House of Fifty Holiday 2012

HOUSE OF FIFTY ideas for

inspired living

Savo r the moments this Holiday season!

issue EIGHT

november/december

2012

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ON THE COVER: Let’s start off the holiday season in colorful style!

Interior designer Valorie Hart opens her home to House of Fifty readers, all dressed up and ready to celebrate the season. Photography by Sara Essex Bradley.

IN THIS ISSUE:

The holidays are the perfect time to show all the people in your life how much you truly appreciate and care for them. Each year the season seems to come around faster than the last, so slowing down to enjoy and savor the moments is the best gift you can give to yourself and others this season!

This Issue is Simply Packed with Inspiration for Enjoying this Special Season to its Fullest

From decorating and entertaining, 2

gift ideas and guides,

to holiday “dress up” favorite finds!

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

B

efore starting work on House of Fifty’s holiday issue, I took some time to stop and think about what I look forward to most during this time of year. What is the season truly all about? What came to mind, overshadowing thoughts of annual parties, family holiday traditions, sending out cards and finding all those “just right” gifts, were simply the days when my family is afforded the opportunity to step away from our daily routines and schedules to enjoy time with each other.

These days are often filled with activities, but at other moments they can proceed at a slower pace, giving us the chance to simply

be together. And so, stripped of all the holiday “trimmings,” time to just be present with one another is what is I value most about the holidays. There is nothing better than a lazy start to the day, cooking a hearty breakfast as a family and, as the day unfolds, sharing celebrations with the people I care about most: my husband, my children, extended family and friends.

Perhaps it’s a symptom of getting older, having kids who have figured out the true identity of Santa, or experiencing how the cliché that time flies quickly is a cliché for a reason. This season, the wish for my family is that we have the chance to slow down enough to enjoy these special moments in our lives, shake off a bit of the commercial craze and show those we love how much they mean to us.

Mindy Lockard says it best in her article later in this issue, ‘A Gracious Guide to the Holidays.’ There she shares, “Join me in being present this season and give the gift that matters most, the gift of reaching out to those you love in a meaningful manner.”

From myself and House of Fifty, here’s to having a most memorable and joyful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Janell Beals, Founding Editor 3

HOUSE OF FIFTY November / December 2012

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30 10 The Team Once again, we have the best group of contributors and are so very appreciative of them!

32 30 House of Fifty’s Favorite Finds: Tree Ornaments You simply can’t have too many tree ornaments! Select several to give as gifts and add one to your own tree this season.

14 All Through the House Style maven Valorie Hart opens her holiday home to House of Fifty readers, sharing the story behind her festive and colorful décor.

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32 Winter Wreaths Nothing dresses up an entry or mantel quite like a festive wreath. See our favorites for the home and to give as gifts.

Enjoy a Preview of the Articles that Await You in this Holiday Issue!

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34 Read House of Fifty on the Go Enjoy reading the latest articles wherever you are.

40 Talent We Are Taken With: Michael Devine We are quite taken with this designer’s line of hand screened fabrics. In this story Michael shares the old world process behind this true labor of love.

56 So “Tray” Chic Gift Ideas from Michael Devine This collection of trays are made using Michael’s hand screened fabrics. Great not only as gifts but as a treat for yourself!

58 A Family Home for the Generations Linda Roberts’ tropical home embraces a touch of the holidays while welcoming multiple generations under one roof.

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74 Ready to Entertain

86 The Heart of Design

Interior Designer Beth Keim of Lucy and Company makes a couple’s wish for grown up spaces to entertain in become a reality. Read her smart tips for how to successfully work with a designer.

Kim Myles believes she has finally broken the code for how to entertain with ease... and we agree with her!

84 Ready to Entertain Gift Guide It’s the season to entertain and what host wouldn’t love the gift of a new serving piece for the next time they entertain?

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88 Home for the Holidays Interior Designer Margot Jagger shares her tips for creating welcoming and festive homes for the holidays, along with the traditions her family enjoys the most during this season.

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106 Holiday Sugar Cookie Recipe

110 Three Simple & Tasty Holiday Gifts

Is there a more loved activity during the holidays than baking and decorating cookies?

And even better is sharing a few as sweet gifts.

Add a personal touch and a bit of DIY to create memorable gifts for the teachers, hosts and co-workers in your life.

108 House of Fifty Baker’s Dozen: Baking Essentials Gift Guide

116 Traditionally Speaking

Select a few baking essentials, wrap them with a pretty ribbon and surprise the baker in your life.

Courtney Fernan shares her favorite holiday memories and asks three top bloggers to share what holiday traditions are most enjoyed in their homes year after year.

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128 Give the Gift of Art! Looking for a unique gift idea for the person who has everything? Consider the gift of art and browse our finds.

130 The Nostalgic World of Painter Janet Hill Learn the story behind the paintings of this talented artist, whose narrative work asks the reader to fill in the blanks of the story suggested through her imagery.

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144 The Allure of Perfumes & the Bottles that House Them Now more popular than ever, perfume is a desired gift to both give and receive. Learn what early perfumes are still around and the scents that are most popular today.

148 Mimi Inman’s Holiday Makeup Trends Get a holiday ready look with the help of House of Fifty’s Beauty Editor.

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150 Let Us Inspire You to Get “Fancied Up” This Holiday Season!

158 What We’re Watching: Movies with a Holiday Spirit

What says “let’s get festive” more than a cocktail dress?

160 Thrift Store Enjoy a holiday short story by Pauline Wiles.

152 It’s Said Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend... At House of Fifty We Say its Shoes!

154 A Gracious Guide to the Holidays Etiquette expert Mindy Lockard shares her tips for enjoying a most gracious holiday.

166 Are We Meant to Create Beauty?

Darlene Weir explores the value of design as compared to the importance of other concerns in our daily lives.

172 Stay in Touch until Next Time!

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THE TEAM:

HOUSE OF FIFTY

Janell Beals Founding Editor

Lakeitha Duncan New Features Editor

Mimi Inman Beauty Editor

Shari Miller Art Director

holiday

2012

Courtney Fernan A Thoughtful Place 10

Valorie Hart The Visual Vamp

Estelle Hayes Pink Moon Daily

Jennifer Jones I Heart Organizing

Mindy Lockard The Gracious Girl

Kim Myles Kim Myles

Kate Riley The Centsational Girl

Sarah Thrifty Decor Chick

To Everyone Who Contributed to this Issue,

THANK YOU FROM

House of Fifty!

Darlene Weir Fieldstone Hill Design

Pauline Wiles Pauline WIles

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All Through the House Story by Valorie Hart Photography by Sara Essex Bradley

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Every year as the holiday season rolls around, do you wonder if it’s worth the effort to decorate your house? Many of us are empty nesters with no children left at home to dazzle with Christmas trees and baubles. Or perhaps family is spread out geographically, so you won’t be spending the season with them.

And, if you aren’t throwing a holiday party for friends you may not want to bother with pulling all the Christmas decorations out of storage - yet again! Everyone who decorates for the holidays knows it’s a lot of extra work; setting everything up only to take it all down to store until the holidays arrive again.

Each year I vow that I am not going to decorate. I decorate for a living and I often install Christmas decorations for clients as well.

It’s a case of burnout and exhaustion. As a lady with some years on her, my “House of Fifty” has closets and sheds packed with years of collecting Christmas stuff. I have edited it down to a curated look, but still there are piles of boxes filled with ornaments, wreaths, garlands, trees and gewgaws.

In my mind’s eye I decide to opt for one little tabletop tree and a wreath on the front door.

After all, I’m just a tired elf not a total Scrooge.

So I drag out the ladder to climb up to the high cupboards where the miniature trees and wreaths are stored. I have to move some things around to reach them - and then it happens! I get snagged. I see all the lovely shiny things I have collected over the years and a rush of happy washes over me.

A small Christmas moment is created in the living room corner at the demilune table, hosting an informal nativity scene.

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An orange armchair is decked out for the holidays with a blue pillow, wrapped in the same ribbon used on boxes under the tree.

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And happy it is! The holiday décor at my house embraces a spirit of colorful fun, and I have my mother and Jonathan Adler to blame. A few years ago I got caught up in the philosophy of this designer, falling under the spell of his first book, ‘My Prescription For Anti-Depressive Living.’ His work makes wide use of retro items and influences, humor, wit and, of course, color.

I found myself becoming an eBay junkie in a search for all the retro pieces I once mocked my mother for having. They weren’t retro in her time, they were current, but to me they oozed with bad taste. When she brought home the first artificial Christmas tree for our house I was outraged, whining like a brat longing for a real tree to decorate. If only I could have glimpsed into the future!

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A big pile of Tiffany blue boxes inspire the color palette this season.

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A retro aluminum tree is “festooned� with garland and a colorful collection of vintage ornaments.

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So ironically, there I was on eBay buying a vintage aluminum Christmas tree and a chance glance at the “For Free” section on Craigslist set the stage for the direction my holiday story would take. A recent bride was giving away a dozen blue boxes from Tiffany’s, and when they became mine I was delighted to discover some giant boxes mixed alongside the petite ones. The combination of the retro silver tree and the blue boxes took me off on a tangent that inspired my holiday décor of the past few seasons.

Christmas, the Tiffany & Co. store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, along with the movie ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ are forever linked for me. So when I saw those blue boxes I knew they would become gift boxes under my tree.

The largest is now a pedestal elevating the tree, with the tree the silver that is sold at Tiffany’s. Then ornaments in all shades of

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Tiffany blue, most of them vintage, are added along with accents of lime green that play off the green silk drapes hanging year-round in the living room. Black ornaments are added as well, symbolic of the little black dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the movie. Finally, the silver branches are festooned with strands of pearls becoming garland to create a ‘Holly Golightly Christmas Tree.’

This color scheme is woven into the decorations used all through the house. Some shade of Tiffany blue makes an appearance in every room, each space with its own feeling and décor. Yet everything is cohesive rather than chaotic because this one color weaves through each vignette. Toss pillows are brought in, used just for the holidays, tied with ribbon to mimic the Tiffany boxes under the tree.

A small blue tree is added to a bar cart in the dining room.

The wreath made of vintage ornaments is hung over the mirror

by Tiffany blue ribbon, with an entry hall tree reflected below.

