Such Pretty Things

Pumpkins and Flowers Centerpiece for Halloween

As you know, every year I eschew the typical Halloween colors in favor of my own pastel palette.  Lucky for me, nature invented the mini white pumpkin - although, I think they may technically be squash. :-) In the past, I have dusted them in pale pink hues and painted them in pretty, chalky pastels. This year, I decided to glam them up a bit with some gold glitter and fresh flowers.

To make this super simple centerpiece, I purchased nine little white pumpkins (squash!) from my local farmer's market.  I washed them thoroughly in warm, soapy water with a little bleach (this helps keep them fresh longer). Once they were completely dry, I carefully painted each stem with elmer's glue and sprinkled them liberally with vintage gold glitter, shaking off the excess. I decided to just glitter the stems because I like to keep the pumpkins somewhat natural.

When they had dried completely, I stacked them on a creamy white pedestal cake stand...

Next, I interspersed the pumpkins with springs of pale blue Hydrangea. (Hint: if you want the centerpiece to really last, insert the Hydrangea stems into small florist water tubes (available at any craft or floral supply shop) and just hide them behind the pumpkins).

Happy Halloween!

:-)

Jessica

Mini (Half) Birthday Bundt Cake

I think I've mentioned before that half-birthdays are a pretty big deal in our family. I guess we just love any excuse to celebrate...and eat cake! This year, I cheated a bit and bought a mini vanilla bundt cake at Whole Foods.  It was so cute and just the perfect size for a "half" birthday.  I whipped up some pink icing to drizzle over the top and decorated it with a variety of colorful sprinkles...

To add to the festive feel, I added some pastel confetti,

mini party hats,

and a sweet little birdie garland...

If you personally don't embrace the whole "half-birthday" thing (although you really should!), this mini party would be great for just a regular old birthday as well. :-)

XOXO

Jessica

Hot Chocolate Bar at Home

I love Autumn - the colorful leaves, the crisp air, and the squirrels running around in a wild frenzy in search of their winter bounty. It's definitely getting colder though and last night I had to turn on the heat for the first time this season. The dark mornings and early sunsets make my whole family want to just curl up on the sofa with piles of cozy blankets and drink warm, yummy things. Hence, the hot chocolate bar. We make so much hot chocolate (or "cocoa" as we called it growing up) during the colder months, that I thought it deserved it's very own place in the kitchen...

So, I rounded up my favorite hot chocolate mix (Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Cocoa - I just add hot milk - never water!), mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and some crushed peppermint candies...

The more mix-ins, the better!

Then I just set out some mugs, paper coffee cups (perfect when you are on the run!), and spoons and I had a very simple (and pretty) hot chocolate bar right on my kitchen counter. Needless to say, it's been very popular!

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Books: In Detail by Hans Blomquist

Today I am so excited to participate in the blog book tour for Hans Blomquist's newest book, In Detail. A renowned stylist and art director, Hans Blomquist is a master at creating beautiful, dramatic interiors.

In Detail focuses on just that - how even the smallest of details can serve as a catalyst for an entire design scheme.  While the book is absolutely stunning (not surprising given that both Debi Treloar and Hans Blomquist were the photographers), it is far more than just another pretty book filled with pretty images. Hans gives wonderful, in-depth advice on how to use simple objects and collections to create beautiful interiors reminiscent of still-life paintings...

Hans discusses how he derives his own design inspiration from simple activities such as a walk through a field or along the beach.  It might be a flower, a color, or even a texture that inspires him. And Hans thoughtfully divides up the book into separate sections based on these inspirations.  I was especially delighted by his chapter on utilizing vintage textiles.

Hans has an enviable collection of French antique linen sheets that he uses for everything from upholstering furniture to dressing gorgeous beds...

Hans also talks about the art of collecting - something for which he obviously possesses great talent.  His collection of ribbons and threads are but one example...

 And did I mention the swoon-worthy millinery flowers? 

In Detail is the perfect book for anyone looking to create their own unique and special designs. For more peeks at this fabulous book, please visit the other blogs on the In Detail tour - Decor 8 (with a book giveaway!), Lobster and Swan, The Lifestyle Editor, and Decor Art.

In Detail by Hans Blomquist, with photography by Debi Treloar and Hans Blomquist, is published by Ryland Peters and Small (rrp: £25).

You can find it right here on Amazon! Happy reading!

:-)

Jessica