55VqQLaaXT_rd31BYsPmxnloM1f3i70OaxKO6hskdE2g8RyXUbwVH3wYt1MIRWeyk01jKuwQ7bAGDRL-s6Al3lY3C2feMYfan4i_3QaGFtjmZD27dmGNy33Y/s1600/belle+mer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487639345694235890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51Ml-QpLV-2xH4KpxoBL55VqQLaaXT_rd31BYsPmxnloM1f3i70OaxKO6hskdE2g8RyXUbwVH3wYt1MIRWeyk01jKuwQ7bAGDRL-s6Al3lY3C2feMYfan4i_3QaGFtjmZD27dmGNy33Y/s400/belle+mer.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Sheer curtains and tall grasses were swaying with the<br />ocean breeze as we reluctantly departed for home.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq8zie4JJuXhtFPtizqrDKSd8yHjVbZlO34u1ia2mVuI0cKv0C4_310ydVFR97QZBKX-X6e-ZyeIGtL7pMcPO2AVWEWyXzTQ1MBCacNbHZWoNjR87lVwfIa2PdCyyOUOr-wF1mRg0uSs/s1600/pinkroses.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487683684423276722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaq8zie4JJuXhtFPtizqrDKSd8yHjVbZlO34u1ia2mVuI0cKv0C4_310ydVFR97QZBKX-X6e-ZyeIGtL7pMcPO2AVWEWyXzTQ1MBCacNbHZWoNjR87lVwfIa2PdCyyOUOr-wF1mRg0uSs/s320/pinkroses.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">To see some beautiful event photos taken at the Belle Mer or the other super-glam boutique venues in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Longwood Events</span> group, <a href="http://www.longwoodevents.com/">click here</a>.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">I actually had an interview scheduled with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Longwood Events </span>a few years ago for the position of event interior designer. For a couple of reasons, the interview did not take place (timing was not right, stars were not aligned, however you want to look at it!) and after spending a champagne-filled-afternoon enjoying this particular venue, I am wondering how things might have been different if I had made it to that interview?!?<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aq5j6kQrJOeIoIw41YSxWPTKWexVBvV9AknSozgRnlxmeNw2mhV4h4Zkv8fxknbtz8m2DIBj_XOKqiiI7_e55X7vyquWa5FUcR_aRWCvF7rmv1IrWiWi7gv7zUeyZpDdHHWGVg4IJvA/s1600/Martini-bar-Belle-Mer-newport-wedding.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487692188171839794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aq5j6kQrJOeIoIw41YSxWPTKWexVBvV9AknSozgRnlxmeNw2mhV4h4Zkv8fxknbtz8m2DIBj_XOKqiiI7_e55X7vyquWa5FUcR_aRWCvF7rmv1IrWiWi7gv7zUeyZpDdHHWGVg4IJvA/s400/Martini-bar-Belle-Mer-newport-wedding.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Martini Bar at the Belle Mer, photo from <a href="http://blog.longwoodevents.com/2010/06/trend-spotting-gourmet-luges-and.html">L:e Bride blog</a></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you are a bride, or bride-to-be, check out Longwood Events<a href="http://blog.longwoodevents.com/"> L:e Bride blog</a> to view some of the latest wedding trends in design, fashion and lifestyle. Even if planning a wedding is not on your agenda, there are some great ideas for summer entertaining like a <a href="http://blog.longwoodevents.com/2010/06/trend-spotting-gourmet-luges-and.html">gourmet luge</a> (now that brings back some memories ; )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>

“Seaside glamour” at the Belle Mer

When my friend, Brenda, and I arrived at the Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday to attend an afternoon cocktail party hosted by...

