Mad for Plaid

Who doesn't love the warm and cozy feel of plaid, especially Tartan? Its classic color combinations and symbolic pattern embody regal elegance, so it’s not surprising it has long been associated with British aristocracy. Tartan is everywhere these days, from fashion to home furnishings, and is the perfect addition to your Holiday decor or winter wardrobe. Or makes for a festive gift for everyone on your list. I would be happy to get any of these Tartan goodies under the tree.



1. Tartan: Romancing the Plaid by Jeffery Banks Coffee Table Book
2. Burberry Giant Check Scarf
3. Pendleton Silk Taffeta Plaid Dress
4. Comme de Garcons Tartan Coin Purse
5. American Eagle flats
6. Pendleton Tartan Dessert Plates
7. Dooney and Bourke Plaid Shopper
8. Eddie Bauer Down Ice Scraper Mitt
9. True Religion Trapper Hat
10. Williams-Sonoma Home Tartan Table Linens
11. Ralph Lauren Home Tartan Chair
12. Bagatelles & Co. Etsy  Shop Highlands GiGi Coin Purse
13. Ralph Lauren Home Tartan Party Collection Bedding
14. MAC Cosmetics Tartan Tale Chapter 1 Eye, Lip and Face Kit
15. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Ronson Ruffle Holiday Tartan Shirt

Drink, Craft and Be Merry

Three things that fit quite nicely together: wine, decorating for Christmas and making fun craft projects. Combining them all in one evening makes for a very merry time. Here’s what I’m working on tonight.





Image and Video via Recyclart.com

Coastal Christmas

Although summer is over and warm weather is long gone, at least for the next several months, your coastal decor doesn't need to be put away until Memorial Day. Creating a coastal Christmas is the perfect way to give your holiday a sunny twist. 



Image 1 via ef eDesigns | Image 2 via iStockPhoto | Image 3 via Nantucket Noel | Image 4 via Brett Woodvine | Image 5 and 6 via Coastal Living | Image 7 via Martha Stewart

Sweet Surprise

Oh how I love the Holidays at work. Everyone decorates their office or cube, days seem to go by much faster and my office neighbor starts his annual month-of-festive-ties. On the down side, the office fills with goodies from vendors; everything from fruit baskets to cookies and candy. Not that I'm unappreciative, but with all of the eating that goes on between Thanksgiving and New Years, goodies are the last thing I need more of. Most of the time these gifts go straight to the kitchen for everyone to share, but not today! Much to my surprise, a beautiful pink box of Georgetown Cupcakes showed up from my favorite vendor. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They are the most delicious cupcakes and are absolutely adorable.



If you don't know about Georgetown Cupcake, then you’re missing out. You can stop by one of their two stores in Georgetown and Bethesda, order online for nationwide shipping or catch their TV show, DC Cupcakes, on TLC.

Image 1 via Washingtonian Magazine | Image 2 via The Washington Post | Image 3 and 4 via Georgetown Cupcake | Image 5 via Real Simple Magazine