Christmas Linens

If you don't come from one of those fanatical "7 china sets" families (like mine) but you still want to have a pretty holiday table sans holly painted plates, linens are the way to go. A few choice cloths require little storage space, and can be mixed and matched during other seasons of the year.

Linens are also a wonderful heirloom to hand down to daughters and granddaughters. I still have some of my grandmother's pieces, and everytime I unfold them, I think of her. A few months ago I threw a large baby shower with a friend who had so many family linens that we were able to do the entire event with antique pieces from her linen closet: tables, runners, and napkins, all finely crafted. They made the event rich in decor and memories.

Here, a few ideas to get you started - some are selected with the grandkids in mind (Sferra, Yves Delorme), while others are just pretty choices (Macys, Anthropolgie). Enjoy!

The Table Runner: Red and gold Margarite runner, by Fino Limo. Available at One King's Lane. Small, $99. Perfect for use on tables too lovely to hide. An arrangement of candles, greenery, and gold holiday balls in the center would be beautiful.

The Neutral Cloth: Acanthus pattern, from Sferra. Available in garnet, light green, gold, and white. Small, $239.

The Colonial Christmas: Anthropologie Flora and Fauna tablecloth. Small, $58. Not your traditional Christmas style, but it reminds me very much of the Noah's Ark designs popular in colonial days, and the frequent pairing of bright fruits and blue grays in their decor. Match it with burgundy and gold accents and some evergreen.

Non-Traditional Colors: I'm dreaming of an aqua Christmas. Lenox Chirp double placemats at Macys, $6.99.

Red Plus One: Mix other shades in with red for a festive spirit. From Yves Delorme, bright Recevior table linens.

Classic Christmas: This nutcracker plate pattern and plaid linens from Williams Sonoma are wonderfully festive - and a step away from the typical holly. Tartan tablecloth 70 x 90 $69.95.

I can't say enough about collecting antique linens as well. A few visits to your local antique shops and outdoor markets will quickly make you realize that quality linens are incredibly affordable. I had the chance to shop with Eddie Ross last summer, and he loves to collect linen pieces like that. He said that they don't have to be matched sets - the napkins can all be different, or just different from the table cloth. Already monogrammed? Eddie suggested finding single monograms that fit your own first or last name.

Antique linens at Scott's Antique Market in Atlanta.

Caring for linens shouldn't be daunting - just pay a little attention and follow the rules. I haven't ruined one yet! One of my favorite home care writers is Cheryl Mendelson, author of the home care bible EVERYONE should own, Home Comforts. But she's also come out with a special edition just for that ever tricky subject: Laundry. Buy both books for yourself (and your home) for Christmas - available at Amazon.

All tablecloth images, brands as listed. Antique linens, my own.

Linen cabinet, http://tracyporter.com/blog/2009/01. Wreath, history.org. Sketch from the book Occasions, by Kate Spade, at Amazon. Aqua room, Traditional Home. All other room images, Country Home.

Italian Prada Hearts English Morris

Years ago, while struggling through some moldy tome at the Union library at Oxford, I happened to glance heavenward. It was more of an eye-roll than a divine supplication for studying aide, but it ended as a delightful distraction. The timbered ceiling was ringed with paintings by the pre-Raphelites, and covered in a leafy vine pattern, courtesy of one William Morris. I'd never seen Morris' work in person before, and I wanted to find out more about him.

A terrible, tiny picture of the Morris ceiling at the Oxford Union.

Morris was a Renaissance man of sorts; an artist, poet, architect, and furniture and textile designer, he left a large body of work. But he is most remembered for his marvelous bontanical-inspired fabric and wallpaper patterns, like the one below. Morris was highly enamored with tales of England's mythic past (Morte d'Arthur and others), but equally interested in making hand-made, quality objects affordable and available. Most importantly to this blog, Morris wanted to elevate decorating to the level of the fine arts.

...and his influence is still apparent today. The moment I spotted Prada's carefree prints fluttering down the runway, I saw Morris inspiration! But Prada didn't copycat - in fact, this is a fun new blend of English library meets Palm Beach party.

