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�� December 6, 7 & 8 • Country Living Fair: Holiday Bazaar • Tarrytown, New York

February 28 & March 1, 2014 • “heART of winter” – SOUTH • Sanford, Florida

��Browse the extensive on-line gallery and shop for the best in original and handmadeJoin the mailing list for 10% off, news on our events, sales special promos, and more

RH_1312_C2 10/11/13 2:39 AM Page C2

contentsDECEMBER 2013 • VOLUME 26, ISSUE 12

on the cover

Christmas

come inside46 Christmas on the CapeTouches from land and sea come together inthis cottage-style home for a fresh take onholiday charm.

BY CHARLOTTE SAFAVI

60 Shades of StyleWitness what happens when you mix a historichome with a shabby-style color palette.

BY MARGIE MONIN DOMBROWSKI

72 Au NaturelThree French hens would fit right in at this rustic cottage. Learn how fresh foliage andFrench country-style create the perfect winter look.

BY MALENA JAIME

76 Beautifully DecrepitDiscover how a Texas shopowner combinesweathered pieces and vintage decorations fora unique spin on holiday décor.

BY SARAH JANE O’KEEFE

80 All the World’s a StageExtravagant, unexpected details set the scenefor an enchanted holiday party your guestswill always remember.

BY JACQUELINE deMONTRAVEL

84 Soul to SoleAdd a touch of glamour to your home with theincredible shoe designs featured in this coffeetable must-have.

BY JICKIE TORRES

The Colors of Christmas: 86 Festive Ideas!.....26, 28, 48, 50, 54,

56, 60, 62, 66, 67, 71, 73, 81, 87

Editors’ Gift Picks: Find the perfect present.....40-45

Holiday Décor: Magical mantels, trees & more.....16, 17, 18, 30,

38, 47, 49, 51, 52, 57, 65, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 82, 83, 86, 87

Impress Your Guests: 20+ pages of entertaining tips.....8, 10, 11,

14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 30, 36, 38, 47, 52, 53, 57, 69, 74, 82, 87

Cover photography by Bret Gum

color me

RH_1312-3-4-TOC 10/13/13 10:59 PM

bring it home12 SimplyYou may already have everything you need for holiday wrapping. Shop your home for unique materials and createpersonalized gifts for everyone on your list.

BY MELINDA GRAHAM

20 Make ItLearn how to turn a plain tablecloth into a lacy dress for yourtable that will wow your guests.

BY MELANIE ROYALS

24 Vintage WhimsyDiscover how this artisan handcrafts ornaments inspired byVictorian sensibilities.

BY MICHELE KOESTER

26 Say AhhMake your home glisten with dusty-pink shades and vintagetouches for a holiday look that is truly romantic.

BY JO-ANNE COLLETTI

34 My Home/Love This!Readers share a home full of beauty and personal history.Also, sneeze in style thanks to this month’s find.

38 SweetBring the warmth and personality of handmade baked goodsto your tree’s trimming.

70 All AglowMake sure all is truly calm in your décor this season with softlight and feather trees.

BY JACQUELINE deMONTRAVEL

shopping40 BrowsingFind out what Romantic Homes’ editors have on their holidaywish lists.

94 Shopping GuideLearn where you can find products featured in this issue.

in every issue6 xo8 Letters to the Editors10 We Love/So Pretty16 TaDa86 Be Here Now 88 Coming Next Month98 Favorites

8046

98

12 72

60

ROMANTIC HOMES (ISSN 1086-4083) Volume 26, Number 12 is published monthly, 12 times ayear by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Pkwy., Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: sendaddress changes to Romantic Homes c/o Beckett Media, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200 Dallas,TX 75240. © 2013 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materialfrom this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post:Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEYBOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2.

RH_1312-3-4-TOC.CX 10/21/13 11:20 PM

RH_1312_5 10/11/13 2:29 AM

xoDECEMBER 2013 • Vol. 26, Issue 12

EDITORIAL Editorial Director/Editor: Jacqueline deMontravelExecutive Editor: Meryl SchoenbaumArt Director: Elena OhAssistant Editor: Malena JaimeManaging Editor: Jolene NolteContributing Editors: Jickie Torres, Karen WilhelmsenContributing Photographers: Bret Gum, Mark TannerEditorial Interns: Sarah Jane O’Keefe, Elise Portale

CONTRIBUTORSSandra Evertson, Amanda Heer, Nancy Ruhling, Diane Sedo, Janet Solomon, Lizzie McGraw, Annette Tatum, Jo-Anne Coletti, Kerry Kliewer Vellieux, Andrea Drexelius, Elyse Major, Beth Livesay,Margaret Kavanagh, Charlotte Safavi, Melinda Graham

ADVERTISINGGabe Frimmel - Ad Sales [email protected] (714) 200-1930Donna Silva Norris - Senior Account Executive(714) 200-1933 Shanda Ogas - Account Executive(714) 200-1959Eric Gomez - Ad Traffic CoordinatorJohn Cabral - Creative Graphic Designer

DIRECT MARKETING GROUPMary Ann Jaca - (866) 866-5146 ext. 2716John Bartulin - (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746Paul Caca - (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961Ryan Lauro - (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756

OPERATIONSGus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing ManagerCelia Merriday: Newsstand AnalystAmit Sharma: Business Analytics ManagerMohit Patel: Newsstand & Production AnalystAlberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, Suite 200 Yorba Linda, CA 92887(714) 939-9991Fax (800) 249-7761www.romantichomes.comwww.facebook.com/romantichomesmagazinewww.facebook.com/eembybeckett

ROMANTIC HOMES (ISSN 1086-4083) Volume 26, Number 12 is published monthly, 12 times a year by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Pkwy., Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodicalpostage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: send address changes to Romantic Homes c/o BeckettMedia, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1200 Dallas, TX 75240. © 2013 byBeckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materialfrom this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST#855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement#40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542. London, ON N6C 6B2.

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GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:PITNEY BOWES, INC.P.O. Box 25542London, ON N6C 6B2

Jacqueline deMontravel

Editor

Tradition

Christmas is the ultimateconcoction of myth and splendor. It is a holiday

based on a baby born in a manger, the lore of Santa

Claus and wishes realized in beautifully packaged

gifts that take five minutes to unwrap.

We decorate with fantasy in mind, and design rules

are relaxed as we transform our home into a sugary,

gingerbread-house style that must dominate North

Pole real estate.

Despite being our most traditional holiday, each

year in my home, we make slight alterations; like

when my young son hypothesizes on the navigational

system in Santa’s sleigh or when we take a departure

from the signature color scheme of red and green.

Red and green, the colors of holly, furry stockings

and candy canes; the tones may gleam from boxes

marked “Christmas,” but in fact, we are seeing a surge

of new color schemes for this holiday.

While I will always respect the shades of the season,

there will also be pastels: Pink, baby blue and bottle

green, perhaps with a metallic glimmer. It’s important

to follow one’s own design choices rather than a

seasonal prerequisite. Perhaps even the North Pole

will get a dose of lighter shades this year.

xo,

with atwist

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Romantic Homes loves to hearfrom you. Please write and tell ushow we’ve inspired you or whatyou’ve done to decorate yourhome using our ideas. We arealso happy to answer any questions you may have.

Romantic Homes reserves theright to edit all letters.

Send letters or queries to Romantic Homes, Beckett Media22840 Savi Ranch Pkwy., Suite200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887

[email protected] www.romantichomes.com.

letters | to the editors

yours truly...Crafts Stores

Share with us!

I, too, have a crafter’s cupboard(“The Crafter’s Cabinet,”September 2013). I found thischarming cupboard at a localantique mall for less than$100. Not only can I displaymy pretty finds of china piecesin it, but I also put the cupboardto use storing my cupcakebaking supplies.What attracted me to the

cupboard was the detail at thetop and bottom skirt. I had noidea where it was going to goin my small house, but I had tohave it. The cupboard wasalready painted white in ashabby-cottage style, so all Ihad to do was change out thehardware and paint the insideblue to make my collectiblesstand out. I don’t pay more than $10 for

any piece, and I can’t resistanything that has a paintedrose on it. When I saw thiscupboard, I knew it would beperfect for my collection. Itnow sits in my kitchen whereit is easily accessed for mycupcake supplies.I’ve always loved baking for

friends and family, and to me itis a creative outlet. Any visitorwho stops by gets a cupcaketo go!

