SEXY CONFETTI

Who knew pinatas and streamers could be so sexy? 

See more at Confetti System.

p.s. Speaking of party decorations ... 
hope you'll stop by this Saturday for a special blog celebration.

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

THAT TOUCH OF BLING ... 'tis just the thing

Oh the glitter, oh the glamour! 

That one touch of bling, 'tis just the thing.
If you had to choose, which would it be: shoes, bag or jewelry?

Cocktail Bag (with built-in ring), Lady Marmalade Cuff and Twirl Heels all by Kate Spade.  

Image created by Doreen Creede

HOLIDAY COLOR RECIPE: Peacock Blue & Burnished Gold

Inspired by a lush sofa, soft antique brass and the sequin dresses in this month's masthead, here's a recipe for a fresh twist on a holiday color scheme:  

Take one part deep velvety blue ornaments and accents.  Warm up with three parts burnished gold gift wrap, china and tree. Add plumes of peacocks.  Festoon with sparkly ornaments and trim in amethyst and emerald, if you like. Meanwhile, mix a Bombay Gin martini as Elvis croons "Blue Christmas" on the stereo.  Stir it all up.  Savor a relaxed and lovely night of holiday decorating.

Photos, from top:  {1} "London Revival" townhouse designed by Steven Volpe, as seen in Elle Decor. {2} Blue Ornament on Gold Tree by Etolane via Flickr.  {3} Gold gift wrapped by Carolyne Roehm as seen in Veranda Magazine.  {4} Peacock Tree via Christmas Central. {5} Marc Blackwell New York Florentine Gold China photographed by Doreen Creede.  {6} Peacock Ornament via the blog Sullivan & Murphy.

GLITTER, GLAMOUR, GIFTS ... with a twist

Suddenly I'm in the mood for glitter, glamour, gifts  ... all with a twist.  So, this month, take a break from the mad mad rush of the season and stop in to enjoy all kinds holiday treats, tips and finds assembled just for you, dear smart, fun, stylish readers.

FIRST TREAT: One of the prettiest pics I've seen all year (which is saying a lot). By stylist Nancy Queller as discovered on French Frosting.  (A snippet of this image also appears in the masthead this month.) Doesn't this just make you want to dress up and celebrate?

WHAT TO EAT RIGHT NOW: Vanessa's Fried Cheese

Heavenly, gooey, crusty yumminess. I nearly drooled all over the computer screen when I came across this perfect fall treat from Vanessa Uttaro. Vanessa follows Style Maniac via Tumblr (the platform that hosts the website) and I'm so happy she does 'cause that led me to her amazing images of food, travel, vintage housewares and more. But mostly the food. Her recipe for this Fried Cheese couldn't be easier:

Olive oil
Queso fresco
Slice the cheese into squares or rectangles. Fry in olive oil, turning frequently once they begin to brown. Serve still-hot on crackers.

 Or, my version:  forget the crackers, and your burning fingertips, and pop directly in your mouth.

Photo & recipe courtesy Vanessa Uttaro / decorate, eat, repeat & the broke foodie

ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

Just a glimpse of these brooch bouquets brightened my dreary January day.  They touch on so many things I love: beauty, originality, my treasured collection of vintage costume jewelry inherited from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers; and wrap it all up in a timeless design filled with history, sentiment and joy.
 
Each piece is one of a kind, created by floral designer (I'd call her an artist) Amanda Heer from jewelry provided by a bride's family.  In addition to brooches, Amanda often includes an antique watch set at the hour of the ceremony.  Though intended as a wedding bouquet, these would be just as amazing as an anniversary gift or an accessory in your home.

Brooch bouquets first discovered on this is glamorous.  Photos courtesy Amanda Heer, Fantasy Floral Designs.  Photo credits:  Alice Hu Photography (top); Hanssie Trainor Photography (middle); and Barnet Photography (bottom).

A LITTLE GLEAM & GLITTER

Combat dark dreariness outside with a little gleam and glitter inside. Sprinkle a dusting of gold via fabric ... wallpaper ... a glittery pillow ... a mixed collection of new and vintage dishes. Or take a page from Louis XV and transform your bath into a glamorous hideaway.

And speaking of gold ... the GOLDEN GLOBES (aka Style Maniac's World Cup) air tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC. Have fun, girls.

CREDITS (from top): Robert Allen fabric; Bliss pillow; Annie Glass, Rosanna, Marc Blackwell New York and vintage dishes; Designers Guild wallpaper from Osborne & Little; Donghia wallpaper.  Most items available through The Redecorators LLC / 215-429-2000.  Bottom photo of Versailles bathroom from Compendium of Interior Styles.  All other photos by Doreen Creede.

DECORATING INSPIRATION (Part Two)

Same inspiration (Versace Medusa Red china) as the previous post, same living room, but a deeper, warmer variation for winter.  This translation is more about the luxe richness of the pattern than the actual colors.  For winter, the velvet fabric becomes a slipcover for the cream sofas and the jewel-like silk replaces the tropical pattern pillows.

Photo by Doreen Creede

EVERYDAY STYLE TIP: Use The Good China

Why save your prettiest things for rare occasions? Savor coffee in a gold cup, lunch on a vintage plate, dinner on your wedding pattern.  Enjoy your "good" china every day.


Photo by Doreen Creede

THE SUMMER WIND

Although most of us consider Memorial Day the start of summer, officially it's today. Celebrate with an elegant twist on outdoor entertaining, like the Summer Solstice party I put together for a Redecorators' Philadelphia Magazine Home feature. Use rocks glasses as vases and funky vintage jewelry to wrap up napkins and silverware. And if you can, drape curtain sheers for softness and drama.

FASHION, FABRIC, ART

When does fashion or fabric become art? This hand-embroidered cape gets my vote. Although I rarely wear it, the color and meticulous detail of this vintage find delight me every time I open my closet.

Photo by Doreen Creede