FLOCKED: A Holiday Decorating Obsession

flocked wreath

  A recent purchase of a flocked wreath has my mind spinning, or shall I say obsessed, with decorating ideas.  Flocking as been around for decades but seems to be making a comeback in wallpapers, holiday decor, and sculptures.  I think our upcoming Punch Bowl Party might be a perfect place to showcase these fuzzy holiday pieces.  Take a look at my flocked finds:

 Flocking is the process of depositing many small fiber particles (called flock) onto a surface. It can also refer to the texture produced by the process, or to any material used primarily for its flocked surface. Flocking of an article can be performed for the purpose of increasing its value in terms of the tactile sensation, aesthetics, color and appearance. It can also be performed for functional reasons including insulation, slip-or-grip friction, and low reflectivity.

So, what do you think about flocking?  Does it trigger any memories of flocked Christmases past?  I do remember my nana hanging flocked poodle ornaments on her Christmas tree (wish I could get my hands on those).

Happy Decorating!

Why Not Let Cocoon Style Your Holidays This Season?

Each Christmas season I add to our collection of tree ornaments.  Last year's mix of nature inspired curiosities and traditional ornaments will be combined with glittered gold garlands, bronzed birds and gilded crowns.  Take a peek at some of this year's additions:

If you're hosting a party or need help decorating your home or office for the holiday festivities, Cocoon Home Design can help.  Just email debra @cocoonhome.com for more information.

A Blue Valentine

Above: Soap Hearts by Satin and Birch

Valentine's day  usually brings us vivid reds and demure pinks, but today I'd like to show you how to honor this heart-felt holiday with a very different hue:  BLUE.

Take a look at some lovely blue inspired finds to celebrate Valentine's day.

Felt Garland: MadeMary

Limited edition:  Swarowski Stars Nuits de Noho.

Paper garland: PaperPolaroid

Retro blue iced cookies: Crowley Cookies

Royal blue silk covered necklace: Esty

Image:  Slim Paley

Necklace : Samantha House

Often, I need to remind myself to "keep calm".....that's why I love the above take on the whole "keep calm and carry on" trend.  Find it on Esty.

So what you do think?  Are you a hard-core traditionalist when it comes to Valentine's Day?!  Or would you be game to try a different color on your heart shaped wishes?!

Let me know the colors of your true Valentine.

Dance, Read, Write

My New Year's resolutions: to dance, read and write more.

Above photo:  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/health/research/30aging.html?ref=nutrition

To dance more means finding great new music to move to, music that keeps you current and young.  Most importantly, there's nothing better than dancing with my children.

To read more means less screen time not just for me but for my children.  They need to see me read more to realize the  beauty and adventure in each paper page.

Above photo from Chiaroscuro.

To write more means to pick up a pen or a pencil and not a keyboard.  At a time when my children are learning to write I need to be their example.

Above photo from Patrons of the Pen.

What are your thoughts for a coming year of dancing, reading and writing?   Tell me on Cocoon's Facebook page.  And have a safe and happy New Year.

Reader Share

I recently visited a client [who has become a really good friend] and was delighted to see she incorporated elements from Cocoon's blog into her holiday season decor.  Take a look at a few photos of her beautiful home ready to celebrate and be celebrated  .

The above is a take on Cocoon's series Heavy Metal,  a post on how to incorporate and mix metals in your space, other than stainless steel.  In the dining room a vintage bronze and silver lamp is accompanied by a bowl  filled with both gold and silver balls for added holiday flair.

The dahlia placemats were inspired by the post:  Black and Gold: The New Table Standard.

In the post Baubles and Baubles,  I suggested coordinating ornaments to your existing color pallets.  Here the reader does it with elegance and pizzaz, using the sofa color and the textures and patterns of the pillows to guide her ornament selections.  Result:  beauty and harmony prevail.

I'd love to see how you decorated this season.  Please send in photos and write about what inspired you...