{competitive} cookie exchange

I happen to work in an office full of incredible cooks and bakers! We have our annual cookie exchange coming up and I made these chai cookies last year....

...and before I tried everyone else's I thought mine were quite good (and I still highly recommend!) . However when you are competing with lavender shortbread cookies served on an antique silver tray and the most beautifully executed linzer cookies it is very intimidating. So, I am asking for your help-what is your "go to" holiday cookie?

winter wonderland

What I will be dreaming about tonight...

(via Living Etc.)

before+after {holiday decor}

After a long hot shower and glass of wine (cures everything!) I am feeling much better and couldn't help but post about this dining room. I saw the holiday styled version of this room in Western Interiors and found the unset table in Peter Dunham's portfolio. I just thought it was so fun to see how holiday decor can transform a room. The before...

(via Peter Durham)

And after...

(via Western Interiors)
I have to say I really like the cokes at each place setting--such a fun contrast to the formal room. The coca-cola polar bear has always been a symbol of Christmas, why not the actual drink!

out sick..

I am feeling under the weather today and don't have creative juices of any sort flowing so I am going to take the day of from the blogging world. At the moment all I would like to do is curl up in the beautiful bedroom.

(via marie claire masion)
Hope you are all having a lovely day!

touches of tinsel

I am note sure quite what it is about the room (maybe the tinsel rivaling metallics or decadent fabrics) but this room just reminded me of the holidays. Either way a very visually interesting and unique space!

(via Jocelyne Beaudoin)

simple holiday luxury

Do you have a favorite holiday aroma? It always amazes me how a smell can trigger a memory or feeling. When it comes to the smell that increases my holiday cheer it hands down is the Rigaud Cypess candle. My mom has been burning them for as long as I can remember. However, I did seem to forget that they are not exactly cheap!

winter white {guest post}

(Kristie Shevin (owner) and Elizabeth Eberly (lead designer) of Delilah's Flowers of Denver blog -- photo by Paige Eden)
I am so excited about this post! It showcases one of my longest and best friend's thoughts and talents. She is the brilliant lead floral designer for Delilah's of Denver and I hope you are all as inspired as I am from her words and work. Introducing miss L.T.B. aka Elizabeth Eberly. Enjoy!

" This wedding was held up in Keystone in March. They wanted everything to look winterish while still being unusual and elegant I like it when holiday arrangements aren't typical. I thought having more of a winter feel instead of traditional Christmas would be fun. I was really into pussy willows and so everything kind of stemmed from that. Random, I know.

The arrangements were white hydrangea with pussy willows shooting out of it. It's a clean and modern look while still being elegant. The vase is wrapped with fabric and ribbon in white and silvery/gray. Wrapping the vase with an unusual material is one of my favorites. Whether it's filling the vase with pinecones or cranberries or wrapping cinnamon sticks or boxwood around the vase, having a fun container is always a must.

This last picture is of the place setting. I always like to tuck something into the napkin whether it's an herb, flower or memento. It's a nice little surprise when guests sit down at their seats. In this case, there is a stem of pussy willow tucked into the napkin to coordinate with the centerpiece."

photo credit: Jenna Walker Photography

fun + frilly

I thought this ornament was incredibly fun to look at but is it too much frill for a tree? What do you think?

(from conran shop)

lover's knot necklace

I was just taking a little break from a very manic Monday and just happened to stumble upon this very glam and flirty necklace from Alexis Bittar:

I just love the contrast between the pearls and the rope-like material!

and the countdown begins!

(via Living Etc.)
And the official countdown to the 25th begins! I have not picked out an advent calendar yet but I am thinking about something very simple, like this one from blank page studio:
But, I really wish that I had the time and skills to make this festive cone advent calendar (find directions here):