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Apparently the trees just kept multiplying like rabbits during those months hidden away in cupboards, and they can be spotted at each turn during the holidays! One miniature tree is perched on the breakfast area fireplace mantle, decorated with tiny Murano glass fruit ornaments. The festive mantlescape is overflowing with faux sugared fruit, vintage ornaments, whimsical Tiffany blue lions and folk art garland swaged across the mantle.

But not to forgo the traditional altogether, a larger tree sits in the entry hall. It came from the days of owning a dance studio, pulled out each year for the annual holiday party. Though tucked away in storage, why should it go to waste?

Placing the tree in a large garden urn gives it height and elegance. Decorated with a simple scheme of oversized gold balls, paired with a few blue accents, the Holly Golightly color story is woven into the festive entry hall.

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Cafe Brulot, a flaming coffee created in New Orleans, is served in demitasse cups from a blue and gold metal tray.

Yet another miniature tree brightens a recessed nook in the dining room, reflected in a mirror layered over the sideboard. Fashioned to resemble an antique feather tree by removing some of the branches, there is now plenty of room to layer the vintage ornaments. And let’s not be shy, hurricane candleholders are given a colorful boost with a filler of Tiffany blue glass bulbs.

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A bit of humor goes far in any design scheme, and the holidays should be no exception. A bust sitting on the entry hall bureau is dressed with a vintage wreath and “Christmas chapeau” made from a gift box top. Finally, a tiny touch of Tiffany blue pops against the wall, with a glowing garland of gold draped around the mirror.

Decorations go up early, the day after Thanksgiving, and stay until Epiphany on January 6th. I get as much fun and joy out of unwrapping everything each year as I do when it’s taken down and packed up once again. It’s funny and oh so sweet remembering when and where each ornament was acquired, the place it was bought from or the person who presented it as a lovely gift.

The house also gets a holiday cleaning as furniture gets moved to accommodate the Christmas trees and décor, and then cleaned once again when it is taken away. Our home is fresh and pretty for the start of a new year, which seems to pass quicker and quicker each time around. Before you know it, twelve months count down and it’s time to drag out all the holiday treasures once more.

And again the question: Do I really want to decorate again? Do you?

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House of Fifty’s Favorite Finds:

Tree Ornaments

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1. ‘Peace on Earth’ from Frontgate 2. ‘Miniature Stars’ from The Metropolitan Museum Store 3. ‘Ice Skates’ from MoMA Store 4. Diane Von Furstenberg’s ‘Love Life!’ 5. Golden Splendor Collection from Frontgate 6. ‘Felt Snowmen’ Ornament Set from MoMA Store 30

You simply can’t have too many tree ornaments! Select several to give as gifts and add a new beauty to your own tree this season.

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7. Waterford ‘Beaded Lace Spire’ 8. Mini Multicolor Sugar Ornaments from Martha Stewart 9. Thomas Paul ‘Matryoska Doll’ Ornamnet Set 10. ‘Rolleiflex’ from MoMa Store 11. ‘Forest Funny Pinecones’ from MoMA Store 12. ‘Mistletoe’ from Bloomingdales

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Winter Wreaths

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1. Molded Bronze “Manzanita Branch” Wreath from Frontgate 2. English Lavender Wreath from Plow & Hearth 3. Frosted Pine Cones & Pearl Acorn Wreath from Horchow 4. Mixed Fresh Greenery & Bay Leaf Wreath from Lynch Creek Farm 32

Nothing dresses up an entry or mantel quite like a festive wreath.

Here are the House of Fifty favorites for the home and to give as gifts!

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5. ‘Joyeux Noel’ Deer & Rosemary Wreath from Horchow 6.White Sugar Pine Greenery Wreath from Frontgate 7. Fruits of Fall & Pine Cone Wreath from Plow & Hearth 8. Fresh Evergreen & Holly Wreath, Made In Oregon for Home Decorators Collection 33

READ HOUSE OF FIFTY ON THE GO… Enjoy reading the latest articles wherever you are! Download the Apple iTunes app for the iPad and iPhone, or a digital version for all other mobile devices from MagCloud.

Click Here

TO DOWNLOAD THE ITUNES APP

“AND CLICK HERE FOR ALL OTHER MOBILE DEVICES.”

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HAPPY READING!

Now booking for January 2013!

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HOUSE OF FIFTY Holiday Music Mix 1.

Prettiest Little Present - Jenny O (2010)

2.

Hooray For Love - Ella Fitzgerald (1948)

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Christmas Wrapping - Summer Camp (2010)

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Let My Love Open The Door - Pete Townshend (1980)

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It’s Christmas Time Pretty Baby - Elvis Presley (1953)

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All You Need Is Love - The Beatles (1967)

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We Three Kings - Pink Martini (2010)

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Can’t Buy Me Love - Michael Bublé (2005)

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Angels We Have Heard On High - Sara Jackson-Holman (2010)

10. Joyful Sound - String Cheese Incident (2001) 11.

Best of My Love - The Emotions (1977)

12. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms (1957)

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California Christmas - Sleepy Rebels (2010)

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What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong (1968)

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Firefly - Tony Bennett (1959)

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Silk Pyjamas - Thomas Dolby (1992)

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Winter Wonderland - Bing Crosby (1947)

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New Sensations - Lou Reed (1984)

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Silent Night - Winchester Cathedral Choir (1994)

The Pink Pagoda thepinkpagoda.us Fine Art Prints Blue and White Porcelain 37

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Photos courtesy of Sarah at www.threeboys.net 39

TALENT WE ARE TAKEN WITH: Michael Devine

by Janell Beals

In a day when much of what is found on the home decor market is mass produced with a focus on volume and margins rather than originality and quality, how refreshing it is to encounter the work of Michael Devine. Of all the ventures and projects Michael is involved with, ranging from interior design to working on a book with Rizzoli on gardening and entertaining, the fabric collection of modern

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traditional hand prints has become his main focus and labor of love. “It’s simply a wonderful process, an art, with a series of steps that are interesting and satisfying from concept to reality.”

Michael is a true artist, involved in every stage of creating his goods. All the yardage in the line is hand printed in his studio located in the charming town of Kinderhook in upstate New York. Every run is slightly different than another, which is one of the many aspects that make the Michael Devine Ltd line of fabrics special.

There is a lot of physical labor required when printing fabric in this rather old-fashioned way, where the pattern is screen printed onto the fabric. “It’s a method used by only a dozen or so small lines; it is definitely much easier to produce a print using the rotary system.” But looking closely at a finished length of yardage the beauty of this process is clear. Subtle variations in the saturation of color and differences at the edges of the motifs are noticed. These are the hallmarks of a hand produced fabric, providing a richness often missing in similar mass produced goods.

All the fabric is printed to order, with no yardage kept in stock. The fabric Michael uses most often in his line is a linen in white, ecru, cream or oatmeal. Much of the yardage produced is done so using customized colors, a process which includes supplying a strike-off for approval prior to printing the specific pattern and color onto the fabric.

Much of the yardage is printed with customized color.

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Michael is inspired by the textures and colors observed in his ever-changing garden. 43

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mixing & testing colors before printing

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The process: Tools and supplies include a screen of the pattern to be printed and color, which is often a customized shade.

All sides of the fabric are closely pinned to the table, keeping it tight for printing.

The process of screening the pattern onto the fabric is very labor intensive, requiring two people working together.

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fabric pinned & ready to be printed

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Sections of the fabric are screened, skipping every other repeat. Afterwards the unprinted sections are filled in, creating a seamless run of the pattern down the length of the fabric.

The fabric is left on the table until the color is dry. It is then rolled and put through an oven to cure. This process exposes the fabric to high heat, setting the color before it’s shipped off to the client.

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The length of fabric remains on the table while the color dries. Afterwards it is rolled and placed on a conveyor belt which moves it through a curing oven, setting the

color.

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Washing the screen 50

for another day.

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tools of the trade

The artistry of the hand printed process using screens employed by Michael produces a product that varies with each run, depending on the energy of the men printing the fabric. The pattern can appear slightly different from one edge of the fabric to another, which is part of the beauty of this method of printing fabric.

Looking closely at finished yardage, the dedication and craftsmanship can be seen and appreciated.

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Looking closely at a finished length of yardage, the beauty of the process is clear.

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So “Tray” Chic Gift Ideas

from Michael Devine

A collection of one-of-a-kind trays, bowls and coasters, as well as a touch of the unexpected - handy eyeglass trays. Made by carefully laminating Michael’s hand printed fabrics, what a unique gift idea for friends and family... and perhaps a treat for yourself as well!

Venice Bowl in Leaf

Dottie Coral Eyeglass Tray

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Oversized Charlotte Tray in Wedgwood

Dottie Coasters in Coral & Cloud

Petite Fleur Tray in Chocolate

Large Venice Tray in Coral

Venice Tray in Wedgwood

“For coins, keys and such, protecting furniture in fun style and never again misplacing those spectacles.”

Dottie Cloud Eyeglass Tray

Venice Bowl in Chocolate

Large Petite Fleur Tray in Scarlet

Free shipping on orders from House of Fifty Readers - Simply Use Code HOUSE50 at Checkout (free shipping offer applies to U.S. and Canada only) 57

A Family Home for the Generations 58

Photography by Marie Busch Story by Janell Beals

At one time households of multiple generations were common in the American culture, but slowly became more and more rare over the years. Lately, however, families in which grandparents, parents and their children reside under one roof have been on the rise. The home of Linda Roberts, the voice behind the blog Lime in the Coconut, is one of them.

Linda shares, “We are three generations working alongside each other, creating the gardens and home. It is such a privilege to incorporate my young and vital 83 year old mother into the mix. The ability for our kids to grow up with and really get to know their Grandma is priceless.”

The home is a rambling 1970’s Spanish style abode with more than a nod to hacienda living. Lovingly, and not so lovingly dubbed “the sponge,” here Linda and her family embrace the subtle and beautiful seasonal changes and the relaxed nature of indoor-

outdoor living. Welcoming multiple generations, walled courtyards and barrel tile roofs, a pool and guest house named the “casita,” and even a barn that will one day become a studio are sprinkled across the sprawling property. Connected by meandering sandy paths trailing over an acre of tropical “jungle,” the home is situated in a sleepy coastal town in Florida.

“I came kicking and screaming to Florida from the Northeast. But this town and this nest of a home have seeped into our souls. And perhaps the best part is that my mom, who I consider to be my best friend, was able to move in with our family, residing in the two bedroom casita located on the property. I believe the key to living with several generations is for there to be a high level of respect for privacy and the ability to have your own space. I think we do that beautifully here, with the garden a mutual collaboration of everyone in the family.”

