Autumn Brunch

 

So, i've been busy! I styled a lovely Autumn Brunch last Sunday that was thoroughly gorgeous!

It was very relaxed, the champagne & organge juice was flowing, and everyone loved the atmosphere. The mossy branches, rustic lanterns, candle light, and glasses really set the tone.

The host and I decided on a simple menu of smoked salmon bagels, fresh fruit & croissants, which kept the guests very happy!

x

A Pretty Party!

 I recently styled a lovely celebratory girl's lunch & thought i'd share some images.

I chose a colourful scheme with an eclectic combination of styling elements - cut crystal coloured wine glasses, mint green Moroccan tea glasses, magnolia branches & beautiful fresh flowers in various vessels.

As a fun touch I wrapped the napkin around an old fashioned raspberry lollypop and tied it with green & white striped grosgrain ribbon.

Individual placecards were the finishing touch... x

Grow Your Own Herbs

There is no doubt that growing your own produce is rewarding. It's other benefits are numerous - it's more economical, and it's good for the environment.

Even if you have a tiny space like a courtyard or balcony, you have no excuse! Grow some herbs in a rustic French style pot & taste the difference. Plus, it'll make you feel good.

xxx

Classic Style

While it's fun to play with trends, you really can't beat classic style...

Love this look (and the home!)

x

Image: Laura Ashley

Simple Table Centrepiece

This is an old Martha Stewart image, so apologies if you've seen it before, but how gorgeous is it? Fresh, pretty, seasonal flowers in vintage tins. Such a simple idea executed beautifully. Take inspiration from this for your next 'at home' event.

x

Inspired Exteriors Furniture

My very clever husband, Charlie Albone, of Inspired Exteriors (and for any Lifestyle Channel fans, presenter on Selling Houses Australia & The Party Garden) has created this beautiful outdoor furniture. Right at home in most outdoor settings, he makes each piece by hand using natural materials including rustic recycled timber sleepers as well as Sydney sandstone.

If anyone is interested in the furniture, email me for further details, and check out Charlie's website http://www.inspiredexteriors.com.au/

xxx

Stunning Sunset

We recently spent a lovely weekend away on the South Coast with friends who own this divine little boat shed on the water. Can you think of anything more pleasant than sipping wine on the deck as the sun goes down?

xxx

Smirnoff 'Expertly Entertain' Parties

I was recently appointed an Ambassador for Smirnoff Vodka & Cranberry, and Smirnoff Blood Orange. As part of this role, I chose competition winners for their 'expertly entertain' promotion, and assisted the winners to style their events.

Here are some pics from one of the winner's events at a light & airy Doubly Bay apartment.

My favourite element was the gorgeous candy buffet. To recreate this look at your next event, source some glass vessels in various shapes & sizes (old fashioned & vintage mixed in with more modern pieces work well for this), plus some sweets (again old fashioned work best - think boiled lollies & caramels etc.). Then tie some pretty ribbon around the top of each jar with a hand written tag. We used the same tags as the place cards on the table to tie it all together. These were from Kikki K.

The girls at Splendid Communications were brilliant & made the event a huge success. Their help was invaluable and I loved working with them.

x

Images courtesy of: Splendid Communications / Smirnoff

Pretty Awnings

Australin Country Style Mag



I am having something of a love affair with awnings at the moment. There is something very chic & striking about them. One of my next projects is going to be to create a beautiful courtyard that is shaded by a pretty awning over french doors.

Stripes & canary yellow are personal favourites, but you can't go wrong with a caramel tone for a more sophisticated look either.

x  

Celebrity Wardrobes

Doesn't it seem that celebrities always have the best walk in wardrobes? Take inspiration from these images and create the space of your dreams to house your clothes & accessories.

If you don't have space for a walk in robe right now, pin these images to a vision board and get manifesting!

I recently transformed a wall cavity into a shoe wardrobe by installing angled shelves from the floor to the ceiling & adding a pretty door to conceal the shoes.

x

Images: Instyle



Happy Friday!

I just found these images from an old mood board I did for an event.

Don't they just make you want to run away to the country for the weekend?

x

(Apologies to the owners of these images, I don't have the original sources).

E-Mags

Loving the emergence of some high quality e-mags. Now you don't even have to leave your desk to view gorgeous pages full of beautiful images & interesting stories...

See:

http://www.highglossmagazine.com/

http://www.matchbookmag.com/

and the Aussie http://www.ivyandpiper.com/

Image: High Gloss

Make an Entrance...

Your front door is the first impression for visitors to your home. It's therefore vital to make an impact. Most grand homes have beautiful front doors, often double doors (a favourite of mine).

There are some simple things you can do to update the entry point to your home:

• Paint - high gloss works well for exteriors and looks more glamorous than a flat paint;
• If you have the space, place urns or beautiful pots either side of your door;
• Don't forget hardware - there are beautiful options available in handles & door knockers; 
• A high quality doormat (consider one with a black border or geometric pattern for a classic yet modern look) will finish your doorway off perfectly.

Images: My house my garden; Eden Rose, At home in the country jill; In Style.

Dragonfly

A couple of years ago, I drove past a beautiful boutique/florist in Queens Park/Bondi Junction (corner of Newland & Birrell streets). With it's signature aqua & white facade plus gorgeous homewares and flowers on display I had to take a closer look.

Owner Lisa Mattock is now a great mate & we have worked together on events many times since then. Her skills as a floral artist are breathtaking.

I called in today & thought I would share some images of the store...Lisa has a great eye & it's always a delight to be surrounded by her beautiful things.

Dragonfly, Inspired Exteriors and my business, Love Style, are collaborating on a very exciting project in the coming months. Stay tuned for more details.

http://www.dragonflyfloraldesign.com.au/

xxx

Brilliant Affordable Headboard Idea

Genius idea - Decals & Stick Ons as headboards. Affordable AND they won't damage your walls.

What a fun & quirky way to frame your bed. Have fun with colours - you might want to consider painting the wall a bright colour for contrast or the other way around - paint the wall white and let the decal jump out.

The top image is from Urban Outfitters,

The geometric trellis pattern on the pale yellow wall is from: http://www.roommatespeelandstick.com/walldecals/trellis-wall-decals.aspx

The really cute monogram headboard is by ShaNickers on Etsy.com

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.88029025.jpg

The glam white on pink ultra chic headboard is by Blik Wall Graphics http://www.whatisblik.com/blog/2009/10/09/nessa-in-whiteby-turquoise/

Most will ship to Australia, so you have no excuse not to dress up your bedroom...

Yours in style,

x