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Decorating the great outdoors ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s1600-h/gardenroomtree.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415650830316833074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW60ebFuAT2DIrppUyEq8oM-baLBRI5X1SlyOtub0cAZ_5oahhOPlEq1UOHRaozuaWDVpGSbRlKJA1Z1UGfLD5i4fOlnL0YHoz56vSYWUxqqOb56VZr8rZ_3O3tLDS_zCrrQNtR3R8Qak/s400/gardenroomtree.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A small “tree</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorates<br />our <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-secret-garden-room.html">garden room</a>.<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s1600-h/winterflowerbox.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415651594092898946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggURldvdrHXHxmH1_BqSceGTP_E3zQgErmACFrX1TbnZabHxoQD5ILgHjnl_kmOlPXWBnlmS_GJ_GYl3faZqX94txM1pZ_B-K3jAlafTTEVKRz67dUZSSsvPKa7iYsfZtZgKMOJY-4lY0/s400/winterflowerbox.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">A winter flower box.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s1600-h/wintercontainer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418424573136390354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gVz_SFEtZsSDNBtY1XSkC333p4BqWatndNFpi2rwc2gfws0RGMo3yn42T19cTmswZOWxEsxnQ7wuDWFLC3mOmp2DUNXYu6yHQqbCyLJfZuYLZoieeT1eKyWIlMfNZp7KOxNdP1Zm2Jc/s400/wintercontainer.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I thought these lichen covered branches that<br />fell from a tree were particularly beautiful.<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s1600-h/treewithoranges.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417788669914412562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRSmvJHOwIJ8dPuX11__SRUnYNSfTrjHRPfcJHE-rnTiLCVv5ygwG8mAsJMka7Ci4rPNL5XMLpFqtp-xRgYs9LjUBNTzUvcJzcL9GZ62ndaG1KpioP7l2MFsx9wYpzGjHn_BuzRuOc6U/s400/treewithoranges.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When my boys were very little – we had three at the time under the age of four – we decided it would be best to put the tree outside on our deck, which was visible from our family room sliding glass doors.<br /><br />We decorated it with orange slices and birdseed ornaments. It was fun to watch the visiting wildlife just outside of our window, like the night a possum came and slept beneath it!<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s1600-h/grapevineinsnow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418431654426673826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd-sCEVVE2RcoD-gVPV3sJAd42pnS2aGDelFeRvU9Ph7p5iZah7rEDee2_Ues0HLQHAbJiekK7SjCmNYQDl7zcKdNjnTdp9PcroW4NL01WN_61wM45TlTUUTon_nACqZrECfqJ3Ic82s/s400/grapevineinsnow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This was the image from our holiday card last year. Unfortunately, the arbor fell during a winter storm a couple weeks ago. It was over 50 years old and one of the main features that attracted us to “this old house.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Does anyone know how to successfully relocate grapevines??? For now, I am putting a pergola on my wish list. This one would do nicely ...</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418436989071653682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQg6NazfGabLYuOS7efEEHransHQdnvRQ2aEt3Ez6qJcB3_3s2pcoLHK8JAk1kDHzERVNxU9SqgQNtORmdHasmaR7Jpo9kMxVzjqsYOqqZdnngyQVIO0RQlKAqzUs-vqgH5nIgiaaYlw/s400/pole_pergola2_lg.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Pergola made from redwood poles</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">from </span><a href="http://www.foreverredwood.com/pole_pergola2.html" style="font-style: italic;">ForeverRedwood.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s1600-h/Ivebeengood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418425220960878610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QwzRJM8FZs1N-VoIkb9la_HJV99Zhu3pZsjsmYihwwEmrR_7viXfHGBaiwBmngEdInb_J7wV15Dyjkpr7SnH7y_D6yHTGhyphenhyphenLgO9KsnZVv_bL3T9G_3QM5-elcdA1rSuPh88hCIcuHAU/s320/Ivebeengood.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Art by <a href="http://www.bethhylan.com/">Beth Hylan</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span>Dear Santa;</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span> A spring delivery</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span><br />would be appreciated.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">xo Yvonne</span></span><br /></div><br /></div>

Decorating the great outdoors ...

A small “tree ” decorates our garden room . A winter flower box. I thought these lichen covered branches that fell from a tree were particu...

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Porch decorating

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s1600-h/chairs+on+porch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829046898244770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXwHvkRAOsyKTeQdrfd-0rU7kTwuNrUIQBn_dUULeYjjAlHMljaZeb34GD989oHCouBNye71q_7Qwy7zuMzEEDeRSTg-Wa15ytYAMp2Ue4LRuXv8t83CL3m0B-RjcX1Gdmk9ZG4R4WnE/s400/chairs+on+porch.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“mini-makeover.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Using my client</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s hanging folk art flag as inspiration (what a great piece!) we pulled out a pair of friendly white rockers from her shed and then had thick seat cushions made in a vibrant indoor/outdoor fabric for this shady porch. Now all we need is a large pitcher of ice-cold lemonade and some passing neighbors to stop by and chat for a spell ...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s1600-h/planter+w+trees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339836067998772530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXeO81fRLkFJGgICWGa_U1t1sHCzrdCEqdFfsEmMnuLpIMRmkf8d-6b4FsrH6J8WC2kW_cn0TWQUub0REjjPj4U7KH3YKxkHWkVLnEraOACUSLdZlgTBt7qLFz4N3hRLtHIHQoEIi5pEM/s400/planter+w+trees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And when a little privacy is desired, this miniature screen of evergreens politely does the trick. Hardy pansies in cranberry red add color and charm.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s1600-h/trike+w+plants.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829051849717154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr39IC9FIUvJ-fF00gHX4d9Y_Xk1qJMHrSRmp5EOVOZINMfkz-C6XL3cg_l6_Cm1-ptNK3H0CRXdozcCgBh_IygFPJKwnzvznKhV3bAd2iC16-_cIYNJB2QxtvHZTlMGvt3F_I9HevO98/s400/trike+w+plants.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">An early spring vignette designed with my client’s antique tricycle, an old-fashioned container overflowing with blue star-shaped perennials (to be planted later) and some organic vertical interest.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s1600-h/fern.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339829049047852482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnBojRK0Hu_Y5-AX0gXPX_NkbGzWM3VF5cJfxvvM1fRwxoHayEtfJYQV2hLDgTmnmetXf_R6IR9mRJ3f9vPR2XMefRviiPBQafpk6cLJ79XLim5ZqP1T-dYxfvu7ScxvBLtvSs1GLu4Q/s400/fern.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />With the warm weather, we have added a lush, Boston Fern (actually an indoor plant) in a terra-cotta urn on top of this traditional wicker console. The large scale of the plant is a dramatic welcome at the front door.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s1600-h/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339832881842423058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJYKIq4p5ICBv3gAd4cRsVlVSiwI5-qAV2koVVDctZ1sG2TH-14ToB0erdqyATaLY3nJsQnKi6U0Pudw4J5orJQYUXxjkrEvYIAkDfHNMMOdtfrTqlnBl7St_gBikodTprdfWzb1HDSw/s320/bunnies+w+carrot.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And by adding a few “non-growing</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> decorative objects – like this basket of rope spheres along with a moss-covered carrot in honor of her stone bunnies – we are ensured that even without direct sun or watering, the look will remain true to our design.</span><br /></div>

Porch decorating

In honor of Memorial Day, I am posting some images from a recent porch “mini-makeover. ” Using my client ’ s hanging folk art flag as inspi...

Read more »