The Hostess with the Mostess

There's nothing more satisfying than throwing a fabulous party! When your friends and family have a great time at your home and thank you for being a gracious host, you won't even mind cleaning up afterwards. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here are a few tips and tid-bits for pulling off a delightful shindig.

Setting the table sets the mood for the evening. Don’t be afraid to bring out the real stuff – the fancy linens and fine china (I don’t know anyone that enjoys eating with plastic silverware!) Your grandmother will be so proud!

Next, layer in beautiful fresh flowers.  Anytime you add fresh flowers to your tabletop it adds life, dimension, and personality to the party.  Whether it’s a few simple bud vases or several full arrangements, flowers are everything!

Since Thanksgiving is next week (where did the time go?!), adding in a few pumpkins or fall leaves to your tablescape is always a fun and festive detail.

I am a firm believer in candle light!  When you dim your overhead lights and fill the room with beautiful flickering candles, it will give your party a warm, cozy, and intimate atmosphere. Don’t be skimpy on the candles – fill your tabletop with them. A collection of lovely candles will change any drab party to fab (you’re welcome!)

A lovely hostess knows how to make her guests feel welcome. She is attentive and always adds that extra touch to make her guests feel special. An easy way to customize your table is by simply adding a place card. Whenever I arrive at a party and see my name thoughtfully written on a place card, it makes me feel like my hostess is excited and happy to have me at her beautiful event. Who doesn’t love to feel a little special?!

And lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your party! A relaxed and warm hostess will put her guests at ease. So bring out your fine china and start planning your Thanksgiving feast. With these few tips and tid-bits, you will easily be the hostess with the mostess!

[ photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

Decorating Your Mantle

Merry Christmas homeboys and homegirls!

So I know some of you are thinking these Christmas posts may be premature, but I am here to tell you that there is no reason to delay happiness! Christmas is happiness!  You get to fill your house with frasier fir and cinnamon sticks and  paint the place in white twinkling lights. Why on earth should we deny ourselves any longer?!?  If you haven’t already, pull out your tree or plan a weekend to go cut one down . Take inventory of what you have, what you need, and last but definitely not least, throw your favorite Christmas cd in the boombox cause its about to get real!

Once you have your tree up and lit, follow me to another area of priority this merry time of year…..the mantle.  The fireplace mantle is a huge focal point!  It's where your family gathers when its cold ,and it's where the stockings hang waiting to be filled.  Let's dress it accordingly shall we?

 

1. THE GARLAND - Regardless of your Christmas style (whimsy, glam, woodsy) the base layer of your mantle stays the same….you need a garland! If you have one, wonderful, and if you don’t it's time to pony up and get one. All you need to do is measure the length of your mantle and add 3-4 feet for drape.  They come in all different varieties, and here is where you can adapt to your personal Christmas style. Once you're ready to hang it, decide if you want it to be simple and straight across or full bodied with one or two swags  (See sketch above).

When hanging your garland, make sure you have some green christmas wire, wire cutters, nails and a hammer.  You will simply cut a long enough piece of wire to wrap around you garland and anchor back into the wall or top of mantle.  This is where you will anchor your nail.

Once you have your base garland anchored and lookin’ pretty, I like to add dimension with a second layer of greenery.  You can interweave a different type of garland for interest and/or add picks of winterberries, holly and pinecones to make it appear as if it has been growing there forever.  The idea is to get your base layer nice and full!

2: TAILS, SWAGS & HEROS Here is where your personal Christmas style can really shine through!  If you are whimsy, gather together your collection of tinsel trees and vintage glass ornaments.  If you're glam, collect your sparkly baubles and hurricanes 'cause its time to cake decorate this gorgeous garland!

I love adding some drippiness and drama on each end (or tails) of the mantle.  You can bunch several ornaments together and  hang them at different levels with your favorite ribbon or twine.  Another trick is to add a wreath in the center of the mantle.  It adds a lot of gusto and is a nice scale with all the small ornaments and berries. (Because honestly, don’t we all want a garland with gusto?)  At this point, you can sprinkle the rest of the garland with more ornaments or picks until it feels right and finished.

PS: Don’t forget the stockings!

3: TOP OF THE MANTLE One word…..COLLECTIONS!  The top of the mantle can often get cluttered with random accessories when all it needs is a few similar items from the same family.  A collection of candlesticks, a collection of plates or even a collection of trees is enough to make a statement! Vary the heights of your pieces so you can see the collection through the voluptuous garland!