Here, a few Prada heels plus scarves, Spring 2010 collection.

The scarf as handbag - even better, they still come with mini scarves!

This bag is Morris in the middle and modern at the ends.

A larger example of Morris-style pattern, beautifully draped.

Prada's collection is an inspiring mix of traditional fabrics and modern styling. I doubt Morris would have paired neon pink and red, but I also think he'd approve. The over all effect is vaguely African - and very lovely.

For more information about Morris work, and to see more samples of his botanical patterns, visit here. To purchase designs similar to those of Morris, click here.

Images: www.oxford-union.org/conferencing, designhistorylab.com/?m=200902, style.com.

Mini Me: Match Your Decor

This silken scarf from COACH reminds me of the patterns of Rubie Green - a favorite fabric purveyor. Visit founder Michelle's website or blog for more fresh home choices. The only disharmony? The signature - but I'll bet if you asked Michelle really nicely she'd sign a pillow for you!

Coach scarf, $168. Pillow fabric by Rubie Green, East Village. Pillow image from http://www.vidastyle.com.au/?page_id=22.

Fall Texture at West Elm

Cords, chunky cable knits, a few stray studs - I'm not talking about the fall collection at J. Crew. For its new pillows, West Elm borrows heavily from the threads you normally like to wear, but these textures will feel just as cozy on your couch as on your back.  All are cast in cool neutrals that subtly play up the fabrics.  Especially this honeycomb pillow.  It's this, me, and a cup of tea snuggled on a couch while the snow comes down - that's comfy! 

Lovely honeycomb knit pillows, designed by sweater-makers Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos. To see some of their other work, click here. $54.

It's like a big snuggly sheep rug, without the massive dry cleaning bill.  Mongolian lamb pillow covers, $59 - $129.

Cords! Doesn't this bring back memories?  For me, it's college days - long walks in the leaves, going to a game, new textbooks, and apple cider! $18 - $28.

Flannel + studs = Fall fun.  $39.

 What reminds you most of fall?

all images, westelm.com

Shopping with Eddie Ross, Part II

So here's Part II of fabulous shopping fun! Top Design Contestant/Bravo TV, Martha Stewart editor, and designer Eddie Ross led a group of design aficionados through Atlanta's Scott's Antique Market last Saturday. Southern Accents magazine also showed up to document the fun - here's hoping that story makes it into an issue soon!

Jaithan, me, and Eddie are all smiles at the end of a profitable adventure - there was so much to see (and buy)!

Fabrics:  one of the biggest surprises (for me) at Scott's was the large quantity of beautiful fabrics in full bolts.  I'm used to seeing scraps for sale here and there, but this is enough to do large pieces of furniture.  

Some of the finds were real shockers - including a bolt of deeply discounted Kelly Wearstler fabric!!! 

Talk about a steal. Isn't this beautiful?

Eddie fell in love with this colorful crewelwork with touches of melon and celery shades. If you follow Eddie's blog at all, you know what a fan he is of crewel - and how good he is at making this style look fresh and new.

Prints:  another of my favorite finds was this booth of prints and old maps from Prints Charming Soho (recently featured in Martha Stewart Living). Framing is an obvious choice, of course, but obvious isn't Eddie!  Here, he suggests blowing up this wonderful pattern and transferring it to stencils for pattern on a floor cloth, wall, or fabric.

Another great idea?  Decoupage - and rather than damaging a beautiful sheet from, say, the 1830s, buy a few favorites, copy them, and then decoupage those copies onto a piece of furniture or decorative box.  Hang the originals nearby for a great coordinated look. There were plenty of beautiful options to chose from at Scott's!

P.S. When framing small natural prints like these, blow up and copy the tiny Latin print at the bottom - and add it to the matting when framing for an art gallery look.

Or, you could go completely insane and decoupage a patterned paper (or wallpaper scraps) onto an entire bureau. Eddie really liked this plaid example. It would be stunning in a gentleman's bedroom - just steer clear of bathrooms and other damp spaces unless you like the look of peeling paper. Butcher's wax is a great way to protect a decoupage surface and keep it gleaming.

