When in doubt and you need a bloom to add a little punch to a room, a single lily stem is always a good bet. It is a flower with quite a bit of bang for the buck, and the scent is exquisite. One single stem usually produces anywhere from 2 to 5 flowers, so these really are ideal for single stem vases. We were out at WestWard for just a quick 2 night stay. It will be our last until after Christmas, as it is just too tough to be away from the shops at this busy time of year. But we were doing one last bit of entertaining, so I really wanted one star flower to set the stage. A white lily would fit the bill. The heady scent filling the house, and the 2 large blooms on a solo stem looking just beautiful on the ottoman for all to enjoy.
A Single Lily Stem
Luscious Lilies
The stalls in the Market are bursting with flowers at this sunny stage of July. There is just something about lilies that always catch me eye.
I also think lilies give quite of bit of bang for the buck. If you change the water every few days and cut the stem an inch, lilies can last up to 2 weeks. The lower blooms fading while the upper buds begin to open.
And the scent! The minute we open the front door, the heady scent just wakes up the senses. I like to put single stems in vintage decanters and apothecary jars, so you really get to focus on the beauty of the flower. The hefty weight of the vessel also helps the lily from falling over.
A Quick Window Change
Creating a front window display does not always mean taking everything out and starting from scratch. This was the window that housed all of the Emily Post books for when we had the book signing. We had tons of books scattered throughout the display. I also had the word ‘manners’ spelled out on the wall.
To make this window a tad more holiday-centric, the word GIVE was put where the word ‘manners’ had been. The bones (mirror, chair, lucite cube, lamp) of the window stayed in place. We then started pulling items that were red, and displayed them in stacks throughout. Various spools of red ribbon and twine were also set about.
I really wanted to incorporate fresh flowers in this display throughout the Holidays, so we hung little glass vases and put a white lily in each one. Each week I plan to swap out a different bloom, such as amaryllis and tulips.
A window display is a bit like your home. You can keep all the major components in place, like a sofa and a mirror, but a quick change of the accessories can create a whole new look, and really freshen things up.
A Roll of Tablecloth
I found the coolest paper tablecloth on my last buying trip to New York. It comes on a 50 foot roll, with oversized vintage silverware graphics running throughout. Yesterday was the day to change out the dining table at the shop, and I could not wait to unroll the paper tablecloth and get the table set.
I chose vintage mix & match silverware to mimic the images that are on the tablecloth, which by the way, is a quite beefy kraft stock. Juliska bamboo border plates complete the setting. Simple clear French etched glassware seemed fitting with the vintage silverware.
This time of year, I really like to use an ornament at each place setting, as a little gift for each guest. In this case, they also serve as initial place cards.
We also recently acquired some stellar clear vintage apothecary jars. I clipped a white lily stem fairly short, and have the entire bloom & stem in the jar, so it almost has a terrarium feel.
This paper tablecloth is that mixture of high and low I adore. The motif is a bit formal, and the fact that it is made of paper just screams of a relaxed (and maybe a bit messy) lobster dinner or doodling in between courses.
For years we have sold these candles that look like wine corks. I just love the idea of using special bottles of wine you have had and re-using them with these candles. Here, I created the centerpiece around a grouping of these bottles. We also sell candles that are shaped like champagne corks, which are fun too.
A happy, happy Saturday to all!
Lovely Lilies
Walking the Market on Saturday morning is always a visual feast. This week, lilies were abound–their heady fragrance filling the air. With many shades of color to ponder, I kept going back to the simple & classic white. Once I gave them a fresh cut and put them in water, the blooms started to unfurl and show their true beauty.
