QUICK, THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE...

If you are anything like me, the holidays have snuck up on you (I just finished decorating my tree last night).

Before your home is filled with merriment, you'll need to deck the halls. The easiest holiday decorating trick I use is to fill a vessel with ornaments - vases, bowls, cake stands, jars, whatever. You can use anything you have around your house or find at your local Bed, Bath and Beyond, HomeGoods or even the dollar store:

Try adding a little greenery to step up the arrangement a notch:

Even add fruit if you really want to be fancy:

 Or maybe candles:

It's usually easiest to find a photo that you love to use as inspiration for creating your own holiday decor. Either way, here's how to get started:

First, gather all of your extra ornaments, trimmings, vases, platters, candles, etc. that you have around the house. Next, get some greenery from your (or your neighbors') yard. Depending on the container, start with the greenery as a base. Then add the ornaments, trimmings, candles, etc. Stick in some greenery here and there as filler (if necessary). Just experiment until you come up with a look that pleases you. Have fun with it!

In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PANTONE COLOR FOR 2014: RADIANT ORCHID...

Every year, the Pantone Color Institute releases its Spring Color Report for the following year in early September. This years' crop of hues are an exciting spin on modern and traditional colors for 2014:

However the Institute doesn't reveal its "STAR" hue until December. With much anticipation and surprise, Pantone has announced the Color for 2014...RADIANT ORCHID.

"An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid #18-3224 inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm," according to the Pantone press release on the 2014 selection.

Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel from the 2013 color Emerald to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination. Designers are sure to fascinate and incite our fashion senses with this striking hue:

Mrs. Obama wearing Radiant Orchid

Manolo Blahnik

Kelly Osborne in Zac Posen

MARC JACOBS

STELLA & DOT

As in the past, the world of interior design follows the fashion "Gods" with an influx of Radiant Orchid whether it takes center stage or as a dominating accent. This purple hue, one of my favorites, is sure to provide a fresh perspective on the world of interior design and not just for little girls' rooms:

Happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM, HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM, WOUTER VANDERTOL, PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE, REUTERS.

PANTONE COLOR REPORT FOR SPRING 2014: FREESIA...

Designers will take a modern twist on the traditional for Spring 2014 by pairing soft pastels with vibrant brights. One the best examples of a blend of pastels and brights is FREESIA. This blazing yellow is sure to illuminate wardrobes as well as interior design in the weeks and months to come. (Sidebar - my mother will be so happy with this choice as she loves all things yellow.) 

The inspiration for Pantone #14-0852

Of course, Freesia follows Dazzling Blue as a primary source of color inspiration in the wave of new designs - fashion and interiors alike - having found favor with last Spring's designated yellow choice of Lemon Zest.

Double Clutch by Stella & Dot 

Norah Chandelier Earrings by Stella & Dot

Since interiors follow fashion trends, this vivid hue will most likely find its prominence in accents and accessories by adding a welcomed punch of color...

Pendant by Radiance Lighting

Throw from West Elm

Hexagon Table from Mod Shop by Room Service

Chesterfield Sofa by Anthropologie

although occasionally being the main attraction...

This makes me (and mom) so happy which always leads to Happy Trend Spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE, HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM, ELEEDECOR.COM, STELLADOT.COM..