DEBORAH GEORGE

CANAL WINCHESTER, OHIO

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we love | so pretty

FOR A MEMORABLE DINNER PARTY YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE, HERE’S A SIMPLEbut sophisticated tablescape you can easily recreate at home. Designer Laura Martin Bovard describes the table as “elegant, organic and rustic all at the same time,” as well as areflection of the home’s “down-to-earth warmness and Old-World feeling.” Here’s how toget the look this holiday season.

HOW TO SET A STYLISH TABLE

1. GETTING STARTED: Laura began building this beautiful table setting by starting withthe linens and flower arrangements, followed by decorative accents. To accentuate thebeautiful dishware with a pop of bright color, she used lemon branches from the propertyand created a quick, stunning centerpiece.

2. ADD ACCENTS YOU LOVE: Laura loves the hand-painted, blue-and-white dishes,found at Sue Fisher King in San Francisco, which mimic the pastoral theme and shepherdmotifs found throughout the home. “We sourced glassware that we thought would feelweighty and not too precious for the setting. The silverware is pewter (which also felt OldWorld and paired well with the plates and glasses) and we used plain, organic cottonlinens that felt like a nice relief from all the busyness of the china,” L aura says. Using morepatterns on the table would have made the look too busy, while plain napkins keepthings relaxed, she says.

3. EMBRACE THE STYLE OF YOUR HOME: This table fits in nicely with the rest of thehome, a traditional Spanish Colonial built in the 1920s. “It feels old and worn in a beautifulway,” Laura says. “We wanted the table setting to feel like it would have in the ’20s, duringa time when we imagine that people made time to sit and enjoy multiple courses morefrequently. I would have loved being a guest at that table back then and think the originalhomeowner would have found it a perfect table to entertain.”

4. SET THE TONE: “There is nothing more gorgeous than the host or hostess wearing agenerous smile and being relaxed when they are entertaining,” Laura says. “More than thedecorating of a table, I think that the thing that creates the most beauty is the ease andgrace of being connected—and it’s up to the host or hostess to set the tone. The tablecan be perfect, the food perfect and the music just right, but if the host is wearing anopen heart, it brings a sparkle to the table that makes the decorating shine.”

SIMPLYSTUNNINGSet an elegant, inviting table for your holiday guests.

1 0 R O M A N T I C H O M E S • r o m a n t i c h o m e s . c o m

B Y K A R E N W I L H E LM S E N • S T Y L I N G B Y L A U R A M A R T I N B O VA R D

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T H A R G I S P H O T O . C OM

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For more information on Laura Martin Bovard Interiors,visit lmbinteriors.com.

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we love | simply

It’s a WRAPClever ways to upcycle your way to gorgeous giftwrap.

W R I T T E N , S T Y L E D A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y M E L I N D A G R A H A M

THE CLOSER IT GETS TO THEholidays, the longer the to-dolists grow. You put great timeinto choosing thoughtful gifts,then you go home, rummagefor the least wrinkled gift bag inthe closet and hope to find asingle shred of tissue paper.

Gift wrapping supplies canbe very costly, so it is no wonderwe all do our best to salvage oldbags and tissue paper.

You didn’t skimp on the gifts,and you don’t have to skimp onthe packaging. Discover a fewclever ways to upcycle ordinaryhousehold items into beautifulcustom packaging.

Let’s get wrapping…

Old tablecloths, linens and laceare a perfect finishing touch for apackage. After wrapping the gift,find a scrap of lace or a doily larger than the box. Lay the boxin the center of the linen andgather the four corners into thecenter. Use a piece of ribbon ortwine to tie them together. Mostlaces have an “open weave,”which will allow you to lacethem together. Finish by pinninga piece of inexpensive costumejewelry to the package.

You can also make the doily andjewelry part of the gift by usingpieces in pristine condition!

{Doily andCostume Jewelry}


Tip:

RH_1312-10-34-FOBCX 10/22/13 11:00 PM

{Candle Jars}A creative way to recycle old candle jars is to use

them as “gift boxes.” Fill candle jars with an assortmentof tiny gifts or place one spectacular ornament inside.Finish with scraps of ribbon, buttons or homemadegift tags.

To remove wax residue, place the jar in thefreezer for a few hours. This will make thewax easy to remove.

{Take-out FoodContainers}

Simply place the gift inside andembellish the containers by tyingfive-inch strips of fabric in simpleknots to the handle. Hang a hand-made tag and “Your order is ready!”

Take-out food containersare available online at theOriental Trading Companyand amazon.com for as little as 50 cents each.Keep some on-hand forgifts and party favors.

This is a great way to present gift cards and cash. It’s a fun alternative to a

plain old envelope!

To turn these mundane tubes into clever gift containers, first cut them in half. Tuck the gift inside thetube and wrap, leaving a three-inch length at the ends.

Twist the two ends and tie closed with decorative ribbonto resemble old-fashioned candy.

{Paper Towel Tubes}

Tip:

Tip:

Tip:

RH_1312-10-34-FOBCX 10/22/13 11:07 PM


we love | simply

For this project, simply curl the scrapbookingpaper into a cone. Secure the edges with double-sided tape or glue. Then, measure the diameter of the opening and cut a circle out ofanother piece of paper. Place the gift inside andglue the circle over the opening. Decorate thetop of the cone with ribbons to create a customtree-shaped gift box!

{Scrapbook Papers}

You can also leave off the “lid,” punch a hole oneither side of the opening and make a handlefrom a piece of ribbon. Then hang the cones upside down on a Christmas tree. Fill them withcandies, and they are ready to give to guests.

{Paper Lunch Bags}Transform an ordinary paper bag into the perfect

gift bag. Tuck the gift inside, then fold the top overto close. Use a hole-punch to make two holes twoinches apart at the top center of the fold. Lace aribbon through the holes and tie a bow. Raid yourjewelry drawer for odds and ends like single earringsto add a special touch to the bow.

Create a custom vintage look by adding apiece of ephemera to the package. Visit thegraphicsfairy.com for free vintage-style clipart you can print from your computer.

Tip:

Tip:

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 1 5

{Picnic Baskets}

{Old Boxes}Old boxes make wonderful containers for small gifts.

Use scraps of fabric or lace to four-way tie the boxesshut. Take the presentation (and gift) one step furtherby tying a vintage ornament to the lace.

Gently clean old boxes first. Spray athin layer of matte polyurethane overthe inside and outside of the box.Allow to dry completely.

Tip:

A fun alternative to a gift basket is a picnic basket. Tuck in a little something special or a varietyof themed items for a spectacular and unexpectedgift. For an added bonus, fashion a belt using a vintage buckle and burlap around the basket.

If you can’t raid your own attic for baskets, visit save-on-crafts.com. You canfind 10-inch baskets for only $6!

Tip:

Tip:

Small galvanized tins serve as unexpected giftbaskets. If the tin is large, fill the bottom with crumpled newsprint, then add craft crinkle-paperon top. Place the gift into the tin so it peeks overthe rim. Secure by wrapping the entire package incellophane. Tie a ribbon and finish off with a smallornament or gift tag.

{Galvanized Tins}

Galvanized tins are available at gardencenters, hardware and craft supplystores. You can also use empty paintcans, available at airseacontainers.comfor as little as $1.70 each.

RH_1312-10-34-FOBCX 10/22/13 1:52 AM


we love | ta da

CHIC Christmas TouchesB Y B E T H L I V E S AY • P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y P AM B A L L A

ADD DELICATE DETAILS for a sophisticated

take on festive décor.

1

WITH SO MANY BEAUTIFUL OPTIONS FOR HOLIDAYdécor, it’s easy to get carried away in a flurry of excitement—overwhelming your interior in theprocess. For a more graceful approach, blogger PamBalla shares her tips for ways to elegantly enhanceyour space with small touches.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 1 7

1. Dot your kitchenware with red berries fora cute flourish.

2. Include crowns in your tablescape for aregal holiday dinner.

3. Add nostalgia with small family heirloomson your tabletop.

4. Mix in white flowers rather than poinsettias for a more versatile palette.

5. Layer gold and pearl necklaces overglassware to show off gifts, collectibles, ornew creations.

6. Fill mason jars with candy canes forsweet staples.

7. Use silver rather than gold. Silver goeswell with whites and is not as expected.

8. Dress up small accessories like keys withtree garland.

9. Use a star as an unexpected centerpiecefor your wreath. Stars say Christmas andalso evoke the sea.

10. Replace stars and trees with hearts for awarm and loving feel.

3

4

2

5

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we love | ta da

8

For more information on Pam Balla visit whiteironstonecottage.blogspot.com.

7

10

9

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RH_1312_19 10/11/13 2:32 AM


we love | make it

Stencil your SettingCreate a truly unique holiday table setting with this simple stencil project.