My very favorite Christmas decorations are those that are personal.  Ones that tug at you with memories or introduce colors that make your insides dance.  Please include these!  They give your home soul and add a richness you can’t buy. Don’t hide your kids homemade ornaments or the one your mother gave you because these pieces are what Christmas is all about. They have a place amidst the sparkles, lights, and garlands!

We love Christmas here at Alice Lane and want your home to be your favorite place on earth.

Peace,

The Christmas Elf

[photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10] [photos 6 -8 Alice Lane Home Collection by Nicole Hill Gerulat]

Fall Bookshelf Layering

Dear readers,

Let's take a home hiatus for just a moment to talk about fall/winter fashion, shall we? Because dressing your home for the cold months ahead is a lot like dressing yourself for the cold months ahead.   (Here's the part where I attempt to be a fashion blogger.  You've been warned.)

When we think autumn and winter, we think in layers, texture, and rich deep colors.  For further instruction let's turn to my favorite master of the cold weather arts: Ralph Lauren.  I'm certain you'll agree that no one does it better.

I mean, look at this photo.  Is it stunning or what?  Everything is wool, tweed, leather, fur, herringbone, hounds tooth, animal print, fair isle, plaid, and is that a dog or an afghan?  Each outfit is timeless with several layers of warmth and luxury, which is no different from how our homes should be dressed during this time of year.  Hiatus over.

In recent posts we've talked about autumn-izing our kitchens, entries, and adding coziness using textiles.  Now let's discuss how we can use these same layering techniques on our bookshelves.

USE GRASS CLOTH - Adding grass cloth to the backs of your bookshelves creates a rich warmth and texture that gives your eye something to read to.  Never had an opportunity to meet grass cloth in person?  Come introduce yourself to the grass cloth wall in our store.  You might just want to take him home.

DEEPEN THE MOOD - Dark bookshelves are undeniably chic, and what's beyond amazing is to paint out the walls and trim in the same drama enhancing shade.  I recommend this only if your home doesn't already have too much drama, i.e. teenagers, and/or Diana Ross.For an even bolder effect, have the bookshelves painted with a lacquered finish.  I just drooled a little bit.

If you find yourself on the fence about committing to such a dramatic space, try painting only the backs of your bookshelves a deep color.  We get it.  Oreos are delicious for a reason.  And how great are those arches along the top?  Oh, mama.

LAYER BOOKS BOTH VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY - That's it.  Just do it. Notice how Francisco Costa brings interest to his bookshelves by layering books both vertically and horizontally, avoiding what could have been a rather boring wall of books.  Side note: See the killer sconces flanking the shelves?  We'll get to that in a minute.  Oh, and he likes owls.

LAYER IN THINGS YOU LOVE - Something we always advise our clients to do in their home is to use pieces that are meaningful to them.  Don't ever settle on something just because it's what everyone else is doing at the moment.  You will find more joy and satisfaction in your home if every space is filled with real pieces that represent you.  Use bookshelves to display a souvenir from your honeymoon, your first thrown pottery, your child's artwork, extracted wisdom teeth, etc.  How you layer your bookshelves is a representation of who you are; allow them to do some of the talking for you.

BRING IN THE OUTDOORS - Now is a great time to bring in some chopped wood to add both texture and function through the cold weather.  Can someone please take me here and forget about me? Golly, this room.

...or you might just ditch the books altogether for firewood and get a Kindle.

Enjoy your bookshelves that look like a Ralph Lauren editorial!  I'm gonna go spread the word that I'm a sucker for dark bookcases and trim.

[photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Magical Christmas Wonderland!

Let's Get Cozy

As you are getting ready for the holidays and changing your closet over to all your favorite cozy sweaters and wool coats, it’s a great time to do the same for your house. We love the clean fresh look of linens and cottons in the summer, but we also equally love the transition into cozier fabrics like velvets, knits and furs. Here are some suggestions to incorporate these looks and textures into your home:

CHANGE OUT PILLOWS - This is a great way to make a big impact. Switch up colors, or add to what you have with a fur or velvet pillow.  One of my favorite pillows is the Oly velvet popcorn pillows. They come in a variety of beautiful colors, and I find it hard to resist that quilted stitching!

