Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

Am I the only one that can’t believe Thanksgiving is around the corner? Geesh! Where has the time gone? Luckily my wife and I are not hosting the family clan, but if we were, we would be in full prep mode with a bucket of stress. Are you in the same ship? Hopefully I can make it a little easier. Just remember the art of hosting is in the details. How many times have you heard, “It’s the little things that count.”  How true is that when hosting a holiday get together? Do not feel like you have to throw a party that gets 3,294 likes on Instagram or nifty ideas that get repined five million times. Just pay attention to the details, and your guests will feel like you spent all year putting everything together. Here we go:

There are many things that help set the mood. Candles burning, scents wafting through the air, and visually stimulating décor will put your guests right at ease. Do not forget the music! Technology these days makes it so easy too! I typically turn to Pandora to give my party a variety of artists under one genre. Music is a simple way to set the tone and make a party fun.

How do you dress the table is the question that follows once the menu is finalized. I think Thanksgiving is one of the easier holidays to decorate. Think of different textures and deeper colors – nothing too fussy or overdone. I love the idea of placing planks of reclaimed wood down the center of the table as a table runner with candles, wheat, fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest, and maybe a couple flowers here and there. Don’t pigeon hole yourself into just pumpkins and gourds! There are many other options.

This time of the year calls for family gatherings so why not pay tribute to family members of years gone by?  Grab family heirlooms like grandpa’s basketball trophies, great grandmother’s tea cups, or aunt Gertrude’s collection of flatware to incorporate into your design. Are you like me and don’t have enough table settings for a party of 14+? No problem! Borrow coordinating settings from other guests to mix in. Layering in grandma’s china with aunt Olivia’s flatware and stemware collections from your neighbor’s European ancestors – could make for a dinner with a sense of history and great conversation starters!

See, the small details are the ones that count and go a long way! Just think of how you layer your outfits for fall weather and how the same concept can be applied to your Thanksgiving dinner. Do a little digging or shopping for those unexpected pieces that will make your gathering a little unexpected, a little more cozy, and a greater sense of heritage.

[photos from Decoist, Santa Barbara Chic, and Gourmande in the Kitchen]

Holly A.'s Pick

By a raise of hands, who has ever used a salt cellar?  And why not?  Here's a little fact: Use of salt cellars are documented as early as classical Rome.  They were used up through the first half of the 20th century, but have been primarily replaced by salt shakers at the introduction of free-flowing salt in 1911.  As far as I'm concerned, salt shakers owe us an apology.  Look at what we've been missing out on all these years:

What if this year for our holiday feasting we uninvited salt shakers and gave these beauties a chance?  "How classy", your great-aunt might remark, "where on earth did you find something so rare and collectible?"  To which you might respond, "I found it at Alice Lane.  That's where."

Add a touch of history to your table this season and win over Great-Aunt Gloria with a salt cellar or two.  They can be found and both Alice Lane locations.  You're welcome.

Guests are coming!

The holidays are almost here and it’s time to start preparing for your house guests. Here’s a list of my favorite tips for outfitting your guest room and making sure your loved ones feel comfortable and welcome.

THE BED The ideal guest bed has several layers to help your guest sleep at the perfect temperature. Use cotton or linen sheets, a warm coverlet, and a fluffy duvet. Make sure to tighten up the bedding with hospital corners, like mama taught you. Turn down the sheets to make the bed inviting and provide a stack of extra pillows and blankets.

THE NIGHTSTAND When outfitting the nightstands make sure they have the following: an alarm clock, fresh water in a carafe, a bud vase with a few blooms, and a selection of magazines. You get extra credit by topping it off with the guest’s favorite treat. A few luxuries go a long way in impressing your visitors.

THE BATHROOM Stock the guest bathroom with a stack of clean towels, extra toiletries (someone always seems to forget a toothbrush), a fluffy robe, and a lovely scented candle. Tuck in your favorite lotions and soaps to give it that last personal touch.

Michelle's Pick

We are in the thick of a home remodel.  It is an experience that solicits a basketful of emotions.  One day I’m over the moon about crisp white baseboards and the next I’m in the depths of despair because the bathroom hardware is stuck somewhere between here and there.  Most days, the only things that get me through the remodeling crazy are a cold soda and a Norman Rockwell inspired vision of those I love gathered in our new home feeling and experiencing the holiday spirit.  Just as soon as the dust settles and the finishing touches are placed, I’m pulling out my beautiful cutting boards for a housewarming party to rival all holiday parties.  Wood trivets and cutting boards laid casually on a dining table or kitchen island are one of my entertaining tricks.  Loaded with beautiful breads, cheeses, nuts and fruits, every party guest is sure to leave feeling satisfied and asking where you picked up those natural beauties.

Cutting boards—Priced from $64-174

For Your Fete de Noel

As you may have noticed, around these parts we like to celebrate. Is somebody running their first marathon? We'll make tee shirts. Did your kid loose another tooth? Let's all have cookies. So just imagine what the holiday season does to our party throwing souls. For those of you nearby, we hope you enjoyed our recent holiday events. (We loved seeing you! Weren't those ginger cookies delicious?)