B Y M E L A N I E R O YA L S • P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F R O YA L D E S I G N S T U D I O S T E N C I L S

WHEN PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY TABLESCAPE, IT’S EASY TO FOCUS ON DESIGNINGthe right place settings and centerpieces. But equally important in creating a gorgeousholiday feast, is setting the perfect backdrop. This season, add some sparkle to yourtable by stenciling a plain white tablecloth using gold paint and a stencil pattern thatreflects your personality. Learn how to do it yourself in just a few simple steps.

[continued on p 22}

RH_1312-10-34-FOBCX 10/22/13 1:52 AM

Give her a Christmas Gift she’ll cherish forever!

Individually Made One at a Time One of a Kind To shop call 517-745-0771 or go to www.pinkeyedsissies.com

FREE SHIPPING

She’ll love that her adorable Pink Eyed Sissies piece is handmade by sisters Sandi and Sue and that each is uniquely crafted using an antique optical lens embellished with finds from the past like old postcards, sheet music, love letters and more.

RH_1312_21 10/11/13 3:36 AM


we love | make it

WHAT YOU’LL NEED• Plain-white tablecloth• Medium Fleur de Lace stencil

(from Royal Design Studio)

• Bright Gold Stencil Crème Paint• 1-inch Stencil brush• 1 ½-inch Green painter’s tape• Paper towels

INSTRUCTIONS:1. Prewash your plain tablecloth according to themanufacturer’s instructions. This will remove the “sizing” and allow your stencil paint to bond better to thefabric. Iron, if needed.

2. Run 1 ½-inch painters tape around the outer edge ofyour tablecloth. Protect your worktable with a large plas-tic cloth or heavy contractor’s paper.

3. Royal Stencil Crème Paints are designed with stenciling in mind. They are gel-based with incrediblecoverage and flow, and are ideal for using on fabric. Alternatively, you can use regular acrylic paints with a lit-tle textile medium added.

4. Dry-brush stenciling: Load just the tips of your stencil brush into the paint and offload excess paint byswirling your brush onto folded paper towels; use a circular motion and apply hard pressure.

5. The stencil contains registration elements withinthe pattern that allow you to repeat it perfectly andseamlessly. Carefully align the registration elementsover your previous stenciling to repeat your pattern allover the tablecloth within the taped “frame.”

6. Lastly, remove the tape and the edge, and reposition itto cover the stenciled pattern inside. Use the same dry-brush stencil method to stencil in a solid line of goldat the perimeter of the tablecloth.

7. You can set your stenciling by placing the tablecloth ina dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. This will help to fur-ther bond the paint to the fabric and allow you to washit in cold water when needed.

Melanie Royals is the owner and creative directorof Royal Design Studio Stencils. She has been a leadingstencil designer, innovator and educator in the field ofstenciling and decorative painting for the past 20 years.For more stencil products, projects, tips and inspiration from Melanie, visit royaldesignstudio.com.

Royal Design Studio is offering Romantic Homesreaders a 10% discount on stencils. Call (800) 747-9767or visit royaldesignstudio.com. Promo code: Romantic10.

[continued from p 20}

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RM2013

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we love | artisan

WORKING FROM HER CIRCA1850 home in upstate New York,Michele Koester loves creatingnostalgic and Victorian pieces forthe holidays. A self-taught artisan and paper

ephemera collector, Michele hasbeen designing and makingunique vintage creations and holiday adornments for over 25years. She specializes in combiningauthentic antique elements, suchas German paper Dresdens, withdelightful paper die-cuts and vintage mica. Romantic elements,like pastel colors, chenille trimsand silk ribbons, work their wayinto many of her pieces. Her cotton ornaments and

snowbabies are inspired by 19th-century German originals.Each snowbaby is hand-pouredand individually painted down tothe finest detail resulting in awhimsical piece of art.

Vintage WhimsyThis collector’s handcrafted ornaments bring together the best of Victorian and Romantic styles.

To see more of Michele’screations, visit her Vintage

Cornucopia store atvintagecornucopia.etsy.com.

B Y M I C H E L E K O E S T E R

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we love | say ahh

VictorianCHRISTMAST E X T A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J O - A N N E C O L E T T I

How to recast your holiday decorating with a nostalgic glow.

IF YOU SIGH WISTFULLY OVERthe scenes in vintage Victorianholiday postcards and prints,then take heart. This season, resurrect the charming sentiments of the past and bringthe romance of the Victorian erato your holiday décor. For inspiration, look to the

simplicity, grace and whimsy of abygone era. To achieve this style, you don’t have to dependon mass-produced adornments,either. Take a fresh look at yourown cherished collections andfollow these simple tips.

THINK COLORInstead of the traditional red

and green of the season, try a Victorian palette. Dusty hues,such as mulberry, soft purple andpink, will add a sophisticatedtouch while embracing the spiritof the holidays. Vintage, pastelcrystal glasses can add a dreamyelegance to your holiday table. Acluster of bejeweled lavenderbottles offer a note of frivolity toany tablescape and are a greatholiday craft for your little helpers.

A white base adds a wintryfeel to this space, while allowingpink roses and crystal to shine.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 2 7

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we love | say ahh

SET A TABLE THAT SPARKLES A jar of glitter and a bit of glue will go far

in adding shine and polish to lackluster accessories. Old candles become holidaysensations when painted with a coat ofglue and rolled in glitter.

Concentrate on one special feature or element. A fabulously decked out table isall the bling your dining room needs, solet your table be the star.

A simple white tablecloth makes a lovelycanvas for collections of china, stemware,fancy silverware and candles. Opt for bouquets of roses in place of evergreengarlands and ivy. Candelabra make acharming centerpiece. For a little something extra, add a touch of rusticstyle to the romantic. setting. A burlaprunner or pillow will offer contrast and texture to your room.

ADD WHIMSY TO YOUR TREECelebrate the childhood wonder of the

holidays by adding a bit of fantasythrough charming decorations. Display acollection of well-loved teddy bears or favorite vintage toys under the tree. Besure to carefully select your ornaments sothey will stand out when nestled withinthe branches of a fresh Balsam Fir.

TRADITIONAL LIGHTINGSimple white candles, laced among

evergreen boughs harken back to the Victorian era. Traditionally, the candles

Celebrate the childhood wonderof the holidays by adding

a bit of fantasyand whimsy.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 2 9

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we love | say ahh

make your own pretty-in-pink holiday

bottles with these easy steps. Gather a collection of pretty glass bottles.Next, mix a favorite pink or purple paint.Acrylics work great for this project, with

enough water to make a milky consistency.Fill a bottle about one third of the way withthe paint mixture. Next, swirl around the paintuntil the entire inside of the bottle is coated.

Pour out any excess paint and let dry.To finish, glue rhinestones

or glitter to the rim.

TIP:

would be lit on Christmas Eve as all gathered around to enjoy the festive lights. You can achieve thesame effect by using battery-operated candles. A beautiful holiday that takes its

cue from the past is not a fleetingdream relegated to pretty picturepostcards. We can take inspiration from a

bygone era and then create a chicand beautiful holiday home by using what we have, what wecherish and what we deem mostimportant during the holidays.

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we love | say ahh

Old candles become holiday sensations when

painted with a coat of glue and rolled in glitter.

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we love | my home

WHEN I FIRST MET TAMMY BAXLEY, SHEexpressed how much she admired my littlepink home everyday as she drove by on herway to work. She shared her dream of owninga beautiful romantic cottage of her own. Aftershowing me a book of her favorite clippings,collected throughout the years from Romantic

Homes, she asked if I would help make herdream a reality.

Next came the fun—shopping antique storesand flea markets to find good deals. We foundlace doilies from her grandmother and greatgrandmother, bouquets of flowers, old and forgotten antique sconces and candelabra, andan antique chandelier dressed in her grand-mother’s pearls.

The living room speaks of a lovely bygoneera but with the comfort of a cozy “nest.” Thetwo-story wall displays fabulous old and newartwork, and the sofa and chair slipcovers areedged in lace that puddles the floor. It is simply beautiful with a heavenly serenity.

ALMA LYNNE HAYDEN, COTTAGES & CASTLES, DESIGNERMYRTLE BEACH, SC

ROMANCING the COTTAGE Romantic Homes reader, Tammy Baxley, shares her home;

designer Alma Hayden tells the story.

Sneezing Beautywe love | love this!

NEVER HAS A TISSUE BOX LOOKED SO DOLLEDup as with this fabric-covered piece. Add instant romance to any space with its soft hues and delicate floral pattern.

