Elegant Living Archives - Page 49 of 53

Living Well by Bunny Williams

July 6, 2015/2 Comments/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I always love learning how to live well. While perusing through the June 2015 House Beautiful magazine I came across an article from Bunny Williams and her husband John. Bunny Williams is a great designer. I love her work!! In the article, she and her husband discuss 8 ways to make life worth living.

1. Offer hospitality, not just a drink. “Show don’t tell, what you’re serving with a well-appointed bar.

(photo credit Domaine)

2. Rethink the centerpiece. “Look beyond flowers and vases and pluck an object from the mantel, scatter shells from afar, or display farmers’ market fruits and vegetables. (see my entry here about that)

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

3. For a lively table, invite interesting pieces. “Table settings are like guest lists: Diversity is key…..

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

4. Read, share, repeat. “Buy second-hand books by the bundle so that guests can hang on to the stories they begin, even when it’s time to go”.

5. Don’t be precious about special things. “Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room like the bathroom…..

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

6. You need one good piece to anchor a room. ” For me, a mirror often does it……

7. Don’t wait to live well. “John and I used to entertain guests even when we had tiny apartments without room for a dining table. The point is: Don’t put off enjoying your home and friends- today there are so many ways to live well without breaking the budget….

Photo by Yakira Eppel on Unsplash

8. Your home begins as soon as you step out of the car. “It’s not just the inside of your house that deserves stylish touches. Celebrate your arrival by rolling out the red carpet for yourself- or at least a pair of oversize planters.”

Watch this fantastic video from Ballard Designs featuring entertaining ideas from Bunny Williams

(original article from House Beautiful; tips from Bunny Williams)

Frances Palmer

June 29, 2015/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I was watching a video from one of my favorite blogs Quintessence about a ceramic artist by the name of Frances Palmer. She creates the most beautiful vases and dishes. I just love her work and her garden. Watch the video and see why I watch it every week!

(photo credit Frances Palmer)

Frances’ work

(photo credit Frances Palmer)

(video via Quintessence)

Peony Beauty

June 24, 2015/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

Well, it is finally peony season here in Indiana. There is only one florist that I know of that has peonies available to purchase. So when they tell me that they are available I go every week and buy about 2 bouquets for work and home. They are just so beautiful and hard to resist! Last year was the first time I had peonies. See my entry here about those.

I have been to our florist about 4 times already!!! But I really enjoy flowers in my home. There is just a simple beauty that they bring to your life.

My peonies and hydrangea bouquet

My bouquet at work

The peony arrangement from my husband

(all photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Receiving Guest Properly

June 17, 2015/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

As most of you know, I am a huge fan of the Daily Connoisseur. Jennifer L. Scott has become one of my favorite authors!! Recently, she discussed a very important subject: Receiving Guest Properly. I thought this was wonderful because I think we all need to be reminded of how to greet our guests when they arrive at our homes. I love Jennifer’s guidelines on how to accomplish this. See her guidelines below and watch the video. It is superb!!!!

1. Get accustomed to using your best- If you use your best on a daily basis, it won’t feel awkward to do so when company comes over.

2. Shed your insecurities and don’t apologize- While it’s important to get your home ready for guests, don’t obsess about the details. Let their knock on the door be a signal for you to drop any insecurities that you may have about the state of your home or whether or not they will like your cooking. Don’t apologize for yourself, your skills or your home. Your guests are most likely just happy to have been invited over!

3. Designate a space for their belongings- Let your guests know where they can place their handbag, coat and umbrella, or place their belongings there for them.

4. Always offer a drink to your guests upon their arrival- It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing your friends, but don’t forget to offer them something to drink when they arrive. They might be really thirsty or would really appreciate a strong cup of coffee.

5. Provide food if your guests are visiting during a mealtime- If you are inviting people over during a mealtime (noon or 7pm, for example) you must provide them with a meal.

Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash

Provide beautiful food and use your best

Photo by Olivier Bergeron on Unsplash

Organize your space, make it beautiful

(video via YouTube)

The Scent of Lilac

June 1, 2015/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

A dear co~worker of mine brought me in some lilac from her yard. I was ecstatic! My office smelled wonderful!! I planted some of my own lilac bushes this spring and I cannot wait until they return next year!

My lilac at work

My lilac bushes at home

(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

Anthropologie Tea for Me

May 27, 2015/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

I took another visit to Anthropologie and what did I spy with my little eye? Another great tea cup! I just had to have this! It is really big and looks wonderful on my desk at work. I have used it multiple times already. If you missed my Anthropologie store tour see it here.

This cup was in the clearance section of the store.

(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

My Daughter’s Flower Arranging Birthday Party

March 6, 2015/4 Comments/in Elegant Living, Uncategorized /by mrs.sshockley

My daughter turned 10 recently!!! I can’t believe it myself. It still shocks me to know that I have a 10 year old! Well, her birthday parties have become a full time job and I have to always come up with ideas for her and her friends to have fun.

I saw this idea on Style Me Pretty last year. I thought “how cute is that, a flower arranging party for girls”. Yes!!! It was so simple and the girls loved it!! See below….