A Gilded Leaf Inspired Table Setting

We're hosting Thanksgiving this year and I couldn't be more excited.  Firstly, because it happens to be my favorite holiday and, secondly, because of my love for a well dressed table.  This year, gold tipped leaves inspired a table setting that turned out both earthy and sophisticated.  Vintage Russel Wright dishes, a colorful runner, berry filled twigs, wood and brass create a look and a feel that complement our home's mid-century design well.  Take a look and find out below how to quickly gild leaves for the upcoming holidays.

Himalayan pink rock salt decorates each setting and is also a take home gift for our guests.

Clusters of berries tied to the gilded leaves serve as mini botanical arrangements that can become hanging ornaments for our guests.

Gold Tipped Leaves

Supplies:

Magnolia leaves (they're thick and won't crack as the paint dries), gold paint and twine.

Instructions:

Tie twine to the leaf stem. Dip the tip directly into the paint. Hang and let dry for 1 to 2 days.

Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.                                                                                                                                 

Sunday Supper With Michael Aram Designs And A Reader Giveaway!

This weekend, Alex and I hosted a Sunday supper for a few friends.  While he did most of the cooking, I set a seasonal table with Michael Aram's fine paperware, melamine dishes and serving pieces.   The leaf patterns and woodgrain textures of the Fig Leaf Collection provided the perfect setting for a late afternoon autumn dinner.  Take a look at our gathering and find out below how you can win your very own Michael Aram Madhouse collection for your next dinner party.

Enter to win a Michael Arams Fig Leaf serving tray and coordinating paper dishes by doing 3 simple things:

1.  Visit the Madhouse site here and check out his amazing collection.

2.  Comment below on how you would use it should you be the winnner.

3.  Lastly, visit Madhouse’s Facebook page and give it a like.  If you haven’t already liked Cocoon’s FB page do so here.

Contest ends Friday November 15th!

Heath Ceramics Is: Southern At The Table

Last night was the opening of Heath Ceramics' Southern At the Table event, which celebrates southern culture, design and food.   The evening brought together culinary talents that served sliders, gumbo, BBQ oysters, and chicken wings (all super yummy).  Heath's showroom was filled with hand sewn textiles for the table by Alabama Chanin, a dinnerware collaboration with Natalie Chanin, and many other regional treats.  Take a look at a few images from the evening:

Congratulations  Heath Ceramics, Southern Foodways Alliance and La Cocina for a successful event and for bringing awareness to your cause.  Click here and here to learn more.

An Impromptu Lunch With A Good Friend

Yesterday, I had lunch at my mother-in-law's new place in California.  From the moment I walked in I felt reassured by familiar objects, family photos and a sense of quiet comfort. Like Boston, her California home is a total expression of who she is and all she experienced.  The lunch was delicious and for the first time since we've moved, we both felt relaxed and at home in her new abode.  I'm looking forward to showing you the way she lives, but for now take a peek at how she works her magic on even the simplest of things:  an impromptu midday lunch.

Thank you, Natalia,  for a wonderful afternoon.

A Seasonal Table Setting: A Collaboration With Didriks

Cocoon Home recently had the opportunity to collaborate on a seasonal table setting at Didriks in Cambridge, Ma.  Together we chose from an amazing selection of dishes, glassware  and linens to create a beautiful autumnal setting accented with botanicals.  To see how the concept and design came together click here.   Many thanks to everyone at Didriks it was a pleasure working with you.