Romantic Lifestyle Magazine Premiere Issue

premiere issue

MERRY

guest room Pretty Packages outdoor

Winter Patio

ethereal

WHITE CHRISTMAS

50 Style Tips OVER

Rustic Christmas Living Room

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welcome Wishing you a thoroughly romantic lifestyle this holiday season.

We are thrilled to present the premiere issue of Romantic Lifestyle magazine. Courtney, Janet and I have been thinking, living and breathing Christmas for months in preparation for the debut.

Our love of the romance of the holidays played into our decision to launch this time of year.

This magazine is a celebration of our commitment to bring excellence in styling and creating a home resonating with joy and casual beauty. We hope you are filled with inspiration with each page you turn. 8

rebecca Editor-in-Chief

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Issue 1 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

FEATURES Cover Story Page 8 ~ Rustic Christmas Living Room Little touches make all the difference in this beautifully styled living room. Decorate your tree with love and style...

Page 18 ~ Ethereal White Christmas Lavish decor ideas for a stunning white theme...

Page 28 ~ Outdoor Winter Patio A warm and cozy winter wonderland event...

Page 56 ~ Christmas Office Work is style this holiday season...

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Page 64 ~ Simple Christmas Trio

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One room - Three Looks...

Page 82 ~ Good Tidings A magical table styling experience...

Page 96 ~ A Natural Coastal Christmas Styling a table with found objects...

Page 108 ~ A Merry Guest Room Create a cozy Christmas setting for your holiday visitors...

Page 114 ~ Lavish Winter FĂŞte A beautifully-styled winter table for a festive gathering...

A Touch of Christmas

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Wrapped with Love ~ Pretty Presents

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The Romantic Girls

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Romantic Lifestyle Magazine Publisher: RLS Enterprises Stylists | Creative Directors Courtney Allison, French Country Cottage Janet Coon, Shabby FuFu Editor–in– Chief | Art Director

Rebecca E. Parsons, REP {digital} Media

Subscriptions Subscription rates are $5.98/issue (address changes, billing issues, renewals) e-mail: RLSsubscription@gmail.com Website www.RomanticLifestylesMagazine.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/pages/Romantic-Lifestyle-Magazine/1556031377952893 Magazine Romantic Lifestyle Magazine welcomes reader response. Short letters are more likely to be published, and all letters are subject to editing. If you’re sending us a letter to the editor by post, please address it ATTN: RLSmagEditor@gmail.com. Volume precludes individual acknowledgment.

To email us about reprint rights: RLSmagEditor@gmail.com To email us about buying back issues: RLSsubscription@gmail.com Submissions Romantic Lifestyle Magazine does not accept editorial submissions at this time, though suggestions for the magazine and ideas for articles are always welcomed at RLSmagEditor@gmail.com. © 2014, RLS Enterprises Romantic Lifestyle Magazine (ISSN to come) is an electronic publication published quarterly by RLS Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Letters to the editor and other unsolicited material are assumed intended for publication and are subject to editorial review and acceptance. Product names, companies and brand names mentioned in Romantic Lifestyle Magazine may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Each individual article and graphic published by Romantic Lifestyle Magazine may contain other proprietary notices and copyright information relating to the individual article or graphic. Romantic Lifestyle Magazine publications may include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are made regularly to these pages; these changes may be made without notice. Should any reader submit information in any form, printed or electronic, including feedback data, questions, comments, suggestions or the like regarding the content of this publication, such information shall be deemed to be non-confidential and Romantic Lifestyle Magazine shall have no obligation of any kind with respect to such information and shall be free to reproduce, use, disclose and distribute the information to others without limitation. The ideas and opinions expressed in Romantic Lifestyle Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publisher. Appearance of a product or service does not constitute an endorsement by the editors or publisher.

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C rustic

hristmas Living Room

by Courtney Allison

Some of my favorite Holiday vignettes remind me of a scene on a vintage Christmas card.

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Some of my favorite holiday vignettes remind me of a scene on a vintage Christmas card. The warmth of a fire crackling in the fireplace, holiday songs playing softly in the background and a hat box filled with favorite ornaments waiting to placed on the tree are just a few of the memories a card can evoke.

Are you ready for an evening filled with festive traditions? Try bringing a bit of Christmas cheer into the house.

One by one, each ornament is placed in the perfect spot on the tree, and each strand of pearly bead garland is draped just so. Shiny glass baubles and heirloom trinkets are rediscovered.

Place that old glittered reindeer here and a pale pink glass bulb there. Hang a special ornament that was Grandmothers and maybe just a couple of those shiny mercury glass acorns to fill in the blank spots.