“We are three generations working alongside each other, creating the gardens and home.”

Most pieces of art that come home with Linda find a spot in a corner off the entry, either leaning or hanging to create an ad-libbed art wall.

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The rooms are filled with intriguing objects at every turn which raises the question, where were they found and what is Linda’s inspiration or thought process behind decorating the home? “I don’t have a specific approach to decorating, but perhaps an intuition instead. I am a big believer of bringing home what you love, even if there isn’t a place for it right then. I am more moved by how things interrelate to each other and, of course, their stories.”

Many of the items have a story of a person or a place, or of how, when and where the piece was purchased. Linda says these finds have become little narrations of the family’s life. Some of the favorite things in the home are the pieces of art, many from friends. A trusty map that adorns the family room wall has pins which show the places they wish to go, have lived or visited.

“These finds have become the little narrations of our life.”

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Old Seltzer Bottles from Argentina Came Home in Linda’s Carry On Luggage 61

Mangos and Limes from the Garden

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Shelves crafted in the living room hold the ever-changing art display.

The sea inspired ceramic sculpture on the coffee table is a favorite find from a local shop.

A 1970’s fireplace is used much the year in the casita great room.

Throughout the home in every room and on nearly every surface eclectic groupings of drawings, paintings, sculptures and artifacts are seen. What inspires Linda to bring a certain piece home?

“I love our collection of art! It is the one thing we will always buy if we go on a trip or vacation. Later, looking at it on the wall or leaning on the art ledge transports us right back to the scents and sounds of that place.

We have the first piece my husband and I ever bought together from an artist’s hidden studio in the countryside of Ireland. More recent oil paintings depicting old colonial towns visited in Brazil are also favorites. I have a soft spot for ‘amateur work’ or pieces I may find at thrift shops. It’s either the color, the quality or maybe just the soul of the piece that attracts my eye.

But mostly I am lucky to be surrounded with works by many talented and prolific artist friends: Ginny Piech Street, Amie Phillips and Lou Mullen. These pieces are so much more than art to me, they are like family.”

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The key lime green sweet potato plant matches a key lime gate at the back entrance from the courtyard to the back gardens and casita.

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“At our house the doors are always open, friends are always welcome and food is always cooking... bananas, avocados and lemons growing right outside the door.

A Mexican Talavera planter holds greens from the yard, and sitting by the fire at the end of the day is a cherished ritual.�

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Large canvases by friend and artist Ginny Piech Street fill the wall with a smaller piece in the window by painter Michelle Armas.

An important member of the family is the Great Dane Bo, short for Bogart, though just as frequently called Bozo for his clownlike behavior. “My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am. He was dropped at our doorstep as a rescue. He is a character like no other and has adopted us, giving unconditional love. He opens doors, windows, refrigerators and sits on your lap as if he were a little dog.

Frankly he could start the car if he had thumbs.

We have had several Great Danes and phenomenal cats that have just kind of found their way into our life. Lucky us.”

Nothing in the house is precious or above the dog or a wet bathing suit test. The rooms are filled with found pieces and strays that perhaps whispered they needed a home or just as often looked like they had washed up from the surf. Linda uses banana leaves to decorate with, and seashells and gifts found from the sea are scattered about. That is her litmus test.

Does it look like it has been battered by the ocean a bit?

Linda has learned about layering color and texture from observing what is seen just outside the doors. When she sees the bold colors of a banana flower intermingling with the lacy fringe of a soft green Australian tree fern, she knows anything can go. Bringing the outdoors inside is also vital for a sense of well-being, whether fruit from the trees to cook with or palm fronds to decorate with.

However, she is first to admit the pitfalls of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle, one of them being sand constantly on the floors. But the upside is how this lifestyle just invites relaxation. “You cannot stress out about the sand, the wayward lizard who wanders in or any number of things like wet bathing suits on the chairs.”

Linda uses banana leaves to decorate with, and seashells and gifts found from the sea are scattered about. That is her litmus test. Does it look like it has been battered by the ocean a bit?

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“One pitfall of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle is the sand on the floors!

But really, this lifestyle just invites relaxation.

You simply cannot stress out about the sand... or the wayward lizard who wanders in.�

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And just what does a typical day consist of when calling a tropical oasis home? “ I always feel lucky to be able to start the week with a brisk Sunday walk along the ocean at sunrise with a good friend. The colors of the surf and the sky are both grounding and inspirational. I usually bring a few sandy shells or rocks home, plunk them down on the foyer table and make coffee before anyone is up.”

“The week is a revolving door of different schedules; work, school and sports. But we do always find time to sit down to dinner as a family, even though the kids are growing up.

The weekends are sometimes lazy and typically end with a fire outside, enjoying a glass of wine or a martini with my husband, my mom and often friends. Inevitably the talk wanders to a discussion of the stars. My husband has a great app he loves to use, pointing to the sky, giving us a detailed view of just where we are on this cozy planet.”

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“This awkward, often untidy home is truly a nest.

Just like a mother sees her child as the most beautiful, I see beauty in so many corners.

It is a part of the family and our story.�

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Ready to Entertain Interior Design & Photography by Beth Keim Story by Janell Beals

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When a couple and their two young children moved into a new home in Charlotte, NC, they were finally ready to cast aside furnishings left over from their single days and the lifestyle that had tagged along with their “seen better days” approach to decorating. Brian and Laura first met Beth Keim, Interior Designer and owner of the shop Lucy and Company, when they paid a visit to her showroom. Looking for design help, they shared they were unhappy and even embarrassed by their inability to comfortably welcome guests into their home.

The time had come to “grow up” and pull together a real home that would allow them to enjoy entertaining in stylish comfort.

The pair had no previous experience working with a designer, but fortunately this was not the first time Beth had worked with decorating newbies. “I have been doing this work for so long that I know what will work in a particular project and how to guide clients through the process.” She listened to the couple’s objectives and preferences for their living and dining rooms, including Laura’s desire to incorporate orange and Brian’s requirement that the project stay on budget. Afterwards, creating design boards to illustrate what the finished rooms would look like, Beth effectively sold them on her ideas for transforming these

rooms into the spaces they wished for.

Beth shares this project has become one of her all-time favorites. The rooms meet the expectations for a “complete, party ready living and dining space.” There were no unusual challenges, the rooms had an easy layout with traditional bones, and the clients were easy to work with. “They knew they didn’t know anything about interior design, so they trusted me to do the job right.”

“Embarrassed by the inability to comfortably welcome guests into their home when entertaining, Laura and Brian were ready to have a real ‘grown up’ home, finally letting go of the furnishings left over from their single days.” Beth Keim 75

Custom ottomans from Amy Sims in an unusual shape with nailhead trim bring in a touch of the unexpected.

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A rich mix of hues and strong patterns seen on the rug, striped drapery panels and painting create a

vibrant

yet cozy environment.

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At the end of the long living room a vintage desk creates a place for Laura to catch up on a bit of work if she wishes in the evening.

Above it hangs a favorite piece of artwork the couple already owned and while “shopping the home,” something Beth enjoys doing during the installation of a project, she came across the beautiful plate that hangs above the print. When she revealed the design to the couple, Brian was thrilled to see the plate here as it originally belonged to his grandmother.

What is key when working with her clients towards a successful outcome? “I keep everything for the project as it arrives at the shop 78

until all the elements are on hand. Then I arrange to do the install all at once. I’ve learned that if I bring things over one item at a time the client will begin to question things, seeing the chair, rug or wall color out of context from what the finished room will be.”

The installation typically takes two days, with the painting and any wallpaper hung first, installing everything else directly afterwards.

“This way of working is a lot more fun, not only for myself but for the clients.”

Another factor in the success of Beth’s work is to really listen to her clients and to take a good look at their home and the pieces and colors they have previously selected without

the assistance of a designer. “Then I try to push them a bit out of their comfort zone, coming up with one or two design plans, but not overloading them with too many ideas.”

Working in this field has come naturally to Beth; growing up her parents flipped houses and she learned from an early age to be interested in creating things. In her late 20’s she started Lucy and Company, focusing on colorful upscale kids’ rooms having identified an untapped market at the time. And in her personal life, despite being single, Beth knew it was time to become a mother and adopted her daughter Lucy from China. “It’s funny how things work out, not long afterwards I met my

future ‘artist’ husband Keith in a paint store.

He was hired as an in-house artist, then we married and had our daughter Kate. We are definitely a family of artists and designers and enjoy working together!”

Keith is a talented artist and Beth takes advantage of this by incorporating his works into many of her designs, commissioning him to do a painting as a gift to the clients upon completion of a project. Typically the two will bounce a few ideas back and forth for direction, such as “modern with blues and greens,” but she stops short of giving him too much direction.

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A luxurious play of

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organic finishes...

For the dining room in Laura and Brian’s home, Beth employed a similar palette as the living room for flow. A mirror from Arteriors has an organic quality, which is at home against the Phillip Jefferies grasscloth. And so is the collection of watercolors Laura had set out on her kitchen table the day Beth first visited, hoping they could be incorporated into the design.

The striking gold lantern completes the room and when inquiring about its source Beth replied, “My dining room!” The budget was getting tight but a strong replacement for the existing fixture was a must, so in this one came. Plus, it gave Beth an excuse to hang a new style she had her eye on in her own dining room.

The request for a sideboard was met with equal ingenuity, Beth spying the console that now sits here in another room of the home unused. They weren’t convinced when Beth made the suggestion to place it here, but once lacquered and dressed with new hardware, it is a gorgeous addition to the design that everyone is thrilled with.

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Beth’s Tips for Working Successfully with an Interior Designer

1. Do your research! Look at the portfolios of a wide range of designers and ask for referrals from people you know. Take the time to find a designer whose work you connect with strongly and whose personality and way of working is a good fit with your own personality and needs.

2. Settle on a look for the project through design boards and agree on a budget.

3. Trust the designer or firm you have decided to hire. There is a reason you choose them, so now trust and allow them to do their job.

4. Let the designer fulfill their vision for the room that you agreed upon with them. If you begin to question every step along the way and every element brought into the space, you’ll never enjoy the reward of seeing what the room could have been.

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Trust

the designer you have selected and enjoy seeing the potential of your spaces come to life!