ADD A THROW - How can you not love fur throws? Add them to an end of the bed, over the side of a chaise or sofa, or the back of a chair. It’s the perfect accessory to for a cozy evening.

GET A NEW DUVET OR COVERLET FOR YOUR BED - I love changing out my bedding to something that reflects the season. Switch your duvet or coverlet to a knit or velvet. I love the depth that that it brings to a room, and it’s so great to sleep with.

REPLACE A PIECE - Splurge for that new living room sofa or chairs in a soft velvet or mohair. It’s so comfortable to sit on, it looks amazing, and it will last forever!

OTTOMANS COVERED IN FUR - I had the chance to style an area of the store this week, and I used a pair of my favorite ottomans under an entry console.  They add a warmth and texture to any space. I love having these new pieces in the store from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams - they also come in bench size too. It’s an amazing accent at the end of a bed or in an entry.

Using these fabrics creates a look that you can keep throughout the year. They pair well with your linens and add a little bit of luxe all year round.

[photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Adding layers to an entry

With fall in full swing and winter soon to follow, our homes seem to need some sprucing to make them feel warmer and more inviting.  With the holidays coming up, guests will be stopping by and the entry is the first place that your guests will see and sometimes the only place they will see. Making this space welcoming and inviting is important.

Placing a mirror above your console will make a small entry appear larger and lighter. Adding a lamp or candles will create a soft glow in the evening hours that makes a space feel more inviting.

Layered art leaned in front of a mirror adds depth and shows off who you are. When choosing art, select something that you love, a piece that shows where you've been, or just a piece that speaks to your soul.

Build forward. Once you have your layered art and lamps, build forward with accessories. A stack of books, a hurricane, or a little tschotske collected from a favorite vacation make great entry console accessories.

Adding in layers doesn't have to be limited to the top of a console. If the bottom is open and leggy, add an ottoman or two for some softness and temporary seating to pull on your winter boots. Adding layers isn't just for your cold weather wardrobe, take risks and experiment adding layers to your entry vignette. Your guests are sure to feel the warmth as soon as they enter.

[Photo 1, 2, 3, and 4]

Last Chance!

The Very Best Sale ends tomorrow!

Market Wrap Up

These last few days were a blur, filled with inspiring pieces all around. Oly Studio is always a favorite. Sophisticated with a neutral palette. That chandelier is amazing!

We went gaga over these nightstands. It's like the Serena drum pendant got sandwiched in the door panels.

And Jessica found two chandeliers she loved to go over her dining table. Which should she choose?

A stop at Natural Curiosities was a must. Each piece is inspiring.

We are sad to go but can't wait for all of the new treasures to arrive. Stay tuned!!

High Point Market - Day 2

Day 2 at market proved to be quite successful! Pillows galore! They're always one of our favorite items to shop for at market and we love finding new lines to carry at Alice Lane. Can't wait for these beauties to arrive in-store.

Meeting Jeffrey Alan Marks was the highlight of the day. Turns out, he's even more handsome in person!

Stopping by Visual Comfort is pure eye-candy. It's incredible to see everything live. We can't wait for our lamp order to arrive at Alice Lane. We call this piece the Starburst warmer.

We've been seeing a lot of loose pink brush strokes, which we are so happy about! We love all of the feminine colors - both bold and soft.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the week brings!

To market we go!

This weekend kicked off the start to an inspiring time at High Point Market. It's incredible to see the endless possibilities of what is now available and what is coming available with all of the upcoming trends for spring. The first stop this weekend was at one of our favorite showrooms - Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Everything we see there is top secret until it is released for the spring collection. Our rep, handsome Rob, always shows us a great time and helps us select the best fabrics.

This chair is the most comfortable chair in the world. It was a hit! And what about this beauty by Mariette Himes Gomez! One of our favorite pieces.

We've been lucky enough to run into some of our favorite designers. We can't help but get a little starstruck at market. Suzanne Kasler, Thom Filicia? Who wouldn't be starstruck?

So far we have been seeing a lot of brass (which, as you must know by now, we love!) A lot of vintage modern and traveled pieces seem to be favorites from each line we visit.

Follow us on instagram at @alicelanehome to follow our market adventures as we visit our favorite vendors and discover amazing new furniture and accessories!