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In our home, I love to decorate even the most ordinary spaces and spread cheer throughout the house. I set up several Christmas trees in different rooms but perhaps the most decorated is the living room tree.

The living room tree is a special one.

It welcomes guests when they come for an evening Christmas party, and family when we enjoy a traditional dinner together. It is also in the room where many hours will be spent relaxing and enjoying family time during the holiday season.

When choosing the color scheme for the season, I tend to shy away from bold reds and greens indoors.

My preferred palette is much more subdued. The subtle colors that I decorate with year round tend to point me in a specific direction.

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An old weathered wood bench that serves as a coffee table is a perfect complement for the quiet color scheme, and its chipping aqua paint brings a bit of rustic charm.

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In the living room, the palette is mostly whites mixed with vintage golds, subtle blues and linens with a hint of rustic charm. The tree will echo those colors and textures and be decorated in the same fashion.

I believe that the most beautiful Christmas rooms are the ones where the decorations make you feel as if they could stay up year round. They are elegant, warm and inviting without being overpowering.

Off the tree, heirloom ornaments are tucked in with the newer bulbs and grouped in a silver bowl on a side table. They also bring a sense of vintage tradition along with a simple sprinkling of glitter among the tree skirt or greens on the mantel. Together, they bring a subtle romantic charm that welcomes you to sit down and enjoy the beauty and blessings of the season. 8

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Butternut cookies and warm apple cider are perfect for sneaking little nibbles while decorating.

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Style Tip

Keep the colors of the ornaments in one family–golds, whites, purples, greens, etc.

Choose ornaments in several shades, sizes and finishes. From shiny metallics to soft muted pastels within the same color family, they create an elegant, festive tree.

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Vintage and new ornaments mixed with glittered bead garlands are ready to be placed thoughtfully on the tree. Some of the larger ones tucked a little further inside the branches and smaller ones on the tips create a fuller look.

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ethereal

White Christmas

by Janet Coon

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An easy vision in white with pastel pink accents and a bit of elegant shine is one of my favorite ways to design a room for the holiday season. We live in a warm climate that never sees snow.

So I enjoy creating a faux snow environment without appearing overly contrived.

In this bedroom setting, the mantel serves as the backdrop. The large white tree is the main focal point.

The tree is large and full with strands of lights tucked in the branches. Only vintage Christmas ornaments, in sparky silvers and softly hued blush pinks, are usedto create the serene ambience.

On the mantel surrounding the fireplace, white holiday branches are embellished with pink pine cones for a lush hint of fun.

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With the ever-changing vignettes in my home, I do not hang much on the walls. Most often, propping is my display mode of choice. A vintage window, propped on the mantle, bounces ambient light from a garland interwoven with strands of lights. Looking glass paint imparts a mirrored effect on the old windowpanes. The wood is distressed for an authentically vintage feel.

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A crusty vintage garden table with a beautiful verdegris patina holds a trio of mercury glass candle holders. Casually tossed on the wood floor for warmth is a sheepskin rug. Presents, wrapped in vintage wallpapers and tied with torn fabric ribbon, complete the holiday look.

In the corner a trifold screen, covered in white lace, hides holiday clutter. A vintage prom gown with a large pair of vintage angel wings hangs on the screen. I keep my home decorated for the holidays over several months. Perhaps, a vintage quilt or a garland will replace the dress. 8

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Style Tip

Looking for an easy way to add a hint of color to a holiday vignette? Dip pine cones in pink latex paint. Allow to dry. Lightly dust with silver.

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Winter outdoor

patio

by Courtney Allison

Winter brings Jack Frost with a chill in the air and icicles hanging from the eaves of the rooftops.

It is a time when much of the day and night is spent indoors next to a crackling fire. Dressing in warm sweaters and woolly socks is needed to stay cozy.

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Winter fires definitely come with an abundance of ambiance. Outdoors, under a covered patio, we have a rock fireplace that hosts many warm fires for winter gatherings and cozy evenings with family and friends.

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Warming next to a roaring fire is a favorite thing to do any time of year, but especially in Winter when the chill sets in. I love the smell of the wood burning, the sound of the snap, crackle, pop as it heats up and the feeling of the heat on your face as you warm your hands.

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Grabbing a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and bundling up in a blanket by the fire is a favorite passtime. And for the kids young and old, roasting marshmallows for a sweet treat, is perfectection.

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Must Haves

Plenty of warm blankets for wrapping up and lots of refills of hot cocoa to warm guests.

Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for smore making over the fire provides an activity to enjoy any time of the year.

Create an outdoor living room by bringing elements like an outdoor chandelier and comfortable furniture to make it feel more like a room inside your home. 8

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A Touch of Christmas

by Courtney Allison

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Sometimes you need just a touch of Christmas in a room. Maybe a little something on a side table in the guest room, on the sideboard in the living room or in the center of the kitchen island where you don’t have enough space to place a large tree.

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I am huge fan of decorating with ornaments. And no, I don’t think they always have to be on a tree.

You might gather them in a footed silver bowl, fill up a wicker tray or simply place a couple of prized ones on a table. The key is that favorite ornaments grouped together is an easy way to add a last minute decoration and a little more cheer.

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One of my favorite ways to bring a little Christmas into a room? Ornaments...

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secrets. .

Can I let you in on a secret? Some of my favorite ornaments are not part of a large set. They are single baubles that were collected here and there that I set aside to use at Christmas.

Some are brand new and others have a little history to them. I have a soft spot for vintage ornaments with their delicate details, like glittered patterns with designs and soft faded colors.

Often they are mottled and worn just a bit, which in my view, makes them that much more beautiful. You can find them at thrift stores and flea markets. Sometimes you might luck out and find a whole box of them mixed together. I have often found boxes that were filled with simple ornaments, including one or two special detailed ones tucked inside for around $1.00 a box.

I keep my eye out for them throughout the year while shopping.

And I love the thrill of rediscovering them when I start decorating. 8

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Wrapped

with love

by Courtney Allison

Let it shine Something like a matte gold star covered paper is a perfect way to let your packages shine. This beautiful but simple paper is a fast favorite for making Christmas gifts as pretty as they can be. A soft sage green ribbon is a perfect embellishment and is all that is needed to tie them up perfectly.

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Wrapping presents by the glow of Christmas tree lights is a wonderful way to get your wrapping done while enjoying the ambiance of Christmas.

Even if you have a non working fireplace, you can create the charm of a real one by simply stacking a few logs or large pine cones inside the box.

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Pretty Packages Tucked perfectly under the branches of a Christmas tree, packages that are wrapped beautifully make their own statement. I like to think of packages as deserving their own amount of pretty. Whether they are bold and beautiful in bright colors or simple and sweet in something quiet like brown paper, pretty packages are always a perfect touch.

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Package Toppers Gone are the days of over the top package toppers. For that perfect finishing touch, think natural. A stem of berries, a singe dried flower, a clipping of cedar, even a small pine cone. Keep the decoration simple and make a beautiful impression when gifting.

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Simple whites with a grosgrain ribbon.

Stacked on a chair or placed under the tree, simple white packages bring a soft, elegant charm. Top with a colorful touch like a sprig of red berries or clipping of cedar. 8

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Christmas Office

by Courtney Allison

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What is it about a white Christmas tree that is so enchanting? Is it the way the lights twinkle against the snowy glittery white branches? Or is it the way that ornaments pop against the quiet background? Maybe it’s the way that a twinkling white tree lights a room like no other with the soft light that fills an entire room.

When decorating for Christmas, my mantra is a little different. It doesn’t always have to be about red and green and traditional. One of my favorite things to do with Christmas decorating is to mix it up a bit and use colors that are unexpected.

My favorites? It changes, of course. I love to bring in some of the colors that I decorate with all year. Soft faded blues, hints of rosy pinks and brilliant brassy golds are mainstays. Decorating a tree with a similar palette you love and enjoy simply makes that tree feel so much more a part of your home.

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Putting up several Christmas trees in our house, I get to indulge in different colors and themes each year, and the tree in my office is one of my favorites to decorate. It is the one that lets me bring out a little more of my shabby soft romantic side and really embrace it.

It isn’t draped in tinsel or covered in ornaments. It is simply dressed in an abundance of twinkling white lights, pink and white baubles and draped with a few strands of pink pearl garland. For me, it definitely exudes a soft romance. I love the simplicity of it.

The antique cast iron fireplace is decorated with a branch of cedar with a few pine cones and ornaments.

And it is a perfect spot for a couple of velvet stockings that are waiting to be filled with Christmas surprises.