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Ready to Entertain Gift Guide It’s the season to entertain and what host wouldn’t love the gift of a new tray, serving board or appetizer plates for the next time they

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entertain?

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1. Blue Sunflower Salad Bowl & Oak Utensils from Splendid Avenue 2. Serving Tray from Michael Devine 3. Glass Decanter with Wood Stopper from West Elm 4. Handcrafted Bread Boards from Vintage Home Designs 5. Antique Brass Claw Bottle Opener from Greige 6. Striped Horn Spreader from Jayson Home 7. Appetizer Plates by Vagabond Vintage 8. Dragonfly Swedish Drink Coasters from Splendid Avenue 84

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The Heart of Design

by Kim Myles

I am so not a natural hostess, and my first attempts at holiday entertaining were exercises in stress and exhaustion. My little sister Jena, however, is a stellar hostess who makes it look easy as pie, of which she bakes at least three! She is a woman who can host a gathering for 30 without ever seeming to break a sweat. Her décor is welcoming, her table is sumptuous and her vibe is loveliest of all. Never stressed, just warm and thrilled to see us.

It’s taken me years to figure out how she does it, and though I’ve not quite cracked the entire code I do believe that there is one thing in particular that really makes her parties sing.

Love. She loves us all. She loves to deck out her home in holiday finery. She loves to cook.

And she loves to have us all together in her beautiful home as she goes through the preparations. Her intentions are based in genuine joy; she’s glad that her family is all in one place and loves providing the space in which we all reconnect.

Conversely, my intentions were to always create the “perfect” setting and a mindblowing menu. And I wanted it all to look as though it were effortless, which left me worn out and depressed. All of that hustle just ratcheted up my anxiety and my need to give my guests the “best holiday ever,” creating a dynamic that didn’t allow me to enjoy the experience at all. I spent so much time worrying about place settings and the timing of the food that I forgot to be in the moment and just enjoy my people.

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Since then I’ve learned to keep it super, super simple. I no longer frown upon buffet style service for large groups, because it gives me more time to break bread with the people I love versus running back and forth to the kitchen. If I’m having just a few guests over I’ll set a table, but I keep it basic. Vivid runners and jewel toned mismatched glassware set off plain white plates. I don’t even own fine china, and instead use items that have personal meaning to me, like my great aunt’s deco brooch as a napkin “ring.”

I also enjoy putting my turquoise glass collection front and center during the holidays. All the women in my family collect a particular shade of blue glass inspired by a vase my great grandmother used to have, it’s a wonderful connection that we share. My own vases are usually displayed empty and modern as per my taste, but during the holidays I choose my favorites and fill them

with seasonal blooms. Each vase gets a different type of flower and the effect is like exploding joy. It always makes me smile.

So, it’s love. I began to enjoy hosting once I jettisoned “perfect” and started celebrating my love for the people and memories that mean the most to me. My pies may be store bought, but my love is 100% homemade. And that’s all that really matters in the end.

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Home FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Interior Design by Margot Jagger Design Photography by Tracey Ayton Story by Janell Beals 88

Interior Designer Margot Jagger and her family of five live in a 1929 stucco Georgian located in a leafy old neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. She appreciates how the home has retained many of its original components and features over the years: coved ceilings, wood floors with inlay detailing and an abundance of lead glass windows resulting in light filled rooms.

After moving in six years ago, during updates to the home, the priority was placed on maintaining its character while increasing functionality. Bathrooms were modernized and built-ins were added for additional storage.

Then simply painting went a long way towards transforming the home to reflect Margot’s design aesthetic. “It was one of those homes in which the previous owner had gone crazy with the color wheel! Mustard in one room, teal in another.” Painting the rooms a soothing and beautiful neutral, Olde Silver from Pratt & Lambert, worked magic in the home.

Margot has been interested in design since she was a child, but when it came time to pursue a degree she focused on Political Science. After graduation she worked as a fundraiser for charitable organizations, including United Way, while dabbling in design on the side in her own home and those of friends. Once her third child arrived however, she realized returning to long days at an office was no longer appealing. And so with her husband’s encouragement, it was time to see if a career in design would be a better fit for this stage of her life. The business quickly grew based solely on referrals, one job and satisfied client leading to the next until Margot found herself running a thriving business and enjoying the benefits of working from home.

“In some ways this work is a continuation of my fundraising career. I help people decide what funds are available to improve their

home in a way that will make a difference in their lives. Need help refreshing a kitchen or a bathroom? Let me find the right people to make that happen.” An aspect of the work she prizes is the interaction with a diverse range of people: the clients, the tradesmen who are really artisans, designers of goods and those representing the products used in transforming the rooms.

Many of Margot’s clients invite her back to their homes during the holiday season to decorate for the festivities. “It’s a favorite time of year. I enjoy decorating not only our own home but those of others as well! The holidays are all about family and entertaining at our household and having it dressed for the season encourages a festive spirit.” An evergreen wreath is hung on the front door with cedar garland draped around the entry.

Paired with lights, candles and a fire burning in the living room fireplace, the house simply glows in the evening light.

“Neighbors have shared how much they enjoy walking past the house on a holiday evening, seeing the flickering glow through the 89 windows.”

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A fire burns from early morning into the night during the holidays. Margot loves the crackling sound, “What creates a holiday atmosphere more than this?” The family stores up wood over the year, giving it time to dry before the season arrives. Relaxing in the living room during the evening is a cherished time with all the Christmas lights on, the roaring fire lit and the candles glowing. She and her husband may be sipping cocktails while the kids work on drawings or play a game at the coffee table, sitting on the 1940’s schoolhouse chairs. “I enjoy how dusk arrives earlier in the winter and how the house looks lit up against the dark backdrop.”

Margot utilizes many large pine cones in her holiday decor. On the coffee table sits a 60-year-old, very large pine cone that her grandfather brought home from California.

After it was given to her she painted it silver and it has since become a favorite “family heirloom” that is brought out each season.

A tree stump carried home from a favorite beach during a summer visit sits beside a freshly cut Burton Blue Noble Fir from Oregon.

It’s the tree brought into the house each holiday, which stands decorated for three to four weeks. What is the secret to keeping a tree fresh throughout the month? A cold air humidifier tucked behind the tree, hidden by presents! This little tip helps the tree stay fresh and beautiful with hardly any needles falling to the floor.

On the tree is a combination of handmade, gifted and “collected over time” assortment of ornaments. The key to making such an eclectic mix work is the range of size and shapes in a limited color palette of grays, silvers and whites - with a touch of color here and there including Margot’s signature color chartreuse.

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A holiday palette of grays, silvers and whites with a touch of chartreuse fits in perfectly with the existing dĂŠcor.

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Owls are a “family symbol,” showing up throughout the house. So it’s only natural they make an appearence on the tree!

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Silver birch log vases look appropriate throughout the year, but become festive when filled with flowers and paired with silver-tipped pine cones.

Hung over a convex mirror, a plain twig wreath becomes a beauty with its layer of silver spray paint.

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A dollar store snow globe can be

personalized

by switching out messages.

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Each year Margot’s mother gifts her a special ornament, and it’s a tradition she has continued with her children.

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What child doesn’t peek down the stairs on the night before Christmas? Instead of a traditional garland wrapped banister, Margot wraps strings of little lights around the spindles at their base. It’s a modern take on a staircase decorated with garland, one Margot finds much more practical with no garland getting in the way of little hands coming down the stairs. Plus, look how the staircase glows with the lights from below!

In the kitchen dishes and glassware on open shelving manage to look great on a daily basis with their simple arrangement. For an extra dash of color during the holidays, fruit and a few ornaments are added to the mix.

What advice does Margot share for decorating a home for the holidays? She suggests staying true to the style of the home, with the holiday décor a natural extension of what the home typically looks like, only dressed up! This allows the seasonal décor to look its best, complimenting the home while creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for family and guests.

Holiday baking is a tradition the children

look forward to each year in this household.

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Dusting and...

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cutting!

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classic

White royal icing is a and what makes it fun are the silver balls, sprinkles and sanding sugars.

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The family enjoys their baking sessions during the holiday season; it’s one of the kids’ favorite holiday activities and traditions. Once baked and decorated - and after enjoying a few themselves - the cookies are placed in bags and tied with ribbon to share as hostess gifts, teacher gifts and party favors when throwing a holiday cocktail or dinner party.

To bake your own, see the recipe on the following page!

About the Photographer Being a fourth generation “Vancouverite” is something Tracey Ayton is proud of, as is having a passion for something and doing it for a living. When beginning her further education, being creative and not knowing how to apply it proved to be frustrating. She decided to study graphic design only to realize drawing was not for her.

Fortunately, a fellow student suggested she try a photography class, and the rest is history. Shooting for nearly 20 years, Tracey believes she can finally call herself a veteran.

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Holiday Sugar Cookies Cookie Dough Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 cup unsalted, softened butter 1 cup sugar 1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons skim milk 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Directions: Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl, set aside. Cream together butter and sugar then add the egg, milk and vanilla. Mix until well combined. Shape dough into 2 balls, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Chill for 5-10 minutes to make cutting easier. Remove from refrigerator and cut into desired shapes. Then lift excess dough from around shapes and slide entire sheet of parchment onto a baking sheet. Repeat with excess dough. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Do not allow to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Once cookies are room temperature, ice the cookies.

Royal Icing Ingredients: 2 large egg whites 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 3 cups sifted confectioners’ or icing sugar In the bowl of an electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until combined. Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined and smooth. Test the consistency by lifting the icing with a knife. If it’s too thick, add water with a spray bottle. Transfer icing to a piping bag with tip or simply into a sandwich bag with a corner snipped off.

Pipe cooled cookies and immediately afterwards add sprinkles, dragees and sugars to decorate the cookies.

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Enjoy

sharing with family and friends!

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The House of Fifty Baker’s Dozen

Baking Essentials Gift Guide!

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1. KitchenAid Mixer 2. Pyrex® Measuring Cups 3. Elizabeth Karmel’s Porcelain Egg Crate 4. Rolling Pin from Crate & Barrel 5. Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons 6. Ceramic Mixing Bowls from Martha Stewart 108

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The Holidays are the season for baking!

Select a few baking essentials, wrap them with a pretty ribbon & surprise the baker in your life.

