DESIGNER'S HOLIDAY PICKS

The HOLLAHDAYS are upon us & I, along with a few designer friends on Instagram, am sharing my CURRENT CRUSHES...

PANK Velvet Mary Jane Pumps at Ann Taylor are classic with a side of GLAM!  The bling on the buckle puts these babies over-the-top and makes them perfect for celebrating EVERYTHANG this holiday season!

I have used A LOT of beauty products over the years and I'm not sure I've ever been this excited about a product!  You will not even believe how well (and quickly) LASH BOOST works!  Your lashes will be noticeably longer and thicker in no time.  I know it's the Season of Giving, but in this case, I strongly recommend you TREAT YO'-SELF to lashes for days!

How clutch is this clutch by Leyla Gans!?!  The berry-colored shagreen is divine and the brass and mahogany details take this bag to the next level.  The Art Deco influence on this stunner makes it fresh, timeless and perfect for holiday parties!

 Let there be Light! I will never get tired of navy and gold and this gorgeous sconce stopped me in my tracks at High Point Market in October.  The tiny blue agates are rimmed in gold and dangle from these sconces like jewelry AND WHO DOESN'T LOVE JEWELRY?!?

Two books for the price of one, y'all!  I know it SAYS "cookbook", but it reads like a book-book.  Vivian Howard's cookbook, "Deep Run Roots - Stories and Recipes from my corner of the South" is worth owning AND giving as a gift!  The photography in the book is beautiful and learning the stories behind the recipes rooted in North Carolina is a treat!

Get your cellphone runway-ready in the fabulous "outfits" at The Case Factory.  It's hard to pick a favorite, but I can't stop thinking about this ultra-chic patchwork case of Real Water Snake Leather.  Your phone will undoubtedly win BEST DRESSED!

Speaking of fashion, I am in love with everything about this dress at SELF-PORTRAIT.  The classic and feminine lace details are so fabulous with the modern and fresh black and white pleated skirt.  I love the rich shade of green and the flattering cut.  You will turn heads in this beauty...

Post and tag me on INSTAGRAM @nataliereddell using hashtag #commanderinchic if you purchase any of these fabulous finds!  HAPPY SHOPPING!

Check out my stylish friends' DESIGNER HOLIDAY PICKS, too, by following them on Instagram @fineandpink @estiekessler @impeccable_nest @ambience_inspired_interiors @lisa_maderavine @homeofharrington

Celebrate Easter with a Spring Tablescape

You know that feeling when you find your seat at a dining table and pause before putting your napkin in your lap because you think “I hate to mess-up this beautiful place-setting”?  Well, I love that feeling and I REALLY love creating tablescapes that give my guests that feeling.  In this world of lightening-speed technology, it is more important than ever to slow down and take time for face-to-face, human interaction. What better place to spend quality time with family and friends than around a lovely and thoughtfully set table.  With Spring in the air and Easter around the corner, I hope to share some ideas and inspiration for your table by giving you a look at my dining room this year.

The people around the table are the most important part of any tablescape!

My Dining Room is all decked-out for Easter breakfast.

 

I love making each place-setting an event for my guests.

Every good tablescape starts with some source of inspiration. That can be anything from the invitation to the event, a place mat you like, the dishes you are using or the flowers for the centerpiece. The only requirement for the inspiration is that it makes you happy and gets your creative juices flowing. For my table this year, I used one of the many fabric remnants that are stored (hidden from my hubby) in the attic. I am an interior designer and fabric junkie, so I have lots.

 Fabric Inspiration for my Spring table.

The bright green background of this whimsical floral just shouts spring and I never met a butterfly I didn’t like.  In fact, I like it so much that I decide to drape the whole table and use it as a topper.  I love that it has a strong blue in the pattern and it inspires me to incorporate some of my blue and white pieces.  And just like that, we have our inspiration!  Thanks to no-sew hem stuff, I can quickly finish the sides and I add a strip of fringe to the ends for a little extra personality and pop.

Blue and white is always a good idea and it looks great against the bright green fabric.

Adding fringe to the table topper makes it extra special.

One of my favorite go-to’s for tables and buffets are mirrored table runners pictured below.  They come in a number shapes and sizes are available at most craft stores.  Here is a 13″ square mirrorfrom Hobby Lobby with a beveled-edge.  They create a perfect base for any centerpiece, add sparkle and reflect candlelight!  What else could we ask for?!?

Mirrored table runners are one of my favorite additions to tables and buffets.

My next step is to gather all of the decorative items I have that might be used for the table.  It is best if you can set-up a temporary surface as a staging area.  I have used everything from a folding card table to an ironing board, but finally sprang for a rolling cart and am so glad that I did!  It’s nice to have a home-base that is mobile.  Whatever your home-base, I recommend having a designated toolkit.  I have a bright green plastic divider with a handle.  It is stocked with everything from scissors to duct tape.  If you gather all of your tools and supplies initially and keep it one place it saves a lot of time and frustration when you only want to be in creative mode!  Now to set the table!

If you take away the chocolate bunny and egg, the table will be lovely well beyond Easter.

I found the pretty blue napkins at Homegoods and did a simple accordion fold to add some texture and color to the table since I used the footed bowl as a centerpiece in lieu of flowers.  I made the fabric sashes for the chairs out of fabric scraps from a past interior design project.

The leaf runner is actually four place-mats put together.

I took four leaf place-mats I found at Pier 1 and created a runner for the buffet.  I also found the beaded butterfly runner at Pier 1 and HAD TO HAVE IT!  The gold accents pick up the gold on the Limoges china and the round chargers.  The other decorative items on the table and buffet are things I’ve collected over the years from estate sales and thrift stores.  It is such a joy to have everything come together and use things you have at home already.  One of my biggest pieces of advice when setting a special table is to give yourself plenty of time.  It always takes longer than you anticipate, and it’s fun to have the time to really enjoy adding the details and special touches.  I hope you feel somewhat inspired to set YOUR table and would love to hear some of the things you are doing in your home!  Happy Easter to each one of you!

The people around the table are the most important part of any tablescape!