And for those of you both near and far, we pulled together a few quick tips to take any of your upcoming fete from fun to unforgettably festive.

SET THE MOOD Just as we frequently discuss when designing a room, one trick that will set your party up for success is lighting. The pros know that soft lighting is the ultimate goal, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a slight air of mystery. We're not asking you to serve your guests in the dark, but try turning off overhead lights (or at least turn down the dimmer!) and utilize table lamps and, of course, candles. Holiday parties have the added benefit of twinkle lights, which have a reputation for being an automatic mood setter!

MAKE IT EASY Many times the Achilles heel of a good party starts with an over complicated plan. Choose a unifying theme for the décor and then examine whether each piece you want to bring in enhances that theme, or is just excess. Let a few statement making touches have a bigger impact, rather than feeling like every surface of your home needs to be decked out. Use a similar mindset when planning the menu: one extravagant, crowd pleasing dish, and then let the sides play second fiddle.

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES, AND LET THE PUNCH ROLL For our final bit of advice, we borrowed a story from a decorating and entertaining hero, the magician Miles Redd. “It was springtime in New York and we were so excited for some nice weather, and we had set up this beautiful table outside,” says Miles. “I had gone upstairs to take a shower and within minutes it turned into thunderous storms. So the only other place I can host a large group is in my bathroom. We just moved everything upstairs.”

While most people would be mortified to host guests in their bathroom, we admire the spirit of Miles’ story – sometimes even the best laid plans get thrown awry, but why should that ruin the party? A good hostess has the ability to be flexible, and to lead the mood of an event with their own attitude. Approach obstacles with light heartedness, and remember the unexpected moments sometimes create the best memories.

[photos from Eddie Ross, Lonny Mag, Lifestyle Mirror]

Our Salt Lake Holiday Event is Tonight!

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Jen's Picks

One of my favorite things to see in a bedroom is his and her nightstands. A man’s nightstand is usually more edited. A handsome clock, a catch all bowl, or a tray, are all very useful, and still feel masculine.

A woman’s nightstand will be filled with functional things as well as things that make her happy. If you want something that will immediately give away whose side of the bed it is, put flowers on her side. Real flowers are always so beautiful, but if you are worried about the maintenance we have some absolutely beautiful forever florals in our stores that require no upkeep. A few other ideas for her nightstand are to have a bowl to drop jewelry in at the end of the night, or a tray to hold a candle or lotion in, or put a cute accessory on there!

If you are struggling with what to put on the nightstands in your room, come into our store, we would love to help you figure out what they need.

[photos from Veranda]

Bedside Lighting

The designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz said, “Light is the magical ingredient that makes or breaks a space; it's one of the most important elements in all interiors.” He’s so right! Sadly, often times lighting a space becomes an afterthought. Here are 4 of my favorite tips for lighting that cozy place we love to spend cold winter nights in - our bedrooms.

Lights placed next to your bed not only create warmth and ambience, they also fulfill a purpose. Make sure whatever type of lighting you use is placed high enough so that the light shines down on that page-turning novel you can’t get enough of.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! While symmetry is beautiful and stately, having different lamps on each side of the bed helps a space feel less formal; so choose lighting that reflects your personal style and story.

Use floor lamps. Yes, that’s right, try using a floor lamp next to your bed. Many of us don’t have space in our apartments or guest bedrooms to have nightstands on both sides of the bed. A smartly chosen floor lamp on one side of the bed and a table lamp on the other is a handsome solution.

I love sconces; they are jewelry for your wall, and who doesn’t love jewelry?! Free up your nightstand for some beautiful flowers or stylish books by placing sconces next to your bed instead of traditional lamps. Sconces are beauty and function all rolled up in one.

Mark Your Calendars!

Brittany's Pick

Nothing says luxury like a tufted velvet bed! After a long day out and about the city, my favorite thing to do is cuddle under the covers with a good book in the safety and comfort of my own home. What better bed to relax in than the Cleo?

She’s got the durability of your favorite pair of jeans and the decadence of a strawberry covered in chocolate. The velvet tufts create an air of elegance and high class; the brass studs give her a feeling of warmth, depth and humility. It’s the best of both worlds – working hard for you money, and then enjoying the benefits of it – all wrapped up in one.

The End of Bed Bench

The end-of-bed bench. It’s the place to sit and put on your shoes in the morning before you head out the door. The place that holds a couple of your favorite books and a chunky knit throw for you to pick up whenever you find a spare second to relax.

It's a place to watch TV until you’re tired enough to actually climb into  bed and fall asleep for the night. A place to sit and chat with the one you love about how your day went.  And hopefully for most it’s a combination of a lot of these things together.

If you have the space, the use of an end-of-bed bench completes the overall feel and look of a bedroom. It’s the icing on the cake really. An end-of-bed bench can really be a pair of ottomans, a settee, a pair of chairs, or even a small sofa. Depending on how you use your space, one option may serve you better than another.