7. Star Cookie Cutters from Martha Stewart 8. Pro Line Non-Stick Baking Sheet 9. Emile Henry Utensil Holder 10. Silicone Spatulas from Martha Stewart 11. Sur La Table Crank-Handle Sifter 12. OXO Silicone Spatula 13. Ateco速 Decorating Set

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Three Simple & Tasty Holiday Gifts Story and Photography by Estelle Hayes Forget wrapping up a candle or a bottle of wine this year. Add a personal touch with a bit of DIY to create memorable gifts for the teachers, hosts and co-workers in your life. Even if you are new to the kitchen or craft world, you can easily make these three pretty, useful and delicious gifts in short order.

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For the Teacher: Herb- Infused Olive Oil Ingredients: 1 bottle high quality olive oil 3-4 dried organic rosemary stems or other favorite herb (if starting with fresh herbs, wash then dry with a towel and leave out to completely dry for several days prior to use) 1 large canning jar 1 large hermetic glass bottle Preparation: Heat olive oil in a small sauce pan on the stove over low heat. The idea is to gently warm the oil while filling your canning jar with several stems of dried rosemary. When the oil is warm, pour it over the herbs to fill the canning jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool dry place for one week.

Remove herbs and strain the oil through a fine sieve. Transfer infused oil into the glass bottle through a funnel and you are ready to share your gift.

Assembly: Pair your rosemary olive oil with an attractive bag of gourmet pasta. Garnish the gift with a fresh bouquet of the same herb that flavors the oil.

Note: Infused olive oil should be used within two months, so it is best to gift small quantities and let your lucky recipient know.

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For the Host: Cucumber -Infused Vodka Ingredients: 2 organic cucumbers (also consider alternative flavor options such as cranberries or lemons) 1 bottle high quality vodka 1 hermetic glass carafe Preparation: Wash one cucumber and remove its skin. Slice in half lengthwise and scrape out all the seeds with a spoon. Roughly chop cucumber. It doesn’t have to be pretty since you’ll be discarding the pieces before gifting the vodka. Place all cucumber chunks in a glass carafe or large jar, fill with vodka and seal. The mixture will need to sit for three days in a cool place. Be sure to shake it up a couple times each day to release the cucumber flavor. Finally, strain the vodka through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into your gift carafe. Keep chilled until you are ready to give to the recipient.

Assembly: Add several thinly sliced cucumbers to the infused vodka and reseal, adding a decorative bow.

If you’re headed straight to a party and not traveling far, you can up the gift ante by filling an ice bucket with festive ice cubes. Try freezing pomegranate seeds or whole cranberries for a pretty contrasting color.

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serve chilled over fruit-infused ice

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For the Co -worker: Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Ingredients: 1 cup raw hazelnuts 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (add more as needed for desired consistency) 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1/8 teaspoon salt a dash of cinnamon (optional) 1 hermetic glass terrine Preparation: Toast hazelnuts in a sautĂŠ pan over medium high heat. Shake the pan continuously to distribute heat and avoid burning. Skins will start to separate from the hazelnuts and your kitchen will smell toasty. This should just take a few minutes. Transfer all the nuts to a damp towel and aggressively rub them together to release the remaining skins. In a food processor, grind the nuts to a smooth butter or a very fine consistency. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, hazelnut oil, vanilla, salt and optional cinnamon until all ingredients are completely combined. The mixture will be chalky at first. Add a bit more oil until you achieve the desired consistency. Pour directly into the glass terrine.

Assembly: Wrap a festive ribbon around the lid of the glass terrine. For an extra bit of pretty, wrap the basket handle with coordinating gross grain ribbon, attaching each side with clear tape or hot glue to the inside of the basket. Fill the base of the basket with wax covered tissue paper. Nestle the jar of spread in the basket and add a few fresh croissants on the day you plan to deliver your gift.

Note: Chocolate hazelnut spread has no dairy products and does not require refrigeration.

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Happy Gifting!

Weck Carafes Available at Heath Ceramics Basket, Tin, Wrapping Materials, Oil and Chocolate Hazelnut Jars Available at The Container Store 115

Traditionally Speaking

By Courtney Fernan with

Jennifer Jones from I Heart Organizing Kate Riley from Centsational Girl and Sarah from The Thrifty Decor Chick 116

A warm crackling fire, perfectly spiced cider, twinkling red Christmas lights - yes, they were red back then - and togetherness. These are the visions I associate with the holidays. While Southern California never truly boasts a picturesque white Christmas, the traditions that surround the holidays are just as poignant and memorable.

I will never forget my dad setting up his Lionel train beneath our tree when we were just children. He came from humble beginnings so this elaborate train, given to him by his parents, was quite a treasure. I can still hear the snap of the motor turning on and the faint breath of its barely working whistle. One year I even recall my dad presenting a tiny jewelry box to my mom by having it ride around the tree in one

of the antique train cars.

Special memories are often so ingrained in our minds that a simple scent or sound can transport us back to another time. For me, it’s the sweet aroma of the Cranberry Coffee Cake my mom baked each Christmas morning. Whenever I smell it now a flood of memories come back and I can almost hear that train inching along its tracks.

Here at House of Fifty, we’ve invited three women who we think are pretty special to share what makes their holiday season so memorable. Reading, perhaps you will stumble upon an idea for a new tradition that would be welcomed with open arms into your home this holiday season.

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Jennifer Jones from I Heart Organizing A Letter from Santa Claus Over the years as parents, my husband and I have created quite a few holiday traditions.

Everything from a family slumber party that includes reading ‘The Night Before Christmas,’ watching ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ to counting down the days until Christmas by enjoying special family events. Each tradition holds memories and meaning, but one is especially dear to my heart because it was passed down from my own parents.

Nothing is more exciting to a child than that long awaited Christmas morning. The entire year of being watched by Santa, doing good deeds and wishing for that special something

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leads up to the big day. There are butterflies and excitement over what might be tucked inside those boxes and packages under the tree.

I remember this myself as if it were yesterday.

Each year I would wake up before my parents and sneak around the tree, picking up each box and carefully examining the size, shape and weight. The suspense was almost too much to handle. But what made it even more mysterious is how sneaky Santa Claus would not place our names on the gifts. Instead, each present was carefully numbered and a letter from the generous old man was left in the hands of my parents. That letter would be the key to the Christmas morning gift mystery.

It kept the excitement and suspense alive until my parents were up and ready for the gift opening portion of the day to begin!

Thinking back on all of my Christmas mornings growing up, I may not recall each and every gift that I received, but I do remember the pure exhilaration of sitting in a circle with my family, reading the letter from Santa and realizing which of the packages I would get to tear open.

And now each Christmas Eve, once our kids are tucked away in their beds, my husband and I turn into Santa’s elves. We put on holiday tunes and spend time together wrapping gifts.

Then we write a special note, assign numbers to each package and help Santa place presents under the tree. Once morning rolls around we lie in bed and laugh - hearing the boys playing guessing games wondering which gifts are theirs - knowing we hold the key to their Christmas morning mystery.

A letter from Santa Claus and numbers on the packages reveal the mystery of who each gift belongs to!

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Kate Riley from Centsational Girl A Christmas Cookie Decorating Party for Kids

I have two children in elementary school and a couple years ago my daughter, who was six at the time, suggested we invite a few friends over to decorate cookies. I thought it was a great idea, creating some holiday fun beyond the hunt for the Christmas tree and the visit to Santa. And so the two of them wrote up a list of those “few” friends they wanted to invite, but when it was given to me the list was 20 kids long. Yikes!

Well, I decided to just be brave about the whole thing and invite them all. And their moms and dads too. The cookie decorating party was such a hit among everyone that

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we decided to make it an annual tradition.

So here we are again, in our third year looking forward to that day in December when my kids invite their friends over after school for our cookie decorating party.

Once all the cookies are frosted and decorated, photos are taken of everyone and their cookies out on the front porch to commemorate the moment. Afterwards we walk to a park down the street, giving the kids a chance to run off all the extra sugar in their system!

It’s great fun and here are a few helpful tips if you would like to do something similar at your home.

For a large crowd, make your dough a few days in advance. Or, to save time, go ahead and buy the pre-made sugar cookie dough instead!

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Cut out and bake all the cookies the day before or the morning of the party so that they are cool enough to decorate when the kids arrive. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this portion of the event festive. Play your favorite holiday tunes and invite a few parents over to help out with the rolling, cutting and baking.

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Weather permitting, set up the “decorating stations” outdoors on a few tables covered in vinyl or plastic tablecloths for easy cleanup. If you live in a cooler location and this isn’t an option, have kids and parents alike lend a hand for a fast cleanup so you aren’t left with a big mess afterwards.

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Mix food coloring into the frosting, homemade or store-bought, for added color and set out several small bowls with plastic knives on each table. Include sprinkles or small candies for the kids to have fun decorating after they have frosted their cookies.

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I love this tradition! It’s another fun occasion, one the kids came up with themselves , that they look forward to each year.

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Among all the sugary treats on the table, set out juice boxes and a healthy appetizer or two. You’ll thank me for this tip! To make things a bit easier, ask the other parents to pitch in by bringing slices of fruit, crackers and cheese or other favorite snacks to share.

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A large gathering of children turns decorating Christmas cookies into a party to remember!

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Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick Countdown to Christmas!

To say we are fans of Christmas around our house is a bit of an understatement. My son and I are usually thinking about the holiday season by late summer. And yes, we are those people - the ones who can’t wait for the holiday décor to start showing up in the stores!

One of our favorite ways to enjoy the anticipation of Christmas Day is to make the countdown filled with fun. We actually use quite a few Christmas countdowns, I can’t seem to get enough of them. I grab at least one new version each year, but out of all of them our favorite is a collection of boxes I decorated a few years ago. Taking 24 cardboard boxes found at a craft store, I embellished them with red and green paint, holiday themed paper, stickers and plenty of glitter. They are small, so I fill them with trinkets and surprises that our son loves. Sometimes it’s a little toy, perhaps a piece of his (or my)

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favorite candy or stickers and coins for the piggy bank. To keep costs low I shop for bargains at local discount stores.

It’s fun to hide a box in my son’s room or have one waiting somewhere in the breakfast area when he awakes. The little boxes are lightweight and could easily be attached to the front of the refrigerator by gluing a magnet to the back. By adding string or twine they could be hidden, hung on the Christmas tree or a door knob for a scavenger hunt each morning.

While these countdown boxes have seen a few years of use, they are still going strong!