Glass:  Eddie used to run a catering company, and as a result, he knows (and loves) his glassware. After we all pawed through piles of gorgeous silver, crystal, and plates and stood around pondering what would be "practical" to buy, Eddie made my favorite comment of the day: "Do I need this? Can I live without it? NO! You can't!"

A lovely pitcher in hobnail glass.

More beautiful crystal. One of the wonderful things about this booth? Each piece is priced for separate purchase. If you collect a classic pattern, you can always replace those inevitable crack-ups later with a trip to the local antique mall or flea market. As Eddie pointed out, "why have it if you don't use it?"

Keep scrolling to see Part I, and more of Eddie's fabulous ideas!

Shopping with Eddie Ross, Part I

I'm back! Thanks to everyone who offered such sweet well-wishes for my trip. After a fabulous week touring around Georgia, visiting antebellum mansions, antiquing, and hanging out at Flannery O'Conner's home, I am blogging again, loaded with memories and marvelous pictures (you'll see all in good time). 

However, the FIRST thing I have to share with you is a wonderful trip to Atlanta's Scott's Antique Market yesterday with former Martha Stewart designer, House Beautiful editor, Top Design contestant, and all around fabulous guy Eddie Ross. Eddie and his partner in crime, Jaithan, led myself and some other very lucky ladies on a treasure-hunt through the market. What fun! While we ooohed and awed over finds, Eddie dispensed practical tips and inspiring ideas for designers-in-training.  

First lesson: looking beyond the surface (of mustard horror). Eddie demonstrates how to find a piece of furniture with good lines and turn it into something special. This chaise would suit a smaller room, and as Eddie pointed out, it had lovely wooden legs (a good reason to nix the skirt when reupholstering).  P.S. Be sure to save any nailheads when you reupholster - new ones won't have that lovely patina.

Eddie called mantel accessories "fireplace jewelry." There's certainly plenty of bling to choose from here!  I asked Eddie about other uses for fireplace accoutrements in the South (while we like our fireplaces, we don't really need them) and he suggested using fireboxes as planters.  The firebox in the lower RH corner would be charming lined with moss and planted in bright daffodils to contrast with the dark metal. 
I also had fun meeting blogger Susannah (blue dress), and her sister. Susannah is starting her own customized jewelry line, Goods To Adorn.  Also joining was fellow blogger of the Blue Hydrangea who came all the way from NC to be part of the fun. The members of the tour were as inspiring as the market!

One of my favorite stops was at a vintage clothing booth, loaded with Lilly Pulitzer, saris, and bright baubles. Here, Eddie shows how to evaluate fabrics for use as one-of-a-kind decorative pillows around the home. 

He pointed out that with unique fabric and some light beading (costume jewelry!) you could come up with a completely unique look - and avoid big cost on a small item. Said Eddie of the high cost of accessory pillows: "it's offensive - it's called a throw pillow!" I would have to agree.
I asked Eddie to pause for a pink and pink picture - but he advises reupholstering that headboard!

A booth full of beautiful linens. There are so many uses for textiles - window hangings, table decoration, throw pillows, cut and hemmed into napkins, etc. And, they make wonderful presents!

Jaithan peaks over the edge of the narrow textile stall to keep an eye on the action.

A lovely group of monogramed hand towels. It's all but impossible to find a monogram that matches your own, but Eddie suggested collecting sets of three towels, one with each of your letters, and hanging them in order in your bathroom. A great way to make a unique piece work for you. 

Atlanta designer Sarah Youngblood (standing closest to Eddie in a French antiques booth) and I tried this idea out on a pre-monogramed tote bag later in the day - but decided to have the letters stand for a funny favorite title or motto. It turned out that the ALM monogram on her zebra patterned-bag stood for "A Moxie Lady." As Eddie said, "make it your own!"
P.S. Don't you LOVE the gray and cream chest of drawers in the center of this picture? Beautiful. This dealer dealt exclusively in French pieces, most of them painted in soft grays and creams. She also had shelves stocked with uncut 19th century French books.

As you can see, it was a great day, loaded with inspiration. Stop by tomorrow for a few more of Eddie's hints and tips - including glassware, using printed fabric, and framing!