Peony & Sage Hattie tissue box, $48.12.Visit megmorton.co.uk.

Readers: Send us your unusual and upbeat home-related stories and photos! Email [email protected] or visitromantichomes.com/contact-us to send a message. Please write“My Home submission” in the subject line.

Call for Entries


RH_1312-10-34-FOBCX 10/23/13 11:32 AM

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REDEFINING CASUAL LIVING

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RH_1312_35 10/11/13 2:36 AM

RH_1312_36 10/11/13 3:43 AM

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972.542.0033

HolidayDecorating

MercuryOrnaments

Get your home ready for the holiday parties with unique and unusual items

from Gray Living.

Enjoy the sparkle & shimmer of mercury & glass this holiday season. These pieces

will add an extra touch to your home.

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R RH_1312_37 10/11/13 2:38 AM


we love | sweet

Bake the HALLS

PREP TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes TOTAL TIME: 2 hours 15 minutes MAKES: 3 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS:1 pouch (1lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix1⁄3 cup melted butter or margarine2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 egg36 small candy canes2 containers (1 lb each) frosting

DIRECTIONS:1. Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper. 2. In medium bowl, combine and stir cookie mix, butter, flour and egg until itforms a soft dough.3. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1⁄8-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch cookie cutters. On cookie sheets, place cutouts 1 inch apart.4. Bake five minutes. 5. While they bake, break off the tops of each candy cane to create a loop forhanging cookies. 6. Remove cookies from oven; press one candy piece on top of each cookie tomake a loop. 7. Bake one to two minutes longer or until edges are set. 8. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer from cookie sheets to coolingrack. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.9. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper. Place one container of frosting into a glass measuring cup.10. Microwave on High for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds untilmelted. 11. Dip each cookie in frosting, allowing excess to drip off. Place cookies on

parchment paper and decorate as desired. Let stand about one hour or until frosting is set.

Add a sweet touch to your holiday tree with these beautifulcookie ornaments.

TIP:Try Creamy

White or VanillaCreamy flavors

TIP:To evenly breakcandy canes, cut them with

scissors.

Recipes and Photos from BETTYCROCKER CHRISTMAS COOKIES. © 2014 byGeneral Mills, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reproduced by permission of Houghton MifflinHarcourt. All rights reserved.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 3 9

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Jacqueline deMontravel editor

olidayRomantic Homes’

Take a peek at the gifts our editors arewishing for this season. Gift Picks

Come Christmas I regress into the little girl who licks postagestamps on red envelopes addressed to the North Pole. Thestyles of my wish list echo the items I had when I was young,with loads of plaids, Aran knits and classic styles.

Isle of Skye tartanscarf, $29.95. Visit caledoniasbest.com. Blue Jay plaid scarf, $78. (800)

442-8157 or pineconehill.com.

Lamora hat, $99. Visitjohnstonscashmere.com.

Vilda glasses,$240 in Opthalmic.

(866) 667-2687 or moscot.com.

Recipe Keepers, $24each. (718) 686-8486or eccololtd.com.

Roller stop skate,$130. (877) 404-6763 or shophorne.com.

Hand-knit classic Irish crewneck sweater, $225. (888)

235-9763 or orvis.com.

browsing

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 4 1

5

Meryl Schoenbaum executive editorThis time of year our thoughts turn to warmth, comfortand holiday style. The products on this page fill thoseroles beautifully. Feel the cozy warmth of the bed and thevisual warmth of the copper pitcher. The scent of roses inthe rose-water hand lotion will soothe and comfort you.The turquoise tray will add colorful style to your holidaytable, and the pink-chevron scarf is the perfect accessoryto brighten your little black dress for the holidays!

Estelle tray in Turquoise: small,$127; large, $157.

Visit shopten25.com.

RoseWater hand lotionby U.S. Apothecary, $27 for 16oz. Visit anthropologie.com.

Los Olivos pitcher,$185. (800) 786-0862 ornativetrailslifestyle.com.

Isabella bed, starting at $2,365.Available in twin, full, queen, Eastern king and California king.(877) 224-3590 or coachbarn.com.

Pink chevron scarf by Christa Louise,$68. (714) 256-1366 or betinnis.com.

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browsingElena Oh art director

This coming year my resolution is to travel to a placeI’ve never been before. But if time and budget don’t allow it, the next best thing I can do is surround myselfwith beautiful travel imagery that transport me to another land.

New York iPhone5 case,$36. (407) 622-7679 or

riflepaperco.com.

Scenic postcards, $15for set of eight.

Visit 1canoe2.com.

17” by 17” City prints signed by Gregg Gordon of GIGART, $25 each. Visitgigart.com.

Luggage tags, $10 each. Visit

rosannainc.com.

National Parks Multi-print byMichael Korfhage & Joel Anderson,$39. Visit artandsoulofamerica.com.

RH_1312-40-45-Browsing.CX 10/21/13 12:23 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 4 3

Malena Jaime assistant editor

My favorite part of winter is the return of deep tones and comfortable materials; but too often the styles of the season getlost in the shuffle of shopping and holiday parties. Before you knowit, it’s time for the light layers and soft colors of spring. This year,I’m wishing for gifts that showcase current trends, but can bebrightened up for every season. Deep jewel tones and luxurious materials inspire me to curl up and get cozy while bright accentsand rich details keep the look vibrant. A few whimsical animals andspicy patterns will have you dreaming of exotic locations all whilesipping a cup of cocoa.

Teardrop tiny bud vase inCoral by The Object Enthusiast,$30. Visit scoutmob.com.

Baby and Mother elephantprints by Lulu Simon STUDIO, $25.Visit lulusimonstudio.etsy.com.Faux fur blanket in

black, $69.95. (855)466-7467 or hm.com.

African Royalty Collection’s Bintou

pillow set, $640. (800)326-5432 or ahalife.com.

Rock the Weekendring, $11.99. (888)495-9699 ormodcloth.com.

Navy Tiger CollegeDays Mascot medallionclutch, $32. Visituniquevintage.com.

Silk color block pillowin fuchsia, cream andcharcoal gray by JillianRene Décor, $125. Visit

jillianrenedecor.etsy.com.

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browsing

Jickie Torres contributing editor

Wednesday dinner parties at home with friends, bustling holidaysweekends with family over or quiet breakfasts alone with a greatcup of tea. What keeps me going all year long are great momentsaround the kitchen and entertaining those I love. My wish list is fullof things I can use to make people feel welcomed, comfortable anddelighted. From handmade notes and fresh flowers by the guest bedto luxurious amenities for a great bath, these items help make myhome warm, inviting and memorable.

Handmade miniature porcelain envelope, $14. Visit

shoptwine.com.

Large honeycomb vase, $17.Visit yourcloudparade.com.

Vintage floral pedestaltray, $49. (800) 764-6278or plaidparasol.com.

Kate Spade Larabee Dot stemless wine glasses, $50 for a set of four. (866) 999-5283 or katespade.com.

Macaroon cocktail plate, $15.Visit cafepress.com.

Agraria aromatherapy bath saltsin Lavender & Rosemary and LemonVerbena, $45 each. (800) 824-3632or agrariahome.com.

Whale love art print, $18. Visit dekanimal.etsy.com.

RH_1312-40-45-Browsing.CX2 10/22/13 12:21 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 4 5

Karen Wilhelmsen contributing editorAs the year comes to a close and I spend time withfamily and friends during the holidays, I reflect onall that I am thankful for. To make my holiday seasoneven brighter, my wish list includes gifts that exudevibrant colors and fun prints that can add beauty toeach day. Whether it's sitting down to write athoughtful note to a friend on beautiful stationery orplaying in the rain with a lively umbrella and scarf,this season, more than any other, makes me appreci-ate the little things in life that put a smile on myface. May their beauty bring one to yours.

Handthrown vase by MelisaDora, $42.50. (845) 259-1359

or notonthehighstreet.com.

Pug walking stick umbrella,$39.95. Visit sfumbrella.com.

Be in the Present scarf,$13.99. (888) 495-9699

or modcloth.com.

Assorted floral cards set,$18. (407) 622-7679 or riflepaperco.com.

Make a Wish Dandelion Girl wallart, $25 for 8.5” x 11” print. Visitphyllisharrisdesigns.com.

RH_1312-40-45-Browsing 10/14/13 11:21 PM

Christmas

Capeon the

Add coastal-cottage style to your home for

a charming holiday theme.

