Tasteful Easter Decor

Chapin Group is hosting a Wine & Design event at the Borngesser household later this week. We will be featuring styling tips for fireplace mantles. Check back later in the week for picture updates.

In preparing for the event, I have been searching for inspiration for a tasteful seasonal display. Here's what I found:

I L-O-V-E the cake stand and egg cup spring display I found at Martha Stewart. Don't be surprised if you find this in my home in the near future. I love the bright cheery colors.


The subtle color palette in this mantle design by Martha Stewart makes holiday decor elegant.

The flower-filled watering cans I found at Pottery Barn make me want to be outside soaking up rays.
Family Circle featured this gorgeous all white mantle. I love how the white bunny adds a tasteful, classy reminder of the season.

Pottery Barn's new bird bath serving pieces are absolutely beautiful and will be the focal point of your Spring and Summer tablescapes.



Look for lots of exciting posts about our house and projects in the near future!

Ashley

Decorating Chapel Hill Style

Ryan and I traveled to Chapel Hill last weekend to visit our fabulous friends, Kristen and Joe. Kristen and Joe relocated to North Carolina for a few years while Joe completes his pediatric residency at UNC-Chapel Hill. You may remember this story from my post on Kristen's going away party in November. We miss them dearly, but we had SUCH a fabulous time visiting. The visit mostly consisted of eating delicious food, drinking great wine, fun convos, an epic foot race, shopping for the girls, and golf for the boys-- all-in-all a success!

This was actually my second trip to visit their lovely home in just two months-- lucky me! Several of our friends flew up for a girl's weekend in January. While there, we were SO impressed with the amount of decorating Kristen had accomplished in just a month. They rented a great place near campus to call home during their few years in Chapel Hill. Kristen used a burnt orange color palette that she expertly wove all throughout the kitchen and living space to make their place feel homey. The color gives off a warm feeling and adds excitement to each room. See for yourself:

Kristen began decorating with inspiration from the burnt orange color. She painted two accent walls in the living room.



Here is what the second accent wall looked like on my first visit. In talking to Kristen, I recommended that she add a second picture above the first to add height to the enclave.


And what do you know? She listened to me. Isn't it great?


The coffee station just inside the kitchen displays oranges and continues the palette.


The copper pots mounted above the sink, the bright yellow sunflowers, and the bold rug complement the burnt orange nicely.


Kristen continued the color scheme in the kitchen with the pops of yellow and orange in the rubber spatulas and book displayed. (Of course, I love that the book pays homage to the great city of Atlanta!)


Between the kitchen and the living room, Kristen placed this GORGEOUS antique hutch. I just love how much character this adds to the room. The floral arrangement, brown bottles, and orange stool are perfect for the display.

This lamp is absolutely perfect for the living room. (It sits directly across from the big orange wall.) Gotta love Homegoods! This is how the corner of the living room looked on my first visit. I told her that the lamp was fairly hidden and was too beautiful not to display more prominently. I advised her to elevate it on a stack of books, cigar boxes, or some other platform.


And again, she listened. Kristen decided when she got home from the store that the box under the lamp is a little too high, but it works for now. See what a difference that makes?


Here's a closer look. Notice the storage basket beneath the table. Kristen and Joe did a great job of getting the most out of storage space in their cozy home.

Thank you both for the wonderful hospitality, the amazing weekend, and allowing me to showcase your home. Now we just need to plan the next visit so I can display the beautiful blue bedroom!

Christmas At Our House

My effort to catch up on my Christmas blogs continues. The holiday is over, but why not enjoy that warm feeling of comfort and joy one last time? Here is a glimpse of the holiday decor at our house for our first Christmas as a married couple. I cannot wait to add to our collection of holiday heirlooms in the coming years.

The tree is the focal point of the house. We trimmed our tree with our childhood ornaments, but wanted to give the tree a uniform look as well. We achieved this by starting the decorating with an even distribution of beaded fruit ornaments (including pears, pomegranates, and apples) and gold tassels. Next year, I want to place poinsettias throughout the tree for a fun pop of color. Take a look:

For the dining room, I wanted to really make a statement on the table. I started with a red runner to provide a base for the centerpieces. Next, I used many of my glass vases and apothecary jars along with silver platters that I received as wedding presents to line the length of the table. The jars and platters were filled with festive red Christmas items including ornaments and candy canes. My two favorite elements?

1. I was able to incorporate many of the (70!) crystal candlesticks I collected for our wedding into the tablescape. What a fun reminder of our big day!

2. I filled a silver bowl with antique Christmas ornaments purchased at thrift stores and antique markets. The ornaments have so much character, and I love how they add an interesting element to the table.

Check it out:




Here is a little peek at the dome on my kitchen counter. I have a recent obsession with bird decor. My husband is not on board, but he tolerates them for me!

With the kitchen table, I wanted to take a less formal approach. I filled apothecary jars with pine cones from the yard, gum drops, and candy canes. I added a poinsettia and cut glass balls to add variation. I originally had all of the items just sitting on the table, but I wanted the arrangement to feel more cohesive. I found this gold mirror in the closet that was perfect! I love the way it reflects the light of the candle!


Last but not least, my front entryway welcomes guests with just a hint of winter.


I hope that everyone had a great holiday! I plan to start my 2o1o posts soon!