How-to: Fall-ize your kitchen

There are so many ways to spruce up your kitchen for the summer, potted herbs, fresh flowers, a sunny bowlful of lemons. When fall rolls around, you might think, "How do I set the tone in the kitchen for fall?" Here's a few of our favorite suggestions: Replace those lemons or limes with apples or something else that is in season. This still adds a pop of color but will be more natural for fall.

White pumpkins for the month of October are a fun addition to add a little Halloween spirit while staying true to your style.

Use a lamp on a buffet or if you have extra space on your counter. It will create a cozier mood for those cooler fall nights.

If you don't have the space for a lamp, lighting candles in the evening is another great way to create that warm and cozy light.

We love this kitchen with the pizza is wood fired oven. Just imagine sitting in the kitchen on a crisp fall night with good food and friends.

[photo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How-to: Finding complimentary furniture silhouettes

When it comes to selecting furniture, one concern that we hear repeatedly from our clients is “How do I know which pieces go together?!”  If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone.  Why do you think so many people get stuck in the “sofa set” rut? – Because it feels safe! Say no to sofa sets! We completely understand that selecting and pairing furniture can often seem daunting, but with these simple tips and tricks you can successfully pair pieces that will wow your guests and reflect your own personal style. SCALE - Choose pieces that are similar in relative size, with approximately the same seat height and depth. Follow this rule for your main upholstery pieces.  It is more interesting to add some variety when it comes to arm height/thickness and back height. However, stay away from extreme opposites or your room could start feeling like a Dr. Seuss illustration.

LINES/SILHOUETTE - The lines of a furniture piece can range from very straight and boxy to quite curvy and ornate.  If a grouping has exclusively one line type without the other it often feels either too stiff or too crazy.  If you have clean lines, add some soft curves, and vice-versa.  It's ok to mix styles and period pieces for that eclectic look, but make sure they relate or else something may feel out of place.  When in doubt look at the pieces and think, “Could they be friends?”

LEGS - Vary the length a bit.  If all of the legs are long, the grouping can feel very “leggy,” like it is floating.  On the other hand, if every piece is low to the ground, the grouping tends to feel quite heavy.  The leg styles/shapes and finishes can also differ slightly, but keep them in the same family so the pieces correlate.

DETAILS - Limit tufting, nailheads, or another unique feature to one or two pieces.  This will prevent the room from feeling too busy and allow that detail to be more noticeable and special.

Here are a few pairings from our store:

Take advantage of The Very Best Sale EXTENDED. All Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams pieces are 20% off - in-store and special order items!

Pairing furniture with varied lines, fabrics, finishes, and colors adds interest to a room and displays your unique personality.  It can be nerve-wracking to create your own furniture groupings, but with these simple tips you can select furniture like a pro.  Remember though, there are always exceptions to the rules so don’t be afraid to break them!  When in doubt, go with your gut.  You can do this! If you still have trouble completing your space, contact our design team and they would be more than happy to help steer you in the right direction.

[photos 1, 2, 3, 4]

Our 5th Birthday!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to celebrate our 5th birthday. We loved spending this day with all of you who have made our dreams at Alice Lane a reality!

These lovely, elegant flowers were done by the talented Tasha Gines of Bloom Floral Studio.

We had our favorite local food trucks stop by for the event - had to have a little bit of the sweet and the savory!

It takes an army to create the Alice Lane experience. We are so thrilled to have celebrated five years and can't wait to discover what the next five will hold for Alice Lane Home!

[photos by Meikel Reece]

The Very Best Sale Extended!

The Very Best Sale has extended. All in-store and special order items from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams are still on sale! A few of our favorite Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams pieces are still on the floor! Come see how comfortable these chairs and sofas are and take advantage of the extended 20% off sale period!

The Odette Sofette

The Dean II Chair and the Dana Chair

The London Sofa

Hurry In!!!

If you've been thinking about that new sofa or reading chair to cozy up in for the winter months, now is the perfect time to buy! These are the last few days of The Very Best Sale.

We have a few pieces from these lovely room shots in-store now waiting to go home with you. If you are looking for something in particular, special order items are also 20% off!

This grey linen chair and sofa are a couple favorites that are on the showroom floor now. Stop by and discover just how perfect they are!

The Major Chairs are a great statement. The clean lines and metals frames are downright sexy. We have two in store in a charcoal leather.