I’ve got at least another five years of the kiddo looking forward to them during the holiday season, and I have no doubt they’ll hold up just fine. It’s a tradition we both love, making the countdown to Christmas extra special and anticipated at our home.

Brightly decorated boxes filled with trinkets and surprises makes the countdown to Christmas full of fun and anticipation.

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It is undeniable that traditions bring families closer together. They provide us with a sense of belonging and a sense of place. When we can count on wonderful events to occur, our often hectic lives are a little more pulled together, feeling familiar and comforting. Whatever it is you and your family enjoy during the holidays, House of Fifty wishes you years of carrying on those valued and heartwarming traditions.

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GIVE THE GIFT OFArt !

‘Hunter Boots’

By Laura Trevey

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‘23 Cats’

By Vivienne Strauss

‘Still Life with Flowers & Moth’

By Bella Foster

‘Hermes Bag’

By Anne Harwell

A well-loved gift idea at House of Fifty is the gift of art. Here are a few of our favorite artists whose work is available in prints. And if someone on your list has a beloved pet, consider a custom pet portrait, like Charley the boxer seen below!

‘Coral Ming Chinoiserie Ginger Jar’

‘Chanel No 5 in Mint’

By Jennifer of The Pink Pagoda

By Anne Harwell

‘Bookshelf’

‘Charley’ Custom Pet Portrait

By Bella Foster

By Lesli DeVito

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The Nostalgic World of Painter Janet Hill Interview by Janell Beals

‘Hide and Seek’ 130

‘Grasshopper’ 131

The beautiful characters, charming interiors and objects harking back to an earlier era portrayed in the paintings of artist Janet Hill captivate the viewer’s attention. There is an elegance about the richly saturated imagery that is paired with a touch of whimsy. Yet the presence of an underlying narrative prevents her work from becoming merely a series of pretty ladies in well dressed environments and beautifully tailored clothing. In her work there is a sense of nostalgia, mystery and humor.

Vintage dresses, shoes and handbags along with coffee, cakes and pets are among the objects Janet is drawn to as subject matter, creating intriguing scenes that often include

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stylish women. When asked what inspires her work Janet shares, “I’m drawn to nostalgia which is why you tend to see typewriters, thermoses and the old telephones. In a sense I’m playing with the idealism of ‘the good old days,’ even though they really weren’t so good apparently, especially for women. I also like to add a touch of humor or irony in my work, just to keep things interesting. I like the idea of having the viewer feel as if they have just walked in on something with my paintings.

Many have a narrative feel to them and there is a suggestion that there is ‘more to the story than meets the eye.’ I think the viewer enjoys filling in the blanks.”

‘Marie Knew The Moment She Said It, She Could Never Take It Back’

‘Red Roses and Dark Horses’ 133

Looking at her success, Janet is not really certain how her career in art came to be.

Throughout high school, up until the last year, she had considered becoming a doctor. Then she decided to pursue art instead, attending Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, earning a degree in Fine Arts.

“I’m fond of making drastic career changes!

But I never thought I would be an artist to be honest. It seemed like such a difficult route, too many ‘don’t quit your day job’ type jokes.

Although they were simply remarks, there was an underlying scary truth to them. As a result, I tried a lot of different career avenues after graduating, yet none of them felt right. Then between jobs I decided to just give it a try and it happened almost instantly. My paintings were selling very fast - they were a little too inexpensive I think - and it became more of an issue of keeping up with demand. Eventually

I increased the prices of my work, introduced the prints and things slowed down.”

Janet paints nearly every day, working from a small home based studio where she lives with her husband John and their cat and dog.

Working in oils, it typically requires about three days to finish a small to medium sized canvas.

She works on several paintings at once and appreciates the slow drying process of the oils, which is why she works on a painting in stages over a few days.

“I like the layering and the depth that oil paint gives to a piece. I often lose a few in the process and so generally I finish about one or two paintings every week. I’ve slowed down the way in which I approach my work, taking more time with each image. In the past it was more of a quick expression of something - an interior or a portrait. Now I try to put more of a story or purpose behind each piece.”

‘Minnie was an Aggressive Driver’

‘This Is The Place She Had Been Heading All Her Life’ 134

‘Hipster Crafter’ “You know the type, she can make amazing wallets and Christmas ornaments out of a few pieces of felt and a button. She makes her own clothes (without a pattern) and everyone wants to know where she bought them. She has an uncanny ability to go to Goodwill and find the best junk and proceeds to furnish her perfect house out of her vintage finds.” Janet 135

‘Black Coffee and a Blueberry Muffin’ What is the feeling or emotion that Janet experiences when she is working on or completing a painting that turns out just as she had envisioned or hoped it would? “That never happens!

Usually I don’t particularly like my work for several months, or even years. Eventually I’ll come around and realize that a piece wasn’t as bad as I had thought. I suspect if I ever felt contentment with a piece I would likely just stop painting altogether.”

136

‘The Enigmatic Ms. Greene’

137

‘Catherine Listens To The Ominous Ring’ “There’s nothing quite like the ring of a rotary phone to send chills up my spine.

I attribute this to a lot of older suspense films.” Janet 138

‘The Poison Apple’ Are there similarities between the women Janet portrays in her paintings and her own personality or traits? “I certainly don’t get to dress up like they do every day! I think I try to depict curious women doing odd things, so in that way we are similar. According to my husband I do a lot of odd things.”

And if she wasn’t able to work as an artist what other path would she be interested in pursuing? “I’ve become so spoiled with the freedom of being an artist, as well as the solitude that I really enjoy, I don’t know what I would choose. It would have to be something that I could do with my hands, like soap making or welding!”

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Selling the original paintings and prints through her Etsy shop has been incredibly important to Janet’s success as an artist. Her work lies somewhere between illustration and fine art, making the paintings hard to define - a challenge when looking for artistic support in any medium. “Having a blog and an Etsy shop has been a way for me to get my work out there and get noticed without having to search out my audience. It’s opened a lot of doors and the exposure has

been incredible.”

As a result Janet has had strong sales, is currently working on a book and enjoys collaborating with several corporate clients including Tiffany & Co., Harper Collins and Hallmark UK. A line of greeting cards and gift wrap will be released through Hallmark UK in the upcoming months. “Eventually it would be nice to have more gallery exposure, but my success as an artist is not dependent on it.”

‘The Ladybugs Love Chocolate’ 140

‘The Apple Charlotte’ 141

‘Belle’s Vanity’

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‘Dancers’

‘Joy’

‘Giraffes’

‘Mitsouko’

“In my dream bathroom I will have giraffe wallpaper - even if I have to paint the little guys myself.”

Describing the agenda of a perfect day Janet shares, “The perfect day would be waking up to a small inbox and having a big cup of coffee that doesn’t give me the jitters. Then I would walk my dog and have the entire day to paint in peace and quiet.”

Paintings and Fine Art Prints Available Through Janet’s Etsy Shop 143

The Allure of Perfumes & The Bottles That House Them Famous Early Perfumes

Chanel No. 5 Coco Chanel 1921

Miss Dior Christian Dior 1947

Shalimar Guerlain 1925

L’Air du Temps Nina Ricci 1948

Joy Jean Patou 1935

Youth Dew EstĂŠe Lauder 1953

The use of perfume dates back to ancient Egypt, when the container holding the scent was as prized as the perfume itself. Today perfume has become more popular than ever, making it a desired gift to both give and receive.

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Standouts from the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s...

A perfume is a work of art, and the object that contains it must be a masterpiece.”

Robert Ricci

Samsara Guerlain 1989

Classique Jean Paul Gaultier 1993

Opium Yves St. Laurent 1977

Trésor Lancôme1990

Allure Chanel 1996

Eternity Calvin Klein 1988

L’Eau d’Issey Issey Miyake 1992

Happy Clinique 1998

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....to the Recent Top Sellers and New Favorites!

Body Burberry

Angel Thierry Mugler

Beautiful EstĂŠe Lauder

Candy Prada

Cashmere Mist Donna Karan

Chance Chanel

Coco Mademoiselle Chanel

Euphoria Calvin Klein

Chance Eau Fraiche 146 Chanel

Fan di Fendi Fendi

Knowing Estée Lauder

Gucci Premiere Gucci

Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka

J’adore Christian Dior

Light Blue Dolce & Gabbana

Enjoy Giving the Gift of Pleasures Estée Lauder

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift

Perfume!

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Mimi Inman’s Holiday Makeup Trends Get a holiday-ready look with 50’s inspired red lips, smokey eyes and a set of dark lashes accented with a slide of liquid liner. Slip on a fitted cocktail dress, add a colorful clutch and you’re ready to celebrate!

1. The Clutch for Essentials On the Go

2. Face Primer

3. Lip Primer

Mimi

4. Lip Liner 5. Lip Color

1. Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Sphere’ Lace Clutch 2. Giorgio Armani Fluid Master Primer 3. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Liplift 4. Lipstick Queen ‘Invisible’ Lip Liner 5. Lipstick Queen ‘Saint’ Lipstick in Red 148

6. Cheek Color

7. Cheek Brush

8. Brow Shaper

10. “Bat Your Eyes” Lashes

9. Eyeshadow Palette

11. Eyeliner Liquid

6. Cheekie Cheek ‘Rosie’ Cheek Color 7. Perfect Chubbie Cheekie Brush 8. Bobbi Brown Perfect Brow Shaper 9. theBalm Eyeshadow Palette 10. Ardell Demi Natural Lashes 11. theBalm ‘Schwing’ Matte Liquid Eyeliner 149

Let Us Inspire You to Get “ Fancied Up” This Holiday Season!

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4.

2.

5.

3.

6.

1. Moschino Cheap and Chic Patchwork Lace Dress 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Jewel Neck Shift 3. Red Valentino Leopard Print Dress 4. Pandora Dress by Goat 5. Diane Von Furstenberg Zarita Dress 6. Red Peplum Dress from Dorothy Perkins 150

7.

8.

10.

11.

9.

What Says

“ Let’s Get Festive” More Than a Cocktail Dress?

7. Alice + Olivia Green Beaded Dress 8. Dolce & Gabbana Lace Overlay Dress 9. Guinevere Sleeveless Dress 10. Black Bow Skater Dress from Dorothy Perkins 11. ZigZag Sequin Dress from JCrew 151

It’s Said That

Diamondsare a Girl’s Best Friend...

1.

2.

3.

5.

4.

6.