B Y C H A R L O T T E S A FAV I

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D A N C U T R O N A


RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:30 PM

f you answer “Yes” whenyou hear Bing Crosby croon, “How’d you

like to spend Christmas away across the

sea?” then you’ll be inspired by this Cape

Cod home’s beach-inspired holiday style.

Ellen O’Loughlin, an interior designer,

and her husband share a dream home just

a short walk from the beach.

“I always wanted to build a house,” Ellen

says. “It had been in my head for many

years. I never let go of my dream.”

The resulting house, built by architect

Timothy Luff, blends beautifully with the

region’s architecture. The airy, open

first-floor plan is ideal for easy living and

large gatherings.

“Everyone comes to us for Christmas—

all my [grown] children and immediate

family,” Ellen says. “They want to have

Christmas at the beach!”

I

The banister is decorated withpicked lemon leaves and dried

boxwood wreaths, which are suspended by ribbons for a

simple yet stylish look.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:31 PM

Living room seating is an eclecticmix of new, antique and vintagepieces. Furniture is tied together byfresh white paint, festive seatbacks,cushions and pillows.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:31 PM

DECORATING TIP:

Instead of hanging stockingson the fireplace mantel,

Ellen keeps them in an oldwire basket; they match

the palette perfectly. An antique wagon

next to themholds firewood.

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A side chair gets red-and-whitepetit gingham slipcovers and a polka

dot pillow; the side table holds mini-baubles in red and silver.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 5 1

A large red rug brings togetherall the patterned and solid red furniture accents in the room. Beneath the starfish-decked treeare oversized mercury glass ballsfor a touch of glamour.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:32 PM

Not surprisingly, when it comes to

decorating for the holidays, Ellen turns

seaward. “I really like to take advantage

of our unique location by the water.”

Starfish gathered throughout the year

are featured prominently on Ellen’s

Christmas tree, which sparkles with

silver mercury glass and vintage apple-

green ball ornaments. She shops her

yard for native greenery, embellishing

selections with store-bought holiday

topiaries and pretty flowers.

“I deliberately keep things very

neutral,” Ellen says. Her cottage-style

décor is timeless with its white-painted

furniture, slipcovered sofas and bamboo

blinds. “It’s because I like to switch things

around seasonally. For Christmas, I really

like to use red and green accessories.”

Green are added through fresh

evergreen pine needles and waxy lemon

leaves. Faux greens are perfect for filling

any gaps. The color red makes a strong

statement, even when used sparingly,

making Ellen’s home reminiscent of an

old-fashioned candy cane.


Above: An old file cabinet findsnew purpose as a sideboardbuffet. Pepper berries, white narcissus, pine needles and starfishoverflow from the tall vase .Far left: Mercury glass candlestick holders hold shiny red candles, which are arrangedaround the centerpiece. The littlesilver bird salt-and-pepper shakersare suitably festive.

Left: A tree sock-ornament is putto good use to hold silverware.Red-and-white dishware and milkglass plates make up theplace settings.

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A farmhouse table and rattan chairsmake holiday dining a relaxed affair. The seatcushions are brightened for Christmas; thestriped chair backs were made from pillowshams purchased at Restoration Hardware.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:32 PM


In planning the cottage-style kitchen, Ellen madesure there was room for her beloved antique hutch.

Pops of red flowers create a holiday feel.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 5 5

The center island was designed to look likefurniture for a cozy feel. Red knobs and kitchen

accessories mix with mint-green canisters for a subtle take on holiday colors.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona 10/13/13 11:33 PM


“I change my color scheme by simply

using new slipcovers and accent pillows

on furniture. Mostly, I stay true to white,

but I do add pops of color. I also like to

use different patterns—whether stripes,

gingham, polka dots or botanicals—as

well as different textures, like pompom

trim,” she says.

Ellen also trades out rugs and runners,

opting for bright red for the holidays.

Candles receive a festive touch, and she

pulls out her lovely red-and-white

dishware, adding splashes of color in her

kitchen’s hutches. The patterned china

melds nicely with her existing white

tureens and platters. A family-favorite

antique Santa Claus drawing is hung

above the mantel.

“I collect a lot of new and old mercury

glass,” Ellen says. “I actually designed my

dining room ceiling to be high, so I

could hang them from the beams.” She

adds, “At night, the candlelight reflects

off the mercury glass and gives a starry

feel to room.”

Other holiday touches include placing

red flowering plants in large shell vases

or small celadon-hued pots; arranging

Christmas greens or white porcelain fruit

in silver bowls; popping mini-ornaments

in red-and-silver glass jars.

All is festive but not overdone. “It’s like

taking each room and rewrapping it, like

a Christmas gift, in a different theme and

color scheme every year,” Ellen says of

her holiday decorating approach.

The result is always guaranteed to

surprise family and friends, and never

get boring.

For the holidays, a snowflakerunner brightens the wide-plank,bleached oak floorboards, while aspare goose-feather tree balances

the lush live tree.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 5 7

AddingBeachside

CheerHere are some tips on adding the spiritof the sea to your décor this year. If youlive by a beach, collect seashells, sand

dollars and starfish year-round—or pickthem up on your next getaway so you’ll

be ready when ’tis the season.

1. On the Tree:White starfish look great on a Christmas treemixed with other ornaments. Gold or silvershell ornaments also work nicely.

2. Tabletop Trick:Don’t discard shells with holes. In place of a napkin holder, try threading a shell witha red ribbon.

3. Gift Wrapping: Adorn present bows with shells, sand dollarsand starfish.

4. Sparkle and Shine:Some shells have iridescent qualities to them.Take advantage of their shimmer. Place themthroughout the house and use mother-of-pearlhandled cutlery or abalone caviar spoons.

4. Special Centerpiece:Arrange seashells in the bottom of a glassvase, and then add unfussy flowers, like redtulips or green hydrangeas, on top. Try anoversized shell as a vase; make sure the baseis stabilized before adding water and flowers.

5. Stocking Toppers:Add a starfish after Santa Claus has filled thestockings along with an orange.

6. Candleholder:Buy or make shell art candleholders and addfestive candles.

7. Greenery:Mix seaside finds into traditional holidaygreenery. Feeling adventurous? Make a shell-only door wreath or mantel swag.

RH_1312-46-59-Cutrona.CX 10/22/13 12:00 AM


Ellen O’Loughlin of E&B Designs: [email protected]

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 5 9

The blue and white color scheme, alongwith natural light and mirrors, evokes thesea while making these rooms feel open.

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Shades Style

Wintry blue and charming pink add shabby elegance to this

Victorian home.

B Y M A R G I E M O N I N D O M B R O W S K I

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T H E A C O U G H L I N

of


RH_1312-60-69-Thea.CX 10/21/13 12:27 AM

With walls painted in soft bluetones and many coordinating accessories

in white or aqua, Donna easily pulls together a winter wonderland theme byweaving in decorative holiday pieces in

similar hues.

RH-1312-60-69-Thea.CX 10/22/13 11:35 PM

ust because the holidays are

here doesn’t mean you have

to reinvent your home’s style.

Every Christmas for Donna

Pochaski-Thomas, owner of

the home furnishings and

design shop Vintage Chic Furniture,

means she doesn’t have to look further

than her existing color scheme to create

a winter wonderland inside her 1899

Victorian brownstone in the historic

Stockade District of Schenectady,

New York.

“I love a palette of aqua, light pink and

hot pink. My theme is primarily white

with those pops of color,” Donna says.

Staying true to her favorites, she doesn’t

even keep ornaments in any other color.

“I have found several boxes of

ornaments over the years. I would pull

out all the pink, blue, white and silver,

and give all the red and green ones to

friends of mine.” Here, she divulges the

secrets to her vintage-chic style.

SEW IT YOURSELFMixing in handmade pieces—

especially if you’ve made them—is one

way to personalize your Christmas

décor. Donna put her personal stamp on

her Christmas theme by making some

of her own decorations, like the pretty

swags on her fireplace mantel made out

of pom-pom trim.

“I remember finding this pink and

white pom-pom trim; I couldn’t use it

[on a pillow], then I realized it makes an

awesome vintage-looking pom-pom

garland. Now it’s one of the most

J


Because Donna collectscherubs, you’ll see angel figurinesand a pair of angel wings above the doorway all year round, which also lend themselves well to a Christmas theme.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 6 3

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 6 5

exciting things that I have.” At the base

of her tree, Donna made a tree skirt

from an old vintage sheet and added a

French ruffle. It is the perfect dainty

touch to her white Christmas tree

decorated in pink, white, silver and blue

ornaments.