For instance if you’re not one to spend too much time in your bedroom, perhaps a pair of small ottomans or bench will serve you well for a quick place to sit down and put on your shoes. Or if you’re the person that spends time lounging in your bedroom throughout the day, a daybed or chaise at the foot of your bed will accommodate those moments of relaxation.

If you have children, maybe a small sofa or even a minimal seating group at the end of your bed can serve as a place to gather together. So take a look at your space and think of how you use your own bedroom to see what end-of-bed piece will work best for you.

[photos from Home Bunch, Arkpad, Elle Decor, Madeline Stuart]

Kiana's Pick

Something that will take your fall/winter bed to the next level whilst you read a good book with a cup of hot cocoa and bing watch a whole series on Netflix is our Belgian linen sheets.

I know what you're thinking - linen in the winter?! We all know that linen sheets keep you cooler in the summer, but they are also great at keeping you warm in the winter! They're just luxurious and versatile like that. Another setback people think of when they think of linen sheets is the upkeep.

Well, when it comes to our Belgian linens, they only get better the more they are used. The fibers become stronger, softer, and wrinkle less, and they will last you 8 - 10 years! They are surprisingly simple to clean too. Throw them into the washer on a gentle cycle with medium temperature water. Then dry for 20 minutes and let them do the rest of the drying outside the machine. Clean and no wrinkles!

The Perfect Pillows

After a long, grueling day at the office, there is no better sight than that of a well-dressed bed ready to be climbed into. This picture is never complete unless you've found the perfect pillows to add the finishing touch to this moment. This simple accessory has the power to personalize your space while adding all of the visual warmth of a wood burning stove in the fall. But just how do you pick the perfect ensemble of pillows?

Start with a neutral base that feels effortless and relaxing, complement with an accent of pattern or color to add a little spice to your bedroom. Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color and when the season changes, so can your pillows!

We love to layer. Using your sleeping pillows as a base, layer largest pillows in back and scale down in the front. Just the size differences alone can add interest in shape and texture. There is also some magic behind odd numbers. They seem to be more eye-catching and visually comfortable to even the untrained eye.

A lumbar pillow can ease your worried mind if you are unsure about picking several pillows to make an arrangement. A large lumbar can hold its own by spanning across the pillows behind. Try using colors that bring a sense of cohesiveness to your space and tie together several elements of your bedroom. A large lumbar is also perfect for nestling into while reading that novel you've read three times over and can't seem to get enough of.

Keep it simple. Your bedroom should be the place you go to get away, so keeping your pillow arrangement simple can make a large impact. Fine fabrics, plush linens, and embroidery details can make all the difference.

[photos from Atlanta Homes, Swabble, Veranda]

Olivia's Pick - Sweater-Inspired Throw Blankets

Our knitted wool throws arrived just in the time for the chilly fall weather!

This elegant accent piece is perfect for your home this season and just as cozy as your favorite sweater.

Drape one over the end of your bed or the arm of a sofa to add a touch of warmth to the room. You'll love wrapping up in this soft textured knit while enjoying a cup of cider and unwinding in front of the fireplace. Fall really has all the good stuff, doesn't it?

Nightstands - To Match or Not To Match

In the quest to find the perfect nightstands, we are often asked the same questions: to match or not to match? Well, the answer is - it depends!

MATCHING Symmetry in a room creates a feeling of order and restfulness. Choose matching nightstands to bring in that touch of simplicity and sophistication, especially if your bed is a statement piece. The nightstands become the supporting cast and allow the bed to be the star.

MISMATCHING If you feel that your room is craving some interest, be bold and try two different nightstands. Mixing it up adds that inventive, eclectic feel to a space. Try to choose nightstands with similar features, like color or shape, so that the pieces still relate. For instance, an ivory lacquered single-drawer pieces for her and a linen three-drawer chest for him.

But wait, what about lamps?! Well call me old-fashioned, but generally I prefer a pair of matching lamps. It just feels smart and purposeful. However, I always appreciate a good exception and sometimes selecting two different lamps can be an unexpected twist. If you decide to be daring and mix up your lamps, make sure to pay attention to the relationship between the heights, shade shapes, finishes, and styles.

Meet Demian

Our Demian Armoire is a great piece to show off what you've got! It makes a bold statement with its steel frame and pierced metal doors. It's the perfect place to use those family heirlooms and create a vignette on each shelf to tell your story. We love the idea of adding a few brass or gold accessories to give off a little bit of shine through those doors.

36.5"W x 20.5"D x 83.75"H $3,536

Hannah's Picks

As the cold starts to descend upon us, welcomed with open arms, we tend to hibernate in our warm and cozy homes. The coziest of cozy places to be found on a cold day is in our beds wrapped in layers of fluffy blanket. A change of scenery is nice every once in awhile. Don't worry, we are not venturing far.

The bedside chair is just the ticket. Grab your hot drink of choice, snuggle up with your favorite book and enjoy a different perspective.

The Hanna chair is just the fit for any bed with its dark leather and beautiful wood detailing, and you can't go wrong with a name like that! Let the cozy nights begin!

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