I think of my office as a creative refuge of sorts. It is a place where I can go and sit on the settee and enjoy a cup of tea while jotting down ideas for projects, or spend some time doing a little writing. During the holidays, it is also a perfect spot to sneak away for a few moments to wrap presents. I love to play some of my favorite Christmas songs and wrap away while twinkling lights fill the room. It definitely feels like it is filled with a little bit of Christmas magic. 8

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One Room-Three Looks

Simple Christmas Trio

by Janet Coon

It is easy to create a relaxed and uncontrived atmosphere for the holiday home with just a few touches of color in a pale, neutral setting. I have always been a fan of French and Nordic Christmas decor styles, yet I enjoy mixing in a bit of glitz and shine here and there.

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I often start creating our holiday displays early in the season. This look offers great flexibility to make quick changes. I offer three holiday design motifs for this room. As my starting point, I have based each of the three looks around the containers housing the tree.

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European Christmas

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Style Tip

Since I wanted to utilize the olive bucket to hold the tree, only the top layers of the full-sized tree were plopped into the vessel.

I was inspired to create this European holiday setting when I recently found a simple vintage olive bucket at a flea market. The white tree needed to be revived, as months in the attic had turned it to a dreary yellowish tone.

I sprayed it with several different hues of green paint for depth. To tone it down, it was lightly spritzed with white snow flocking for a nice realistic look.

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On the mantel, artificial greenery lightly dusted with faux snow holds white painted pine cones.

Candlelight in Europe is a traditional part of Christmas and I have used two vintage green German soda bottles as well as new mercury glass candlesticks with

fancy white twisted candles for that extra special touch. A vintage beaded light fixture, turned upsidedown and filled with more pine cones, adds that glitz that I love. The white tufted stockings add to the charm.

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The garden coffee table displays a favorite, old white ironstone platter holding vintage silver and white ornaments with more white pine cones. Eucalyptus branches and berries in a French enamelware pitcher bring more soft greenery into the center of the room.

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Copper Christmas

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Style Tip

Another easily changeable touch in the room is pillows covered with vintage golden damask with the no sew use of Velcro tape.

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I have recently inherited several pieces of vintage copper. In the second style, I have shopped my own home to create change.

The tree branches are transferred from the olive bucket to a big and beautiful copper pot.

On the table, you will see that same ironstone platter is perked up with a trio of Ball jars turned pillar candle holders. I quickly spray painted them in a copper finish and embellished with a gilding of glitter. Pine cones, a sparkly crown and a mĂŠlange of vintage chandelier crystals insert volumes of sparkle in a quiet way.

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Browsing the house for more coppery creations, I found that I had a large grapevine wreath stored away that had been painted copper-esque. I hung it from the mirror over

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the mantel. A golden girandole, statuesque copper painted wooden candlesticks, and metallic Christmas ornaments glisten in an elegantly quiet fashion.

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The third look uses the tree branches in an old butter crock with torn fabric strips tied to the tree for a decidedly cottage feel.

Green glass jars with timeworn and well loved vintage mercury glass baubles and strands are quietly shabby chic. Fresh white flowers add the final addition. 8

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Good

Tidings

table styling

by Courtney Allison

Christmas is such a magical time, and it is truly one of my favorite times of year. It seems like each and every moment is kissed by all the wonders that the season brings.

One of the ways that I love to celebrate is by hosting a dinner on a table set with Christmas magic.

Next to the apple orchard, on the pea gravel patio, a farm table is set and ready to help celebrate with friends and family.

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Style Tip

Place a small cedar wreath on the back of each chair for charm and add a warm throw for guests to wrap up in to chase the chill away.

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A simple rustic table is set with fresh flowers in an abundance of whites and pale greens filling silver coffee pots. They are a simple and easy way to bring a touch of elegance while the perfect amount of soft light from a scattering of candles flickering softly warms the table.

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Whether an elegant table or a more simple setting, white dishes are a perfect choice. You can go for the bling with a formal porcelain edged in a gold or platinum band, or keep it simple with beautiful stoneware dishes.

A sprig of berries and fresh clip of pine branch adorn each napkin and welcome your guests to sit down and relax.

Keep the place setting simple with white dishes, but add a touch of elegance with mismatched vintage silver flatware or goblets.

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A sprig of berries and fresh clip of pine branch adorn each napkin and welcome your guests to sit and relax.

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Create a play list of about 2030 holiday songs for setting the mood and inspiring guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Mix in an instrumental with holiday classics, then press shuffle and repeat to keep it playing in the background while you entertain.

Give a gift: Simple treats such as a scented holiday candle wrapped in paper or jar filled with hot cocoa or cookie recipe mix is a perfect gift for your guests and easy to prepare ahead of time. 8

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Fresh flowers in an abundance of whites and pale greens fill silver coffee pots and are a simple and easy way to bring a touch of elegance to a rustic tabletop.