STUNNING FOCAL POINTSA few key focal points can help create

drama. To highlight and balance out the

ornate wooden staircase, Donna created

an assemblage of mirrors, each

hand-painted in white going up the

powder blue wall. For the holidays, she

calls attention to the area by draping an

elegant white garland along the staircase.

Using the same trick in other areas of

her home, Donna sets a large mirror

above her mantels and furniture pieces

to draw the eye. Be sure to reflect

something you want to call attention to:

For the holidays, use mirrors to reflect

your blinking lights or flickering candles

to create warmth and romance.

Mirrors can complete a vignette and command attentionto the focal area. Donna placed large

vintage mirrors above mantels, buffets and cabinets to highlight

pretty accessories such as her aquapottery collection or her

mantelscapes of mercury-glass candleholders and pom-pom

garlands. “I love adding extra mercury glass ornaments,

candleholders and tree-shaped pieceswith scented candles. The holidays are

a perfect time to have more candles than normal, and mercury

glass always adds that holiday sparkle.”

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RH_1312-60-69-Thea.JN 10/13/13 11:50 PM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 6 7

CHRISTMASCOLORS,

Five tips for decorating with non-traditional Christmas colors.

1. Start with a white background:By mixing white into the background, your unconventional colors will pop and come alivein the midst of your overall décor. If your majorsurfaces aren’t white (such as the walls andfloors), you can include it on many other surfaces, from furniture pieces to accessories,to strike the right balance of colors.

2. Pick accent shades you canlive with:It’s easier to decorate with what you alreadyown and build on it rather than completelyoverhaul your décor for the holidays. If you already tend to decorate with a certain coloror two, let that dictate your unique Christmas palette.

3. Combine & coordinate:When you accent with certain colors (such assoft blue or pink), arrange colored accessoriesin groupings for a powerful effect. They don’thave to be in the same exact shade, either. Infact, choosing pieces in different shades of thesame color tends to look more sophisticated.

4. Mix & match ornaments: Find a nice mix of ornaments in differentstyles, but incorporate the same hues as yourChristmas color scheme for unity. Choosing just a few different styles tends tolook more pulled together than a hodgepodgeof ornaments.

5. Don’t forget texture:Clear glass, mercury glass, pom-pom fringe,metal accessories, tinsel and natural garlandsall add to the overall theme and create visualinterest. A little bit of texture goes a long wayin creating a unique holiday style.

1

2

3

4

5

Your Way

RH-1312-60-69-Thea.CX 10/22/13 11:38 PM


1

2

3

For more information on Vintage Chic Furniture, please visit vintagechicfurniture.com.

RH-1312-60-69-Thea.CX 10/22/13 11:38 PM

Spruce ItUp

Add these four elements for a dynamic display.

1. SYMMETRY:For a more formal look, create symmetrical vignettes. Festoon yourmantel with a pretty garland or two,and hang your matching Christmasstockings perfectly spaced. When arranging accessories, balance oneidentical piece against the other.

2. SHINE:When infusing metallic accents inyour Christmas décor, choose silver orgold, never both, and go with it. Besure their colors coordinate with other accessories for a cohesive look.

3. STIMULATION:Add a variety of finishes and texturesfor visual appeal. Wreaths made offeathers, shiny silver trays, polishedpottery and bottlebrush accessoriescan add an extra layer of depth toyour Christmas scene.

4. SOUL:Be sure to incorporate at least onemotif in your holiday décor thatspeaks to what you love. For Donna,angels blend in beautifully with hertheme, from her Christmas tree tostatuettes interspersed throughouther home.

Mixing in her favoritehues, pink and aqua, Donnamakes her own Christmas garlands out of fun pom-pomtrims. She also adds pink andaqua ornaments to herChristmas trees and uses themto fill a decorative bowl on atable or to punch up her mantels with color.

4

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 6 9

RH_1312-60-69-Thea.JN 10/13/13 11:51 PM


All AglowAdd a glimmer of holiday sparkle to your home with soft lights and feather trees.

WR I T T E N A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y J A C Q U E L I N E d eMON T R AV E L

RH_1312-70-71-Tinseltree 10/14/13 10:41 PM

Soft hues and glowing light will ensure calming holidayvignettes. Try selecting a few choice ornaments to show off ina bowl or compote dish.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 7 1

insel, glass and enough blinkinglights to flag down a flock of geese may be the

holiday norm, but we are enamored with a more

romanticized display this season.

Begin by choosing a color palette inspired by Easter

eggs rather than by a Santa suit, as pastels add

glimmer for a softer, more subdued style. Shades of

pale pink and aqua hit today’s trends while the

traditional pieces keep the look classic. Loop retro

beaded garlands on everything from a blue feather

tree to a vignette of like-minded Christmas-tree balls.

Ornaments are not just jewelry for trees but are

pretty enough to place in a classic compote dish or

can be adhered with earthquake wax to stand on

their own.

The right lighting always makes a space come alive;

broaden the use of Christmas lights, hanging as a

garland in the children’s room, bath or kitchen.

Lights can also be draped on a coat rack or in a

heat-resistant glass under close supervision.

When you add soft glows to your holiday vignettes,

you will be hard-pressed to

disassemble your displays once

the season comes to a close.

TRH_1312-70-71-Tinseltree 10/14/13 10:41 PM


Au NaturelGive a vintage kitchen a fresh holiday look with

classic colors and French country-style.B Y M A L E N A J A I M E • S T Y L E D A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y C O U R T N E Y M I L T O N

Add vintage ornaments and a bow to an

evergreen wreath for holiday charm.

RH_1312-72-74-countryfrench 10/14/13 12:05 AM

With a love for all things French,blogger Courtney Milton decided to style her 1940s cottage

kitchen with Parisian flair for simple yet sophisticated

holiday décor. Using natural greenery and elegant

decorations, she was able to give a small vintage kitchen the

feel of European grandeur.

To start, Courtney worked within a traditional color

palette of red, green and white, though opting for deeper

shades. “I stayed with a vintage-traditional Christmas this

year. Red, green, white—and lots of fresh greenery,” she says.

Integrating fresh foliage was key to creating a sophisticated

look. “I always love to use fresh evergreens and natural

elements such as pinecones and moss;” natural accents like

wreaths, Christmas trees and sprigs are found in abundance

throughout the cottage—even in the kitchen.

“In the kitchen, it is [seen in] little touches like the small

living tree in the basket; the wreath above the stove is [also]

simple—adorned with a few vintage bulbs and a bow,”

Courtney says. Adding touches of holiday décor helps her to

integrate the seasonal look naturally. A cupboard which

houses white pitchers all year long gets a few sprigs of

natural greens for an instant festive touch.

The naturalness extends to Courtney’s method of

decorating, as she determines her home’s style based on

what feels right for each season. “I am always changing. Next

year it might be more romantic with shades of pink and

purple—or natural with seashells, whites and raffia,” she says.

It really depends on what look I am going for each year.”

A live tree potted in a basket is asweet touch for a kitchen corner.



Tips for aFrenchCountry

ChristmasCourtney shares her

ideas for styling a cottagewith French flair.

THINK ELEGANCE: “When Ithink of European style for the holidays, I think of elegant and naturallooks—lots of fresh clippings, mixed inwith old mottled ornaments and gildedbits,” she says.

SPARE NO ROOM: “This is a little cottage on our property that isnot used all the time, but it gets touches of Christmas in each roomeven so.”

LOOK TO NATURE: “Stay withfresh items—living trees in pots, freshpine or cedar wreaths and thick, fullgarlands. Mix in a few pieces that say‘Christmas’ or have special meaning,such as a bowl of favorite ornamentson the island,” Courtney says. “I alsolove tarnished silver and simple whitepitchers for mixing in with the look.”

USE WHAT YOU LOVE: “Ilove collecting transferware; the redand white dishes just say ‘Merry Christmas’ to me,” she says. Set just afew pieces on a shelf or fill a simplewhite gravy boat with ornaments towarm up year-round collectibles.

The antique cupboard is toppedwith white pitchers and sprigs of cedarand pine for a fresh feel.

For more information on Courtney at French CountryCottage, visit frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com.


RH_1312_75 10/21/13 4:25 PM

decrepitLearn how this shop owner infusesthe new, old and unexpected for atruly unique holiday design.

shopkeeping


B Y S A R A H J A N E O ’ K E E F E

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N N E L O R Y S

BEAUTIFULLYBinky Morgan loves old things. Theexperienced shop owner has been admiring objects

of eld for years. Thanks to a creative eye and keen

sense of style, her shop Binky La Faye is well known

for always greeting guests with something different.