1. ‘Kayden’ Pumps by Ivanka Trump 2. Ted Baker ‘Mayter’ Pumps 3. Diane Von Furstenberg Fuchsia Suede ‘Anette’ Pumps 4. Charles David ‘Morgan’ Sandals 5. Carven Bow Embellished Suede Pumps 6. Alice + Olivia ‘Darcy’ Slingback Pumps 152

At House of Fifty We Think It’s

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Shoes!

7. Enzo Angiolini Satin ‘Padilla’ Pumps 8. Michael Kors ‘Galli ‘Mary Jane Pumps 9. Kate Spade ‘Clarice’ Pumps 10. ‘Vampanodo’ Satin Bow Red Sole Sandals by Christian Louboutin 11. ‘Faith’ Open Toe Pumps by Nina 12. Ivanka Trump ‘Idalia’ Pumps 153

A

Gracious Guide TO THE HOLIDAYS

By Mindy Lockard of the Gracious Girl

It’s that time again friends, time to deck the halls while singing ‘Joy to the World.’ Yet as you hang the garland and sing festive tunes, do you find your mind racing with all the “to-do’s” and “to-buys?” It’s so easy to go on autopilot and hold your breath until January. But in such a mindset you are sure to miss out on so much gracious fun. Yes, fun. Instead, rediscover the heart of this special season by honoring the people in your life rather than seeing them as a check on the to-do list, recognizing them for all they are worth. Join me in being present this season and give the gift that matters most, the gift of reaching out to those you love in a meaningful manner.

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‘Christmas Morning‘

by Janet Hill

A

Gift ON THE MANTLE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Long ago, we had to wait for a holiday card to see how our college roommate’s children had grown or to catch up on the life of our childhood friends. But now Facebook allows us to log in at any time for an update. So holiday cards sent through the mail are no longer necessary?

Absolutely not! How often do we print off or display these updates? Rarely to never. There’s still space in our lives and on our mantle for these greetings. Holiday cards represent a tradition of pen to paper, photo to card, wishing our loved ones a blessed season. A letter in the mail is a present in itself, and a handwritten note of greeting in the card is a treasure.

I know how daunting the task of sending out cards can feel, not to mention the stress that comes from not having yours out when your “always on top of it” friend gets hers out just after Thanksgiving. But before you give up entirely, here are a few gracious suggestions for staying in the holiday card game!

. . . .

‘Deck the Heels’ Perfect pictures are overrated! Don’t stress out yourself or your family in trying to get a flawless photo. Holiday greetings are not a competition, they are about wishing loved ones well.

Make addressing your cards a special time by lighting a fire and pouring yourself a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Treat it like a little writing retreat and enjoy!

Christmas cards done by one aren’t nearly as fun. Enlist the help of your family in addressing and writing messages. This will give your children a sense of ownership and make trips to the mailbox during the holiday all the more fun for them!

Buy your stamps early and consider ordering online. Nothing derails the holiday spirit like standing in the post office line for hours.

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SAY

“Thank You” WITH A GIFT IN HAND

A gracious guest always arrives with something for the hostess. The best hostess gift is the one purchased or made especially for the recipient according to their tastes and your means.

Sometimes there are exceptions and in a season of busyness, having a well-stocked pantry of grab and go gifts is most helpful.

Stocking a gift pantry is simple. A collection of hostess appropriate gifts sees you through impromptu dinner invitations, times when money is tight and days when making it to a store isn’t in the cards. The key to giving from the stock is selecting a gift you haven’t given to the same hostess before, presenting it with a freshly tied ribbon and kind note so it doesn’t appear to have been sitting on a dusty shelf.

Next time you’re out and about pick up an item or two and, over time, you’ll have a pantry of presents perfect for any party! Here are a few suggestions:

.. .. .. .

Natural soaps Homemade jams and other sweets Nothing says “Merry” like the nostalgia of Christmas candies Hand poured candles Cocktail napkins or guest towels with pretty or witty messages Hand painted box of matches Chocolates - need I say more?

And what are the guidelines for regifting the presents you’ve received as hostess offerings?

Remember that these gifts are as much a presentation from the heart as an etiquette tradition.

If you’ve tucked away a lovely gift that isn’t your preference, waiting for the right time and opportunity to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it, by all means regift. If the gift is something you would ordinarily buy for the recipient, then it’s appropriate to give it.

Tips FOR HOLIDAY TIPPING Holiday tipping is a traditional way of saying thanks to those whose daily lives are about providing us basic services we may sometimes take for granted. When tipping, consider the length of time you’ve been utilizing this person’s services along with frequency and quality.

Remember, holiday tipping should fit within your budget. These gestures don’t have to be grand or cost a lot of money.

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Here are some general guidelines of who to tip and how much to offer as we show our appreciation to those who serve us throughout the year.

.

$5 to $20 .

Mail Delivery - It’s illegal for a US postal worker to receive a gift above a $20 value. In thanking them, think beyond the holiday fudge.

A gift card for a cup of coffee or tickets to a movie is a great way to say, “Thanks for my mail!”

Newspaper delivery

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.. .. ..

.. ..

$20

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Regular delivery service (grocery and dry cleaning) Sanitary collection team (recycling, garbage and yard debris) Regular babysitter Parking attendant

. ..

Or equal to one appointment, up to the value of the monthly service.

Housekeeper Nanny Hairdresser Manicurist

Massage therapist Personal trainer Gardener Pool care

$20 to $100

Pet care (walker, groomer or sitter) Caretaker Technology support

Each, for apartment or condo living, depending on the style and services provided.

If you have questions ask your neighbors.

..

Manager Doorman

DON’T LET

Concierge Superintendent

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Elevator staff

Gracious Intentions GO

So often we have great intentions, but it’s the follow-through that trips us up during the busiest season of the year. How often do we think of calling or writing someone, or treating a person to something nice? Without a gentle reminder our good intentions can get lost. One easy way to stay on top of graciousness is to create a to-do list with three columns: To Write, To Call, and To Treat. This will keep your thoughts of thoughtfulness fresh and help you make good on your gracious intentions.

Wishing you all a most gracious and wonderful holiday season!

Mindy

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What We’re Watching:

Movies With a Holiday Spirit!

‘Christmas in Connecticut’ 1945

A delightful screwball comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck as the popular food and family life columnist Elisabeth Lane, who writes about life on her farm for a popular women’s magazine. The problem? In reality she’s a single New Yorker who doesn’t know how to cook a thing. Trouble ensues when her editor requests she host a war hero at her farm over the Christmas holiday.

Directed by Peter Godfrey with Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, Reginald Gardiner and S.Z. Sakall

‘A Christmas Story’ 1983

Based on the comic novel ‘In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash’ by Jean Shepherd, this movie has become a classic by perfectly capturing the nostalgia of the holiday season. Despite being set in the 1940’s the material is universal and timeless, from the wistfulness of childhood and the hopes of what gifts await them on Christmas morning to family traditions gone awry.

Directed by Bob Clark with Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon and Ian Petrella 158

‘Little Women’ 1994

The latest adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s enduring 1868 novel about four sisters growing up under diminished circumstances during the Civil War is special with its rich cinematography and the performances of a talented cast. At the core of the story is the age old struggle of women balancing the needs of family and marriage while following personal interests and passions.

Directed by Gillian Armstrong with Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and Trini Alvarado

‘The Ref ’ 1994

This is not your run of the mill holiday movie. A story full of biting humor unfolds when would be jewel thief Gus, played by Denis Leary, kidnaps a married couple on Christmas Eve. Demanding they drive him to their home as an escape from a police search, what he doesn’t count on is getting caught in the middle of the warring couple and their extended family. Sharp, witty dialog and cutting insight into family dynamics make this a winner.

Directed by Ted Demme with Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey

‘The Holiday’ 2006

On the brink of Christmas, two women trade houses on a whim to escape their mutual bad luck with men. Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, hops on a plane to settle into a snow covered cottage in Surrey. Iris, played

by Kate Winslet, is only too happy to spend time at the stylish LA abode Amanda has left behind. Removed from their daily lives, each stumbles into a new routine that sees them discovering meaning and hope for their future.

Directed by Nancy Meyers with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black and Eli Wallach

‘A Christmas Tale’ 2008

This French film follows the Vuillard family through the days of Christmas when Junon’s illness, played by Catherine Deneuve, brings the extended family together. The story explores with humor and grit the misunderstandings that have led to emotional warfare between family members. This at times dark story delves into the reality of the complex nature of family relationships.

Directed by Arnaud Desplechin with Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Roussillon and Mathieu Amalric 159

Thrift Store

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a short story

by Pauline Wiles

I can’t believe it. Just days after Thanksgiving, mere weeks before Christmas and I’m technically homeless. Sean wouldn’t look me in the eye as he told me I had to go.

Even though I knew we had ended up together more by default than because he loved me, I didn’t expect it to come to this.

So here I am back on the shelf, and a dark dusty one at that, with the other losers and society’s cast-offs. We’re all looking sorrowful, although some are more stoic than others. The fact is, each of us has been passed over in favor of younger versions.

I should be able to hold my head high. I have good bones, great breeding. My face is attractive, classic, my full mouth curving just the right amount. And I’ve always loved the elegant slenderness of my waist. Below that it’s true, things aren’t so sexy. I flare out from the hips down, but that’s a simple necessity for balance.

I’ve been stuck in this dismal, hushed place for two days now and haven’t said more than a quick hello to my neighbors. The guy on my right is gloomy, taciturn. He welcomed me with little more than a grunt. On my left, well, she might be pretty if she’d only stop sobbing. I admit I got a bit tearful myself in the chill of the first night, but that’s no way to carry on. Reality has to be faced.

“I’m Gus. Sorry, didn’t catch your name.” The right hand guy speaks suddenly.

“Rose.” I glance at him. He’s much older than me, heavily built with strong features.

Chiseled, you could say.

“Welcome to Dumpsville Rose. Rejects and broken hearts unite.”

“I’m only here temporarily,” I tell him.

“Sure you are.”

I mean it. Of course I’ll escape this cheap, musty thrift store. I started off so well in life, this must just be a blip. I was purchased as an expensive wedding gift from a high-end retail shop, in the days before it turned all industrial and started selling coffee tables made out of factory junk. True, I was probably made in China or Korea, but I was too young to remember that.