And of course, this beauty - the Vega Cocktail table. Brass is back and we couldn't be happier. If you have any questions or would like fabric samples to be sent to your home, don't hesitate to call the store for more information.

[photos from here]

Mid-Century Modern

A question I get all the time is “What is your favorite style?”  That’s a tough question for this indecisive designer with few absolute favorites.  Do I love this or that?  Modern or traditional?  What would I put in my own house?  To be honest I’d be my own worst client!  It is a blessing and a curse to have access to so many lovely things because there are loads of styles I’d love to live in day to day.  But if I were to pick anything, no holds bar, no one to compromise with or answer to I would live in a mid-century modern home.  I’d build it with a butterfly roof and fill it with natural woods, bright colors, teak furniture with low clean lines and built ins everywhere.  Thinking back to my Grandma Wanda’s home I can see it was her furniture that was my first exposure to the mid-century style and so I associate it with family and love and comfort.  It is what makes me feel at home.

We’ve all seen some of the classic mid-century furniture pieces, you might even have some in your home now.  Below are some of my favorite chairs that speak to this classic style and are still current today.  If you feel the need for a little mid-century face lift a chair is a great place to start and these classic look alikes are at your fingertips through Alice Lane Home Collection.

From left to right: 1. Amish Chair - $247.50 // 2. Pyramid Chair - $125 // 3. Noland Chair - Regular Price - $1,187.50 (Part of The Very Best Sale) Sale Price - $950 // 4. Marshall Chair - Starts at $1,675 // 5. Casper Chair - $175 // 6. Metal Mesh Chair - $175 // 7. Hugo Chair - Starts at $1,675

So my question for you is: “What is YOUR favorite style?”  Really think about it.  What do you love?  Make a list of furniture, art, accessories, memories, clothes and architecture you love - it doesn’t matter if they “match.”   Stand back and take a look.  These things are what you should start living with regardless of a current trend or what a friend has.  This is you!  Go for it and love it every day.

Happy mid-century designing!

[photo 1 and 2]

Last Chance!!!

This is the last week of The Very Best Sale so make sure to get your orders in!

Alice Lane turns 5! Come celebrate!

They say time flies when you're having fun. This statement could not be more true when thinking about the past 5 years at Alice Lane. To celebrate we are throwing a party tomorrow at the store with great food and a few of our favorite things.

We also thought we would share a birthday present with you! We will be giving away 5 of Jessica's favorite things! Stop by the store to enter. The winners will be chosen at the end of day -- we will be calling to notify the winners in case you are not present when the winners are chosen.

Everything in the store will be 20% off, and as an extra birthday treat there will be a gift with purchase (while supplies last.)

Can't wait to see you there!

Setting the Mood in the Bedroom

The master bedroom is by far my favorite room to design in the home.  This is a space where you can create a scene filled with luxury, comfort and a little bit of romance.  For me, the master bedroom becomes a space solely to provide comfort. It should be a haven from the bustle of the busy day.  An easy and simple way to create this luxurious retreat is through the use of textures, layers, patterns and color.

Begin with the headboard.  I prefer an upholstered headboard. Not only does it look stylish and luxe, but it has the added bonus of being comfortable!  Next you can begin to layer in beautiful linens, soft pillows, and inviting textures to the top of your bed.  Choose soft, tactile fabrics that will become softer with wear – there’s no point in selecting something you wouldn’t live comfortably with.

From top to bottom, right to left: Mady Platform Bed -  Queen - Starting at $2,220  King - Starting at $2,347.50 || Chamber Bed - Queen - Starting at $5,090  King - Starting at $5,475 || Cleo Bed - Queen - Starting at $3,022.50  King - Starting at $3,287.50. Take advantage of The Very Best Sale going on now and save 20% off on these beds.

Nothing defines atmosphere more than lighting – and since atmosphere is key in a master bedroom – so is lighting!  Thoughtfully place lighting throughout the room – on top the bedside tables, next to a chaise or a lounge chair. This will create a soothing and peaceful place to relax.  When you can turn off your bright overhead lighting and turn on soft lamp light – it gives any room a calm and intimate setting.

Lastly, style should get personal in the master bedroom.  Layer in family photos, display treasures from your most recent travels, set aside your favorite books, light candles and place fresh flowers on the bedside table - enjoy your master retreat!

[photo 1, 2, 3, 4]

Let's Party!