Her husband Ron Anderson attributes the shop’s

success to the ever-changing displays. “Binky already

had an established style and what we needed was the

RH_1312-76-78-Shopkeeping.MJ 10/14/13 12:12 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 7 7

“Binky already had an established style and what

we needed was the space to make it

come alive.”

space to make it come alive,” he says.

That vision finally came alive when

Binky opened the shop in her home-

town of Llano, Texas.

The shop is adorned in Binky’s

unique style all year long, but gets a

particularly special dose for the

holidays. During the season, she decks

the store in color-themed vignettes, and

mixes in unexpected elements such as

colorful bottles on window ledges or

surprises that hang from the ceiling.

“Ever since I was a child I have been

drawn to things with a history and a

past,” Binky says. With a style she

describes as “beautifully decrepit,”

Binky seeks out items for her shop that

have already seen their best days.

This season, warm up your home

with worn pieces for a look that is

perfectly vintage.

RH_1312-76-78-Shopkeeping.MJ 10/14/13 12:13 AM

shopkeeping

InsidertradinG

Holiday décor.Binky Morgan and her husbandRon share their favorite ways todecorate the shop for Christmas:

• USE VINTAGE ELEMENTS for one-of-a-kindadornments. “The integration of vintage or antiqueobjects into any style or look, no matter how sleekor modern, will enhance, and give depth and aunique personality, to your space,” Binky says.

• EXPERIMENT WITH UNCONVENTIONAL displays. Binky recommends a display of tarnishedglass ornaments and pine boughs in a carpetbag inplace of a wreath. Hang antique pocket watchesand old leather coin purses on your tree for a whimsical touch.

• STEP OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES of tradition.“What I love so much about holiday decorating isthat it's temporary, it's only out for a few weeksand then we get to move on to the next holiday orseason. It's so much easier to change out a fewdecorations than to change your wall color!”

• DON'T LIMIT DECORATIONS to the typical locations. Add cheer in every room to truly keep theholiday spirit alive. Even bedrooms, bathrooms andthe laundry room can use a holiday touch.

• UTILIZE NATURE’S GIFTS. “Bring in twigs andbranches, berries, leaves, and greenery. We evendecorate with wasps nests; we love the colorand texture.”

BINKY LA FAYE OBJECTS OF ELD303 Bessemer Avenue

Llano, Texas(325) 247-2500binkylafaye.com


tips for unique

Antique mirrorsFurniture piecesChests of drawers Ticking pillows Industrial lighting creations Industrial pieces like metalbenchesCogs and wheels

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pages

All the WORLD’s

a StageTurn your holiday party from the usualto the unforgettable.

B Y J A C Q U E L I N E d e M O N T R A V E L

RH_1312-80-83-PAGES1 10/14/13 12:18 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 8 1

If the North Pole threw a Christmasparty, Santa would call David Stark. Especially at this busy

time of year, it’s easy to fall back on conventional ruts when

preparing your holiday event.

This season, add surprise and

memorable pizzazz to your

annual bash with inspiration

from Stark’s new book, The Art of

the Party.

Find page after page of Stark’s

genius in treating an event space

as an “empty canvas.” Empty

rooms become entertainment

spectacles crammed with layered

table settings, garlands

crisscrossed with fairy lights and

enough flowers to wipe out a

midtown florist.

Even the most conventional

spaces can become a magical

stage for your guests to waltz in

and never forget. Find inspiration

from Stark’s holiday dreamscape

held, of all places, in the formal

State Department. Silver trees

dripping with gold, silver and

glass decorations circumvent

conventional holiday colors for a

contemporary and playful effect.

The trend continues to the

fireplace where silver ornaments

become worthy competition to a

roaring fire.

Unpredictable decorations at

every turn add drama and

delight, setting the tone for an

enchanted evening. A dining

table becomes a modern

production of The Nutcracker

with white painted branches

decorated with paper garlands,

bird nests and glittery flowers. A

variety of nutcrackers, also

painted in glossy white, are

scattered throughout while jewels spill out from boxes.

When your guests arrive to find such a stage set for them,

they will have to try very hard not to have a good time!

RH_1312-80-83-PAGES1 10/14/13 12:18 AM

pages


life of theParty

3 Ways

to take your event to thenext level.

Create an experience.Parties aren’t just about the décor. Starkwrites, “Parties are about experience. Create an event that turns the evening into living theater….” Start with the bigpicture of what ambience you want to create. The State Department holiday party, for example, feels like a fairytale or acontemporized scene out of The Nutcracker.

Focus on the details.“Much of an event’s energy comes fromcreating design opportunities out of thetiniest details,” Stark notes. The overall effect you want will be the sum of its parts.The white branches with realistic birds andgold pinecones, for instance, adds a grounding effect with reference to the natural world while mirroring the fantastical gold and glittering birds.

Play up the unexpected. Whether it’s using both gold and silver, repurposing ornaments as beads in tieredgarlands, combining the natural and unnatural with metallic flowers, or using asilver tree, Stark’s work is chock-full of playful subversion of expectations. Let yourtheme be your guide rather than conventional wisdom. Have some fun creating your ambience and your guests will soon catch on.

David Stark: The Art ofthe Party by David Stark © 2013 by The Monacelli

Press, monacellipress.com.

RH_1312-80-83-PAGES1 10/14/13 12:18 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 8 3

RH_1312-80-83-PAGES1 10/14/13 12:19 AM


pages

Soul to Sole

For the fashion enthusiast, Jane Weitzman’s ode to art anddesign is the perfect gift.

B Y J I C K I E T O R R E SP H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L U C A S Z A R E B I N S K I

Art & Sole: More than 150 FantasyArt Shoes from the Stuart WeitzmanCollection by Jane Gershon Weitzman©2013 by HarperCollins,harpercollins.com.

If you, like many a womanswept up in the throes of an amazing shoe

discovery, find yourself admiring your

shoes more than actually wearing them,

the book Art & Sole: More than 150

Fantasy Art Shoes from the Stuart

Weitzman Collection is artful validation.

Jane Gershon Weiztman, wife of legendary

shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, helped

turn her husband’s Manhattan storefront

into an iconic fashion destination in part

by the lavish and whimsical window

displays she devised with the help of a

few artist friends. “We wanted our

windows on Madison Avenue to be

special and different from other

shoe stores,” she says.

RH_1312-84-85-PAGES2 10/14/13 12:22 AM

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 8 5

Different ended up meaning that she

chose not to display any of her husband’s

actual shoes at all; instead, the windows

were filled with extravagant, fanciful and

sometimes quirky creations from artists

she’d known and later would seek out to

keep the revolving window-turned-art

show refreshed.

The art shoes she found were a mix of

existing art works and new pieces she

commissioned specifically for the store.

“[Some of the artists] had already made

shoes that were wonderful and other times

I just liked an artist’s work,” she says.

“Overall, I was looking for something

original and unique that we had not done

before. Sometimes shoes were made out of

rarely used material and other times the

technique was unusual.”

In her new book, Jane curates an

anthology of the best and most

memorable shoes that have been displayed

at the store. Readers will love the glimpse

into the artistic vision behind one of

fashion’s most influential couples. And for

anyone who dares to indulge in a little bit

of fantasy for the everyday, Jane says, the

book is a celebration of the imagination

that makes life interesting. “Fantasy makes

everyday life beautiful and fun,” she says.

“If I have paperwork I don't want to do, I

light a fragrant candle. I always have fresh

flowers in my bathroom to make putting

on makeup more fun. Every bed in my

house has a canopy with curtains, and the

ceiling of the bed in the master bedroom

has a night blue sky with various sizes of

gold stars attached.”

Textures and whimsyabound in these artfully

crafted “shoes.”

RH_1312-84-85-PAGES2 10/14/13 12:23 AM


be here now

RH_1312-86-87-BHN 10/14/13 12:26 AM

B Y M A L E N A J A I M E

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y B R E T G U M

n Think minimal for color: In this room, a simple white backdrop showcases warmtouches. Even the mantel has been painted white for a cohesive design. Look to all-white couches, carpeting and paint for a pristine, winter feel. Touches of pink and silver will add just the right amount of interest to a bookcase or floral display without overwhelming the room.

n Streamline holiday decorations: Work within your soft color palette by selecting just one traditional shade, such as red, even coordinating gift-wrapping to complement themood. Here, pops of red and plum are found in fanciful bows and berry ornaments on the tree for a subtle design. Cheerful holiday phrases such as “Noel” or “Joy” will complete the festive feel.

n Add romantic lighting: Balance an all-white color palette by introducing warm lighting through candles and twinkle lights. Line a mantel with candles of all sizes to attract the eye to a blazing fire. String white or yellow lights around a tree to set sparkly ornaments aglow. Completethe look with a romantic-style crystal chandelier.

n Infuse rustic comfort: Make a romantic setting comfortable and inviting with beautifully worn touches. Farmhouse-style benches with chippy-white paint are the perfect place to display wrapped presents. A burlap garland across the mantel or exposed wood paneling add an extra-cozy feel.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 8 7

Use soft colors, romantic lighting and just a touch ofrustic charm to create a serene Christmas setting.

