From Our Home To Yours, Happy Holidays!

From our home to yours:  Happy Holidays!  

This year our house has taken on a more traditional holiday theme.  The tree has been placed in its usual spot allowing it to reflect in the surrounding windows, turning one tree into three.  The nativity scene, artfully arranged by Zoe in its redwood A-Frame, sits on the hearth below a garland resting on the brick mantel.  In years past, large pine cone branches or oversized wreaths adorned the fireplace, but this year I'm really enjoying the simplicity of the garland. 

Vibrant greens mixed with berry branches from the garden have been placed in hallways, in our guest room and the bathrooms.  The table dons an arrangement of magnolia leaves, fern fronds and pine branches. Vintage glassware and plates plus a capiz shell runner will set the tone for our holiday feasting.  

I'm looking forward to our Christmas Eve outing, cooking, relaxing with friends and family and watching the kids open their gifts on what just may be their last Christmas of believing in Santa.

Wishing you all a very merry holiday!  XOXO

The Family Tree: An Oakland Outing

For the past few years, we've bought our Christmas tree at a lot in Oakland.  We head out early on a Saturday morning to select the perfect pine and then head over to Pizzaiolo for some sweet treats and yummy coffee.  This has become a tradition that we all look forward to.  

I hope that you are also sharing many special moments with your family.  Moments that will forever mark your holiday seasons.  Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Home Holiday Gift Guide: Cocoon Style

When it comes to buying gifts for the home, whether for yourself or others, look to vintage treasures, brassy accents, woodsy scents, cozy textiles, and big botanical books.  Here are a few of my favorite gifts for the casa!

1.  Vintage cocktail glasses to funk up the bar. 

2. A scent reminiscent of the California coastline. 

3. A black and white pillow to add contrast and focal interest to any space.  

4.  Sphere match striker to light a flame and decorate the hearth.  

5.  Textile art! 

6. Wood and brass serving spoons. 

7.  The big Book Of Palms.  (I'm hoping to find this under our tree!)

The Last Minute Table Setting

Tomorrow we're heading to Santa Cruz to spend the holiday with a group of friends.  All of them are culinary masters and it's guaranteed that our Thanksgiving dinner will be quite the feast.  Nevertheless, I felt a little nostalgia missing the scents and sights of the holiday.  So, at the last minute, I decided to roast a turkey and dress the table for our own pre-holiday celebration, one that we can share with family and friends who are not joining us tomorrow.  Here's to a very safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend for all!  

My Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

I actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of a "last minute" holiday shopping.  There's something to be said for the spontaneity of finding an item that will make a perfect gift for someone on my list.  I also like the fact that there's little or no time to hem and haw over decisions to buy or not to buy.  Here's my last minute holiday gift guide that meets standards of vintage appeal and classic style applied to modern aesthetics.   Maybe one of these gifts will be perfect for someone on YOUR list...

1.  Komono's Winston Monte Carlo Croc.

2.  Schoolhouse Electric and Supply's Half Oval Hoop Earrings.

3.  Zara's Mixed Knit Gloves 

4.  Pendleton's Chimayo Throw

5.  Lego's  Architecture Series

6.  William and Sonoma's Leather Clad Flashlight