For ambiance and the perfect amount of soft light, a scattering of candles flickering softly lights the table.

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Coastal Christmas all natural

by Janet Coon

Creating coastal style with the use of aqua accents can bring the beach inside during what is often the chilliest time of the year for many. In styling tablescapes and vignettes, I generally begin by conjuring up a theme. For this coastal setting at our beach home I knew that I wanted to include natural elements found on the beach mixed with my signature bits of glitz and soft color.

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Prior to designing this table setting, I did a bit of beach combing and found my muse in Australian pine branches, sea oats (found, not picked) and sand. The branches are long and narrow and do not interfere with the line of vision across the dining table, allowing for easy conversation. Back inside I began by tying together the

pine branches with string and laying them across the center of the table.

Next, I laid the sea oats over the pine and tied in the holiday theme by embellishing with a handful of vintage ornaments in faded aqua and silver. I added a few glass ornaments simply filled with beach sand.

Style Tip

*Sea oats should never be picked. For this article, they were found on the beach. In fact, it is illegal to pick sea oats in Florida (and many other states). Dune plant communities are very fragile.

Repeatedly ‘picking’ and/or walking across a dune can damage the vegetation and open the way for accelerated erosion.

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A scattering of collected shells and beach glass from my morning hunt, a tiny duo of vintage bottle-brush trees and an old shell vase filled with a few blush roses complete the look and won't compete with the serene seaside setting.

Working with the idea of reflecting the coastal surroundings, I mixed vintage and new at each place setting.

White linen place mats hold vintage ironstone and turquoise glassware, both new and old.

This adds a needed pop of color.

A similar organic vibe can easily be achieved with any outdoor cuttings as the starting point. Adding in selective treasures, in colors reminiscent of those special memories by the sea, will complete the look. 8

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merry a

guest room

by Courtney Allison

On the bed, layers of fresh linens and a chunky duvet are perfect for snuggling into for a long winters nap.

A breakfast tray ready for coffee and a bite to eat, make the early mornings next to the twinkling tree just a bit more magical.

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I think it is safe to say that I love Christmas and decking the halls to bring that cheer through the house. Decorating at our house doesn’t stop in the main living areas. And adding a kiss of Christmas to nearly every room in the house is something that I love to do. This includes the often overlooked rooms like the bathrooms and guest quarters.

A guest bedroom is generally quiet and unused. But during the holidays, when family and friends may come to stay for a night or two, a bedroom decorated for the holidays makes them feel like they are staying in a magical Christmas wonderland.

Fresh greens on a pair of antique French doors and a flocked tree in the corner are perfect, while little bits of Christmas details like ornaments or a sprig of greenery on the nightstand say Welcome. 8

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Adding a few touches of Christmas is a wonderful way to celebrate the Holidays all through the house and

pamper your out of town guests.

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fĂŞte

Lavish Winter

Party Table Styling

by Janet Coon

Sometimes it is fun to go all out and create a lavishly magical scene. For the decidedly feminine, Marie Antoinette meets shabby chic theme, I chose a white palette to bring light to an otherwise dreary day.

It is essential to mix and layer textures for depth when using whites. I used a petticoat ruffled bed duvet in place of a traditional tablecloth to cover the rustic tabletop. Made of linen and sized for a king bed, it is heavy. A clip on either long side holds it steady. Each clip was fashioned with a few large safety pins and vintage millinery flowers with ribbon adornment. The chairs wear flouncy slips that tie with softly gathered ribbon.

Layering a vintage cream satin drapery panel with a French net lace runner softens the center of the table. 8

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Powdery greenery and white roses provide the needed touch of nature.

Guests are ready to pinky up and get the gathering started for a winter’s cup of tea and cake!

The table is set with every day white service plates, vintage napkins, antique patterned glass goblets with creamy white cups and saucers for tea or coffee.

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{Courtney Allison is a Mom, blogger, interior stylist, photographer, and author known for vintage French Cottage and romantic style with a bit of DIY mixed in at frenchcountrycottage.net.}

{Janet Coon is an artist and stylist known for romantic and shabby home decor and exquisite adornments since 1999! Find her one of a kind pieces at shabbyfufu.blogspot.com.}

{Rebecca E. Parsons is a master storyteller and graphic stylist known for her Ghosts of Furniture Past™ recreations and unique thrifted DIY styling at cre8tivecompass.com.}

Together they are known as ~

Romantic girls the

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Happy Holidays

Romantic Lifestyle Team

Courtney, Janet & Rebecca Romantic Lifestyle Magazine

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