Noel

n her home, Cindy Robertstook inspiration from Nordic design

for a simple, streamlined look that

highlights warm holiday touches.

For a whimsical, dreamy feel in

your own home, add elegant

decorations and shabby-cottage

furnishings against a clean white

backdrop. The result will be an

inviting space for a morning of gift

exchanges and sipping hot cocoa by

the fire.

Discover how to recreate this

setting in just a few simple steps:

I

JOYEUX

get the look

:

RH_1312-86-87-BHN 10/14/13 12:26 AM

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RH_1312_89 10/21/13 4:24 PM

HOLIDAY DISHTOWELSHand-screen printed. 100% linen and

sewed with organic cotton thread. Each towel features an antique brass grommet

and a cotton hand-tie loop.$22 each, plus shipping and handling*

FLOWER PEDESTAL TRAYGorgeous shabby-style metal tray.

Ideal for displaying decadentdesserts and other sweet treats.

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HOLIDAY POSTCARDSSet of 7 double-sided 4” x 6” satin postcards. Made in the USA and wrapped in cello sleeves. Ideal for the holiday season. Envelopes included.$15 plus shipping and handling*

C

RH_1312_90-93 10/20/13 11:59 PM

BELLES ROSES DE FRANCE PRINTBeautiful vintage-style Belles de Roses print

ads a soft, romantic touch to your décor. A bold

$15 plus shipping and handling*

CAMPANIA PLANT/CANDLE DOMES Inspired by antique bird cages. Ideal forhousing a small potted plant, candles or

for seasonal décor.$55 plus shipping and handling*

CANDLE LANTERNReminiscent of an Old World treasure,this Arabesque-style lantern features an

House a small candle, a ball of twine or rest on


CAPE COTTAGE BUTLER TRAYPull this charming collapsing stand out at

parties as an extra serving station, or use it as asimple end table to feature vintage treasures.

28” high x 24” wide x 13.5” long.$70 plus shipping & handling*

RH_1312_90-93 10/20/13 11:59 PM

CHRISTMAS JAR STICKER LABELS


PARIS GLASS PAPERWEIGHTEverything from its faint handwriting and


WIRE TRAYIdeal for entertaining, this vintage tray

is sure to bring cheer this holiday season. 3.5” high x 16.65” wide x 9.5 inches long.


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RH_1312_90-93 10/20/13 11:59 PM

GREY MINI FLORAL SCARFWear it long or double it up foran all-season accessory that will

complement any wardrobe. 100% cotton.$34 plus shipping and handling*

BIRD MIRRORTopped with a bird and featuring distressed glass,this is the perfect whimsical vintage piece for the

eclectic cottage-style room.$40 plus shipping and handling*

3

BURLAP MEMO BOARD

grocery list, or to display photographs and notes

28” high x 24” wide X 23.5” wide.$49 plus shipping and handling*

IRON TULIPIERCombine French style and seasonal blooms with this

nifty tulipiere. The iron stand features intricate detailing and six rings. Ideal as a centerpiece.

14” high x 14” wide.$52 plus shipping and handling*

RH_1312_90-93 10/20/13 11:59 PM

SimplyPages 12-15

Take-out food containers: Visit

orientaltrading.com or amazon.com.

Clip art: Visit graphicsfairy.com.

Baskets: Visit save-on-crafts.com.

Empty paint cans: Visit airseacontainers.com.

Vintage WhimsyPage 24

Visit vintagecornucopia.etsy.com.

Shades of StylePages 60-69

Tree skirt, seat cushions, furniture: Vintage

Chic Furniture. Visit vintagechicfurniture.com.

All AglowPages 70-71

Blue feather tree: (513) 681-9357 or

twinsfeathertree.com.

Platinum glittered pinecone ornaments,

pastel bell ornaments, pastel word ball

ornaments, small pastel vintage bead gar-

land, pine tree with pinecones: Bethany Lowe

Designs Inc. (800) 944-6213 or bethanylowe.com.

Pastel snowcapped ornaments, snowy aqua

pinecone ornaments: (207) 361-4573 or

theholidaybarn.com.

Teal Christmas mini lights: Christmas Lights Etc.

(866) 962-7382 or christmaslightsetc.com.

Blue and white wrapping paper: (800) 659-

3049 or midoriribbon.com.

Beautifully DecrepitPages 76-78

Binky La Faye Objects of Eld: 303 Bessemer

Avenue Llano, Texas. (325) 247-2500 or

binkylafaye.com.

All the World’s a StagePages 80-83

David Stark: The Art of the Party by David Stark

© by The Monacelli Press, 2013;

monacellipress.com.

Soul to SolePages 84-85

Art & Sole: More than 150 Fantasy Art Shoes

from the Stuart Weitzman Collection by Jane

Gershon Weitzman. © by 2013 HarperCollins;

harpercollins.com.

FavoritesPage 98For more with Susan Branch, visit susanbranch.com.


shopping guide

RH-1312-94-Shoppinguide.CX 10/22/13 11:51 PM

Call us at 1-800-764-6278

www.engagedmediamags.com

Subscribe to

Romantic HomesToday!

1. Publication Title: Romantic Homes2. Publication No.: 1086-40833. Filing Date: 10-01-134. Issue Frequency: Monthly5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 126. Annual Subscription Price: $19.95

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Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher Beckett Media LLC., 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 Editor Jacqueline DeMontravel, Beckett Media LLC., 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887 Managing Editor Meryl Schoenbaum, Beckett Media LLC., 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, Suite 200, Yorba Linda, CA 9288710. Owner: Beckett Media LLC.,

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ad index

The Advertiser’s Index is provided as a service to Romantic Homesreaders. Romantic Homes is not responsible for omissions or typo-graphical errors on names, page numbers or contact information.

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Elizabeth's Embellishments ................elizabethsembellishments.com ....33

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Shabby Cottage Shops ........................shabbycottageshops.com..............9

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The JonJas Company LLC ....................jonjas.com ....................................25

The Nest ..............................................thenestonline.com ........................89

The Vintage Nest ................................thevintagenest.com ......................19

Traditions ............................................ChristmasTraditions.com ..............7

Verbena Cottage ................................theverbenacottage.com ................75

Victorian Lampshade Supply ..............victorianlampshadesupply.com ....89

Vintage Doors LLC ..............................vintagedoors.com ........................79

Vintage Rose Collection ......................vintagerosecollection.com ............89

Wesley Allen Beds ..............................wesleyallen.com ..........................C4

Winsome Cottage................................winsomecottage.net ....................33

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favorites

William Morris once said, “Have nothing in your homes you do not know to be useful or believeto be beautiful.” This is a motto that Susan Branch lives by: "That sums it up perfectly," she says.As the author and artist of the Heart of the Home series of handwritten and watercolored books,and designer of everything from teapots to hooked rugs, she has come to believe it is the littlethings in life that mean the most. Here are a few of her favorite (little) things.


1

Susan BRANCH

5

2

4

8

6

1. Hanging my calendar for a new year anda new beginning.

2. Making bread and soup on a cold day;going outside for a deep breath of icy air,then coming back in to see how good the

kitchen smells.

3. My newest book. I went to England, thenhandwrote and illustrated a travel diary

called A FINE ROMANCE, Falling in Lovewith the English Countryside.

4. My favorite lavender and rose petal EarlGrey tea in my "Come, Sit, Stay" tea tin.

5. Collecting old books—and black andwhite kitties with mustaches named Jack.

6. My house on Martha’s Vineyard after a snowstorm.

7. Cinnamon-sugar for the toast connoisseur in all of us.

8. Mixing and matching my dishes.

9. Collecting old quilts—and black and whitekitties with pink noses named Girl Kitty.

FOR MORE WITH Susan Branch, visit susanbranch.com.

3

78

9

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN BRANCH

RH_1312-98-Favorites.JN 10/14/13 12:36 AM

RH_1312_C3 10/11/13 2:35 AM Page C3

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R H 2013 12 Downmagaz.com 2

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