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My first real home was with Diana and Ricky, a charming couple, buoyantly in love. But the marriage ended after just three years, when Ricky had a non-virtual affair with his virtual assistant. Diana gave me, along with some of her prettiest wedding china, to her sister Corrine.

I was concerned, I won’t pretend otherwise. Corrine was young, barely out of her teens and my graceful looks border on traditional. But it turned out okay. She brought me out regularly to display sweetly scented flowers from her boyfriend, the good-looking but irresponsible Sean. I watched with interest from my sunny windowsill as their relationship matured. Sean settled down and even got a steady job in a bookstore.

“I heard you crying last night,” Gus says.

Nosy devil. It’s bad enough we’re all squashed up here on the top shelf together, no privacy, without him getting impertinent.

“Just a bit homesick,” I tell him.

“Look, it’s not so bad here. Just keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Well, there’s her for a start, Marsha. Runs the place.”

He indicates a lethargic woman with dyed blonde hair, sitting uncomfortably on a stool behind the cash register. She’s flicking through a gossip magazine, but I’ve spotted her stealing outside for a cigarette whenever the store is empty.

“She’s nasty,” Gus continues. “She’ll drop you deliberately, just to get rid of you.”

“She would do that?” I look in horror at Gus. A square, chunky whiskey decanter, he isn’t my type but I can see some women would find him attractive.

He needs a good wash, though.

“Yes. Once you’re damaged, she gives you two weeks on the bargain shelf, then out you go.” He nods his glass stopper meaningfully.

“That’s horrible,” I say, starting to feel worried. “How long have you been here?”

Gus shrugs. “I don’t know. Not that long. A few months maybe?”

A few months? Surely it won’t take more than a week or two for someone to purchase me?

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“Then, of course, there’s the danger of being bought,” Gus says.

“What do you mean? That’s wonderful! Isn’t that what we all want, a home?”

I look around the shop at the straggling inmates, picturing how much happier we’d all be with a real family to love us.

“Not as simple as that, these days. See him?” Gus points to a large framed canvas being carried to the front of the shop by a wiry, intense woman in white jeans. As they pass I see a brown, heavy scene of dogs in a library.

“The painting?” I ask.

“Yes, him, the one showing off because he thinks he’s got a first class ticket out of here. Poor sucker. He’ll be painted over before Monday.”

“Painted over?”

“For sure. She doesn’t want the picture, just the canvas. She might keep the frame, if he’s lucky, but I doubt it.”

“Oh, my gosh. I had no idea.”

“You don’t need to worry too much.” Gus looks me up and down. “There’s not much they can do to you. Spray paint, maybe. The mercury glass look is very in, especially for the holidays.”

Spray me? Good Lord above. I don’t know what to say and go pale. Did Sean suspect my fate when he dropped me off last weekend, squashed into a bag with a bunch of VHS tapes and a few old sweaters?

It hadn’t lasted, him and Corinne. The more he grew up the more she seemed to miss her wild, unreliable boyfriend. I was needed less and less for displaying flowers. Eventually, Corrine announced she was going to Australia and took a taxi to the airport with just two suitcases. Sean, tight-lipped and angry, existed on beers and microwave meals for a couple of months. Then he started clearing out her stuff, making more space for his books.

“What do you mean?

That’s wonderful! Isn’t that what we all want, a home?”

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Gus rambles on tactlessly. “You’ll probably be okay. It’s the wooden furniture you really have to feel sorry for.”

“Why?” I follow his gaze to the assortment of tables and nightstands in the corner. They’re gathered respectfully around a glass-door china cabinet. Made of teak and oak, they seem like a noble bunch.

“They’re gonna get painted. Dead certainty. Take Nigel, last week. I didn’t have the heart to tell him, he was so thrilled when he was picked.”

“What do you mean, painted?”

“You know, duck-egg blue, pale gray. Bright orange, in some cases. Nobody wants wood anymore.”

“Really?” I’m shocked. “How ugly.”

“But it’s not just the painting.” Gus grimaces. “They’ll get sanded too. At least once, maybe twice.” He lowers his voice. “Sometimes, they do it with a special machine. Agony.”

I feel sick. Sanding? With a machine? How can that be legal?

I open my mouth to say more, but Gus shushes me. I hadn’t noticed the little boy and his father approaching our row.

The boy points to an ornate china urn. “This is pretty.” He’s wearing a red coat, mittens dangling from the sleeves by elastic. He can’t be more than six.

Gus snickers.

“What?” I whisper.

“That’s Fernando.” Gus talks in an undertone. “He got donated by mistake.

We’re all taking bets on how long until they come back for him.”

The father lifts Fernando’s lid. “No way, Toby,” he says, shocked dismay crossing his face.

“What do you mean?” I hiss.

“Ashes, dummy,” Gus whispers back. “The family moved away and someone donated Grandpa.”

I fight an inappropriate urge to giggle. They’re coming nearer.

“But you said I could choose something for Mommy, for under the tree,” Toby protests. “With my own money.” He’s clutching a handful of crumpled dollar bills.

“Choose something else, Toby,” his father replies, his tone almost bored.

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Toby stops dead in front of Gus and me, his brow furrowed. I freeze.

“I want this vase,” the boy announces, looking up at our high shelf. “She’s shiny.”

The father appraises me doubtfully. “Are you sure?”

Toby nods. “Mommy will like her.”

“It, not her.” His dad corrects him. “It’s a vase.”

At that moment, the father’s cell phone rings, slicing the stale silence in the shop.

“Help me!” I cry to Gus, during the brief diversion. “I’m scared.”

“I can’t, Rose.” He shakes his stopper head. “Anyway, this is good.”

“Is it?” I can’t breathe, looking in terror at the man’s broad back.

“Yes,” Gus says. “It’s great. A Christmas gift for mom from her little boy, that’s as good as it gets.”

The phone call is over. Large hands grip me by the waist and pull me down. For a moment I am giddy, airborne, then I’m tucked under the father’s arm.

“Good luck,” Gus calls from above.

“Thanks, you too,” I shoot back as I’m marched towards Marsha and her cash register. Toby trots alongside, beaming.

I cast a fearful look back at Gus. He tilts his head to me in farewell and then I fix my eyes resolutely ahead. For better or worse, to be painted or not, I’m going home for the holidays.

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ARE WE MEANT TO CREATE Beauty?

By Darlene Weir

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The “Multi-Tasking” Room in Edie Wadsworth’s Home Design by Fieldstone Hill Design

The design world is an abundant world bursting with every imaginable inspiration, glorious color and creative idea. I love it with a passion. So much so that I write about it and work in it almost every day. For those of us who are drawn to design, there is a longing to enjoy and create beauty. On the other hand, the design world is also one of great indulgence. It’s a world where “the best and the beautiful” can come with a hefty price tag and a grand use of resources and time. At the risk of mentioning such a thing between the pages of a magazine that celebrates design, might interior design be an unnecessary luxury in a world full of hurt and need?

After years of being involved in the arts and design, I have seen the joy thoughtful

design can bring to an entire family, such as the “multi-tasking” room I worked on with Edie Wadsworth. An inspiring piece of art can also bring hope and excitement, and a performance can be moving and uplifting.

Design certainly has the potential to help others and enrich lives.

I have also seen the pain of the needy, impoverished and neglected. I’ve witnessed children whose basic needs are not being met and the desperation of the hungry. Design seems to have no place in that world of pain.

Seeing these things, there is a struggle to come to terms with the seeming conflict between creating and purchasing design versus the needs others have for sheer survival.

Spaces Designed to Meet the Varied Interests & Needs of the Occupants Have the Power to Enrich Lives

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As I strive to put the role of design in proper balance, I find that I need to remember two perspectives:

1. DON’T OVERESTIMATE THE TRUE IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN IN LIGHT OF THINGS THAT HAVE MORE LASTING VALUE. Design cannot provide lasting happiness. It cannot provide basic needs to those who need sustenance. It cannot last forever; “you can’t take it with you.” Placing it above the things that have lasting value comes at a cost to ourselves and others.

We can make design too important when we pour all of our creativity and resources into these endeavors. Our concept of “want” subtly tricks its way into becoming “need.” I continue to struggle in this area, but try to remember that I can make daily choices to maintain a balance between my love of design and other important areas of life - even as it pertains to my design work. And yet…

2. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPACT THAT BEAUTY CAN HAVE IN THIS WORLD. Beautiful design can bring order to chaos. It can inspire us to elevate our own surroundings and situations. Beauty can bring hope and joy to all of us who may be struggling in one way or another.

Beauty does appear to be a universal need. Each of us, no matter how rich or poor, enjoy seeing and creating beauty. If this is true, using one’s talents to bring beauty to our own lives and others is an endeavor that has value.

To better understand the two sides of this topic, here are a few questions that may be worth asking:

• •

•

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WERE WE MEANT TO CREATE BEAUTY? WHY DO WE DESIRE TO MAKE OUR HOMES LOVELY AND COMFORTABLE? DOES DESIGN HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT HURTING LIVES IN A POSITIVE WAY?

I recently read a quote by writer Jeff Goins: “The job of an artist is to offer a sanctuary of beauty to an ugly world.” I find it refreshing to think artists, designers and anyone who enjoys creating beauty, in all its various forms, can have a purpose that has enduring value.

“THE JOB OF AN ARTIST IS TO OFFER A SANCTUARY OF BEAUTY TO AN UGLY WORLD.” Jeff Goins

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A “MULTI-TASKING” ROOM BECOMES ONE FAMILY’S FAVORITE RETREAT!

Focusing the right energy on design can enhanced our lives. Here a room was designed with the purpose of supporting a very wide range of interests and needs. Edie Wadsworth, who I had the pleasure of working with to help her achieve her goals, has this to say about this well used space in her home.

“A multi-tasking type of room had long been a dream of mine. A room that’s like me, one that reads and does laundry and blogs and dabbles in paints and maps and printing and child-rearing and bird watching!

We’ve enjoyed this space for over a year now and I can’t even count the hours spent in here. My girls’ new favorite pastime is to watch nail art videos and make their art come true while listening to me read ‘Gulliver’s Travels.’ It’s the first room we use in the morning and the last room we leave in the evening. It never looks this clean! There are usually books and nail polish and writing projects strewn all about. We clean the green table off 27 times a day, only to make room for more art and projects.”

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-Edie

Darlene Weir is the owner of Fieldstone Hill Design, specializing in online interior design consultations. Her signature style centers on contrasts of simplicity and glamour.

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